"The Grace Effect" by Larry Taunton

The Grace Effect is a book about the international adoption of a girl from the Ukraine by the author’s family. The book starts with a conversation between the author, a Christian apologetic and an atheist. The author talks about how the atheists think that a society without religion would be a good thing. Taunton, the author, makes it clear that he believes a society benefits from Christianity and that an Atheistic society is a bad idea. From there, he goes on to describe the adoption of their daughter, Sasha, from the Ukraine. After encountering numerous corrupt government officials and the mostly unmoving and unfeeling culture only worried about money and not the people they are supposed to be helping and protecting, he draws the conclusion that a society without Christianity has already been proven to be a bad idea.

This book is very well written and organized and quite funny in places. The author tied the events in the book together masterfully. Taunton supports his conclusion about the evil of atheistic society with several brief history lessons about the Soviet era and some of its leaders and philosophers. I found these mini-lessons fascinating. But the best part of the book was when he was talking about Sasha. The parallels between the family’s adoption of Sasha and God’s adoption of us are presented in a very moving way. I would highly recommend this excellent book to everybody. It is very inspiring.

I am required to say that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

"Life, In Spite of Me" by Kristen Jane Anderson

I have to admit it, when I read the description of this book, I almost skipped reading it. It sounded like it would be a very depressing story, and who needs to be more depressed, right? Not so at all! This book is the amazing story of Kristen Anderson’s failed suicide attempt. One night she decides she can’t take it anymore and lays down in front of a train hoping to end her life here on Earth. The train and 33 cars run over her, and she miraculously survives but loses her legs. The book takes us through her journey of healing physically and spiritually and shows us how God turned tragedy into something beautiful. 

Before Kristen tries to kill herself, she tells herself that it will be better after she commits suicide because she will go to heaven and then all of her pain and suffering will be over. She thinks she will go to heaven because she grew up in a “Christian” home and is a good person. It took her tragedy to make her realize that being a good person isn’t enough to get into heaven.  She needed Christ. And once she accepted Christ as her savior, she realized just how much she had to live for.

In short, this was a very inspiring book. Those struggling with suicidal thoughts will find it particularly inspiring but I would recommend that everyone read it. Anyone who has had troubles in their life will benefit from reading this book. The author did a great job of showing how amazing God is!

As per FTC guidelines, I am required to say that I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah publishers in return for an honest review.