Official Review: God, I Could really do with your help ri...

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 03 Jan 2019, 00:36

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "God, I Could really do with your help right now!" by Steven Andrew Higgins.]

2 out of 4 stars

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"If you are human, you have either just gone through a very difficult time in your life, are currently going through a very difficult time, or you will be going through a difficult time in the future. Nobody is immune from life's difficulties."

Have you ever felt discouraged or defeated by challenges in your life? After experiencing the transformative power of God's mercy, grace, and love, author Steven Andrew Higgins offers readers hope and encouragement in his book, God, I Could Really Do With Your Help Right Now!

The book consists of 27 chapters beginning with the England-born author's immigration to America followed by the everyday experiences that have shaped his faith over the years. At the age of 17, after his father left the family, Higgins financially supported his mother and younger brother. He experienced God's faithful provision through various jobs he believes were often the result of divine intervention. Higgins shares the simple prayer he prayed to accept Christ and addresses issues such as God's timing, answered prayers, and personal relationships. Throughout the book, he conveys the message that hope, peace, and joy are available by trusting God with our problems--no matter how big or how small.

The author's writing style is informal and conversational. As he draws from his life experiences to illustrate the uplifting message he delivers, his passionate faith is contagious. When it comes to inspirational books, I'll choose an author who shares transparently from the heart over one who seems to have all of the answers, every time. The author's quote from the book's introduction mirrors the teaching of Jesus in John 16: 33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I especially appreciated the author's candor when he related a seemingly unsuccessful job venture. "I didn't receive the financial payoffs I was hoping for. Instead, I received more than my share of frustration. I can let you know that I have never prayed harder than I have in the last five years. He will open a new door for me. He has never let me down and has always shown me his goodness and mercy throughout my many years."

Despite its positive message, the book is in need of a thorough edit. The author's tendency to use rambling run-on sentences often required having to reread content for clarity. Considering the book is only 80 pages, I found the copious grammatical errors and overuse of capitalization distracting. Though the introduction mentions the book is comprised from a previous work published in 2007, and the author describes it as the "drastically new and improved version," it wasn't professionally edited. Additionally, there are numerous errors that even a simple spell-check tool would flag. Due to these editorial issues, I rate the book 2 out of 4 stars.

For the encouragement and hope it offers, I recommend the book to Christian readers who are willing to look beyond its errors. It will appeal to both new believers as well as those seeking a deeper spiritual walk. However, I wouldn't recommend it to readers who don't appreciate scripture-based books.

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God, I Could really do with your help right now!
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cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 07 Jan 2019, 09:27

I had previewed this one to read, but then chose another. While it sounds like it would appeal to me, the errors would not be to my liking. With an editing job done, I would probably give it a go! Thank you for the insight on this. Always a pleasure to read your reviews.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 07 Jan 2019, 12:17

"Drastically new and improved," huh? Yeah... Despite that, it seems like a good book. Yes, we all go through difficult times, and we can all use a bit of help now and then. If this book was edited a bit, I might try it. Thanks, though.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Jan 2019, 12:39

cpru68 wrote: ↑07 Jan 2019, 09:27 I had previewed this one to read, but then chose another. While it sounds like it would appeal to me, the errors would not be to my liking. With an editing job done, I would probably give it a go! Thank you for the insight on this. Always a pleasure to read your reviews.

It's a wonderful message but just needs more editing. Thanks for your kind comment.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Jan 2019, 12:40

kandscreeley wrote: ↑07 Jan 2019, 12:17 "Drastically new and improved," huh? Yeah... Despite that, it seems like a good book. Yes, we all go through difficult times, and we can all use a bit of help now and then. If this book was edited a bit, I might try it. Thanks, though.

Exactly! Thanks for your comment.

Jessacardinal · Post by **Jessacardinal** » 07 Jan 2019, 12:59

The title on the cover gave me a giggle, as I feel most of us can relate to the statement at one time or another. If I were in a bookstore, seeing the title of the book would most likely lead to me picking it up and looking further into the story. The first quote in this review regarding difficulties in life is staggering, yet true. What an eye opener!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Jan 2019, 16:30

Jessacardinal wrote: ↑07 Jan 2019, 12:59 The title on the cover gave me a giggle, as I feel most of us can relate to the statement at one time or another. If I were in a bookstore, seeing the title of the book would most likely lead to me picking it up and looking further into the story. The first quote in this review regarding difficulties in life is staggering, yet true. What an eye opener!

I agree--that's exactly what grabbed my attention, too!

Vscholz · Post by **Vscholz** » 07 Jan 2019, 21:03

I will pass on this book because of all the errors you mentioned. I can usually overlook them if I am genuinely interested in the subject, but if I am trying to branch out (as I would with this title), then they are a major turn off. Thanks for the review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 08 Jan 2019, 12:46

Vscholz wrote: ↑07 Jan 2019, 21:03 I will pass on this book because of all the errors you mentioned. I can usually overlook them if I am genuinely interested in the subject, but if I am trying to branch out (as I would with this title), then they are a major turn off. Thanks for the review!

I understand. Thanks for your comment.

esthersamone · Post by **esthersamone** » 09 Jan 2019, 06:46

Have you ever felt discouraged or defeated by challenges in your life?

And I respond in the affirmative. And of course, this makes me think of reading this book for some insights about life from God.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 09 Jan 2019, 15:34

esthersamone wrote: ↑09 Jan 2019, 06:46
Have you ever felt discouraged or defeated by challenges in your life?
And I respond in the affirmative. And of course, this makes me think of reading this book for some insights about life from God.

I think most of us can relate to many of the points the author addresses. Thanks for your comment.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 09 Jan 2019, 16:56

The title of this book catches the attention. The quote and the author's experiences also seem to be quite interesting. The errors might drive me crazy, but your comments about the book's message make me want to read it. Thanks for your great review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 10 Jan 2019, 12:51

kdstrack wrote: ↑09 Jan 2019, 16:56 The title of this book catches the attention. The quote and the author's experiences also seem to be quite interesting. The errors might drive me crazy, but your comments about the book's message make me want to read it. Thanks for your great review!

Yes, the title grabbed my attention, too. With the exception of the errors, it's a wonderful message. Thanks for your comment.

Sweet Psamy · Post by **Sweet Psamy** » 11 Jan 2019, 08:22

The title of this book has already encouraged me. Thanks for the review.

PGreen · Post by **PGreen** » 17 Feb 2019, 19:28

I also choose authors who share from the heart more than just giving answers. It sounds like this book has potential if it had been edited. If this one is new and improved, I cringe to think what the original was like! No doubt it has its redeeming qualities, but a poorly written/edited book gets crossed off my list. Thanks for your thorough and honest review!