Descriptions and Prescriptions by Michael R Emlet

Descriptions and Prescriptions is a short book building a biblical framework to understand psychiatric diagnoses and the use of psychoactive medications using scripture as the groundwork to build upon. The book is set up with two parts. In Part 1, the author presents a balanced assessment of psychiatric diagnosis. In Part 2, he uses case studies for illustration.

The book lists several concerns with the psychiatric diagnostic system. One being: …some psychiatric diagnoses “medicalize” sinful behavior. Is it medical or is it sin?
There is a chapter on Implications for Ministry, directed to pastoral care and counsel. Michael Emlet brings a strong case for not everyone who suffers from psychiatric diagnoses needs medicine. Sometimes they just need a friend, or as in the case of ADHD and French kids not being diagnosed with that as much, a differing viewpoint as to what is acceptable. He emphasizes that a diagnoses is a starting point not an ending point.

In Part 2, first he notes that pastors, counselors, and other helpers must be familiar with the psychoactive medications. Then he states that the goals of this section are to: familiarize you with the basic classes of psychoactive medications, review what we know about the mechanism of action and efficacy of such drugs with a particular focus on antidepressants, and discuss a biblical approach to psychoactive medications. This part of the book breaks down the medications, how they work, how effective they are. This section uses scripture to show hazards to spiritual growth.

I like how the author didn’t push one way or the other about not taking any medications or staying on medications. He understood how to study each case before him and take other things into account. If you enjoy reading about the psychiatric diagnostic system and how it pertains to scripture and what God has to say about man, this is the book for you. It’s short enough you can read it in one day, but goes into enough detail to tell you what the author is thinking and show you how he would deal with a few example cases.

I received a free copy of this book in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion-which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


https://www.amazon.com/Descriptions-Prescriptions-Perspective-Psychiatric-Medications-ebook/dp/B076DJTN4R/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508963734&sr=8-1&keywords=descriptions+and+prescriptions

A Powerful Voice by Penelope Powell

Gloria has a past to hide. Justin doesn’t want to share his past. He’s the new worship leader. She’s still trying to figure out her Christian walk. She’s from the South. He’s a Northerner. They are so different, but, something is pulling them together. Will they find forgiveness in their pain?

This is a great story by Penelope Powell, full of God’s grace and love in our Christian walk. We make mistakes, we falter and fail, but God doesn’t leave us or forsake us. If you need encouragement to find God’s love, this is the book for you. Gloria and Justin could be you, me, any of us on our walk with God. I was able to relate to them as characters and in the things they went through. A Powerful Voice drew me closer in my walk with God, gave me encouragement, and increased my faith. Forgive yourself and find who you are in God.

I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Voice-Penelope-Powell-ebook/dp/B01GNCI7JE/ref=la_B0741NLBGH_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1507250796&sr=1-2

Hidden Women The African-American Mathematicians of NASAWho Helped Win the Space Race by Rebecca Rissman

This book is a narrative nonfiction. It’s written in an easy to understand style regarding the African-American mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race of the 1960s and 1970s. They were the best mathematicians around, but segregation and racial tensions flourished during this time. This book acknowledges some of the daily and work-related struggles they faced and how they overcame them. One theme that stuck out over the course of this book: you can do anything you set your heart on, you just might have to work harder at it.

One of the mathematicians grew up in West Virginia. If you’re interested in the space program, and the events that took place during this time period, you would enjoy this book. Pictures are included of the women this book speaks about, as well of some of the astronauts of this time frame and the equipment used. It also talks about the failures and accomplishments experienced by the space program. At the end of the book is a read more section, if you want other books on the same topic, and critical thinking questions at the end, as well as a glossary.

The information is portrayed in such a way young teens through adults would enjoy this book, learning more about the space program, as well as some of the key players during this time. I would highly recommend Hidden Women.

I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



https://www.amazon.com/dp/1515799638/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0