5 comments about Lipstick Jihad: A Memoir of Growing up Iranian in America and American in Iran.

1. This is simply the best book I have read in a great while. Several issues are addressed: life in the US as a child of immigrants/exiles and how one conceptualizes (and mythologizes) "the old country"; life in Iran as an American-Iranian: someone who feels like they should (are obligated to?) belong but somehow never quite gets all the pieces to fit; and trying to tie these identities together into a whole person.
   
   With few Americans traveling abroad for more than 1-2 week vacations and little opportunity to be more than tourists where ever we go (or to ever be able to understand what it means to move your life to another country, let alone a country where you are considered suspect); this book moves people beyond thinking of Iran as simply "evil", "scary", etc. Life and people there, like anywhere, is complicated and many things to many people. The Western view of Iran has traditionally been to focus on the terrible and extreme or conversely to romanticise it and see only the mythical, the static ancient history.
   
   Whichever side of the coin most Americans tend to focus on, it is usually an uncomplicated, uninformed view of the nation and the people. This book allows the reader a peek into a small section of life there to see ugly, wonderful, beautiful, happy, terrified, hopeful, dispondent people.
   She never claims to represent anyone other than herself, she doesn't try to speak for Iran or Iranians or Iranian Americans- she just lets us look at the world through her eyes for a little while.
   
   Azadeh Moaveni also allows us to follow her in her search for a place and identity that seems perpetually just out of reach. Like the tale about the Simorgh, the journey to find this place and identity eventually leads her (and the reader) to look within.
   
   Unfortunately this review can't do the book justice- I highly recommend this book to anyone, period.



2. Azadeh Moaveni's "Lipstick Jihad" is interesting and well-written, but not captivating. Much of the criticism from other reviewers revolves around her well-to-do social status and her focus on the young, upper- and middle-class generation with which she seems to have spent her time. Is this an "authentic" description of contemporary Iran? Were this a work of journalism, this critique might be valid, for the book is fully absorbed in the Islamic Republic-style perversions of the otherwise recognizable drama of being a young adult. And one can hardly charge her with misleading the reader on this account, as I can't think of a more apt description of this book's focus than the subtitle itself: "A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America and American in Iran."
   
   The appropriate question to ask is not what the subject of her book is, but how well she has captured it. It is for this that I only give three stars. She rides from interesting anecdote to interesting anecdote, and when discussing her sense of being suspended between Iranian and American identities she can really shine. But her attempts to draw perspective often left me skeptical. She's fully capable of viewing her environment critically, but I'm not convinced she ever transcended it, looked back and encapsulated it for her audience.
   
   When I finished each chapter I was not compelled to start the next and only rarely found myself lost in its pages. I am glad I read the book, and learned much about the political and social dimensions of life in contemporary Iran. But a memoirist's role is larger - even, in some ways, dishonest. For a memoir must universalize the personal, must order and narrate a life that rarely comes with either. In Moaveni's abstraction of her experience she only puts forward an interesting read, not a great one.



3. I enjoyed this book and found it somewhat enlightening about Iran and it was interesting to read how the younger set manages to socialize despite the constant repression by their government. Before going to Iran to live for a time, the author has an idyllic remembrance of a visit there, coupled with the reminicenses of her family. Once she gets there she gets an education of what it's like to live in a society that is in no way free and is governed by religious fanatics.
   
   I was annoyed that she still felt so torn throughout the book - she wanted Iran to be so different, and seemed to consider herself Iranian, never once acknowledging her great good fortune of having been born an American. She never mentioned an appreciation for America, only yearning for a better Iran so she could stay there, and ultimately went to live in Beirut but doesn't say why. She could not have a fulfilled life in America?
   
   Another thing that bothered me was the narrow perspective. She wrote about how the people she socialized with didn't care at all about Islam and weren't religious, thus giving the impression that the only religious fanatics in Iran are the people running the government. She seemed to think that if Iran could go back to a secular government that Islam would no longer be a problem for Iranians. Also I would have liked more depth pertaining to the problems women experience in this type of environment.



4. I have no business writing this review, for I read Moaveni's "Lipstick Jihad" over eight months ago, and can recall little about it.
   
   Then why, you may ask, are you writing a review? If you can remember nothing about the characters sketched, the episodes related, the lessons learned, the style employed, etc. -- if none of these things has stuck in your mind, what could you possibly have to say about the book?
   
   My point exactly.



5. So many of the reviews I've read focus on the author's upper-middle class status or her secularism as if these things make her less Iranian and therefore less suitable to write a book about being Iranian. Let us not forget that this book is a memoir, it is one woman's story of living in Iran but never really feeling like an Iranian. It's not a history book nor is it political commentary, though it does delve into both subjects. It is, however, an incredibly honest depiction of an American-born journalist's life in Iran during Khatami's presidency.
   I know the reason I loved this book so much is because of all the parallels I can draw between the author's life and my own. "Lipstick Jihad" is the book I would write if I ever had the opportunity. It's almost eerie reading someone else's words all the while thinking they could be your own. No book, no picture, no film has ever made me ache for Iran like this book has. And I know this book won't and can't affect everyone the way it has me, but it is definitely worth reading to find out.

5 comments about Brainiac: Adventures in the Curious, Competitive, Compulsive World of Trivia Buffs.

1. I am a big Jeopardy fan and I love to play the game. I am the best in my family and that includes my son Nicholas who at 18 reads a lot and absorbs a lot. If you read a lot and watch lots of television and the gossip magazines it helps with Jeopardy questions.
   
   We enjoyed watching the Ken Jennings show as Jeopardy was jokingly called during his amazing run. Ken is very bright articulate and has a great dry sense of humor and it comes out nicely in this book. The book is about trivia which is one of Ken's passions. He definitely likes trivia and is a lot better at it than his real job (which he now can afford to quit) as a computer programmer.



2. I watched just about every episode of Jeopardy that Ken Jennings was on including the challenge series that he lost. He is a very bright and personable guy and it comes through in the book. This book relates how he got on Jeopardy and gives some of the behind the scenes stuff with the other contestants including how a friend of his had to have his appearance on the show delayed because they do not want past acquaintances or friends to compete against each other. Ken was the first to go well beyond 5 appearances once the rule limiting contestants to five had been dropped. The story of his rise to success on Jeopardy! would have been interesting enough but there is much more. He takes us back to his childhood and gives us some insight into how he got interested in trivia in the first case. He also makes a case for how learning trivia and using it in competition may be a sign of intelligence.
   After Jeopardy! Jennings became a celebrity and appeared on other quiz shows including 1 versus 100 and Are you smarter than a fifth grader where I understand he won another $500,000. Jennings is not conceded and admitted that he didn't give himself much of a chance of getting on Jeopardy! much less even winning the first time out. But as his streak grew he always thought the next game would be the end. He recognized that luck as well as knowledge and skill with the buzzer determined his success.
   
   Jennings travelled to visit famous trivia experts and interview them and he also went to the town in Wisconsin that holds the biggest trivia contest. This is a very entertaining book and is one that Jeopardy fans will love.



3. Ken Jenning's writes as if he is talking with you. He is humble, modest, and yet you know, how bright he really is. His conversational style of writing reminds me of Stephen King. Even Ken's (and Stephen's) forewords and afterwords are interesting and fun to read. I was fascinated by the inside information Ken provided about Jeopardy and his incredible run as champion on the show. That was probably the best part of the book for me. He went into great detail about a huge radio trivia contest held in Wisconsin (I believe) every year. That was somewhat interesting, but I didn't really need quite as much detail as he provided. I, myself, participate in the interactive Buzztime trivia game which is available at many bars throughout the country. Ken gave a brief mention of some of those afficianados of the bar trivia game, but personally I thought he could have spent more time on that. These are people who play trivia year-round, competing with other people throughout the country, sometimes individually, sometimes on teams. They don't just spend one weekend a year doing it. I have since discovered Ken's blog, where he writes almost daily. It is great reading. He is a fascinating, multi-faceted individual, much more than the quiet un-assuming trivia-geek you might assume he is. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who is a Jeopardy or trivia fan.



4. It is a nice read. Lighthearted and really cool to have the little trivia inserted within the body of the text. I very much liked the way it was written and enjoyed it very much.



5. Let's face it: Ken Jennings is a trivia genius, a god of sorts (like Apollo, but not Zeus, a.k.a. Brad Rutter). What surprised me is that Ken is also an excellent writer. He weaves an engrossing tale of childhood gameshow fascination and information obsession that develops into a vehicle for fame and fortune. Yet Ken's modesty about his abilities suggests to me that he hasn't been changed much, if at all, by his successes.
   
   Note that Brainiac is more of a history of trivia competitions and America's preoccupation with quizzes than it is the endeavors of a single Jeopardy champion. Ken's own efforts are indeed detailed throughout the book, but that story is embedded in a larger tapestry that shows the blooming of trivia-related activities over the decades. The humor and interspersed trivia questions make this book one of my very favorites I've read in a while. Be sure to read this one, folks!

5 comments about A Sense of Belonging: From Castro's Cuba to the U.S. Senate, One Man's Pursuit of the American Dream.

1. As an American born in NY in the 40's of Cuban parents who took us early in the 50's to be raised in Cuba, I cannot even describe how true these feelings that Senator Martinez writes in his book identify with me. As Americans we were in danger of imprisonment (even as children) in 62 and were put on a plane without our parents who although were USA citizens, the Castro regime would not permit them to leave. Along with us were babies handed over to strangers to get them to the USA. The only difference with this book and my life is that we (my brother and I) as Americans could not receive any USA benefits since we were not considered refugees in our own country. We actually hid from being separated by the foster home agencies. The rest of this similar story we lived alongside many other Cubans. This is a must read for those who could use a boost as to loving this country of opportunity as they should. People have no idea how lucky we are in this country until you live in another country where you have no rights! From the time that Senator Martinez and all of us left Cuba to now, there has been no change. Thank you Senator Martinez for putting into words what many of us lived as we grew up (fast ) in the USA!



2. I had the privilege of meeting Mel Martinez two years ago. He was instrumental in getting my sister-in-law freed from prison in Vietnam.... although she was a U.S. citizen, and had done nothing more disruptive to the government of Vietnam than to openly speak about individual rights, she was arrested and languished in jail for fourteen months. Senator Martinez lead the effort to secure her freedom, lobbying the Vietnamese Ambassador, and convincing president Bush to make her release an issue to be resolved before the president would travel to Vietnam. When he spoke at her Homecoming in Orlando, he talked about how well he understood the difference between democratic and communist countries from personal experience. I was so impressed by this man's integrity and tenacity .... I can say with complete conviction: THERE is a true American! Read his book, and be reminded what it is that has made this a great country.



3. His is such an inspirational story of strength and faith in God! I couldn't put it down...well worth the read.



4. "A Sense of Belonging" is not your typical autobiography of a Washington insider, which is certainly refreshing. Senator Martinez's story is quite unique, and it is eye-opening to see how he got to be where he is. This touching memoir chronicles both his transition from Communist Cuba to the United States and his transition from a boy to a man. Mr. Martinez was forced to grow up very quickly and the details of his experience are remarkable. I don't necessarily agree with him on everything politically, but that is irrelevant where this book is concerned. With the exception of his feelings toward Castro's regime, Martinez is able to tell his story without delving into today's politics.
   
   This was a pleasure to read and I finished it in two sittings. Highly recommended for an easy weekend read.



5. There are certain political books that are interesting, and others that are not. This clearly falls beyond the latter category. This book is worth nothing more than the paper it's printed on, and barely that. As one of my Senators, I figured this book would be worth the read, but I wanted to sail myself to Cuba and request asylum from literary persecution by the end of it.

5 comments about From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming.

1. I truly enjoyed this book. It was an excellent read. I highly recommend
   
   this book.



2. This book was great reading. I bought the book after hearing his sermon at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove where he was a guest speaker a couple of years ago.
   The author is not only a great speaker but an excellent writer also. I could not put the book down until I finished the entire book! It was very encouraging! The message I got was to not grow weary of doing the right things and to do it all of the time. Highly recommended.



3. Barry Black in this book show a man that practice what he preach. As I finished the book immediately I want to review the chapter on leadership for I could become a better leader. This is an excellent book for teens to read also.



4. Barry Black, the first African-American and Seventh-day Adventist chaplain of the U.S. Senate, has written a very inspirational work that's not only autobiographical, but just as much motivational. "From the Hood to the Hill" can sometimes even overwhelm the average reader with Chaplain Black's personna of almost near perfection. For myself, when I go to pickup a work that I expect to be strictly an autobiography, I'd rather have that than the many self-help tips along the way. Motivation has its place, but I would have liked to have read more of the man's real life experiences outside of his chaplain/military adventures. And at only a mere 223 pages, our appetites are left wanting more. The motivational book should have fellowed as a second release. Still very much worth reading though.



5. A very inspirational book!! Well written! I don't have words to give enough accolades to Dr. Black's writing. It is an easy read, written as though he is standing before you having a conversation. The reason i said this is a "must read for men" is that my son (who normally only reads books/article related to his career field) actually loaned me his copy. I found it so inspiring that I strongly recommend it for ALL but especially for young men who feel the pressures of "how to make a successful" life in America today.
   I have never written a review before but I feel so strongly about the uplifting benefits of this book that I felt compelled to write this one.

5 comments about SAVE THE LAST BULLET FOR YOURSELF: A Soldier of Fortune in the Balkans and Somalia.

1. I had the great privilege of being one of Rob Krott's students during an escape and evade course. Mr. Krott was one of the most highly qualified to teach the course and a constant professional. Being an Army aviator, I paid close attention to his teachings knowing that the possibility exists that I might have to utilize those skills. So when I heard about his new book, I immediately placed myself on the waiting list. It was well worth the wait!
   
   Like many of the other reviews, I had some long days and even longer nights. Mr. Krott is a gifted writer and a great storyteller. The first paragraph drew me in and kept my attention until the last paragraph. Mr. Krott is truly the epitome of a professional soldier and mercenary.
   
   I look forward to more of his writings and will be the first on the waiting list.



2. This is the best book I have read in the last twenty years! I did not want to put it down once I started! If you ever wanted to TRULY know the mercenary life, absolutely down and dirty, through the experiences of a REAL warrior, then get this book!



3. I just received the book from Amazon and was pleasantly surprised by the level of veracity and insight within this book. I'd highly recommend it to all who are interested in freelance military operations, both from a historical and operational view. Rob Krott is a man among men, a true warrior for the American way of democracy and freedom upon this planet. With men like this the future demise of Western civilization may not be so likely, much akin to the brave Spartans who held off the Persian Army at the Battle of Thermopylae. This book is a must read!



4. Awhile back I interviewed Rob Krott for a magazine article I was writing about the strange and (as I would learn) the very strange world of the mercenary business. As a result I came away realizing that here was someone who is quite literally the Sir Richard Burton of his day (the 19th century adventurer/author and no, not the 20th century actor). Rob Krott is a bright and articulate professional soldier/military adventurer who is equally at ease with the small unit tactics and weapons of the world as he is with the province of academia. He is well-versed in world history, can rattle off its various political impacts and strategies, and can tell you how it relates to the history that is being made today.
   He speaks a smattering of languages, including- and I'm not making this up- Northern Ma'a. He has traveled to many of the world's most dangerous places and conflict areas where few- and I mean- FEW, ever dare to tread, let alone stay to get a more indepth look or understanding.
   While there may those who will question his politics or profession they won't be able to question his courage or commitment when it comes to putting it all on the proverbial line for his beliefs. SAVE THE LAST BULLET FOR YOURSELF walks the talk with a page turning testament to that commitment and those beliefs.
   Finally, one word of caution: don't ask him for an interview. I did and found myself jumping out of a perfectly good Russian airplane with a British military parachute over a very small island with him to get it.
   I got my article but all of these years later I'm still picking foilage and debris out of my ears, nose and %$#@&% hind quarters.



5. Combat officers are not made on graduation from OCS or the academy. It occurs from experiencing one mission at a time. The pages of Rob's book vividly depicts this shaping process.
   
   In Central America, I had the pleasure of making chancy jumps from weary C47s with then Captain Krott. During those days, his reputation of daring as well as his accomplishments with the local ladies was legendary among fellow paratroopers of the El Salvadoran and Honduran military.
   
   Colonel Herbert Holeman,
   United States Army (Retired)
   Switcheroo

5 comments about Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson.

1. I've long had a theory that the most effective pastors are ones we'll never hear anything about. It's hard to believe this in a day of celebrity pastors and megachurch conferences, but our values are so far out of line with God's that I'm sure we'll be surprised one day at how God's estimation of things is different from ours.
   
   Chances are that you've never heard of Tom Carson. He was an ordinary pastor who gained respect but never rose to prominence. He planted a church in Quebec when this was no small feat. He eventually left the church when he was not seeing the conversions that he had hoped for, and he finished his working life as a civil servant and a tent-making pastor. Throughout his ministry he struggled with a sense of inadequacy, no doubt in part because he was just an ordinary pastor. I'm sure there many pastors who can relate.
   
   If Carson's son, noted New Testament scholar D.A. Carson, had not written this book, we probably never would have heard of Tom Carson's life, or benefited from his story. But I'm thankful that he did. Any pastor who feels ordinary, and who sometimes feels discouraged - and that's pretty much every pastor - could benefit from reading this book.
   
   Memoirs helped me see the beauty of ordinary pastoral ministry as I observed it in Tom Carson's life. I was inspired by his example of faithfulness, integrity, and humility, especially when lesser men would have compromised. I recognized some of my struggles in his life. I was frustrated to see Tom Carson get discouraged when he probably did a better job in many areas than I'll ever do. The book helps us understand how the Gospel can help the pastor deal with discouragement in ministry.
   
   D.A. Carson has managed to write an account of his father's life that is neither hagiography nor a tell-all memoir. The book concludes:
   
   "Tom Carson never rose very far in denominational structures, but hundreds of people...testify how much he loved them. He never wrote a book, but he loved the book. He was never wealthy or powerful, but he kept growing as a Christian: yesterday's grace was never enough. He was not a far-sighted visionary, but he looked forward to eternity..."
   
   "When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television...But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man - he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor - but because he was a forgiven man."
   
   May God raise up more ordinary pastors like Tom Carson.



2. very humbling, very encouraging, very challenging to see the way Tom lived despite the hardships difficulty in spreading God'sword. He is faithful and loving, generous, just like Jesus. Read it if ur'e a christian!



3. You don't have to be a pastor to profoundly benefit from Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson, a moving biographical account written by Pastor Carson's son, eminent author Dr. D.A. Carson. This is a simply an outstanding book for any Christian who wants to fight sin, grow in grace, and be faithful until the end. I read it straight through, and was quite moved.
   
   Dr. Carson writes poignantly about his father, Tom Carson, who spent much of his life in pastoral ministry in small churches. Tom Carson never wrote a book and was never a sought-after conference speaker, but he was a faithful, consistent, Christian man. Though imperfect, Mr. Carson was an overwhelmingly godly example to his children, leading them in both family worship and by his own exemplification of Christian virtues. He faithfully prayed for and loved his congregation, and sought to redeem every relationship for good.
   
   The book begins with a brief history of Canada, to give the reader some perspective as to where Tom Carson ministered. Interesting historical details are given as to how Canada viewed and was impacted by the American War for Independence. Carson gives emphasis to language issues; much of the Quebec area (where Carson's life centered) was predominantly French speaking. This would become an issue in Mr. Carson's ministry because the congregation he served was bi-lingual, and toward the end of Carson's life most churches were bifurcating into English-speaking and French-speaking congregations. Chapter 2 walks us through Carson's early years. He was soundly converted in high school through the influence of a godly mother. Carson's father, however, was not a Christian until the last few years of his life--long enough, however, for Don Carson (a grandson) to discern the difference conversion makes in an older man's life. [An application: Don't stop praying for your unconverted father.]
   
   The next few chapters walk us through some of the difficulties of Mr. Carson's ministry. He occasionally received unfair treatment from denominational leaders, but never returned evil for evil. The book quotes at length from Mr. Carson's journals and we're given access to how he led his family. Mr. Carson's story motivates me greatly to authentically live the Christian faith before my wife and children. It also motivates me to want to suffer well and work vigorously for the Audience that truly matters. Mr. Carson, even to the very end of his life, was one who redeemed his time. His journals document that he was up early for intimate prayer and devotional reflection in the Word, and then sought to be fruitful in study as well as in visitation with his parishioners. He also did not neglect to pursue healthy relationships with his children (e.g., encouraging Don in his sports and his studies).
   
   Mr. Carson died well, three years after his wife Margaret succumbed to a painful, extended season of Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Carson's final suffering was relatively brief, a persistent cough, then a fever. A month later he breathed his last. The last two paragraphs of the book are particularly moving--but read this 148-page book straight through -- regardless of your calling, you will be blessed:
   
   "When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he had stopped breathing and would never need it again.
   
   But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man--he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor--but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.'"



4. In Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor, New Testament scholar D.A. Carson says his book is "a modest attempt to let the voice and ministry of one ordinary pastor be heard, for such servants have much to teach us."
   
   He has succeeded in his purpose. This little book, obviously a labor of love, is a jewel. This account was pieced together using excerpts from his father's journals, the author's own memory, and recollections from friends and family. Carson follows the career of his father as he served as a pioneer Baptist church planter in French Canada from the 1930s until his death in 1992.
   
   There were a few times I felt slightly bogged down in all the backstory. A good portion of his father's life and career was affected by things that happened in his denomination during that time. Explaining these things was essential to understanding the rest of his father's career. They couldn't have been left out.
   
   Church politics, whether it's denominational or just in the local church itself, are part of life (a sad part of life that reflects our sinful natures, but part of life nonetheless). I doubt there is a pastor alive whose life hasn't been affected by these things. To leave them out would leave the story incomplete.
   
   This is a wonderful biography that can edify any Christian who is occasionally discouraged by the ordinariness of his or her life. There are plenty of books about people who thrill the world with great an amazing things. To read the story of a man who lived a lifetime of faithfulness in the small things, who labored diligently without seeing a lot of earthly rewards, is a refreshing change from most biographies, and the kind of thing there needs to be more of.
   
   In our Purpose-Driven, Megachurch world, I think this book could be a fantastic edification for any ordinary pastors out there. Since only a handful of pastors in each generation receive any sort of professional notoriety, I think that would include most pastors you know.
   
   I'm not a pastor, just an ordinary Christian, and I enjoyed the book very much.



5. I was at once drawn in when I first heard of Don Carson's project to write a book reflecting the life and ministry of his late father. I eagerly awaited the book's publication, then received a copy and was, ironically, in a very busy period of ministry and so therefore unable to get to the book. However, I picked it up during my son's baseball practice last weekend and pretty much could not put it down. This book was a tremendous blessing to me.
   
   Tom Carson was involved in ministry for a span of six decades. His station was the French Canadian area around Quebec. The younger Carson combed through the journal entries, letters, notes, and sermon notes that were left behind. Apparently Don was significantly aided by Tom's regular notes and his tendency to hang on to everything. What results is this book that I will refer to as a `journal-ography'. Don Carson interacts with the development of his father's ministry via his journal, the letters and his own first hand observations.
   
   The title is fitting: Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor. Carson notes in the introduction that many men seem to be extraordinarily blessed by God; their ministries grow, they see many conversions and they leave a large imprint as they pass from the scene. But, Carson writes, "Most pastors will not regularly preach to thousands, let alone tens of thousands. They will not write influential books, they will not supervise large staffs, and they will never see more than modest growth. They will plug away at their care for the aged, at their visitation, at their counseling, at their Bible studies, and preaching...Most of us--let us be frank--are ordinary pastors."
   
   In chronicling the development of Tom's ministry there are several encouragements that I took away:
   
   1- Tom was faithful to do the important things because it was what God wanted, regardless of the human concept of success.
   
   2- Tom's burden for French Canada to be saved seemed only to increase amidst the persecution from Roman Catholics, the lack of conversions, and his own shortcomings.
   
   3- Tom believed that faithful preaching would accomplish God's end.
   
   4- Tom believed that God was sovereign while at the same time laboring with tenacious zeal for souls.
   
   5- Tom was a pilgrim. He loved ministry because it emphasized the transcendent message and the coming kingdom.
   
   6- Tom did not get disqualified. He was faithful to his wife, his family, his church, his city.
   
   7- Tom loved his wife. The chapter on Marg's Alzheimer Years was a heart wrenching chapter. Tom and Marg were very much in love with each other, even till the end.
   
   8- Tom did not fire in vengeance back when wronged. Several times in the book he was unjustly accused or mistreated. Instead of retaliating he was prayerfully compassionate. Even his children had not heard of some of the conflicts until they were older. When Don asked his father why he had not told them he replied, "he did not went to become bitter."
   
   9- Tom taught his family the Bible.
   
   10- Tom took a job as a civil servant after his Drummondville ministry and still was as engaged as ever in ministry while also being a faithful evangelist at work.
   
   Some other interesting points, particularly if you, like me, enjoy D.A. Carson... "...after he (Tom) was gone I found he had carefully gone through most of the books I had written, often with little ticks or marginal notes or question marks, neatly written in pencil."
   
   As a pastor this book was a delight to read. Tom Carson is a pastor I wish I could have known, now, thankfully, it is as if I had. He has influenced me greatly, causing me to be more thankful for the blessings of divine grace, the power of the gospel, and the time remaining in ministry, that I might be more faithful. That is, more like Tom Carson.

5 comments about My First Five Husbands..And the Ones Who Got Away.

1. I recently had the opportunity to meet Rue McClanahan at a book signing, so I bought the book a few weeks before the event. I absolutely love it. Rue brings in her sharp wit and humor to the story of her life and there were certainly several times where I laughed out loud. This book would be enjoyable by anyone, even if you don't know much about Rue.



2. rue mcclanahan writes her life story with a lot of style, verve and flair.
   
   she gets honest and reveals a great deal about her personal life without being vainglorious or salacious. and considering some of the men in her life, that is no easy feat.
   
   but once we get past the men, and boy does this woman's taste run the gamut, we get this great story of what it is like to dream and work hard to make one's dream come true. mcclanahan was not going to rest easily until she became a working actor in new york city and her ambitions far eclipsed her dreams as she charmed her way in to many hearts as dumb vivian on 'maude' and later and more famously as blanche devereaux on 'the golden girls'.
   
   she also, in true belle fashion, keeps the spotlight on herself and doesn't write any thing about anyone that has touched her life in a less than sympathetic light. even her first husband gets some compassion. and whether or not he deserves it is a matter of discussion.
   
   this is the perfect summer beach read. and it is also a lovely gift idea for someone that is a devoted fan of mcclanahan's work as an actress and animal rights activist.



3. This book was chock-full of information on a woman most of us think of as Blanch Devereux. I will now view her differently after reading this. She regales us with tales of ups and downs, triumphs and defeats. Rue is a very driven woman, who had to go through a lot to further her career. She had to leave her son in the care of her beloved parents quite often as she struggled to make a go of her career in the fickle world of show business. That must have been very hard on her. But, she persevered and has a close relationship with her son Mark, who turned out just fine! I'm glad to see that she has found the happiness that remained elusive to her in her early years. You deserve it Miss Rue! Thanks for the wonderful entertainment.



4. Ms. McClannahan has written a terrific book, and I couldn't help but think of her character from the Golden Girls many times while reading it. This is a very witty, fun, emotional rollcoasteresque novel which I finished in just a few days of receiving it as a gift. I found myself both laughing out loud one moment, and with tears in my eyes the next. My admiration for her has increased 10 fold, and I only wish there were more professional actors like her nowadays. 3 Cheers for Rue McClannahan!!!



5. I'm a huge GGs fan and loved this book. OK, Rue does get a few lines of GG dialogue wrong (almost unforgivable, but I guess she had many lines to learn!). In any case, the rest of the book makes up for it. It's hardly War & Peace, but a great bedtime read nonetheless.
   
   Thanks Rue!

5 comments about Fidel Castro: My Life: A Spoken Autobiography.

1. Fidel Castro: My Life: A Spoken Autobiography
   The book was in good shape except for occasional markings. Reading the book out loud has been a great experience for the two of us. It covers the time span from Fidel's birth to 2006: childhood, schools, Moncada, prison, meeting Che in Mexico, the Granma, Sierra Maestra, the January 1959 victory against the Batista tyranny, Bay of Pigs, missile crisis, etc. The interviewer asked probing questions about emigration policy, the death penalty, one-party system and Fidel's expectations of his succession. Introduction, photo section and notes supplement the book. Highly recommended!



2. This is a great book. You learn a different side of Castro that is depicted in the media. He is a very intelligent and interesting person. Whether you ageee with his polices or not, this is a good read.



3. Though it feels like something of an awkward format for what is intended as the REAL word on Fidel Castro, and even though it will more than likely still be a very long time before we can really sum up the era of this man's Cuba, one alas must try to. This was after all one of history's most truly dynamic eras, one that changed not only the life of Cuba but of the world.
   
   He may come off tacit and allusive at times, but he observes the major events of his life and history with remarkable aplomb, and very rarely contradicts himself.
   
   When speaking about the development of his interest in politics during his University student days he explains how his original utopian ideas led to the firmer ground of Marxism as the scientific formula for the emancipation and liberation of all people... "Marxism taught me what society was. I was like a blindfolded man in a forest, who doesn't even know where north or south is. If you don't eventualy come to truly understand the history of the class struggle, or at least have a clear idea that society is divided between the rich and the poor, and that some people subjugate and exploit other people, you're lost in a forest not knowing anything."
   
   Even more politically moderate readers will be surprised at his encyclopedic knowledge of history, in particuular that of his native island, and all of Latin America, and his attempts to explain the TRUE ethics behind the egalitarian society he inspired so many people to aspire for. He observes that "As in all Western thought, Marti's philosophy contains a certain amount of Christian ethics" and the idea that even with the teachings of Christ you can "formulate a radical Socialist programme, whether you're a believer or not."
   
   He calmly and even logically explains his justification for mounting a guerrilla uprising to take state power rather than the long-broken electoral process in Cuba, and the summary trials and executions of traitors in their midst during those adrenaline-pumping days in the Sierra Maestra. He points out that "At that time, with a war being fought, it was unavoidable and it was effective, because from then on... a tradition has been created. And an ethics was born out of it: total respect for the populace."
   
   Answering the criticisms about his alliance with the former Soviet Union during this time of Cold War politics, he refers to the innumerable attempts by the "neighbor to the North" to sabotage this little island's right to self-determination. Objective and subjective factors accelerated the revolutionary process.
   
   Where his critics want so very badly for the ailing Castro to come off like a dogmatic dinosaur, a relic from history no longer of any significance, what you instead find is an idealistic, truly passionate and cultured human being, one who vigorously denounces the accuastions that a "cult of personality" exists in Cuba, and instead points to the patriotic fervor that runs through the island standing up to the great Goliath for all these years. And convincingly at that. He admits even that "the most difficult, most important fight that anyone with power faces is the fight against himself." Astounding coming from the man so oft-portrayed in the role of tyrannical dictator.
   
   "I work from the position of a tremendous confidence that this human being, with all his defects and limitations, has enough smarts, if you will, to preserve himself," Castro states, "and has enough intelligence to improve himself. If I didn't believe that, there'd be no reason to fight to the death."
   
   He interprets capitalism as "the creator of all sorts of germs," and Socialism as a society in which not necessarily are you devoid of those germs of corruption, but you rail against them harder and on a broader level, through a propaganda of education i.e. planting values and rigorously promoting them.
   
   What Western so-called "democracy" advocates call political repression, the Cuban government sees as stopping acts of treason from forces attempting to break the people's will. And its fairly common knowledge the long list of overt and covert attempts by imperialism to do just that for all these decades. Fidel announces "All we need as justification is that exactly that sort of felony has been perpetuated against us in the past."
   
   He answers 'freedom of press' critics with "our dream is of another freedom of the press, of a country that is educated and informed, of a country that has a holistic general culture and communicate with the world". One need only watch a couple hours of American television, whether news or entertainment, to realize how much culture digresses and decays in a capitalist society. Maybe there are no erroneous truths, but Fidel is right on much more than a few points in this book.
   
   "Socialism is constructed by free men who want to make a new society," he says. Thereby it is an instrument of liberation when weilded by a like-minded people. And force imposed is justifiable when used to keep a long-exploited people's will from being divided.
   
   As I said from the start, I don't think there can yet be a final word on the Castro era in Cuba today. Fidel is someone who will have to be judged by long history, the character of his and Cuba's work will grow clearer as it recedes from view. Build, resist, or be destroyed by the invading tentacles of imperialism.
   
   As Che Guevara famously said "The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall." That is the current of thought that runs through the revolutionaries of the Cuban Revolution and its era on the world stage. And in here lies the foundations of a world that the militant working class dream of. A world where every human being, through the unity of diversity, can stretch out their hands to one another and heal, and work together for a better world.



4. Fidel is a fascinating man and very controversial figure, to say the least. When you look at how long he has been in power, it is absolutely amazing. So it is nice to finally be able to read about events and ideas from his perspective in his own words. And don't skip the Notes in the back of the book that further explain his comments. These fill in a lot of blanks.
   
   In this interview/autobiography, Castro makes a lot of valid points. Their literacy and health care on the island, and their medical assistance to other countries is commendable. Plus, it is a colossal feat to withstand an embargo for almost 50 years by the "evil empire", the most powerful country in the world.
   
   The US was so paranoid about the spread of communism, that it was intent on destroying the revolution that freed Cuba of Batista, just as the US intervened in Chile and Guatemala by assassinating Allende and Arbenz. Documents even support Castro in the numerous attempts on his life and the US's involvement in undermining the Cuban government, and even harboring terrorists acting against Cuba.
   
   The explanations of the Bay of Pigs and the "Cuban Missile Crisis" alone make the book worth reading.



5. Fidel Castro will always divide opinions and some people will think this autobiography "self-serving." But which autobiography isn't self-serving in taht it puts the writer's views across from his own perspective? And which anti-Castro exile in Miami doesn't express self-serving opinions? And is our own Government's constant anti-Castro propaganda not also self-serving?
   For me then this book isn't propaganda by Castro but at worst counter-propaganda. And for that I recommend it as a definite buy.
   As other reviewers have commented it's the insights from Castro's perspective rather than the American one that make this book so interesting.
   Castro is a great man whether you like him or not. A visionary who didn't allow his country to be intimidated by the States like so many other Latin American countries. Bottom line: with Castro Cuba is still an interesting nation with a soul. Without him it would be just another Reno or Las Vegas.

5 comments about Child POW.

1. Obviously I didn't originate the phrase man's inhumanity to man, but I tend to think of the acts it describes in the abstract. This book brings home the fact that man still has the ability to inflict immeasurable cruelty.
   
   What is also amazing is the ability of the writer's mother to stay alive for her. If it's not love, it's something very powerful.
   
   Hopefully new generations can learn from this story so that we don't have to repeat the acts to learn what the story tells us.



2. First hand account of life as a Japanese POW for a young girl and her mother. Not an easy read emotionally, but a riveting eye opener of survival. Highly recommended for all. It took nerve to live through these experiences & nerve to write this fascinating account



3. Child POW
   A. L. Finch
   
   It is almost certain that A.L. Finch is the last person on earth that can tell this story from personal experiences. She was 8-years-old when the Japanese invaded the Philippines while Alice and her mother were there visiting family. The cruelty and viciousness of the Japanese who ran the POW camps was covered up by both countries as part of the agreement for surrender. The details of Alice and her mother's experiences will shock you. The reality of the treatment by the Japanese of our POWs will horrify you. The covering up by our government of details pertaining to the Japanese treatment of POWs for political reasons will disgust you.
   Time is running out for us to get these personal accounts of the World Wars. Let us gather all we can, lest people forget. We must document these atrocities, and the cover-ups, so that no one can ever deny that they occurred.



4. History should never be disguised or rewritten or we will be doomed to repeat ourselves. Ms. Finch documented history of her 4 years as an American POW is a story worthy of an Opera expose.



5. A mind-boggling account of horrific proportions that every American should read. As seen through the eyes of a preteen, this is a factual presentation of events that transpired during WWII. Its heroic account of survival against infinite odds is a testament to the amazing love shared by mother and daughter, their unshakable faith, and prescient ability to adapt. Forced to observe and participate in reprehensible acts, they somehow managed to survive. Do not begin to read this book unless you have a free day, are willing to experience horror, anger, revulsion, and uncontrollable tears. 5 plus stars! Art Peterson

5 comments about Breaking Free: My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder.

1. This diagnosis is a complete fraud. Not just Mr. Walker's case, but almost all of them. In over 20 years as a therapist I have never seen one legitimate case of MPD/DID. It is a diagnosis created by unethical mental health professionals and claimed by patients with overactive imaginations. Read the book "Creating Hysteria" by Joan Acocella if you want the truth on MPD/DID.



2. This book was very informative. DID is a mental health issue that is not often spoken of in such a positive light. Hershel tells his story in a very intelligent and gripping manner. Please try it for your self.



3. Amazing that the title is My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder. He barely mentioned the DID unless it got him out of hot water. The final chapter of the book was a short explanation of what DID is. You could get this info from the Sidran web site and save the cost of the book. Most of his time was spent either stroking his ego or offering an excuse for all the controversial things he has been involved with.
   
   He claims that the splits in his identity occured because of nightmares and some bullies at school. Yet he was able to find solace in a loving and close christian family. Every DID case I have ever heard of, has suffered through horrendous abuse, usually from primary caregivers. Herschel Walker makes light of these survivors.
   
   Save your money.



4. This book was easy to read and informative. There was no bragging -- just a genuine quest to understand and to share with others his struggles. It was brave to reveal so much of himself in the effort to help others. To me, this book is his greatest victory.



5. Overall, I liked this book. One has to admire Herschel for going public with his diagnosis, one poorly understood by the general public and often associated with severe pathology. That took courage, which the author seems to have in abundance. His writing shows an intelligence not commonly associated with sports, and he gives articulate expression to the various manifestations of his version of DID. A real plus of Walker's account is that he describes an "up" side to this condition, stating clearly for the layperson that it has certain adaptive and self-protecting qualities.
   
   That said, I was left with some questions. While the book seemed forthright and honest, he describes about a dozen different "alters" (formerly called multiple personalities) that he claims have arisen from his being tormented as a fat and stuttering schoolboy--while undoubtedly painful, his schoolyard abuse is hardly the type that normally spawns this fragmented condition. And as a clinical psychologist, I have treated DID patients. A more common presentation than his involves distinct changes in personality including voice, body posture, emotional expression, etc. . . . like you are really seeing different people. He says that his shifts were more subtle, nothing that could be seen externally, more like discrete changes in mental state known only to him at the time. That raises (for me, at least) the issue of whether or not this devoted and highly focused athlete is not simply given to a rather strict compartmentalization of his feelings, a medium that he would admit he is not comfortable with. Even his most personal relationships have suffered from his tendency to be so self-contained. Or perhaps DID is best explained as a "spectrum" disorder, ranging in degree of severity, as we now know autism to be. Who knows?
   
   While he talks about his repeated "thrill-seeking" with Russian roulette, Walker notable leaves out of his story the fact that he several times put a gun to his ex-wife's head. And he glosses over a bit the fact that he had an affair despite his born-again Christian beliefs. When a "tell all" book tells not quite all, you are left wondering what more has been left out.