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Reviews Written by
W. Terry Whalin "Publisher/ Editor / Writer" (Scottsdale, Arizona)
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An Honest Look at A Family Who Changes, December 13, 2009
Whether we want to admit it or not, changes is difficult for most of us. Through the pages of HALFWAY TO EACH OTHER, Susan Pohlman pulls back the curtain on her family and marriage. She gives us an intimate look at how her family changed and grew.
I believe some of the insight in this book is pictured in the last paragraph of the prologue, "People who have lived through a personal crisis often say that faith is what got them through it. I knew now that God sends us messages and overpowering feelings every day but we only hear him in fits and starts and we listen even less. I did not take Matthew 6:25-34 to heart until I was an emotional wreck and then I was all ears, listening like a child with a cup to the wall."
I enjoyed this well-crafted book. It is an engaging read and recommended.
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Gain A Fresh Perspective on An Ancient Symbol--The Cross, December 13, 2009
Throughout the ages the Cross has been symbolized in many different fashions and Judith Couchman takes the reader on a remarkable journey. Until I read through this well-done book, I had no idea the various symbols used to represent the Cross. In fact, Couchman captures 40 different representations in this book which includes seven different parts:
**The Cross in Pre-Christian Times
**The Cross and the Suffering Savior
**The Cross and the First Believers
**The Cross and Early Religious Freedom
**The Cross in Ancient Everyday Life
**The Cross in Early Church Life
**The Cross and Its Eternal Power
This book can be used as a devotional learning experience about the Cross or you can read it straight through like any nonfiction book. I found it a bit unusual to release a book about the Cross around Christmas because typically the Church is tuned into the Cross around Easter instead of Christmas. Yet toward the end of the book on page 195, I found the Christmas connection within this book: "Christmas Day 800 marked one of the turning points to European history. Charles, King of the Franks, attended the third Nativity mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. He prostrated himself for prayers at the Tomb of the Apostle, in front of the congregation. when Charles rose from his petitions, Pope Leo III stepped forward and crowned him emperor of the Romans. The assemblage cried out, "Long life and victory to Charles, the most pious Augustus, the great, peace-loving emperor, crowned by God." Then everyone in attendance, including the pope, bowed to the new emperor, also known as Charlemagne." And to think that such a celebration happened on Christmas Day.
Pick up a copy of THE MYSTERY OF THE CROSS. It will shake you out of your routine thinking about this ancient symbol.
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6 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
Worthwhile Insightful Read, December 5, 2009
Sarah Palin tells her story in her own way in GOING ROGUE. I gained a new appreciation for her love of family yet her savvy ability to lead as a politician who walks to the beat of a different drum. The book is insightful about what happened in the last political campaign and gives a different perspective than you will ever find in the media.
I enjoyed this book and recommend you read it and decide for yourself.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
This Little Red Book Could Transform Your Writing Life, November 29, 2009
When writers put words on paper, they are going to war--especially war with the voices in their head that tell them NOT to put words on the paper. In a little book loaded with insight, James Scott Bell has written a powerful prescription for every writer--whether they are fiction writers or nonfiction writers.
Following the pattern of Sun Tzu and his classic, THE ART OF WAR, Bell divides his book into three parts: reconnaissance or the mental game of writing, tactics or the writing craft and finally strategy or advice about the publishing business. The first and the last section are universal principles for any writer (fiction or nonfiction) while the tactics section is mostly specific to fiction writers.
A skilled communicator, Bell mixes examples from other writers, his own personal stories and profound wisdom. I suggest you read this book at least twice. Once with your highlighter to mark many pages, then a second time in daily little chunks to inspire you to write the words only you can write.
The final pages of this title turn to five words from Sun Tzu, "The commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness." With clarity and simple words, Bell challenges the writer in all five areas and these words are crafted from his years of experience in the publishing world. I loved this sentence in the courage section on page 258, "You have it inside you to fight this fight. Write, think about what you write, then write some more."
I highly recommend this book for writers of every persuasion.
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Practical Guide for Any Area of Life You Want to Improve, November 23, 2009
Three words at the top of the book cover summarize critical concepts in this well-written book: Focus, Perform, Succeed. Yet how? The "how" and the "why" are contained in this title. As the authors write in the introduction, "At their core, the five attributes of Performance Intelligence are the same in both sports and business: focus, confidence, a winning game plan, self-discipline, and competitiveness."
I appreciated the sports lessons combined with specific application for the reader. I recommend this book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Get This Engaging Book to Move Your Faith to the Next Level, November 23, 2009
Do you love to read stories? While it's hard to listen to a finger-pointing preacher (which this book is not), it's easy to keep turning pages with a good story.
Jim Walters is a great storyteller. As a flight instructor and a life-long pilot, he hooks the reader from the opening pages right through the final paragraph. This book, WHEN FAITH TAKES FLIGHT, uses Jim's flying experiences as the starting point for the reader to examine ten basics about the journey of faith. The result is a simple yet thought-provoking reading experience.
Wherever you are in your faith, you need a copy of this book. Also it is an ideal gift for anyone struggling with their faith. I highly recommend WHEN FAITH TAKES FLIGHT.
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The Kill Artist
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by Daniel Silva
Edition: Paperback |
| Price: $9.99 |
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| Availability: In Stock |
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A Great Introduction to Gabriel Allon, November 10, 2009
Daniel Silva fully deserves his reputation as a excellent writer. Through THE KILL ARTIST, the reader meets Gabriel Allon who continues as the primary character for many books which follow this one. I found this story riveting and excellent entertainment. The character development, plot twists and storyline are exceptional. I recommend this title.
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The Lost Symbol
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by Dan Brown
Edition: Hardcover |
| Price: $12.00 |
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| Availability: In Stock |
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Another Well-Crafted Thriller, November 2, 2009
Dan Brown knows how to take characters and put them into a desparate situation so the reader has to keep turning the pages. I completed THE LOST SYMBOL last night and found it a satisfying reading experience.
It was not the best piece of fiction that I've read this year but it was certainly worth reading.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
A Beautiful Reflection of the Christian Journey, October 25, 2009
With simple words and beautiful images, Maggie Woychik captures the Christian life. As she writes in the introduction, "The transition from rescue to learning His truths, to knowing and loving Him as Friend, is illustrated in the reflections that follow. I have chosen the mountain and (to a lesser extent) the sea as vehicles of expression)." (Page 20)
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
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A Gripping Page-turner, October 25, 2009
Once again Daniel Silva has captured my reading attention with THE DEFECTOR. From the opening page until the final paragraph, I was spellbound with his storytelling skills. The characters and dialogue are excellent. I loved this book and recommend it.
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(Scottsdale, Arizona)
