by Shayleigh Oshay, NYCT Book Reviewer
BOOK TARGETS TEENS – Fitness. Success. Life Skills
“Built for Greatness – The Coach K Playbook,” written by Krysti Lawson and published by McBride Stories, is an inspiring gem aimed at teenagers aged 10 to 17, though its relevance extends well beyond this demographic. With its engaging narrative style and vibrant illustrations, this 60-page book deeply resonates with readers of all ages, making it a valuable addition to anyone’s reading list.
The book’s core message promotes fitness, exercise, and healthy living, aiming to combat the pervasive issues of laziness and inactivity among young people today. Lawson skillfully weaves together nine compelling short stories, each illustrating the journey of different young individuals facing various challenges. Through the guidance of “Coach K,” envisioned as a mentor and fitness coach, these characters discover meaningful solutions that highlight the importance of a strong mindset and the ability to overcome obstacles. The stories are not only relatable, but they also serve as a source of motivation for readers striving to break negative cycles and achieve greatness.
What sets this book apart is its practical approach to essential life skills. Alongside narratives rich with emotional depth, the incorporation of colorful illustrations enhances the reading experience, making complex themes more accessible and engaging. Each story is paired with visually appealing artwork that captures key moments, ensuring that readers remain captivated from start to finish.
In addition to promoting physical fitness, “Built for Greatness” delves into nutrition and smart eating habits, providing practical tips that encourage readers to make healthier choices in their daily lives. Lawson’s holistic perspective, grounded in her background as a certified fitness professional and wholistic health practitioner, further enriches the content, offering a well-rounded approach to wellness.
The book culminates with 18 essential life tips delivered by Coach K, reinforcing the themes of resilience, determination, and the power of positive thinking. These concise nuggets of wisdom serve as a powerful conclusion, leaving readers with actionable insights they can integrate into their lives.
Krysti Lawson’s own background – growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, with athletic parents – adds an authentic layer to the narrative, as her experiences resonate through the stories. “Built for Greatness” not only encourages physical activity but emboldens young readers to dream big and strive for success against all odds.
This being her first book, Coach K is guided by her faith in Christ Jesus. A wife, mother, nutritionist and now a Bible teacher who conducts weekly “Built for Greatness” Bible study, Krysti Lawson keeps her knees to the ground … and the Lord has been her helper. Now she is helping young people to find their purpose. “In the end, I want people to find their own path, stand in their rightful place and put in the work so that they can become their authentic self,” Lawson shared.
In summary, “Built for Greatness – The Coach K Playbook” is a brilliantly crafted work that motivates and empowers its readers. It’s a must-read for teenagers navigating the challenges of adolescence as well as for anyone seeking inspiration to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
You can connect with Krysti on Facebook at @KrystiLawson, and on Instagram at @Groundup_Coach_K.
CHRISTIANITY: The Other Political Party: The Hijacking of a Faith
Rev. Owen E. Williams’s latest book, Christianity: The Other Political Party: The Hijacking of a Faith, audaciously confronts the entwined relationship between politics and faith in contemporary society. As pastor of the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica, New York, and former president of The Queens Federation of Churches, Williams draws from his extensive experience to deliver a powerful critique that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the state of Christianity in America.
This fifth installment in Williams’ literary repertoire is not merely a commentary on politics; it’s a call to arms for believers who have watched with dismay as their faith has been co-opted by expedient political narratives. The author argues vehemently that both major political parties have distorted core Biblical principles, trading genuine spirituality for a gospel rife with selfishness, ambition, and an insatiable thirst for power.
Williams does not shy away from the contentious realities of political allegiance. He lays bare the hypocrisy within the Republican Party, accusing it of perpetuating Christian nationalist ideologies that promote entitlement and privilege. This, he asserts, has resulted in a dangerous exclusion of marginalized populations – particularly those who are poor and predominantly Black and Brown – through draconian fiscal policies and an aggressive protectionist stance. Conversely, he does not spare the Democratic Party from scrutiny; he characterizes its approach as recklessly irresponsible, undermining crucial values of citizenship and responsibility.
At the heart of Williams’s discourse is a profound concern for the identity crisis within the church itself. He articulates a grim reality where partisanship has taken precedence over divine allegiance, leading to a rise in sectarianism that has tainted the message of Christ. In this tug-of-war, he poignantly asks whether the synoptic gospels can accommodate such divergent ideologies, challenging his readers to reflect deeply on the example set by Jesus.
One of the book’s most compelling arguments is the proposition of a third-way theology. Williams reclaims Christianity as a faith rooted in relationships defined by love, justice, and mercy rather than political identities. This approach encourages readers to consider a relationship with Christ that transcends the divisive polarities of modern politics. He urges believers to focus on “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) as a guiding principle, advocating for a spiritual reawakening that prioritizes faith over party lines.
Ultimately, Christianity: The Other Political Party is less about selecting a political side and more about reclaiming the true essence of faith from the clutches of partisan interests. Williams’s work serves as a crucial reminder that the church must disengage from its idolatrous attachment to aggressive political identities, or risk losing its moral compass entirely. This book is an essential read for anyone grappling with faith in the modern political landscape, providing not only a critique but also a pathway toward a more authentic and loving expression of Christianity.
As Williams boldly asserts, it is time for believers to take a hard look in the mirror and align their values with the teachings of Christ rather than fitting them into the narrow confines of partisan agendas.
For more information, visit oewilliamsministries.com.