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The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey
by Candice Millard
Product Details
Paperback: 353 pages
Publisher: Anchor Books
Date Published: 2005
Point: The love of adventure may make a man take dangerous steps, but the love of another will force one to live.
Path: This story chronicles a journey born in the mind of a bumbling priest, planted in the mind of a defeated ex-President, and carried out by a band of desperate men. Theodore Roosevelt, his son Kermit, Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon, George Cherrie, along with a group of Brazilian paddlers entered, suffered at the hand, and eventually traversed the brazilian River of Doubt. The story begins with T.R.’s defeat in the political realm after two terms of service as President of the United states. It ends with the eventual outcome of the expedition’s participants.
Sources: The author utilizes a variety of sources and weaves together an interesting account. It reads more like an Indiana Jones script, than a historical account.
Agreement: I thoroughly enjoyed the story, both because of the author’s ability to write, and because it was a great adventure. I also profited from a glimpse into the life and drive of the famous Theodore. His solace was adventure. When defeated, he turned to harder feats. When in doubt, he fought harder. With no adventure, there was no life. This played out in the life of his son as well who meets a tragic end, much like Merriweather Lewis.
Disagreement: Millard seems to have an agenda for Evolution. Half of the book seemed to be taken up with how humans, animals, and plants are evolving in order to live.
Personal App: For what am I fighting?
Favorite Quote: “As the men of the expedition looked up at the clear black sky above the River of Doubt, and marveled at the brilliant starts which pointed their way home, they neither knew nor likely even suspected who was actually responsible for their safe passage out of the jungle.” She was referring to the warriors of the Cinta Larga, but in reality it was God.
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
The Monster In The Hollows
The Monster In The Hollows
by Andrew Peterson
Product Details
Paperback: 348 pages
Publisher: Rabbit Room Press
Date Published: 2011
Point: We must remember who we are. We must.
Path: The Wingfeathers’ escape from peril leads them across the Dark Sea of Darkness and to the “safety” of the Ban Rona in Green Hollows. It is there that Janner must truly accept his role as Throne Warden, and Kalmar his position as King – whether they feel like it or not.
Agreement: In comparing the first three of Peterson’s works: “Dark Sea” – a humorous and fast passed child’s tale. “North” – an action packed and passion stirring story. “Monster” – heart gripping, tear producing revelation of the soul. This book, more than either other, challenges the reader to look within and ask, “What would I have done?” It was hard to read because I saw something there that scared me. I saw myself.
Favorite Quote:
“But Janner had defied him. He was like a candle the Overseer couldn’t snuff out. And after Janner left, after Sara had weathered her punishment for helping him escape, she was surprised to find that some of Janner’s candlelight still flickered in the Fork Factory. She noticed it reflected in the other children’s eyes and in the way the ridgerunner watched her. It took her a few days to realize the light was coming from her. She was shining it. Janner Igiby had changed her. He was gone, but he had left some of his gift behind.” (145)
Stars: 5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
Never the Same
Lima, Peru
North! or Be Eaten
North or Be Eaten
by Andrew Peterson
Product Details
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Waterbrook press
Date Published: 2009
Point: You must remember who you are – no matter how much it hurts.
Path: The Wingfeathers flight to the Ice Prairies takes them through perilous encounters with Fangs, Snickbuzzards, wicked Overseers, betrayal, and bitterness.
Agreement: This book moves from the children’s tale of “The Dark Sea of Darkness” to a nonstop ride of adventure. Peterson makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. There are surprises all the way till the last page, and it leaves you scrambling to find the third in the series!
Personal App: Janner’s internal struggle to love his brother resonates with every reader. Even when we know we are right and they are not, we still must love. We must remember who we are and whose blood runs through our veins, whether or not we can see it with our eyes.
Favorite Quote: “He had read enough stories to know that legends became so by great suffering and great feats. Janner didn’t want to suffer, and he was wasn’t sure he was brave enough or smart enough to accomplish anything legendary. But he couldn’t deny that he desperately wanted to know more.” (133)
Stars: 5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
“Runnin’ on the Bunyan” 50 miler
On Saturday a group of us – Chris, Dad, Mike, and I – ran the Paul Bunyan Trail. It was what one may call a “long run.” Crystal dropped us off up in Hackensack at 7:15 am and then we started running home. In a way it was sort of like the old movie, Homeward Bound (in a non-animal kind of way). We faced rain, wind, hunger, sore legs, and plenty of whining.
Because of the distance we all packed camelback style backpacks. We carried water, goo packets, granola bars, beef jerky, and other essentials. We probably could have carried less water and just ran with our mouthes open since it rained for a few hours.
In Pine River we stopped at a gas station and raided their pizza and hotdog stand. I think the attendant thought we were joking, or crazy, or both, when we told her we were running to Brainerd.
At Nisswa, Chris’ brother-in-law donated a pizza from his Raffertys Pizza and we ate it along the trail. We would have eaten inside, but one of the members of the group smelled so badly we thought it would scare away business.
Mike picked up his bike in Nisswa and kept us going the last 13 miles. Running the Paul Bunyan Trail was a lot different than any other long runs we have done. It was easier than the Voyageur in Duluth because there were no real hills. It was harder, however, because it was on pavement the whole way. It also was a little disheartening when you could look down the path for miles and feel as though you were moving nowhere.
We finished at Dad and Mom’s place right about 4:40 pm. Crystal was out front with the traditional TP finish line. We all made it, sore and tired, but alive.
On The Edge Of The Dark Sea of Darkness
On The Edge Of The Dark Sea of Darkness
by Andrew Peterson
Product Details
Audio Book: 8 hours
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Date Published: 2009
Point: Life can change in a moment when you give your life for what you love and what you believe in. Anyone who fails to fight when those are threatened has nothing for which to live.
Path: The Igibys – Janner, Tink, Leeli, their mother Nia and grandfather Podo – are swept into a dangerous adventure surrounding the Jewels of Aniera. They face the fearsome Fangs of Dang, toothy cows, and their own jealousy and anger.
Sources: Andrew Peterson weaves a fast paced tale with quirky characters, fantastic animals, and entertaining humor all to show that we live in a world not too different.
Agreement: This is a great story which is fun to follow. The progression of the plot makes the book difficult to put down. I loved the footnotes in the print version and was sad that they did not continue in the books which followed in the story. This was my first introduction to the genre of fantasy, and now firmly believe in its purpose.
Disagreement: Peterson needs to learn how to end a chapter. Without a way to peacefully putting the book down I was forced to stay up late at night reading to find out what was about to happen.
Personal App: What am I willing to do for what I love and believe in? If I won’t do it during peace time, would that change in war?
Favorite Quote: description of the Leeli singing with the dragons.
Stars: 5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
Life
Arin, Peru
Sometimes birthday cards are thoughtful and sweet…
…other times they aren’t.
This one from friends brought out the Jr. higher in me.
Three Views On The New Testament Use Of The Old Testament
Three Views On The New Testament Use Of The Old Testament
by Kaiser, Bock, Enns edited by Gundry, Berding, Lunde
Product Details
Paperback: 243 pages
Publisher: Zondervan
Date Published: 2007
Point: The Old Testament is used heavily throughout the New Testament. How did the authors understand the texts they were using? This book addresses that question.
Path: By allowing three influential authors to present their view and challenge those of others, this book guides the reader to his own conclusions.
Kaiser – Single meaning, unified referents
Bock – Single meaning, multiple contexts and referents
Enns – Fuller meaning, single goal
Agreement: I would agree the most with Bock, am sympathetic toward Kaiser and his concerns, and see why Enns would be moving the direction he is.
Personal App: This is an incredibly helpful book with an exception introduction and conclusion by the editors.
Stars: 5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.