Category Archives: Not quite a review

The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey

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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

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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.

North! or Be Eaten

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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.

    On The Edge Of The Dark Sea of Darkness

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    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.

    Three Views On The New Testament Use Of The Old Testament

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    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.

    Macbeth

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    Macbeth
    by William Shakespeare
    Point: Though delightful words may charm your ears, they may mean soon you will end your years.
    Path: Shakespeare’s tragedy follows the life of a celebrated military hero, Macbeth, from an unexpected prophecy to its final fulfillment. Macbeth hears that he will be a king and takes matters into his own hands. The story continues with the consequences of treason, sin and guilt.
    Sources: Supposedly this is loosely based upon the accounts of King Macbeth of Scotland, Macduff, and Duncan in Holinshed’s Chronicles(1587).
    Personal App: Life is ugly. Ambition misplaced makes it uglier.
    Favorite Quote: MALCOLM “Dispute it like a man.” MACDUFF “I shall do so, But I must also feel it as a man.”
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    Behold the Lamb of God: An Advent Narrative

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    Behold the Lamb of God: An Advent Narrative
    by Russ Ramsey
    Product Details
    1. Kindle: 208 pages
    1. Publisher: Rabbit Room Press
    2. Date Published: 2011
    1. Owner: My Kindle
    2. Date of reading: 1st – 12/25/11
    Point: God has chosen to redeem mankind from their sinful state through the giving of His own Son, the Lamb of God.
    Path: The author tells the story of redemption from the Fall in the Garden to baptism of Jesus Christ. He presents an interpretive look at the core narrative of the Bible, and brings the reader to the point of God’s great gift to this world.
    Sources: The Biblical stories, which are at times too strange to be fiction, are brought together in a fascinating presentation of God’s great plan.
    Agreement: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author’s own study, and imagination brought new parts of the story to light, and encouraged me to see rethink past assumptions. Divided into 25 chapters allowed us to pace ourselves through the book and finish on Christmas day. 
    Disagreement: The reader needs to be careful not to accept every word of the author’s interpretation as biblical fact. His ability as a storyteller will pull you into the plot, but the Bible does not reveal everything.
    Personal App: It brought the Christmas story to new light.
    Favorite Quote: “God cannot be hurried.”
    Stars: 4.5 out of 5
    This book could be read at any time, not merely in preparation for Christmas. It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
    Thought Provoking and Enjoyable

    Five Children and It

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    Five Children and It
    by Edith Nesbit
    Point: Your most earnest wish may become a nightmare! Be careful what you wish for.
    Path: The five children, Richard, Cyril, Jane, Anthea, and the baby whom they called “Lamb” are swept into various adventures through their misplaced wishes. After finding a sand ferry, or a Sammyadd, they are able to ask it a wish each day. Their attempt to be beautiful, get rich, be bigger, be different, have a more exciting life, or live in a book all backfire.
    Agreement: I enjoy Edith Nesbit’s imagination and ability to make an adventure appear in the washbasin or coat closet.
    Favorite Quote: “Grown-up people find it very difficult to believe really wonderful things, unless they have what they call proof.”
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    The True Vine

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    The True Vine
    by Andrew Murray
    Product Details
    Paperback: 127 pages
    Publisher: Moody Press
    Point: John 15:1-16 teaches that the believer is to find his life and strength in the True Vine, Jesus Christ.
    Path:  Murray writes 31 short chapters featuring a key devotional thought and prayer surrounding the teaching of Jesus in John 15. The believer can do nothing on his own but must abide in the true vine.
    Sources: it is a devotional commentary
    Agreement: We must abide in Christ. Our life and strength can only be found in him. 
    Disagreement: He never really explains what it means to abide other than to not try, but rest. It is a Keswick view of sanctification – Let Go and Let God.
    Stars: 2 out of 5
    It was confusing to me and I would fear that it would confuse anyone I encouraged to read it.

    Blah, Blah, Blah by Dan Roam

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    Blah, Blah, Blah: what to do when words don’t work
    Screen Shot 2013-12-22 at 2.32.51 PM
    by Dan Roam
    Product Details
    Hardcover: 350 pages
    Publisher: Portfolio/Penguin
    Date Published: 2011
    Point: You and I are either confused by, drowning in, or lied to by words. These powerful tools are valuable, but dangerous. You need pictures too! You cannot fully explain or clarify your idea until you both verbalize and visualize it.
    Path: The author explains the predicament we are in (confused masses due to being overly focused on words) the destination (clarified communication) and the pathway (utilizing both words and pictures to clarify and communicate our ideas). By explaining visual grammar, any individual is able to sketch their idea in order to simplify it.
    Sources: The author walks his reader through priceless ideas using contemporary examples, simple diagrams, and valuable charts.
    Agreement: I teach and my students listen. But what they hear is blah, blah, blah. When I teach using both words and pictures they can “see” the big idea and appreciated the supporting material.
    Personal App: I have been challenged to both visualize and verbalize my ideas in order to clarify and communicate them. In some circumstances I am only able to verbalize, but it is there that I must reach for their imagination in order to visualize it.
    Favorite Quote: “We don’t need more words. We need more ideas. We need them fast, and we need them to be good – and to know that they’re good, we need them to be clear.” (8)
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.