Friday, June 20, 2014

What Works by Cal Thomas



“If we Americans can’t solve our problems, who will?” Thomas asks.
             If it is not broken don’t fix it.
 That is good advice. The only problem is how do we know what it is we need to fix?  And to what standard are we to improve it?
Cal Thomas presents the thesis that we know what works. Our standard is the proper understanding of the past filtered through common sense.
        He states that our world view, of which he presents five,determines the remedy we apply. If man is the sole determinative of what works than what works is determined by self. If the standard of what works is determined by a Biblical standard, than something is broke.
        The answer to the problem is not found in Washington D.C., Thomas points out, but in a change of heart brought about by a relationship with God.
        Our world view will influence all areas of our existence. This includes the economy, the family as well as the government.
        What Works is a well written book. We can fix our problem, states Thomas. We just need to understand what is broke and what is the solution.
        This book should be read by all concerned citizens. There is still something that can be done.
        I received this book for free from BookLookBloggers.com for this review. I was not required to give a positive review. Any views expressed are those of the reviewer and do not reflect those of the publisher.
            If it is not broken don’t fix it. 
           That is good advice. The only problem is how do we know what it is we need to fix?  And to what standard are we to improve it?
Cal Thomas presents the thesis that we know what works. Our standard is the proper understanding of the past filtered through common sense.
        He states that our world view, of which he presents five,determines the remedy we apply. If man is the sole determinative of what works than what works is determined by self. If the standard of what works is determined by a Biblical standard, than something is broke.
        The answer to the problem is not found in Washington D.C., Thomas points out, but in a change of heart brought about by a relationship with God.
        Our world view will influence all areas of our existence. This includes the economy, the family as well as the government.
        What Works is a well written book. We can fix our problem, states Thomas. We just need to understand what is broke and what is the solution.
        This book should be read by all concerned citizens. There is still something that can be done.
        I received this book for free from BookLookBloggers.com for this review. I was not required to give a positive review. Any views expressed are those of the reviewer and do not reflect those of the publisher.

I review for BookLook Bloggers

Friday, June 13, 2014

Why I Read by Wendy Lesser



     There are many reasons why a person reads books. Now I am not talking about the required reading assigned in class. Having required reading of books that you aren’t ready for ruins the joy of reading.
        Reading should be a time of exploration and discovery. It should be a time of setting out on new adventures.
        When confronted in school with such assigned reading as a book by Sir Walter Scott, a book by Harper Lee, a book by Dickens the student is confronted with an aversion to reading for enjoyment.
        Later in life, if not completely ruined, you can go back and find genres and characters you only dream of existing.
        You may discover that characters and plot are linked. This is one point Lesser makes in this addition to the thousand of books explaining the discipline of reading for enjoyment.
        She enjoys the classics as well as the lyric poetry that are around us in print. It is what you get out of books that should be your motivation for reading.
        It is the characters and the development of the plot that should keep you reading along with the pleasure you get interacting with truth as seen in the story. Patterns emerge as you read.
She points out “to tell the truth in literature, each era, requires a new set of authorial skills with which to rivet a reader’s attention.”
        There is no superior genre. Mysteries and science fiction are just as much carriers of truth as the classics. It is after all truth not lies we are seeking, Lesser points out. And a story must seem true to us to be worth reading.
        This book is a welcome addition to the library of any serious reader. It will act as a refreshing drink for the mind.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The Good Suicides by Antonioi Hill



        Is there ever a thing as a good suicide? And if there is, who determines that?
        This is a fiction thriller written by a Spanish author. That means the pace is not as fast as an American novel. There are no bodies showing up every other chapter. More time is spent on the development of characters and atmosphere. Still this is a plot driven novel.
        Sometimes a story is just a good story. Since characters and plot are so tightly linked together in this case we have a thriller that moves by characters interacting with layers of memories.
        There are three deaths that look like suicides, but there are no notes left behind. Only a photo of three dogs hung from a tree is found near the bodies.
        This is the second in what may be a series concerning inspector Hector Salgado. He is presented as a person working through some problems of his own.
        The style of thriller reminds me of books by Deborah Crombie is that it is told in second person and multiple viewpoint. The interests of the characters play a part in the development of the plot as linked with the characters.
        This book is written well and sustains tension. Hill keeps your interest in the story.
 It is a book for escapists. One of the reasons we read is for pleasure and I am sure you will get pleasure out of this book.
        This book was given to me free for reviewing on my blog by blogging for books and there was no requirement I give a positive review.  All viewpoints expressed are those of the reviewer and do not reflect those of the publisher.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

7 Ways To Be Her Hero by Doug Fields



    
    We live in a world of hero worship but for us men it is hard to know the rules. No one has taken the time to list them. Not that we men will read the list.

        When it comes to marriage we men feel lost when it comes to how to be what we think our wife wants us to be. She knows and keeps a list that she doesn’t share with us. But break one of the items on the list and she will let you know you have fallen short.

        Fields has written a guide for us men. All we need to do is read it and follow the suggestions. The only problem may be, as Fields points out, it is the woman and not the man who buys books.

        So let me clue you in guys, you need to get this book before your wife suggests it. That way you will start making points.

        Written in the language that a man uses when he is talking man to man and using humor that is man humor this short how-to-book will be very useful.

        Fields gives retreats and conferences for men on this subject so most of the material here comes from his conference notes. It may even help the young man who is courting.
        I have received this book gratis from  booklovers.com  for the purpose of reviewing it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review. All viewpoints are my own and do not reflect those of the publisher.