Thursday, August 25, 2011

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger - 5 Stars

"Dinner With A Perfect Stranger" by David Gregory is a different kind of book. This is a short story of a man who is invited to dinner by Jesus of Nazareth. Thinking it is a practical joke of some kind, he goes to the location at the date and time on the invitation he received, only to meet a man who seems to know every detail of his life.


I found this book to be absolutely amazing. I loved the conversations between Jesus and Nick - they discuss religion, and not just Christianity, but briefly touch on the differences in religions. I thought that this was a very careful, well written story. Gregory doesn't go overboard in putting words into the mouth of his portrayal of Jesus, and the storyline itself is convincing.


I really enjoyed this book, and felt like it portrayed the kind of relationship that we yearn to have with Jesus. A relationship where we can talk to him, and feel that connection of a friendship. 

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Gabby God's Little Angel (Children's) - 5 Stars

"Gabby, God's Little Angel" is an absolutely adorable children's book. The premise of the book is that a young angel named Gabby is tasked with watching after a young girl, and making sure that she stays safe. This book is relatively short, so even young children who don't have the attention span to sit through a longer book would be content. The illustrations are beautifully done, with lots of bright, vivid colors and beautiful pictures that follow the storyline well.



This book is a wonderful introduction to angels for younger children. It isn't scary at all, and helps the child to understand that God sends angels to help protect us and keep us safe because God loves us so much. I think that this book was wonderful, and a friendly way to familiarize a young child with the concept of angels and Heaven.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

MacArthur - 4 Stars

 "MacArthur" is a practical biography of Douglas MacArthur that is easy to read, and very intriguing. Realisticaly the book felt more like a novel than an actual biography, and I really enjoyed following along the storyline of Douglas MacArthur's life.

This book starts off detailing the history of the MacArthur family. This is the only part of the book that got slightly confusing, but that is only because there were three Arthur MacArthurs - so it was a little confusing trying to keep track of the three generations all bearing the same name. This book follows a young Douglas into West 
Point and into his military career, and his successes that eclipsed those of the previous two generations of famous MacArthurs.

I found this book to be really interesting, without any overly complicated historical overtones. I appreciated that this book really was simple. I think that anyone would be able to enjoy this book, and it was so well written. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest in history. 
 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Love & War: Devotional for Couples - 4 Stars

"Love & War : Devotional for Couples" by John and Stasi Eldredge is a couples devotional designed to bring husband and wife closer together through a series of readings. These devotionals are very well written, and because they were penned by a husband and wife team, you feel like you are getting more of an unbiased voice, neither the husband or the wife.


The devotionals themselves are not extremely long - maybe three pages at most. Each devotional consists of a a quote that is relevant to the topic being discussed in that devotional, A short explanation of the subject matter and its relevancy, scriptural reference, short prayer, Bible verse, and then an exercise for couples to do together.

Overall, I found this devotional to be useful, and if nothing else, it does give you a special time each day to connect with your spouse over a short reading. 

Monday, August 1, 2011

The Fight Of Our Lives - 5 Stars

William Bennett is a literary genius. I have been a fan of Mr. Bennett for years, first enjoying his perspectives while listening to him on the morning conservative talk radio channel. I have always thought he was a brilliant man, and "The Fight Of Our Lives" only steepens my thought. 

"The Fight Of Our Lives" is essentially a book about the dangers facing our country currently - especially dealing with radical Islam. Bennett combines recent and relevant current events with a no-nonsense approach to the security of our country. He gives a great recount of the events and players in the threat of radical Islam facing the United States, and does so in a way that doesn't come off as demeaning, but as extremely concerned.



I also liked that Bennett didn't make this book overly complicated and politically charged. I thought that he made this book simple and easy to read, without any political correctness or "I know better than you" attitude. I really think that anyone could benefit from reading this book. Our country is in trouble, and unless we start dealing with it, we are going to be in big trouble. Bennett makes the case for standing up against these radical Islamists, and does so brilliantly.