Customer Reviews

That Is SO Me: 365 Days of Devotions: Flip-Flops, Faith, and Friends (Faithgirlz!)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"That is SO Me" is a year-long daily devotional for girls ages 9-12. It's written in a conversational, engaging tone and is good at giving examples of how the application parts would work out in modern, tween girl life.

There were 52 weeks with 8 entries per a week: one under the "Week #__" heading to introduce the week's theme and then one for each day of the week. The day entries included activities (quiz; ask someone; think about; talk with God; listen to God; do what you've learned; and share it). The devotional was divided into four parts of 13 weeks each. Part One was about learning more about God. Part Two was about how God sees us. Part Three was about how God transforms people's lives (by following the stories of 13 people in the Bible). Part Four was about how God wants you to act.

Overall, the devotionals taught good lessons and engaged the reader in a way that they would probably try to do the activities suggested and apply the lesson rather than just read it.

However, I did have some concerns. The first eight weeks were a summary of the events in Genesis. This was a good idea, but sometimes she skipped events or incorrectly summarized a passage. Sometimes it was obvious she was trying to make the passage fit her week's theme, but other times I couldn't see why she changed or added to what Scripture said. After those weeks, she used verses from throughout the Bible that actually fit the theme...but the problem of slightly inaccurate summaries persisted, though it was less frequent. Also, I sometimes didn't agree with how she explained the meaning of a verse.

For example, on Week 2: Tuesday, she interpreted God's curse on the serpent in Genesis 3:15 as "he made it so women and their kids would always hate snakes. That accounts for the creepy feeling you get when you even see a python on TV. God knew the source of the evil, and he took away some of its power. It's still there, and it will sneak up on you and 'strike [your] heel" But you can also 'crush [its] head" (verse 15). God made it so that you can stamp it out whenever it tries to get to you." But that verse refers to Satan and the Messiah, not everyone.

Another example is from Week 49: Sunday when she modernized the parable about forgiveness found in Matthew 18:22-35. She has a teacher give a girl an extra day to pay her large debt but the teacher revokes the extension when she sees the girl demand that her friend pay back a small debt. I can see a girl reading it and thinking, "But Late Girl was just trying to raise the money to pay the teacher the next day! How unfair!" To be more accurate to the parable, Late Girl shouldn't have had to pay her way anymore so that she had no pressing reason to demand her friend pay up.

Despite my concerns, this devotional is better than nothing and can probably engage tween girls that normally wouldn't do devotionals.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher.

Reviewed by Debbie from ChristFocus Book Club

That is So Me: Flip-Flops, Faith, and Friends by Nancy Rue is a 365 day devotional that elaborates upon Scripture and brings God's Word close to a girls heart with a lot of opportunity for life application.

Many questions are asked throughout each devotional in a conversation style. Nancy Rue speaks in a "young" voice, that most tweens would likely enjoy. In addition to an introductory Bible verse, Rue discusses many issues that girls face in their daily lives, and how we can respond in a godly manner. Each day's devotional ends with an activity.

Each week begins with a theme, verse, and short devotional. Each day of the week includes a verse or two, several paragraphs relating the verses to the girl's life. It ends with a section called "Do That Little Thing." (Yes, that is eight entries per week, but the introduction is very short.)

Each day's "thing" is different. Sunday is a quiz, where the girl answers the question based on how it relates to her (not right or wrong answers). Monday is "Find Out" by asking a grown up who loves God help to figure something out. Tuesday is the day to "Just Think" and it gives something to think about. Wednesday is a good prayer day with "God? Can We Talk?" as it suggests things to discuss with God. Thursday is the day to "Listen Up" and listen for God's prompting. Friday offers a challenge with "You Can So Do This" as it suggests the reader to take action. Saturday ends the week's theme with another challenge to "Shout Out" and share with others what God taught you during the week.

Much of the "Do That Little Thing" could be almost ignored though it's the "meat" and application of this devotional. Because of that, I think two sisters, two friends, or especially a mother and daughter reading That is So Me together would most beneficial for some girls. (It would have been a good idea for me!! Accountability is huge!)

That is So Me is a neat devotional for the 9-12 age range. I do want to share that I did not read the entire devotional, but I have read several weeks' worth. This devotional is a bit more relational than actual Bible teaching, though each day's reading brings the Scripture to the reader.

What I Like: I think Nancy Rue knows this age group well, and it shows in her writing. As stated, it is a bit like a conversation, so it will feel like the reading a letter from a friend. The various suggestions in the "Do That Little Thing" can really make a girl take her faith to the next level. I also like that this devotional lasts for a full year.

What I Dislike: I think additional suggested daily Bible reading would beef it up for girls who are already strong in their faith and continuing to grow. Some of the Bible explanation is a bit too watered-down, but most explains the Bible well.

I was provided an ARC by Zonderkidz for review purposes.

I purchased this for my Kindle right after getting my bible for my Kindle. I love it although it is for teens it keeps things simple and every day it seems to be what I needed to hear. I read this everyday and post each days devotion on my facebook page for others and have had great responces.

The concept for this devotional is a good one. However, I didn't think that the description adequetly conveyed the fact this "cute" devotional was for 9-12 year old girls. I think that some of the devotions are rather vague, the author doesn't commit to writing the devotions. Rather, it is more "fluff" than substance. Also, in the preview chapter, it is more about the author. I'd like to see deeper devotions, designed to make the reader think. This devotional tool that many parents and youth leaders need, falls short of the mark, and tends to be "watered down". It would work well if you are a Sunday School teacher, and need a back-up lesson, but for a daily devo - not so much. Overall disappointing

this book is perfect for any one it goes week by week on the same topic like the first week is GOD creating the earth also it teaches you that you can talk to GOD. it deals with real live problems and is just plain great. i would recommend this book to anyone!