People often say that someone who died in war or as a martyr "gave his life" for the cause. In one sense, that's true. But while reading Urchin and the Rage Tide, I came across a beautiful passage about this. (paraphrased)
You've already given your life for the island, every day. Now you're giving your death.
It's all about living sacrifice. If you don't give God every day, every moment of your life, why give him something he has control over anyway?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Dragons of Chiril
Originally published under the (in my mind) more fitting title The Vanishing Sculpture, The Dragons of Chiril is the first of Donita K. Paul's second book in her new series.
Because I originally read the sequel, Dragons of the Valley first, I already had some idea of what was going on, but I found the book much more inviting read in its proper order. The characters are amusing and delightful, and the plot is well written.
Four and a half stars.
Because I originally read the sequel, Dragons of the Valley first, I already had some idea of what was going on, but I found the book much more inviting read in its proper order. The characters are amusing and delightful, and the plot is well written.
Four and a half stars.
The Quotable Rogue
What makes America exceptional isn't her politicans; it's her people
--Sarah Palin
In the midst of all our political backstabbing and mess, it's easy to overlook the people who do their part to make America great. But once in a while, there's someone who is both an exceptional person and a decent politican.
I happen to think that Sarah Palin is one of them. Feel free to disagree, but this is not a politics post: it is just a review of a book that happens to be political. A collection of Palin quotes, The Quotable Rogue is exactly what it claims to be--a handbook of soundbites from one of politics' most polarizing personalities. It might even make you interested in picking up one of her two books.
Four stars
--Sarah Palin
In the midst of all our political backstabbing and mess, it's easy to overlook the people who do their part to make America great. But once in a while, there's someone who is both an exceptional person and a decent politican.
I happen to think that Sarah Palin is one of them. Feel free to disagree, but this is not a politics post: it is just a review of a book that happens to be political. A collection of Palin quotes, The Quotable Rogue is exactly what it claims to be--a handbook of soundbites from one of politics' most polarizing personalities. It might even make you interested in picking up one of her two books.
Four stars
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Final Summit
The Angel ((Archangel, yes Mr. Gabriel, I understand there's a difference) Gabriel summons Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, Abe Lincoln, the WWII spy Eric Ericson, and a modern businessmen to provide a two-word answer to explain how the world can avoid the apocolypse. No, this isn't a joke. It's the plot of The Final Summit by Andy Andrews.
I did not enjoy this book at all. First of all, the opening chapter is spent on a minor character we never see again. Secondly, a plot entirely consisting of discussion, no matter how well done, is bound to come off pedantic. Finally--and most seriously, there is nothing remotely Christian in this book. Apart from a brief mention of "barely slipping in," there is no mention of faith or belief required to entire heaven. Personalities like Socrates, Anne Frank, Edison, and Franklin just hang out together. But the worst part is the answer. What must humanity do to avert disaster?
Do something.
That's no help at all, not even remotely. Do what? Where do we start? Hitler and Stalin did something, for that matter, and they thought they were doing right.
No stars
I was given a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program in exchange for writing an unbiased review.
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