5 comments about Escape from China : The Long Journey From Tiananmen to Freedom.

1. The events in Tiananmen Square in June 1989 are one of the 20th century's defining moments. Chinese students took on their communist government & after a 2 week stand-off military forces used overwhelming force to brutally suppress the revolt.
   
   The government issued a warrant for the arrest of the leaders of the insurgence. Zhang Boli was one of the 21 most wanted & the only one not captured. This is his story of how he evades a ruthless nationwide manhunt to escape to freedom in the west.
   
   Zhang Boli comes across as a very brave & intelligent student & in writing this story he wants to not only tell the story of his escape but also of some of the great people who helped him along the way. Worth reading.



2. Just a simple response to Mrs. G's review. Firstly, I wanted to ask Mrs. G, Could you read Chinese to decide whether the English version is good or bad? I found the translation a lot better than the original Chinese version. That is, the original Chinese is even more vulgar in many contexts, and I appreciated the translator's job, with some British taste indeed. A translator can only do so much to improve on a text that was not brilliantly written to begin with. If the translator's English is not refined enough, then it should be the editor's job to edit and revise it. Since you think the English version is exciting, what flaws is there that made you blame the translator? Indeed, I am glad that the translator has beautifully REwritten some content in a way that is acceptable to the American readers, and that shows that the translator is actually a good English writer and also well learned in Chinese studies. Maybe it does not occur to Mrs. G that even a pastor can be biased. It's regrettable if Mr. Zhang, who has apparently converted many Chinese, still cannot acknowledge the translator's efforts and achievement.



3. This book provides a great view into the life of Zhang Boli, the Chinese culture, and the powerful hand of a sovereign God. Yes, the book contained explicit language; however, after visiting with Pastor Zhang Boli, I came to understand that the translating was done by a foreign writer who used lude American language. Pastor Boli, with his very limited English, was not able to read the final production so was unable to even identify the kind of language used in his story's English version. This is an exciting story that is even more awe-inspiring when one realizes that Zhang Boli is still alive and well, pointing many Chinese to Christ in America as well as abroad.



4. First, a short response to the review "telling truth or not" by "a reader". Shortly after the June 4th massacre the Chinese government broadcasted on television a video (apparently taken by the secret police) mockingly claiming that "while the 'poor worms' were on hunger strike, the leading 'turmoil elements' were eating in local restaurants using the donations intended for the movement." Almost immediately after the broadcast a university student in Hong Kong (a student of Chinese Universtiy of HK, if I remember correctly), whose face also appeared on the video, came out and clarifed that the dinner took place AFTER the hunger struck (the hunger strike ended at 10:00p.m. May 16). He was a representative of the universtiy students from HK, and he invited the leaders for dinner and he paid the bill -- no money was used from donations. When the video was replayed in slow motion, one could see what they were eating and would appreciate that it was indeed a very, very simple meal.
   
   One may find that the way the officers conduct their business and the way the commoners response are somewhat beyond believe. I know that the author is genuinely telling the truth, for I was detained in China twice, once for a month and once for 3 days.
   
   I have read the original Chinese version of the book and also some background material about the author. Within three months after he arrived at US he was diagnosed to have final stage liver cancer. The auther immediately started writing his memoir in the hospital bed hoping that he would leave something valuable for his daughter Little Snow. Miraculously his cancer was gone when he finished writing his book!



5. I was a strong supporter of the Tiananmen movement for freedom and democracy, and those leaders were once a time my heros and heroines. But now I began to question the truth of their statements. They were not respectable as they claimed, and they did something actually not decent during the movement. When the others were on hunger strike, some of them were eating in local restaurants using the donations from those poor students, which were intended to fund the movement. What they have done later in the US is also disappointing. During my years in Beijing University, I secretly contacted some classmates of the former leaders, who I believe are honest people. They gave a totally different description of the deeds of those former heros. The Communists did kill the students, but the roles of these leaders in this movement should be studied more carefully before I believe them. I highly respect those died at the Square for the freedom and democracy of China, but those leaders are not my heroes any more, and began to question their doings in the horrible summer of 1989.

3 comments about Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians.

1. What a great read. You should get one and give one as a gift.



2. I was given this book as a young Christian and easily devoured every word of it. The stories in Lawson's book are awesome. You will be encouraged as you read about the faith and hunger men and women had for the presence of God in their lives. None of the people in the book were satisfied with simply living for Jesus but they wanted to make a divine impact for the kingdom upon the earth. From John the Baptist to John Wesley to many unknowns as well you will read the stories of various Christian experiences in God's presence that transformed their lives.
   
   My one drawback as I look back at this book is the theology of the book. Simply put (as one reviewer put it before me): there is none. Lawson simply tells the stories of the various believers experiences. The book leaves the impression that the Christian life is simply one experience after another or that a Christian needs one "mighty" Holy Ghost experience and that is it. The daily discipleship is lost (Luke 9:23-26). Further, not all experiences should be outright declared from God. We must test our experiences by the Scriptures (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1). Doctrine is important (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 2:1) and we must not allow experiences to become the true test of Christianity (2 Cor. 13:5).
   
   Get this book. Read it and most of all, open your Bible and test everything you read by the truth of God's Word (John 17:17).



3. This reader-friendly composite of biographical sketches is directed to the person who is not satisfied with nominal Christian living. The author points directly to each biographee's source of spiritual renewal and/or completion, i.e, the Holy Spirit, and subsequent effects. An interesting aspect of this work is its transdenominational nature; no particular sect is endorsed, though many are included by virtue of their highlighted adherants. If the reader is honestly interested in a closer walk with God, this book will provide plenty of inspiration.

1 comments about Unfair!.

1. a must read. if you think life is unfair for you check this out. Could you or a family member be at risk?

2 comments about My Sister St. Therese.

1. This 1957 translation of Sister Genevieve's memories of St. Therese by the Carmelite sisters of New York is valuable for what the older sister saw and heard of Therese. The tone is pious -- Therese is generally referred to as "the Saint"--a nd a fresh translation would be most valuable. Lovers of Therese will be very happy to learn more about her. If you are not already a lover, start with another book. Be on guard that you are reading Celine's interpretation, which is valid as an interpretation by the "sweet echo of her soul."



2. This book is an absolute "must read" for anyone interested in the spirituality of St. Therese. With the exceptions of "Story of a Soul" and the other writings of the Saint herself (the volumes of letters, poems, and prayers), this book offers the deepest insight into who Therese was and how she lived every moment of her life in complete love with her Lord. Highly recommended.

5 comments about A Tempered Faith: Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss.

1. I've been wanting to write this review for a few days now. I've been struggling with what to say so that I do justice to this amazing book. Tempered Faith is a wonderful book for people who have lost a loved one, but I'd go farther than that to say that it's a must-read for anyone who thinks about the hard questions (ie, Why does a good God allow these things to happen?).

   I admired Jennifer's honesty and vulnerability in telling her story. She tells us what she was going through and what she was thinking. She shares with us her anger at God after her husband Jim dies in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Each chapter is such a treasure - and as we learn how she manages to get through each day. She tells us what things people say to her that are NOT helpful, as well as what she did find helpful. Anyone dealing with a grieving person would benefit from this book for that reason alone.

   As I came to the end of the book, I felt something was missing. I reread the title "A Tempered Faith, Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss" and was thinking that the book was a little light on faith part. Then I got to the last section, "A 9/11 Diary". Oh my goodness. This is such an amazing testimony to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his ability to work in our lives, drawing us closer to Himself, even in the worst of times. We get to read about every step of the way, how Jennifer grew as a child of God. I felt like I was reading something very personal (and indeed I was!), but I feel privileged to be able to see how God has worked in Jennifer's life.

   The quotes and stories at the beginning of each chapter allow us to get to know Jim Sands better, some are poignant and moving, and some are hilarious. Also, I always apprecite it when a book has a Bibliography of recommended resources - Jennifer lists books, websites and support groups.

   I am a big advocate of journaling, and hopefully many people will decide to keep a record of their spiritual journey after reading "A Tempered Faith".

   God bless you, Jennifer, and thanks so much for sharing your story with us!




2. Jennifer Sands and her husband truly believe they have found their soul mates when they meet and marry. They share a love of snorkeling and scuba diving, they tease each other as only close spouses can do, and they plan for a future life in the Cayman Islands. On September 11, 2001, the unthinkable happens when Jim is killed in his office on the 105th. floor of the World Trade Center. Jennifer is shocked beyond belief and wallows in pain and denial until the anger breaks through. She rails at God and repeatedly asks him why this had to happen. She has always been a faithful Catholic and has prayed to God daily for her husband's safety. That is the way her life has always been--she prays and God provides. What has happened to the "contract" she has with God? She relates the numbingly painful days which follow Jim's death--the empty holidays and the searing grief. Gradually she begins to see that God is sending her "angels", people of faith who help her faith grow. She is able to establish some special memorials to her husband and she begins to look outward to others and upward to God to find peace. The most revealing part of the book is the diary at the end in which she writes her innermost, unvarnished thoughts and feelings to God. It shows the metamorphosis of a woman who is focused on her own pain to one who accepts and embraces the love and comfort of God. Jennifer is truly polished and refined by the fire of this tragedy and she emerges as an example of Christian faith and forebearance in the face of unspeakable tragedy.



3. A Tempered Faith: Rediscovering Hope In The Ashes Of Loss is the personal and articulate testimony of Jennifer Sands, a young widow who lost her husband in the September 11th attacks. Jennifer had to come to grips with the heart-wrenching question: If there is a God, how could He let this happen? A Tempered Faith ably presents an introspective delving into the roots of faith and hope, as well as an affirmation of God's love and learning to carry on and even find joy in the wake of bitter and unexpected grief.



4. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one from a sudden and untimely death, this is a must read. It would also help someone who wants to understand what this person is going through. You feel her pain and loss. Her anger with God is what many people go though when something tragic happens and the way she finds her way back is through out the book. You feel God reaching out to her and helping her deal with the loss. I lost my husband 10 years ago unexpectedly and reading this brings back all those feelings and helps me feel that I am not alone with these feelings. It renews my faith, that God was and is nearby to help when you think you can't make it any longer. That there is support from the most unexpected sources if you just open your heart to it, ask God to lead you and listen to what he has to say.

   This book also explores the difficulty of losing a loved one and having it flashed before your eyes for the rest of your life. The horror of 9/1l and the Twin Towers will be forever on the news and in everyone's mind. These families will have constant reminders. I can't begin to imagine how difficult this will be. Diana Lee.




5. I began reading this book not knowing what to expect. I knew Jim for over 30 years before we was taken in the tragedy of 9/11. I only met Jennifer at their wedding 5 years before that. Having known Jim for so long I knew that his bride was a strong willed person. This book is a look into the pain and suffering that many like Jen must be suffering. It also provides a guide that can be followed to find a way out of the darkness and how to rediscover hope and faith. An excellent read!

4 comments about 10. St. Athanasius: The Life of St. Antony (Ancient Christian Writers).

1. One wonders if the work did not leave its readers breathless in the 4th century the way it does today, but given its popularity, I suspect so. The initial shock comes simply from the true details of the story, that a simple man in his thirties withdrew from the normal course of urban life to live a radical, mystical life of encounters with the good and evil sides of the divine.
   
   Anthony withdrew to the desert, living on bread and prayer. There he was attacked and tempted by physical manifestations of demons that did everything from make gold coins materialize in front of him to physically beat him. As a result of his prayer life and unique habits, he came to the attention of the wider public. Two Greek philosophers sought him out and witnessed a possession, to which he replied, "Let's see you cast those out with your syllogisms." Likewise, he received a letter from the Emperor, which he greeted with equal disinterest (though less disdain) as Diogenes.
   
   The only room the work leaves for suspicions is when one considers whether or not Athanasius might have been using it as a polemical tool. Anthony's fervor for Trinitarian theology and opposition to the Arians (of which he has a vision of a take-over of the empire, making one wonder if Athanasius didn't imagine Arians where Anthony was envisioning barbarians) could have been taken straight from Athanasius' theological writings. There are moments where one wonders if Athanasius is reporter or rhetorician.
   
   Nonetheless, that vague suspicion gets lost under the sheer surprise of the story of this cryptic life. There is no doubt that Athanasius and his listeners took the story at face value. To the modern, post-enlightenment writer you must either reject it as mythical as buy into it as historical. And the immediate consequence is that one wonders what one is missing out on. No sermon on fasting could make you want to fast more. No seminar on prayer could make you more likely to do it. Anthony's life does today exactly what it did for the early church: inspire a radical alternative that is mysteriously beyond criticism.



2. A MEANINGFUL SUMMARY OF THE LIFE OF ST. ANTONY. MUCH TO CONTEMPLATE. MUCH TO ADMIRE.



3. I was captivated when I first read the Life of St. Antony, most likely written by the staunchly Orthodox church father Athanasius (I say 'probably' because some scholars doubt that Athanasius wrote it, however I noticed many similarities between 'Life of Antony' and 'On the Incarnation'). The book reads like a novel at times, telling of Antony's battles with demons, and his traveling farther into the desert to avoid publicity and temptation. There is also an interesting segment when Antony lives by a mountain and a cool stream, and animals are eating his small amount of grain. He gently grabs the animals and asks them why they bother him when he does not bother them? They returned no more after that. We are also told of Antony's journey into Alexandria after persecutions broke out there. Antony himself desperately wanted to be martyred, but instead he offered encouragement and consolation to those who were going to be killed. One individual whose martyrdom is mentioned is Peter, the Bishop of Alexandria at that time. Near the end of the book, Antony returns again to Alexandria, this time to dispel rumors that he is an Arian (a heretical group of the early 4th century which denied the full divinity of the Son). Athanasius makes it clear that Antony was a Nicaean.

   The rest of the work could be described as a kind of a monastic manual, with particular emphasis on fighting demons. Athanasius records Antony's struggles, and tells his readers how to recognize and fight the devil. Throughout the story, the power of the sign of the cross is stressed, and we are urged to sign our houses and ourselves in order to repel evil. Near the very end, Antony debates various Greek philosophers regarding the Cross and the Incarnation. Antony, despite being uneducated, holds his own with the men, and they leave having learned something.

   Antony is the vehicle for many miracles, but those who sought help are always told to give the glory to God, because Antony himself really did nothing. Antony is the picture of Biblical humility and self-denial. The life of Antony is a powerful example to all Christians. My church history professor said that if you only have time to read one book from the Patristic period, `Life of Antony' should be that book. I couldn't agree more: the Life of Antony is a spiritual classic.




4. If you are searching for spirituality, this record of Saint Antony's life provides fascinating detail of living daily within the framework of a world ruled by the Prince of the Air. Written within 25 years of the Nicene Creed, this perspective lends to observing the powerful foundation upon which orthodoxy (and heresy) was built, that is, the up-close interaction with both God and His enemies. Thus, his life is not recorded chronologically, but through the narrative telling of encounter

   after encounter. These encounters begin when Antony was left alone in the world with his sister as an early adult. From the very start, Antony's spiritual journey delved into what is now taboo for many Christians: spiritual warfare. Seeking the devil out on his own terms, Antony refused to give into temptation and immediately became a target for attack. The end of his career as a hermit brought forth powerful prayer, wisdom, and - thanks to Life of Antony - considerable fame. Virtually unknown today, Antony remains a largely untapped resource.

4 comments about Yes, Lord!.

1. I wish I could have meant this man. His walk with God was extraordinary. I found by reading this I wanted to know more about the power of the Holy Spirit. Mr. Bredesen was an obedient servant when God called on him.



2. This was an excellent book. Harald Bredesens life was about as interesting as anybodies I have read about. If you want to find out how the Lord can use a person who was backslidden in their walk with Jesus (and how the Lord brought him back into the fold) then this is the book to read. It tells how the Holy Spirit can use a common everyday person and have him witness to the powerful people in the world in mighty ways. It also helps a person find out what the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are all about. If nothing else it gives a great insight into the Holy Spirit and educates us about Him.



3. Incedible story of an incredible man and his path to eternity... Harold Bredesen is truly a man of God.. and a man after the Heart of God... great and inspiring book...



4. Excellent, honest, and humble account of a man growing in maturity as a Christian. Honestly relates falling into and growing beyond many of the presumptions and mistakes that Christians are prone to. It is a testimony of the patience, faithfulness, and kindness of God.

1 comments about Rudi: Entering Infinity.

1. You can truly gauge a spiritual book by how deeply you absorb and assimilate it's teachings. The words of Rudrananda stay with me even though I read this book almost ten years ago. They get in deep and haunt you. A Teacher only for those who are serious.

No comments about Dating Jesus: A Story of Fundamentalism, Feminism, and the American Girl.

5 comments about Comeback.

1. In the face of adversity, faith in God will see you through. That's the moral of the story.
   
   Dave Dravecky was a baseball player. A pitcher. That was all he ever wanted to be. And he was good at it. Good enough to pitch in the major leagues. But when a cancerous tumor was found in his pitching arm it looked like his career was over.
   
   Or was it? The Dravecky family had faith in God. They placed their future and Dave's career in His hands. Placing faith in God is always the right thing to do and Dravecky's story is a testimony to that fact. Against all odds, against all expectations, Dave Dravecky overcame the loss of his deltoid muscle and worked his way through the minor leagues back up to the major leagues.
   
   Comeback is a story of triumph over impossible odds. Ronald Reagan said of Dravecky, "The remarkable faith and courage he has shown is an inspiration to us all." So it is. Judging by the cover and the man who wrote it you may think this is a book about baseball. It's not. Comeback is a story about a man and his faith in God. Comeback is a story about God's work in one man's life.
   
   Dave Dravecky's story is deeply inspirational and his book should be found on every Christian bookshelf.



2. I've always been a big Dave Dravecky Fan, and I knew his story from what I read in the news and saw during the events of this time period. Reading about his life, his thoughts and insights on the world around him was inspirational. He loved baseball so much, that he did whatever it took to be the best. Dravecky was a man of great faith-he makes many references to thanking Jesus Christ for the opportunities and never blamed Him for the obstacles. His never say die attitude is one I wish more athletes and general public would adapt as their own.

   This book follows a timeline from his childhood and minor league struggles (briefly) to his major league success and then his battle with cancer in his deltoid muscle, and finally, his return to baseball. It is a very quick read and one of the better athlete autobiographies I have read.




3. A must read for every athlete - both Christian and non-Christian. Dave is an inspriation. I have read the book six times over the years and have never found a book by an athlete better. To top it off, Dave is as nice of a guy in person as he is in his book.



4. A very uplifting book about Mr Dravecky's battle with cancer. More than just an athlete centered book, this details his struggles and triumphs with this very debilitating disease.



5. Dave Dravecky wrote an inspiring book after his first bout with cancer and amazing comeback to professional baseball. The writing is better than in most athlete-authored books. Most sports fans know that the cancer returned, and Dave lost an arm to it. The follow-up story is revealed in subsequent books authored by Dave Dravecky and his wife Jan Dravecky. I think readers will be uplifted by any of these books.