Tyndale House, 2007, 224 pp., $9.99
www.tyndale.comThis
Super Average book is sure to be a hit with middle school boys who actually read. Bob Smiley relates his great wit and humor through the pages as if he were telling the story in your living room. All the normal gross and goof factors of boyish life are included to illustrate how “average” boys can obey God and survive life. With great sidebars of stats and bonus tips and “God Guides” ending the chapters, it is sure to hit home. And at only $10, every tween guy can afford it, even if they are like polar bears and “save their money in snow banks.” This is a great gift idea. —James P. Nolette
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Regal, 2007, 184 pp., $12.99
www.regalbooks.comSportswriter Mike Sandrolini captures the true Spirit of the game through this compelling compilation of contemporary sports figures who all share a commitment to Jesus Christ. Drawing on the experiences of 20 men and women from varying fields of professional competition, this resource moves beyond mere biography by offering inspiration all readers can appreciate. The book’s charm lies in its willingness to look beyond the statistical numbers and, instead, reveal the challenging backstories of these athletes we cheer on today. Matt Hasselbeck’s dramatic account about a mission trip and the promise he made to God regarding his athletic ability is sufficient reason alone to purchase the book, but the same could be said about the other 19 stories. Discovering how these individuals overcame roadblocks through their relationships with God will undoubtedly deepen the reader’s own faith. —Tony Myles
10 Habits of Decidedly Defective People: The Successful Losers Guide to Life by Doug GilesRegal, 2007, 158 pp., $12.99
www.regalbooks.com10 Habits is a primer on how to destroy your life and make yourself odious to those around you. It’s obviously tongue-in-cheek; sadly, it wears your tongue out just reading it. Giles’ intended audience is slackers, but they don’t read. The motivated will think it’s clever for a few minutes, then go do something worthwhile. Fence-riders will get bored, wondering,
Why’s he bringing me down? The negativity is a clever shtick for a few pages, but a bookful is tiresome. If your life is liberally laced with cynicism, you might enjoy this book; otherwise, don’t bother. —John Dunham
A Stand-Up Comic Sits Down With Jesus: A Devotional? by Rich PraytorRegal, 2007, 158 pp., $12.99
www.regalbooks.com