5 comments about Two-Part Invention: The Story of a Marriage (The Crosswicks Journal, Book 4).

1. This is a poignant tale of L'Engle's relationship with her husband. It shows what true, mature love is. If, however, you have read her "A Circle of Quiet" you will find some of the same vignettes here, albeit with a different perspective.



2. I enjoyed this book - it was an insightful look into L'Engle's life. I never knew that she had been an actress. I especially liked her stories about her theatre life. The fact that she was married to the actor that eventually played "Dr. Tyler" on All My Children was interesting too. She shares her views on things that matter to her, and tries to impart some wisdom upon the reader about living with an actor husband, doing what is best for her family, and ultimately doing what is best for her husband in his time of illness. I would recommend this book for anyone going through a difficult time with a gravely ill spouse, and anyone looking to find out more about L'Engle's life.



3. I have finished Predlude, the first 70 pages. I'm done. This is a step-by-step and quote-by-quote retelling of her love-life, courtship, etc. There are too many great books out there waiting to be read for me to waste my time waiting for this to get better. I don't really care how many times some suitor proposed to her and what her response was, nor how many dog biscuits she ate after taking a bath. The sentences are boring and so is the story. Farandolae are much more interesting.



4. A great read on the complexities of marriage, life and facing death. Two of my favorite quotes of all time are in this book.



5. (Two Part Invention) I was touched by the way this woman thought as she entered marriage; how she considered the marriage before any other factor in life. As someone born in the last 40 years, I have honestly never heard a woman talk about her marriage in those terms. I was humbled and thought what a shame...we have lost something very special and gentle: honoring marriage. I never did, never knew anyone who did, marriage for myself and those in my circle was more of a nuisance. After two painful divorces I could finally hear Madeline's voice and everything she said made such beautiful and perfect sense. I long for that type of life and marriage and never realized all along it had to come from me. I also cried after putting the book down and a tear often comes when the book comes to mind. I always remember her thought about moving into the city - where she didn't particularly want to live - so that she could be the wife "hosting the slumber party" when they were snowed in, rather than being the wife getting the call when the husband wouldn't be coming home to the suburbs. And how she adjusted her whole sleep schedule to accomodate her husbands' late work nights. Sigh. Thank you Madeline, thank you for a voice that is not often heard.

5 comments about The Dark Sacrament: True Stories of Modern-Day Demon Possession and Exorcism.

1. Strangely enough the existence of demons and possession is not what makes this unbelievable. That part,one can believe. The human interactions, reactions to events and relationships simply are not credible. Some examples(SPOILER ALERT):
   
   - there is one situation where a male neighbor is raped and beaten for quite a while in his own front yard in front of his wife and other neighbors. He is hospitalized for days and is even visited there by the perpetrator but does nothing - informs no authorities despite the fact that this guy has young daughters. He ends up never doing anything and the neighbor gets away scot free.
   
   - Another situation involves a young woman whose husband reveals to her that he and his priest are lovers and that they together with his family have been victimizing children for years and will continue to try to ruin as many lives as they can. She ends up going to another priest for counsel and divorcing but nothing is ever done to this predator. The authors or good priest don't take this to the authorities either as far as we know.
   
   - There is the situation where a phantom spirit has rough sex with a woman for years while her husband sleeps soundly beside her. Of course, she never tells him and he is clueless that this is going on.
   
   - Finally, there is the demon that materializes in a young couple's house. A spiritualist comes and conjures it up with them in the room and it physically materilizes. Of course they keep their eyes shut and don't even take a peek at it. It gets in an arguement with the spiritualist and leaves.
   
   For the record, I am a catholic and a believer in some paranormal happenings, but quite frankly, people just don't behave in the ways described. Utter nonsense, even in modern day Ireland. This point drives me to call into question the credibility of the all the other stories in the book. And they are stories - many by admitted alcoholics, drug addicts, and other quirky people.



2. This book is awesomely scary and it takes alot to scare me. The things that have happened to these people are unreal but still believeable. The book leads the reader thru the beginning of the infestation all the way to the end, if there is one! After reading this book it makes you think how easily a person could fall into evil. It not only covers people possessed but also homes that are haunted by evil. This is not a light read by no means proceed with care!



3. The authors appear to have done quite a bit of research on the individual stories, as you can tell from the elaborate details. I think most people who enjoy reading factual scary stories, opposed to the fictional type, will really find this book worth their while. If you like this, I would also recommend the book, The Demonologists, written about Ed and Lorraine Warren's many years dealing with demonology.



4. Don't read late at night or when home alone!
   
   This is the best book on demonology I have read since Malachi Martin's "Hostage to the Devil". It actually far exceeds that book.
   
   The cases are based in Britain and most are very recent. Everything is well researched and the entire book is absolutely thought provoking. The scariest thing is the truth that the authors convey--that the most ordinary circumstances may only be a sham for darker forces that invade our ordinary world.
   
   This is definitely a must read. Just not late, when you are home alone.



5. Folks,
   
   If you want to know the real deal, this book is it. Don't believe in demons? You will. Don't believe in the Devil? You will. Don't believe it can happen to you? It can.
   
   That's not sensationalizing. This book is my favorite among my collection of exorcism and spirit possession books. From my experience, the events in the stories ring true.
   
   The writers of this book, unlike others I own, do not seek to give a bias over Protestant or Catholic or their approaches to exorcism. And that's a rare find. They approach the subject with balance and facts, not on speculation from their own minds.
   
   Forget "The Exorcist". Forget any other Hollywood promoted film or book on exorcism. This is the real deal. No fluff. Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts.
   
   Peace...

5 comments about Island of Saints: A Story of the One Principle That Frees the Human Spirit.

1. When I picked up this book, I had no idea what it was about. I only knew it was written by one of my favorite authors, Andy Andrews. I found this to be a little different from Andrews' other books, but like the others, ISLAND OF SAINTS did not disappoint me.
   
   This is a true account of Andrews' own personal discovery of some WWII memorabilia that just didn't seem to belong when Andy had found it. His curiosity sent him searching for clues as to how and why these items ended up buried on his little Gulf coast island property. What he uncovered was a riveting true story that promotes valuable lessons of forgiveness along the way.
   
   The story does take a while to develop. Several times I wondered just where the story was going and it was not until about half way into the book that things really began to take shape. The subject is one I have long been fascinated with, and that is the German activity along the east and gulf coasts during WWII. The fact that we hear so little about this aspect of the war makes one wonder just how many prominent citizens were a part of the effort to supply the Nazis.
   
   The underlying message here is learning how to forgive. In this vain, there are some very profound observations here, as one would expect from Andrews, although they do come quite late in the book. Overall, this is a wonderful true story that includes some valuable life's lessons.
   
   I do feel obligated to point out a flaw. At the conclusion of chapter 10, Joseph and Helen are having a conversation in which Joseph describes the rise and fall of democracy, attributed to Professor Alexander Tyler of Scotland in 1787. The trouble is, even though the description of the self-destruction of any democracy is, I believe completely accurate, study has shown there is no record to indicate that this notion originated with Professor Tyler.



2. This was my first Andy Andrews book. I picked it up in a Christian bookstore off the discount book shelf and assumed it was a book with a religious message.
   
   While it does contain a good message and I appreciate it even more because I see the "principle" as one that Christ taught, it falls somewhat flat. The fact that this "principle" is biblical doesn't excuse the fact that the characters end up being a bit too much of the "self-help" variety. True love works wonders and can teach us this "principle" because God modeled it for us, and the story is very effective in explaining why it is so helpful for all involved. This story is very much about good ethics and morals, but is also too humanist in it's approach to be considered profound or even remarkable.
   
   The story is believeable, while the character development is bit light. The historical element was interesting and pretty accurate, I believe. This is the kind of book I'd recommend to a light reader as beach or vacation fare so that, if they don't get around to reading it, it won't seem like they've missed out on a life changing lesson.
   
   I was surprised that the book includes instructions for obtaining a study guide and a video. That's a bit presumptuous on the part of the publisher I think. This is not ground shaking stuff and any study group based on this book might do better to wean themselves off Dr.Phil and Oprah for a more lasting benefit.
   
   Read (and believe) your Bibles and you'll get a much deeper and meaningful explanation of this "principle".



3. .
   ....But is it?
   
   Andy is an amazing storyteller, and this book is proof positive of his skill.
   
   Pulled from the little known theater of World War II, the American Gulf Coast, Andy weaves fact and fiction into a story about two people on opposite sides of the war, but on the same side of the heart...



4. It is like Andy Andrews is standing there telling you the story. And it is an amazing story! If you want and need a good book, choose this one. You will never be sorry!



5. I loved the book. Andy Andrews does a wonderful job retelling a true story while he teaches eternal truths. Awesome!

5 comments about Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham.

1. I really enjoyed this autobiography by Billy Graham. It was a very pleasant read. In this autobiography, Graham shared his life struggles and victories. He tells of his childhood experiences on the farm, and how he grew up in a christian home without atually accepting it. He then explained how his life was changed once he dedicated his life to Christ. As the book continues, the reader discovers Graham's world-wide experiences, and how he helped to bring millions to the Lord.
   
   Although the book was enjoyable overall, some parts of the book seemed a little drawn out and uneccesary. Some events seemed to be a little too insignificant to include in the book. He could have also opened up a little bit, and shared more of his personal feelings. Since it is an autobiography, Graham could have personalized the events a little bit more. But despite its flaws, this book was very inspirational, and I recommend it to all who are interested in learning more about this great christian icon.



2. Unless Billy did a fantastic job in hiding all of the difficult and trying times of his life (as I suspect in the case of his troubled relationship with his son Franklin), WHAT A LIFE this man had!!! Who would not want to have what he had: travels; meetings with the rich, the famous, the wise; success; financial stability; a loving wife; great kids; and most of all, the honor and privilege to lead millions to Christ. Can you imagine the party they'll throw in heaven when he gets there? However, the book was very mediocre in my view. Very seldom the author opened his heart and expressed his true feelings...Lots of anecdotes, details, insignificant (to the reader) stuff; it was not a total waste of time, because you always get the feeling that this man loves his Lord and truly wants to serve Him. Not much to say against that...I just wish he could have made deeper remarks about people and events in general.



3. i'm very excited with this purchase. I received the product in very well condition and in good time.



4. Let me first preface this by saying that I've never actually heard a Billy Graham message but was curious to learn about him given his wide influence both in the religious and political realm. It's obvious why he is so popular he has a great sense of humor and a way of telling storys that while amazingly simple does not insult the intellegience of the listner. Also the fact that his life was good material to work with didn't hurt at all. He's a fascinating character while on one hand he is a throw back to the old school evangelists like Billy Sunday who preached with exuberant energy and strength against the evils of such things as alcohol and secularism but on the other hand he hurdled christianity into the future in the way he worked with several different church denominations and revolutionized evangelism through mass media a feat that has never been equaled sense. Perhaps the most interesting thing about Billy Graham is how such an immedeatly plain spoken individual made such headway with the secular media and goverment heirarchy this is something Billy Graham himself admits belwilderment to on the back cover of the book. His popularity would explain somewhat his influence in government it's clear that politicians thought and rightfully so that his views represented those of a lot of Americans. However there is never really any explanation as to why or how for example he became the first minister to speak at the London School of Business he himself admitted that he wasn't the most intellectual of his peers. Perhaps it is as Billy Graham claims the power of the gospel.
   A couple of the things I admired were Billy Grahams honesty when it came to dealing with such things as money and women. I also personally liked the fact that he didn't try to pretend he was more pompous than he really was he's open about experiences that some ministers would no doubt be embarassed by such as going to movies with a lot of nudity at young age, being hit on by a girl in high school, and acting like a bumbling fool around presidents Truman and Eisenhower. As some people on here have alluded to already it does sort of seem like he was an absintee father. I was a bit disturbed by this as a Christian I think God calls married men to be husbands and fathers first and foremost. I have to admit though I think a lesser man wouldn't have disclosed such details as his young daughter not being able to recognize her mother.



5. This book was a "Masterpiece" of a book and I enjoyed every bit of it. I could clearly see that God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise for his glory. It will inspire and strenghten your faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5 comments about Life of St. Columba (Penguin Classics).

1. Running to 432 pages, including 10 pages of maps and geneological tables, an introduction (100 pages), the translated Life (134 pages), scholarly footnotes (144 pages), bibliography and index, this is almost two books in one, and good value for the modest price.
   
   I began reading this book reluctantly as part of the research for my Storyteller series, because Columba's life (521?-597) spans the period of my stories. I expected a dry, boring read: I was wrong. The introduction is interesting and well-written, with a large amount of helpful historical detail about the people and customs of this period, and the Life itself is lively and entertaining. Columba and his monastic family were important figures in 6th-8th century Scotland and Ireland, and anyone interested in this period should know their acts and history. If you fall in this category, buy this book now and read it: at only $12, you have no excuse. Highly recommended.



2. The Penguin Classic edition of Adomnan's Life of St. Columba must rate as the modern standard of the life of this early Celtic saint. A new translation by Richard Sharpe of Wadham College, Oxford has as its goal to make the work by Adomnan understood in English. A very readable historical introduction of about 100 pages sets the scene for Columba, for Adomnan and for the early monastery in Iona. Sharpe sifts through the many layers of stories that have grown up over the many centuries and notes what we have real evidence for and not. Adomnan's text itself is about 125 pages and then there is over 140 pages of detailed notes on the text, followed by an extensive bibliography and index. To take it all in one would have to be very familiar to early Irish history but of course this is the source for much of that history.
   
   Whether one has been to Iona or followed the lives of the Northern Celtic saints in England & Scotland this work puts these stories in a living context. Adomnan was the 9th abbot of the monastery on Iona after Columba and wrote about 100 years after the saint's death. There is almost a sense of being present at the time of his stories about Columba and the monks and noted people of his times. With all the claims to veracity and eye-witness the hundreds of miracles that are related make one stop to think that perhaps these people experienced the interconnectedness of all life in ways beyond our experience today. This is an amazing story about a small out of the way place and a larger than life person. It is about real events that have had more effect on western history than we can probably imagine. It is almost forgotten to many and this new work (1994) may help bring it into our contemporary appreciation for the roots that made us who we are today.



3. What truly amazes me, are the number of Christians who read this stuff, and come away saying, "Well, it wasn't really like this. He (the author) made some things up..." This is absurd. At least have the courage of your convictions. If you're looking for hard core, empirical research on the life of Columba, then you don't belong in the Hagiography section. However, if you are a devotee of Columba, whether as a monastic looking for guidance, or a spiritual seeker "in the world", then this Life of the Saint is a wonderful guide to the spiritual life. All conceivable things are covered: how to embrace one's spouse when they're just not lovable, how to raise children, how to do business, how to work, how to pray, and last but not least, how to get outside of your laughable self for a change. Those who are seeking a "factual" account of this Saint are in the wrong place entirely, since they can't seem to discern that the monster of Lochness might in fact, be a spiritual metaphor. They also can't seem to accept the fact that the hagiographer is telling the truth, as he knew it, is further a monk, and who, even further, knows full well that "tall tale telling" is a DEADLY SIN! Why people assume that hagiographers are waxing poetic is bad scholarship and bad logic. Instead, let's simply read his account and see what we discover: A truly good, compassionate and humble man who discovered the secret of Life: Jesus Christ. And why? Because life in Christ is just plain fun! It's fun to overcome evil Druids with prayer, and it's FUN to have the victory in Christ. It's FUN to go around feeding souls and touching hearts like only Columba can!
   
   Eu'nan, the author, certainly isn't going to give you any "good reasons" or theories as to why his kinsman left the island. He says quite simply, "...he chose to be a pilgrim for Christ." How many Christians today can really make that simple and profound claim? He's giving you the soul of the Saint and you're wondering if he's telling the "truth"? The sooner we all understand this, the sooner we can all go have lunch. I like lunch. Columba liked lunch too and often relaxed the fast to accomodate guests. Let's read this book over lunch and you can have your people fax my people and we'll discuss it. Spiritual food always tastes better with real food.



4. A sweeping tapestry of the life and times, historically evocative and informative, but little available on Adomnan.



5. Richard Sharpe's version of Adomnan's Life of St Columba consists of three, roughly equal, parts - an introduction, the book itself, and a series of scholarly notes. My advice would be to read the book itself first, then delve back into the introduction, which gives a helpful background to the political, religious and social climate of the time. The appeal of Celtic Christianity, I suppose, is that it arrives with us largely unsullied by the development of modern, industrial civilisation. Where other denominations have grown up with us, maybe aged with us to become cynical and confused, Celtic Christianity remains untouched, almost child like. It appears to be a religion that is close to nature and simple, appealing to our concerns for the environment, peace and justice. And its art is cool. Perhaps, though, it makes more sense to see life on Iona in the sixth century as just simpler, but also tougher and harsher. Columba says goodbye to his horse when he's dying (ah, he loved animals) but he also provided a poor man with a magic pointed stick to provide him with regular food. He's also politically astute and vengeful (well, via the wrath of God). So no hippy then. Adomnan's book is essentially a case for St Columba the saint, with miracles, prophecies and angels, but precious little of what the man really thought. Richard Sharpe's book allows this to come through clearly, and reminds us of how little we know for certain about these times. Maybe that's why today we are tempted to inspire them with the beliefs we need to give us comfort.

5 comments about The Costly Call: Modern-Day Stories of Muslims Who Found Jesus.

1. This is a great book of stories of former Muslims who now follow Jesus - and some who have not yet chosen to follow. Each chapter is a different story. This is a great challenge to pray and also an encouragement of how God is working. Great also to give as a gift - graduations, etc.



2. These accounts of MMBs turning to the one true living GOD should be shared with all!



3. This book is about 18 testimonies of muslims around the world that found Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This book was so intriguing I read it in less than 3 nights, I could barely put it down. It was very deep, not a light read at all, consequently I had to read it at night because I would get teary eyed or be so overwhelmed with the faith displayed in these pages it would blow me away.
   
   The book really encouraged me to live out my faith in Jesus even more stronger, because most of the people in this book faced death and/or family disownment and all for the Love of Jesus Christ. This encouraged me so much. I read it almost a month ago and still cannot stop thinking about how much of a sacrifice these ex-muslims made because of Jesus sacrifice for us. They figured, Jesus has done so much for me, by dying on the cross, and raising in 3 days, I might as well be willing to die for Jesus, since he was there to die for me.
   
   Very good book, in fact I just ordered the second costly call book because I was so impressed with this book. Truly, I tell you, I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is a tool that will enable the believer to strengthen their faith in Christ and get a glimpse of what muslims go through if they begin a relationship with Jesus. It's a costly call, but the eternal rewards are well worth the cost we face here on earth.



4. On the positive side, this book shows the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these courageous individuals. From all reports that I have seen, the author is giving us an accurate picture of the persecution and rejection suffered by Muslims who profess Christianity.
   
   On the other hand, the book has some very serious theological flaws. The first major flaw: That all Muslins and non-Christians are going to hell. The second: That the Creator God (the God worshiped by Christians and Jews) and Allah are not the same God.
   
   To quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 841: "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."
   
   Jesus Christ gives us our understanding of the last judgement (Matthew 25:31-46): In the end, all the nations will be gathered before Christ and the angels. The people will be divided into two groups: On his right, Christ will place those who fed the hungry, received the stranger, took care of the sick, etc. To these he will say, "Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you since the creation of the world." On his left will stand those who refused, and they will be sent to eternal punishment.
   
   This gathering of all peoples from all centuries will include many individuals who lived before the time of Christ, many who have never heard the Christian Gospel, and many who have never heard the Gospel presented in an acceptable way. Through no fault of their own, these people do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church. As Catholic Christians, we believe that this group includes many who have responded to God's love and his call in their lives.



5. This book, along with Costly Call Book 2, is a heart-wrenching view into the lives of modern-day saints for the Christain faith. These two books have opened my eyes and turned my heart toward believers in difficult situations, boldly and whole-heartedly defending Christ and His redemptive work to all of humanity. Whether you are a Christian or not, these stories will grip your heart, keep your attention, and will hopefully move you into action to fight for justice in our hurting world.

5 comments about The Eyes of the Heart: A Memoir of the Lost and Found.

1. Somewhere at the very bottom of your soul, if you are very patient and vulnerable and humble, the eyes of your heart can eventually see the actual substance of faith, friendship, and fate. Our longing to know ultimately, beyond the thin veneer of our time-bound realities, is the final quest of the soul, to express gratitude in the most profound sense. Frederick Buechner illuminates the essence of meaning with exquisite care.



2. I have been a fan of Mr. Buechner's for a long time and his writings have touched me very deeply. This book was read at a crucial time in my life when my mother was not well. It means more to me than I can say, now that mom is with the Lord in heaven. Mr. Buechner has always touched my heart, but the poignancy of his writing affected me deeply. Just wanted to drop my 5 stars in for this book, seeing how some reviewers didn't value it that much. To me, it is one of his best books. I treasure it.



3. As a fan of Frederick Buechner, I found this volume in our church library and secured it anticipating a summer weekend of ecstasy, reading this book on the back porch while sipping lemonade. I found it disappointing, as he focuses on his collection of Buechner family memoribilia. As hard as he tries to universalize it, making it accessible to all of us, for me, it just didn't work. And it reads like a review of one's summer family reunion. Sorry. Read his other stuff. It's great!



4. Sharing intimate details of his childhood and adult memories--in a kaleidoscope of chronology which requires flexibility on the part of the reader--Buechner offers a gentle autobiographical
   patchwork of his life. He invites us graciously into the most
   hallowed rooms of his heart, describing precious objects whose
   existence and display coalesce into his own personal magic kingdom. We are treated as his honored guests, allowed free access into the privacy of sacred spaces: his home, his family archives and his fluid imagination. He reveals the dreams and feelings, labors and heartache of various family members going several generations back. Not because they were noteworthy in the eyes of the world; instead because he painstakingly acquired the knowledge, and now is willing to share their human
   experiences with his unknown readers--experiences which just might echo our own.

   Mainly the author presents conversations with those dear ones who have gone on before. He, like us, seeks to know what really Happens after death. Endowing his characters with post-terrestrial information and wisdom, he seeks to calm his fear of the great unknown (and ours) by spiritual rationalization as viewed through "the eyes of the heart"--a quotation from Ephesians. We learn much about his family of course, but also about literature and his favorite authors, such as Trollope. Striving to comfort himself and his readers about those who have been Lost, he assures us that they have also been Found in afterlife by a benficient Divinity--a message which offers desperately-needed peace and hope for those who grieve. This plotless book consists of variations on one theme, so it can not be classified as a novel, yet it remains much more than mere autobiography. I recommend this book for introspective readers who seek meaning in this world, especially after suffering the loss of dear ones. Take hope--take heart--as Buechner strives to assuage our pain and our fears about the post-human condition.




5. A wonderful, beautifully written memoir of loved ones Buechner remembers and love ones for whom he wishes he remembered more. Basis of books and objects from his library is one part of the charm. The other, however, can not be described without dispelling part of the enchantment of the first chapter.

5 comments about Turtle Feet.

1. A very funny and delightful story by a young man (a westerner) who becomes a Buddhist monk in Dharamsala, India. Dharamsala is often referred to as "Little Lhasa" because, in addition to the local Indian population, it is a center for Tibetan refugees and the home of the 14th Dalai Lama. It is also a hangout for a colorful mix of spiritual seekers, burned-out hippies, drug users, and exotic adventures. The author details his own humerous adventures in Dharamsala as he befriends the locals, studies Buddhist philosophy, and struggles with his monastic vows. The many hilarious encounters he has with various characters in the town were the real highlights for me. Having been to Dharamsala many times myself, I can tell you that these types of crazy characters are all there, and the stories are all too true. This is a really enjoyable read!



2. This book is the closest thing to English "ter" (spiritual treasure) I've come across. Grozni transfers the Buddhist understanding of emptiness magically through his brilliant use of prose. Tsar, the indulger is the symbolic embodiment of Guru Rinpoche. While in sexual union with his consort his monastic and lay vajra brothers attain insight into unborn wisdom along with the reader. Nikolai surprised me, this is the best book I've ever read...in English.
   Sarva Mangalam



3. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R267LYJ1OP3CA9



4. For anybody who would like to read a book about Tibetan Buddhist spirituality - this is not about this topic. Unlike most Westerns the author does not join Buddhism in search of mystical experience but enters the path at its most repressed, intellectual and dogmatic - as a Buddhist monk specializing in philosophical debate. Surprisingly, at the same time he is full of rebellion and describes his Buddhist teachers and fellow monks and nuns as incredibly stupid, uncompassionate, sex-crazed and even abusive. The majority of this book deals with the author's friends which are a drug-taking, prostitute-visiting, violent and foul-mouthed bunch who have no interest in Buddhism whatsoever. All in all the author comes across as well-intentioned but incredibly immature.



5. I can't say enough good things about this wonderful, exciting book. It has everything in it: vivid descriptions of horrid conditions, cuddly rats, snakes named Mona Lisa, very insightful passages about Buddhist teaching presented in a non-dogmatic way, linguistic trivia and examples, and of course extremely vibrant human characters. You might think that if Tsar, the Bosnia ex-monk who is constantly playing chess, fighting, making love and planning to escape India, is the central character, and he is, that the author couldn't paint others in as realistic a light. And yet he does. Vinnie, the crazy 70-year-old German who pisses on the floor of the kitchen and whose feet are oderiferous in the extreme, comes across in full living technicolor. But surprisingly, the author paints himself as a real human in no-less detail, which was really really neat. I almost feel as if I know him. I certain feel as if he and I share the same common human traits of desire for englightenment, and everything baser. But it is more than that. The book's details and word painting are just staggering. Excellent job! I wish I could read Bulgarian in order to enjoy your other books. You (Mr. Grozni) are one superb author!!!!

5 comments about The Irrational Season (The Crosswicks Journal, Book 3).

1. I've enjoyed many of Madeleine L'engle's books, this among the best. I was a bit surprised that I liked this one, since L'Engle turns the old rule about autobiographies -- bag limit of one -- on its head, writing yet again about her "non-eventful" life: kindness, love of animals, imagination and scientific curiosity, honest, hard-thought Christian humanism.
   
   Other reviewers have mentioned other things they liked about the book; let me say something about the poems. The first almost scared me off: poems are sometimes a good writer's self-indulgence. (I skip most the poems in Tolkien.) But here they are jewels in the crown. Her poem of the wind and the star (p. 165-6) is magnificent. Unsentimental but hopeful, too, the gritty realism (reminiscent of the biblical Christmas narratives) of the communion poem that begins:
   
   "Come, let us gather round the table.
   Light the candles. Steward, pour the wine.
   It's dark outside. The streets are noisy
   with the scurrying of rats, with shoddy
   tarts, shills, thugs, harsh shouting."
   
   This is a diary of a different sort. I read it in the evening, a few pages at a time, a few moments conversation with a kind Christian lady of intellectual integrity to end the day.



2. This is classic L'Engle, full of thoughtful observations and solid spiritual food. It's a good book for meditation and healing. And always L'Engle poses questions that give one pause.



3. I started this book on Christmas Eve...and who knew that this is almost precisely where L'Engle starts the book off at! It was a joyous, challenging, beautiful and often unnerving book that made me flip page-after-page in wonder and awe at the author's very wise words.
   
   Sure, L'Engle sounds a bit like a Christian universalist in some of these pages, but they come from the heart and like all of our hearts, not every thought is theologically right on. So I can easily forgive her for this.For those people getting married, or thinking of getting married, or about to get married within the next 6 months, I'd recommend reading the first 60 pages of this book at least as it will fill you with wisdom, guidance and many wonderful descriptions of what true, ever-lasting love looks like.
   
   Out of "A Circle of Quiet," "The Summer of the Great-Grandmother" and "The Irrational Season," this book comes in a close second out of the three. It's tender, warm, and just what I needed after the holiday season.



4. To gain a sense of the various stages of L'Engle's life, read the Crosswicks Journals in order of publication. In The Irrational Season, Book 3, L'Engle does not give any easy spiritual answers, yet somehow a sense of comfort prevails throughout the pages. Never preachy, this is a book to savor again and again. We share L'Engle's struggle as she grapples with age-old questions. One is awed by the grace with which this woman deals with conflict, both internal and external, even as she is sharing her deepest doubts. As we read, we become a part of L'Engle's spiritual quest and we make it our own.



5. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to reconcile their belief in God with their intellect. Lyrical and moving (I cried several times), The Irrational Season can be read on its own, or as part of the four-book series.

5 comments about Listening For God: A Ministers Journey Through Silence And Doubt.

1. I appreciated that the author takes head on the issue of spiritual wilderness or dryness, and her experience of it. It is thought-fully and richly written, with much to offer anyone in ministry.



2. After reading this book I see Renita J Weems as an intellectual, with an intellectual's ego, trying to reason her way back to God. While Ms. Weems has apparently left her faith to follow "godesses" she has trouble understanding why this has left her faith hollow. Christ told us if we were to follow Him, to understand Him, we were to do it as little children. If Ms Weems could get over her anxiety and aggression towards men, perhaps she could listen to what her husband has to say as a Baptist minister. God tells us in the Old Testament that one of the 7 things He hates is pride...snooty, condescending pride,...Sister, I say this in Love, you might try a little humility in your search for God. I would recommend she read Joyce Meyer's "Battlefield of the Mind"



3. This is the book if you are waiting on a word from God. This is a powerful book. Dr. Weems has done it, yet again. This book makes a wonderful gift for Christian women. God Bless You, Dr. Weems.



4. As a writer and one who has an ongoing inner dialogue (often chaotic debate), this book arrived in my hands like an angel to the dying. For a number of years I've been 'on hold' regarding taking action on a number of projects, believing myself to be an imposter when I have so many questions and so much doubt. Ms Weems, in her honest sharing, has offered me a new perspective. With humor, teeth gritting honesty, and a trusting soul, Renita Weems shares her struggle and doubt, offering in the end a gift of love and wisdom. What a wonderful gift to those of us stumbling along the path. Thank you.



5. A brilliantly written book with humor which kept me glued to the pages. I could not put it down. It was just so uplifting to hear that others are experiencing the same "lost feelings" I have felt. To have those feelings validated has made a profound difference in my understanding of our wonderful God and this journey we are on.