The story behind the song : the exclusive personal stories behind 101 of your favorite songs

compiled by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Jo-Ann Geffen
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publications, 2009

The Chicken Soup brand is known for heart-warming, inspirational stories that tug on the reader's emotions. As a result of that expectation, this book disappoints. It's merely a compilation of songwriters' "hows and whys" of the hits they wrote, and many of the stories provoke no more than a yawn. Chicken Soup would have been wiser to invite submissions from writers sharing how specific songs have impacted their lives in a significant way. That would have resulted in a far more interesting book, one more in character with what the publishing company is all about.

Make Love, Make War: NOW is the Time to Worship

by Brian Doerksen

David C. Cook, 2009

In Make Love, Make War, award-winning Canadian songwriter, musician, and worship leader, Brian Doerksen, sounds a clarion call for believers to engage in authentic worship. He defines what true worship is, describes what it looks like, and tells us why it's important. The writer of many beloved worship songs [perhaps most notably Come, Now is the Time to Worship; Refiner's Fire; and Today (As for Me and My House)], Doerksen encourages songwriters and worship leaders to rethink their values and motivations and to draw close to the heart of God. Each chapter tells the story behind one of his songs, and concludes with tips for songwriters.

Despite its uninspiring cover, this book demands to be read by all believers who are serious about worship. While the title may startle some Christians who have bought into the notion that believers should always be 'nice,' Doerksen reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle and that worship is one of our most significant weapons as we seek to recognize the character of God and to love others.

While I am not giving my copy of the book away, but passing it along to my daughter, who is an aspiring singer/songwriter, I encourage you to visit HearItFirst.com to enter the “Hear It First, Read It First” contest and promotion sponsored by David C Cook, Integrity Music, HearItFirst.com, and Gibson/Epiphone Guitars. There, you will be able to enter to win prizes, as well as download free music video performances of Brian Doerksen (i.e., “It’s Time” and “Holy God”) and free sample chapters from Make Love, Make War. Prizes include a set of worship CDs from Integrity, a signed Epiphone guitar and an Epiphone amplifier! Visit hearitfirst.com/BrianDoerksen!

You can also watch Brian Doerksen's music video, "It's Time," here.