Jackson-The Iron Willed Commander by Paul Vickery

          For people who like history, especially history that covers the early days of our nation , this study of one of our great leaders should satisfy.

            Andrew Jackson was truly a man of the land. He could be said to be a self-made man. That term is overused, I realize, yet Jackson did build upon his reputation. He was a strong military leader, known as Old Hickory , a superior court judge, and Indian fighter, a congressman, a senator and finally our seventh president. All through life he carried two bullets in his body.

            He was a mans’ man. He could be rough but fair. Compassionate but not a  milk toast. People wanted to follow him. He was  a leader.

            I enjoy history especially American history. I found this to be an interesting study of a man who molded the America we have today. The emphasize is on the journey of Andrew Jackson more than on the destination. Only one chapter is on the presidency. Then rest is on the formation of the man.

Vickery does a good job of research and has an easy to read style of writing. I would recommend this book for collateral reading in middle school.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own and don’t reflect the views of the publisher. I am disclosing this in accordance with  the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR  Part 255. .

Authors Wanted

   I realize that this is basicly a blog that covers books. But there is a need out there for writers.  I mean think about it, if there were no authors there would be no books and there would be no My Life With Books.  And if there were no books , well, it isn't anything that we need to concern ourselves about.
   There will always be books.  There will always be young adult  books. There will also be writing jobs   enough to go around. It is not a disappearing field. 

    There is even E-Book authorship if you so desire. But remember those who write for cyberspace aren't often read. Although I have in the past reviewed a few, it was hard for me as it is easier to read print than pixels.

What You Need To Know About Bible Prophecy by Max Anders

       At last an easy to understand and follow explanation of one of the  basic doctrines of the Christian belief system.. eschatology. And not just eschatology but the subgroup of prophecy. It is laid out in twelve chapters  which can be used as discussion aids in a small group setting.

            Anders carefully presents the viewpoints that are around when it comes to the understanding of the subject of prophecy. He points out that none of the viewpoints keeps a person from heaven. They just act as grids to the understanding of what God says.

            My reaction is that Anders  walks the line between divergent views  on the meaning of prophecy in a way that allows the discussion to continue without major fist fights over small points. As he points out whether we hold to literal or symbolic  interpretation we can all agree that Jesus is coming back someday. Anyone reading this book and thinking about it will be challenged in his application of the truths. He will also be a little more understanding of those who differ in the minor points of prophecy.

            I feel the information was present in a nonjudgmental manner. I recommend it for small study groups who enjoy discussion.

        This book was given to me free by the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The viewpoints held are my own and not those of the publisher.

Illusion By Frank Peretti

What we have here is a space time distortion story. Peretti handles time lines in a suspenseful manner. Holding in mind that this is not a polemic on reincarnation or mind transmigration helps.

 The previous paragraph is because Peretti  is a Christian writer who has penned in the past stories of spiritual warfare. In fact the first stories I have read of his were the ones he is best known for, “This Present Danger” and “Piercing The Darkness” Therefore my first reaction to someone reappearing younger and still retaining memories of a former life was one of  appearance of  error. Christians are warned against any appearance of deceit. Yet if you realize Peretti is trying to tell a story using science fiction techniques you can suspend your disbelief long enough to get a good read.

            The title "Illusions" has to do with  stage magic where illusion is the purpose of the entertainment. Add to that a computer that can manipulate time streams- another illusion, and a race to set things right and you have the template.

            I feel this book should be approached with caution. Don’t buy into the eastern philosophy that threads through the book. It is a dangerous area for a Christian to be in. Peretti ventures in and will no doubt leave you wondering did he write this book for money or what? 

            I don’t recommend this book unless you are firm in your faith. Even then I would say approach with caution.

Redemption by Bryan Clay

          Just what can God do with a praying mother and a rebellious son? God is sovereign and is able to mold that rebellious child into someone who makes something of his talents.

            In this autobiography we see just that. Bryan Clay may have grown up to be an example but he was not anyone to follow as he was growing up. His birth father divorced his mother. He reacted to that lost. Even though he had  become a Christian at an early age his behavior did not show it. He wasn’t committed to following God.

              But he had a praying mother who saw potential in him. Clay went on to find his way to  work out his rebellion in track and field. From there he went on to become an Olympic contender.

            It wasn’t always easy. Clay shares his struggles. That makes his story an important one for young people.

            The title is a good one. As I noted, this story shows how God can use a broken life and make something of it. If Clay had a perfect life his story wouldn’t be worth reading. His humbleness shines through the tale. It is truly an example of what God can do with a praying mother and a person willing to be used by Him. Not everyone will become an Olympic contender. But everyone can be committed to God.

            This book was given to me free by Book Sneeze to be reviewed on their web site. I was not required to give a favorable review. The opinions expressed are mine and not those of the publisher.   

When Work And Family Collide by Andy Stanley

            It is hard at times  to manage your priorities. You are aware you have to but somehow there just isn’t enough time.

            Priorities are what Rev. Stanley addresses in this small book on  setting the proper restraints on time obligations. In this little 131 Stanley gently nudges the reader to properly get things done in an orderly manner. To do so there are certain things a person must do or not do. I feel Stanley did a good job of detailing them.

            With a pastors heart Stanley guides the individual reader to consider demands and the reasons he has for doing things. The book even has a discussion guide at the end to be used in small groups or in self examination. It is laid out in  a four week plan.

            He is a story teller and in a non-threatening manner je leads you to make these teachings your own. He seems like a friend who is walking beside you and firmly guiding you.

            I found him and his book to be instructive. It got me to examining my own use of time. Priorities are the main theme of this book.

            The proper view of what Stanley calls cheating to gain time to do what one should do is presented in an easy to digest manner.

            I received this book for free from WaterBrookMultinomah Publishing group for this review. All opinions are the reviews alone and do not reflect those of the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review.

Mystery Writer- yes you can!!

Have you always wanted to be a writer? How about in the genre of mystery? I have a place you can go to and find out all you need to know about the subject. You can get the  needed information and sign up for the offer. Please feel free to do so. We need more good mystery writers. The genre may look well stocked, but there is always a new way to commit a crime.
    Maybe you can invent it. And we can buy the book and enjoy your story.