Saturday, June 18, 2011

The Seraph Seal



Madeleine L'Engle is the preeminent interpreter of the Christian journey as it pertains to these words of the Apostle Paul, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8). Ms. L'Engle invites the reader to focus on that which is great, greater and greatest, in a world that all too often settles for what is dishonorable, unjust, impure, ugly, discourteous, shoddy and worthy of condemnation. In both her fiction and non-fiction writings, she helps the thinking Christian look at the world through the eyes of faith.

Ms. L'Engle takes as the theme of the book, Jesus' invitation to Peter to come to Christ walking on the water. For a brief moment, Peter did just that. Ms. L'Engle states that is how we were created to be, and even when we sink, and cry for help, that Jesus will pull us up. She says, "The impossible still happens to us, often during the work, sometimes when we are so tired that inadvertently we let down all the barriers we have built up. (Page 238).

Ms. L'Engle views the creative process as a successive letting down of barriers. Of opening to God. When one responds to the urge to create, one is one more than holy ground-one walks on water-since God is the Creator and God's creative energies are limitless and surprising. God's very unpredictability and joy become the same creative force in musicians and artists of all kinds. Ms. L'Engle speaks of the freedom to laugh at ourselves as one of the prerequisites for bringing about that which is worthwhile.

Lest we mistakenly think that Ms. L'Engle's approach is sweetly sentimental, listen to what she says about the rigors of faithful creativity, "Complicated creatures we are, aware of only the smallest fragment of ourselves; seeking good and yet far too often unable to tell the difference between right and wrong; misunderstanding each other and so blundering into the tragedies of warring nations, horrendous discrepancies between rich and poor, and the idiocy of a divided Christendom." (Page 153).

This would be an outstanding book to give or receive for a special occasion such as graduation or confirmation. For Christians of any stage in life, "Walking on Water" is a call to live expectantly and trustingly.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction

Friday, May 13, 2011

Washington



This book was a bit different from what I expected when I received it as a gift. I enjoy reading American history, and thought this would be a historical examination of the Washington years, i.e. the Revolutionary War and his two terms in office. While it did obviously cover those events, it was far less of a history book and much more a biography. Indeed, some key historical events like the battles at Lexington and Concord are barely mentioned, and then only to provide some historical context for the biographical discussion. In other words, this is a high level view of America in the second half of 18th century, with Washington at the center and other people or events coming into focus only as necessary to shed light on his actions and attitudes.

The great value of this book is to offer the reader a deeper look into the character of a person who has been elevated nearly to demigod status in the minds of so many Americans. The author takes us past the Adonis-like sculpture that so many of us have seen in the Smithsonian, and into the mind of this singular figure whose importance to the birth of the country is both undeniable and somewhat accidental. We get to take a warts-and-all look at the real Washington, with his intriguing blend of ambition, ego, self-interest, commitment, service and resolve. On one hand is the aristrocratic, slave-owning squire obsessively amassing an ever larger personal estate. On the other is the revolutionary leader willing to put that life on hold for years on end and endure severe hardship to advance the greater common good. From ambitious young soldier, to marginally competent general, to stateman and president, and finally to the retired gentleman manipulated by the scheming Hamilton, Washington's successes and failures are treated with equal fairness by the author.

Particularly intriguing was the insight into Washington's growing internal conflict between his idealism -- the realization that slavery was inconsistent with his revolutionary principles -- and his intense realism and pragmatism -- the knowledge that immediate action toward emancipation was not practical either for the country or his personal affairs. His willingness to compromise on the issue for the sake of holding the country together during its formative years is understandable as we consider Washington the statesman. His vacillation at the personal level, particularly the moral inconsistencies on the slavery issue -- his willingness to own slaves to secure his financial interests, while feeling a moral revulsion to selling them -- give us a look at the internal struggles of Washington the private man. Much has been said by historians about his decision to free his slaves in his will, but the intellectual and moral gyrations that led him to that point tell us much more about Washington than that final act.

Overall I was very pleased with the insights offered in this volume, and found it a very enjoyable and quick read. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to get an unvarnished look at the real Washington. A great man? Definitely. But this book reminds us that in the final analysis, he was just a man at a unique place and time in history, and he played his role well.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Fight of Our Lives



A boot camp for troubled teens because his parents don’t like his behavior. There he is psychologically and physically tortured by the chaperons at the camp. Then when Garret and some of his inmates try to escape things get troublesome as they almost get caught by the same people who brought them in. Then Garret has to make a tough choice between freedom and another person’s life.

This book is legit. I can take all the blood that he wrote about and everything. It would suck to be him even though he was so close to getting free he just turns around and gives himself up to more and more abuse and punishment.

Well this was such a great book I really enjoyed reading it ….I'm a hater of reading but this is the first book that i really liked and just wanted to keep on reading to see what would happen and stuff ya know…well if you're looking for a book to read …this would be the next book that u would have to read i really recommend reading this awesome book!!!!!!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Mountains Bow Down



In a long string of disappointments and average books, this one stood out as something unique: a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

One day, after graduating Mountain School, they will join together to create a new pack that will continue their guardian work. Life for Calla is definite and predetermined.

Until one day, when she, on impulse, saves a hiker, Shay, in the mountains who turns out to be much more than meets the eye– although what does meet the eye right out isn’t disappointing: Shay is as handsome as Ren and a whole lot sweeter. With the addition of him into her life, everything changes. Suddenly, Calla has to question the things she always thought were right and try to figure out how to exactly to do what is.

One thing I really did like about this book was the emotions it invoked. The Keepers could be pretty nasty, and I was angry that Calla had to stand by and take some of the stuff she did. Also, the sexists views they kept up made me angry, and I liked the that fact that they did irritate Calla too.

The only other complaint I have about this book would be that Calla has a certain set of rules she has to follow but then she starts breaking them and there seems to be no punishment. Which I thought was strange because at times her rule-breaking seemed public, like somebody would notice and report it but that never happened. My only thoughts on this are perhaps they are saving all the punishment for later.

I lied. I thought of one more complaint: There’s a part in the book where Calla and Shay are up to something and Calla gets hurt so to try and save her they have to do something forbidden and they do it and it seemed to me like it would be something really monumental but it sort of happens. I know that was really vague, but if you read the book you’ll understand. Hopefully.

In all, I definitely recommend this book. It was one of the best paranormal romances I’ve read. It was fresh and fun and has one heck of an ending. I honestly don’t know if I will make it until the sequel. Because I want to read it. Now.