Tag Archives: book review

Review: Psalms 365 by David Kitz

10 Saturday Jul 2021

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A Book Review by Janet Sketchley

Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer, volume 1, by David Kitz (Elk Lake Publishing, 2020)

With Psalms 365, author and storyteller David Kitz provides short, practical, and personal daily devotions from the beloved Book of Psalms. I’ve found it to be a valuable addition to my day.

Each reading points to a psalm, drawing on a key verse for the day’s focus. There’s a conversational-style reflection on the passage and a prayer of response. Then to encourage readers to deepen a lifestyle of worship and prayer each devotional concludes with a question to think about and to perhaps take into personal conversation with God.

Anyone familiar with the psalms knows that some are songs of worship, some of lament, others of repentance or even anger. Not always easy topics to draw an inspirational message from! David Kitz mines treasure from each one.

Volume 1 of Psalms 365 begins at Psalm 1 and goes to the end of Psalm 51. Volume 2 is also available, covering the next section, and volume 3 is still to come.

Excerpts from the Psalms 365 series can be found on the author’s blog, I Love the Psalms. On the blog he includes photos, which aren’t part of the books. Award-winning author David Kitz is also a Bible dramatist, conference speaker, and ordained minister. For more about him and his books, visit davidkitz.ca.

[Review copy provided by the author. My opinions are my own.]

Reviewers Wanted

30 Wednesday Jun 2021

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One of the challenges I face as an author is finding readers who are willing to write reviews for my books. At point of sale, when asked, purchasers often agree to write a review, but follow through is often lacking.

I get it. People are busy. People forget. In some cases, newly purchased books sit unread for months or even years.

Why are reviews important? They are a great help to potential readers. Most book sales are online these days, soRGB72PsalmsVol2 reviews take on added significance. As a review writer you are helping potential customers make an important decision. If the book has been beneficial to you, why not tell others about it through a short review?

Your review also serves as an excellent form of feedback for the author. Is there something you particularly liked about the book’s content, or the author’s writing style? Tell her or him about it by writing a review.

Not every book is worthy of a five-star review. Valid criticism well received sharpens an author’s skills. As a published author, I know that’s true for me on a personal level. An honest opinion well expressed is always worthy of serious consideration.

Regular readers of my posts may be aware my daily devotions on the Psalms are now available in book form. And yes, I welcome your reviews of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer, Volumes I & II. Volume III will complete the series and is scheduled for release in August. Reviews may be posted on a variety of platforms, such as Goodreads and Amazon. 

You may also wish to checkout other books I have written by typing my name into the Amazon search bar or by visiting my website.

God bless you, and thanks for your help and feedback.

Discover Your Hidden Self

20 Tuesday Oct 2020

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John Murray’s most recent book is entitled “Discover Your Hidden Self: Opening the Door to Who You Really Are!” It fits perfectly into the Christian self-improvement category. Each chapter examines a different aspect of self-change, including topics such as attitude, forgiveness, and how we view ourselves and others. Throughout the book, John draws on his years of experience, and the real life examples of people who have overcome great difficulties.

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I found the brief summary at the end of each chapter very helpful.

Here is a quote that I believe exemplifies the advice found between these covers:
“Things that matter don’t happen by chance but by choice. Life does not get better by chance but by making the decision to change.”

If you are needing to make a change in your life this 130-page book can act as a great catalyst.
5 stars.

An Antidote for the COVID-19 Blues

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by in book review, The Soldier Who Killed a King

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So… you’re stuck at home. COVID-19 has you in isolation or something approaching isolation. You have spent countless hours surfing around social media sites. You’re tired of depressing newscasts and dire warnings. You need a break from it all.

Here’s a suggestion. Maybe it’s time to take a trip—not just any trip. This is a journey to the Holy Land—not the Holy Land of today, but the Holy Land during the time of Jesus. In fact, let’s visit during the most pivotal week in human history—the week of Palm Sunday through Easter Monday.

Let’s see the events of that pivotal week through the eyes of the Roman centurion who knelt at the foot of the cross and made this confession, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (See Matthew 27:54.)

That’s the premise behind my passion of Christ novel, “The Soldier Who Killed a King.”

So what do others think of this book? Well, the reviews are in and the scores are high. With 62 reviews on Amazon.com “The Soldier Who Killed a King” scores 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Amazon rating system. In Canada with 51 reviews posted the score is even higher at 4.9 out of 5 stars. Numbers like that are rare in the literary world.

Here is a sample of a 5 star review:

‘The Soldier Who Killed A King’ is one of the very best books we’ve ever had the privilege to read! Insightful, captivating, inspiring, historically accurate, so very satisfying and engaging… A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to David Kitz for having written this most incredible account of the crucifixion of Christ… A great read for this time of the year as we approach Easter!  — Don & Jan MacGregor 😊😊

Despite an international travel ban, now might be the very best time to take that trip to the Holy Land.

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To learn more and purchase in the USA click here.

To learn more and purchase in Canada click here. To purchase directly from the author use this link.

Craft, Cost & Call: How to Build a Life as a Christian Writer

24 Monday Feb 2020

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For anyone who is serious about developing a career as a Christian writer, this book is a48117319 (2) true gem. From start to finish, authors Patricia Paddey and Karen Stiller provide a host of tips, and sound advice that can benefit any writer. This holds true for the novice writer as well as the grizzled veteran.

The book is broadly divided into three sections: craft, cost and call, that match the title. The authors don’t hold back in exposing both their successes and failures as writers. It’s great to see your own struggles mirrored by these two professionals. There is an integrity and a candor to their writing that I truly admire.

I was left wanting more from these two authors, especially in section on our God-given call to write. But I see wanting more as a good thing.

For anyone on the writing journey I highly recommend this book. I was introduced to this book through the Ottawa Christian Writers’ Fellowship, which is a local chapter of The Word Guild.

Three Things You Need to Know about Amazon Book Reviews

30 Thursday Jan 2020

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Before my historical novel The Soldier Who Killed a King was released, I had a conversation with the marketing manager of Kregel Publications. One thing she stressed was the importance of book reviews, particularly Amazon book reviews.

Since that conversation I have been diligently urging readers to post book reviews. Here then are three things I learned in the process.

  1. There’s something magical about 50.
    Fifty is the first major breakthrough point which takes you to a new level with the Amazon algorithms.  The day after I hit 50 reviews on Amazon.com the number of reviews suddenly jumped because the site drew in additional reviews from Canada and the U.K. Similarly, my review numbers on Amazon.ca jumped from 36 to 46, because ten American reviews were added to the Canadian site.
    Take away: International websites cross populate when you hit 50 reviews.
  2. Not all Amazon reviews carry an equal weight.
    Simply put some reviews are deemed more credibly, or are more highly valued. For example, a verified Amazon purchase carries more weight than a non-verified review. Also a review from a top tier reviewer is pure gold. Top tier reviewers review a lot of books, so they are highly trusted and their opinion is valued and weighted accordingly.
    Take away: When possible encourage reviews by verified purchasers and top tier reviewers.
  3. Reviews don’t need to be long to be effective.
    My one 5 star review from the United Kingdom reads as follows:
    Title: Nailed It
    Excellent crucifixion description.
    That’s all it says. But in a total of five words, this review captures a key element of the story. Of course longer reviews are also much appreciated.
    Take away: If you read a good book, show your appreciation by writing a review. The author will appreciate it, and so will prospective readers.

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Some thoughts on “Psalms Alive!”

03 Friday Jan 2020

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This morning I came upon this book review by Pam:

David Kitz’s devotional, “psalms alive” is a book I bought for my friends and family this past Christmas and I plan to read it a second time. It is one of the best devotionals I have ever read for the following reasons:

* The Scripture is printed at the beginning of each devotional. This makes it so convenient and for me it meant reading and then re-reading that Psalm many times as I studied Kitz’s devotional which followed. Many devotionals only quote the reference which you are to study. Tell me – how many of you actually look up this passage? Lol. It’s too easy not to get your bible and look it up. It’s such a simple thing to print the Psalm right in the devotional but it made the study so much more helpful.

* Secondly, this was an excellent resource because of the cultural and historical insights Kitz provided. These brought the Psalms to life and helped me remember and apply them.

* Theologically, I believe Kitz is sound and credible; he often cross-referenced his thoughts with other biblical passages.

* The whole picture – Kitz provided each Psalm in light of the sweep of biblical history and revelation, often showing how the Psalm prophesied Christ. I appreciated this and it helped me see the relevance and power of the Psalms in my daily life.

Reading “psalms alive” was a highlight of October/November 2017. I looked forward to it every day; it was a feast every morning that I will indulge in again. My copy is highlighted, underlined, tear-stained, and I have several pictures I drew in response to the insights I learned. It is a treasure that I recommend with the highest confidence.

Pam

Psalms Alive! is available for purchase from Christianbook.com or directly from the author.

A New Review of “Psalms Alive!”

12 Thursday Sep 2019

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A book review by Tina Williams

Psalms Alive! Connecting Heaven and Earth by David Kitz explores the Psalms through personal vignettes of the author’s reflections on various Psalms. As I read I felt that the author was sitting across from me in a comfy chair sharing the great goodness of God from the heart of a shepherd. The author includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter which helps the reader connect heaven and earth by spending some time meditating on scripture and driving those truths deeper into our hearts so that we are not merely readers or hearers, but also actors in God’s great drama of life!

At times, a sentence or two seems out of place, when the author laments the current state of affairs with our culture, but the main points are brought home in pointing us to the character of God.

One of my favorite quotes which encourages all believers, like athletes, to be engaged with scripture is found in the chapter, From Strength to Strength. “The busy, world-engaged laity is far too often content to coast on the second-hand faith of church leadership. In reality, our own faith muscles need development and regular exercise. If regular spiritual conditioning isn’t taking place, we become weak in our faith. We are fit for the couch, not the pilgrim’s route. We stumble when others question our beliefs. Temptations overwhelm us. Doubts drain us of our spiritual vitality. We conform to the thinking of this world. We are not reaching the world with the message of Christ; the world is reaching us, and pressing us into its mold.”

This book will encourage and inspire the reader to dig deep into the Psalms as the author draws from personal object lessons which help further understand and connect the word to the heart.

Take a moment to vote

Psalms Alive, has been nominated for the Book of the Month award hosted by Interviews and Reviews.

To cast your vote for Psalms Alive, click here.

Thanks! Note: You can vote daily until September 30th.

A Lament for so Much More than Spilt Porter

22 Tuesday Jan 2019

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A Book Review

Some books pass through your mind without provoking much thought, or reflection. 51z4lcpbjul._sx331_bo1,204,203,200_Others do just the opposite. They are meant to be savored. I place Lament for Spilt Porter in this latter category.

At its heart this is a book about nostalgia. The subtitle is Longing for Family and Home. Larry J. McCloskey explores that longing by reflecting on his own family growing up in the 1950s and 60s in Ottawa, Canada’s capital.

Maybe the book appealed to me because I grew up during the same timeframe. Maybe it appealed to me because for the last 30 years Ottawa has been my home. But I suspect that this book has a more universal appeal, because it addresses the deep longing for home that is in all our hearts, regardless of age or geography.

A Meaningful Read

McCloskey not only laments the loss of his parents, he also laments the loss of their values—values that are rooted in family, church and an unflinching faith in God. Above all else, McCloskey wrestles with the very idea of God—the God that modern society has turned its back on. His is a restless faith, racked with doubt, but seeking God nonetheless. That pursuit is an underlying theme throughout.

If all this seems rather heavy and dour, breathe easy. There’s plenty of humor in these pages, and some unforgettable characters too. But be forewarned: McCloskey packs more meaning into a single sentence than many authors capture in an entire chapter. There’s very little fluff, and plenty of mental nutrition that a reader can draw from every chapter.

If you are still longing for home, this is a most meaningful read.