Blogging for Books Review: God Gave Us You

God Gave Us You
by Lisa Tawn Bergen
© 2000 by Lisa Tawn Bergen
Published by WaterBrook Press
Illustrations by Laura J. Bryant





One night at bedtime a sweet little polar bear poses the question "where did I come from" to her mother. As Mama Bear tucks her child into bed she lovingly assures Little Cub that both she and Papa wanted her very much and were overjoyed that "God gave us you".

This board book is about 20 pages from cover to cover. Each page includes text and beautiful illustrations. It is a cute story and imparts a moral that Christian parents wish to share with their children, that each child is desired and loved by both their parents and God.

Although this is a sweet story with a good message, it does have a few problems. The first is that it is inappropriately categorized for age. The book indicates that it is suitable for ages 0-3 but it is probably better suited for ages 3-5. The book has lengthy sentences and paragraph-long text on some pages which is far too much text for most children under 2 years old. The complex sentence structure is more appropriate for children in a slightly higher age group. The fact that it is a board book is the only quality that makes it appropriate for a younger age group.

This story is also somewhat restricted when describing the birth of Little Cub: "We raced to the hospital! And my how you screamed and yelled." In the years since the first publication of this book, the number of babies born outside of the hospital, in birth centers and at home, has increased dramatically. Publishers would be wise to consider this demographic trend when issuing books that involve such topics. Additionally, screaming and yelling are not positive words and seem to distract from the intended sweet nature of this book. Many parents are likely to be concerned with this poor choice of words and left to explain to their children that it was really alright that they screamed and cried (if, in fact, they did scream and cry).

Although this book offers a rather cute story it's illustrations are its champion quality. The book is not appropriate for the age group intended and the story leaves readers (and parents) feeling somewhat disappointed with poor word choice and descriptions.

To learn more about this book and the author check out these links:

Author's Site
More Info
Author Bio





I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this review.

Blogging for Books Review: As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur

By Kay Arthur
© 2011 by Kay Arthur
Published by Waterbrook Press

This book is comprised of 15 chapters in 276 pages and includes a 13 week study guide following the chapters of the book.

Within the pages of this book Kay Arthur tackles the struggles many Christians face when they are overcome by tragedy, complications, and trials in life. Arthur seeks to encourage Christians to look for God's true purpose in unavoidable tragic circumstances in life and when life simply does not turn out as planned.

The chapters in her work discuss the feelings of anger and resentment that Christians are often inclined to feel toward God when bitter circumstances strike, and how to avoid falling into despair and a life apart from God. Her chapters discuss how to resist feeling like a failure before God, coping with stress, accepting God's training in the trials he ordains, and seeking God's plan and resting in his peace. She also offers chapters of encouragement that seek to bolster the spirit and determination of her readers by providing spiritual tools for endurance, understanding God's sovereignty, and overcoming dejection and despair. Arthur provides Biblical truths to help readers find their way through the flames of the trials they face and relates them to the refiners fire, God's refining process, that will result in a beautiful reflection of Himself.

Within in this work, Arthur blends Biblical reference with personal stories of trial and hardship to encourage those facing difficulty in their lives as well as those who are seeking spiritual growth and understanding the purpose and plans of God. She uses the struggles of her own life and of those she has mentored and ministered to to convey that with God's guidance and direction, even the most nightmarish trials can be faced and overcome by Christians.

This book reads almost like a letter to readers, rather than just another book on spiritual growth. Arthur repeatedly refers to her readers as "beloved" and uses language that makes the book seem more like a conversation between author and readers, including her prayers within the chapters. Unfortunately, readers are likely to either genuinely appreciate or particularly disdain this writing style. Oftentimes this style can cause her sincerity to seem artificial.

Arthur beautifully intertwines scripture into her stories and lessons leaving readers with a sense of purpose and understanding of how the Bible applies to their lives and situations. Additionally, Arthur's extensive knowledge of scripture allows her to elaborate on passages and share a deeper understanding of Biblical passages and principles.

Overall this is a good book. It is suitable for teenage and adult readers, regardless of their spiritual maturity, who seek to understand God's purpose or who are struggling with their own trials and problems.



This is an updated version of Arthur's book of the same title published in 1998.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.