Mark Tabb

If you're looking for a how-to on simplifying your life or cleaning out your garage, this is not that book. The how-to parts could be summed up in a few sentences. What it does offer is the most essential, though often overlooked, look at Why. I read this at a time when I was listening to a lot of talks, pinning pins, and reading blogs on minimalism and the simple life. None of them really addressed the Why in a meaningful, lasting way that didn't amount to just a different breed of selfishness. Others tell you to simplify your life so you can travel more or have more of what you really want. This books looks at making your life small enough it can actually matter, which ultimately leads to a fulfilling life. Though I'm not a parent, I also felt it had some gems of guidance in that category as well.… (lisätietoja)

The first few chapters of this book were a difficult read, emotionally. I almost stopped, but difficult stories are the ones that need to be told the most.

Overall, this is the story of how God appeared to these two men at a time when He was most needed. The strong belief of Jameel and Andrew saved them from continuing down dark paths. He took on their pain and grief so they could learn to let go and forgive. This lesson allowed them to become positive influences in their community.

I am so happy for these two men and their families. They not only survived years of torment and heartache, they seem to be even stronger for it. The tests and trials they all experienced had to be overwhelming. I wish them all the best.

I enjoyed reading this story. I learned the importance of finding acceptance and loving unconditionally. These virtues may not come easily or naturally, but once found, the heart becomes lighter and happier.

This review is based on the ARC version provided by Blogging for Books. Full review can be found on my blog.
… (lisätietoja)

I received access to a free Kindle version of this book in return for my review, which is posted below. It is an unbiased assessment of this book.

As I read this book, I kept shaking my head in disbelief. I know there are crooked cops, I know that innocent people are jailed, and I know that corruption exists. I know all that, and yet, confronted with this story, I simply could not believe how the cop, sworn to serve and protect, failed to do that in epic fashion, and the system allowed it all to happen. How, exactly, is modern policing set up so that someone can do this?

I get that, as he said, everyone says, "I'm innocent." But how do you get so insensitive to humanity that you do not even question that someone might actually be telling the truth, especially when you have to falsify the evidence to suit the circumstances? I am not anti-police by any stretch of the imagination, but after reading this, I understand a little more about the anger that drives so much of the protests against our criminal justice system.

With all of that said, this is a wonderful story of hope for the future and the power of forgiveness. It is also a powerful story about how forgiveness can heal so many wounds. These men share an extraordinary bond that few will experience, and that makes this a compelling read. I really liked their story, and applaud them both for their frankness in the retelling.… (lisätietoja)

I received access to a free Kindle version of this book in return for my review, which is posted below. It is an unbiased assessment of this book.

As I read this book, I kept shaking my head in disbelief. I know there are crooked cops, I know that innocent people are jailed, and I know that corruption exists. I know all that, and yet, confronted with this story, I simply could not believe how the cop, sworn to serve and protect, failed to do that in epic fashion, and the system allowed it all to happen. How, exactly, is modern policing set up so that someone can do this?

I get that, as he said, everyone says, "I'm innocent." But how do you get so insensitive to humanity that you do not even question that someone might actually be telling the truth, especially when you have to falsify the evidence to suit the circumstances? I am not anti-police by any stretch of the imagination, but after reading this, I understand a little more about the anger that drives so much of the protests against our criminal justice system.

With all of that said, this is a wonderful story of hope for the future and the power of forgiveness. It is also a powerful story about how forgiveness can heal so many wounds. These men share an extraordinary bond that few will experience, and that makes this a compelling read. I really liked their story, and applaud them both for their frankness in the retelling.… (lisätietoja)