5 books on my future reading list

Defining Deception

Costi Hinn is the nephew of Benny Hinn and he has written a book, along with his colleague, Anthony G. Wood, about the deception within his uncles religious movement, as well as other false prophets and healers.

This looks like not only a fascinating read, but also a biblical look at false teachings within the church.

Amazon describes it here:

"The global movement of mystical-miracle enthusiasts have put a modern face on historical heresies. Men and women posing as prophets and apostles make millions, preying on the sick, poor, and emotionally fragile. 

Behind a veil of glamour, many self-proclaimed pastors mask their spiritual abuse with claims of special power from the Holy Spirit. Defining Deception pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth behind this lucrative industry. Written with a unique blend of theology, history, and personal experience, Costi Hinn and Anthony Wood have lovingly, yet sternly, exposed the mystical-miracle fraud in the hope that Christians will unite against those who have turned Jesus into a commodity. 

It is also a call to all Christians of good faith to help those trapped by these corrupt leaders rediscover the biblical Gospel of Christ. Every Christian is called to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3) even when it’s controversial—Defining Deception will equip Christians to do just that."

 Echoes of Eden

I'm really excited to read this book! I saw it on a blog review and thought it looked interesting.

Goodreads says here:

"In Echoes of Eden, Jerram Barrs helps us identify the significance of artistic expression as it reflects the extraordinary creativity and unmatched beauty of the Creator God. Additionally, Barrs provides the key elements for evaluating and defining great art: 

(1) The glory of the original creation; 
(2) The tragedy of the curse of sin; 
(3) The hope of final redemption and renewal. 

These three qualifiers are then put to the test as Barrs investigates five of the world's most influential authors who serve as ideal case studies in the exploration of the foundations and significance of great art."

And Amazon says here:

"Art is all around us, but few people truly understand it. Barrs helps readers evaluate and define great art through an investigation of the work of Lewis, Tolkien, Shakespeare, and Austen."

 Black Beauty

I've been slowly reading through some children's classic literature and recently picked up this one. I'm not familiar with the story other than I think it's from the point of view of a horse named Black Beauty.

Amazon says here:

"Perhaps the most celebrated animal story of the nineteenth century, Black Beauty is the suspenseful and deeply moving account of a horse's experiences at the hands of many owners — some, sensitive riders who treated him gently; others, cruel drivers who thoughtlessly inflicted lasting damage.
 
Written as the animal's autobiography, and as an appeal for the humane treatment of horses, Anna Sewell's beloved classic reveals as much about human conduct and the social ills of the time as it does about the treatment of animals. 

Scenes from the lives of both the landed gentry and the impoverished working class offer a subtle but well-rounded perspective of social conditions in England during the late nineteenth century." 

 50 Children

I've been wanting to read this for awhile now and finally ordered it. It sounds like an extraordinary story.

The back cover says here:

Two Ordinary Americans.
Fifty Innocent Lives.
One Unforgettable Journey.

"In early 1939, few Americans were thinking about the darkening storm clouds over Europe. Nor did they have much sympathy for the growing number of Jewish families who were increasingly threatened and brutalized by Adolf Hitler's policies in Germany and Austria.

But one ordinary American couple decided that something had to be done. 

Despite overwhelming obstacles - both in Europe and in the United States - Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus made a bold and unprecedented decision to travel into Nazi Germany in an effort to save a group of Jewish children. This is their story."

Green Dolphin Country

I'm excited to read my first Elizabeth Goudge novel! This one sounds like a good one to start with. Based on her great uncles life experiences, it was her most popular book.

Google books says here:

"This story, based on fact, is about a man who emigrated to the New World, and, after a lapse of years writes home for a bride, but getting it wrong, he confuses her name with that of her sister and so ends up with the wrong woman. 

However he doesn't disclose his mistake, but instead makes the best of the marriage."

And Goodreads says here:

"First published in 1944, this magnificent epic of love, courage, and selfless devotion set in the Channel Islands and New Zealand in the 19th century is written with Elizabeth Goudge's inimitable feeling for the intricacies of human emotions. 

Though the book is fiction, and the characters not portraits, it is based on fact. A stunning tale of loss and self-sacrifice, it is truly one of the most memorable love stories of the last century."