Book Review

Cast of Characters by Max Lucado

I have been a Max Lucado fan for a long time. This book did NOT disappoint. In fact, I think it is one of his best. Lucado writes about several well known Biblical characters (Joseph, David, Job) and a few not-so-well-known folks as well (Jairus, Mephibosheth, Abigail). After reading the Scripture pertaining to the character, Max Lucado retells the story in common language.

It's almost as if the author is talking directly to me. One of my favorite chapters is about Mephibosheth. This man is Saul's last living relative. He also happens to be a cripple (Mephibosheth's mother dropped him in her haste to escape.) King David sends his servants to get Mephibosheth and bring him to live in the palace. Mephibosheth comes before the king quaking. He assumes he is going to be killed. Instead, he is invited to dine at the king's table and live in the king's palace.

From the book: "In those days the new king often staked out his territory by exterminating the family of the previous king. David had no intention of following this tradition, but the family of Saul didn't know that. So they hurried to escape....Weren't you also born of royalty? And don't you carry the wounds of a fall? And hasn't each of us lived in fear of a king we have never seen?"


Mephibosheth has done nothing to earn this; it is simply to whom he is related that gives him this honor. In the same way, God invites us to His Table...to live forever in His Kingdom, and all we have to do is ask. I would highly recommend this book.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review

Walk Like You Have Somewhere To Go by Lucille O’Neal

I am not a basketball fan. So it’s a good thing this book had little to do with basketball. Lucille O’Neal writes about her life growing up with divorced parents, living with her grandparents, and having a not-so-wonderful childhood. She also shares the joys and fears of her son Shaquille’s rise to fame and fortune.

I really enjoyed reading about Lucille’s life. She is a wonderful story-teller. It was fascinating to see a mother’s reaction to her son getting rich and famous almost overnight.

The only thing that kind of annoyed me about this book is that, in my opinion, many of the chapter titles didn’t mesh well with the content of the chapters. It was a bit confusing at times.

Lucille is an inspiring woman by anyone’s standards. She fought the stigma of poverty growing up, and she conquered a lifetime addiction to alcohol. Her faith is the only thing that kept her grounded throughout her entire life. She went on to finish college after she was 40 years old, and got two degrees.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."