Book Reviews

Soul Surfer

By Bethany Hamilton

{Review By Bethany}

Description {From Christian Book Distributors}: They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins, and they just might be right! How else could one explain the tremendous passion that drives her to surf? Nothing, not even the loss of her arm in a horrific shark attack can come between her and the waves she loves to surf. Read the story of this courageous 13-year-old and her journey from hospital to competitive surfing once again.

Soul Surfer is the moving account of Bethany's life as a young surfer, her recovery in the wake of the attack, the adjustments she's made to her unique surfing style and her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships. But, most importantly, it's also the story of her belief in God. It's a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows that the body is no more essential to surfing--perhaps even less so--than the soul. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Through this honest book you will learn about Bethany Hamilton-a professional surfer with a heart for God. You will read about her struggles, her faith and her triumphs. At the age of 13 Bethany lost her whole arm in a surfing accident to a 15-foot Tiger shark.  Learn of her journey to becoming famous and getting back on the board, as well as how her faith got her through the difficult times and kept her going. 
I give it 4 out of 5 stars. {I have seen the movie Soul Surfer and approved of it except for the poor choice of swimwear, that of which I wouldn't consider modest. For those that are considering purchasing the book I must have you know that inside the book there are a few pictures of Bethany and her friends in bikinis and if you have brothers whom you'd not want seeing the swimwear then you might just want to rent it from a library instead of purchasing it.}

It's {Not That} Complicated

By Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin

{Review By Bethany}

Ever been confused about friendships with boys? How to handle crushes? How friendly is too friendly? How close is too close? What to do when a guy is being way too friendly? What guys think about all this? What it means to be a "sister, in all purity"? Guy-girl relationships have always been complicated, but perhaps never more so than today. It's (Not That) Complicated is a humorous, hopeful, and deeply thought-provoking new look at guy-girl relationships in our times. Dealing practically with such complications as online interaction, Hollywood expectations, undefined relationships, and unrequited love, the Botkin sisters offer enduring biblical principles that can make it all much simpler.

{Description Taken From It's {Not That} Complicated Website}

I was very excited when I first heard that the Botkin sisters new book would be coming out soon! I was blessed to be able to purchase it when we visited Vision Forum while on vacation and in the area. To say the least, I read it in 27 hours! :) It was one of the best books I've ever read, and I'd highly recommend it to every Christian girl! It was full of Biblical examples of good and not so good examples of how women of the Bible interacted with men-for good or for bad and it made a lot of sense! These sisters encourage girls to find the much needed balance in between the two extremes of never talking to young men, and flirting. They give helpful advice on how to interact with young men in a way that we can encourage them instead of bring them down. I really enjoyed this read and learned a lot of helpful advice through it, and would highly recommend it for girls ages 13 and up. {Although if a younger girl got her parents okay I would recommend it to them as well} I give it 5 out of 5 stars.