BLACK EARTH—The Holocaust As History And Warning

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

BLACK EARTH
The Holocaust As History
And Warning
By Timothy Snyder

OVERVIEW: In this epic history of extermination and survival, Timothy Snyder presents a new explanation of the great atrocity of the twentieth century, and reveals the risks that we face in the twenty-first. Based on untapped sources from eastern Europe and forgotten testimonies from Jewish survivors, Black Earth recounts the mass murder of the Jews as an event that is still close to us, more comprehensible than we would like to think, and thus all the more terrifying.

AUTHOR: TIMOTHY SNYDER is the Housum Professor of History at Yale University and a member of the Committee on Conscience of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. He is the author of author of Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin, which received the literature award of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Hannah Arendt Prize, and the Leipzig Book Prize for European Understanding. Snyder is a frequent contributor to The New York Review of Books and the times Literary Supplement. He is a permanent fellow of the Institute for Human Sciences, serves as the faculty adviser for the Fortunoff Archive for Holocaust testimonies, and sits on the advisory council of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut.

MY REVIEW: This was a difficult book for me to read and comprehend. In fact, I found myself reading for awhile and then having to stop, go back and re-read many pages. I felt like I was studying for a PhD. I was constantly pulling down my dictionary and looking up the meaning of words. Historians, educators, some philosophers and theologians may not find this book so difficult. I'm writing this way simply as a warning to the average reader. I agree with Deborah Lipstadt, "Black Earth is provocative, challenging, and an important addition to our understanding of the Holocaust."

Jeffrey Goldberg said, "Timothy Snyder argues, eloquently and convincingly, that the world is still susceptible to the inhuman impulses that brought about the Final Solution. This book should be read as admonition by presidents, prime ministers, and in particular by anyone who believes the the past is somehow behind us." I agree with Anne Applebaum, "In this unusual and innovative book, Timothy Snyder takes a fresh look at the intellectual origins of the Holocaust, placing Hitler's genocide firmly in the politics and diplomacy of 1930's Europe. Black Earth is required reading for anyone who cares about this difficult period of history."

(I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

RONALD REAGAN'S "LONG GOODBYE"

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

LAST ACT
THE FINAL YEARS AND
EMERGING LEGACY OF
RONALD REAGAN
By Craig Shirley

OVERVIEW: Cast in a grand and compelling narrative style, Last Act presents the definitive account of Ronald Reagan's life after public office. This untold story of Reagan's last years is an intimate account of the significant events in both his public and personal life—his slowly growing concern about his acuity, his "farewell address" at the 1992 Republican Convention, the onslaught of Alzheimer's, how he and Mrs. Reagan dealt with the diagnosis and progression of the disease, the planning of the state funeral, the outpouring from the nation, and the significance of the Reagan legacy.

AUTHOR: CRAIG SHIRLEY is the author of two critically praised bestselling books on President Reagan. Rendezvous with Destiny and Reagan's Revolution. His book December 1941 appeared multiple times on the New York Times bestseller list. Shirley is the chairman of Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, is a widely sought-after speaker and commentator, and has written extensively for the Washington Post, the Washington Examiner, the Washington Times, the LosAngeles Times, Town Hall, the Weekly Standard, Newsmax, Breitbart, National Review, and many other publications.

MY REVIEW: I agree with Pulitzer Prize-winning author, John Meacham. He said this is "A remarkable account of Ronald Reagan's 'long goodbye,' chronicling the final years of an American original who bent history in the service of freedom." I also agree with syndicated columnist Cal Thomas who said, "A deeply moving book that will bring tears to your eyes, strengthen your political resolve, and inspire you to build on Reagan's legacy." And also author Jane Hampton Cook, who said very succinctly "Important. Essential. Bravo."

"Last Act is a meticulously researched and enlightening account that widens our understanding of American history, the presidency, and one of the most influential men who occupied the office."

I admired Ronald Reagan long before reading this splendid book. It seems impossible that I could admire him more. But I do. I also admire Craig Shirley and love the way he writes. This is a good book about a good man written by a good man. After you read this book you will want the story to keep going. It's a true story. And a good one. I visited the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California a few years ago and now I want to go again. If you traveled with Ronald Reagan over the years you will want to go with him to the end. This books enables you to do that.

(I received this book from Book Sneeze A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers iin exchange for a fair and honest review.)

WE CANNOT BE SILENT

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

WE CANNOT BE SILENT
Speaking truth to a culture redefining
sex, marriage, & the very meaning
of right & wrong
By R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

OVERVIEW:Twenty years ago, not one nation on earth had legal same-sex marriage. Now, access to same-sex marriage is increasingly seen as a basic human right. In a matter of less than a generation, western cultures have experienced a moral revolution. Dr. R. Albert Mohler examines how this transformation occurred, revealing the underlying cultural shifts behind this revolution: the acceptance of divorce culture, liberation of sex from reproduction, the prevalence of heterosexual cohabitation, the normalization of homosexuality, and the rise of the transgender movement. He then offers a deep look at how the Bible and Christian moral tradition provide a comprehensive understanding upon which Christians can build their personal lives, their marriages, church ministry, and cultural engagement. Dr. Mohler helps Christians in their understanding of the underlying issues of this significant cultural shift and how to face the challenge of believing faithfully, living faithfully, and engaging the culture faithfully in light of this massive change.

AUTHOR: R. Albert Mohler Jr. is president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Joseph Emerson Brown Professor of Christian Theology. Considered a leader among American evangelicals by Time and Christianity Today magazines, Dr. Mohler can be heard on The Briefing a daily podcast which analyzes news and events from a Christian Worldview. He also writes a popular commentary on moral, cultural, and theological issues at albertmohler.com. He and his family live in Louisville, Kentucky.

MY REVIEW:  Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC, said "This is one of the most useful books I've read in a long time...Student, freshman, campus worker, youth group leader, pastor, professor—read this book and study it with others." I feel the same way. Albert Mohler has written a book to equip readers to face and fight against sin and to do it with compassion and grace.

Albert Mohler is a brilliant scholar and writes with clarity about things that we cannot be silent about.  I especially liked chapter 4 on The Impossible Possibility of Same-Sex Marriage and chapter 7 about What Does the Bible Really Have to Say About Sex?. Chapter 10 answers 20 hard questions and is extremely important.

This is a book you will read, underline, study and then share with others.

(I received this book from Booksneeze a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

ARAB AND JEW

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

ARAB AND JEW
Wounded Spirits
In A Promised Land
By David K. Shipler

OVERVIEW: In 1987, David Shipler won the Pulitzer Prize for this monumental examination of the relationship between Arabs and Jews and the origins of their prejudices. Now, this classic—revised and updated—is more significant than ever. The biases and corrosive interactions that have been building between the two peoples over the past seventy years have only sharpened amid nationalism, terrorism, and war. Focusing on the diverse cultures that exist side by side in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Shipler examine the process of indoctrination that begins in schools; he discusses the effects of socioeconomic differences, the clashes of Israeli and Palestinian historical narratives, religious conflicts between Islam and Judaism, views of the Holocaust, and much more. And he writes of the people; the Arab woman in love with a Jew, the retired Israeli military officer now disillusioned, the Palestinian militant devoted to violent means, the Israeli and Palestinian schoolchildren who reach across the divides in search of reconciliation. Their stories, and the hundreds of others, reflect not only the reality of "wounded spirits" but also the healing inside minds necessary for eventual coexistence in the promised land.

AUTHOR: David K. Shipler reported for The New York Times from 1966 to 1988 in New York, Saigon, Moscow, Jerusalem, and Washington. He is the author of seven books, including the bestsellers Russia and The Working Poor. He has taught at Dartmouth, Princeton, and American University. He writes online at The Shipler Report.

MY REVIEW: Newsday writes, "A rich, penetrating, and moving portrayal of Arab-Jewish hostility, told in human terms." I'm finding this to be true. I feel like I am receiving a major education. This is one of the few times in my years of reviewing books that I am posting my review before reading the entire book. I have read enough that I can recommend this comprehensive work to everyone interested in this important subject. However, I must say that you will have to be a serious student and one that wants to dig deep into the subject. You will also need to be a dedicated reader and one who will persevere. This is not an easy read. Not by any means.

The book has a lengthy forward and introduction and you will need to read both of them carefully before "digging in." Time and time again I found myself having to look up the meaning of words and terms I am unfamiliar with or found difficult to pronounce. I am slowly making my way through this book. When I have finished I should be granted some kind of academic degree. Even though this is not an easy read for me, I realize it will be for some. And many will agree with The New York Times that this is "The best and most comprehensive work there is in the English language on this subject."

(I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

GLORY DAYS

Friday, October 30, 2015

GLORY DAYS
Living Your Promised Land Life Now
By Max Lucado

OVERVIEW: Max Lucado says many people underestimate what happened to them upon conversion. Trusting in Christ is more than a removal of sin. It is a deposit of power. You are fully equipped! Glory Days teaches you: How to leave fear and worry behind as you fight from victory, not for victory. How to stop going through the motions and dare to believe your best days are ahead. How to overcome rejection by becoming deeply convinced that you are forever God's child. How to demolish unhealthy mindsets and learn to hear the right voice and make the right choice. How to deal with doubt by recognizing God's Word as the ultimate authority. And how to rebound from your mistakes and put your past in the past.

AUTHOR: More than 120 million readers have found inspiration and encouragement in the writings of Max Lucado. He lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy, in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church.

MY REVIEW: In my opinion, he's done it again. And I am sure that more than 120 million readers will agree with me. Max Lucado has written another splendid book, encouraging Christians. If not all 120 million agree I know that  New York times bestselling author and lead pastor for the National Community Church agrees with me. He said, "This is a message the Church needs and a reminder every believer can use."

In sixteen brief chapters Max helps Christians to see that they have everything they need to be everything God desires. I was encouraged by these words in the front of the book: "These days are Glory Days. My past is past, my future is bright, God's promises are true and his Word is sure. With God as my helper, I will be all he wants me to be, do all he wants me to do, and receive all he wants me to receive. These days are Glory Days."

I agree with bestselling author and founding pastor of Gateway Church that "This book, like all his books, will change your life."

(I received this book from BookSneeze a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

THE HEAVEN PROMISE

Friday, October 23, 2015

THE HEAVEN PROMISE
Engaging the Bible's Truth
About Life to Come
By Scot McKnight

OVERVIEW: The Heaven Promise answers the most frequently asked questions regarding heaven, including: 1. What About Near-Death Experiences? 2. What About Rewards in Heaven? 3. Who Will Be in Heaven? 4. Is God Fair? 5. Will There Be Families in Heaven? 6. What About Children Who Die? 7. What About Cremation? 8. What About Purgatory? 9. Will There Be Pets in Heaven? 10. Why Believe in Heaven?

AUTHOR:  Scott McKnight is the author of more than fifty books including The Jesus Creed. He currently serves as a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. A much sought after public thinker and speaker, he blogs regularly at Patheos under the banner of "Jesus Creed." He and his wife, Kris, enjoy life in the suburbs of Chicago.

My Review: The Heaven Promise is now one of my favorite books. Scot McKnight has for a long time been one of my favorite theologians. This doesn't mean that I agree with all that he writes or teaches but I do agree with most of it. That's one of the reasons I like this new book. McKnight is a New Testament scholar and he uses the Scriptures to answer questions about heaven, eternity and the afterlife.

Scott McKnight wants you to know that heaven isn't the construction of a fairy tale or some mythical narrative. It's very real; it's very good; and it's very much the fulfillment of God's promise to you.
This book may not answer all of your questions about heaven but it will answer many of them.

I agree with author John Ortberg. He said, "What a terrific book! Scot lays out the great questions about heaven — What will it be like? Who's going there?— and seeks to address them with biblically grounded wisdom."

"My hope," McKnight shares, "is that people will be hopeful about heaven."

After you read this book I believe you will be hopeful about heaven!

(I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.)