Synopsis
Taking her cue from C. S. Lewis, Mrs. Arrington posits that “our failure of desire for God and his kingdom naturally flows from a failure of imagination of the splendor and beauty of our rewards, our promised kingdom, and the God who gives them and himself to us as gifts.” Part memoir, part meditation, part exhortation, Godsight examines the possible reasons for our lack of imagination and desire, explores avenues for renewing the eyes of our hearts, and encourages us to seek a new, true vision of the kingdom life, beginning in the here and now and culminating at that time when we shall know fully even as we are fully known.
Comments
This is one of those rare books that is both visually appealing in its physical form and substantive in its content. It acknowledges and affirms our most secret longings, and challenges us to allow God to develop and channel those longings into the perfect plan He has for us, beyond all that we can yet ask or imagine.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Book Review: Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas
Synopsis
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, a small boy of unspecified age but “he wasn’t very old either,” lives next door to an old folks’ home and visits the residents there. Upon hearing that his particular friend Miss Nancy has lost her memory, Wilfrid Gordon sets himself a quest to learn what a memory is, and to find one to give Miss Nancy. Drawing on the insights of his other older friends and reaching into his own special treasures, he succeeds.
Comments
This is one of those children’s books I checked out from the library for myself – sensitive to the touch of dementia on families through my own experiences, I was curious to see how the subject would be handled in a story directed to elementary school age children. It was here treated with dignity and reverence and sober sweetness in the text, with just enough comic relief in the illustrations. I highly recommend it for folks of all ages who are dealing with the memory loss of a loved one.
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, a small boy of unspecified age but “he wasn’t very old either,” lives next door to an old folks’ home and visits the residents there. Upon hearing that his particular friend Miss Nancy has lost her memory, Wilfrid Gordon sets himself a quest to learn what a memory is, and to find one to give Miss Nancy. Drawing on the insights of his other older friends and reaching into his own special treasures, he succeeds.
Comments
This is one of those children’s books I checked out from the library for myself – sensitive to the touch of dementia on families through my own experiences, I was curious to see how the subject would be handled in a story directed to elementary school age children. It was here treated with dignity and reverence and sober sweetness in the text, with just enough comic relief in the illustrations. I highly recommend it for folks of all ages who are dealing with the memory loss of a loved one.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thoughts on Synchronicity
Having been (very happily!) submerged (as much as a mother of four ranging from 3 to 20 years can ever be submerged in anything other than the crisis of the moment) in C. S. Lewis for the past couple of weeks - Mere Christianity talks with Andrew Lazo, The Problem of Pain in print in preparation for upcoming Sunday School study with Timothy Rouch, The Four Loves via audiobook with Chris, The Weight of Glory in hopes of attending Camp Allen retreat in the fall - I surfaced an hour ago, looked around to see what else was floating nearby, and my eye landed on George MacDonald's The Truth in Jesus edited by Michael Phillips.
Being a strange, bookish girl, I naturally started reading with the introduction, and just had to laugh (delightedly!): "When a man recognized as perhaps the most influential Christian author of the twentieth century speaks of his spiritual "master," one might naturally assume the elder to be as well known as his protege. Curiously, this has never been the case in the spiritual relationship between C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) and George MacDonald (1824-1905)..."
I (strange, bookish girl) did know of the connection between the two, but had no idea it was mentioned here. So enjoying my summer reading.
PS - Rounding things out, I'm also loving Splintered Light: Logos and Language in Tolkien's World by Verlyn Flieger.
Being a strange, bookish girl, I naturally started reading with the introduction, and just had to laugh (delightedly!): "When a man recognized as perhaps the most influential Christian author of the twentieth century speaks of his spiritual "master," one might naturally assume the elder to be as well known as his protege. Curiously, this has never been the case in the spiritual relationship between C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) and George MacDonald (1824-1905)..."
I (strange, bookish girl) did know of the connection between the two, but had no idea it was mentioned here. So enjoying my summer reading.
PS - Rounding things out, I'm also loving Splintered Light: Logos and Language in Tolkien's World by Verlyn Flieger.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
On Reading Old Books
Here's another excellent article:
http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/files/webfm/reflections/Feb10.pdf
http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/files/webfm/reflections/Feb10.pdf
Friday, July 9, 2010
Book Review: The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen
Synopsis
Nouwen opens with a description of “nuclear man,” the modern man who is forced to see that mankind's creative powers have reached a point where they hold the potential for imminent self-destruction. Nuclear man is further characterized by a historical dislocation, a fragmented ideology, and a search for immortality. Though originally intended to portray the youth coming of age at the time of the book's first publication in 1972, it is perhaps an even more accurate representation of the generations from that time forward.
The succeeding chapters share insights for ministry to the rootless and hopeless, emphasizing the necessity for one who would minister to others to first open himself up to participate fully in the suffering of those he is attempting to help and to share freely the compassion born of his own similar struggles.
The final chapter further explores the wounds of the minister and the grace by which they may become sources of healing to others. In the author's words, “A Christian community is therefore a healing community not because wounds are cured and pains are alleviated, but because wounds and pains become openings or occasions for a new vision. Mutual confession then becomes a mutual deepening of hope, and sharing weakness becomes a reminder to one and all of the coming strength.”
Nouwen opens with a description of “nuclear man,” the modern man who is forced to see that mankind's creative powers have reached a point where they hold the potential for imminent self-destruction. Nuclear man is further characterized by a historical dislocation, a fragmented ideology, and a search for immortality. Though originally intended to portray the youth coming of age at the time of the book's first publication in 1972, it is perhaps an even more accurate representation of the generations from that time forward.
The succeeding chapters share insights for ministry to the rootless and hopeless, emphasizing the necessity for one who would minister to others to first open himself up to participate fully in the suffering of those he is attempting to help and to share freely the compassion born of his own similar struggles.
The final chapter further explores the wounds of the minister and the grace by which they may become sources of healing to others. In the author's words, “A Christian community is therefore a healing community not because wounds are cured and pains are alleviated, but because wounds and pains become openings or occasions for a new vision. Mutual confession then becomes a mutual deepening of hope, and sharing weakness becomes a reminder to one and all of the coming strength.”
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Book Review: Dear and Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell
Synopsis
From childhood, Lucanus has a deep sensitivity to, and an uncanny ability to alleviate, the pain of others. During his youth, he also has several mystical encounters with a symbol of horror and suffering - a cross. As he matures, he is nurtured and taught first by tutors at home, and then at the university in Alexandria. Upon completion of his physician's training, he embarks on a career ministering almost exclusively to those who most need and can least afford good medical care. Although he touches many, he is tormented by his failure to be able to help some of those dearest to him.
On his travels, Lucanus begins to hear rumors and testimonies of a teacher in Judea, including stories of miraculous healings. He becomes obsessed with learning the truth about the man Jesus, and ultimately seeks out, interviews, and records the firsthand accounts of many who were closest to him. In the process, Lucanus works through his own anger and doubt to unshakable faith that the teacher from Nazareth was indeed the Son of God.
Comments
Dear and Glorious Physician is a shining example of historical fiction as it should be written. The author has clearly researched her material well, and treats the story with all due reverence without becoming stilted or sappy.
On the surface, this book is a richly detailed portrait of life in the Roman world near the time of Christ. On a deeper level, it is a moving account of the prevenient grace of God which shaped Luke into a physician, a believer, and a historian of the early church. Taken as a whole, it has enriched my reading of the New Testament by helping me to better visualize the settings and understand the ideology of the people of the time.
Recommendations
The book does contain some graphic descriptions of disease and sordid conditions. There is also some discussion of the depravities of the Roman upper class and court. These are, in my opinion, appropriate to an accurate depiction of that world at that time; however, they will be disturbing to some readers.
From childhood, Lucanus has a deep sensitivity to, and an uncanny ability to alleviate, the pain of others. During his youth, he also has several mystical encounters with a symbol of horror and suffering - a cross. As he matures, he is nurtured and taught first by tutors at home, and then at the university in Alexandria. Upon completion of his physician's training, he embarks on a career ministering almost exclusively to those who most need and can least afford good medical care. Although he touches many, he is tormented by his failure to be able to help some of those dearest to him.
On his travels, Lucanus begins to hear rumors and testimonies of a teacher in Judea, including stories of miraculous healings. He becomes obsessed with learning the truth about the man Jesus, and ultimately seeks out, interviews, and records the firsthand accounts of many who were closest to him. In the process, Lucanus works through his own anger and doubt to unshakable faith that the teacher from Nazareth was indeed the Son of God.
Comments
Dear and Glorious Physician is a shining example of historical fiction as it should be written. The author has clearly researched her material well, and treats the story with all due reverence without becoming stilted or sappy.
On the surface, this book is a richly detailed portrait of life in the Roman world near the time of Christ. On a deeper level, it is a moving account of the prevenient grace of God which shaped Luke into a physician, a believer, and a historian of the early church. Taken as a whole, it has enriched my reading of the New Testament by helping me to better visualize the settings and understand the ideology of the people of the time.
Recommendations
The book does contain some graphic descriptions of disease and sordid conditions. There is also some discussion of the depravities of the Roman upper class and court. These are, in my opinion, appropriate to an accurate depiction of that world at that time; however, they will be disturbing to some readers.
Book Review: Could It Be Dementia? Losing Your Mind Doesn't Mean Losing Your Soul by Louise Morse and Roger Hitchings
Synopsis
The authors are a manager and a trustee with Pilgrim Homes, a group of Christian residential care homes in the United Kingdom. The book first addresses an understanding of the human brain, including the mind/spirit/soul connection. It then progresses through discussions of the symptoms of dementia, possible causes and prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care, and effects on families.
Comments
Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's Disease, has been part of my family's life for twenty years; I've had at least four relatives diagnosed to date. Many of the people I know also have family members or friends who are affected.
This book is quite probably the best of many I have read on the subject, and the only faith-based one. While some of the examples given are specific to systems and agencies in place in the UK, the great bulk of the information is universally applicable to anyone dealing with dementia in some form. It provides adequate and accurate medical information in language understandable to the average reader; practical guidelines to help determine whether symptoms are truly dementia, or some other similarly-manifesting illness or imbalance; and perhaps most importantly, affirmation and hope that even when a person's mind is adrift, his soul is still safely in God's hands and able to commune through the Spirit in ways beyond human understanding.
I would like to be able to place this book in the hands of every family, friend, pastor, and counselor dealing with the challenges of dementia. It achieves a rare balance of practicality and sensitivity, infused with a refreshing and soothing assurance of God's faithfulness.
The authors are a manager and a trustee with Pilgrim Homes, a group of Christian residential care homes in the United Kingdom. The book first addresses an understanding of the human brain, including the mind/spirit/soul connection. It then progresses through discussions of the symptoms of dementia, possible causes and prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care, and effects on families.
Comments
Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's Disease, has been part of my family's life for twenty years; I've had at least four relatives diagnosed to date. Many of the people I know also have family members or friends who are affected.
This book is quite probably the best of many I have read on the subject, and the only faith-based one. While some of the examples given are specific to systems and agencies in place in the UK, the great bulk of the information is universally applicable to anyone dealing with dementia in some form. It provides adequate and accurate medical information in language understandable to the average reader; practical guidelines to help determine whether symptoms are truly dementia, or some other similarly-manifesting illness or imbalance; and perhaps most importantly, affirmation and hope that even when a person's mind is adrift, his soul is still safely in God's hands and able to commune through the Spirit in ways beyond human understanding.
I would like to be able to place this book in the hands of every family, friend, pastor, and counselor dealing with the challenges of dementia. It achieves a rare balance of practicality and sensitivity, infused with a refreshing and soothing assurance of God's faithfulness.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Book Review: Porch Talk by Philip Gulley
Synposis
Author and Quaker minister Philip Gulley shares with readers what might well be pages from his personal journal – reminiscences, wonderings, opinions – dealing with issues ranging from “A Curious Obsession” to “You Get What You Pay For” to “The Natural Order of Things” to “The End Times.”
Comments
Gulley writes in an easy, conversational tone that makes one feel as if he is, indeed, engaged in “porch talk” with a neighbor, discussing whatever is on his mind. “All manner of lessons were learned on the front porch,” he contends. “When the porches went, so did the stories and the wisdom with them.”
This is an easy and relaxing read - a collection of short stories or essays that work well one at a time when you have only a little while to read.
Author and Quaker minister Philip Gulley shares with readers what might well be pages from his personal journal – reminiscences, wonderings, opinions – dealing with issues ranging from “A Curious Obsession” to “You Get What You Pay For” to “The Natural Order of Things” to “The End Times.”
Comments
Gulley writes in an easy, conversational tone that makes one feel as if he is, indeed, engaged in “porch talk” with a neighbor, discussing whatever is on his mind. “All manner of lessons were learned on the front porch,” he contends. “When the porches went, so did the stories and the wisdom with them.”
This is an easy and relaxing read - a collection of short stories or essays that work well one at a time when you have only a little while to read.
About Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/ is my preferred site for keeping track of books - what I've read, what I want to read, what I own, what I want to buy. It's also a great resource for basic information about books you have heard of and want to know more about; there have been very few titles I've searched here that haven't turned up any results. Ratings and reviews from other members can also help determine whether a particular book is really what you're looking for.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Book Review: Religious Literacy by Stephen Prothero
Synopsis
In the first two sections of this book, Prothero, the chair of Boston University's Department of Religion, exposes and expounds upon the sometimes surprising underlying causes of the widespread lack of basic religious knowledge and understanding in the United States today. He also discusses the far-reaching ramifications of this ignorance, giving particular attention to its impact in the political arena. He avers, "I write here not as a believer (or unbeliever) but as a citizen. My purpose is not to foster faith or to denigrate it...My goal is to help citizens participate fully in social, political, and economic life in a nation and a world in which religion counts." The third section proposes ways to re-introduce religious education into the nation's school systems, taking care to clarify the constitutionality of such an endeavor. The final chapter is "A Dictionary of Religious Literacy," focusing on "information US citizens need to make sense of their country and the world - the key stories, doctrines, practices, symbols, scriptures, people, places, phrases, groups, and holidays of the world's major religions."
Comments
Although Prothero's intent is to foster religious literacy as it applies to the civic sector, this book can also serve as a valuable resource for Christian apologists, who must have some understanding of the belief systems of other religions in order to effectively and respectfully present the gospel.
In the first two sections of this book, Prothero, the chair of Boston University's Department of Religion, exposes and expounds upon the sometimes surprising underlying causes of the widespread lack of basic religious knowledge and understanding in the United States today. He also discusses the far-reaching ramifications of this ignorance, giving particular attention to its impact in the political arena. He avers, "I write here not as a believer (or unbeliever) but as a citizen. My purpose is not to foster faith or to denigrate it...My goal is to help citizens participate fully in social, political, and economic life in a nation and a world in which religion counts." The third section proposes ways to re-introduce religious education into the nation's school systems, taking care to clarify the constitutionality of such an endeavor. The final chapter is "A Dictionary of Religious Literacy," focusing on "information US citizens need to make sense of their country and the world - the key stories, doctrines, practices, symbols, scriptures, people, places, phrases, groups, and holidays of the world's major religions."
Comments
Although Prothero's intent is to foster religious literacy as it applies to the civic sector, this book can also serve as a valuable resource for Christian apologists, who must have some understanding of the belief systems of other religions in order to effectively and respectfully present the gospel.
The Use and Abuse of Books
...an excellent article found at www.cslewisinstitute.org/files/webfm/knowing_doing/Archibald Alexander (Calhoun).pdf
Monday, July 5, 2010
Book Review: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller
Synopsis
Drawing upon his years of experience as a sheep rancher, Keller reveals depths of meaning in this well-known but imperfectly-understood Psalm unimagined by people living in modern non-agricultural societies. His intimate knowledge of the terminology of sheepherding, the common habits and maladies of sheep, and the concerns and practices of conscientious shepherds enables the author to explain the symbolism behind virtually every phrase of the poem, which he interprets as a recounting of the cycle of the year for sheep and shepherd. Additionally, Keller pulls into his exposition the threads of Jesus' descriptions of Himself in the gospel of John, weaving a rich tapestry portrait of the Good Shepherd.
Comments and Recommendations
I was amazed and humbled to discover the parallels between the life of sheep and our journey of faith. Reflection on the principles presented here will serve to both broaden and deepen the comfort so many derive from these familiar verses. I encourage the reader to take time to savor each phrase and its underlying significance.
Drawing upon his years of experience as a sheep rancher, Keller reveals depths of meaning in this well-known but imperfectly-understood Psalm unimagined by people living in modern non-agricultural societies. His intimate knowledge of the terminology of sheepherding, the common habits and maladies of sheep, and the concerns and practices of conscientious shepherds enables the author to explain the symbolism behind virtually every phrase of the poem, which he interprets as a recounting of the cycle of the year for sheep and shepherd. Additionally, Keller pulls into his exposition the threads of Jesus' descriptions of Himself in the gospel of John, weaving a rich tapestry portrait of the Good Shepherd.
Comments and Recommendations
I was amazed and humbled to discover the parallels between the life of sheep and our journey of faith. Reflection on the principles presented here will serve to both broaden and deepen the comfort so many derive from these familiar verses. I encourage the reader to take time to savor each phrase and its underlying significance.
Book Review: The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis
Synopsis
Lewis begins by drawing a distinction between "gift-love" and "need-love," defining the first as the type of love which motivates a man to work and plan for his family's future well-being although he will not live to see its fulfillment, and the second as that which sends a frightened child running to his mother. There follows a scholarly yet warmly conversational discussion of the four loves known to man: affection, friendship, eros, and charity. In conclusion, the author says, "We must try to relate the human activities called "loves" to that Love which is God." He explains that the Creator implants in us both gift-loves, which are natural images of Himself, and need-loves, which are correlatives. "But in addition to these natural loves God can bestow a far better gift…He communicates to men a share of His own divine gift-love: Love Himself working in a man."
Comments
C. S. Lewis' candid reflections help the reader define and sort out the types of love common to human experience, and to determine their right and proper places and functions in relation to one another and to the over-arching love of God which is the wellspring of all human loves.
Recommendations
I would suggest that this book be read incrementally, with time for digestion and reflection between chapters, and special attention given to the final pages in which all the concepts are tied together.
Lewis begins by drawing a distinction between "gift-love" and "need-love," defining the first as the type of love which motivates a man to work and plan for his family's future well-being although he will not live to see its fulfillment, and the second as that which sends a frightened child running to his mother. There follows a scholarly yet warmly conversational discussion of the four loves known to man: affection, friendship, eros, and charity. In conclusion, the author says, "We must try to relate the human activities called "loves" to that Love which is God." He explains that the Creator implants in us both gift-loves, which are natural images of Himself, and need-loves, which are correlatives. "But in addition to these natural loves God can bestow a far better gift…He communicates to men a share of His own divine gift-love: Love Himself working in a man."
Comments
C. S. Lewis' candid reflections help the reader define and sort out the types of love common to human experience, and to determine their right and proper places and functions in relation to one another and to the over-arching love of God which is the wellspring of all human loves.
Recommendations
I would suggest that this book be read incrementally, with time for digestion and reflection between chapters, and special attention given to the final pages in which all the concepts are tied together.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Book Review: A Live Coal in the Sea by Madeleine L'Engle
Synopsis
Camilla Dickinson shares the complex story of her life with granddaughter Raffi, whose father’s erratic behavior and insinuating remarks have prompted her to question her identity. The choices, actions, and sufferings of previous generations, and their far-reaching ramifications, are brought to light as Camilla and her close friend Luisa share their memories with Raffi. Through the process, Raffi learns not only the facts about herself and her family, but also the truth that love and mercy are stronger than sin and deceit.
Reviewer’s Comments
Marital infidelity and sexual abuse are prominent elements in the history of this family. Sodomy is referred to in plain unvarnished language, and sexual intercourse is called by its most vulgar name in one or two instances. Adultery and abuse are clearly presented as wrong behaviors with tragic repercussions for many more people than those involved in the acts themselves. The underlying theme of the book is how mercy – God’s to mankind, and individuals’ to each other – carries people through tragedy.
This is an intense look at how one person’s actions may affect many others in ways almost beyond imagination, and an amazing confirmation that love covers a multitude of sins. It is thought-provoking and moving, and definitely for a very mature reader.
Camilla Dickinson shares the complex story of her life with granddaughter Raffi, whose father’s erratic behavior and insinuating remarks have prompted her to question her identity. The choices, actions, and sufferings of previous generations, and their far-reaching ramifications, are brought to light as Camilla and her close friend Luisa share their memories with Raffi. Through the process, Raffi learns not only the facts about herself and her family, but also the truth that love and mercy are stronger than sin and deceit.
Reviewer’s Comments
Marital infidelity and sexual abuse are prominent elements in the history of this family. Sodomy is referred to in plain unvarnished language, and sexual intercourse is called by its most vulgar name in one or two instances. Adultery and abuse are clearly presented as wrong behaviors with tragic repercussions for many more people than those involved in the acts themselves. The underlying theme of the book is how mercy – God’s to mankind, and individuals’ to each other – carries people through tragedy.
This is an intense look at how one person’s actions may affect many others in ways almost beyond imagination, and an amazing confirmation that love covers a multitude of sins. It is thought-provoking and moving, and definitely for a very mature reader.
Book Review: A Better Way of Dying by Jeanne Fitzpatrick, M.D. and Eileen M. Fitzpatrick, J.D.
Synopsis
Sisters Jeanne and Eileen Fitzpatrick, one a medical doctor and one an attorney, share stories ranging from heartbreaking to uplifting of deaths and attendant legal battles they have witnessed in their work. Based on insights gained through these experiences, they have envisioned and structured a Compassion Protocol, a better way of dying.
The Compassion Protocol is designed as a means of allowing individuals to maintain control of the circumstances of their last days and choose a natural death. While primarily targeted toward the mentally competent elderly, the terminally ill, and those facing the irreversible deterioration of Alzheimer's Disease, the plan can be arranged for future implementation by anyone at any stage of life. The foundational premise of this protocol is that every person has the right to choose a natural death, by refusing or discontinuing interventive measures which circumvent potential "exit events," such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or infection, opting instead for comfort care only.
Comments
The Compassion Protocol does NOT in any way promote or suggest assisted/enabled suicide; its intent is simply to allow death to occur naturally sooner rather than later, opting out of "heroic measures" which often only prolong existence and multiply expense without restoring any quality of life. The book includes much thoughtful discussion, as well as structured reflection exercises to help readers understand their options and make informed decisions.
Sisters Jeanne and Eileen Fitzpatrick, one a medical doctor and one an attorney, share stories ranging from heartbreaking to uplifting of deaths and attendant legal battles they have witnessed in their work. Based on insights gained through these experiences, they have envisioned and structured a Compassion Protocol, a better way of dying.
The Compassion Protocol is designed as a means of allowing individuals to maintain control of the circumstances of their last days and choose a natural death. While primarily targeted toward the mentally competent elderly, the terminally ill, and those facing the irreversible deterioration of Alzheimer's Disease, the plan can be arranged for future implementation by anyone at any stage of life. The foundational premise of this protocol is that every person has the right to choose a natural death, by refusing or discontinuing interventive measures which circumvent potential "exit events," such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or infection, opting instead for comfort care only.
Comments
The Compassion Protocol does NOT in any way promote or suggest assisted/enabled suicide; its intent is simply to allow death to occur naturally sooner rather than later, opting out of "heroic measures" which often only prolong existence and multiply expense without restoring any quality of life. The book includes much thoughtful discussion, as well as structured reflection exercises to help readers understand their options and make informed decisions.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Book Review: The Wisdom of Tenderness by Brennan Manning
Synopsis
Manning opens the book with a statement of concern about the current state of Western spirituality, and recommends as an antidote the Biblical wisdom which is personified in Jesus Christ and His essential tenderness toward "us sin-scarred ragamuffins." It is not suggested that God's justice is negated by this tenderness, but rather that it is "because He is just that He is compassionate…for He knows our weakness." The author shares personal experiences that have led him into a deeper relationship with God as a loving father with a heart of tenderness and invites the reader to embrace our Lord's unfathomable mercy and grace.
Reviewer's Comments
Manning contends that "every change in the quality of a person's life must grow out of a change in his or her vision of reality." The insights shared in this book have life-changing potential for the reader who comes to it with an open heart and mind, willing to re-examine the sometimes distorted popular image of God.
Recommendations
I would encourage the reader to find a quiet place to read and reread this book slowly, carefully, prayerfully, and in small increments, allowing time for the simple but powerful truth of God's tenderness to saturate his spirit.
Manning opens the book with a statement of concern about the current state of Western spirituality, and recommends as an antidote the Biblical wisdom which is personified in Jesus Christ and His essential tenderness toward "us sin-scarred ragamuffins." It is not suggested that God's justice is negated by this tenderness, but rather that it is "because He is just that He is compassionate…for He knows our weakness." The author shares personal experiences that have led him into a deeper relationship with God as a loving father with a heart of tenderness and invites the reader to embrace our Lord's unfathomable mercy and grace.
Reviewer's Comments
Manning contends that "every change in the quality of a person's life must grow out of a change in his or her vision of reality." The insights shared in this book have life-changing potential for the reader who comes to it with an open heart and mind, willing to re-examine the sometimes distorted popular image of God.
Recommendations
I would encourage the reader to find a quiet place to read and reread this book slowly, carefully, prayerfully, and in small increments, allowing time for the simple but powerful truth of God's tenderness to saturate his spirit.
Book Review: The Arm of the Starfish by Madeleine L'Engle
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Adam Eddington, a gifted marine biology student, is en route to Portugal for a summer job assisting renowned scientist Dr. Calvin O’Keefe when he encounters gorgeous Kali Cutter in an airport. This “chance” meeting thrusts him into a fast-moving power struggle between those who would rightly limit the use of an amazing scientific discovery and those who would manipulate it with concern only for their own gain. Through a whirlwind of necessarily instantaneous decisions and their consequences, Adam learns a great deal about human nature, wisdom, trust and forgiveness.
Reviewer’s Comments
This is a very fast-paced story, one of those that would ideally be read in one sitting. Espionage and violence are balanced by compassion and altruism. The book’s theme is reiterated in a portion of a poem by Robert Frost, “Two Tramps in Mud Time,” quoted by the key characters: “Only where love and need are one, and the work is play for mortal stakes, is the deed ever really done for Heaven and the future’s sakes.”
Recommendations
The Arm of the Starfish should easily hold the reader’s attention, due to the virtually continuous action. The violence (a kidnapping, a shark attack, and a shooting) could be disturbing to some, and the complexity of the story line a bit difficult to follow, so I would recommend it for teens or older.
Sixteen-year-old Adam Eddington, a gifted marine biology student, is en route to Portugal for a summer job assisting renowned scientist Dr. Calvin O’Keefe when he encounters gorgeous Kali Cutter in an airport. This “chance” meeting thrusts him into a fast-moving power struggle between those who would rightly limit the use of an amazing scientific discovery and those who would manipulate it with concern only for their own gain. Through a whirlwind of necessarily instantaneous decisions and their consequences, Adam learns a great deal about human nature, wisdom, trust and forgiveness.
Reviewer’s Comments
This is a very fast-paced story, one of those that would ideally be read in one sitting. Espionage and violence are balanced by compassion and altruism. The book’s theme is reiterated in a portion of a poem by Robert Frost, “Two Tramps in Mud Time,” quoted by the key characters: “Only where love and need are one, and the work is play for mortal stakes, is the deed ever really done for Heaven and the future’s sakes.”
Recommendations
The Arm of the Starfish should easily hold the reader’s attention, due to the virtually continuous action. The violence (a kidnapping, a shark attack, and a shooting) could be disturbing to some, and the complexity of the story line a bit difficult to follow, so I would recommend it for teens or older.
Book Review: Honey for a Teen's Heart by Gladys Hunt and Barbara Hampton
Synopsis
Honey for a Teen’s Heart consists of ten chapters addressing the whys and hows of developing a love of literature into an integral part of family life, followed by book lists with annotations which include title, author, date of publication, brief synopsis of plot, and recommendations including appropriate ages and suggestions of the issues that may be addressed by or arise from the reading.
Reviewer’s Comments
I found the first ten chapters affirming and encouraging. The annotations of the books with which I am familiar were concise and accurate and, I felt, largely on target. Of course, there were some books included which I would not have my children read, and a few which I regard highly were omitted.
While the inclusion of a book in the lists clearly indicates the authors’ feeling that it is worthy of our time and attention, the recommendations seemed, to me, to be carefully neutral. I would have liked more specific information about how much violence, racism, crude language, sexual innuendo, etc. occur in a book, and how these issues are presented and resolved.
Recommendations
This is a valuable resource for the home in which reading is (or is wished to become) an important family activity. However, I would not encourage a parent to give a child a book with which the parent is not familiar simply on the merit of its being included in these reading lists.
Honey for a Teen’s Heart consists of ten chapters addressing the whys and hows of developing a love of literature into an integral part of family life, followed by book lists with annotations which include title, author, date of publication, brief synopsis of plot, and recommendations including appropriate ages and suggestions of the issues that may be addressed by or arise from the reading.
Reviewer’s Comments
I found the first ten chapters affirming and encouraging. The annotations of the books with which I am familiar were concise and accurate and, I felt, largely on target. Of course, there were some books included which I would not have my children read, and a few which I regard highly were omitted.
While the inclusion of a book in the lists clearly indicates the authors’ feeling that it is worthy of our time and attention, the recommendations seemed, to me, to be carefully neutral. I would have liked more specific information about how much violence, racism, crude language, sexual innuendo, etc. occur in a book, and how these issues are presented and resolved.
Recommendations
This is a valuable resource for the home in which reading is (or is wished to become) an important family activity. However, I would not encourage a parent to give a child a book with which the parent is not familiar simply on the merit of its being included in these reading lists.
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