5 comments about A Grief Observed.

1. Originally published under a pseudonym, this short book is a thoroughly reasoned but heart-felt analyzation of grief from the private writing journal of intellectual author and academia giant, C.S. Lewis. The object of his grief is the love of his life, his rare intellectual equal and friend whom he met later in life and fell deeply in love with, making her his wife.
   
   Born Atheist, C.S. Lewis became a committed Christian, but spent part of his journalized pages in honest reflection of his anger at God and acknowledgement of fragile faith while in the throes of traumatic, life-altering grief. He boldly wonders and writes the thoughts and words most familiarly held at some point in the minds of others bereaved over their most beloved and cherished.
   
   From page 23: "Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief. Apparently the faith - I thought it faith - which enables me to pray for the other dead has seemed strong only because I have never really cared, not desperately, whether they existed or not. Yet I thought I did."
   
   After other thoughts about risks and beliefs, this is said, "And you will never discover how serious it was until the stakes are raised horribly high, until you find that you are playing not for counters or for sixpences but for every penny you have in the world. Nothing will shake a man - or at any rate a man like me - out of his merely verbal thinking and his merely notional beliefs. He has to be knocked silly before he comes to his senses. Only torture will bring out the truth. Only under torture does he discover himself."
   
   On page 25, C.S. sees the human side of grieving when others try to console him with spiritual avenues of comfort: "Talk to me about the truth of religion and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand."
   
   The social leprosy of bereavement is also mentioned on a couple of pages, including this: "Perhaps the bereaved ought to be isolated in special settlements like lepers."
   
   At the end, C.S. Lewis seems to reconcile himself to a conclusion about grieving: "For, as I have discovered, passionate grief does not link us with the dead but cuts us off from them," as he tries to go about cherishing his beloved's every memory with gladness, a smile and a laugh. Not for long, however, is this a workable plan as he writes the next day's journal entry more in line with the natural phases of grief: "An admirable programme. Unfortunately it can't be carried out. tonight al the hells of young grief have opened again; the mad words, the bitter resentment, the fluttering in the stomach, the nightmare unreality, the wallowed-in tears. For in grief nothing `stays put.' One keeps on emerging from a phase, but it always recurs. Round and round. Everything repeats. Am I going in circles, or dare I hope I am on a spiral?"
   
   As do we all of bereavement ask ourselves when finding that as much as we try clawing our way up the spiral, we suddenly lose our grasp, totally at the mercy of our humanness and that quality that never dies - love.



2. This small book is a blessing to those who have experienced a deep and pressing grief. It shows a bit of the journey C.S. Lewis made through his grief experience. It was a brief, beautiful read.



3. Although Lewis was, of course, a renowned and devout Christian, this book will speak to anyone who's lost someone with whom they shared real love. All of the questions, angers, and doubts that fill the mind during the numbing time following great loss are shared in the first person, generously, by Lewis. This is, I think, a beautiful, powerful, and deeply healing work.



4. I am new to the genius of CS Lewis. I read the Narnia series as a kid, but have not read books for years, until recently. This book was deep, and full of the genius Lewis is known for. He expresses the pain of losing his wife, and the questions that those who mourn often work through, but are too guilty to express publically. The work is awesome, and may help some who are going through similar feelings of greif. Skip the aknowlegement at the beginning by Madeline Engle, I am not familiar with her writing, but have heard the name. I am surprised she was chosen to write the aknowlegement, but it is an amusing contrast to Lewis' intellect and spiritual understanding. The aknowlegement exudes an attitude of confidence in spiritual issues, yet reveals a cluelessness and spiritual blindess found largely in todays new age books. It does not belong in a CS Lewis book.



5. This book obviously already has plenty of praising views, but I read this book and found it so great that I can't live with myself if I don't write a review. Coming from a kid who grieved a traumatic death, this book *IS* the book to buy if you're grieving, want to understand death, or want to find a book to help out a confused friend (no matter what age) who's grieving. It's worth the price.

5 comments about Trapped in Hitler's Hell.

1. This book shows the what it was like to be in Germany at the time of the Nazi occupation. I have met Anita Dittman and she is an incredible lady with an incredible story.



2. Trapped In Hitler's Hell by Anita Dittman is the epic and personal recollection of the hardships and difficult times during the second world war in Nazi Germany. Dittman righteously describes the anguish she suffered throughout her captivity and solitude. Trapped In Hitler's Hell is an inspirational tale of one young woman's only certainty being that the God above her would protect her, and is highly recommended for all Christian and Judaic practitioners and students, as well as students of history during World War II, as this book is as informative as it is encouraging.



3. Anita Dittman's story is a vivid testimony to the sovereignty and faithfulness of Christ in the life of a little German-Jewish girl who finds in her Savior both courage and strength to meet each day in the midst of painful persecution and the terror of war. As Anita grows up, abandoned by her father and rejected by her non-Jewish teachers and schoolmates, her spirit grows more lovely with each passing year as she learns that Jesus will never leave her nor forsake her.
   
   This story is not gloomy or depressing in any way. It is full of faith, hope, and glorious glimpses of the power and the love of God. I could hardly put it down.
   
   There is a compelling immediacy to Miss Dittman's story. I felt almost as if I knew her. My faith in the Lord has been challenged and renewed as I've followed her through her trials and triumphs in the pages of this book.
   
   There is a warning here also, with a striking parallel to the present. Just as many of the churches in Nazi Germany fell quickly to the seductive message of the Third Reich, so many of our churches of today are falling quickly for the seductions of the Emergent Church's apostate theology and the allure of occult eastern mysticism through so-called "christian" contemplative spirituality.
   
   As many have described Hitler as a "type" of Anti-christ, so the apostate German church may be said to pre-figure the apostate worldwide "christian" church which the Bible warns will arise in the last days. Is that what we are seeing unfold?
   
   If you want to be uplifted, forewarned, and encouraged during these "perilous times," read Trapped In Hitler's Hell.
   
   [I'd like to thank Miss Dittman for writing this book. I will never be quite the same. :)]



4. This is an excellent book told from the first-hand account of a holocaust survivor. The account is very well written and edited and you won't be able to put it down.
   
   How Anita Dittman survived is simply a miracle and one can see God's hand in sustaining her existence and planning the extraordinary sequence of events that delivered her from her Nazi captors. God's love for the Jewish people and allowing her to survive to tell her story is a witness for all of us that Jewish people have a remarkable future desiny to play in the prophetic timeline leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.
   
   I have heard Anita Dittman and Jan Markell present this story in lecture format. Talk about having a lump in your throat for an hour.
   
   The sad part of this story is that Anti-Semitism since World Warr II has not really gone away. It's always there and there are disturbing signs all around the world that it could return even worse than the holocaust. We now have world leaders such as Iranian President Ahmadinejad and Palestian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas openly deny the Holocaust and the world's media and United Nations don't call them on the carpet for it.
   
   The Book of Zechariah Chapters 12-14, Jeremiah Ch. 30:7, Revelaton Ch. 12 and many other biblical texts indicate that Israel will go through even worse trial and tribulation immediately preceding the return of Jesus Christ. If those times are worse than what Anita Dittman and her mother experienced, the world truly needs Jesus Christ to return to save the Jewish people from complete annihilation.



5. When I first read "Trapped in Hitler's Hell," it was called "Angels In the Camp." From the miraculous acts that God preformed for this faith filled German-Jewish girl, there certainly were angels watching over Anita Dittman. For example, while in the hospital the Nazi nurse who attended Anita refused to provide her with food. Knowing Anita was Jewsih, the nurse was trying to starve her to death. A Chritian friend in the next bed shared half of the one potato she received for food each day with Anita. They hid under the covers and ate their potato. The nurse was certainly surprised when not only did Anita not die, but actually gained weight and was soon well enough to go back to work. The book is filled with faith building stories such as this one.
   
   Recently I had the priviledge of hearing Anita speak. Her book had really spsoken to my heart. I remebered many of the stories of her experiences during WWII and quoted them every so often. What an inspring lady she is. She concluded her testimony with a saying I shall always remember. Anita told us, "Safety isn't found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God."
   
   As one reviewer summed it up, there are important lessons we need to learn from Anita's exxperiences. She said, "Just as many of the churches of Nazi Germany fell quickly to the seductive message of the Third Reich, so many of our churches today are falling quickly for the seductions of the Emergent Church's apostate theology and the allure of occult eastern mysticism though so-called "Christian" comtemplative spirituality." Before it's to late, we need to get our lives right with the Savior. We need to let Him show us any sin and pray that He would lead us out of any erroneous doctrine and into His truth.

5 comments about A Love Observed (North Wind Books).

1. The first sentence in the author's preface says it all... "There was absolutely nothing ordinary about Joy Davidman Lewis." This book is a testament to the truth of that statement, and is unique in its ability to show us so much about Joy Davidman prior to (or besides) her relationship with C.S. Lewis. In fact, it is only towards the mid-section of the book that she even meets Lewis for the first time in the dining room of the Eastgate Hotel, across from Magdalen College in Oxford. Dorsett does an unparalleled ORIGINAL job of documenting Joy's early family life in New York. (95% of the biography is based upon hitherto untapped primary sources). Growing up in a family where religion was at once respected and deplored, we see her unfold as a reluctant Jewess, an atheist, a militant communist, Christian convert, gifted writer/poet and screenwriter, mother and divorcee. She was a many-splendored critical thinker, and Lewis's brother Warnie tells us that "she liked walking, and she liked beer."

   In her search for critical truth, Joy was greatly affected by the writings of Lewis (in particular, his Great Divorce, Miracles, and Screwtape Letters) and in the early spring of 1946 she experienced a profound conversion to Christianity. In the midst of a tumultuous and intolerable marriage, she and her two sons sailed for Liverpool from New York in August of 1952. In early September, Joy met Lewis. Anyone who has seen the Hollywood movie "Shadowlands" starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger will remember the portrayal of this initial meeting, and the relationship that followed. It must be said that the movie, though excellent, is grossly inaccurate of their actual story in many ways. For the clearest picture of one of the most heart-rending love stories of our modern age, you can do no better than to sit down with this book by Dorsett. It is an extraordinary account of two lives that were anything but ordinary.




2. The film 'Shadowlands' tells the story of one of the more unlikely love matches of the twentieth century, that of C.S. Lewis, famous British scholar and author of the Narnia stories, to American author of Jewish extraction, Joy Davidman. This short, competent biography tells the story of Joy's early life as an atheist and Communist, her first marriage to a writer of thrillers, their two children, her Christian conversion, and her leaving her hard-drinking husband to come to England. C.S. Lewis enters the story as an author who influenced Joy, and later as a friend when she emigrates to England. The civil marriage of a divorcee to a famous Christian bachelor author in his fifties caused some shock back in December 1956, but was accepted by the majority who knew them. The plain authenticity of this book is greatly enhanced by Lyle Dorsett's access to family letters, papers, and also the friends and family who knew them best. It is a recommended read as it fills in details of a period of Lewis's life which is subject to a certain amount of debate and confusion, and is a good supplement to the film.



3. We have a plethora of information about C. S. Lewis: letters, books, biographies, etc. However, not much has been written about his wife, Joy Davidman. What led her, an intellectual communist atheist of Jewish heritage, to Christ? How did a divorced American with two children catch the eye of Lewis, a late-middle age British confirmed bachelor? These questions and many others are answered in "A Love Observed." For those of you who've seen "Shadowlands", the cinematic tale of their courtship and marriage, Mr. Dorsett's book provides the back-story behind the film (and takes certain parts of it to task). We are finally given a definitive look at the woman who challenged Lewis' mind and won his heart.

   Joy Davidman was an exceptional person. She overcame various physical, racial, and gender barriers to become a noted published author in her own right. But the greatest leap she made was becoming a Christian. Joy intellectually struggled against God for years, but at the age of thirty-one her resistance crumbled, and in her words He "came in, and I changed (pg. 60)." After that, there was no turning back. Eventually she pursued and caught the eye of C. S. Lewis, and the rest, as they say, is history. Of course, there were difficulties. Her brash American mannerisms and straightforward personality were difficult for Lewis' friends to accept at first, and there was a bit of scandal surrounding his marriage to a divorcee. But by all appearances they loved each other, and there's no evidence that Lewis regretted marrying her.

   "A Love Observed" is a fascinating glimpse into how a brilliant, strong-willed woman came to Christ and ended up marrying arguably the greatest modern Christian apologist. It's a bittersweet story because of her untimely death, but the intense, intimate love they shared despite her illness is encouraging in a world full of self-centered, disposable relationships. I'd recommend this book to anyone whose intellect is a barrier to faith in God, or who may be struggling with a loved one's physical problems.

   Another excellent true Christian love story you shouldn't miss is "A Severe Mercy" by Sheldon Vanauken, a friend of C. S. Lewis. Its non-romantic sequel, "Under the Mercy" is quite fascinating in its own right as well.




4. This was the first full-length biography (originally titled AND GOD CAME IN) ever published of Joy Davidman, who, though a noteworthy writer herself, would be most remembered as the wife of British scholar and author C.S. Lewis. The story of their marriage and of her tragic, premature death of cancer was already familiar to me from a number of sources, mostly focused on Lewis; yet I knew only generalities concerning Davidman's earlier life in America. Dorsett himself is not a flawless writer, but his work here is built on extensive research into his subject's many letters, the reminiscences of friends and surviving family, and her own writings. The endnotes at the back of my edition thus span eleven pages. Overall I found the account engaging and a helpful new perspective. The hardships (even those somewhat self-inflicted) of Davidman's younger years, and her once deeply ingrained biases, cast her later Christian faith in a fresh and more impressive light.
   
   The first edition of this work was the source for many details portrayed in the original 1985 BBC-TV rendering of SHADOWLANDS, superior to the 1993 cinematic version -- details I had encountered nowhere else and long thought apocryphal. In a new Preface here, however, Dorsett indicates his dissatisfaction with either dramatic depiction of the Lewis/Davidman relationship, and takes the opportunity of the book's reissue to set the record straight on certain points.
   
   Although these two very different individuals certainly found (or were Led to) each other at a time when they needed the love and support their friendship and eventual marriage would provide, Dorsett is correct in asserting that Joy deserves better than to have her own life's record 'obscured by the shadow of C.S. Lewis'. I rather think Jack would have been the first to agree, and to applaud this admirable attempt at re-introducing the world to a remarkable woman of full humanity (with all the good and bad which that implies) yet ardent faith.



5. This is an important book for those who want to understand C.S. Lewis. When you read a bio of Lewis and learn about this odd woman whom he married under very strange circumstances, you are bound to come away confused. Why would Lewis marry a woman with so much baggage (Former atheist, communist, multiple love affairs, divorced)? What could Lewis, the Oxford Don and intellectual giant, have seen in her?
   
   Essentially, Joy was brilliant too. Dorsett makes it clear that Joy was a remarkable woman in many ways. She was an accomplished poet and writer. In many ways, she was superior to Lewis. Not only was she an intellectual on paar with Lewis, but she was a good cook, a great gardener, and wise with money (Lewis had no concept of finances).
   
   Lewis aside, Joy Davidman led an interesting life in her own right. Well worth your time to read.

5 comments about Wounded Prophet: A Portrait of Henri J.M. Nouwen.

1. This book seems to heave a big, weary sigh of regret that Nouwen failed, in some way, to benefit from his own giftedness. I would caution the biographer (and those who read this otherwise worthwhile selection) that Nouwen's ability to survive as long as he did, fighting to love, to write, to share, and to be loved--all while maintaining his vows--is proof that his message worked something akin the miraculous in his own life. Other souls with as much innate neediness and wounding as Henri could have easily gravitated into a world of hatred, cynicism, drug-use, alcoholism, promiscuity, and eventual suicide. I've seen it happen many times. We've ALL seen this scenario played out before us in millions of tragic lives. The sheer fact that Henri remained in the realm of the living, and accomplished genuine sharing and love despite his deep wounding, is stunning proof that his God have him good advice, that Henri took this advice, and that its power kept him primarily in a world of Light... against excruciating emotional odds. The glass may look half-empty, but sometimes it's merely half-full, friends. As to the question of whether or not Nouwen was gay, I don't think it matters one bit. What DOES matter is that Nouwen himself never felt the need to make a public, worldwide pronouncement about such an orientation, nor publicly debate how such an orientation may have affected his writing...one way or the other. In light of THAT reality, persons of true integrity might wish to maintain a similarly appropriate silence on that subject, at least in Henri Nouwen's personal regard. This work is yet another prime example of how impossible it is for any biographer to truly get inside the essence and soul of any subject--no matter how penetrating their research or how noble their intentions. That said, the author gives us an otherwise good pass at Henri's life and a look at some of the things that probably made him tick. But steer clear of judging the ultimate state of souls, no matter what the exterior, Michael Ford--especially those as complex as Nouwen's. THAT kind of biography can only be written by God.



2. This book seems to heave a big, weary sigh of regret that Nouwen failed, in some way, to benefit from his own giftedness. I would caution the biographer (and those who read this otherwise worthwhile selection) that Nouwen's ability to survive as long as he did, fighting to love, to write, to share, and to be loved--all while maintaining his vows--is proof that his message worked something akin the miraculous in his own life. Other souls with as much innate neediness and wounding as Henri could have easily gravitated into a world of hatred, cynicism, drug-use, alcoholism, promiscuity, and eventual suicide. I've seen it happen many times. We've ALL seen this scenario played out before us in millions of tragic lives. The sheer fact that Henri remained in the realm of the living, and accomplished genuine sharing and love despite his deep wounding, is stunning proof that his God gave him good advice, that Henri took this advice, and that its power kept him primarily in a world of Light... against excruciating emotional odds. The glass may look half-empty, but sometimes it's merely half-full, friends. As to the question of whether or not Nouwen was gay, I don't think it matters one bit. What DOES matter is that Nouwen himself never felt the need to make a public, worldwide pronouncement about such an orientation, nor publicly debate how such an orientation may have affected his writing...one way or the other. In light of THAT reality, persons of true integrity might wish to maintain a similarly appropriate silence on that subject, at least in Henri Nouwen's personal regard. This work is yet another prime example of how impossible it is for any biographer to truly get inside the essence and soul of any subject--no matter how penetrating their research or how noble their intentions. That said, the author gives us an otherwise good pass at Henri's life and a look at some of the things that probably made him tick. But steer clear of judging the ultimate state of souls, no matter what the exterior, Michael Ford--especially those as complex as Nouwen's. THAT kind of biography can only be written by God.



3. Ford's book about Henri was one of the most honest and open books about one of our great spritual leaders and author. I have read many of Henri's books and they have all been very life changing. They have a greater meaning now that I have a deeper understanding about the man who wrote them. As I sat down and began to read this book, I could not put it down. I read it in two evenings. I felt as if I knew Henri personally, and I even wept when I came across the chapter about his death and funeral. It was so hard to read even knowing that he had passed some time ago. I felt so sad because of Henri's struggle to know God's love intimatly and in its fullness. He truly knew how to show love but struggled with receiving it. I'm sure that this book may be too open about Henri's life and struggles, and some people may have a hard time with that. But I felt that by knowing Henri's weakness and struggles, that the messages he wrote about in his books became even more powerfull to me. Knowing that just like me, Henri is just a failable human being searching for the love, intimacy, and acceptance that we all are looking for. He knew that the path and the direction to receiveing God's fullness was through Jesus. His passion and love in following Christ at all cost to him personaly is something that we can all work on. Henri Nowen was truly given a great biography by Michael Ford who had the integrity to be honest and forthcoming in his book. Henri shall be a dear friend to me now because of this wonderful book and I hope all who have a chance to read this would make that wonderful investment in your own life. You will be moved and inspired as you read. This is a must read for all.



4. I've found much inspiration from Nouwen's spiritual writings and was hesitant to read his biography, because I didn't want to separate the singer from his songs. Michael Ford did just that; he exposed the humanness of a writer that I thought to be exclusively spiritual. Ford paints a sensitive and colorful portrait of Henri Nouwen. He neither condems his frenetic, unsettling character nor canonizes the personality of an intensely gifted spiritual writer.The biography is a well-written account of a life of conflict that evokes admiration, humour, sympathy, annoyance, and irritation. Ford performs a wonderful balancing act offsetting the faults and flecks with abundant virtues.

   Nouwen's personal conflicts are revealed with such spiritual intensity that would have gained approval from The Wounded Prophet. Ford describes his dependence on others for love, recognition, even praise; his restlessness and inability to remain focused, except when writing; his tumultuous anxieties, which eventually led to severe depression; and the perpetual questioning of his sexuality. Ford has introduced me to someone whose company I would not enjoy; loud and animated, always distracted, unable to make a pot of coffee or launder his own shirts. But I also met a man whose life of unbounded love and compassion exceeded anything he wote.

   Michael Ford has written a truly spiritual book about a truly spiritual person.




5. Michael Ford does not consider his book on Henri Nouwen a biography as much as a portrait, and I believe he is correct in saying his book is the latter. While it does contain biographical information, it accomplishes far more than that. We get to know Nouwen from his writings, from interviews with colleagues and friends, and from his public speeches. We discover a man of great faith, dedicated to helping others find God in their lives. We also meet a gifted writer and a man of both intelligence and talent. We meet a man who loved others deeply but did not always feel loved. We also meet a man who was authentic. He never wrote at people, but for people, and often had to learn the lessons he was trying to impart. We do not meet a perfect man, but one who had struggles and difficulties throughout his life. He knew what it meant to be loved by God, what was required of one who followed Christ, but never claimed perfection.
   
   Ford's book is an excellent introduction to Nouwen, and will no doubt inspire those who have never read Nouwen's works to do so. It will also be of benefit to those studying Nouwen's writings. Ford does not paint a rosy picture of the man. He writes honestly about his faults and struggles. The only criticism of the book could be he tries to hard to defend Nouwen, who really needs no one to defend him. His writings and witness to faith are all the defense he needs. Still, this can be excused since it is also evident that Ford has great love and respect for the man.

2 comments about Father and Son: Finding Freedom.

1. This is a deeply emotional book about broken lives and redemption. Reading the brutally honest story of this father and son team touched my heart. If you have a rocky relationship in your life that you don't think can ever be made right, this book will give you hope.



2. No fairytale this, but an honest sharing of the realities that tested this father-son relationship from the perspectives of each. A tribute to the strength of love.

5 comments about My Life with the Great Pianists.

1. This book is easy to read, as the language is casual and conversational. The stories with the pianists are interesting, delightful and sometimes humorous. They also reveal a great deal about each pianist's personality. I am a musician, but not a pianist. although I never thought playing the piano was easy, the fact that pianists don't have to worry about tuning while performing as instrumentalists do always seem unfair. But this book gave me a greater appreciation for pianists and certainly a lot of respect for Steinway. There are also many great stories from his life, one of which I was captivated by the most was from his childhood during WWII in Germany. Mr. Mohr does talk about his Christian beliefs throughout the book. I don't really understand why other reviewers criticize Mr. Mohr for that. If this book is about his life and Christianity is central his life, wouldn't it make sense that his experiences with the pianists he worked for and other life events are told through his worldview? Edith Schaffer also adds inspiring insghts and wisdom through her contribution to the book.



2. In many ways this is an enjoyable read - I passed a couple of two-hour flights with it. However by the end - and I read practically every chapter in its entirety - I almost completely forgot that I picked it up expecting to gain some insight into the worlds of Horowitz, Rubenstein, Gould etc. Yes, I enjoyed the anecdotes about these great artists and yes, I also enjoyed learning about the care and attention the wonderful instruments they work with receive from devoted and gifted craftsmen such as Mr. Mohr. But what was I left with? What was I thinking after I had put the book down for the last time? The thought that was upper-most in my mind was: I can understand why many people - including myself - resent being preached to by self-styled missionaries about subjects that are - or at least should be totally private matters between one and his conscience. Whether the preacher is a likeable, seemingly sincere individual like Mr. Mohr or a politician looking to score some points for the next election by telling a gullible public about his latest conversation with God, at some point one has to say "enough." Finishing almost every chapter with a hard sell for one's religious beliefs isn't very ethical as far as I'm concerned. But then again, "in your face religion" seems to be the order of the day. Which god are we hawking today anyway?
   
   BTW, I'd love to know what Rubenstein was really thinking when our hero laid his proposition on him.



3. I don't understand why some people feel that Mr. Mohr, or anyone for that matter, should hide his religious faith or downplay it in some way. It is completely ridiculous. This is HIS book, and HIS life, and HIS views and if you don't like it, that's tough. He isn't writing to satisfy your political whims. Find another book if you don't like it!



4. I am fortunate enough (or shall I say blessed) that I see Franz Mohr numerous times a year. He is a true friend of mine and is known in professional circles as the greatest piano technician ever. The man is a magician with Steinway pianos, bringing sounds alive in pianos as only he can. Any serious student of piano must read this book, to learn feeling in music and life. Franz has paid his dues, long ago. He enlightens us all with true tales of his many life journeys. Thank you Franz Mohr- Your true friend- Carl Accettola



5. Franz Mohr has spent more time over the years with great pianists than one can even comprehend. As a result, this book could have been a home run of stories, and anecdotes that the world never knew - except through Mohr's storytelling. Instead, Mohr touches on just a few choice stories about a handful of musicians leaving me to want more.
   
   My guess without actually doing the research is that at least half the book consists of Mohr's preaching to us his religious views. It felt very out of place in this context and I could have done without it. His co-author, Edith Schaeffer, didn't help matters with her overly frilly prose. Her additions reminded me of walking into a store that sells incense and soaps. Read the book for the great pianist stories he tells - but expect to be jarred with the rest of the contents as well.

5 comments about Jim Elliot (1927-1956) (Heroes of the Faith).

1. Jim Elliot is an ok book about a missionary. He goes to Peru to visit a group of Native Americans to teach them about God, and also to translate the bible.



2. This book is very informative if you would like to learn about Jim Elliot. It blessed me very much.



3. This is the most amazing book. It truly inspired me. Everyone should read this and follow it up with: the rest of elisabeth elliots books about the auca's. They are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!



4. An easy to read book. Well written. It gives a good summary of the adult life of a true Christian martyr.
   
   What I like most about the book is the brutal honesty of the author. We like to honor martyrs and great leaders as we soft pedal or even completely ignore their faults. Susan Miller does not do this. She does not try to hide Jim Elliot's human side, his character flaws, his stubbornness, qualities that are not flattering. In doing this, it is not a dishonor to the man, but shows that he was just a regular guy, just like you and me, who had major faults and made big mistakes.
   
   One big mistake was constructing the mission station too close to the river. When the rainy season came, an entire year's worth of work was washed away in a few days. Yet he pressed on. I'm sure he was discouraged, but he and the other missionaries pressed on.
   
   The author also makes it clear what set him apart. What caused Jim Elliot to live the exceptional life he led (although short)? What caused him to have so much influence over others? The answer is his unwavering commitment to God and to His will. Throughout the book the author makes it clear that throughout his life, Jim Elliot had a commitment to live a life pleasing to God and to be obedient to God's will even if it meant his death. Although sometimes what he thought was God's will was wrong, and although sometimes the things he did were not necessarily pleasing to God and an encouragement to others, his deep rooted desire to love God and to be obedient to his will is what enabled this man to have the impact he did.
   
   The only reason I give it four stars instead of five is because the book does not explore his childhood or contemplate how he developed the exceptional qualities he had.



5. One of my friends has the entire collection of "Heroes of the Faith". I have been slowly making my way through the books over the last couple of years, and Jim Elliot was the first one that I read.
   
   When I picked this up I already knew a decent amount about Jim Elliot from watching "The End of the Spear" End of the Spear and reading Passion and Purity,: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christs Control . I would say that as an introduction to Jim Elliot this is a great place to start.
   
   This book charts his struggle to balance spiritual piety with having fun, his struggle to put God first while being in love with a woman (Elizabeth Elliot), and his desire to give everything to God. I felt that this book was a nice companion to "Passion and Purity" because it gives Jims side without you having to read his diary. The reason I enjoyed reading this book and other books about Jim Elliot is because he really was a real person. He wanted to give it all to God, even if that meant giving up what he really wanted (marriage).
   
   I suggest reading the Diary of Jim Elliot and Passion and Purity and Quest for Love if this book interested you at all. I hope you enjoy!
   
   God Bless ~Amy

4 comments about From a Mess to a Miracle.

1. THIS SOLDIER SHOOTS STRAIGHT & RIGHT THRU SMOKE, MIRRORS & FLUFF, NO HYPE. SPEAKS IN TALK ANYONE CAN UNDERSTAND. SO CALLED "CHRISTIANS" NEED TO READ THIS BOOK AS BAD AS THE LOST SOUL THEORIZING "WHAT IS LIFE" OR THE AVERAGE WORKING CLASS STIFF OR THE STREET PERSON LIVING ON THE RAGGED EDGE - ALL WONDERING IF THERE IS ANYMORE TO LIFE AND HOW TO GET THERE.
   FOLKS, KIM DANIELS IS THE DEMON BUSTER



2. THIS BOOK CONFIRMS THE GREATER WORKS THAN THESE THAT JESUS SPEAKS OF IN THE FOUR GOSPEL AND TAKES GOD OUT OF THE BOX THAT SO MANY IN CHURCHES HAVE NEATLY PACKED HIM IN. GREAT READ!



3. From a Mess to a Miracle really lite a fire uder me spiritualy! Kimberly Daniels graciously shared her life story with us and how the hand of God mightly delivered her though every trap of the enemy. EXCELLENT!!!...INSPIRING!!!!!!!



4. God has done it again, Kim has a truthfulness and honesty that we all need to have. She has allowed the Lord to use her story to bless others. Thank you!

5 comments about The Kitab-i-Iqan Book of Certitude.

1. In an age where we expect to be spoon fed answers to all our questions, this book challenges us to reach deep inside our hearts, discard the suggestions of everyone else and find the answers to the spiritual questions lurking within. I have to admit that it took more than one reading of this book for me to even begin to appreciate the spiritual answers contained within. On the very first page of the book, it says, "they that tread the path of faith, they that thirst for the wine of certitude, must cleanse themselves of all that is earthly--their ears from idle talk, their minds from vain imaginings, their hearts from worldly affections, their eyes from that which perisheth. They should put their trust in God, and, holding fast unto Him, follow in His way." Thus begins a spiritual journey that the reader will never forget.



2. That this 19th century man could have written such a masterpiece is nothing short of a miracle. In page after page, Baha'u'llah (the author) reveals where man has gone wrong in understanding God and His purpose.

   If you are looking for confirmation of what you already believe, this is not the book for you. Read the book of certitude only if you are ready to forget everything you have ever known about God and His religion. Read this if you are searching for the truth.

   I read wide-eyed late into the night, unable to put down the book. Eloquently the words flow like the notes in a symphony, resonating with my heart, shaking off a life-time of error and misinterpretation, and leaving me stunned and numb.

   No wonder he was banished and imprisoned. Every paragraph is another nail on the coffin of old and dogmatic religious belief.

   Expect to hear a lot of negative reviews from the religious organizations, but for God's sake read it for yourself.




3. We live in an age of philosophical "deconstruction" and "postmodernism", where beliefs are seen as hopelessly isolated fragments and deliberate attempts to unify and integrate these is looked on with deep suspicion. In such an age, the thesis of such a book may seem anachronistic at first glance- but read it, and you will catch a glimpse of a very novel, panoramic, and breathtaking vision of man's religions and his views toward God. Rather than an outdated perspective, you will find an integrated worldview that not only seems not outdated, but one that appears to be the only clear solution for the bewildering cacophony of man's religions and ideas, leading to the current ideological crisis that has completely paralyzed him. It is like the missing piece of a large puzzle that suddently begins to make sense of many of the unrelated pieces.
   
   To the Muslim reviewer who interprets Mohammad's words as claiming to mean that He was the absolute final prophet of God, I would like to point out that when Christ came, the Jews similarly interpreted their scripture to refute Christ. They could not believe that this poor, young carpenter claiming to be the Messiah was the King David spoken of in the Torah. Similarly, when Mohammad came, the Christians also refuted him based on their scripture. Be extremely careful how you interpret scripture, and keep an open mind!
   
   I would invoke the words of a divine manifestation of a different tradition, Krishna, who spoke these words many thousands of years ago: "whenever the standard of sacred duty decays" he says, then will he return "to set the standard of sacred duty... in age after age".



4. I read 20 years ago and again now. Its wisdom is timeless. Note: The review dated November 22, 1999 said Muhammad was God's last "Messenger." But the Qur'an never reads "last Messenger (Rassul)" ... it only reads "last prophet (nabi)." The distinction is significant, and had it been otherwise it would contradict the entire Qur'an.



5. The Kitab-I-Iqan (The Book Of Certitude) in which Baha'u'llah sets forth His theology of progressive revelation and its consequences for today is one of the main sccriptural texts of the Baha'i Faith. This work seeks to explain the tenet of the Unity of ALL religions as well as the nature of progressive revelation especially as how it relates to The Bab and by inference to Baha'u'llah. A carefull read of it will explain why so many of the Christian attacks on Baha'i beliefs are fairly well unfounded. For example Christ as a divine Messenger is clearly supported in this text although Christ's mission as ONE of MANY divine messengers is explicitly laid out. Ditto for Muhammed. This has infuriated the "Our Prophet Only" crowd in other major monotheistic religions but, feel, mainly because they have not completely studied the book or understood it fully. Any BAha'i who wants to understand the actual basis for Baha'u'llah's claims as the promised one for our era needs to read through this very carefully. Indeed after reaing it with a fair and open mind, one does reach a plane of Certitude with regards to spiritual understanding.

5 comments about Gandhi: A Life.

1. I purchased this book because I wanted to learn more about Gandhi and his influence, given that he's been regarded as the father of modern India, and was an inspiration for Martin Luther King Jr.

   Gandhi: A Life is a densely packed book; I wouldn't say it's hard reading, but there's a huge amount of material here. Unfortunately, I felt disappointed by it since it does a good job of presenting the basic facts of Gandhi's life (carefully cross-checked for accuracy, the author assures us in his foreword), but goes no further than that. As such, it will teach the reader much about what Gandhi did and said, and about the state of India circa 1890-1948, but it will provide little insight into the man himself.

   As one would expect, facts about Gandhi's later life are more readily available than about his earlier life. Despite this, the first third of the book feels the most rewarding, as several formative events provide profound insight into the man, including his vegetarianism and policies of non-violence. His gradual development from a shy young lawyer with stage fright into the powerful and dogmatic leader is carefully shown through his experiences in South Africa.

   His return to India prior to 1920 and his ascension to the top of Indian politics, though, is not as successful. Just when we most need explanations and interpretations of Gandhi's behavior, Chadha fails us. Gandhi suddenly ceases to talk on Mondays, for some reason. He acquires what is essentially a cult of personality, but his own personality seems basically unlikeable, and the personalities of those around him are left sketchy. Chadha introduces supporting characters with a few paragraphs when they appear, but then takes as a given that their behavior will be understood.

   While I can understand the desire to deconstruct the mythology around a figure such as Gandhi, it seems to me that the author does us a disservice in not probing deeper into the figure, even if he does have to work with some less-well-documented material. Such interpretation seems to me to be an essential part of being a biographer.

   The book concludes on its lowest note, a three-chapter description of the plot (if it can be called that) leading to Gandhi's assassination. Filled with characters who never met Gandhi, and whose motivations were not particularly profound, it adds almost nothing to our understanding of Gandhi, those around him, or his nation. It is, ultimately, a digression and an anticlimax.

   If pure facts about the life of Gandhi are what you're looking for, then this is the book for you. If you're looking for interpretation or better understanding of who he was and why, then I recommend you look elsewhere.




2. I am not an avid reader but I found the movie "Gandhi" so intriguing that I decided to find a biography on this inspirational man. The book left me as satisfied as the movie did. While other books may be shorter and closer to the point, this book really goes in depth of what was going in India during Gandhi's non violence movement. I feel I really got to know the man and his policies better while even learning a lot of the Indian politics of the time. The inspiration I drew from this book and the Mahatma has led me to search for more information on this subject and to look closer into how one is supposed to live. While no man is without his faults Gandhi helps us find the truth in peace with each other. Great book



3. This is the second biography of Gandhi that I have read in the last few years. Yogesh Chada's book being much longer than the previous biography that I read, I hoped to get more detail and more insight about that extraordinary man named Gandhi.
   
   This much praise I can give to Chada: he did his homework. Gandhi: a Life is a non-stop littany of facts; overpowering, insightful, and boring. It sounds harsh for me to say that, because this book is an excellent account of Gandhi's life in terms of facts, but it simply has no narrative flow. And after 500 pages it becomes overwhelming. For so much reading, I took away far less from it than I would have supposed. This works very well if one is researching Gandhi and needs the details of certain events and episodes in India's independence movement, but the dryness of it all makes it hard to remember and appreciate the story that is being told.
   
   Gandhi may be the subject of this book, but it is objective in the extreme; removed of life, sapped of interest. But it is factual, and if that is what you are looking for in a biography, then you have hit pay dirt with Chada's work. And for that I cannnot completely be upset with this book. It is effective in certain ways, but not in all the ways I was looking for.



4. I like the book because it was very easy to read and his life is very ineteresting



5. After 500 pages of microscopic print and extraordinary detail characterizing the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi, I am truly delighted that I embarked on the adventure contained in this literary masterpiece.
   
   This volume is a vastly more level-headed caricature of Gandhi, I am told. You get the distinct sense that this was a human being, not a saint as some have painted his life and being.
   
   This is also a volume that takes one to the depths of issues like self-sacrifice, racism, conflict between people of different faith persuasions, oppression, the fight for freedom, transition, change, non-violence, the emergence of a nation (S.Africa, Pakistan and India) and death. The issues and the approaches to these issues are a pertinent today as they were during Gandhi's lifetime.
   
   An arduous read for me, yet one I could not abandon. I urge you to do the same. Enjoy.