James: Faith Becomes Real by Carole Arceneaux
This short book (only 122 pages) is Carole Arceneaux’s efforts at a devotional guide for the letter of James. The book comprises a myriad of two to three page chapters that follow a single verse to several verses. The entries are not so much commentary as they are devotional thoughts and insights. It is clear that she loves the letter, has sought to live it out in her life, and has a desire to share it’s content with others.
What is not clear is who Ms. Arceneaux is. Most books have a preface explaining the journey leading up the book, or at least a back cover that highlights major life accomplishments of the author. This book has neither. So, I am left asking, “Who is Carole Arceneaux?” A rather important question if one is to heed advice and emulate the life she is advocating in her book.
Another thing that is not clear is where her information comes from. There are no footnotes in the main body of the text, no references, no endnotes, etc. The reader is left to assume that her opinions are correct and need not be checked on.
If I were a devotional reading kind of guy I would probably give this book 5 stars for its simplicity, acuity, and usability. However, I was hoping for more of an inductive and exegetical approach so I will give this book 3 stars. Happy reading.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
