A Review: "Good Man" by Nathan Clarkson

I have been a fan of Sally Clarkson's books and podcasts for a number of years now. Her ministry has helped encourage me in my own journey of motherhood and given me a biblical foundation for what mothering should be. On one of her podcasts, she hosted a conversation with her son, Nathan, and they discussed his new book called "Good Man:  An Honest Journey into Discovering Who Men Were Actually Created to Be".  As a mom of two boys, I knew this would be a good book to dive into to help me gain some perspective on encouraging my preteen boys into manhood. 

In a time when culture looks down on and even desecrates what a good man is, this book is desperately needed. I appreciated each chapter taking a deep dive into one particular character trait and then flushing that trait out with stories and Scripture. Each chapter concludes with a few meditation questions, a Scripture verse to reflect on, and a prayer. There is great encouragement and reminders that perfection is not required to be a good man, but the pursuit of becoming a good man in wholly worthwhile and a lifelong journey. I would highly recommend this book for boy moms and all men in general. 

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the Baker Books blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "Don't Overthink It" by Anne Bogel

I have been a fan of Anne Bogel's for a number of years now. Her blog and podcast are part of my regular routine. I was intrigued by the concept of her new book, "Don't Overthink It" because I am a chronic overthinker who desperately needs help in this area! Anne shares candidly with her signature warmth about her own struggles with overthinking and the strategies she employs to decrease those struggles. Each chapter focuses on a different area of overthinking:  analysis paralysis, decision fatigue, values, and the like. Questions at the end of the chapter help the reader apply the ideas and framework to their own lives.

My favorite chapter, titled "Limit Yourself to Free Yourself", focuses on setting boundaries and limiting the options available in order to bring more mental space and less decision fatigue into your life. I love (and employ several of) the techniques of streamlining choices and technology input. The entire middle section, "Take Charge", was incredibly helpful in a practical way. Overall, the book was filled with plenty of ways to establish a framework for capturing your thoughts and putting a plan in place to help you stop your overthinking habits.

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the Baker Books blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)