2 comments about The Confessions of St. Augustine.

1. Much of the 96 pages is taken up by religious artwork from various 15-century artists. The actual citations from Augustine's Confessions are disappointingly few. It's a very pretty book, and the citations that are included are quite powerful, but I purchased this book to read about Augustine's conversion, not look at pretty pictures.
   
   I suppose if one wanted to get a brief summary of Augustine's conversion, than this is the book for you, but I also suppose at this low price, one not ought to expect too much.



2. The translation is glorious, the illustrations perfectly beautiful - overall, this edition of the Confessions is a lovely gift. However, this edition contains only excerpts from the Confessions, not the full text. It would not be valuable for class or research use, though it would appeal to those wishing to meditate on key passages.
   
   Please note that my review refers to the Bargain Price Hardcover edition, not to the Chadwick translation itself, which is excellent for research use.

2 comments about Corrie Ten Boom: Her Story.

1. I read this book several years ago after the loss of my first child, when I was doubting my faith in God. Ms. Boom is an amazing woman who has overcome many trials throughout her life. She gave me encouragement when I was going through a horrible time in my life. And showed me that there is always hope and to never give up on the most important thing of all GOD. I am so grateful to her for putting her life onto paper for the rest of us.

   Thank you Ms. Boom!




2. this is the best book I have ever read on a missionary. Actually her story would awe anyone - easy to read and understand, encouraging in that she tells you all her faults which are just like ours, and God used her mightly.
   
   You will learn and rejoice with her in the telling of her story.
   Blessings included:)

2 comments about The Thomas Kinkade Story: A 20-Year Chronology of the Artist.

1. Have you ever heard anyone scoff at Kinkade's work, because it is "too commercial" ? There are many who disdain work that is embraced by "the common man", and work that is reproduced for a mass market. So be it, but I do not agree with this elitist viewpoint, and think that in many years to come, Kinkade's work will be far more valued than some of what is "fashionable" in art circles today.
   This is a magnificent coffee table book, with thick glossy pages and excellent color reproduction, and a well written text by Rick Barnett. I pored over this volume with a magnifying glass, examining the details, the brushwork, and the evolution of Kinkade's work over the years.

   Part I, "The Early Years": Born in 1958, Kinkade was drawing before he could walk, and his first mentor was the Bay Area artist of renown Glenn Wessels, who in 1974 moved to Thom's Placerville, California neighborhood. Later while studying at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, he painted "The Prince of Peace", which he saw in a vision, and it is a powerful piece.

   Part II, "20 Years of Published Work":
   "The Early Works, 1984-1989". Many of these pieces are massive scenic vistas and city street sceenes, and my one and only complaint of this book is that it does not give the dimensions of the original paintings.
   "The Artist is Recognized, 1989-1993". On page 55, is a piece I find startling, "New York, Snow on Seventh Avenue, 1932", painted in 1989; with its extraordinary perspective, and skyscrapers bathed in the light of the setting sun, it captures the feeling of another era and there is a palpable sense of movement in it...and it is a painting I could look at for years and never tire of.
   In 1990, during a family trip to England, the cottage paintings were born. The one that I find incredibly lovely is "Spring at Stonegate". The graceful slope of the roof, and the dappled sunlight are beautiful.

   "Chasing the Horizon, 1993-1997". The Kinkade family moved to the South Bay area of San Francisco, and the plein air paintings took flight. My favorite of this genre is "Wailea Pool, Maui" (1996), with broad free strokes, the wind is ruffling the palm trees, and the clouds seem to be dancing.
   There also seems to be a heightened idealism emerging during these years, which becomes even more evident in "The Golden Era, 1997-2000", where the landscapes take on a misty, eerie light. In the world of "Cobblestone Bridge" (2000), Kinkade says "man and nature live in God's perfect balance".

   "Light of Freedom, 2000-2004". Inspired by a dream, Kinkade painted "The Light of Freedom" in 2002 as a tribute to 9/11, and from 2001, "San Francisco, Lombard Street", with an entire vista of the city, is a marvel; another treasure is "Desert Sunset" (2002), with its red sky and magical twinkling lights in the distance.
   Motivated by his faith, and dreams and visions, Kinkade's gentle world of peace and light is sure to shine for many generations.




2. This work is the equivalent of a chocolate sundae for the eyes.....you BET it is popular.....but unless you consider fast food to be fine dining...lets dispense with the superlatives accorded these artbits. As a more "healthy visual feast"I suggest as a starting point the work of Gustav Baumann or Christopher Burkett(photographer extraodinaire!) if you enjoy beauty in the landscape as your subject of contemplation.After seeing their work you may be embarrassed at your admiration for this stuff.Come on people....get OUT more!!

2 comments about Out of the Depths of Sexual Sin: The Story of My Life and Ministry.

1. In the introduction to his book "Out Of The Depths of Sexual Sin: The Story of My Life and Ministry" find out why author Steve Gallagher founded his Pure Life Ministries in 1986 in Sacramento. That organization began modestly enough and now is helping many good Christian people fight sex addiction. He states that his main purpose in writing his book "is to testify to the fact that God can transform the most wretched life into one of decency".
   
   This book hits on a subject that this is often hidden or ignored in so subtle of ways. The author was L.A. Deputy Sheriff while living a personal life style that was morally corrupted according to him. He was involved in the world of strip clubs, street prostitutes and other behaviors that would be considered unwholesome. In his autobiography, he opens up about his past and shares some of his deepest and most humiliating failures including his life of drug use and crime. He does not paint a pleasant picture of himself but his intentions are to show that even someone like himself can be redeemed and changed and go then on to help rescue others suffering these same delusions and temptations.
   
   This is for the mature reader only. The story is all about changing people and our culture. It is pointed out that 4.2 million websites are pornographic; so some of those people who are connecting with those websites might be someone you know and respect. According to the book, there is one scary and very startling statistic in that 20% of pastors admit to having had an affair while in the ministry. This is a problem and it is not going to go away by ignoring that it doesn't exist; so his book is trying to address this issue and reach out a helping hand to those in need of change. This book is not for everyone but if you need help with this concern or have someone you know who does then reading this book would be a good start to changing their lives.



2. I was enthralled by the first half of the book, and parts later. It really tells a hard hitting and honest evaluation of Steve's life. It takes courage to share the personal challenges and failures of one's life. We need this kind of honesty with other people. The only thing I didn't care for in the book was his "apparent" pushing of a particular religion. I beleive this would have been a five star book without that. The term "spirituality" instead of his particular church name would have enhanced the book more. I felt at times that Steve's religion was the "only" religion that you could find this kind of healing.
   
   Jesus Christ can use any of us in a ministry as needed as this one, but I feel it is in one's heart that Jesus looks and not his/her religion.

3 comments about Martin Luther: The Great Reformer (Heroes of the Faith).

1. I picked this up at a Christian book store for half price. This is an abridged book in a series on famous Christians (mostly Protestant). The author, who is clearly sympathetic with Luther's cause, devotes more attention to Luther's personal relationships and political struggle than to his theology. However, this is probably appropriate for the intended audience (the book store located it near the young readers' section). I can't compare the book to others since this is the first I've read on the topic, but I've personally found it to be an enjoyable read.



2. This German-born Martin Luther was the most prominent of all the Sixteenth Century reformers (as well as counter-reformers). His life became his religious struggle. Though he won some and lost some, he became a symbol of religious defiance to his adversaries, and an anchor-point to his disciples.
   This book did not detail us on the reason why some of his co-reformers parted ways with him; but I did enjoy the time I invested on reading it.



3. Synopsis: A brief biography of Luther's life. Part of a series of approximately 20 books entitled Heroes of the Faith. Evidently, it is edited and abridged from a larger work by one Dan Harmon.
   
   My review: Mr. Harmon has done a poor, poor, poor job of editing a larger work. Really bad. The book has large, direct quotes from other sources, including big chunks of the questioning of Luther at the Diet of Worms in 1521. This is most appropriate since Luther was a well-spoken as well as plain-spoke debater. His text is lively and interesting to read. Even to the modern reader his meaning is quite clear and devoid of all of the flowery Renaissance nonsense that entraps other writers and bores me to distraction.
   
   However, Harmon edited out Luther's most famous line: 'My conscience is captive to the Word of God...Here I stand I can do no other.' This is the image of Luther presented in every school book in the world - the solitary monk standing up to the entire church and against all of Europe's kings at the Diet of Worms on a matter of conscience and refusing to blink because, by God (literally), he thinks he is right and is willing to die for that belief. In my mind, this is one of those moments of heroism that everyone should admire, even if you are not a believer. But, this editor edited it out!!! The height of his shining moment - gone!!
   
   Ironically, that quote is featured on the back of the book - it is in bold print and serves as the headline for the description of the book! AARRGH! Even sillier, the editor has left in a one page description of Charles the Elector's retinue and the parade as they entered Augusburg in 1530. Wow!!!! - if they were trying to limit the size of the book, they really edited out the wrong part!!!! Who really cares what color his men wore as they paraded into town!
   
   My grade: The book is, in general, informative and would serve as a decent introduction to Luther. However, I cannot forgive the very poor editing job. Imagine a Lincoln biography without the Gettysburg Address, a Martin Luther King, Jr. biography without his 'I have a dream speech' or a Julius Caesar biography without 'Vini, vidi, vici.' Man, my blood is up. Imagine, printing this whole book and EDITING OUT THE POINT!!!!!!! Really, I cannot stress my irritation enough, as you all can surely tell by this point...
   
   ***Reviewer's note: please read the comment section. The editor of the text made a few comments that explain the "Diet of Worms" section was left out. Thanks, DWD 3-14-07

1 comments about Anne Bradstreet: A Guided Tour of the Life And Thought of a Puritan Poet.

1. Hiedi Nichols is an apt tour guide, not only of Anne Bradstreet, but also of the basics of her Puritan background. This book was exactly what I was looking for. Ms. Nichols supplies a breif, readable, and well-informed biography of Anne Bradstreet. She also supplies a view of English and New England Puritanism. She also includes selections of Anne's poetry with brief introductory remarks. Finally, a word must be said regarding Ms. Nichol's provision of illustrations and biblographical notes. Many digital reproductions of portraits and title pages are interspersed. What else would you expect from a guided tour?
   All in all, this is a job well done. Nichols proves that she is well aware of the feminists who have tried to take Anne captive and interpret her according to their own agenda, but she doesn't give in to such schemes. I heartily give this book a five-star rating.

5 comments about Simple Gifts: Lessons in Living from a Shaker Village.

1. June Sprigg is a perceptive, compassionate, and poetic observer of Shaker life as she shared it in the early 1970's. Her representation is sympathetic but doesn't "whitewash" the human frailties of the people she encountered. Her descriptions of the beauty of the natural surroundings in which she lived and worked are superb, delicate, and rich. The work is further enhanced by her sweetly simple pencil sketches of the village and the Shakers she grew to love. Perfect reading for summer--or any other time.



2. Well, there isn't much to say about this book other than it was a cozy, meandering read that doesn't take a lot of energy or concentration to read. Nothing happens in this book, either. However, I learned something about the Shaker way that I hadn't known before. It was entertaining in that respect, but nothing more. Would probably only appeal to those interested in Shakers.



3. I grew up close to the only surviving Shaker village in the world and my interest in this interesting people is alive and well. I enjoyed this book for the glimpse of people who remain alive within the pages of books written by those who lived and worked among them. I would agree, this book is meant for those with an interest in the people and their everyday lives. It is a great way to prelude a visit to the Canterbury Village where everything is made real.



4. I was looking through the library for a book on the Shaker way, specifically, what it might be like to be a Shaker, what goes on in their minds, and why they live(d) the way they did. This book is a truly engaging read from cover to cover -- the warm, conversational tone of the narrative kept me reading, and the insights into the Shaker world are priceless. Rather than taking a dry, anthropological view of the vanishing sect, or waxing new age, the author simply tells her own story beautifully, evoking the feeling of what it would be like to visit that time and place. I know very little about Shaker ways, which is why I picked up this book, and I'm very glad I did. From the humorous visits with the neighboring miniature makers to the serene white-washed (and even pink!) walls of the buildings to the gentle smiles of the Sisters, this memoir was charming and a great read. I couldn't put it down.



5. This book is NOT just for those with an interest in the Shakers. I picked it from the library shelf at random while looking for something else, and I am so glad I did. Those who enjoy learning from their elders, those who are trying to make sense of religion, and those who love a good memoir may want to give this book a try. I loved the author's positive outlook. She treats her subject with great sensitivity, warmth, and attention to detail.

3 comments about Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa: A Biography from the Tibetan being the Jetsun-Kabbum or Biographical History of Jetsun-Milarepa, According to the Late Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdup's English Rendering.

1. This book is translated from the original Tibetan biography of Milarepa. It is easy to read, and contains some wonderful explanatory notes. These go a long way in clearing up some of the more difficult statements found in the book, especially for those unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism. All round a wonderful book, one which you can read time and time again and every time get more out of it. And don't forget, the story itself is also pretty good!



2. I have read few books, believing it to be more important to incorporate the ideas into daily living than be widely read. This book is one of those few. I always found it to be inspirational. Though Milarepa exhibits superhuman strength in his Sadhana, spiritual practice, it is nevertheless a lofty ideal to sustain spiritual aspirants. It is a truism, often neglected at great peril, that one is happiest when trying to live according to one's ideals. Ignoring the negative opinions and hidebound thoughts of the worldly environment one must forge ahead to manifest the ideals presented by the Great Yogis! It may be a terrific struggle, full of many setbacks, but Victory awaits those who never give up. For me Milarepa has been a beacon of a true example. may all who seek liberation from the dualities of this world find brotherhood with the Great Yogi Milarepa!



3. This is the second book in the Tibetan series from W.Y.Evans-Wentz. If you really want to begin at the start then you should first of all read - The Tibetan Book of the Dead by the same author. Milarepa is essentially the 800 year old story of Tibets greatist yogi told through the eyes of his students Jetsun and Rechung. The story is about a poor wicked boy who eventually turns into a wise old yogi to be held in the highest esteem. It is a wonderful story that can be read as a standalone book or as part of the series.

   The most important aspect of this book is that it Milarepa, as a student of Buddhism, needs to practice and cover much of the topics that are explained in The Tibetan Book of the Dead. This is really what is at the heart of the book. So those of you who may want to learn more about The Tibetan Book of the Dead (and you should because it is one of the most important works ever obtained by occident man), can see it put into practice in the story of Milarepa.

   There are many footnotes and references for you to read through. Again the story is a wonderful, uplifting one with lots of joy and sorrow to experience. You will certainly gain much metaphysical insight and the morals in this story when put into practice will certainly make you a better person. It is a wonderful journey and I have read the story many times and will read it many more. It really is that spiritually enlightening and certainly a very important text to be translated in English for the occident. This book is a treasure-house of spiritual information.

   The other two works in the series are - Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines and The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation in that order.

1 comments about Saint Philomena: Powerful With God.

1. This is the inspiring story of a spectacular 13 year old Virgin and Martyr Saint. She was the favorite Saint of the Great Curé of Ars, St. John Marie Vianney. Covers the astounding miracles that followed after the finding of her relics. She was proclaimed a Saint, Wonder-Worker and Patroness of the Children of Mary by Ven. Pope Pius IX. Includes miracles, cures, conversions, shrines, prayers and devotions. Illustrations. 136pp. PB. Imprimatur.

No comments about Biografias de Grandes Cristianos.