5 comments about Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices.

1. I LOVED this book. It is a painful, yet beautiful story of a young man that was brave enough to seek truth, even if it meant the unraveling of everything he was taught to believe in. The beauty of the story is the depth of his love and compassion for the Muslim people, even though he no longer shares their faith. Not only is the story full of beauty, it also is full of espionage and thrilling missions that will keep the reader turning the pages until late in the night.
   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.



2. ...and I read a lot. I drive 2+ hours a day back and forth to work listening to Audio Books. This is a gripping story, I can't stop thinking about it. The risks he took, leading a double life at the top of the most violent group of killers in the world. Most books are interesting but I don't expect to ever shake this one. Mosab is still on a mission. We sit around fretting about the Middle East while civilization unravels. Mosab is perhaps the only man with a complete picture of the wretched travesty, and he's not sitting, he's carrying the world on his shoulders. Our leaders are lost, so Mosab is putting his life on the line to save as many as he can. My heart goes out to him. For those of you who pray, pray God will protect and sustain Mosab.



3. Originally I bought this book as a thank you for saving many Jewish (and Palestinian) lives. Once I started reading it, couldn't put it down. Devoured it. Can not recommend enough.
   
   
   P.S. Some things still puzzle me, namely how could 25+ y.o. "religious" in the eyes of Hamas still be unmarried? How could PA's intelligence unit not uncover him using the CIA equipment? How could he explain to Hamas insiders the fact that he was studying in university (why not focus every minute of your life on killing Israelis, I would ask if I was a Hamas henchman), mingling with the Americans, and disappearing during the day for prolonged periods at a time?
   
   In any event, this book is a must-read, and once again, thank you Joseph for saving lives. Doesn't matter in the end which God it is - Muslim, Christian or Jewish - you are going to heaven no matter what happens. Jewish scriptures say "He who saves one life saves the world entire".



4. Excellent read. I've never heard much about Israeli prison but this describes how Hamas leaders in jail scrutinize their fellow Hamas members, then arrange excruciating tortures with signatures to forced confessions to bestiality, incest, satyrism, etc. Israeli correctional officers are brutal and the facilities are inhumanly cold, hot, etc and lacking in proper toilets of food. Most disgusting was how Hamas and the PLO calculated how to start another intifada well before Sharon's visit to Dome of the Rock/Temple Mount area.
   Intriguing story line, great perspectives on daily life in the Israeli territories are backdrops to the writer's developing interest in Christianity culminating in his conversion.
   Definitely worth the time!



5. Mosab Hassan Yousef presents a very one-sided highly pro-Palestinian twist on his life in the 1990s as the son of a leader of Hamas. Contemporary Palestinian history emerges with the creation of Israel in 1948. Without regard for Jews forced to leave Muslim countries, the author recounts his youthful memory of innocent Muslims randomly shot and killed by IDF soldiers and Jewish settlers. In this history, Yasser Arafat is the peace-maker in the Middle East securing from Israeli Prime Minister Rabin a two-state solution for Palestine. As the author grows in awareness of the violence surrounding him and Shin Bet details of Hamas activities, he drifts into a sense of disillusionment and bewilderment at the Arab/Palestinian anti-Western all-pervasive apprehension of anything linked to Israel or the West. With nothing but his word to offer to substantiate his claim to a more accurate depiction of the history of Hamas and given his woefully inaccurate description of an earlier history we can document, it is difficult to accept his version of the Palestinian fate that cannot be reinforced by less biased sources. Yet there remains the curious matter of his conversion. Converts from Islam to Christianity are front-line candidates for the Koranic proscription of the death penalty. Additionally, the author's alleged collaboration with various Israeli agencies in finding and killing Hamas leaders would also appear to elevate his credibility. However, conversion and collaboration are very deceptive terms. All told, it is hard to trust the author.

5 comments about Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together.

1. This book was the selection for book club - probably wouldn't have picked to myself. It makes a great dicussion (even has thought-provoking questions as the end) It is a true story - very inspiring and rather sad in parts. It is a story of forgiveness and faith.



2. On the surface, it is the old South meeting the modern North, the Rich meeting the Poor, but ultimately it is God's creation meeting Him at the Throne of Grace.
   You will not have a dry eye by the end of the book and it will change your life.



3. This book was one of the best I have ever read. It answers many of life's burning questions such as, "Why do bad things happen to good people?", "What's my purpose?" etc. The fact that this is a true story (and a good story) can also deepen your faith, make you feel restored, and oh so hopeful and joyous about life. An absolute must read - and I never ever ever review books. So trust me, this was a good one.



4. I first purchased this book at a warehouse store in paperback. Someone recommended it to me in passing. I loved the story so much I decided to purchase it in hardback for my permanent library. It was delivered as advertised and in a timely manner.



5. The book arrived in good time. I found the book to be as advertised. I will use Amazon for future purchases.

5 comments about A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life.

1. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is basically a story about...Story. Stories are a common part of life for most people, but many of us have not stopped to think about what makes a good story. Miller leads the reader through his personal journey of discovering the complexity and practicality of a story. As the reader follows Miller's cognitive adventures they discover a call to living life instead of dragging through existence.
   
   I personally enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who is reflective of their own life. Miller's uses his first person writing style, which I love, to break the books chapters into thought blocks. Unlike Blue Like Jazz, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years has more of progress feel to it. Each chapter draws you deeper and deeper into the mystery of what it means to live a meaningful life. In the end, it is left to the read to make the choice, do I make my life into a good story, an epic adventure, or a dime store flop.
   
   Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."



2. Wow. This book will change lives.
   
   The chapter "How Jason Saved His Family" is incredible. Every man who has a family member who needs help should read this. It's not easy, mushy advice. It's a call to action that would be difficult and challenging--and that could save your family.



3. Donald Miller is back with another installment of life as he sees it. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years takes us through a period of time when he meets up with movie execs and they start writing out his life story for a film. When he comes face to face with the realization that they have to change things to make it a better story he decide to make his entire life a better story and shakes things up a bit.
   
   This is the first I've read from Donald Miller. I know, I know....I'm a little late on the bandwagon.
   
   Yes, this book is inspiring and it challenges the reader to get out of the routine and to live life bigger than you have before, but I found it to be quite a bit of rambling and at times almost arrogant.
   
   Would I recommend it? Sure, it has many valid points and could really help people who are "stuck" to get up and get going. Will I seek out another book by this author? Probably not. Just isn't my cup of tea.



4. This book is so good. It engages you from the first page. Miller's style is back in such a great form...humor as Miller does so well with a dash of maturity. But you can still see him, sitting across from you in a coffee house, chatting away. If you have liked Blue Like Jazz you will like this book.



5. In his new book, Donald Miller chronicles what happens when he gets an offer from two producers to make his life into a movie. Lots has been written about his book, but overall I thought the writing was interesting, but ocassionally slow. While writing the screenplay, Miller learned how it's important to think of your life as a story and go about making it a good one. So, he re-thinks his choices and chooses to change something about his life. He meets his father, whom he's hardly known ever since his childhood. He goes on a cross-country bike ride and climbs a mountain. He attends a screenwriting seminar in L.A. In other words, Miller tries to make his life a better story not only in the screenplay, but in real life. The idea of this book was great, but I guess I would have liked it more if I didn't expect so much. For those looking for some insight into the movie business, you better look elsewhere. But for Donald Miller's fans who simply like reading about his life, it might be a worthwhile read.

5 comments about 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life.

1. I was fighting back tears early in the first chapter. I was drawn in. When I finished, I didn't want to read anything else. I was humbled and amazed. He doesn't leave anything out and I don't think he even wanted to write the story, but felt he had to. This is really a gift - an immeasurable gift.



2. This was an excellent book..I cried probably every 10 pages...Sat down and read it in about a day, and very much worth reading..



3. If you are a baptist born again Christian maybe this is for you,,,,maybe. My mom is really ill and I was looking for inspiration. I bought this book 3 weeks ago while waiting on line in tears for her medicine. What a joke. Conveniently placed to take advantage of those in desperate need of comfort. Like I said if you are a baptist born again it may be for you but for the other 99% a shocking disappointment... one positive though, god only does care about red neck born agains,,,,,,,,me personally ...I can't stand the type....bring it on god



4. The best book I have ever read in my life. I love it. It has a message from God. It helped me understand life. Enjoy every moment.



5. 90 Minutes in Heaven is the best book I have ever read. Through his accident, we learn how to become stronger Christians, positive attitude and hopeful. Marvelous book. Can't say enough about it. I feel everyone should read it.

5 comments about An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith.

1. I have always enjoyed reading books by Barbara Brown Taylor. As an Episcopal priest, I am daily challenged by the call to vocation and ministry within the context of an active congregation. It is always refreshing and encouraging to read life stories from another priest who is often travelling the same road with the same problems and successes that I encounter. Her latest book, An Altar in the World, has provided me and a study group the opportunity to explore spiritual practices that are not "churchy" rather they touch the everyday stuff of life in an engaging and thoughtful way. With her personal life stories tied into stories from Holy Scripture, it is good to sit, reflect, talk and discuss this book. It is good and inspiring reading for anyone looking for a path to or back to God.



2. I always love Barbara Brown Taylor's writing style and this book was no exception. It was thoughtful, witty, honest and engaging. In general, I appreciated what she had to say. However, within the first few pages I was thinking to myself that I could tell this book was written by an introvert. The disciplines she covered were mainly meant to be experienced alone. Even her chapter on community was mostly about the desert fathers, hermits who spent most of their time alone! As a strong extrovert, the book did not resonate as deeply with me because of this aspect, although I still enjoyed reading and thinking about the ideas presented.



3. No complaints. Bought this as a gift, but shipment came on time and in good condition.



4. A wonderful book. A book easily put into practice - not all talk and cerebral. Just do your way through life. It helps to read a chapter when I'm frustrated and disappointed in myself.



5. An Altar in the World is very much vintage Barbara Brown Taylor. She writes about thoughts and feelings that are intrinsic to the way we live but that we need someone to name in order to bring them to top-level consciousness. We read about the sacredness of every-day life, a sacredness which transcends boundaries of religious faith, nationality, gender, political belief, and all the other artificial boundaries that we put in God's way. There is sacredness in both the religious and secular parts of life. Taylor in no way diminishes the sacredness of communal prayers or sacraments of bread and wine. Instead, she expands sacredness to that which we generally consider secular - the checker at the local grocery store, our own physical bodies, the stripe-stockinged legs of a mosquito, and all the other things that are part of God's Creation.
   
   If this is your first foray into Barbara Brown Taylor, it is a great place to start. If you have been a reader of hers in the past, An Altar in the World is a wonderful refresher course on finding altars in all places of our lives.

5 comments about No Turning Back A Witness to Mercy.

1. I ordered "No Turning Back" because of the compelling nature of the subject matter: the conversion to Catholicism (and ultimately, the answering of the call to the priesthood!) of a young man deeply caught up in the classic "sex, drugs and rock and roll," and then some! The book surpassed my expectations! Father Calloway writes as if he's telling you his story face to face and in a way that is both fearless and humble, funny and, at times, horrifying! When I finished the book, I could not stop thinking about Father Calloway's real and profound experience with Our Lady's motherly love and Our Lord's Divine Mercy. This is not just a conversion story, but a love story, and one that could quite possibly bring the reader to meditation and prayer (as it did me)! Not to mention HOPE -- a message much needed for our culture today. I cannot recommend this book enough, and not just to people who have no belief in God or question their faith, but also, to people who fully practice their faith, but could always enter into a deeper relationship with Our Lord (and a deeper love and appreciation for Our Blessed Mother) -- and to never lose hope.



2. I knew of Fr. Calloway's story before I saw him in La Mirada yesterday.But seeing him yesterday made a enormous impact on me. His testimony was INCREDIBLE!I bought his book and started reading it last night. Due to eye problems I am not able to read for a long consecutive time, but it was hard for me to stop reading it. I have not finished it yet, but I totally love this book and will probably finish it today or tomorrow. My first mission is to share it with my "secular" and "fallen-away" Catholic co-workers.
   What my most impressed about Fr. Calloway is that he is a very holy priest who proud of his vocation, loves the Lord and our Holy Mother, preaches the truth without sugar coating it and promotes true Catholisism. We need more priests like him.
   My husband and I own a Catholic bookstore in Anaheim and have ordered Fr. Calloway's books to sell in our store. We also have his other books and his testimony on DVD: St. Joseph Catholic Books and Gifts, 2829 w. Lincoln ave. Anaheim 714-226-9267
   This is a MUST-READ book for every teenager!!!!!



3. Wow, I heard Father Calloway speak yesterday at a Divine Mercy Seminar and he gave us a sampling of what was in his book. I immediately bought one. I sat and read the book from cover to cover last night. I just couldn't put it down. The power of Mary along with her Son is amazing. I bought it so that my son who has some of the same problems can read it and have someone to relate to. They are the same age and liked the same type of music. I am hoping that this book will hit home.
   
   I thank Father Calloway for telling his story to inspire other people in the same situation to turn their lives around.



4. There is no turning back once you started reading this book of Fr. Calloway.
   You just wanted to continue reading and find out WHEN and HOW his conversion
   happened. This book is not just something you file after reading. The message
   of HOPE and witness to MERCY will continue to linger in one's subconscious mind.
   I just pray that this book will find its way to so many people's homes especially
   those that are struggling and feeling like lost causes - that they will be comforted
   knowing that there is JESUS with his unfathomable mercy and in addition, there is also
   HIS beloved Mother Mary who in her own way will always gather and put us under her
   mantle of protection.
   
   Thank you Father Calloway.



5. This book is such a testimony to God's divine mercy. Fr. Don Calloway is so awesome. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing his testimony several times... at a conference a few weeks ago and a retreat today. His book tells it all since Father Don could not tell everything in such detail in his talks. You will want to know more and you will realize what a gift God gave us in Father Don Calloway. To read his book is proof of God's mercy and that there is hope for everyone, no matter how bad things seem to be. Just pick up this book and you won't want to put it down until you have read it to the very end.
   
   God bless Fr. Calloway for saying YES to God.

5 comments about Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.

1. The book Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust is a difficult read. I did enjoy learning about everything Immaculee had to live through, but if you ever choose to read this book, make sure to have a box of Kleenex on hand. From the beginning all the way to the end you cannot help but root for the best for Immaculee. She draws you in and makes you feel as though you are attached to the bathroom and frightened along with her. Through Immaculee's strength and courage that she shows, seven women were saved and God was once again able to be the center of her life
   The Rwandan Holocaust claimed over 1,000,000 lives. During Belgian occupation the Holocaust, the Belgians came into Rwanda and split the people into two groups. These two groups really had no true meaning, but to the Belgians, it was based upon arbitrary characteristics like your height or the width of your nose. Most of the Rwandans did not even know which they were in truth.
   The two groups they were split into were called the Hutu and the Tutsi. The Tutsi were given all the power by Belgium. They were taller and had smaller noses, so they were closer to the white's body structure. They forced the Hutu's to work for them which caused too much suffering. Eventually the Belgians left. When they did, they left the power to the Hutu. In order to get back at the Tutsi for all the suffering they had caused, the Hutu banded together to extinguish the Tutsi. They went on a three month killing spree in 1994 to rid their world of "Cockroaches."
   In the beginning of this book, Immaculee Ilibagiza talks about how happy she was with her family during her childhood. It becomes a little irritating, yet sweet at the same time that her memory of her family makes them seem so perfect. No one is that perfect, but you still want to believe her. It is easy to tell that she is not playing the pity card, but rather she is just trying to portray her family in a good light to show how all her people were taken for no reason other than the hatred that spread. For the first part of the book, she explains that her family would pray together every night. She makes it clear that praying was a way to keep strength in her family. Her mother made sure they never missed evening prayer because there was no strength that was closer and more important than the strength of God.
   During the genocide in 1994, Immaculee was a student in college. To attempt escape from the danger, she and seven others hid in their pastor's house in one of his back bathrooms. They were in there three months. Immaculee did the only thing she could and returned to her roots through prayer. As Immaculee shares in her book, "The struggle between my prayers and the evil whispers that I was sure belonged to the devil raged in my mind. I never stopped praying . . . and the whispering never relented" (79).
   When Immaculee went into the bathroom with the others, she was over 120 pounds. When she was brave enough to make a run for it three months later, she weighed only 80 pounds. She spent the whole time just trying to keep faith even though she was greatly suffering. She says that aside from the wardrobe that is blocked the bathroom door from plain sight, the only other thing that made her feel more secure was that Jesus was shining a white light on the door to protect them. She says she even had a dream one night where Jesus came to her saying, "be at peace and trust in me, for I will always be at your side" (111).
   This part was a little difficult for me to trust in, but I want to believe her. To dream of God would be an amazing feeling. I can only imagine the comfort she felt by this. No wonder she had the strength to trust Him and walk out of the bathroom. I was even more impressed that Immaculee was still able to keep a level mind. Even though Jesus had come to her to give reassurance, she still realized that she needed to act with a level head, but that God had given her the strength to overcome her fear. Immaculee was very lucky to see these visions, but unfortunately, her family was not so lucky.
   After finding out that her family, including all her small siblings, had been brutally murdered, I'm not sure how she found the strength to forgive the Hutus. Immaculee realized that her people had suffered enough. They had all suffered, Hutu and Tutsi alike. Somehow, she found the strength within God to help her forgive, which I don't think is something I could have done. If someone had murdered my brother, I know I would not be able to forgive them. It would take every fiber of my being not to hurt them back. Immaculee's family was close to her, just as my family, especially my brother, is close to me. However, I have no doubt that I would not have the strength Immaculee did. I'm not sure how she came up with the strength. Even if she would not be as angry as to seek revenge, I would at least think she would be resentful towards them. I'm impressed how much she is able to trust and forgive. She almost makes forgiveness seem too easy.



2. Through the brutal and unnecessary destruction of her beloved family, Immaculee meets the Jesus of the Bible: a personal Savior who reveals himself to her and leads her step by step to forgive her enemies. Everyone who seeks to know Jesus will find him in Immaculee's story.



3. Es increible como esta mujer abre su corazón y nos cuenta una historia de perdón y amor con un estilo lírico narrativo fluido, sencillo y alegre. Lo recomiendo ampliamente.
   
   It's amazing how this woman opens her heart to tell us a story of love and forgiveness, she writes this book in a quick passed, simple and cheerfull style. Highly recomended.



4. Immaculee's book "Left to Tell" is an inspirational story about the other side of the world where genocides, wars and battles still happen every day. Her experiences during the awful slaughter remind us to be aware of what is happening to our world these days and recognize that we are so blessed. While we exaggerate small issues in our lives, there are others in this world that undergoes tragic circumstances. Immaculee is an example of fortitude, courage and determination to overcome life's challenges.
   
   During this ordeal she discovers not only an amazing depth of faith in God but also the true meaning of forgiveness. I wept as reading Imaculee's message when she eventually meets the killer of her family: "Forgiveness is all I have to offer." Her profound message is so meaningful to me, which conveys the triumph of the forgiving soul over the feeling of hatred and revenge. If a person like Immaculee who suffers lots of pains and bitterness can forgive her enemies, why don't we forgive our friends, our acquaintances for making harmless mistakes?
   
   Her moving descriptions of how she is able to build such a strong faith in God and her true feeling of how she learns to forgive during such a hard time make her story more powerful and engaging. This book gave me an opportunity to look back at myself, get in touch with my spiritual side in a more personal way and learn to forgive past offenses. Everyone who is seeking forgiveness, trying to forgive someone or struggling to go through hardships should read this wonderful book. It's a way to purify your soul.



5. Immaculée Ilibagiza's novel, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, is a chilling yet inspiring account of the author's experiences living through the terror that was the genocide in Rwanda. While it is distressing and deeply emotional to read, I think such an honest and tragic story should be read by all those who get the chance.
   
   The author shares her struggle to find God in the midst of the turmoil swirling around her. Even when it seems she will be unable to hold on to her faith, she finds strength in God and pulls through the horrific situations she is faced with.
   She shares her first-hand experiences amid some of the most brutal acts in all of history. No details are spared of the suffering that plagued Rwanda during this time, and this has a staggering effect on the reader. Reading about her witness of the brutal murders of thousands of people, including her friends and family, leaves a sick feeling, but one that is necessary for the prevention of anything like this ever happening again. This straightforward account, while extremely troubling, leaves no room for excuses, and knowledge of this tragedy, as Ilibagiza states, will hopefully stop anything like this genocide from ever happening again.

5 comments about What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing.

1. This is basically a continuation of their first story, Same Kind of Different as Me. While it was interesting to learn what happened to and was happening while the authors were touring their first book, how it became such a success, I wasn't as moved as with their first book. There seems to be a lot of rehashing of the story. I was particularly puzzled about Ron's disgust for his father and all the anger he harbored. How could he be so thoughtful and caring with total strangers and not love the one who had given him life? I will say that there is closure by the end of the book and it brought tears to my eyes. If you were a big fan of their first book then you will probably like this one, too.



2. What Difference Do It Make? is a continuation of the message and story begun with the book Same Kind of Different As Me. In Same Kind of Different As Me we were introduced to two men, Ron Hall and Denver Moore, and their unlikely friendship. In this sequel, we are treated to Ron and Denver's ongoing stories. We are also treated to several other interludes in the book where people from around the country share how the story of Mr. Hall and Mr. Moore influenced them and changed their lives.
   
   Denver's part of the new book involves filling in some of the blanks in his personal history, and sharing some of his thoughts and experiences since the last book was written. It becomes obvious as you read along that Denver is finding his voice. He is stating his opinions more forcefully, challenging his hearers and readers more, and growing in his faith.
   
   For me, Ron's story in this book was more compelling. Most of Ron's section of the book describes his conflict with his father throughout his life, and slowly moves toward telling the story of reconciliation with his father. It also spends some time telling about how Ron grieved the loss of his wife. In the first book, we hear about how God breaks down the walls between two men of very different backgrounds. In this book, we see how the Spirit breaks down the walls between Ron's alcoholic father and himself. When Ron is willing to treat his father with the same kind of love as he has Denver and the other homeless men he works with, his relationship with his father improves. For the most conservative of evangelicals, Ron's methods of reconciling with his father may be difficult to stomach. However you view his behavior, Ron clearly chose to accept his father the way he was instead of the way he wanted him to be, and that made all the difference in their relationship.
   
   I recommend this story heartily for anyone who loved Same Kind of Different As Me. Otherwise, it will be hard to understand this book, and the foundation on which it was written.
   
   (Although I was not required to write any review for this book, a copy was provided to me by Thomas Nelson publishers after reviewing the first book in the series)



3. This book is interesting and I enjoyed it, but it just didn't affect me the way I was expecting it to. The first book, "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore is mentioned several times and maybe that's what I'm missing - the introduction to this - the second book.
   
   I found Hall's inability to have compassion for his ailing father until the very end of his father's life, a little off putting, and he mentions his this lack on his part in this book. His mother's lack of feelings for her husband was sad, but not being there I really can't say if Hall's father deserved the treatment he received or not. Maybe he did - he certainly wasn't the ideal father or husband. I just began to feel a little sorry for him.
   
   Hall writes quite a bit about the death of his wife. Add the three together - the death of his wife, the problems with his father and his mother's attitude toward his father and I guess it could get anyone down. It is a little depressing for the reader, though.
   
   I enjoyed Moore's contribution to the book most. He speaks directly and openly without feeling sorry for himself because of his circumstances. He has the ability to share God's love and compassion beyond what most of us could achieve.
   
   The stories are interspersed between the pages. This is a little disconcerting; I just get involved in a story, then the writer or person the story is about, changes.
   
   It could just be that I'm being picky, or maybe my hopes were too high because of the build up for the book, but for some reason this book just didn't touch me like I wanted it to.



4. I just finished reading my complimentary copy (from Thomas Nelson) of "What Difference Do It Make?" by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent.
   
   This book is the sequel to the book entitled "Same Kind of Different As Me" by the same authors, and tells about the difference one couple made in a homeless man's life and how it snowballed to affect so many others. Not only can you see what it has done in the lives of the authors, but the book contains a lot of stories from folks that read the first book and were inspired. These people wrote to the authors with their own stories of making a difference and some of those stories are shared in this book.
   
   It is a beautifully written, intriguing book. I laughed and I cried and most importantly my heart was convicted. I am inspired to find all kinds of ways to serve and to help others in any way I can.
   
   I will be recommending this book to all my friends and family, in fact I already put my copy on my husband's bedside table as a hint that he needs to read it next.



5. Enjoyable and inspiring, but a lot of repeat from "Same Kind of Difference as Me".

5 comments about Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back.

1. This memoir is well-written, but I found my enjoyment hampered by the unlikeable nature of most of the main figures. While this provides evidence that Schaeffer was probably presenting an accurate portrait (not least of himself), it makes it hard to root for any of them.



2. This book covers a pretty wide arc; from enlightened Christian spiritually of the 1960's through the turgid burgeoning religious right of his personal encounters with the likes of Pat Robertson, James Dobson et al. He gives an even-handed account of his own parents as well as himself. Schaeffer points out that the new religious right was all about religiously motivated "morality", which it used for nakedly political purposes. He further opines that the leaders of the new religious right were different from the older secular right in that they were gleefully betting on American failure. If, for instance, crime went down dramatically for any other reason that a reformation and revival, this would make the prophets of doom look silly when they said that only Jesus was the answer to all our social problems. He further explains that the evangelical community merged the entertainment business with faith, the flippant lightweight kitsch of paranoia of the American right-wing enterprise. Schaeffer left the new religious right and is now an Orthodox Christian. After some down years, he found himself as a novelist and has come full circle. This is a fascinating account of his entire experience with organized religion in America. Any one interested in contemporary American society and culture should read this book.



3. This is a good read and I wish more people would pick it up (especially Evangelicals and Pentecostals). Having been raised in that world myself as the son of a pastor I could relate to much of the sentiments expressed by Mr Schaeffer. It is one thing to come to these faiths as an adult, but the theology and culture of it can be devastating to the psychology and emotional well being of a child. Nevertheless, I don't think you need to relate to his childhood to appreciate the book. It is interesting in many ways.
   
   However, this is a memoir, and those simply looking for a commentary on modern Evangelical America may find themselves bogged down in the many personal stories that don't relate to that subject. It is a very quick read and those wanting to skip a couple chapters should have no problem doing so. Furthermore, I suppose masturbation is a natural part (perhaps necessary) to everyone's life (especially men), but so is defecation ... I'm not sure I needed to hear so many stories regarding his manipulative affection. That said, if you are even slightly interested in picking it up, I would recommend it with no reservations.



4. Pulls the curtain back from the "man behind", revealing foibles, weaknesses and strategies of the fundamentalists.



5. Wish I hadn't spent my money on this boring book. It's more of a memoir (which doesn't have to be true) than a biography (that is true and gives real names). I am interested in how the religious right was formed and brain-washed so many people in this country. It's just a trip down memory lane for this author and even his memories aren't that interesting. You'd be better off Googling religious right and reading about it on the internet.

5 comments about Saved by Her Enemy: An Iraqi woman's journey from the heart of war to the heartland of America.

1. What a wonderful story! I'm so happy to have been invited to the book signing in Coronado last Monday. I will have to buy another copy to share as Don and Rafraf dedicated mine. I knew Kiki and Don over 20 years ago when we all worked in a show at Sea World. (Why is this missing from Don's bio???I've got video). We were so young. And, now, this beautiful, beautiful story. Bravo! I was busy last week, but when I sat down to read, I read it from cover to cover, non-stop. It's an honor to know you and it was lovely meeting Rafraf. I will be sharing your inspiring book with my international students....



2. For someone who can rarely get interested in books I read this book from cover to cover. A very compelling story of a young lady's journey from war torn Baghdad Iraq to the USA. It is an uplifting story of Rafraf's becoming a translator for NBC in Iraq increasing becoming a target and with the help of Don Teague (co-author of this book) and his colleagues with whom Rafraf had worked with help her leave her home for America. A picture of faith in God is portrayed by Don Teague who believes a higher purpose brought him to Iraq and to that end helps Rafraf's departure. This is a story for today of the current lives of people around the world. American's take much for granted, this story will make you humble. Realize that there are more important things in life. Helping one another should be number 1. Great story great book... well worth reading. Saved by Her Enemy: An Iraqi woman's journey from the heart of war to the heartland of America



3. Saved by her Enemy is an engaging story that paints a vivid portrait of Iraq and Iraqis. Definitely a must read! Very timely and relevant to critical events taking place today.



4. This was an incredible book with unexpected turns on every page. I couldn't put it down. If it weren't for a busy week last week I would have finished it in a day! I highly recommend this (sometimes too) real picture of an iraqi's perspective on America and the things that we as Americans could never understand!
   
   I'm thankful and enlightened after reading this story. It left me wanting more!
   
   I HIGHLY recommend this book!



5. I am fortunate to know Don and Kiki Teague through our shared church in Dallas. I knew some of Don and Rafraf's story and have been eagerly anticipating this book...but as Ann Curry says in the foreword, I suspect I did not know the depths of Don Teague! This is quite an unforgettable tale.
   
   Mr. Teague's writing style is enjoyable to read...personal, humorous at times, always straightforward and on-target with the emotion of the moment. He is a natural and compelling storyteller and I finished this book as fast as my one year old would let me! I appreciated that although the story occurred in the midst of the Iraq war, he managed to keep his politics hidden and tell a human story (which ironically, is what he hoped to cover in Iraq in the first place...human stories of goodness in the midst of turmoil).
   
   I enjoyed the alternating points of view between Don and Rafraf. It transported me inside the Iraq war to a place I would never have the privilege to see otherwise. They were in danger every day and it gave me a new appreciation for journalists who risk their lives to report stories. There are many roadblocks along the way that seem insurmountable...will she even survive? How will they ever get her to the States? It was wonderful to see God's goodness as Don and his family simply walked in faith that said "we are supposed to help this girl, you've put her on our heart God, so you will work it out". He and his NBC colleagues did some pretty heroic things for this young woman. Where many of us would have stood by and watched, Don took action. It is very touching to witness.
   
   I especially enjoyed seeing the war from the view of an Iraqi woman. To see her sadness as she encounters the internet and learns how Iraq is viewed by the rest of the world. To see her shock that other countries' presidents don't kill people who disagree with them. To see prejudices fall away as she forms friendships with American journalists and fellow students. And just to see her "feistiness"...she is an ordinary twenty-something woman we can relate to, who chases boys and has insecurities. She is clever and thoughtful and I immediately warmed to her.
   
   Although faith is certainly a component of this story, it is so much more than a "Christian" book and I think that people from all walks of life would be amazed by Don and Rafraf's story. Great book!