5 comments about Cave in the Snow: Tenzin Palmo's Quest for Enlightenment.

1. This book exceeded my high expectations.
   
   First off it is a well told life story of a western woman drawn to Buddhism. That spiritual attraction is not so unusual, but her subseqent move to India, and the related discomforts she overcame long before starting her years of seclusion were truly inspiring.
   
   Then came the chapters on her actual life in her cave. Since "the cave" is in the title of the book one reads with great anticipation until that part of her life begins. And the author does not shortchange you. You get detail and wholeness. Your curiosities are satisfied and you get a feeling for the spiritual evolution she was achieving herself.
   
   The latter chapters of the book were an added bonus. You gain a rich feeling for Tenzin Palmo's inner peace and stand in awe as she travels the globe fulfilling her goal of starting a Buddhist monastery for women.
   
   Let me leave you with a quote of Palmo's that I found very satisfying: '...taking time to be still and think is often a better investment for future productivity than cramming every waking moment with feverish activity."
   
   All in all a book of growth, wisdom, adventure and a bonus of personal reflection.



2. Cave in the Snow is an Intelligent and Insightful book. Tenzin Palmo helps us to Realize that we as Humans are open to unimaginable Possibilities. Her Journey is one of Integrity and Truthfulness. She battles the Elements , a male dominated Faith and her own upbringing in an attempt to find True Enlightenment. Her Cultivation of Higher Values and Moral Essence are a Testament to the Strength and Courage of not only herself but of all Women. I was Deeply moved by the Wisdom and Accomplishment of Tenzin Palmo.
   
   Vicki Mackenzie - the author of this incredible book - should be applauded for presenting such a Fascinating and Balanced book. Tenzin Palmo takes us along a Path of Spiritual Transformation. She is truly in Union with the True Self. I am a Better person for having read this book.
   
   Cave in the snow is a Faciltator of Awareness. We as readers are are Inspred by Tenzin Palmos Knowledge and Confidence. She proves that Divinity is your Birthright. Enhance your Experience of today by reading the Tapestry of the Soul which is Cave in the Snow.



3. This is the story of an extraordinary woman who strives for enlightenment, and in her quest she trundles off to live in a cave for years. Quite amazing.
   Unfortunately, despite the fact that the story is fascinating, this book is so staggeringly badly written that every page made me wince and in the end I gave up and haven't finished it. Despite the authors fairly prolific output in matters of buddhism/spirituality I found the content bland, trite, rambling and uninspiring.
   I am not normally so critical of a book, and this is my first review, but this book incensed me because it completely mangled a fantastic story.
   It's only worth reading if you are particularly interested in Tenzin Palmo, I would never bother reading it for anything other than gleaning the facts.



4. In 1961, a 21 year-old English girl named Diane Perry embarked on an extraordinary journey towards becoming only the second Western woman ever ordained as a Buddhist nun. Adopting the Tibetan name Tenzin Palmo, this young Cockney girl, daughter of a poor single mother working as a cleaning woman in south London, went on to transform herself into a cross-cultural spiritual pioneer, devoting her next 20 years to steeping herself in the rarefied higher teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, and bridging enormous barriers of culture and gender to pursue a deeply felt spiritual calling.
   
   For most of the next two decades, Palmo lived among the exiled Tibetan monastic communities in India, at one point spending twelve years - yes, that's twelve years - in solitary retreat in a Himalayan cave. Since then, she has become a leading advocate for women in Buddhism, and a widely respected teacher leading Buddhist meditation retreats worldwide and working towards completing her convent for Tibetan nuns.
   
   In the years since her long Himalayan solitude, Palmo has also taken a solemn vow - one that non-Buddhists may find outlandish, but that Palmo herself undoubtedly takes quite seriously - to dedicate her current and future lifetimes (as Tibetan Buddhists believe) towards attaining enlightenment in the female form, transforming herself into a full-fledged female bodhisattva.
   
   Mackenzie, a former Times of London journalist, has written a captivating account of this remarkable woman�s life, including fascinating vignettes about her early encounters with Tibetan luminaries such as the great meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a young Dalai Lama, and her lifelong teacher and guru Kamtrul Rinpoche, who recognized her immediately upon their first meeting as a reincarnated Tibetan lama in the Kargyu tradition.
   
   A reluctant biography subject (agreeing to the project only after much heartfelt persuading by Mackenzie, an unabashed admirer), Palmo comes across as a deeply humble, holy figure, possessed of a profound inner wisdom and much practical sense.
   
   This book is that rare find of a biography, in which we meet a remarkable but hitherto uncelebrated figure, whose life story provides an object lesson in moral virtue and grace.
   
   I would recommend this book to men, women, Buddhists, non-Buddhists, and others.



5. This true story is extremely well written, I love the authors style of prose. Clearly, Tenzin Palmo (heretofore referred to as T.P.) is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While the external story of T.P. was captivating and inspiring - I couldn't do for a month what she did for many years; what I had hoped to find were her insights, what did she discover on the internal journey? Unfortunately when pressed to express her truths T.P. responded with a nonchalant "it's too private" sort of response. This is the part of the story that blows my mind: Some of the major themes of Buddhism are love and compassion, well where is the compassion in withholding one's internal discoveries, the candid discussion of which might assist others in overcoming their own illusions? Also, if Buddhists are so "enlightened" how have they been able to ignore/dominate/exclude their mothers/sisters/daughters for so long? My hope is that T.P. and Vicki Mackenzie will sit down and articulate the internal story of T.P.'s path, the subtleties of mind and illusions she explored and overcame - or didn't overcome. That's where the treasures are! Should have been 5 stars, but in good conscience I can only give 4.

2 comments about Finding God at Harvard: Spiritual Journeys of Thinking Christians.

1. This collection is written by Harvard students, professors and grads, and Harvard types can sure write well. I used The Inexplicable Prayers of Ruby Bridges (from this collection) with students in a teacher training class in Albania and it was a great hit.



2. I don't concider myself an intellectual but I am a strong believer in God. These short accounts were well written (although at times the vocabulary required me to get out my dictionary) and gave me great encouragement in seeing the power of God at work in the lives of these learned men and women. It strengthened my faith.

1 comments about No Ordinary Fool: A Testimony to Grace.

1. Catholic literature abounds in conversion stories, and many of these "Home to Rome" tales have a sort of apologetic edge. NO ORDINARY FOOL transcends that genre. While no one could miss Fr. John Jay Hughes' deep love for Catholicism, this is far more than an argument for Roman verities. It is a piercing, wise memoir, written by a priest who has prayed and thought deeply about matters of both head and heart. Hughes is admired across ideological fault lines because he cuts to the core of things, to the restless need of the human heart for a love that lasts. Anyone who wishes to take that journey would do well to have Hughes as a guide.

5 comments about The Bondage of the Will.

1. I purchased Luther's book for my "Formation of Modern Christianity" class and am in the process of using it to write my term paper on the debate between Erasmus and Luther on the issue of free will. Luther does an excellent job in this book when presenting his case for the bondage of free will by demonstrating that humans are completely depraved and cannot choose salvation, therefore we do not have the free will to do both good and evil, but only evil. Buy this book if you want a clear picture on this ongoing debate, but make sure to also purchase "Discourse on Free Will" to gain a picture of Erasmus' point of view, as well.



2. "De servo arbitrio" is the original title of this Martin Luther's masterpiece. In it, the Reformer explains his theology concerning the limits of man's will before God, differing it from those which preached the full free will or the absence of any possibility of free will. It is a key book for all those who are interested in studying the matters referred to free will and predestination.



3. The authors have done a commendable job of bringing the debate between two of the Reformation's prime leaders into the modern forum. I appreciate the easily-read type-setting and general formatting of this book.



4. God must open our spiritual eyes in order that we will truly desire Him.
   
   Despite the confusing credit-debit, works-merit system deceitfully established by the RCC, Luther harshly spells it all out for all those who are unaware and unfamiliar with their own fallen human condition and the consequences of remaining ignorant of their dead, sin-laden standing before God!
   
   Bondage of the Will - This is the wake up call!!! Grace is unmerited favor! Augustine came to know the truth about GRACE in his later works (that came about as a result of the Pelagian & Semi-Pelagian Controveries) - it leaves no room for boasting! Why is one a true Christian and another is not/or simply a pretender? What did we have that we did not receive?? Not only is a true hearing of the Word an aspect of grace but also is the true receiving of it!!!
   
   No man can come to Jesus unless the Fathers draws Him and none that is given to Jesus will go lost becasue they are secure in Him!
   
   Predestination & Election are not made up concepts and they are not merely a product of God's Foreknowledge.
   
   God has enabled sin to enter the world for reasons that are unknown to us.
   
   Nothing falls outside of God's providence and dominion.
   
   The elect will hear this message loud and clear while the reprobate will mock God and exalt man
   
   Amen to those who are willing to see the big picture and speak the truth!
   
   TO GOD GOES THE GLORY!!!



5. It is safe to say that Martin Luther did not think that man's will is free. In some of the most funny, bitter, sarcastic, and theologically insightful pages found in any Christian work, Luther puts forth his position on "free-will" in The Bondage of the Will (also found in "Luther's Works," vol. 33, "Career of the Reformer pt. III). The title itself should show the reader which side of the Calvinist debate Luther finds himself on. This book is a response to Diatribe, by Erasmus, in which Erasmus critiqued Luther's view of election. Luther responds in theologically knee-deep sarcasm, and is very effective.
   
   Luther shows that the main texts Erasmus uses are ripped out of context, twisted and contorted by a sinful mind, and are left violated. Luther begins the fourth section by telling the reader, "Here you will see what man-made smoke can do against the thunder and lightning of God" (161). "Man-made smoke" is Luther's most charitable description of Erasmus's work. Diatribe is personified, and throughout Luther's work referred to as a she. Specifically, Diatribe is referred to as a she without Divine reason, but only human conjecture. Luther than amplifies and says that Human Reason is "blind, deaf, stupid, impious, and sacrilegious with regard to all the words and works of God" (173). And this conjecture just described is considered too good of a label for Diatribe.
   
   Luther's defense, which is actually more of an offense, has two main sections. First, Luther critiques the hermeneutics of Diatribe. Luther accuses her of copying Jerome and Origin, and then adds, "For hardly any of the ecclesiastic writers have handled the divine Scriptures more ineptly and absurdly than Origin and Jerome" (167). Luther then moves into the texts used by Diatribe. There are sections on the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, how Judas had no choice but to betray Christ, Jacob and Essau, and on the potter and clay analogy. Luther clearly shows that these passages do not need to be explained out of scripture, and should be interpreted literally. If done so, the reader will be left believing in a God that did indeed harden Pharaoh's heart, hate Essau before he was born, cause Judas to betray Christ, and crafts man's very soul with his hands.
   
   All of these sections follow a familiar pattern. Luther shows us that the hermenutical principles used by Diatribe are not valid and compromise the integrity of scripture. Then he shows that if her argument is true, it is absurd. Luther then grants that her argument is true, and shows that even this does not justify freedom of the will.
   
   But in between these sections are a couple of theological jewels. There is a section titled, "How God's Omnipotence Can be Said to Work Evil," and another titled, "How God's Foreknowledge Imposes Necessity." The former is the first work I have ever found persuasive on the subject. Luther uses an analogy of a horse with two lame legs. No matter the skill of the rider, the horse will always do poorly and will never be able to walk correctly. The only hope for the horse is to be healed. Similarly, Luther says, we are sinful. God, because of his sovereignty, must work through us. But whatever we do will be sinful. God is not causing us to sin; he is manipulating our sin for his good and for our salvation. This does not mean God works sin in our lives, only that he controls our lives. To ask Him to stop controlling us so that we would stop sinning is like asking Him to stop reigning over the universe on account of our deficiencies.
   
   Luther seems to have a true understanding of the subjects about which he writes. While one could easily call him unloving and uncharitable for his treatment of his opposition, it is hard to critique someone writing with a death sentence over their head. Luther loved truth, and he loved it so much he tried to slay any arguments brought against it. Had he treated what he viewed as heresy with ambivalence, it is possible those whom he loved would do the same. When a person's life is at stake in his writings, he is likely to speak more bluntly than Max Lucado.
   
   Luther also possesses "theological savvy." He has a way of focusing on one theological principle while weaving others in and out for support. He is persuasive because he presents his views forcefully, and he has a command of both his text and his opponents.

5 comments about Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life.

1. I didn't enjoy this book at all - its just not my type of book. I was expecting a biography of his life - but this book is a series of short stories about life in general, not necessarily the authors life.
   
   I guess I just didn't read the back cover properly.



2. My brother was diagnosed with ALS this last October. I bought this book for everyone in my family...it has allowed us to cherish life and the moments we have with him. This is a great book and I recommend it 100%!!!



3. Just a quick note to add my voice to others who love this book by the late Philip Simmons. As moving and beautiful and wise as any creative nonfiction ever written. As a professor of writing, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about life (and the death that makes life possible).



4. I have read this book once a year at the end of winter since its publication because reading it is a great way to herald in the spring given its life-affirming message. As a disabled person, I find it particularly helpful, but I first started reading it a few years before I was disabled. I purchase at least one copy a year because I not only loan it out, I give it away. Such a gift it is.
   
   I also want to say to the people who are disappointed that Simmons doesn't let us into his pathos and pain: perhaps Simmons did not spend a very long time in pathos and pain, let alone want to write about it (living it may have been enough for him). I am disabled and my disability has left me with little social contact (in fact even my spouse left me because of my disability), and yet I am a happy person. It's not that I don't accept or honor my grief, but I spend more time loving life back rather than standing in the crashing waves shaking my fist at God. I suspect this was Simmons way as well.
   
   No doubt he could have written that other book and even made us laugh at his pain, but that was not the focus of his life. Research shows that happy people do not necessarily have more happy experiences--they just focus on those experiences more and are grateful just for the chance to be alive no matter the suffering. That's a lesson in and of itself.



5. This is about the 7th copy of this book that I have purchased. I keep giving them away because the message is so poignant. It is a wonderful story of courage and acceptance in the face of death at too young an age. But - the story is not sad - the author finds the joys in life and the ability to face each day with a positive outlook.

5 comments about And There Was Light: Autobiography of Jacques Lusseyran, Blind Hero of the French Resistance.

1. A classic study in overcoming adversity and finding hope in hopeless situations. If it were a work of fiction, we would doubt the author's credebility - but this is not fiction, this is the real life of an ordinary individual made extraordinary by the light of his saviour. It is an inspirational book and adventure action novel all in one. Rarely do we find a hero so authentic and humble as Mr. Lusseyran - and only he could share the story because only he has access to that light so necessary for the complete telling.



2. This is the autobiography of a blind hero of the French Resistance during WWII. Lusseyran lost his eyesight as a young boy through an accident at school, caused by a bully. But instead of sinking helplessly into darkness he gradually developed his other senses to extraordinary capacity.
   When seventeen,while interviewing volunteers, willing to join the Resistance, he perceived colors when they answered questions. These colors revealed to him whether they could be trusted or not. Once, however,his friends disagreed with his recommendation. They all were taken prisoner and sent to the Concentration Camp.It was there, that the 18 year old found his second calling: Poetry. Reciting poetry by heart, he assembled the prisoners daily. The imagery had life-sustaining quality for them and a moment of renewal to all that participated. His experiences and observations there, later led him to choose to study philosophy and literature at the Sorbonne.He lectured at the various American universities until his death.
   recommended additional reading by Lusseyran: "Against the Pollution of the I"



3. This is a beautifully writen book. Read it for yourself. You will really enjoy it.



4. This is a very unique perspective that has a miriad of themes. Keep in mind that this book has been translated from french. The semantics and verbage is somewhat awkward at times, but the message remains clear. This meling pot of personal experiences encompass: blindness as a youth, minds-eye interpretations of a blind individual, internal strength, the occupation of France during WWII, the French Underground, detailed brutality of the Nazi Party, prison camp conditions, and repatriation. Once again, I will stress that the themes are broad and this is a translated text, yet it still succeeds in painting a well orchistrated picture of each theme. Most importantly, the theme of hope and strength solidify the foundation and triumph in the end.



5. I received my first copy of And There Was Light in 1977. The book was out of print at the time and members of my spiritual group had to resort to copying it for study. I'm grateful that it's back in print and Jacques Lusseyran's life and work are receiving more attention. Regarding the subtitle, I wonder what Jacques would say about being called a hero? Perhaps he would just laugh and shake his head since he conveys so clearly in And There Was Light that he was just an ordinary person who trusted his heart in a world gone mad. I think the best compliment I can pay the book is it makes me long to be better myself.
   
   As others have said it's a book about blindness, coming of age, WWII, the Holocaust, the French resistance, etc. What is truly unique about it though cannot be easily described, and is best appreciated in the reading. Just get a copy and read it.

5 comments about The Letters of Abelard and Heloise (Penguin Classics).

1. Letter 1 (Historia Calamitatum), Abelard to a friend. You think you have it bad? Let me tell you about the mess I've been through and you'll feel a lot better (p. 3). Things were going great until the other professors realized I was smarter than they were and hated me for it. And then I met Heloise, and things really went downhill from there. Her looks were okay, and I'm a handsome dude, so I thought she'd be easy (p. 10). Her uncle Fulbert was an idiot to leave me alone with her (pp. 10-11). I was her teacher and she was just a kid, but I couldn't keep my hands off her. I slapped her around a little to make it look like I was teaching her and not doing her (p. 11). We went at it like rabbits. I knocked her up, she had a kid, and Uncle Fulbert made us get hitched. It was supposed to be a secret, but Fulbert started to spill the beans, so I put Heloise in a convent. That really pissed off Fulbert, so he made a steer out of me (pp. 16-17). Then I made Heloise take the veil, and I became a monk. Now I'm stuck in a hellhole of a monastery in Brittany with a bunch of thugs.
   
   Letter 2, Heloise to Abelard. I just saw the letter you wrote to your friend. Too bad things have been tough, but how come I haven't gotten a letter from you in over 10 years? I think about you all the time, you big stud. It makes me crazy. I'd rather be called your whore than your wife (p. 51). All the girls were jealous of me; we still sing your songs (pp. 52-53). I'd really like to get a letter from you, especially since it was your idea that I become a nun (p. 53). You were a real jerk back then when you waited to make sure I became a nun before you became a monk (p. 54). The least you can do is write.
   
   Letter 3, Abelard to Heloise. How am I supposed to know you wanted to hear from me? I figured you've had better things to do in the last few years than read my letters. Be a good sister and don't worry about me. But if I kick the bucket, bury me at the convent (p. 61).
   
   Letter 4, Heloise to Abelard. Don't talk that way! It makes me crazy to think of you dead. It seems especially unfair that Uncle Fulbert waited until after we were married to get the knives out. I loved doing the nasty with you. All I do is remember us getting it on. I can't even sleep (pp. 68-69). I really can't stand it.
   
   Letter 5, Abelard to Heloise. Black women are not as good-looking as other women, but they have nice teeth and soft skin - it's better to keep them behind closed doors, you know (pp. 73-75). Do you remember when I used to smack you around when you weren't in the mood (p. 81)? Quit your complaining. Let's write only about religious stuff from now on.
   
   Letter 6, Heloise to Abelard. Are there any loopholes in the Benedictine Rule for nuns?...



2. This book was definitely thought provoking, or at least the parts I had to read for class were. I'm not sure if I would recommend it as a fun read. However, it was interesting.



3. Arrived in very good condition as promised.



4. didnt read yet-will review later..have read a fictionalized account of their love affair-looking forward to reading their actual letters



5. The Letters of Abelard and Heloise is an intense read. It is no doubt true that the staying power of these writings is owing to the soap-opera-like lives of its authors as well as the poetic and romantic language. This collection brings together Abelard's biography written to a friend, "The History of My Own Misfortunes" in which he divulges from beginning to end, all the drama surrounding his rise from philosophy student to a sort of Scholastic celebrity in Paris. The other part of this book is taken up by the personal letters between Abelard and Heloise, from which the reader discovers much about the relationship of a monk and nun who had a romance outdoing anything Shakespeare could have dreamed up for Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship became more formal for Abelard following his radical nighttime castration by Heloise's father. Heloise displays the passion with which she continues to love Abelard even though she joins a convent at his behest. Abelard's tone changes in his personal letters from what it was in his "History," yet Heloise never changes hers. She remains in love with him and lets it show in each letter to him. He takes on the role of a spiritual leader and writes to her instructions and answers to her questions, but he does not keep up with the romantic language as Heloise does.
   
   The value in this type of book, when the texts themselves are available for free download on the internet, is the translation, introduction and notes provided on the historical situation which allow the reader to enjoy it more fully. The translation and introduction done by the late Betty Radice in 1974, who succeeds in humanizing these two long dead authors so that their writings move the reader to an emotional reaction. The updated introduction added by M.T. Clanchy provides a clear look at what scholarship has done with Abelard and Heloise since Radice's book was first published. Her translation aids the reader's enjoyment because it contemporizes the language. The internet versions available are translated archaically due to the fact that those texts are in the public domain and therefore prior to about 1926, which makes it a slower read. This is not a book of theology, though Abelard was arguably the greatest theologian of the Middle Ages, but of real romance despite the star-crossed lovers' ill fated lives.

5 comments about Mover Of Men & Mountains.

1. A must-read for every Christian, and a great tool for ministry.
   
   
   Blessings to Amazon!



2. This was one fantastic book that I could hardly put down. It is a great story of a man with dreams that were larger then life. He always said there are no big jobs, only small machines. Mr. LeTourneau had the capacity to envision larger and larger machines to make man more productive.
   
   This book is 290 pages short with 26 untitled chapters which cover most of Mr. LeTourneau's life. From his childhood and quiting school in the 7th grade to his struggles and almost bankruptcy, he does a great job at unfolding his life the way it happened. He tells of how his business grew during the depression and of the great success he had in creating machines to do a job that none had done before. He was laughed at by people who couldn't see the value in some of his gigantic creations which were ahead of their time. But he didn't allow other people's negativity stop him from accomplishing his goal of benefiting man by making him far more productive then he would have been otherwise.
   
   He talks about his relationship with God and how he believed that God was with him to protect him and help him to succeed. LeTourneau lived his beliefs by helping others and starting a school called LeTourneau Collage. He had given 90% of his stock in his business to a foundation he started for the benefit of others. He is not overpowering with this but just lets his beliefs take a natural course through the book.
   
   Overall I think anyone would really enjoy this book. It really was one of the more interesting biographies I have read. His life again proves that it doesn't matter what kind of education you have or where you are financially, the only thing that can stop you from fulfilling your dreams is yourself!



3. I could not put this book down. What a great book! One reviewer said to buy a second book to give away. I did, but I should have bought several extras! Now I'm buying more. This book has helped me to recognize God's purpose for my life and the incredible gifts He has given to each of us. A great gift for anyone, especially for someone who has ever been in the construction industry.



4. This, to me, was a good example that you don't have to be cut throat to run a successful business. You don't have to be a Harvard graduate. You just need to be energized to help other people the best way you know how, and not be afraid of change, but be excited about innovation.



5. This man's innovations changed the way we build major infrastructure in the world. From a early involvement in auto racing to the most powerful earth moving equipment of his times. R.G. LeTourneau changed the way we build and power the big machines. This is a inspirational book !

5 comments about Crossing Over: One Woman's Escape from Amish Life.

1. A group of friends and I have been studying the Amish. We have truly fallen in love with their commitment to family, community and God. While theologically we have different beliefs, the more we have learned - the more we admire. However, I felt that perhaps I needed to read something that explored the negative side to make sure I was giving both views a fair opportunity. I was totally disgusted with the book. I did not feel this was a young women who came out of her Amish faith for any reason other than rebellion against her parents. The fact that her husband could have looked upon her as anything but a child led me to be appalled and disgusted by him. She said she found freedom and Christ upon leaving her Amish faith - yet her book was filled with bitterness toward those she claimed to have "unconditional love" (her own words at the end) for. I was left thinking that the book was a mere attempt to justify her own rebellious actions toward God, her family and her faith. While I pity her for being in such bondage of unforgiveness, it was clear her family were left grieving their daughter, sister, community member; and it was them that my heart went out to. I thought - in her acts of rebellion it seems she would have crossed over from any family or faith. It was not a negative presentation of anything in the Amish faith - just a confused soul looking to justify her own self serving & rebellious life.



2. of the effects of living in a rigid, legalistic, narrow society, and the horrific psychological warfare waged by those inside such a cult against one who has freed herself. Her sensitivity and analysis is very good. The book flows well and is a fast, fascinating read. My only wish would be that more insight be given to adjustment to the "English" world once she left. A book that is definitely worthwhile, and definitely does not warrant the narrow, angry review given by Mr. Scheffler. Definitely worth the time to read, and the time to realize that, indeed, the Amish constitute a cult within the Christian framework and definition of a cult.



3. Hmmmmm... not really sure how to feel about this one. While I was into the book enough to keep reading and (at least in the beginning) cared enough about the story to want to know what happened next; my love and luster was sort've lost toward the end of the book...
   
   I wanted to feel the love between the author and her husband (via the pages) but I didn't. I often thought of him as a man who had no respect for the Amish, though he used them. And then he saw a young girl attracted to him and he played on it. I didn't always see the book as a respect for her history rather and often times a disrespect. Perhaps she wanted to free of the Amish way--okay--but there were times when I wondered if she were fighting to not be Amish or simply being a rebel against her father.
   
   Not real sure. I will say that the book is interesting and I am glad that I read it...but when I turned the last page I just wasn't sure what to make of it all. Just my P.O.V. read and review for yourself.



4. This book was terrible, poorly written. Irene was bashing the Amish, but really she was mad at her father more than anything, and he represented anything Amish. I was just disgusted reading this book. I hated it but had to finish it, like when you pass a terrible car wreck you just have to slow down and look. Irene and Ollie are just profiting off the Amish. I am ashamed that I put money in Irene and Ollie's pocket by purchasing this book. And Ollie totally disgusts me. I wish there were pictures of both of them on the cover, though I have my opinion of what they both look like.



5. Not well written. Boring story, not orderly. Kept waiting for more in depth information. Wanted to learn more, but was left hanging.

5 comments about Into the Deep: One Man's Story of How Tragedy Took His Family but Could Not Take His Faith (Focus on the Family Books).

1. As hard as this book was for me to read it ultimately sharpened my understanding of God. His ways are NOT our ways. There is no way to understand why certain things happen on this earth but He is still God and has His own plans for our lives. If people would just see Him and understand Him for who He really is we would be much more content in our lives and like Robert Rogers we could all get through life with more faith and peace.
   
   Excellent Book and I recommend it to anyone who will take it seriously.



2. I had heard Robert speak two times so I knew his story; nevertheless, I found the book both compelling and helpful. By helpful I mean that Robert writes about "feelings" of that accident that I had either not heard or he had not said in his oral testimony. I found it helpful and interesting as well to read more of the details of his story and to see the pictures of his family and the accident scene. I am an emotional person and I cried constantly while reading the book. I think the book is well written. I purchased copies to give as gifts because I think Robert does present a powerful testimony of real, tested, proven faith in God.



3. Please research this story before you buy this book. I do not question Mr. Rogers relationship with GOD, but I do question his effort to save his family during this flood. Spend some time and research the story, look at the facts and decide for yourself. You may decide to spend your money elsewhere.



4. A story of the triumph of faith over crushing grief, sensitively related and strongly motivating to use every day and every opportunity to live each day without regret.
   
   Highly recommended



5. I like true stories, even sad ones, but normally do not read personal stories written by a second person (the "with..." books) because I am not sure how much real personality of the author is coming in. Stan Finger is a good writer and this, for the most part, was well done. It was very sad and may be too much to take for those with small children. However, it does a good job of telling over and over until we believe it that God is a refuge from any storm and provides comfort from any sorrow. Actually I think we would have to experience it (God forbid) to really understand this the way Mr. Rogers finally did. I would give this book at least four stars except for the ending. I was all primed to hear a story of what happened once Rogers devoted himself to God and began a ministry. This part was drastically abbreviated, as though they had spent enough time, and wanted to bring it to a close. I guess that story, with his new wife Inga, is still unfolding and may become another book. A book well worth reading, packed full of appropriate Bible quotes, and just short of being as inspiring, as it could have been.