When Dreams Come True

by Eric and Leslie Ludy
Excellent, excellent book about true love. A beautiful love story can be obtained by anyone if the right commitments are made and the willpower (through God's grace) is maintained throughout the relationship.
Eric and Leslie take turns at telling their true love story, taking a little time to stop along the way and explain the principles they used to keep their blooming romance pure. It may seem like a book about them, but it is really a book about God's hand in every detail of our lives. It is a true story, even though it seems like a fiction read because the purity of their love is so unreal in today's world!
This book had me in tears when Eric proposed to Leslie... but you'll have to read the book to find out what happens!
When Dreams Come True is the first book about the Ludys love story, and is followed by a sequel; When God Writes Your Love Story; a book that goes in detail about the principles they followed when in love.
Great book!
Cleanliness - It talks of wanting to have sex, but knowing they could not righteously do so. Leslie's story of her middle school years and Kevin Richards' ideal youth group may seem a little tarnished- but that's exactly who she once was.
Violence- None
Profanity- Some bleeps, but that's exactly what they are: bleeps. Eric and Leslie use bleeps for scenes where their friends curse in key conversations. {this may seem corny, but it is appreciated}
4 out of 5 stars

Answering Islam

by Norman Geisler and Abdul Saleeb (a pseudonym for the co-author- a Muslim convert-to-Christianity).

For those who love to study theology, philosophy, and other religions; this book makes the reader stand back and look at the Islamic faith. It's not easy to complete this book; especially if you find detailed descriptions of rituals and beliefs boring, like some people who've read this book. Personally, I like it!

You will be surprised at first to discover Muslims don't advocate terrorism. (What????). Truth be told, they advocate jihad. Different word, same meaning. But they like to fool "infidels" that aren't educated to think they are peaceful. That is just one of the many tips and terms this book will introduce you to- making you competent to witness to Muslims.

You may also be interested to know that Muslims believe in Jesus, Moses, and Adam... but as prophets, not as great as Muhammad. They believe in one God, but they call him Allah and the idea of the Trinity is rejected. They believe that there is a 'Judgment Day'- but there is no real, sure way of salvation... unless one dies in jihad. (Jihad= holy war; either against temptation and evil in one's life, or against Big & Little Satans: America and Israel)

If you grew up in the areas that aren't very "Muslim" you may have been disillusioned that all Muslims are out to get 'infidels'. While their goal is to have babies and fill the earth with their own; convert people to Islam by their way of witnessing, their main tactic is usually not crashing planes into buildings or blowing themselves up with bombs in airports. Quite the opposite.

There are two branches of Muslims: Sunni and Shia. The Shias are the most popular kind, the "liberal" type of Muslims: they don't have women wear full hijabs, they only wear head hijabs. (he-jaahbs). The Sunni Muslims are more radical in their teaching, and within that group, stem the Wahabi Muslims; Sunni Wahabi Muslims are the type in groups like Hamas and Al-Qaeda. However, you can have Sunni Muslims that act like Shia, and don't really care to do crusade-like jihad. The book goes into much greater detail than I just did!

It also abolishes common myths, like the one about non-Muslims not being allowed into Makkah (Mecca) and Muslims hate women. They just have different definitions of love and non-Muslims!

"The battle over ideas is the battle over the definition of words." John Stonestreet, Summit speaker...

Violence: Some, describing Crusades, acts of jihad

Cleanliness: What some Muslim men have done to women is described, some other rites of passage detailed

Profanity: None (unless you're like someone I know who thinks 'Allahuakbar' is profane).

5 out of 5 stars (Two thumbs way way way up)

The Bravehearted Gospel

by Eric Ludy
This book takes a while to read. It's not hard reading as in odd words and new meanings, it's hard because it challenges your view of what God and the church should be like. Mr. Ludy will step on your toes quite often throughout the whole book. If you're like me, who attends what is considered a 'Bible-believing, gospel preaching' church, you will not think so after reading this book. Your idea of Christianity will be shattered. You'll want a better church and become frustrated with soft-spoken people who say "we just need to love everyone..." "we shouldn't make people change..." "we are in no position to protest (abortion, stem cell research, gun control, communism)- we're not going to get political." "you are legalistic if you think there's an absolute truth..." You will become a visionary, wanting to change things in your church. You may find yourself becoming very bold after reading this book!
Let me explain.
We like comfort. We live in a world that acts like God doesn't exist Monday to Saturday. Of course, you may be one of those few who likes studying God's word and living out your convictions. But do you really like what the whole gospel says? It seems as though all the girl-y parts of the gospel are over-emphasised in church (love, joy, happiness, peace, comfort, sweet blessings, praise, virtue...) and the manly parts are left out. Manly being the boldness, the guts, the miracles, the relentless prayer that holds nothing back, the ability to cast out demons and look an unbeliever in the eye and tell them truthfully they are on their way to hell. It's not that Eric Ludy hates love and the sinner, it's just that the church has overused love. It's time to stop "overlooking" sinners and tell them they are wrong. For example, if a homosexual wants to join the church without repentance, we need to tell them that's not possible. Mr. Ludy stands valiantly for the truth- and you'll want to as well.
Think about it: have you ever seen greeting cards that say things like "slew off his head" or "cursed shalt thou be in the field and cursed thou shalt be in this place..." No! We claim Old Testament promises not meant for us- simply because it SOUNDS good. It's love-ly. Truth and context are thrown out the window...
Today's church likes to think truth is neutral, bendable matter that we can explain in and out, over and away. Truth is a matter of objective and subjective reasoning, and we should not force our views on others.
This book made me realize just how horribly deep we are caught in a trap of mindless love and relativism. Preachers are acting like Erasmus and Rob Bell all the time- even from pulpits of the most conservative churches in the country. We've watered down the gospel. We mark up the radical Christian experience as an "it-was-an-experience, but-not-for-me" type of deal. Mr. Ludy urges his readers to become radical. Radical is a word fallen on hard times- but you have the power to make it mean something noble again- by displaying love and strength together. Bravery is key!
If you really want a wake-up call, read this book.
You won't be sorry.
Cleanliness: Says the word castrate- as in castrating the gospel
Violence: Talks about martyrs
Profanity: none
5 out of 5 stars

Answering the Guy Questions

by Leslie Ludy

Sharing tips and true stories, Mrs. Ludy scores a great book once again!
Suggested for older reading (as in 16-17 and older), the author goes into detail what exactly is "bugging" guys- pornography, immodesty, and over-powering girls.
Mrs. Ludy explains the best way to tell someone you know a guy is looking at porn, statistics on just how many boys are actually addicted to looking at it, and what you can do to help them.
Then, there are the much needed tips for modesty- in dress, speech, and action. I especially enjoy the way she specifically tells what is sin and what isn't. She observes that most girls don't care how they dress. Guys do. They are longing to shout out about their desire for girls to dress modestly, but are afraid because...
... of overpowering girls. Mrs. Ludy shares what is wrong with girls initiating things, what you can do to tone it down- and also tips on sharing the truth in love.
As with all Ludy book, there are testimonies from young women throughout the book- tips from their experiences with guys, ideas for modest fashion, etc. Another element I love is:
Real guys sharing real concern- smattered throughout the chapters. These quotes are from Godly guys direct from the Ellerslie campus- proof that there are a few men who are truly worth waiting for!
4 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness: mentions pornography, addictions to sin, and other habits cultural guys partake in.
Violence: Not much mentioned throughout. Talks of past abuse victims healing, but no eleborating
Profanity- Some people seem to think "metrosexual" is a vulgar word. It is a normal word used to describe a vulgar way of life. Mrs. Ludy has seen that distaste for such a word, and uses "metromanhood" instead. (Metro"sexual" men acts like gay men, but are straight in their feelings toward women).

Younger girls should not read this book until they have a full general understanding of guys. It would be helpful for the younger reader (14-15) to have read Set-Apart-Femininity first.
Older readers: This book will make yout hankful for the men in your life, and leave you ready to do something for and about the state of manhood.

Preparing to Be A Helpmeet

by Debi Pearl
Many people believe the Pearls to be legalists. After reading this book, my mind was changed. Mrs. Pearl is the spirit of Titus 2- with a little humorous sarcasm and intelligent wit along the way. Though this site doens't endorse the child-beating in the Pearl's other books, Preparing to be a Helpmeet is perfect for gaining insight about much MUCH more than marriage. She talks about life.
This book isn't just for those who aren't married; it would be helpful for keeping your present marriage strong.
Mrs. Pearl, though an advocate of dating, shares mostly Biblical advice about types of guys, types of girls, what types usually end up together, what you can do today to save your marriage later, and how little things, such as common sense should and can be developed. It encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone and realize I am what she calls "a Hidden Flower"- though I don't try to be. To be honest, I'd never considered her views before, and found them quite Biblical.
A caution for younger girls: It talks about natural birth control, conception and pregnancy, so ask your mom to read it before you if your family has reservations about such discussions.
The books brings to light what wonderful ministries a couple can do together. I had to laugh at the story about the young Pearls witnessing to super-open ultra hippies in the 70's.
A caution for older girls: I don't endorse playing tricks on men to make them see you'd make a good helpmeet. That is called manipulation.
Other than those small hesistations (worth mentioning, but not huge problems), I highly recommend this book!!!
5 out of 5 stars

Cleanliness~ As I said: birth control, conception, and pregnancy are all discussed,
s3x is referred to as holy, but Mrs. Pearl keeps it straightforward and mature. Nothing is really taken too lightly in this book. She keeps things sacred that should be sacred
Violence~ Mentions abuse at random, no large details given.
Profanity~ None

Redefining Beautiful

by Jenna Lucado
Did not like this book. Jenna Lucado spends more time talking about herself and the outward things she doesn't like about her life and self. Every chapter starts out with a long-winded story about herself. After three chapters, it became apparent she has a pride issue- and is not a writer.
After spending nearly 3/4 of middle chapter talking about Facebook and how much she likes "this" function or "that" function, she closes off weakly by saying online relationships can be harmful. Keeping your parents away from a "It's Complicated" rating would be good. Keep your relationship with Jesus at the "open level" and be able to let him lead you into deeper realms if need be. (What about THEY that SEEK ME with THEIR whole heart shall FIND me?) I believe God is as close as you want him to be. The Holy Spirit can call, but it is up to you to seek out God's will.
Even for the small amount of refreshing truth at the last end of each chapter, this book is not worth reading. Instead, try reading some of Max Lucado's books- his insights were enjoyable throughout the book- though of small amount.
2 out of 5 stars
Violence: Detailed about Joyce Meyer's child abuse with no elaboration whatsoever (what did she do about it other than grit her teeth and bear it?)
Cleanliness: Mentions s3x mildly, talks of romance books in a postive way
Profanity: the word "Holy" is used in front of crap several times- in the same sentence as Jesus.

Don't Waste Your Life

by John Piper
A great book! A 'mature' version of Do Hard Things, Mr. Piper wrote this book for young adults. With a detailed explanation of how people may waste their lives, there is also a detail of why. These lives are missing one great thing: full surrender to Christ.
"Only one life twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last..."
Mr. Piper shares stories of his childhood, memories of his father, and secular song lyrics to show how empty life is... and how glorious it CAN be if you do things for Christ.

No profanity
Some vague sexual references, nothing MAJOR
Violence: None

4 out of 5 stars