Handel Bücher

Raising Sons and Loving It - Gary and Carrie Oliver

2011-11-21T21:27:00.001-08:00

Give them grace - Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson

2011-10-22T16:21:00.001-07:00

*****
This one was a winner - probably the best parenting book I've read so far. It claims to be different and it is. I love how saturated with the gospel it is - I feel I inspired to live my life more conscious of Christ's work. It doesn't promise success or pass down and formulas but it has changed the way I think about parenting and I want to read it again - and my bible more - till I'm filled with more grace to give.

Sent from my iPad

Hannah's Hope - Jennifer Saake

2011-09-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

*****

Great book, Jennifer absolutely captures what those facing infertility (including miscarriage and adoption loss) think and feel (at least my experience). She offers scriptural insights, thoughtful suggestions and resources both for those facing infertility and those seeking to support someone in their life who is on that journey. Read with a tissue in hand.

Sent from my iPad

Boundaries - Henry Cloud and John Townsend

2011-09-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

****
Good book, suggested by our councilor and worth the read. Compared to most phycology/self help books it's very readable and scriptural (my opinion of course ;). I was surprised at how much scripture he incorporated.

Sent from my iPad

Captivating - John and Stasi Eldredge

2011-08-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

*****

Really liked this book. Shed a lot of light for me on what it means that woman is the crown of creation and how a woman uses beauty to serve and glorify God. Also especially loved the chapter of feminine friendship.

Sent from my iPad

OneTthousand Gifts - Ann Voskamp

2011-07-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

****

I liked this book, it was a little "artistically worded" but heartfelt I think rather than over the top or cheesy.

My takeaway from the book was to combat discontent, sadness, etc with thankfulness. Little lesson, big impact. Seemed like it took her a lot of pages to say it but sometimes it works better that way anyway...

Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches, Russell D Moore

2010-12-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

****
I loved this book. Pete and I have been seriously considering adoption for the near future (we always thought we might someday but with the past years events we have been moving up the timeline). We loved the way Moore laid out a biblical theology of adoption and "walking" through the his experiences with adoption helped us think through what the road might look like in a new way.

Thanks Amy for suggesting it on your blog!

Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World: Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-12-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

***
Very enjoyable read. I loved the amish proverbs that began each chapter and the summaries that gave practical suggestions on how to rethink our modern lifestyle without moving to Lancaster Pennsylvania. It was a good vacation read - although a few chapters at the end drew a tear or two...

Life is so Good: George Dawson and Richard Glaubman

2010-12-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

****
Really good read - big take home points - don't worry and be content. I'll let you discover the rest for yourself :)

Parenting Your Infant/Toddler by the Spirit: Yes, you can lay the foundation for a godly character - Sally Hohnberger

2010-12-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

**
I stopped reading this one when it seemed to be repeating without much new content. The book was a good reminder to remember prayer in the midst of child training/correction and it did focus on infants a toddlers. I wasn't comfortable with the author's "style" however as she came across rather legalistic (she is a 7th day Adventist) and a lot of her "techniques" seemed more like toddler "healings" straight from the local tent meeting. I would not recommend this book unless you were willing to dig with extra discernment for the diamonds in the rough.

Creative Correction (Focus on the Family Book) - Lisa Whelchel

2010-12-31T14:19:00.000-08:00

***
Was a good interesting read and I will definitely come back to this looking for creative "consequences" once Leo is a little older but for the toddler age this material was definitely not yet applicable. Her style is really enjoyable however and it read almost like a novel. Definitely the "lightest" parenting book I've read, full of humorous stories yet it still provided some good practical information. Possibly a good productive vacation read :)

The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure - William Goldman

2010-12-31T14:15:00.000-08:00

**
Totally enjoyable light reading - mostly pretty close to the book accept omissions which were immediately understandable. A few interesting background tidbits are discovered that would definitely be of interest to a fan (and bring extra dimension to a few characters) but mostly the additional material was mediocre to just plan bad. The story outside the story (which is much more expansive in the book than movie) could have been skipped altogether in my opinion.

Teach Them Diligently: How To Use The Scriptures In Child Training - Louis Paul Priolo

2010-12-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

****
I really liked this book as well - it's emphasis on bringing the scriptures into your child rearing was great. It had a lot of great principles and some practical advice as well - again it didn't deal a lot with the toddler age. The main thrust was on the parent's learning of scripture - which is great I totally agree - but I'd love for someone to come up with some tools to for me to teach my child biblical lessons in a way that we would both enjoy and doesn't take hours of planning. We have tons of bible books but really need some good bible board books as well as some books using bible stories (preferably) to deal with issues he faces - obeying parents being the primary one respecting others a good second.

Parenting by the Book - John Rosemond

2010-12-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

****
This was a favorite of mine - Really enjoyed a guilt lifting look at what parenting used to be about. Great principles but not a lot of nitty gritty practicality for the toddler age. The great general framework for parenting however made it definitely worth the read!

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk - Adele Faber, Elaine Mazlish

2010-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

*
Have to admit I didn't finish this one - maybe I'll go back and skim the rest it had great tips on the general psychology of how conversations work but the parenting philosophy was way off base in my opinion.

Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years - Jim Fay, Charles Fay

2010-12-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

***
I liked this book. While I don't agree with all their stances - they think spanking is cruel and that babies aren't defiant till they're two! - they were the first parenting book that I've read to give helpful PRACTICAL tips on how to deal with toddlers. I love their techniques to deal with tantrums and their helpful tips with response "procedures" that help you keep your cool in the heat of disobedience.

Nurture Shock - Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman

2010-07-22T16:52:00.001-07:00

***

Interesting and enlightening, this book challenges traditional thoughts on a variety of parenting techniques/methods. You have to read it to believe some of the theories the studies they discuss have uncovered. It might change the way you interact with your child in very fundamental ways...

Meaning at the Movies: Becoming a Discerning Viewer - Grant Horner

2010-07-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

****
I really liked this one. Full disclosure - it was written by one of my favorite college profs so I may be a little biased but I found it an excellent read. Much more than the typical legalistic approach to what is "appropriate" this books delves into the world views behind the movies and helps you discern truth while dissecting some exemplary movie gems in a very enlightening and enjoyable discussion. I read it within the first 24hrs after landed on my door step. Reminded me of the good old college days. Sigh.

Parenting with Scripture - Kara Durbin

2010-07-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

***
This is a REFERENCE book. It lists scriptures that can be used to teach about different topics. The topics appear in the book alphabetically with discussion questions and application activities. A good resource but not really bedside reading. That said we've used it a couple of times already when looking for scripture to help with issues that Leo is encountering.

Why Smart People Do Stupid Things With Money - Bert Whitehead

2009-12-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

**** Peter: Great book - outlines lots of things to consider, and suggests a clear investment strategy that seems well-balanced. Full of interesting facts and little quizzes to help you understand your goals. Recommended!

**** Julie: Great read - even the most prepared will learn something new about planning for retirement. This book has a conservative approach to planning for the future with the goal of preparing you for most foreseeable scenarios while leaving you flexible to deal with the unknown. It focuses on grappling with the things you can control instead of those things you can't control.

A Quest For More - Paul David Tripp

2009-06-20T10:13:00.001-07:00

****
Can't believe I forgot to post about this one. Probably one of the best books I've read this past year (also a interns reunion book night book). Very convicting and applicable. Pete especially liked it so I'll let him tell you more :)

Peter: Wow, one of my favorite books this year! The quote which summarizes the book: "We were never meant to be self-focused little kings ruling miniscule little kingdoms with a population of one." He rides around on this horse for the rest of the book, asking whether our actions show that we're focused on the little-kingdom or big-kingdom. These questions really struck a chord with me, because I see so clearly how often my life is little-kingdom centered.

The Prodigal God - Timothy Keller

2009-06-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

****
This was a Interns Reunion Book Night book. Pete and I read it out loud to one another while on vacation this spring. We had some really great discussions. Keller has a lot of fresh perspectives to bring to the story of the Prodigal Son - his controversial sounding title basically resolves into a statement of how extraordinary it is that God behaves with such reckless extravagance towards us lost sinners. Would recommend this one highly.

Peter: Keller has a gift. Hearing him preach in NY was a treat, and I'm glad that he maintains a strong connection with his audience via printed word too. In unpacking the Prodigal Son story, he presents a few fresh insights (how the elder son gets less inheritance once the younger son is re-admitted to the family, etc), but two points stood out to me:
1) Tim Keller has a real heart for reaching the "younger brother" types of people. He awakens a desire in me to also reach out, by being more accepting of my fellow man, and major on the majors & minor on the minors. I too often act the part of the elder brother.
2) Jesus is the perfect elder brother, by giving up everything and sharing his inheritance with us, the returned prodigal.

Long Journey Home - Os Guinness

2009-06-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

**
This was a Chad Book Night book. An enjoyable read. Might be good to give to "truely" seeking friends as well. If you've read much at all about worldviews this book holds nothing new for you, but it was full of great quotes and a good refresher course in the major world religions and what makes Christianity different.

On Becoming Baby Wise - Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam

2009-05-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

***
Same basic advice as Baby Whisperer for sleeping patterns. Seems like they offer a balanced approach. I disagreed with their thoughts on circumcision and immunizations, but otherwise generally liked their perspective - though the edition I read was "updated" in 2001. Maybe there is a more current version with the latest studies. We'll see how it all works out for us :)

Don't Make Me Count to Three! - Ginger Plowman

2009-05-22T13:16:00.001-07:00

***
This is the missing companion to Tedd Tripp's book. Very practical and I really enjoy how she uses scripture in discipline, but wonder how that will look in the day to day. I don't want my kid's to associate the Bible with punishment! I guess its all in balance and making sure that is a small percentage of their exposure. I would love to hear what others thought of this book -especially if they have "out of the womb" kids to practice the techniques on!

Living the Cross Centered Life - C.J. Mahaney

2009-05-22T13:09:00.001-07:00

***
Pete and I both liked this book. It was a timely challenge to refocus on the cross and the gospel message. While we really enjoyed the message of the book we both found that we don't resonate with Mahaney's style as much as with other christian authors we've been reading since. Still definitely worth the time and as long as you can read it to yourself at a faster pace (Pete and I were reading it aloud to one another) the ease of the text shouldn't drag so much - lots of stories ahead :)

Shepherding a Child's Heart - Tedd Tripp

2009-05-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

****
Really like this book. I had previously read the first edition and listened to the talks available online. Same great material. Very biblical approach, gives you a good foundation. Would be helpful to have a larger practical advice section but it would be a lot to cover in one book. Should be interesting to see the rubber hit the road on this one for us - more prayer needed!

Your Baby's First Year - Steven P Shelov Editor

2009-05-22T12:58:00.001-07:00

***
A good "Baby for Dummies". I definitely qualify in the dummy category. This has all the basic - though not in too much depth. And tons of medical information - be afraid be very afraid of all the things that can possibly be wrong with/ happen to your baby. But it is helpful to have some general categories to put different symptoms in and know which ones we really should freak right down to the emergency room with :) It was quite an effort to make it through this small "font-ed" 600+ page tome however. Blessings to those to attempt it.

Grace Based Parenting - Dr. Tim Kimmel

2009-05-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

***
I thought this book had a lot of good advice and exhortations to be appropriately real and open with your kids. Humility and unconditional love are themes along with just generally not being to uptight. Mostly a "doctrine" of parenting a little light on the practical working out of the doctrine but still I though a worthwhile read.

The Weekend Estate Planning Kit - Douglas E. Godbe

2009-05-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

***
I used this book to put together a living trust for Pete and I - which I now need to update with Baby info. We even had a "real lawyer" look over the documents that they had us put together and they seemed to think it would be sufficient. We haven't actually gone through the (supposedly torturous) process of funding the estate by transferring our assets but the book did have a spill over will that allows you to will all assets to the estate - which will be a catch all just in case something happens before the rest goes through. The material is dry (as you would expect) but I felt like it gave a good overview of how the process works and what your options are. They CD that comes with it has template documents that you customize for your situation. It was about a weekends work to put together.

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way - Susan McCutcheon

2009-05-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

****
Pete and I both really like this book. It was totally helpful to read it along side taking our Bradley class. I felt like I learned so much about the birthing process, my body's anatomy and alternative ways of handling labor. Many of the assumptions of the book are outdated as the medical community has realized some things needed to change - PTL fewer episiotomies! But I think it's a worth while read. We'll see how the pain management suggestions work out - again uncharted waters.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer - Tracy Hogg

2009-05-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

***
I was recommended this book by my good friend Kendel who loved the schedule that she put together for baby sleeping. In fact we spent a fair bit of time trying to find the special schedule before we bought the book... this is all we could come up with, it's actually a transition from the 3 hour cycle to the 4 hour cycle:

I really liked her approach for most of the baby care - though the few times she mentioned discipline issues I realized I will not be purchasing any books she writes on toddler training. This is all in the theoretical for us right now the proof will be in the pudding come June/July :)

Climate Confusion - Roy W. Spencer

2009-05-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

****
I must read if you are at all skeptical about the whole "global warming" thing that seems to have recently been elevated to our only absolute truth in a world of relativism. Don't get me wrong - I'm all about green - see my worm compost bin out back, my victory garden out front. I just think our stewardship might be slightly misdirected in some areas and a lot more profitable in others. This guy agrees with me. And as a bonus I learned a lot about how our weather systems work - and what exactly is and isn't reasonable for scientists to predict.

You haven't read any books since 2008 ?!?!?

2009-05-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

hmm I seem to be behind on my "book reports" I'll be making an effort to catch myself up - unfortunately I can't remember when I finished most of these books so the dates will probably be wildly inaccurate pre-dating... hopefully this will prevent me from any unnecessary re-reading and dissipate into the cloud what I though of various books so I can look them up in a pinch before/during my next attempt at an intellectual conversation.

When People are Big and God is Small - Edward T. Welch

2008-09-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

**
This book struck a cord with me, unfortunately not a very happy one. While I agree with most of the principles in this book, it failed to convince me that someone following it's dictums would be less judgmental and more grace-filled than those in my past who would have loved it's proclamations. And although I know he was directing the thrust of his argument against the self-obsessed instant gratification normative we find in our surrounding culture, taken to extreme and without love (as I have seen them in the past) , these teachings can be more alienating and divisive than helpful. I would love to see people embrace his teaching personally, I just hope they don't use it as an excuse to start "fixing" others as if they could discern the inner workings of another persons soul. I would love to see an edition with warnings about falling into the trap of judgmental meddling!

Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis - Michael Ward

2008-07-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

****
Marvelous. This book is a devotional experience. Wards postulation that CS Lewis crafted the Narnia septet to show 7 aspects of God as the 7 planets from pre-copernican medieval mythology is in my humble estimation brilliant and enlightening. As an added bonus reading this tomb is a instant SAT vocab review. After finishing this book I'm a re-devoted Lewis fan and have been inspired to add more of the classic cannon to my reading list... we'll see how that unfolds. I could rave on and on... but if you have the stomach for 250 pages of dense literary analysis definitely attempt it, if not tuck away the title to "drop" the next time you feel out of your league at a party, anyone who has read it will have a new respect for you :)

Sharing Food, Christian Practices for Enjoyment - L. Shannon Jung

2008-05-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

***

This book takes a close look at how we as a culture are "practicing eating". Definitely flavored by all the food industry buzz words, this book also delivers an interesting perspective on how to personally enjoy God's blessings and how to share with others, both in your local community and internationally. I came across this book while doing research for my communion devotional. The chapter on communion was interesting but focused more on the community eating than the work of Christ memorialized. Worth reading if you are interested in the the cultural impact of eating and analyzing the generally accepted sociological aspects of how our culture eats.

Passionate Marriage - David Schnarch, Ph.D.

2008-02-29T22:01:00.000-08:00

***

Its cover testimonial proclaims its "pioneering" nature. The first of many secular perspectives. But much is to be learned if you can wade through some individualistic and other eastern philosophies. It is surprising how much christian truth is "hiding" behind the secular rationalism. I can't say that this book has as of yet impacted my sex life (see title word: "Passionate"). But it has given me a lot of food for thought in other areas of the interpersonal relationship we call marriage. Maybe that will translate over to the "passion" someday. The main thrust of the book (no pun intended) is the "differentiation" (basically being emotionally independent without God/god) and how that will result in your being able to be good, relational, intimate etc. While I agree that being interdependent, emotionally fused etc. can definitely lead to various "non-good" actions and decrease the likelihood of relational intimacy, I am yet to be convinced it is the one-stop elixir for passion's shortcoming (again no pun intended). While certain more "practical" chapters may eventually merit a re-read, large portions were personal (patient file) anecdotes and traditional psychobabble. Moral of the story: One book, even a 400+ pager, is not going to solve this problem anytime soon.

Amusing Ourselves to Death - Neil Postman

2008-02-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

****

Very interesting commentary on the nature of the medium of Television. Written in 1985, Postman's prophetic voice rings true on so many notes. I only wish (this was also my lament after reading Postman's "Technopoly") that he was not around to put in his two cent's in the internet. I would be riveted. It is interesting that Postman's "beef" is not with the vacuous nature of most programing but rather on the presumption of some television programs to the status of a legitimate forum for serious discussion. His argument (in my layman vernacular) is that Television is a format to entertain, not to logically dialogue in any meaningful, interactive, conclusive manner.

China, Inc - Ted C. Fishman

2008-02-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

***

Great read if you are interested in the global economic balance, which seems to be almost everyone these days. It gave me an inkling of how much I don't know about China and made me wish I had up to date info (this book was published in 2005 - which in our bullet train world seems like centuries ago). I originally hoped that his book would help me decide how seriously to consider a Chinese Language course commitment for our possible future children's academic program. It made me think instead that I should investigate all aspects of their (potential) academic careers ASAP. America is behind the times!

for Women only- what you need to know about the inner lives of men - shaunti feldhahn

2008-01-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

***
More aptly titled "what most women already know about men, but want to pretend they don't" - so they can live their lives the way they want to... okay I'm projecting a little of my own sin nature on the rest of the female gender. I really actually liked this book. I found it accurate but not revolutionary- in that I don't think I learned anything shockingly new about the "inner lives" of men. I wish I had read this however when I was 13 and hadn't an inkling of their inner workings. The book was however convicting as Shaunti was hardly timid with her advice on how we should respond to her "revelations". Yup I've got some more work to do in the "good wife" department.

Humility, True Greatness - C.J. Mahaney

2008-01-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

****

Superb. In a world that magnifies self magnification this book has been a greatly needed reminder for me. It is full of helpful, practical suggestions on how to strive toward humility. More than a just composing a treatise on the glory of humility Mahaney strives to remind you of the value God places on humility and motivate you far from the praising eyes of man. One section I found particularly "humbling" was a section of questions to ask yourself - and others too in the area of humbly seeking correction:

Do I confess my sin consistently?

Do I confess specific instances of sin and not just general categories or general references to sin?

Do others find it easy to correct me?

Do others know the areas of temptation in my life at present?

Do they know the most pronounced patterns of sin in my life at present?

Es war als sängen die Engel

2007-11-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

****
In an effort to brush up on the 'ole German vocab, I devoured this translation of James C. Whittaker's "We Thought We Heard the Angels Sing". A pretty fun read, chronicling numerous miracles during their horrible 3 weeks adrift in the Pacific ocean, and the author's subsequent conversion. While the narrative of a few days did drag along (especially when contrasted with the miraculous days), the book was very short (126 pages) and overall well-written.

A Rabbi Talks with Jesus - Jacob Neusner

2007-11-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

***

Interesting premise, as a Rabbi constructs a theoretical conversation between himself and Jesus using the texts in Matthew and a little bit of respectful imagination. Although he decides in the end not to follow Jesus' teachings his perspective is a great reflection for any apologetically minded Christian. The Rabbi claims his rejection really boils down to his view that Israel's nationhood was not prominent enough in Christ's Kingdom message, that he was too focused on the individual's role. I thought however that the Rabbi's rejection of Jesus as God and his dependence on Man's works were the root of his contentions. If man's work to keep the torah's commands is a sufficient way to achieving God's kingdom on earth, we don't need Jesus as Messiah and if Jesus is not God, how would his "fulfillment" of the torah have any more authority than any other pontificating Rabbi. But Neusner doesn't delve at all into the issue of Christ's deity, and issue I would love for him to have more fully addressed. Nonetheless his carefully constructed arguments are informative for anyone who wishes to see inside the mind of an unantagonistic yet uncoverted Jew.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini

2007-11-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

***

Worth a read if you want to be entertained, and don't mind a repeat of the themes of Kite Runner. Hosseini really is a splendid story teller and the book "goes down" as smooth a cream. I think I may have enjoyed Kite Runner a little more because of the dynamic cast of characters and change of settings, which were lacking in this subsequent work. Also the plot and characters seemed more developed in Hosseini's first novel, possibly the result of the former's longer "gestation" period. Overall still worth the time, but don't expect the same quality Hosseini delivered with Kite Runner.

Ecclesiastical History of the English People - Bede

2007-09-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

***
Non-History geeks beware, this is not a book for the faint of heart. A primary text through and through, a lot of cultural change has occurred in the last 14 hundred years since its composition and even more in the several hundred since the genesis of the events recorded. Bede attempts to chronicle the origins of the church on the Island of England (focused mainly on the southern portion) from the letter from King Lucius to Rome requesting to be made a "Christian" up to Bede's lifetime, during which the church was relatively established. It is interesting to observe the issues of importance in that day - the Date of Easter, the superiority of virginity/Monastic lifestyle etc. While Bede's perspective does seem idealistic the material allows you to grasp the general feeling of culture during those centuries now so far away.

Behind the Screen - Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture - Edited by Spencer Lewerenz and Barbara Nicolosi

2007-09-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

***
I liked this book. It was a refreshing re-think of our response to Hollywood, and a surprising prospective on what a better, more meaningful interaction might be. Very interesting reading. Pete had some initial objections to the guy who wrote chapter 2 - so we're both re-thinking that chapter, it's very refreshing to have new ideas to think though. I was beginning to think that everything anyone was advocating was totally hackney! The book makes be want to have a series of movie nights, on movies suggesting in the text followed by discussion and "letters to the editor" (ie movie producers). Anyone in??

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling

2007-09-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

***
Another entertaining treat. Not as spellbinding as the original. The novelty of an idea, can only be novel once I suppose. This book explored more deeply the possible "dark" side of Harry. I have been informed by Potter fans that this trend continues, but also brings greater depth of thought to the series... I guess I shall see the next time I have the time to pick them up again.

Sex God - Rob Bell

2007-08-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

***

My first introduction to Bell's work, this book was very approachable, entertaining and enlightening. I especially liked the chapters on Angels and Animals (comparing the extremes of "denying our sexuality or being driven by it") and Under the Chuppah - maybe I'm just partial because I got married under one :) While he had lots of interesting points to make and just as many interesting allegories and anecdotes to illustrate those points, I would hesitate to call this book ground breaking - I know, I have high standards. But it would be a great book to introduce the Christian perspective on Sex to someone - possibly teenagers?? Someone with those thoughts more on the brain whilst reading Sex God might have to confirm that thought. Overall I'm glad I read it, but probably wouldn't suggest it to someone who had a solid grounding in the subject already.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J.K. Rowling

2007-08-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

****
I was lucking enough to score a British Version (the americanized version is called "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") from our good friends Nate and Lindsey who are currently too busy playing with their cuter-than-words puppy to miss it much. But on with the book review... I was typically captivated by the charming prose and lovable characters. The pages drip with colorful and lively imagery, a real sweet treat. But there is definitely the sense Rowling is trying to dig deeper with the seemingly cosmic battle of evil and good, all resting on a 10 year old boy's shoulders, witch though he may be. I was not as disturbed as other Christians by the portrayal of "Magic" as both good and evil. Maybe I've been conditioned by C.S. Lewis' Narnia a bit too much. Overall a delightful read.

Addicted to Mediocrity, Contemporary Christians and the Arts - Franky Schaeffer

2007-08-08T22:28:00.001-07:00

***
Whether this book struck me as a sermon to the choir because Christian society in general has embraced Shaeffer's message or just because it is one of my pet causes and I have surrounded myself with its sympathizers is still unclear to me. Written in an easygoing, approachable style (for those of you anticipating the philosophical apologetics of Shaeffer senior, another tree must be found up which to bark) I found the illustrations insightful yet they seem to scream of the 80s era and (in my "humble" opinion) provide a ironic example of exactly the type of art Shaeffer is sermonizing against; one must only glance at the cover art to witness this phenomena. Despite its apparent contradictions the book has a valuable and applicable message. If you don't feel like you've already been beaten over the head with it, it will definitely be worth the couple of hours it takes to digest its contents.

The Diamond I Wear is Within - Lynn Gibson

2007-08-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

****
Timely wisdom for all women (not just the single ones!), this book is terrifically real and insightfully scriptural, a pleasure to read. Having personally known some of the women featured in the book gave it a richness and depth to the situations addressed. The cultural dynamic assumed by its conversations will be very understandable to those who have experienced a similar environment, but may be mystifying to others. Cultural differences aside, the biblical truths exposited in the book will be profitable to all who care to ponder and apply them.

Technopoly, The Surrender of Culture to Technology - Neil Postman

2007-06-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

***
This book was interesting. Amazingly pertienant dispite the technological advances since it's publication (1992). Some of the themes which caught my attention were: science as another "religion" (not exactly Postman's words), the "solution" of education, and what is lost when technology is gained.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"whenever we need a revolution, we get a new curriculum" - Lawrence Cremin pg. 185
"Take the great narratives of religion seriously and do not beliece that science is the only system of thought capable of producing truth." pg. 184

The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor Dostoevsky

2007-06-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

Peter: **

Just finished The Brothers Karamazov. That was a long book! Its character development and depth are both heralded as exemplary types that defined a genre, but I disagree! :-) I found the characters flat and incongruent, and it was difficult to empathize with their insanity. The plot meandered aimlessly, trying to add secondary shade to our heros and villains, but instead they left the reader in a quagmire of superfluous details, orthogonal to the main plot, which was introduced 3/4 of the way through the book!

Black Like Me - John Howard Griffin

2007-05-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Julie: ****

Intriguing look into the experiences of a man who walked both sides of racial discrimination in the 1960's deep south. Although the current landscape of racial issues has softened, at least on the surface, it is crucial to understand the history of the issue. This work was ground breaking at the time and still has much insight to offer almost 50 years after its initial publication.

Peter: ****

An interesting and novel idea, whose only detriment was its overly conversational and unedited prose. I was fascinated by his unique perspective, and couldn't help but wonder 1) how this experiment would have fared in 2007, and 2) had he continued the experiment for years rather than months, what further insights would he have gleaned?

Purple Cow - Seth Godin

2007-04-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

***
Good book, can however be summarized easily. Seek out the innovators and early adaptors and market to them... market by being extra ordinary (more than just very good, or maybe not even "very good" just different or unique) and go after the nitch market.

The Return of the Prodigal Son - Henri Nouwen

2007-04-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

****
After years of hearing his quotes from John Hanneman I buckled down and read this oft suggested book. It was surprisingly approachable after all the fanfare and I really enjoyed the transparency of Henri Nouwen. I must admit in a world chock full of hackney Christian "insights" it was a delightfully fresh look at one of Christ's most famous parables. I especially liked the last few chapters... his thoughts on forgiveness have really convicted me.

More Than a Numbers Game: A Brief History of Accounting - Thomas A. King

2007-03-25T12:36:00.001-07:00

****
A great summary of US accounting history, followed by its major short-falls including accounting for inflation, intangibles, debt, and options. Reporting earnings and the latest accounting controversy SOX are also covered. After discussing the many loopholes and workarounds available to dishonest managers the book concludes that "the only workable solution is for corporations to select CEOs with impeccable integrity." Not earth shattering news but the journey which reached that conclusion was interesting and informative.

The Sacred Romance - Brent Curtis & John Eldredge

2007-03-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

*****
Very encouraging and inspirational. Main themes: the importance of the heart and story, God as our romancer, the seduction of our adversary and lesser lovers, how to live with the passion and "wildness" that God intended - in the light of the hope of heaven: the grandeur of the scope of our greater story.

Let Me Be a Woman - Elisabeth Elliot

2007-03-22T23:39:00.000-07:00

****
Notes from Elisabeth to her daughter as she prepares for her upcoming marriage. Covers womanhood and marriage, also touching on singleness. I was encouraged by her words but was also struck by notes of "discipline to holiness" philosophy. My favorite quote from the book was actually Elisabeth quoting her husband Jim - "Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living".