Fire on the Track

I am definitely an inspirational biography fan. From “Hero Tales” by Dave and Neta Jackson when I was young to my freshman-year-of-college-read “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand, biographies have gripped and propelled me.

That’s why I picked up “Fire on the Track” by Roseanne Montillo. In the vein of “Unbroken,” this biography highlights the rise and triumph of several Olympic runners–living contemporary to Louis Zamperini, to boot. However, “Fire on the Track” also features its own novel-like writing style–at some points slowed down by this style, at others endowed with vivid form.

I recommend this biographical novel to anyone who enjoyed “Unbroken” or who likes to study the history of women in sports.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Lazarus, Come Forth!

Lazaruth, Lazaruth, Lazaruth…I remember hearing my dad mispronounce this famous biblical character’s name again and again. Each time, the little English teacher inside of me would cringe.

But, aside from Lazarus’s somewhat lisped final syllable, my dad always had something wonderful to share with us about this man.

And so does Joanna Weaver. Known more famously as the author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Weaver has recently published Lazarus Awakening, a wonderful study about a man who, through his own death and resurrection experience, encountered the heart of God.

As Christians, we all too often fall back into a works-based mentality of salvation, thinking–however much we may hate to admit it–that we have somehow deserved or earned God’s favor for our lives.

Not so, Lazarus’ story proclaims.

Weaver masterfully emphasizes biblical truth on this topic. Beginning her book with a quote from fourth-century Christian Serapion of Thmius (“Lord! We entreat you, make us truly alive!”), she establishes a clear connection between Christ and spiritual life.

As a woman, I realize how often my mind begins to think in terms of earning God’s favor. Because of this, I am particularly grateful for Weaver’s work, and I believe that many other women will also find it helpful, challenging, refreshing, and inspiring. I recommend it for any woman–age 9 to 101.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.