Church Tomorrow?

This book by Stephanie Spellers, a female canon in residence at Saint Bartholomew's Episcopal church on New York City as of the publishing of this book, has written a good study of the "Nones" and "Dones" which I would recommend for all who are honest about church development from this point on.

It has the sub-title- What the "Nones" and "Dones" teach Us About the Future of Faith.

They are a generation overlooked-- no, I would rather say, ignored.

The intensive research Spellers has done will service as a starting point for honest listening to them and their honest roadblock.

When you talk about the nones you talk about those who are on the outside claiming no church affiliation. That doesn't mean they don't believe in some concept of God. It means that current church has shut them out. 

And there is some truth there. The church has not flexed to include them. They may not adhere to the old terminology churches seem to hold on to. The terms need to be brought up to date without losing the message. 

The church will go on. How it looks may change, but Spelling insists it will still be here.

I highly recommend this book not just for the church team that is reaching out, but also for the general pew warmer-- that they might understand the need to flex and allow the stranger in the mist the space to develop.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom

 This book may not be for everyone. It is more of a thought-provoking book for people who have wanted to wrestle with the question, Does God's knowing all things interfere with man's freedom to make his own decisions?

It is an old book and is more of the type a theologian or a theology student would be working through. And then there are people like I am who enjoys settling down to the comfort of a mind Widing book.

There is a great debate still on whether God knowing all things does away with the idea of man having a free will to make a choice to obey what God says or set himself up as the sole standard of morality and life. 

It may even keep one awake at night. Especially if they are a theology student having to determine it for a class.

But other than the student in Bible college, would this be a book read by the general reader?

Probably not. But it is nice to know if you are interested and can get a copy, I feel it would be worth your while reading and determining where you stand on the issue. Not that the subject will determine your future state after death.

Keep on reading. Be educated. 

Keppan by Jayne Zehngut and Cynthia Salasovich

 For those who enjoy good reading, I highly recommend this. It is the first book written by these authors and it is handled well.

It is set in the art world. The story begins with the death of an well known Japanese  artist by his car going over the side of the hill n Topanga Canyon.. Was it murder or was it an accident?  

It is a case for Hercuree Lewis and Toni Nicholas, Yes. It is a female protagonist; both LAPD detectives. Art forgery  and murder form the crime. The case moves from Los Angeles to Japan and back.

Great research was required to get all the details of the art world. and Japanese culture in order to make this story read authentic. 

It seems the  art work was authenticated  by an ink made of the artists blood in the signature area. This made sure the artists DNA was there. As you knw, DNA is not transferable.

For those of us who know mystery writing we know there must be a victim , a killer, and a detective or someone who can bring the killer to justice. These ladies have a grasp of that formula.

It is suspenseful and detailed. It is an easy read. It is published by a small Beverly Hills company called Cool Titles. It came out in November/December 2023 so it is current. It can be ordered in paperback from Amazon. I am sure you can get it from Barnes and Noble. Since it has been published recently I am sure it can be seen soon in a local bookstore near you.

Good reading to you all.

The Super Puzzle by Mark Hamilton

 This will be quite different from other book reviews. I am doing this one on a large book which is part of a series of books-- a trilogy it turns out. 

First of all, this book is not available for the public reader. For some reason , if you hear about it, it will be because a letter has been sent  to you stating that you have been chosen by something called the Secret Society to receive a chance to receive (For a high price, or otherwise free) ((Don't try to unpuzzle that)) a manuscript which only a small selected few ever  see.

Using the coded secrets in this book ( and there will be two others needed to unlock the code) you will be able to become rich, attain and draw loved ones to you, give back great value to the world. 

A Mister Mark Hamilton has penned this trilogy releasing the secrets of this society.

Is it for real? Well, if you believe the letter you received reporting that you have been chosen.

 You won't find this series of manuscripts in a book store or library. Only if you responded to this letter.

In my research I have come to the conclusion it is a marketing  ploy.. 

The character development is zero.   The plot is centered around a Miss  Annabelle who trains 12 students, all 8-years of age when the book opens, to think in Neothink about things  This gets her in trouble and she is thrown out of teaching, The students grow up to do great things using this Neothink  philosophy. 

Hamilton says this is written in code and can be  picked up. by your right brain as you read.

He states- when you read this secret manuscript twelve very good things will happen  to you.

I have finished book one and am still waiting.

Again he states- as you read, you  will easily and automatically absorb the secret ancient and modern  powers money/power giants used  exclusively by them throughout history.

My advice- don't respond if you recie3ve this letter. The book series seems to be a way for money to pass from your wallet to his bank account.

Read good books. This is not one you need bother with if you are a chosen one by this secret society.

Proving Ground by Kathy Kleiman

 

This is one story that should be told. It has been hidden for too long.. In fact, I  suspect it is forgotten. part of computer history. 

A proving ground is a place where things are tested and prototypes are developed.

 

Once upon a time there was a machine called the ENAIC. That part is known, What isn't known  is that six women were responsible for getting it to work.  It started in a small room at the Moore School., a respected engineering institution..  During the second world war there was a need by the Army to calculate  artillery equations to help the war effort. 

  But how to program a general purpose program for the use they saw? It would need mathematical knowledge. 

Six women applied. They had to break into a male dominated world.. 

Today if you were to ask about them you would probably  get blank looks. During the war we had computers, people who worked the machines, but few acknowledged females.

 It is about time now for us to remember them. 

I found this enjoyable and very informative.

It should be read by everyone. 

The book is published by Grand Rapids Publishing and can be purchased for around $30.00 at a local book store. Or go to your local library and read it. 

It is a good book for computer history.

 

Looking For That Book

 A side discussion for a while. I have been reviewing books that come my way. I have even reviewed books through the years that the Santa Monica library discusses during their book-read month each year.

  But there may be some of you out there who are just wondering how do hyou find a book tnat you have heard about. Or that hard to find text book.

  My suggestion  is Biblio.com.

   I recommend and if you should use the link to go in and buy using my link, the company will share the profits with me at no cost to you. Biblio.com

 I am sure you will be satisfied.

Fairy Tale A Novel by Stephen King

 

King has done it again. He has written a book which will hold you entranced.

 In the past he got side tracked, I feel, in  social novels . at least to  me; that is what the Mr. Mercedes  trilogy seemed to be.

 Here you once again will find giants, the walking dead, the large oversized bugs. The pace is full steam ahead once he establishes mood. He is a master at mood. He has said in the past in his Danse Macabre he aims for the gross out

He retains his voice in this one. It is written in first person. You are seeing the fairy world, an alternate universe under the ground, as he experiences it. It is run by fairy tale principles. It is driven by a curse that needs to be overcome. King refers to a lot of books of the genre which enhances the readers enjoyment if they have been exposed to them. If not, a person can always list them to be read later.

King's books are best read to be digested slowly letting every incident slowly circulate in the mind.

In short, King has a style that is identifiable as King. It looks easier than it is. Lovecraft had it. King has it. Other writers in this genre seem to develop it. If you are looking for sowe thing to keep you reading, you have found it.

  Of courser you can find this book at your local bookstore. It is about 600 pages and is published by Scribner.   Or you could find it in your local library.