Book Reviews

The Final Summit A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity By Andy Andrews

2012-01-13T10:15:00.000-05:00

This book is not written like a normal novel. A large percentage of the book takes place within a meeting hall, where most of humanity's greatest minds are gathered. These are the Travelers, and they have been appointed to answer the following question: "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization? Throughout the book, David discusses this question with many great people of the world, including Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, King David, and George Washington Carver.

They, along with the other Travelers, are given five chances to guess the correct answer to the problem. All of their guesses are wrong, and the hourglass which measures their time continues to decline. As the last grains are falling through the hole, Joshua Chamberlain, Ponder's personal hero, provides an answer which stops the flow of sand. They present it to the angel Gabriel, despite having used their allotted five guesses. Is their guess the correct one to save humanity?

Now, let's move on past the plot, into what I liked about The Final Summit. Andy Andrews is a good fiction writer, at least based on this book. His dialogue is masterful, and his characters, though grounded in history, are carefully crafted. As a writer, I really appreciated reading the words in this book - it certainly is an exciting read. As a matter of fact, I read it in a single afternoon, unable to put it down.

However, there were many angles about this book which disturbed me. Several times, the main characters show a disturbing lack of trust in God and His plan. It is clear, I believe, through reading this book, that Andy Andrews does not have a true understanding of God. As Andrew's protagonist Ponder says, "The Flood? You mean Noah and the Ark? That actually happened? I always assumed it was . you know, a story, a parable." Throughout the book, Andrews consistently refers to Biblical events and God Himself with this sort of disbelief. It is unclear to me, upon finishing the book, if Andrews is a Christian or if he has just written a book about God.

Which brings me to my biggest problem with the book. Do you know what Andrew's biggest problem is? Not once, not once, does Andrews mention the true solution to humanity's problems. The answer was not among the Traveler's five wrong choices, nor was it the one 'correct choice.'The correct answer is not something we do. It is something that was done for us.

Night Night Blessings

2011-10-02T19:19:00.000-04:00

Night Night Blessings written by Amy Parker is a well written children's book about a little girl that stops and realizes all the things she is Blessed with in her life. From the sunshine shining in through the window in the morning to the moon in the sky at night night.

The unconditional love from her pets with their kisses and not having to say a word, the food that is in her belly, tub time, family time , friends and playtime and games and toys.

Come bed time, the child becomes aware just how small s/he really is and just how BIG God really is and how much He sprinkles our days with love, and all these blessings remind me that You are watching from above.

I would recommend this book to help parents teach their children what we have to be grateful for and all that God does for us. I would rate this book with 5 stars.

Gabby, God's Little Angel By Sheila Walsh

2011-10-02T18:47:00.000-04:00

Gabby, God's Little Angel is very cute children's book . It tells of a story of a little angel named Gabby who is very much like most children and no so graceful . Upon her own mishaps with her harp and a rainbow, she finds out that God has chosen her to the Guardian Angel of a little girl named Sophie, who is also accident prone.

With the help of her angel Sophie turns what could have been a disastrous horseback ride into a pleasurable one and realizes that she could sense someone watching over her and protecting her and after talking to her mom about it just before bed Sophie learns of her Guardian Angel that God has sent to watch over her and protect and guide her.

So next time your feeling clumsy or things aren't going your way just remember Lord is your protection. . . . He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go.

I would recommend this book to parents of little children and rate it a 4.5 stars.

The Promise of an Angel by Ruth Reid

2011-10-02T18:20:00.000-04:00

I truly loved Judith's story. She was known amongst their Amish community for telling stories to the little ones. So, when her little brother Samuel faces a tragedy and only she can see the angel that God sent, no one believes her. The Amish aren't supposed to speak of those things, but Judith just knows that the angel is real and that he is sending her a message about herself.....and about Samuel walking again. The trouble is, NO one believes her. It's a lot like the "boy who cried wolf" for this sweet Amish girl.

Even the man she dreams of marring, Levi Plank, doesn't believe her. He's more interested in teasing and flirting with her younger sister. The only one amongst them that believes her is Levi's older cousin, Andrew. But, will he be shunned for believing in Judith? Or, will he help her keep her faith and stand true for what she believes in, and fall in love with her?

This story was so much more than I ever thought it would be. It's truly a different take on the Amish life and outlook and it's a fresh new voice for us Amish lovers. I highly recommend this book with 5 stars

Tithing by Douglas LeBlanc

2011-05-16T13:00:00.001-04:00

     First of all, Tithing , test me in this, by Douglas LeBlanc, The Ancient Practices Series, isn’t about tithing. Author LeBlanc has instead, written a series of interviews with different people about their experiences in giving. Most of the stories that he relates bear no resemblance to the scriptural mandate of tithing, but rather focus on social activism.Second, LeBlanc, a religion journalist, has selected nearly all of his stories from religious fringe groups, emergent philosophies, and liberal churches. And as a result, he shares nothing that is even instructional about the concept of tithing.

     The stories were somewhat interesting, but in a way that created a response such as,“Hmmm, that was nice…” I found almost nothing of significant substance to take away from this book. The one story that I found more than mildly interesting was the story of Randy Alcorn’s work with the pro-life movement, and his subsequent involvement in the lawsuit brought against the abortion clinic protestors. But once again, this really had nothing to do with the biblical principle of the tithe.

     Over all, I found Tithing to be very disappointing. There are many other resources available on the topic that do a much better job teaching it.

The Sacred Meal By Nora Gallagher

2011-02-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

" Stand at the crossroads and look ; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it , and you will find rest for your souls . " ~ Jeremiah 6:16

     The Sacred Meal By Nora Gallagher takes an odd look and approach at the Lord’s Supper. The traditional and Biblical meaning of the Eucharist — Jesus’ sacrifice on a cross to pay the penalty of man’s sins– is sorely neglected. Instead Gallagher sees the Lord’s Supper as a humbling method God uses to thrust Christians together in fellowship through this shared ritual. Trying to shed light on the Lord’s Supper, she brings insights from Buddhist yoga teachers and from her experiences praying with Muslim women during Ramadan.

     The book certainly had nuggets of inspiration that resonated with me. But there were some key areas where Gallagher veered so far from Biblical orthodoxy that I just can’t recommend the book as a whole. She says that sin is not so much about personal conduct but about justice. Therefore she delves into topics such as global warming, soup kitchens, sweatshop factories, and AIDS patients. She compares America with the corrupt Roman Empire and warns of a coming day of judgment. But there is nothing said about the punishment of hell for an individual sinner.

     Whenever Gallagher spoke of Jesus, it reminded me of the Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ – a confused teacher who slowly discovers his calling. Again, this is simply not Biblical. Jesus is fully man and fully God. A mystery, yet a truth. Gallagher puts far too much hope in man. These passage shocked me, “Jesus. . . . puts great faith in us. Jesus puts great faith in our ability to change course and to answer his call.” Really? If Jesus had such great faith in man, why did He have to die for them? Why did he come to this earth at all? Why did He give us the Holy Spirit to enable us to obey if we already had this ability?

     Later she even goes farther to say, “The things he [Jesus] did could not have been done without them [the disciples].” I totally disagree. We need Him. He does not need us.
I am glad that I had the chance to read the book and see how one person percieves the Lord's Supper to be , but in all honesty , if the reader is looking for answers from a Biblical point of view I would not recommend this book.

Resurrection in May

2010-12-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

      Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson is a general Christian Fiction book that I would highly recommend to the advanced readers up to those who are you at heart with a few extra years on their bodies.

     "You can out distance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you"

     As the story unfolds this Rwandan saying can be applied to many of the characters in "Resurrection in May". Claudius Borne, owner of Bourne's Last Chance Farm, rescues May Seymour while a bond develops between the old man and the carefree college girl. When May’s mission trip to Rwanda ends in horror and tragedy, she returns to Claudius’s home and makes it her own, a place where she can heal. May is finally drawn back into contact with the outside world when she renews a friendship with a man she knew from college. Eli’s life hasn't run an expected course either, and their friendship helps both of them. In the end, it is May’s sacrifice that truly brings her back to life.

     So, if you’re looking for a place to escape the heat of the dwindling days of summer or the bitter cold of the winter days, then look no further. Lose yourself in the pages of Lisa Samson’s Resurrection in May. There you will find inspiration, courage, and a testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit you never dreamed possible in a work of fiction.

Billy Graham His life and Influences

2010-07-06T11:59:00.000-04:00

               Billy Graham needs no introduction, even non believers and anti-theist know who he is. He has been the close friend and spiritual advisor with every American President since President Eisenhower. Aikman provides us with a great summary of this significant life, his travels, and his influence.

                What I liked most about Aikman's work is that this is more than just a simple biography. It is a biography with added commentary on who has influenced him, trends he has fallen into, critics, how he has changed, and what role he has played in catastrophic and world changing events.
                 In particular, he includes a chapter on how Billy Graham has frequently assumed the role of the national consoler. Aikman traces Graham's words and actions surrounding events such as the Oklahoma City bombing, September 11, and many other great catastrophes.
                 Since Graham has been in almost every country in the world, it can be argued that the gospel, in at least a minor way, has reached the four corners of the world. Graham is an evangelist who has been sent to preach the gospel, and he has done that his entire life. It is fallacy to assume that whenever he puts his feet in a country that the people have never hear of Christ.Overall, this is a great read. Aikman manages to cover the life of Graham, many of his great influences, how God has used him, what he is doing now, how he has influenced the nation, the culture, and the world. Aikman dives into almost every aspect of his life, his theology, his family, and his personal life. Anyone that reads "Billy Graham" will be diving into a book that is well researched and well done. I highly recommend it.

Wonders Never Cease

2010-05-14T15:05:00.002-04:00

Wonders Never Cease by Tim Downs , a general Christian fictional book, is a novel that has touch of tension that builds between the characters right from the beginning that keeps you wanting to read to the next chapter and beyond – it’s a story you can’t put down. Plan to read this book during the day instead of before going to sleep!, if sleep is something that need everyday, like most of us. I found the characters likeable, the plot interesting and the ending very satisfying! There were definitely some twists I hadn’t expected... Just like life, it doesn’t all get tied up in a nice little bow at the end. The story takes on two themes that allows the reader to ponder certain aspects of life that are not often found in a novel. I absolutely loved the humor, and had numerous laugh-out-loud moments when I was reading it. This book could be read and understood by children age 13 on up. This is a book I would not have a problem with my own 7th grader, 13 year old, daughter reading.

Tim Downs has written a novel that is not only a thoroughly satisfying novel but is also a tightly crafted story that delivers a nice balance of drama, suspense and humor. The characters are clearly rendered, real people who struggle with day to day morality in the modern world at a big city hospital. But the book is never preachy, just a fun read that challenged me to think about what I would do in similar circumstances. And it also reminded me that what is going on in the spiritual world is a close and present reality. " I guess some people are are ready to believe and some people just aren't. I suppose some people think they're too smart for this kind of thing; they've got the universe all figured out and things like this don't fit in. Even God doesn't fit in- they've got him all explained away too."

The Revolutionary Paul Revere

2010-04-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel J. Miller is a Biogrophy of what turned out to be a very interesting and exciting life story of Paul Revere. At first, I thought it was a little slow for the reading, only because it starts out with his family history. But given the chance and getting through that helped to understand the story as it unfolded and how it shaped Paul in the later years to come. From childhood through the French and Indian War to the pre-revolutionary economic disasters ,tax fights and riots. His role in the military occupation of Boston; through Paul's part of the Boston Massacre trial, his role in the Boston Tea Party. The tragic death of his first wife through the whimsical pursuit of a new love; from his role as waterfront spy through his famous midnight ride; from his participation in the worst American naval disaster before Pearl Harbor. Revere’s life in the Freemasons and the secret political clubs of Boston. Discover his role in Massachusetts’ ratification of the U.S. Constitution. I would recommend this book for those of the high school age on up, because it is alot to understand and learn.

Joel J. Miller did a very good job a writing this book and at giving you as a reader a better understanding of Paul Revere as a man of society, government, military, political, family man, but also the shady side of this well known man as well. I'm glad i had the chance to read The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel J. Miller and get a better understanding of American History and how Paul Revere helped shape it in so many ways.

It’s probably all Betsy Wetsy’s fault.

2010-04-04T19:19:00.001-04:00

If the iconic baby-boom generation baby doll hadn’t introduced the world to the notion that dolls could have bodily functions, then maybe today we wouldn’t be talking about Bebe Gloton — the doll that that suckles 6-year-old girls.“I just worry about what’s next,” TODAY’s Kathie Lee Gifford said after watching a video clip showing a young girl wearing a vest with daisies where her breasts would be ... if she had any.The girl held the doll to the daisies, and the doll made suckling noises.“It’s got a little creep factor,” Gifford opined to co-host Hoda Kotb.“Why would you want a suckling doll for an 8-year-old?” Kotb wondered.Some are wondering why you would want a suckling doll for anyone. The Spanish manufacturers of Bebe Gloton — “Baby Glutton” in English — say the doll is meant to encourage nurturing in young girls and to promote breast-feeding. But others, including Kotb and Gifford, are wondering whether it’s too much, too soon.Then there’s the idea that it was just a matter of time. After all, Gifford observed, “we have dolls that go potty.”That was Betsy Wetsy’s big trick when she was introduced in the 1930s. It made the doll one of the most memorable and creative playthings of the 20th century, according to the Toy Industry Association, which enshrined Betsy in its Century of Toys list in 2003.Betsy’s success, which peaked in the 1950s, led to the invention of the next big thing in live-action dolls, Tiny Tears. Whereas Betsy Wetsy wet her pants after being fed a bottle, Tiny Tears cried after drinking hers.Little girls were enthralled.Today, there are anatomically correct dolls sold by specialty manufacturers such as Amamanta Family that take little girls and boys — and big ones, too — through the entire birth process. There are therapy dolls and disabled dolls and talking dolls and walking dolls.And now a doll that sucks on a daisy on a little girl’s chest.“I guess it teaches you about nurturing,” Kotb conceded.“But to see a 6-year-old,” she added, “it’s just weird.”

I found this today (( Friday, August 7, 2009 )) on MSN Today page and just bout flipped my lid....A peeing doll is one thing, and crying doll is another thing...and a breastfeeding doll is TOTALLY UNCALLED for.....This country has a high enough teen pregnancy birth rate as it is, why in the hell would you even consider subjecting a 6 year old to something like that? You dont suppose she might get a little curious and wonder what it may actually feel like in real time/life?....if your going to do something like this use for the program for the 8th graders that have to care for a mechanical baby doll for two weeks and everything gets documented by the micro-chip.....make some of them babies breastfeeding babies...but to do it to a 6 year-old you have got to be smoking crack or something and need your head examined......Enough with the real life stuff for kids already, let them be kids and enjoy being kids and not want to hurry up and grow up cause of some doll they have or any other toy that makes them feel grown-up....and to blame it on wetsy betsy is not even right, cause even at 6 years old any kid knows i drink something im going to go pee as well. Its not going to make a child want to grow up.

Love vs Knowing

2010-04-04T19:04:00.000-04:00

Loving our children...do we love them in a way that our parents was not able to love you and your siblings?

In some sense every parent does love their child/ren, but some parents are too broken to love them well and others are barely able to love them at all. Among the mysteries of a broken humanity, that too is rather remarkable: to learn, to allow change. With that in mind I ask you which of your children do you love the most? I would think everyone would answer/feel like I do and at that being...I don't love any one of them more then any of the others. I love each of them differently. Each child is unique, and their uniquiness and special personhood calls out a unique response from me. When I think of each of my girls individually, I find that I am especially fond of each one. When they don't behave, or make choices that I may not agree with, or perhaps belligerent and rude, or perhaps embarrass me in front of others it doesn't effect how I love or feel for them. I may get embarrassed or angry/upset, but even then they are still my daughters, they are still Ashley, Victoria, and Stephanie, and what they do may affect my pride, but not my love for them.

Love doesn't grow but instead it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing.

Bullying effects on society and my thoughts.

2010-03-31T10:22:00.001-04:00

Mom of teen charged with bullying Phoebe Prince into suicide blames victim

New York Daily News - Made Popular: 11 hours ago

The mother of one of the "Mean Girls" charged with bullying 15-year-old Phoebe Prince to death defended her daughter Tuesday, saying she never lifted a hand against the tormented girl but just "called her names." » Full Story on New York Daily News

Let's see if I understand this correctly...a full grown woman/mother, who I might add thinks its okay that her daughter called a fellow classmate names which eventually caused the young girl her own life.....I may not be the worlds most perfect parent, but I do know the difference between acceptable and nonacceptable behavior of my children and let me tell you, simple name calling wasn't something that I encouraged any of my girls to do. (( between best friends in a joking way is one thing, but to do it daily or several times a day is not okay no matter how you slice the cake )).......This mother ought to be ashamed of herself for even thinking that it was in any way shape or form the victims fault for her untimely death.....I personally think that the mother should have some sort of punishment as well, perhaps accomplish (( like those that are charged with accomplish to murder )) or something along those lines....Kids may not like that you check up on what they are looking at on the web, sending for txt msgs or hanging out, but parenting isn't about being your child's best friend, or thinking oh my daughter would never do anything like that.....Instead its about keeping them safe and allowing them to grow to be their own person but through guidance.....The mother of the victim in my opinion is also at fault for her daughter's death for not taking the steps to keep her daughter safe...change a phone number (( cell )) ....talk to your daughter about her feelings and how the name calling and bullying is bothering her.......I'm sorry but we as parents all need to go back to when technology wasn't running our lives but instead we were, and be held accountable for our actions or lack of actions in this case.

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan illustrated by Rene`e Graef

2010-03-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan illustrated by Rene`e Graef is a children's book, that I would recommend for preschoolers on up. Tells the story of how one little girl and her family are able to befriend the "mean old man" next door. Through her love for Jesus and patience, is able to help Papa Jack find his own way to Jesus and allow him to filled with the same kind of love that Katie has for Jesus. Papa Jack not only finds his way and allows Jesus into his life and heart, but is able to open his heart,arms,and gardens to the neighborhood children to begin what would turn to be a yearly Easter tradition. Papa Jack opened his gardens to everyone because of the Flowering Cross and his love for Jesus.

The point or message of this book is given to you through a very well but yet simple and easy to understand interpretation to the meaning of Easter. I enjoyed the book, and seeing the "Faith Imprints" in to the story allows the book to grow with the child/ren as well spiritually. Giving scriptures from the Bible to give a better understanding of what Katie is teaching Papa Jack. The illustrations themselves, are very well done and they alone can help the youngest of readers to retell the story. If your looking for a new tradition to start with your family , with easy to follow instructions to make your own Flowering Cross, or perhaps looking for a way to teach the meaning of Easter I would highly recommend this book to you, The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan.