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E. McCown

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Does exactly what it sets out to do.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-07-25

Church History 101 is short, well-structured, and does exactly what it sets out to do—give a clear overview of the key moments in church history. Ferguson and the co-authors hit the top highlights without getting bogged down in too much detail, making it easy to follow and informative. It’s a great starting point for anyone wanting a quick, reliable summary of how the church developed through the centuries. Overall, a very good and worthwhile read.

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What Was The Takeaway?

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-06-25

Playing with Fire presents some interesting stories and observations from a journalistic point of view, and I appreciated the effort to explore the topic seriously. However, the book lacked a clear message or conclusion. Hallowell shares a lot, but never really takes a stand or offers firm biblical grounding. I was also disappointed that two of the voices he quoted repeatedly are people I personally consider unreliable or false teachers. I really wanted to enjoy this more, but in the end, I wasn’t sure what the main takeaway was supposed to be.

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Much Ado About Nothing

Overall
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-02-25

Hamlet is one of those works that seems to be praised more for its legacy than its actual impact as a story. It wasn’t the language or the Shakespearean style that bothered me—I just didn’t find the plot all that compelling. For me, it felt like it was trying too hard to be profound, and in the end, it came off more disjointed than enthralling. I know it’s a classic, but sometimes I think we convince ourselves we should like something because it’s famous, not because it truly resonates. Personally, I didn’t enjoy it, and I’m okay being in the minority on that.

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Brilliant and Engaging

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-31-25

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a brilliant and engaging read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Agatha Christie does a masterful job pulling you into the mystery, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, she flips everything on its head. I thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to finish and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good whodunit. Easily one of her best.

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Overall Excellent

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-26-25

And Then There Were None is a brilliantly written, suspenseful story that kept me guessing the entire time. Agatha Christie does a masterful job of building tension and creating a chilling atmosphere as the characters are picked off one by one. I thought the story was awesome overall—clever, dark, and tightly plotted. My only critique is the ending. I didn’t love the final explanation from the killer; I actually think it would’ve been stronger if the mystery had been left unsolved. Still, it’s a fantastic read and a great introduction to Christie’s work.

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I can’t believe I waited until I was 51 to read Ivanhoe!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-21-25

This book has everything: knights, battles, chivalry, romance, tension, humor—you name it. It’s a rich, engaging story that pulls you into the world of medieval England with outstanding characters and themes of honor, loyalty, and justice. I thought it might feel dated, but it’s engaging and easy to follow. If you’ve ever thought about reading it, don’t wait as long as I did. Totally worth it—and the audiobook version is excellent too!

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A Must-Read, Regardless of Your Views

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-02-25

Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched book that challenges mainstream narratives about the rapid rise of gender dysphoria among adolescent girls. Shrier’s logical and clear-thinking approach makes this an essential read, especially for those who support transitioning. This isn’t a religious book—Shrier herself is Jewish and presents her case purely from journalistic investigation, not any kind of ideology. Whether you agree or disagree, the data and real-life stories she presents demand thoughtful consideration. It is a phenomenal and necessary read for everyone in my opinion.

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A Clear and Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-24-25

Growing in Holiness by R.C. Sproul is an insightful and practical look at what it means to pursue Christlikeness. Sproul explains that sanctification isn’t instant—it’s a lifelong process that requires both effort and dependence on the Holy Spirit. He tackles common struggles believers face and offers biblical wisdom to help navigate them. With his usual clarity and depth, Sproul makes deep truths accessible, making this a great resource for anyone serious about growing in their faith.

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Christ the Victorious King

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-18-25

Warrior Savior by Owen Strachan is a powerful look at Christ’s work on the cross—not just as a sacrifice for sin but as a victorious King who defeats Satan. Strachan clearly explains how Jesus’ death satisfies God’s justice while also breaking the enemy’s grip on the world. His writing is bold, biblical, and engaging, making deep theological truths easy to grasp. A great read for anyone wanting to understand both the gospel and the spiritual battle we face today.

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A Solid and Accessible Overview of Core Christian Doctrines

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-13-25

R.C. Sproul delivers a clear, biblically grounded introduction to essential Christian doctrines in Essential Truths of the Christian Faith. While coming from a Reformed perspective, his explanations remain accessible for readers from various backgrounds. The book effectively covers foundational beliefs such as the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and God’s sovereignty. Though I differ on certain theological nuances (such as Sproul’s covenantal leanings vs. a dispensational framework), his commitment to biblical truth and theological clarity makes this an excellent resource for those seeking a well-organized, systematic introduction to core Christian beliefs. Highly recommended for believers looking to deepen their understanding of doctrine in a clear and engaging way.

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