Amish Prayers, compiled by Beverly Lewis
Amish Prayers, compiled by Beverly Lewis, is a collection of translated selections from prayers that appeared in a 1708 German prayer book and were used by the Anabaptists and are today circulated among Amish and Mennonite communities.
The layout is clean, and the prayers are organized according to theme and followed by Scripture. Simple drawings of the country lifestyle and the non-frontal views of the Amish are sprinkled throughout. The English is modern.
For my taste, this book would hold more appeal if the cover and English language held a sense of antiquity, and if the drawings were merely outlines or not there at all. Also, instead of a paragraph-style presentation, I think if the layout revealed the prayers line-by-line and varied the spacing in a poetic manner, it would enhance the aesthetics, perhaps causing the readers to linger over some lines.
This book could be useful for people who want models of prayer. They could get ideas for how to pray by noticing elements such as mention of God’s attributes and an openness before Him. However, I may not recommend this book to a beginner in the faith unless they were Amish or Mennonite or had familiarity or particular interest or experience in the those cultures. For one thing, I wouldn’t want the book to push them toward embracing the Amish tradition for their own belief system or make them think the Amish path is the higher road. Secondly, I think they can learn about prayer from the Bible itself and don’t need to learn from these prayers that don’t all feel deeply profound and unique to me and that are written in modern English. But it is definitely possible that some would really benefit from the prayers or scriptures or find some gems here and there.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free in exchange for a review.
The year of goodbyes, by Debbie Levy
Each chapter of The year of goodbyes, by Debbie Levy, begins with an autograph message or diary entry written in 1938 for or by Levy’s mother when she was a Jewish child living in oppressive Nazi Germany. Following each message and translation is poetic verse inspired by Levy’s mother’s reflections and Levy’s research. Historical information, pictures, and an aftermath of several of the autograph message authors are included at the end of the book. Enjoyable yet sobering, easy-to-read but deep, this artful and unique compliation could hold intrigue and provide cultural and historical insights for children and adults alike.
Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day is comprised of twenty-one chapters divided into four parts on the topics of the marriage spark, domestic life, communication, and conflict. To promote marriage-building behaviors and thinking, Dr. Jacobson offers psychological insight, stories, and tips related to action, words, and thinking.
The layout is consistent and would be conducive to easy browsing. In addition to the typical headings are indented sections of verbal suggestions in “SAY THIS” sections, tips in gray “Extra Credit” boxes, gray bars in the margins of the stories, and gray pages at the end of chapters highlighting a list of applicable “Five-Minute Strategies.”
On the surface, this book would seem most useful for people who are willing to flip through the book from time-to-time while consciously trying to put some suggestions into practice rather than reading it and promptly forgetting about the content. But like with any book, it’s also possible to benefit from a new or reinforced concept or phrase that might influence one’s thinking and lead to change. One of such concepts in this book that I think could be of benefit to someone is the one Jacobsen most wants the reader to take away from the book: “You can’t depend on anyone else for your happiness” (p.207). While I would personally like the quote more with the “else” removed, it is good if one takes steps toward change without depending on the other to do so first.
Besides contemplating particular concepts and tips, people could also benefit from thinking about the title. Really, it doesn’t have take long at all to consciously do something good for a spouse. I think even if someone were to read this book and only remember the “five minutes a day” part, and try to spend five conscious minutes being good to their spouse, that that would be a great benefit.
Even though this book could be quite beneficial for some readers, for me it would hold more obvious, personal value if I were to consciously try out some tips. Also, I think I would gravitate more toward a marriage book written from a point of view closer to my own (for example, from my faith perspective and one that has less of a focus on the influence of the past on one’s behavior). On another note, it might add credibility if a background note about the stories scattered throughout the chapters was provided to clarify if they were based on clients’ stories she came across in her psychotherapy practice or research.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free for review through the BookSneeze program.
For more information on the book, please see the publisher’s website: http://www.adamsmediastore.com/product/save-your-marriage-in-five-minutes-a-day/self-help-relationships
Slave, by John MacArthur
Author and pastor John MacArthur’s motivation for writing Slave stems from his realization of the softening of the English translation of slavery references in the Bible (“slave” is often translated as “servant”) and his view of the importance of the concept of slavery (to God) in Biblical Christianity. He establishes the premise that being a Christian is equivalent to being owned by Christ as His slave. MacArthur is a strong proponent of the lordship salvation view. But Christ is not only our Owner and Master; He is also our Father. MacArthur devotes two chapters to the adoption of God’s children. He also touches upon slavery in connection with future accountability before Christ, heavenly citizenship, freedom, equality, grace, and salvation.
This insightful, informative book was well-researched with its tightly interwoven, well-chosen references, inclusion of historical figures, and description of slavery in the first century AD. One of the chapters worthy of review is the ninth, as the comparison is made between the purchasing of a slave at a market and the redeeming of a child of God.
Although MacArthur makes a lot of good points about the relevance of the concept of slavery within Christianity, in part of the fifth chapter, his bias toward lordship salvation and criticism of the opposing view and modern evangelicalism may not convince readers who do not readily adopt the lordship salvation viewpoint or who may see themselves painted (and possibly not holistically or fairly) within the (perhaps partially tangential) negative description.
Even if a reader is not one to retain all of the information or is not sold-out on the lordship salvation perspective, though, s/he could still benefit by giving more thought to the idea of slavery to Christ, an idea that seems not to be emphasized within Christianity. I would recommend this unique book but not to people who might wrongly interpret the intended message to use it as an excuse for treating another person in an unfairly subservient manner. The book is not promoting modern day slavery in the typically understood sense of the word, but it is promoting slavery to God.
You may see a sample chapter of this book here.
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Disclosure: I received a free e-book from the publisher in exchange for this review.
For more information, a preview, and a video clip, see the details on the Thomas Nelson website.
Image from Booksneeze.
By Grace Alone, by Sinclair B. Ferguson
By Grace Alone, by Sinclair B. Ferguson, includes nuggets on the saving, transforming power of the gospel, morsels to which I hope to return. The book is inspired by a hymn whose English translation is titled: “O How the Grace of God Amazes Me.”
Ferguson’s writing style may cause people to give Scripture greater pause. The story-telling and commentary might help readers view the reality of and humanity within the verses through fresh eyes.
The book could be read by both believers and non-believers, and included are words one might say to Christ when coming to Him for salvation.
Many great points are made in this book!
I like that…
- guilt is addressed as reality and feeling and the point made that the knowledge of the lack of it can affect our feelings through greater understanding of the gospel (p.57).
- Ferguson talks about different languages (temple, court, market) Paul uses to communicate the gospel (p.48).
- Ferguson acknowledges the influence of “right thinking” on gospel-powered living (p. 105) while recognizing, in referencing John Owen, the difference between knowing the truth and knowing its power (p. 67-68).
- Ferguson approaches 2 Cor. 5:16 through the lens of having “a new attitude to other people” (p.60).
- in reference to Romans 6:23’s “wages of sin”, Ferguson talks of sin as an “employer” (p.107, 108). What a way to breathe life into the familiar phrase of whose weight I’ve overlooked countless times.
The last of the above points comes from Chapter 7; this chapter, to me, would stand as a great book on its own. The concept of the transfer from sin’s domain to God’s kingdom is one that I would like to seep into and out of my heart. It is one I feel God may be stirring in my heart through this book, and He may continue to do so through a book I will read in the near future.
While there is much to like about this book, I do have some level of hesitation with regard to the emphasis on Satan’s influence on sin in chapters 5 and 6. He may be given more credit to his role in sin than what I’m comfortable with. It is my belief that sin might originate in people or Satan and that we might not always or ever know the source for our particular sins. If people put too much stock into Satan’s influence on sin, I wonder if a result might be a reduction of their feelings of responsibility, conviction, and depravity. If it doesn’t have this result, though, it might not be a big deal to have an emphasis on Satan.
All in all, though, I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to read this book, and I am gladdened to think that God may be using it to work transformation in me.
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Image from here. Disclosure: I received a free pdf copy of this book to review from Reformation Trust Publishing, and, upon approval of my review, a printed version will be sent out.
Mao’s Last Dancer, by Li Cunxin
Mao’s Last Dancer, an autobiography by Li Cunxin, gives the reader the unique look at the life of a skilled ballet dancer whose dance skills began at Madame Mao’s dance school and continued overseas. Unlike the frog in the Chinese story “The Frog in the Well”, a recurring allusion throughout the book, Cunxin did not remain as the frog whose world was limited from his viewpoint within the well, for whom “the big world above remained only a dream” (p.53). He experienced life both in and out of the well. His immersion of himself into his world of ballet was similar to how he was encouraged ”to treat pirouettes like a mango” (p.238): if he were presented with a mango, he should fully experience the fruit in depth, not just eat it without slowly engaging in the process of extracting the most out of it. Readers of this book can share in tasting the hypothetical mango and life on both sides of the well. Though the world in this book may be quite different from that of the reader’s, the idea of there being more to life outside one’s well may resonate. Also, the book may provide inspiration in bringing broader perspective and attention to hardships that may make their own seem a little lighter.
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The story has also been made into a movie.
The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill
The Book of Negroes, a novel by Lawrence Hill, is also published as Someone Knows My Name. It is written through the character Aminata’s eyes, bringing the reader into her life including her captivity and slavery.
The book is interesting, and I appreciate that much of it likely reflects historical or close-to-historical information. It is a novel, though, and Hill notes that at times he “knowingly bent facts to suit the purposes of the novel” (p.473). Reading stories that involve oppression may broaden perspective on personal hardships; perhaps it can also broaden the heart in terms of compassion for the oppressed. This book might trigger further the reader’s interest or pursuit of knowledge of slavery and the lives of those who experienced it.
Some readers may like to be warned ahead of time that there is some sexual content in this book.
The copy of the edition I checked out is not the illustrated one, but I think it would be neat to skim through that one. You can see samples of pages from the illustrated edition here.
Infidel, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Infidel is an enlightening read. In this biography, Ali discusses her life, views, and Islam. She is very much in favor of human rights and is bold enough to challenge Islam, a religion she grew up in but turned away from. She writes, “The message of this book, if it must have a message, is that we in the West would be wrong to prolong the pain of that transition ['to a modern word' p.347] unnecessarily, by elevating cultures full of bigotry and hatred toward women to the stature of respectable alternative ways of life” (p.348).
Takeaways for me would include exposure to culture and Islam. Also, it is refreshing to see that someone (with knowledge and experience of Islam) is bold enough to challenge it to the extent that she does, even if those views wouldn’t be openly accepted among educated, open-minded thinkers in Western societies. It’s easy to be passive living with Islamic presence, but maybe I’ll be more aware that alarming oppression might be present and extreme doctrines might be being espoused even in the Muslim communities where I live. And if not, maybe the Muslims I see around have experienced hardships related to their religion in the past or know people suffering now.
I think it would be interesting to become friends with a somewhat conservative but open Muslim. While I do not believe that all faiths are pathways to the one true God, I wonder if interfaith discussion could spring from similarities between beliefs with regard to submission to one’s husband and the will of God/will of Allah. While those similarities may differ, and while Allah and the Christian God are not the same, they might serve as an interesting starting point for an in-depth discussion.
Surprised by Suffering, by R.C. Sproul
Surprised by Suffering, by Dr. R.C. Sproul, contains chapters divided into two major parts: “Unto Death” and “After Death.” At the back of the book is a question and answer section and Scriptural and topical indexes.
I would recommend this book. While there are parts that could be skimmed, other points would definitely be worth revisiting. It would do Christians well to desire to grasp God’s sovereignty so tight that it infiltrates our thinking in times of suffering. Sproul writes of suffering, which is not without purpose (p.7, 23, 132), as a “pathway” God uses to “redeem the world” (p.23). He recognizes that Christians “on the surface” seem to believe in God’s sovereignty, but he points out that this belief “is one of the most difficult doctrines to get in one’s bloodstream and into the fiber of daily living, so that we really live life believing that God is in fact sovereign and maintain our trust in Him even when it seems that life is spinning out of control” (p. 38).
In addition to the valuable reminders about God’s sovereignty is the presence of meaningful anecdotes. The description of Sproul looking at a clock, waiting for his friend in surgery, alluding to (perhaps the possibility or reality) that for some, those minutes were their last. If I were an artist, I think this clock scene could serve as inspiration for a drawing. Another special story was with regard to Sproul’s dad’s death, and his last words being, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7)” (p. 52). Little did his father know that Sproul would one day become a Christian who would one day write, “If my father taught me anything, he taught me how to die” (p. 53).
I like that Sproul does not shirk from death in this book. He even refers to death and suffering as a ‘vocation.’ But there is something beyond suffering; Sproul writes that “Our divine vocation is not ultimately to suffering, but to a hope that triumphs over suffering” (p.134). This book could be a hopeful one for one who believes in or is open to embracing God’s sovereignty in suffering. I hope my belief in this doctrine will grow and be of comfort when I find myself in times of suffering or other adversity.
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Disclosure: I received a free PDF copy of the book from Reformation Trust publishing to review and upon approval of my review, a printed copy will be sent out.
The Cellist of Sarajevo, by Steven Galloway
I chose this novel because I saw it listed as a book to be discussed at a book club meeting and thought it could be interesting.
Though there was a cellist in real life, Galloway notes in the afterword that “his actions inspired this novel, but I have not based the character of the cellist on the real” one (p.233). It seems that the real cellist isn’t happy about the publication of this novel. However, the book does not focus on the cellist alone. The first chapter introduces him, but most of the book alternates between the other three main characters’ worlds, with the cellist woven in here and there.
I noticed something interesting about the writing style, and I wonder if it’s a British/Canadian style of English or of it’s the author’s unique style. What I noticed is the presence of sentences where there is a non-ing verb directly (with no repeated subject or coordinating conjunction) after a comma. An example of this style of sentence can be found on p. 116: “A young man comes up beside Dragan, gets ready to cross.”
The book has somewhat of a philosophical feel, which could be conducive for group discussion. I appreciate that in the afterword Galloway names some individuals “for the countless hours they spent telling me stories, showing me places, and trying to teach me to think like a Sarajevan” (p.234). I don’t know if I’ll be going to the book club meeting, but if I go and if people are present who experienced the war in Sarajevo, I’d be especially interested to hear their thoughts and experiences and how they lined up, or didn’t line up, with those in the novel.
Fearless by Max Lucado
Grappling with different fears, Lucado uses his creative continuity to begin and close many of the chapters with the same story or analogy, ranging from his personal experience to poetry to non-fiction to the creative and to the common. Sandwiched in-between are pieces of advice and Biblical references. Painting and playing with words, the tone is light and warm.
While this book holds creative appeal, I think it could hold greater personal impact if I were to proactively chew on the concepts and turn to God. That said, one quote was particularly timely for me – “They held the end of their rope in one hand and reached toward Christ with the other” (p. 58). The night I read those words was the same night my husband spoke to me about having open hands toward God before praying with me on the floor.
The discussion guide in the back could serve as a springboard for interaction with and contemplation of verses and fear. However, if a group were to get overly tangential on speaking of their experiences rather than focusing on prayer and an application of Scripture, it may decide to not cover the book over an extended number of sessions.
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For more information, check out the Thomas Nelson product page and a link to the preview that can be found on that website. I received a free ebook copy of this book to review as a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger Program.
The language of love & respect: cracking the communication code with your mate by Emerson Eggerichs
In The Language of Love & Respect, Eggerichs’ expertise on marriage relationships is evident in the logical, well-written expression of his thoughts relating to the importance of love or respect in marriage and practical advice for how these qualities can be lived out.
What impresses me the most is Eggerichs’ emphasis on the unconditional love or respect that we are to have in marriage and that our marriages are ultimately about God.
While I feel this book is worthwhile, I do have a couple of hesitations. One relates to his discussion of the spouse’s goodwill, though I appreciate that he addresses the question of depravity. I would prefer to see an emphasis on the good God can work in and through us despite our natural inclination toward evil. The second is the seeming separateness of love and respect. While the concept that men should love their wives and women should respect their husbands is Biblical, love is important for both genders. Perhaps this fact and along with the fact that respect can fall under the umbrella of love could have been addressed or emphasized.
All in all, I think any married or to-be-married person could benefit from this book.
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Click here or here for more information on this book. In exchange for this review, I received a free copy of this book through the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program.
edited on 4/30/10
John Bunyan by Kevin Belmonte
In John Bunyan, Kevin Belmonte documents the life and times of John Bunyan and the impact of his work on well-known authors and political leaders centuries later. The emphasis on the historical context in which Bunyan lived draws attention to the political unrest and imprisonment Bunyan experienced. Bunyan’s family life and literary influences are also addressed.
This biography provide a good taste of an overview of Bunyan’s life and place in history. Still, I am left wanting to know more about Bunyan’s inner struggles –the “melancholy” (p.43) that he may have experienced as well as his spiritual thoughts and growth. Perhaps Bunyan’s autobiography, Grace Abounding, would provide even more details to that end.
There is a particular spiritual experience mentioned in John Bunyan (p.74) that intrigues me, one where the concept of going to Jesus comes alive. Part of why this resonates with me is that I, too, once had an experience where the idea of coming to Jesus leapt out at me. As I also can feel great unrest, I yearn to learn more about Bunyan’s personal hardships and how God pulled him through.
All in all, I would recommend this book, and it is one that I may read again.
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For more information, see the Thomas Nelson Product Page and a description and other reviews of the book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
Holes
I just thought I’d mention that I recommend this novel for use in intensive ESL classes. I’ve used it twice in a high intermediate academic ESL class.
Friendship for Grown-Ups, by Lisa Whelchel
Friendship for Grown-ups invites the reader into Lisa Whelchel’s (former The Facts of Life actress) experiences and thoughts regarding her friendships. Henry Cloud and John Townsend’s writings are referenced throughout. In the first chapter, Whelchel establishes that the book is not of a “how-to” nature, though in an appendix of friendship tips she acknowledges that that appendix leans more in that direction. Also at the back are questions to ponder and conversation starters.
Whelchel’s openness and vulnerability make for interesting reading, but I don’t come away with great theological enlightenment or feeling of resonation in my friendships with women. Whelchel seems to invest in and expect more from friendships than I do with mine even though she recognizes the need to “not expect more from her [a friend] than she is able to give” (p.122). (That said, I know what it is to experience neediness and high expectations with my husband!) For Whelchel, friends are a way of seeing God’s grace. If the presence of friends have helped bring her closer to God, great! Readers who don’t necessarily share all her views might still enjoy her story, but if they agree with her views, they will benefit even more.
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For more information or to see a preview, check out this Thomas Nelson website.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
Wild Swans, by Jung Chang
The well-written, eye-opening Wild Swans grabbed my heart as it delved into the raw hardships that especially Chang and her relatives personally experienced in an earlier China. It’s a page-turner, and thankfully a long one.
How awful it must have been to live in an era where destructive ideology seeped into the abysses of the very mundane elements of private life. Self-criticisms. Hardships. Suppression. Hunger. Control. Control. Control…
The story takes place in earlier years, but people are people. I can see a little of me in the story and in Chang’s parents. And it can bring perspective to learn about others’ sufferings — even though I can think I have it rough, I don’t have bound feet. I have food to eat. I am not a concubine. The government does not force me to adopt particular political ideology.
I definitely recommend this book, but be aware that the content is not light.
I Am Hutterite, by Mary-Ann Kirkby
In I Am Hutterite, Mary-Ann Kirkby gives the reader a glimpse into Hutterite life as she tells her family’s story, from before her parents’ marriage to her life on the Hutterite colony to life after they left. Kirkby includes artifacts such as a brief account of Hutterite history, photographs, and a glossary.
Kirkby seems to have a story-teller’s heart. Perhaps in efforts to show instead of tell and to keep the flow and interest, at times Kirkby threw in descriptions that at times may have been unnecessary, embellishing reality, or cliché. Examples include: “running his hand through his hair” (p.100), “bit my lip” (p.65), “Like precious little eggs” (p.109), and “stuck out like sore thumbs” (p.147). But description helps make a story, and perhaps some readers would enjoy the flow.
As for positives, this book serves as a nice introduction to Hutterite culture. Also, the reader could potentially be inspired to think to consider the outsider and to forgive.
All in all, this book is one I plan to pass on, and one worth borrowing or buying second-hand for a good price.
————————————————————————————————————————————————–Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
For a preview or more information, see this Thomas Nelson website.
The Christian lover: the sweetness of love and marriage in the letters of believers, by Michael A.G. Haykin
Reading the letters spanning centuries (the latest being 1945) in Haykin’s The Christian Lover is a treat. At the beginning of the chapters is background information about the letters’ authors as well as brief commentary on the messages within the letters. Haykin draws connections between principles within the letters and the way he feels marriages should be today
While some readers might find the commentary helpful to read first, if some would prefer to be surprised, they might choose to read this information after they have read the letter(s) of the chapter. The letters in the book contain mindsets and practices that the reader could draw inspiration from and hopefully implement into daily life. A sense of heavenly-mindedness, mortality-consciousness, and God’s sovereignty can be found. I like one letter author’s attitude toward prayer in taking joy as he prays as he gets ready for the day.
As for a minor issue I have with this book, I don’t think the blatant applications are always necessary. For one thing, what might seem to work out ideally in one marriage might not work that way in another or might need more detailed analysis that goes beyond the purpose of this book. For example, in chapter 7, Haykin writes, “One’s spouse must be one’s best friend” (44). Although it would be neat if this principle could apply to every marriage, I don’t think it’s a necessity. And I think people would be able to draw meaning and connection from general commentary on the letters’ messages and from the letters themselves without direct applications pointed out.
That said, this book contains a lot of gems, like little treasure finds from a Christian antique store, if there were such a thing. Every now and then, a reader could pick up this book and read a letter or two at random and benefit without having to read cover to cover.
Disclosure: I received a free PDF copy of the book from the publisher to review and upon approval of my review will receive a printed copy.
[edited 8/17]
Anne Bradstreet, by D.B. Kellogg
In Anne Bradstreet, D.B. Kellogg includes a wealth of historical information on Anne and her contemporaries and the times. She brings in J.I. Packer’s positive comments on the Puritans (on p.16), though her portrait of the life in Anne’s time isn’t all rosy as she describes harsh realities of the day as well. Anne’s writings are sprinkled throughout the book, and at the end are extensive notes and a bibliography, evidencing an interwoven and well-researched little book.
It was a quick read, there are interesting parts, and I like the ending of the story, but it may hold more personal impact if I were to focus on the parts that revealed Anne’s heart and her writings in a contemplative way.
A suitable audience for this book might include readers who are already familiar with Anne and her works and who want to learn more about the people she knew and the times in which she lived. If one doesn’t care so much about the history, it might be more fitting for that reader to start with Anne’s writings themselves or to try to find a resource more directly focused on Anne and her poetry and less on history.
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For more information, visit this Thomas Nelson website. Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
Image from Thomas Nelson.
The Truth of the Cross, by R.C. Sproul
The Truth of the Cross, by R.C. Sproul, is not about proving truth with scientific arguments but about showing why the cross is necessary. And it is Sproul’s belief that if people believe Christ and His work are true, they will then believe in the necessity of the gospel for themselves (p.6-7). Sproul’s writing style is reader-friendly. A thorough knowledge of theological terminology is not a prerequisite for understanding this book; an introduction to theology and an explanation of various terms are provided. The inclusion of personal anecdotes also contributes to the accessibility.
This book would make for a good study for a group or for an individual to use as a springboard for personal journaling and reflection. Some interaction with the text would be good for processing the information as well as questions that arise.
Although as a whole the book is fine, there are a few parts that I felt were perhaps unnecessary. One such part is the discussion of God’s presence in hell in the Questions and Answers chapter. While the notion could very well be true, I don’t readily accept it as definitely so, and I am not sure exactly what David meant by the word ‘hell’ in Ps. 139-8b. That said, I’d probably feel hesitant about some parts of almost any Christian book I read.
This book would be a fine read for a Christian or seeking non-Christian. I don’t feel it revolutionized my spiritual growth, but reading it meant some reflection upon the gospel, which would be a good discipline to regularly incorporate into life.
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Disclosure: I received a free PDF copy of the book from Reformation Trust publishing to review and upon approval of my review, a printed copy will be sent out.
Illegals, by Darrell Ankarlo
Illegals, by Darrell Ankarlo, is a book of passion and action. Not only does Ankarlo boldly write of the problems related to illegal immigration, but he goes to Mexico, describing the life at and around the border. The first half of the book is filled with riveting first-hand stories. The second half of the book, which concentrates on political opinion, is varied, focusing on multiple aspects related to illegal immigration, including interviews, statistics, and potential solutions. At the end of the book is a call to action as well as various websites where people could start.
I applaud Ankarlo for his whole-hearted approach, and I appreciate that he has a heart for humanity. I came to this book with a desire to learn and an understanding that I may not agree with the opinions set forth. The second half of the book wasn’t as interesting for me as the first. Although I lack in not having a complete understanding over immigration issues, if I were going to get serious about shaping my knowledge and opinions, parts of this book would be worth revisiting. Regardless of one’s political views, though, the first half of the book is a fascinating read.
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Disclosure: I received this book for free to review from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
For more information, visit the Thomas Nelson website.
The image in this post is from Booksneeze.
