No comments about Faith of the First Ladies.

No comments about Sacred Biography: Saints and Their Biographers in the Middle Ages.

2 comments about Charles De Foucauld.

1. Antier's task with this book is an admirably ambitious one. The story of Charles de Foucauld, or Charles of Jesus, is as intricate and intimidating as it is powerful and inspiring, and because it is a story of redemption, compassion and hope taking place within a bleak era for both Christianity and the world (the early 20th century), it is of immeasurable value. Antier manages well to trace Charles' steps, from his unfortunate childhood to his gluttonous life as an mediocre military officer, enraptured in all the distractions of the world, to his radical conversion to a living Christian faith that would take him down a most Christ-like path of sacrifice and singular devotion. The biggest challenge for the author in this case is simply not to lose focus of the substance of Charles' wandering and awakening, and Antier succeeds on that point. As a kind of antithesis of the Rich Young Man, the transformed Charles wanted his life to reveal to others Christ's presence among them, and Antier justly allows that driving passion to shape the course of the book. The intent here is earnestly hagiographical; the main point is the severe holiness that would be Charles' gift to the world, to both the Christian church and to his non-Christian neighbors. True, the way Charles sought to live out his love for Christ, as a Christian ascetical hermit among the Muslim nomads of the Sahara desert, is too severe for most Christians, yet it is a story that should told and heard. As Christianity grows more aware of its place a global, pluralistic culture, and especially with its relations with Islam or other religions, it will need the lessons which only a life like Charles' can teach. Moreover, it is a reminder to all Christians, in a time of indifference and apathy, of the centrality of the call to holiness and sacrifice for the authentic Christian life.

   Antier is very capable writer, and his book, even in translation, is exceptionally readable. He himself is undoubtedly inspired by Charles' life, which comes through in his enthusiastic prose. Yet by keeping to its clear and simple aim, this book does not sensationalize Charles' life; all Antier needs to do to keep the reader's interest is to offer up this remarkable story. Even so, you cannot help but feel the storyteller's joy coming off the pages, and that only makes it all the more attractive.




2. Charles de Foucauld grew up a pampered, rich playboy who had little care for others, or God for that matter. Antier's effort to chronicle the life of this man who became so holy through a pure love of Christ is admirable.

   I delighted in the story of the spoiled aristocrat and flunky cavalry officer. Antier writes it so well. And then, something changed with De Foucauld through the example of his cousin, Marie.

   Throughout this life, a life devoted to God, is the theme of restlessness. Charles de Foucauld simply could not settle down. He wanted to sacrifice all for Christ. And his sacrifice was severe. I, like his spiritual director and his bishop, couldn't help but notice that Charles' desire to mortify himself was taken to extremes. He slept little so he could love God. He ate little so he could give food to the poor and thereby love God. He was the least in all things so that he could love God.

   Charles wanted to live the "hidden life of Jesus at Nazareth" amongst the poorest of the poor. So he went to the desert and he served the muslims there. This marabout, or holy man, was widely respected by the muslims, and he made no converts.

   Sadly, the book ends with the death of the "White Marabout." But what appears to be an end to us in this book was only the beginning and the perfection of love for Charles. Obedience is love. Charles died a martyr in the desert. Simply put, that is what he wanted. Read the book and learn of a man who truly loved Christ.

5 comments about Shades of Gray:: Memoirs of a Prussian Saint on the Eastern Front.

1. Mill Creek Press is a micro-publisher that publishes books manufactured by BookSurge, an Amazon.com company. Recently, BookSurge has been undergoing a move to a new location in Charleston, SC. The move was necessary to cope with the explosive growth of BookSurge in the last two years. Occasionally, during this move, a POD book as been shipped that didn't meet BookSurge's normal quality control standards. Please be patient, and if you do happen to get a book with pages falling out, kindly return it to BookSurge for a replacement. The new address will be available on the BookSurge website shortly (www.booksurge.com), if it is not already posted. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this move. Mill Creek Press



2. People who are enthusiastic about the dogs of war should spend time in the kennel. This work of non-fiction, while not preachy or sententious, opens the gate to the kennel wherein the dogs of war are savagely tearing each other to bits. It is not a judgement or a sermon. It is, rather, an insight into reality--sans drums and flags and glory (presumptive).
   
   Just blood and guts (spilled) and pain and misery and, oh yes, hunger and lice. And lest we forget, stupidity of the IIC (Idiots In Charge). There are always, it seems, at all times in all climes, Idiots in Charge, at the higher or highest levels.
   
   Maybe, at most times, in most climes, a prerequisite for being in charge is idiocy. And a heartfelt disregard for those who bleed.



3. This book should make you question sterotypes about the German physche at the time of World War II. It's way too easy to judge the past using the values of the present. This book provides a different view of history, in that it tells the story of a poignant period of history through the eyes of someone who was there, and wasn't on the side of the victor. Arthur Naujoks is clearly not so different to you and I and his story forces you to think about what you might have done had you been born into that place and time. Very moving. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.



4. This book is worthless as a history of the battles of the eastern front. There is no real descriptions of what the author experienced as a soldier. The book only talks about his retreating from the front. I can't believe this book has such a high rating.



5. SHADES OF GREY is an interesting book. Its subtitle, MEMOIRS OF A PRUSSIAN SAINT ON THE EASTERN FRONT, is a bit misleading, however.
   
   Amazon lists Micheal S. Eldredge as the author, for example, not Arthur O. Naujoks, Jr.. Eldredge is an attorney from Salt Lake who first met Naujoks in 1995. It was Naujoks, not Eldredge, who served on the Eastern Front. Naujoks gave Eldredge a copy of his typed memoir of his youth, family and military service and the latter revised it into a manuscript suitable for publication. In my opinion, Naujoks should be listed as the author instead of Eldredge. This is not an insurmountable point, however, and it may be a simple oversight by whoever listed the book.
   
   Although this is a book with a soldier's profile on its cover, I would not classify it as military history. Instead, it is a memoir about Naujoks' youth in Tilsit, East Prussia, his family and his service on the Eastern Front. There are soldiers in this book, but the tone reminds me more of an old man trying to leave a portrait of the people and places he loved.
   
   A devout Mormon, Naujoks describes his spiritual journey and the experiences of his co-religionists during the Third Reich. I hadn't realized that there were any Mormons at all in East Prussia.
   
   The most interesting parts of the book to me, a non-Mormon of East Prussian ancestry, were Naujoks' descriptions of Tilsit and the East Prussian country side. It's very difficult to find such information.
   
   It was also interesting to see Naujoks' adjustment to the horror of fighting on the Eastern Front. One of his best chapters describes a frozen retreat west from the Don Basin and Stalingrad. Fleeing soldiers survived, in part, by packing into structures so densely that they could sleep standing up. This conserved warmth.
   
   Naujoks deplores the brutal treatment of Russian civilians and makes it a point to state that neither he, nor any of his comrades engaged in that. "As hungry as we were," he recalls on pp. 123-124, "none of those around me ever considered stealing a chicken or slaughtering a cow for food. We knew it could mean the death of an entire family. I resolved to die of starvation before I would ever take food from the mouth of a Russian."
   
   I'm sure Herr Naujoks was a wonderful fellow and meant every word of that, but it does raise some questions when compared to other books on the Eastern Front. Not all German soldiers seemed as devoted to honor and humane treatment of the Russians as the author was.
   
   Herr Naujoks blames the atrocities on the SS and rear-echelon Nazi fanatics. Much as I would like to agree, I am forced to concede that the Army itself engaged in some brutal conduct toward civilians, especially Russians. I'm sure the SS was more active and more brutal, but it's misleading to suggest that the German Army came out Russia with clean hands. Maybe individual soldiers, like Naujoks did, but the Army itself didn't according to what I've been able to read. That's the tragedy of the Eastern Front. Almost nobody on either side came away from it clean.
   
   My edition of this book was solidly bound and well put together. The book has some very useful appendices on Prussian history, a good bibliography and an index. While it's not written with the elan of Guy Sajer's FORGOTTEN SOLDIER, it's easy to read and probably just as factual, if not more so.
   
   If you're interested in East Prussian history, World War II, or the Red Army's advance into Germany in 1945 and its catastrophic consequences for East Prussian men, women and children, then SHADES OF GRAY will be of interest to you. I liked it and gave it four stars.

1 comments about The Women of Azusa Street.

1. Alexander has done a marvelous job putting together these biographies of Azusa personalities. The stories are fresh, focused, and well documented. She has a command of her subject and her writing style is easy to read. Highly recommended.

1 comments about The Complete Book of Christian Heroes.

1. This wonderfully fascinating book contains over 200 stories of people who lived for Jesus, suffered for Jesus, and in some cases even died for Jesus. Christian heroes from many different times and places and sects are covered here, everyone from Stephen (the first recorded martyr for the Faith), through Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa, including such lesser known lights as the 26 martyrs of 16th century Japan, the Moravian Indians of Ohio, and Johann and Susanna Kroeker.
   
   Overall, I found this to be a fascinating and informative book, and a very uplifting one as well. If you want to read about Heroes of the Church - believers from all times and places, then this is the book for you. I give it my highest recommendations!

2 comments about Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers.

1. This book captivates you. Spureon stood out as a preacher and pastor far above most who ever pastored. Dr.Dummand has given a vivid description of the many faceted sides of the great preacher. When I finished the book I felt like it should be studied rather than just read. You will love the many tidbits of fascinating information about the man and his ministry. Mr. Spurgeon was involved in controversary quite often. The author tells how and why. Spurgeon took a strong stand on the fundamentals of the faith when many others were not as open. There are many paralells to prominent pastors of today. It will especially encourage and strengethen younger pastors. As I read the book two thing struck me. How I wish I had read this 50 years ago. Then how we need more his tribe today. Every Christian would be blessed and profited by this book.



2. Lewis Drummond has given the Church of God a great book with this massive, 800+ page book on the life of one of the English language's greatest pastors, Charles Spurgeon. The book reads very quickly and you will find yourself getting lost in the life of Spurgeon from his early childhood to his glorious days in ministry to the very dark days of the end of his life. You will read the good and the bad of Spurgeon for he was just a sinner redeemed by God's grace and you will also find a man passionate for the truth of God's inerrant Word.

   In short, you will be challenged to pray that God would raise up more Spurgeons not only for the United States but for Great Britain and all the world. How we need godly men to once again proclaim God's truth in an age of compromise and spiritual decay.

5 comments about Port of Two Brothers.

1. My father wrote this book lest we not fully understand the purpose of his work. By reading this book I was able to grasp the true meaning of life's deepest spiritual fulfillment which enables me to cope with all the inconsistencies and insecurities that I encounter -wether it be in a remote jungle or the busy streets of a modern city. I recommend this book not only for the pleasure of my father's loving humor, but also for its' everlasting repercussions.



2. Mr. Schlener takes his readers along with him on the remarkable journey of his family's experiences in the Amazon jungle. Mr. Schlener has a personable, easy writing style that captures his readers attention on the first page and keeps it throughout the book. It is an inspirational book. Thank you Mr. Schlener for writing it.



3. When you read this book it is as if you have experienced this advanture right along with them. One could almost taste the food, feel the heat of the sun and hear the thunder in the storms. Not only could one picture the beauty of God's handiwork but felt His presence guiding and protecting this man and his family.

   The "Port of Two Brothers", is a wonderful bedtime story for those little ones, good research book for students, and totally entertaining for the older generation.

   This is a wonderful and unique story!!!




4. These true accounts really show what God's work is all about and lets the rest of America feel how cozy it really is here inside these borders. Best missionary life story out there with the "just telling it how it was" style, and it doesn't allow the reader to be led into boredom for one line. Definitely worth reading, and the pictures are cool.



5. I purchased and read this book after being told about it from my sister who works in the hospital where the Author's wife is a patient. My sister has been blessed with their conversations and he gave her a copy of the book.It is a very inspirational book,but also points out the harrowing experiences missionaries can face.They often have no clue to what they are getting into. Made me think of young recruits going into the military. I certainly hope that our missionaries know more of what to expect these days! Will definately not bore the reader.

5 comments about The Strength of Mercy: Making a Difference in the World One Child at a Time.

1. I enjoyed this book because it was a true story of a family who so much wanted to follow God's will and plan for their lives. I didn't want to put the book down! This book is similar to Experiencing God, a book also about knowing and doing the will of God. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially those considering or in the process of international adoption.



2. This was a truly amazing book that I think all Christian readers, as well as non-christians would love. I liked the honesty portrayed in Beazely's story of how their family started out with the adoption process; the difficulties and the blessings. Wonderful story!



3. As a recently adoptive parent and grandparent of two Romanian and one Bulgarian children, I have felt the anguish and despair that can overcome a person when he or she finds themselves in such an emotional battle as the one to save children from a life of pain and despair. Like the author and her family, we found hope in the Lord and in prayer, but even that at times seems not to be enough. This type of book is one that all people, believers and non-believers alike, should read again and again.



4. This book was a great story of one mom's faith in a promise from the Lord, and how He used her grown daughter and political upheavel to bring His promise to fruition. It was interesting to hear about the adoption experience of another family adopting from a different country. We have adopted two children from China.



5. if you've ever adopted a child (or tried to), this book will deeply touch you and inspire you.

4 comments about I Married Adventure.

1. What a fun ride - not to mention funny, encouraging, inspiring, challenging,uplifting,and honest! I have attended four Women of Faith conferences (makes a great mom and daughter or a friends' weekend getaway:) and have always been encouraged and challenged by Luci Swindoll. Having heard her speak allows me to "hear" her as I read. However, you do not have to have heard her to get the full benefit of her story. When she states she "married adventure," she is not kidding. And the adventure is not just from her actual experiences, but from her whole attitude toward life. She has learned that the "special" days are not the only ones to savor. Ms. Swindoll pulls the reader into her belief that every day is a beautifully wrapped and intricate gift from God and we have the opportunity to open this fabulous gift every single day, hour, and minute of our lives. Although her life path has certainly been different from mine (she has remained single, had a challenging career in business, gives speeches to HUGE groups, and has traveled the world while I followed the more "traditional" path of marriage, motherhood, etc. I have not survived amazing travel adventures, I did survive two teenage boys:), her joy and enthusiasm are contagious and applicable to and life and any situation. This is NOT one of those "I am wonderful, my life is wonderful, and everything has been wonderful" books(you know, like some of the Christmas letters we have all received). Ms Swindoll is incredibly open about her shortcomings and mistakes and how she has, like the rest of us, been discplined by God to deal with these things.

   I just cannot give this book a high enough recommendation. You will be encouraged as well as challenged, feel great joy and some sadness, and often find yourself asking "why in the world would she want to travel THERE and/or do THAT???" But at the end, I guarantee you will be looking at every detail of your life with new and curious eyes and looking to your faith in God as permeating each of those details in amazing ways. I know I will read this again and again and I can't wait to get to the Women of Faith conference this summer!(...)




2. Long before the luxury of "having it all" Luci Swindoll came up in a time when women's choices were "either/or": either you got married, left the rat race & disappeared into the world of family, or you had a career & adventures. Luci Swindoll chose the latter on a path of Faith & exploration.

   I MARRIED ADVENTURE is a great way to think about changing your mundane, little life into one of richness. It will show you how to fill your days with design, how to gather your stories, & thus transform your regular days & occurrences into experiences worth living.

   Rebeccasreads highly recommends I MARRIED ADVENTURE as a fine example of journal keeping & an engaging personal account of squeezing the most out of a life led by God.




3. I enjoyed this but did not love it as other reviewers did. This is certainly a lovely and heartfelt book. Swindoll's recollections about her childhood and her way into faith are inspiring and just plain interesting. However, I really expected more Adventure. We only get to hear a little but about her travels and I wish that had been a greater focus of the novel. I think the author is a very satisfied human being with a nice life but not a particularly adventurous one, so, for me, the title was bit misleading.



4. Being in the same age group as the author, I really related to her experiences and reactions. Since my sister normally reads only Wall Street Journal and a few magazines but read this eagerly, I knew it was going to be special. Plus, my copy was inscribed to me as a gift from Luci Swindoll...so it is special. And now I've purchased three of her books as gifts for others.