Whatever: Book Review

Book Review:

Written by Dan Istvanik

Whatever (90 Day Devotional for Girls)

By: Allia Zobel Nolan

“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy…” is the heart for the 90 day girl’s devotional Whatever,  by author Allia Zobel Nolan.    Part of Zondervan’s “Faith Girlz” series of books, Whatever is a well written, and exceptional devotional for the Jr. High girls in your ministry or home. Each of the 90 devotionals, broken down into 10 sections present a fresh, fun perspective “for livin’ the true, noble, and totally excellent life”.

While so often we spend time talking to our young teen boys in our ministry about having a pure thought life, our girls as well need to hear that message.   With so much negative pressure on our girls there needs to be more resources like this one to help young girls think positively about themselves and others.  The first set of devotionals start off the book strong with establishing the need for more Godly thinking before heading into sections covering the things listed in Philippians 4:8 (true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent , praiseworthy).  The book also ends with a strong finish about having and living “peace”.

Allia Zobel Nolan’s heart for young teen girls shines through in each day’s reading.  Each of the daily reading times builds on the next while also gently giving a hard nudge to think and live differently.  After each devotional there are two thought challenges called “food for thought” and “second thought” before ending with the “divine thought”, a prayer emphasis.

As both a pastor ministering to young teen girls and also as a father of a pre-teen girl, I appreciated and enjoyed this book.  My office shelves get so quickly filled with the latest devotional book that are recommended or given to me.  All of them trying to target teens in general, this book however stands apart because it is well written with pre-teen and young teen girls in mind.   I would recommend it as something give out to the girls in your group, they will love it.  I, also, see this seamlessly becoming a 3 month study tool for your girl’s small groups or even better become a part of girl’s event for your ministry.   Either way I would suggest picking up a couple copies for your ministry! 

Dan Istvanik is 38 years old and has been married to his wife Melissa for over 12 years.  They have two children, Jenna (8 years old) and Kaleb (5 years old).Dan is currently the “Jr. High Youth Pastor” at Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield, Ohio where he has been serving for over 8 years. He has been doing youth ministry for close to 19 years. Dan is a regular writer and contributor to both “Group Magazine” and “Youthworker Journal”. Besides being a curriculum writer for JuniorHighMinistry.org, he has also written some curriculum for other sights as well.