1 comments about Dante Alighieri: Divine Comedy, Divine Spirituality (The Crossroad Spiritual Legacy Series).

1. Robert Royal has managed to write a book which makes Dante's Divine Comedy not only more understandable for the average reader, but which makes you want to actually read Dante's classic. One of the chief reasons why this is such a good book is that Royal takes Dante's spiritual leanings seriously, unlike some commentators who see Dante as doing mostly political commentary. I recently used Royal's book as I embarked on teaching The Inferno to a high school student I was tutoring. It was an invaluable resource and made things clearer than the notes found in either edition of The Inferno we were using. I am now looking forward to finishing The Divine Comedy myself for the first time, inspired by Robert Royal. Thank you to the author for making this classic accessible for someone who doesn't read Italian, but who does share Dante's Catholic faith.

5 comments about Walking With Arthur: Finding God on My Way to New York.

1. I purchased this book in a curious sort of way, and found it to be be one of those rare and exceptional reads that transcend the pages and passes into the heart ... at least for me. I was struck by the candor O'Donnell offers in coming to faith without all the glamorizing that one sometimes reads in some of the pop-christian authors today. I was challenged in my faith and encouraged to believe in a God who wants to be a part of my everyday experiences, yes, even my failures and mistakes. I would encourage others to read and seek out an Arthur in their life and or become an Arthur to others. Like the vegetables on your plate, this book is good for you.



2. WALKING WITH ARTHUR is a short biography and spiritual memoir of James O'Donnell. The book isn't a detailed biography, but it does contain biographical elements. These elements of biography, found mostly in the beginning, but scattered throughout the book serve to give the reader an understanding of what O'Donnell was like before he met his friend Arthur.
   
   However, the central focus of the book is an explanation of how the author became a Christian and how his friendship with Arthur helped change his life. Unlike many "conversion" tales that are hyped-up and propogated by the marketing forces of many churches, James O'Donnell's conversion was nothing spectacular. He wasn't a harden criminal whose behavior changed overnight. There were no angels singing in our realm when he made the choice. There was no lights in the sky. It was a simple matter brought about by a simple choice.
   
   Arthur is a key person in the story because it is through O'Donnell's friendship with Arthur that he is able to first, consider his decision and then make it. Arthur becomes a kind of mentor to O'Donnell, despite feeling that he himself is really being mentored to by O'Donnell.
   
   There aren't a whole lot of deep theological issues in the book. It is a rather simple tale full of warmth and charm. It's also a fairly short book that can be read in a few hours. It may not be a must read, but WALKING WITH ARTHUR isn't a waste of time, either.



3. Sunday, April 2, 2006
   
   Today is Enough
   
   Who has time to read books anymore? Life is just too busy!! I can't remember the last time I sat down and read through a few chapters, let alone a whole book. Aside from the time I take to read the Bible, I never get a peaceful, quiet moment to read. My life is too chaotic! Any parent knows that when you have a three year old, and a little baby, you just don't get the luxury of "quiet" very often.
   
   In addition to the absence of silence and private time, is the sleep deprivation. No matter what, I can never get enough! So was the case this morning. Now that daylight savings time has gone into effect, here in Indiana, we have now lost another precious hour of sleep, or so it seems. I wanted to just roll over and pretend it wasn't Sunday. However, I have come to realize that the times where you want to skip church the most are the times where you most need to go. In fact, every time I have resisted the temptation to stay home, I have never regretted what I could have missed!
   
   This was the case today. We went to church and I was tired and couldn't wait to go home and take nap. I wasn't in the mood for much, but I waited for worship to be over and the service to start. Today, we had a speaker. This was a rare treat. Our church usually doesn't have speakers very often. So, you KNOW it's going to be good!
   
   I must say, as tired as I was, I was glad that I was there. The speaker was James O'Donnell. He teaches as Huntington College. He spoke about how he used to be so caught up in his own life. He loved money, and no matter how much he had, or what he had, it was never enough. Yet, he never really considered God too much, until he met a special friend named Arthur. Arthur gently steered him in the right direction, towards God. Over time, he started becoming more curious about the Lord, and eventually, went with Arthur to a Men's group.
   
   As his heart began to soften, he opened up his life more and more to God. It was because of Arthur's friendship that he came to Christ. Arthur's gentleness and patience in leading him was also a big part in drawing him to the Lord.
   
   This man encouraged me that even when you think you aren't doing much for the Lord, you never know the influence you have on people. Just as Arthur led James to Jesus slowly, that is how we must be with others. I have been praying and trying for years to lead certain people to Christ. It hasn't happened yet, but I won't give up hope. It's just hard sometimes. But, this story has encouraged me to keep planting seeds.
   
   Seeds may be small, but they don't stay that way. When they are watered and tended, they grow!! The seeds I plant are sure to grow! So, I must never underestimate the power of patience, kindness, and love. Those are the seeds that are sewn in deeply, and those seeds always have a way of sprouting!!
   
   Of course, this man has written a wonderful book about his experiences called Walking with Arthur. Finding God on My Way to New York. As I mentioned earlier, I am not one for reading books much anymore. Even when I do get books, I start them and then never finish them. What good would it do if I bought a book and then it just sat around?
   
   Nevertheless, I knew I had to take the chance. Most of all, I had a person in mind when I felt God urging me to buy this man's book. So, after the service, I approached his table and talked to Mr. O'Donnell about the person on my heart. I told him that this person is a lot like he used to be. He sees no need for God or for church and he just does things his own way. I told him that I didn't know if this person would read the book, or what it would take to reach him, but I had to try. He wrote inside the cover: "I met Melissa today. You know what? She loves you a bunch. God bless you. Jim O'Donnell"
   
   I don't know if those words will compel the recipient to read or not, but I know that it just encouraged me all the more. I am still clinging to the hope that he, along with other friends and family of mine, will know Jesus before it is too late.
   
   With that thought in mind, I thought that maybe I should read this book when I got home. To my delight, it was only about 150 pages, and looked like an easy, enjoyable read. I thought for sure I could read it in one day, and was determined to do so. That way, I could better refer people to the book, as well as the things that Mr. O'Donnell spoke about in his message this morning.
   
   I can now say that I have actually read a book, other than the Bible, cover to cover for the first time in I don't know how long! Maybe that's not much of an accomplishment, but for me, I was happy that I could finally "finish" something and even more so, get something out of it as well.
   
   I've got to say, this is the best read that I have had in a long time! I might even have to buy my own copy for myself, and even more for people for Christmas presents, and what not. This is a book that EVERYONE should read! It's smart, honest, and real. I also realized that some of the best books are never bestsellers. Until today, I had not heard of this book, but if word gets out, I'm sure others will find the wealth of wisdom in it.
   
   While I was reading, I felt I just had to write down the things that grabbed me most. One of the first things was this nugget of wisdom that Arthur shared with James about technology: "Far beyond its power to make us more productive or, as some think, save humanity, it has tremendous power to distract or entertain us."
   
   I don't know about you, but that speaks VOLUMES TO ME! How many of us can relate to the ever helpful computer at home or at work who breaks down. Still, we all claim that technology is wonderful and makes our lives easier. Yet, all we do is invest more time and money in repairs and maintenance to keep this helpful tool running. Such a helpful database is most useful, except when it crashes. Then, what do you have to fall back on? I hope we never totally abandon MANUAL RECORDS AND LABOR!!
   
   Another thing that is pointed out is that technology entertains and distracts us. That's for sure! Look how many, myself included, get sucked into computer or video games. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to ease stress by playing a nice fun game on the computer, only to find myself more obsessed and stressed trying to earn points, rewards, and other ridiculous virtual prizes that you can't even get your hands on. "Oh boy! I beat the game! Now what? Is that all there is? I labored for hours on a game? Gosh, that was kind of stupid. What prize or fame did I really attain?"
   
   That's what happens when success is wrongly defined. True success is in things that you don't often see or touch. It's just like this next bit of wisdom from the book: "those of us who find some success in life--whatever success means to us--it can become difficult to trust in anything other than whatever that success is."
   
   Wow! Now there is something to think about! There is always a trust test. People may be shocked when they find out that the temporary things like looks, smarts, money, or even people, fail them. Our trust can't rely on those things. We need to trust in the things that last and won't fade away. Our faith needs to be put in the things that will withstand the test of time and the hardships in life. Our hope and trust needs to be in God, and in the fruit of the Spirit. Those things strengthen us and keep us going.
   
   So many times, fear is mixed in with success. We are often afraid of success itself. I know that I am at times. But, one must realize that the more fear you have about something, the more urgent it is that you overcome it. At least, that's how I feel. The things you fear most should be the things you're most willing to fight for. In Mr. O'Donnell's book, he and Arthur talk about whether or not the thing you're afraid of is really important enough to be worth your fear. Well, when you put it that way, I guess there are a lot of silly fears that can be dropped like, "will I make it to here or there on time?" or "what if I can get this or that done?"
   
   Overcoming fear can be difficult, but I love how Arthur's friend, Perry, puts it: "God often gives us a vision of what's ahead, but doesn't give us the means to get there...yet. He doesn't cut the string to where we are right away." Later, Perry also says: "There's no hurry to make things happen, to make your own success. First, and foremost, just show up. Then do the good that lies nearest. Let God set the pace."
   
   These two quotes put everything in a new perspective for me. A lot of times, I feel "stuck." I feel like I am not doing much, if anything, for the Lord. But, when I read this, I think about what I'm doing now. Maybe, what I'm doing is "enough." Maybe today is "enough." There's nothing wrong with reaching above and beyond, but when you don't quite get there, maybe it's ok to be content with what you did "today," and just resolve to persevering each new day that you are given. God may give us a vision, but maybe it's not always clear how to get there. Maybe, we should just be content to wait and to take things slow. Who says that every step has to be a giant step? Baby steps are steps too, and no matter how big or little the steps are, as long as you're walking, you're moving toward your goal. We have to be content with "today" in order to be happy with what will come "tomorrow." Just wait. I always hear Dr. Phil say: "Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow hasn't happened yet. All you've got is today." Make today count, and don't worry about tomorrow.
   
   Another thing that Mr. O'Donnell talks about in the book are goals and dreams. Everyone has things that they have always wanted to do. Some are realistic, and some are way out there. The bottom line is, are they fitting and worth pursuing? Are the things to which you aspire to do worth tireless time and pursuit, especially if they don't involve God in your plans? The best things worth pursuing are those that include God and answer the tough questions like: "Why am I here?" "What is my purpose in life?"
   
   So often, we get distracted with the small stuff, and some of the vainer goals of ours, that we ignore the important questions. It's easier just to set our sights on the easier things that we can manage, conquer, and control. Thinking about the bigger picture is challenging and hard. So, we settle for completing the lesser tasks that take our minds off the greater priorities that can be an overwhelming task to ponder. We put off the things we know we should do for fear of failure and feelings of inadequacy. I've been there myself. There are things that I need and want to do, and those very fears sometimes keep me down as well.
   
   I hope that from reading this book, I can learn to embrace challenge better. James O'Donnell placed a quote from Frederick Buechner in his book that I REALLY enjoyed: "The place God calls you to is the place where our deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." If that doesn't put things into perspective, I don't know what would!
   
   I want to use my gifts to feed that "deep hunger" of the world. No gift is too big or too small. Everyone is important. James said that Arthur "urged me not to minimize any gift, even strange gifts like suffering and reversal. `Wounds are redeemable too,' he told me. `Whatever life inflicts on you can be useful to help others.' We can, if we are willing, help others by sharing the struggles that have challenged our own lives. They can help someone else make sense of their life. They can be used at work, at home, with neighbors, to befriend, encourage, challenge, or comfort too. It's part of God's work for us--comforting others with the comfort we have received from God."
   
   Even just talking and comforting someone is "work" from the Lord. Anything we do, big or small, is a contribution to the work of the Lord. That helps me to remember that I should never feel invaluable to God, just because I am not a missionary, or a famous evangelist, or something like that. Everyone has a job to do, and no matter what it is, it's important to the Lord and he can't do without your contributions.
   
   I am SO GLAD that I read this book today! I will ponder this wisdom in my heart and pray that I can continually develop into a greater servant of the Lord. I hope that whoever reads the things that I mentioned here will be blessed as I have been blessed. Maybe what I wrote here won't get very far. I know that I'm windy and that I always write in "book form" as my Grandmother calls it, but that's ok. Even if I'm the only one that ever reads this over and over again to remind myself of what I have learned, that's alright. It will always be that constant nudge from God that I have my own book to write. So, just like Arthur nudged James in the right direction, God keeps nudging me as well. I'll keep working for God, big or small, every day as I work towards the bigger picture. But no matter what I do or don't accomplish, I will remember to be patient with myself and remember each day that today is enough.



4. A book every business executive should read, this is brave and honest, a spiritual memoir that aches with truth.



5. Others have already shared what the book is about. It is simply about the author, O'Donnell, and his friend Arthur who softly shared his belief in God and created the avenue for James O'Donnell to follow Christ in like manner. It is a true story of how simple witnessing through a lifestyle can change people's lives for the better. The book is a simple way, by buying and passing it along, to share one's own belief in Christ as Savior and Master of our life. A fine witnessing tool for anyone, especially men.
   
   I met the author and found the book to be a true reflection of the man, the Christian, the professor and a truly caring person. The Lord did a magnificent work through both Arthur and Jim.
   
   The book was written after O'Donnell's other book titled "Letters for Lizzie" which is an amazing story of Jim and his wife's fight for life. She won and yet lives on, although both are tested frequently. They have a strong faith, and an absolutely unbelievable story to read. Although the couple began on the east coast, we Hoosiers are proud and glad they gave so much up and give so much of themselves, now here in Indiana.
   
   You will be blessed by reading both books by James O'Donnell. The good news: he is working on another.
   
   Walking With Arthur is an inspirational read for any Christian or any person desiring to know what God can do for you. Perhaps all of us can learn to be "Arthur's", as Jim recommends to his students and friends alike.

2 comments about Converting to Judaism - Choosing to Be Chosen : Personal Stories.

1. The book is very fast moving with personal testament from people who converted to Judaism. Some of these people wanted to create a more spiritual environment for the spouse and future family. Some never found meaning in their own religion. I think that the interesting part is that the stories are so personal and real. It's possible to relate.



2. I really liked this book. The author tells the story of several people who convert, most but not all in the context of relationships with a Jew. Some people had strong religious backgrounds, while others had little exposure to organized religion. A couple had abusive childhoods. There are stories of an African-American woman and a Japanese-American woman who convert.
   
   One thing I really liked about this book is that the author had something positive to say about each convert. She also presented the process as a period of study of Judaism, rather than a demand for immediate conversion. One of the women described here may never convert because of her difficulty giving up the belief in the divinity of Jesus. Interestingly enough, marrying converts caused some of the born Jews to become more religious and a couple chose Orthodoxy.
   
   This book is great for anyone interested in becoming a Jew-by-Choice.

4 comments about Complete Idiot's Guide to the Life of Christ.

1. Yes, something good can come from Nazareth, and here we have something good about the same thing, coming out of Complete Idiot-land. It's a little hard to get used to, since it's not really a Sunday school paper, but not quite a copy of the New Testament, either.

   Includes sections on how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and a section analyzing the Book of Revelation. Doing this explores the context of Christ's life, and this format ends up producing a refreshing new look.

   The radical nature of Christ's message comes out clearly, as the author here boils it down: don't worry about anything; disregard hypocrites; love your neighbor.

   The anaylsis of the four gospel books is pretty standard. For a guy who, according to the back cover, is on a teaching gig at St. John the Divine cathedral in NYC (home of ultra-liberals like William Sloane Coffin), the author is remarkably Orthodox in his approach. Althouth he's a Presbyterian, he's in touch with urban ministries and younger people, all of which comes out here.

   The anti-scholastic tone achieved by the cover and packaging may also be more authentically Christ-like than most people would think. The author leaves room in his writing for doubts about who Jesus was, or is, which is also appropriate for this medium.




2. I found this book to be quite excellent.It is written simply, like most Idiot's guides. The information to my knowledge is quite accurate. I was actually surprised at the quality of this book. From the culture surrounding Jesus, to his birth, life, and death, this book covers it all. The book is packed with interesting facts. It is not overly complex, and won't try to "convert" anyone. It simply gives an overview of Christ. But even non-Christians will admire Jesus Christ after reading about his truly awesome life on this earth.



3. Unlike other books of this sort, "Life of Christ" actually manages to teach you something! Not only does it focus on the existence of Jesus, the greatest teacher and thinker of all time, but it also includes details about the patriarchs, the prophets, the related history -- all the information you need to fully appreciate the tragically inspirational story of Jesus Christ. The author is truly gifted and talented; his own attitude and writing style are something to marvel at! This is a definite must read for all who are curious about the world's most passionate teacher and savior!



4. This book goes into great detail of the life of Jesus Christ, and his teachings according to the Bible. One thing I resented was the author's belief that Jesus did not walk on water, the author refers to it as a figure of speech. He also denies that Jesus actually fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, again referring to it as a symbol, not as an actual occurence. Although meant in a good way, it still apalled me to hear this, as a Christian who believes the Bible is the absolute truth. If one can say those events did not actually happen, what else could be said about the credibility of the Gospels? I would recommend reading the BIBLE to study Jesus' life.

No comments about The Preacher's Demons: Bernardino of Siena and the Social Underworld of Early Renaissance Italy.

5 comments about JESUS WHO? Myth vs. Reality in the Search for the Historical Jesus.

1. I found "Jesus Who?" a very interesting and scholarly work. Dr. Gardner blends a discussion of cultures, historical writings and events, and biblical text to describe many elements of the life of Jesus. While studious, it is easy to read with periodic summaries for quick recall of aspects of Jesus' life.



2. I was very disappointed. The author's reasonng is fallacious, his research spotty. Could have been written by a high school sophomore. There are much better works out there.



3. I advise especially young people to read this book instead of reading
   Religion-Fiction



4. Good book. I think the author shows Jesus main message was one of love - as Jesus Himself demonstrates here: "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Luke 19:27



5. Gardner has done his homework. I checked every Biblical reference and was pleased to see that there was no tendency to bias nor an effort to deceive. An easy read with much to say.

2 comments about A League of Dangerous Women: True Stories from the Road to Redemption.

1. People with nothing to lose are dangerous, but not to the extent that those who have everything to give are.
   
   Mary Bowley demonstrates that the most dangerous people "count it all joy" by looking at the bigger picture. They do this with an unshakable faith that all will be well, no matter what circumstances look like at this moment. Such people have come through the fires of hell in one piece and have survived--No, they have prospered. Now they spread the good word of hope, and this is the lesson of A League of Dangerous Women: If we know it, then we can achieve it, and then we will facilitate it for others.
   
   Groups of women have been dangerous in the past, among them America's suffragettes of the19th and 20th centuries. Some men and women alike that opposed their right to vote abused them. Just as disturbingly today, some women are abused in more ways, starting as early as infancy when they are molested, raped, belittled, beaten, burned, neglected, starved, and thrown out. Further, because of peer pressure and spousal abandonment, many American women fall victim to drug addiction, alcoholism, unwed pregnancy, cult lifestyles, homelessness, poverty, prostitution, and suicide.
   
   With nothing left to lose, these women come to Wellspring and its way station home, where the staff and residents show that God is still in the healing business. Wellspring Living's motto is: "Changing Our World by Changing Hers."
   
   The staff members are in recovery as well, or at least have a calling to help, but they all receive more than they invest. Friends, family, church, and the legal system refer young broken women. Any of their stories, recorded as chapters, could stand alone as an important film. Together, they make a formidable team that cannot stop what God has started, but only help to finish it: growth, independence, and blessings.
   
   These women progressed from broken vessels, to women dangerous to themselves and others, to heroes boldly dangerous for God and His promises for healing, deliverance, and truth through salvation in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. They won't settle for less, and it's all real.
   
   This book is for any woman--middle school girls to senior citizen. I hope that women everywhere can become so dangerous.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Those wonderful "dangerous" women get a lot done.



2. Women's Ministry leader and founder of a recovery program for women, Wellspring Living, author Mary Frances Bowley knows well each person described in A League of Dangerous Women. With compassion rather than condemnation, following the precepts laid down in Scripture, letting her Lord relate to each distressed women He brings her, Bowley has rich experience and deep truths to share. Be prepared to be dynamited out of your rut. Our God is a God of miracles, and this is a book of miracles happening right now in the lives of desperate, terribly abused, totally lost women. Not only does the Lord save, He washes white as snow and sends the washed ones out to witness for Him.
   
   Meet Danielle, physically, verbally, and sexually abused in childhood, as she makes a desperate bid to rise out of the mire of drug addiction and prostitution. How did she find Jesus? One desperate day, after hearing about the Lord, she opened the front door and asked Jesus to come in and be her best friend and walk with her forever. And the miracles began to happen.
   
   Meet Tracy who went to Church yet was betrayed by the parents who took her there. The forces of darkness reached out to claim her and drive her into deathly desperation. She tried suicide, alcohol, drugs, sex, and an abortion. When nothing else helped, she called unto the Lord, and from then on, no matter how dark the way became, God continually reached out until Tracy stumbled into His arms and her miracles.
   
   Including Danielle and Tracy, there are 14 such biographies in A League of Dangerous Women. This volume closes with a special prayer, one useable by all people, written by Tracy
   
   This is a must-read book. If you are desperate or know one chained by desperation, here are answers. If you live in a nice Christian cocoon, here is your wake up call. If the Lord is calling you to ministry, Bowley's memoirs and insights will help you. If you are not a Christian, read and see just how God can work. - Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

5 comments about The Will to Live On: This is Our Heritage.

1. I would agree with the superlatives described in a previous review. I was particularly moved by the sweep of history described up through the 3rd Destruction. I was particularly moved by the section about the fall of the 2nd Temple and about Yahveh. The descriptions of Jewish literature and thought through the ages was very good.

   Unfortunately, I was hoping for a more creative, less tradition bound ending, more in the style of Dershowitz in The Vanishing American Jew or Mordecai Kaplan in Judaism as a Civilization - see next paragraph). I have lately become a Reconstructionist Jew (a branch of Judaism founded by Mordecai Kaplan). Many of us find it particularly relevant to our needs as American Jews (our prior affiliations have been Reform). Not only was I puzzled to find the very word lacking as an option for the Jewish future anywhere in the book but lacking in all but one sentence in the middle of the book. Is he not familiar with it?

   Elsewhere, I was confused by his use of the word Neology which I took as a critical bias toward one liberal theology?

   After showing the book to a friend, I was suprised to learn about Wouk's misleading information with respect to Hannah Arendt's supposed relationship with a Nazi (via scholarly footnotes) which Wouk uses to discredit her views on the Eichmann trial in ..Banality of Evil. Her credentials are far better than Wouk implies. The distortion works in part by merging time periods of events separated by years.

   Although Wouk admires an large number of intelligent people / leaders, to my recollection they are nearly if not all men.

   After finishing the book, these considerations led me to be less confident about its overall accuracy .




2. At 84 years of age, Herman Wouk, one of the giants of contemporary American Jewish literature, presents his view of the survival of the Jewish people. His narrative moves back and forth between a thumbnail sketch of Jewish history and a colorful personal history . He indicates that the two motivating forces that have kept Judaism cohesive and growing during the twentieth century--the Holocaust and the birth of the state of Israel--are no longer of recent enough memory in the younger generation to ensure Jewish survival. Are there other factors, as the twenty-first century begins, that can influence young Jews to preserve their ancient heritage? This is the tough question the author attempts to address.

   Wouk's whirlwind tour of Jewish history is unsatisfactory because it flies through time and presumes an in-depth knowledge by the reader. Far more satisying are the author's personal reflections as to how his life experiences and knowledge of the past allow him to appreciate his Jewish heritage. What seem to be lacking at the beginning of the book book are fill-in-the-blank kind of things. It is almost as if the author's intention is to get his readers to find the missing information by going to Judaic sources and reading what they need to know to preserve the Jewish faith. Nice ploy!

   THE WILL TO LIVE ON concludes with Wouk's thoughts about the survival of the Jewish people into the distant future. His impressions differ regarding the Jews of Israel and those of the diaspora. He has one especially important thought to share about how diaspora Jewry can ensure their survival. It's not worth peeking at the last few pages of the book ahead of time, however, because the strength of Wouk's case slowly builds throughout the narrative. The reader can then sit back and truly savor the elderly author's insightful conclusion.




3. One of many topics reviewed in this excellent book, possibly, but hopefully not the last of Herman Wouk's great literary career. From the author of numerous fictional works, including the epics Winds of War and War and Remembrance, this is the second of his major nonfiction books, published some 40 years after his first, "This is My God."

   This 300-page book spans a greater time span, and is certainly more up to date than Heinrich Graetz's encyclopedic, multi-volume "History of the Jews." Aside from providing a succinct history of a people spanning over three millennia, Wouk addresses an even more important question of what will become of the Jews, having survived centuries of invasion, overthrow, exile, persecution and the Holocaust, only to be threatened with extinction through intermarriage and assimilation in the United States, and secular Judaism in Israel.

   At times a difficult read because of its complex vocabulary, cultivated from Yiddish, Hebrew, Biblical and Talmudic colloquialisms, this is more than compensated for by its succinctness, its eyewitness perspective, and its inclusion in respective appendices, a glossary of terms, and biographical names.

   Wouk certainly knows of what he speaks. Having been born into and Orthodox American Jewish family, Herman Wouk, is the grandson of a Russian Orthodox rabbi who moved to the United States in the 1920's, who later made aliyah in the 1950's, a member of what Tom Brokaw calls "The Greatest Generation," a World War II naval officer, a lifelong student of history, Old Testament, Talmud, Judaism, and Israel, Wouk has personally met such prominent figures as Prime Ministers Ben-Gurion and Ehud Barak of Israel, the Nobel winning physicist Richard Feynman. A must read for anyone interested in Jewish history, prognosis, Israel (ancient or modern)




4. In a career of fifty years or so, Herman Wouk has published less than a dozen novels. Fortunately, the time he puts into his work shows and nearly all of his works are five-star quality. This book, a non-fiction follow-up to This Is My God (which is the only book of his I haven't read), continues the high-quality trend.

   Although designed for a Jewish audience, this book has plenty to offer anyone who wishes to learn more about Judaism and the direction it is going. This is a good blend of history, theology and memoir, well-organized and filled with detail without losing readability. I found of particular interest the second part, "The Heritage, or the Power of a Dream" which describes the sources of Jewish thought and tradition.

   Although not very religious myself, I am often fascinated with religion, and this book is a good addition to my collection on the subject. As he states in the Afterword, "If this book in any way helps readers to rethink the [future of Judaism] for themselves, I will have done, to the best of my ability, what I set out to do." He has accomplished this task very well.




5. Anyone interested in Judaism, what it means to be a Jew, Jewish history, Jewish meaning will love this book. It's usually very well written eloquent prose although sometimes it's a bit too diary-conversational.

4 comments about The Magic Never Ends: An Oral History of the Life and Work of C.S. Lewis.

1. This book is magical. I have been reading C.S. Lewis for quite a few years now. The authors have captured something of why Lewis' books have never gone out of print. The chapter title "The True Myth" alone is more than worth the price of the book.



2. As a newcomer to the works of C. S. Lewis, I'm thrilled with "The Magic Never Ends". Recently, I've read "A Grief Observed", "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", and
   "The Screwtape Letters", three very diverse examples of Lewis's ability to offer spiritual magic to all age groups. John R. Duncan said it best in his introduction: "The greatness of C. S. Lewis's writing comes from his ability to simplify an intellectual or philosophical concept and to assist readers on a spiritual journey of their own." With input from other Lewis scholars, Douglas Gresham, Walter Hooper, Dr. Dabney Hart, Dr. Lyle Dorsett, Dr. Christopher W. Mitchell, and Colin Manlove,"The Magic Never Ends" provides a "rainbow overview" of one of the 20th Century's most influential writers, C. S. Lewis.



3. This book, along with Kilby's "C.S. Lewis: Images of His World" and Hooper's "Through joy and Beyond", is essential for those Lewis fans who like to see the actual photos of where is used ot lecture, walk, talk, etc, along with the other key places in his life. With high quality paper and binding, the text is made up in large part by interviews of those who knew Lewis. This is the best book on Lewis to come out in years. Well worth the purchase! Enjoy!



4. An award-winning director, producer, and screenwriter, John Ryan (Chip) Duncan wrote "The Magic Never Ends" as a companion book to his PBS documentary by the same name (www.duncanentertainment.com). It's the first full-length documentary on C.S. Lewis ever produced in the U.S. and features narration by Sir Ben Kingsley as well as interviews with the various people quoted in this beautiful volume. Duncan has the unique gift of allowing the people he interviews to speak for themselves and then finding the themes or threads that emerge. The book reflects this commitment. It also contains rare photographs of Lewis and his family, as well as more in-depth discussion of the major themes the film explores. A great read and a beautiful coffee-table gift for Lewis fans.

1 comments about The Sacred Trust: Sketches of the Southern Baptist Convention Presidents.

1. Dr. Caner has assembled a great resource about the history of the SBC presidents. The book proves to be a valuable addition to any library. You will use it over and over when creating sermons, classes, and to simply develop your knowledge. Great work by a great author!