The Richest Man Who Ever Lived – Steven K Scott

So, I wasn’t certain what to expect from this book. Form the title, you could kind of guess that it’s a “get rich quick book” or perhaps one of the many self-help books that tries ever so awkwardly to spiritualize the art of becoming successful by the standards of the world. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s more about reading the book of Proverbs and applying its wisdom and truths to your life. About pursuing a Godly life and reaping success according to higher standards. Included in the mix, there’s advice to help you find favor among men – the importance of diligence, kindness, truth, graciousness, and generosity – as well as tips for building a solid network, dealing with adversity, and managing conflict. But ultimately, and the reason I enjoyed the book, it was all rooted in Proverbs, which is a great book to refer to for sound advice for life. Solomon knew what he was talking about – especially when he decried the struggle for material wealth at all cost.

peace… love… bdg…

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Fyodor Dostoevsky – Peter Leithart

I’ve read a few of the biographies from this collection now and every time, I’m surprised by how different they each are. Given, I’m including books from The Generals series as part of this overarching series, but still these are definitely not formulaic biographies. Each edition is well-researched and approached from a unique standpoint, making them very engaging to read. Which brings me to Fyodor Dostoevsky.

I’ve been meaning to read some of Dostoevsky’s work for years now, but for one reason or another, I’m left with that gaping hole in my reading accomplishments, so I thought perhaps reading about the man would lead naturally into reading his books. Hopefully, that’s the case. I will say, though, that this was a very interesting biography framed as a series of conversations. Most of it had me flipping through the pages with anticipation, though there were a few sequences that left me a bit disinterested.

Keys that I took from this book and really enjoyed were threefold. First, I really enjoyed understanding how Dostoevsky’s philosophies took shape. In the book, you get a good sense of how he formed his opinions on life and eternity and all things in between. Had I read his books, I get the sense that these stories would’ve leapt off of the pages at me because his writing is reportedly quite transparent. Second, I was struck by his sense of purpose and the passion with which he pursued that calling. He certainly wasn’t perfect and knowing how he overcame the multitude of distractions that plagued him throughout his lifetime gives me a sense of hope that I can do the same.

Finally, Dostoevsky’s strategy for accomplishing his goals – reaching out to the people, writing about topics and concernds of “pop culture” like interest, and essentially building a platform from which to launch his greatest seem way ahead of his time. Now, it’s the standard operating protocol. No wonder his writing has held up so well over time.

peace… love… bdg…

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The Bone House – Stephen Lawhead
As I mentioned in my review of The Skin Map, which precedes the story captured here, my history with Stephen Lawhead has been shaky, but with the Bright Empire series, Lawhead is rewriting that history – and every other history imaginable. After a pretty interesting twist, book the second picks up where we left off, in the thick of the action.

Kit and company double and triple back through the dimensions as we fill in some gaps in the overarching story and blaze new narrative trails. Our travellers are determined to finish the mission of tracking down the skin map and unlock the keys to understanding the universe. We learn a bit more about the leys and our key players in the midst of their adventures. And, once again, we’re left satisfied, but looking forward to the next meal.

Another gripping piece to the unfolding saga that unlocks the reader’s immagination and keeps us hanging on until the end… and beyond. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for the next installment to land.

peace… love… bdg…

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Average Joe – Troy Meeder
I finished this book a while ago and I just haven’t gotten around to reviewing it. Sometimes I like to let books simmer in my subconscious and develop into more complete thoughts, deeper insights, and practical solutions. Sometimes – as in this case – they don’t. In fact, Average Joe all but disappeared from my thoughts shortly after finishing. It’s not that it’s a boring book or a “bad” book, but it’s definitely a lightweight approach to a pretty heavy topic.

It seems that the topic of embracing manhood and engaging men within the church has become a hot topic. [continue reading this post...]

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To Be Perfectly Honest – Phil Callaway

I didn’t expect to like this book – especially when I realized that Phil Callaway is a “Christian comedian.” It’s not that I dislike Christian comedians, I actually respect the difficulty they must face in treading that fine line between funny and family friendly. There’s a lot of pressure to be profane and a wealth of people who only respond to risque subject matter or the occasional curse word. I don’t envy that walk and, in fact, I’m pretty impressed at the stubbornness and perseverance. The truth is that it’s rare to find a comedian whose humor translates well to the written word.

With that in mind, I expected pages filled with bad puns and a rather disengaging gimmicky storyline. Shockingly enough the book has its fair share of puns, but between random pot-shot lines here and there, the real story unveiled a gripping reality that all the fruits of the spirit are intertwined. In fact, there are parts of this book that aren’t funny at all – and they’re not trying to be. This book about honesty reveals a man coming to grips with love, death, and forgiveness.

I’m not sure I’d like a Phil Callaway stand-up show, but I do have a healthy respect for the man revealed in the pages of this book, To Be Perfectly Honest.

[continue reading this post...]

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J.R.R. Tolkien – Mark Horne

Confession time. I’ve never read The Lord of the Rings trilogy all the way through. I know, I know. It’s absolutely crazy. Everybody and their mother have read those books. (Well, I’m not sure if my mother has read them, either.) I have read The Hobbit and at least some of the first book of the trilogy. (And I have watched the movies). I have fond memories of reading The Fellowship of the Ring while holding my son for his evening nap. And I’ve always meant to go back and finish the books, but never have.

Along those same lines, I didn’t know much about J.R.R. Tolkien before reading this biography. I knew of his relationship with C.S. Lewis (whom I have read a lot) and I knew the four key books of his career. That was about it. Having read this, I have a greater appreciation for the struggles he faced in mustering the confidence needed to write and get published. And gaining a clearer understanding of the vision that drove him to write is uniquely inspiring as well.

I did feel like the book was somewhat thin on details and what was presented was often repeated. Be that as it may, I’m glad that I read it and I suppose I have a renewed interest in revisiting those books. . . after I get through the other stack of books waiting to be read.

peace… love… bdg…

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George Washington Carver – John Perry

When I was much younger, I had a biography of George Washington Carver and, for some reason, I was curiously drawn to it. I must have read it at least a dozen times, whether because I felt inspired by it, felt a strange kinship with the Carver of the pages, or simply because I had been told it was my great-grandfather’s book. I even remember there being a few genaric tickets “hidden” in the back pages for which I concocted a complicated story explaining how they got there. Unfortunately, I don’t know where that book is anymore, but I was quite excited to come across a new biography on this symbol of innovation.

This time around, I’m certain it’s something of a kinship that draws me to Dr. Carver’s life story. While I certainly didn’t have nearly as difficult circumstances from which to rise above, we all experience difficult times. Carver’s attitude and persistence, which I can only hope to attain, is a clear indication that he had eternity written on his heart throughout his life, providing a healthy perspective on anything life had to offer – including the Great Depression.

But what really drew me into this biography, was the insight into Dr. Carver’s frustration over daily tasks, mismanagement, and the struggle to maintain focus despite being charged to split his efforts across several different tasks. Despite this frustration, Dr. Carver managed to keep his research moving forward, maintain his integrity, and find time amidst the distractions to fulfill his duties (for the most part). He did have his shortcomings and it really wasn’t until later – when the administrative pressure was off – that he truly blossomed and realized the potential of his research, but in that frustrating period of time – what I’ve called in my life “the time for marking time” – he developed character, routine, and laid the groundwork for what was to come. That’s a lesson I hope really settled in for me.

peace… love… bdg…

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Confession time. I know, or knew, very little about the most highly decorated soldier in American history. I knew of him – mostly from caricatures based on him – and assumed he was a brilliant military mind wrapped in a quirkiness that made him lovable and brave. As it turns out, he was just that. . . and so much more.

This man of conviction largely unknown to me was the American rockstar of the two generations ahead of me. MacArthur: America’s General reveals the allure, the mystique, and the majesty of the man who dominated headlines, captivated audiences wherever he went, and led the most powerful nation in war during his 52-year military career.

It’s a fascinating story – moreso that it’s true – and incredible to witness the importance of generational legacy that gets passed down from father to son. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was clearly a bi-product of his grandfather and father and the lessons he learned from them – both directly and indirectly – guided him through his own journey of becoming the man he was called to be.

This book is part of “The Generals” series from Thomas Nelson and, though I’ve only read two thus far, I’m quite enthusiastically looking forward to reading more from the series.

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I’m finding more and more that History class let me down. Who would’ve thought amidst all those dates and “Wah-Wah” sounds from behind the teacher’s desk were stories full of richness, intrigue, and applicable lessons for everyday life?

The more I read (or watch – thank you History Channel), the more amazed (and perturbed) at what wasn’t taught. As such, I jumped at the opportunity to read about the Father of our country – especially framed as a study on his leadership qualities. Washington: A Legacy of Leadership discusses the how Washington developed as a leader – warts and all. It’s a well-written book that sheds light on the nation’s reluctant, but willing founder.

Sprinkled throughout the stories of America’s history, we the readers see the lessons Washington learned first hand from his failures and successes. As a military leader, a political figure, an ambitious landowner, and loyal citizen,Washington put others first in humility, remained faithful to the cause, honored “Providence” in all his actions, and reaped the fruits of persistance, innovation, and determination. Recognizing the significance of his roles in life, Washington pursued them with caution, ever mindful of the implications his every action might have on the future of the country he loved before its birth.

This book reveals Washington, a flawed individual struggling to fulfill his purpose in life and learning that it’s the in the struggle that find our life. I enjoyed if from several perspectives – historical, inspirational, and biographical.

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In this apocalyptic novel, the world didn’t end in 2012 as many believed it would. In fact, the heralded 21st day in December that year was actually the beginning – the birth of the “Eight” and the dawn of a new era in humanity.

That’s where the book begins, but the bulk of the action takes place in the months leading up to the 36th anniversary of this fated birth. The world is breaking down and falling apart all around our main characters as they embark on a mission they don’t fully understand. Lead the world into the coming dawn, rescue humanity, restore faith, save the cheerleader and all that good stuff. Unfortunately, this would be thriller doesn’t quite deliver despite the potentially compelling backdrop.

Doubling as a philosophical manifesto, The Seraph Seal comes across heavy handed, paranoid, and, at times, pretentious. The plot lines, though ambitious, don’t exactly mesh as well as they should (or in some cases they align themselves too well) and time lines are often muddy. The dialogue rings false and, as such, the reader has trouble identifying and empathizing with the characters. Moreover, many times the authors seemed to overwrite the scenes to force emotion or depth within the characters, but it actually slows the story and drags out the action.

All in all, The Seraph Seal was disappointing, given the potential of the subject matter, authors (I’ve enjoyed some of Sweet’s non-fiction work), and cover art (can’t judge a book…). Despite the effort, Sweet and Wagner are not storytellers on par with Dan Brown (DaVinci Code) or Darlton (Lost) which is the gold standard I’m certain they were going for.

peace… love… bdg…

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