5 comments about Jews Who Rock.

1. finally found a great B'nai mitzvah book that all kids like. This little book is really packed with info on famous musicians who happen to be Jewish. Our whole family enjoyed it!



2. Thanks to Maroon 5's Adam Levine and superstars Evan & Jaron...isn't about time this book gets updated? HAPPY HANUKKAH!



3. After having received this book as a gift, one wonders how much griping is allowable. Nonetheless, after having skimmed through the book and after having read the entry on Bob Dylan, it gave me good pause. Since there were multiple errors on Dylan's one page, it naturally made me ask the question, "How many other errors might abound?" I am not proposing that the book should be error-free (no book is), but after having read some of the reviews, it's clear that someone should take the responsibility (Guy Oseary? or maybe his editor or researcher? or maybe the publisher?) for the many errors that fill its pages.

   I'll simply point out the errors on the Dylan page. The singer did not graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1959 (nor any other university). He graduated from his high school, Hibbing High, in 1959, and then merely attended the Univ. of Minn. for a few semesters. And Dylan's second album, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" didn't come out in 1962 (it was 1963). Additionally, to say Dylan's songs "extolled the use of certain drugs" and to use "Rainy Day Women #12&35" as an example ("everybody must get stoned"), oversimplifies things; the lyrics to this song are actually quite rich (despite them being made almost cliche because of radio overplay and overplay in concert) but Dylan has denied--on more than one occasion--writing "drug songs." In one interview he mentioned it was hard enough to write songs without making it harder [through drugs].

   After referencing the 1966 era, we're then told that Dylan "toured and recorded tirelessly" for the next 30 years. Really? Most fans will vividly recall when Dylan did not embark on a single tour from 1967-1973; he also abstained from touring in 1977, 1982-1983 and 1985.

   And the "Never-Ending Tour" is listed as "1988-1996" which is odd. Dylan's touring didn't stop in 1996 (this book was published in 2001), it has continued to this day, i.e., "1988-2002."

   As for the book's statement that "Bob took his adopted name from poet Dylan Thomas," this too isn't factual. Dylan has denied this on a number of occasions and others close to Dylan have corroborated his denial although the exact origins of the name are not entirely clear (typical Dylan).

   We are also informed that Dylan was involved with the Lubavitch movement in Jerusalem in 1984. But this is the wrong location, and year. He studied with the Lubavitchers in Brooklyn in 1983.

   And then there's the matter-of-fact statement that Dylan "explored various religions outside of Judaism, to which he ultimately returned." In 1979-1981, Dylan did more than "explore" Jesus (and he still sings about Jesus, for whatever reason, to this day). He also has never announced his departure from or return to Judaism. In typical contrarion fashion, Dylan quoted a biblical passage from the Hebrew Scriptures on his 1980 album, "Saved." And then in 1984, the year after he studied with the Lubavitchers, Dylan was asked if he thought the Old and New Testaments were equally valid. He replied, "To me." (Rolling Stone interview with Kurt Loder). Dylan has participated in the Lubavitchers' Chabad telethons (1986, 1989 & 1991) but has also continued to sing songs from the "Slow Train/Saved."

   Even with all the religion hububb aside, it seems that for all I've pointed out it could've been a case of my having scoured through a full-length book...but it was, again, only a one-page entry on Dylan! And there were many errors, so buyer beware.

   Maybe one day we'll have an updated, mostly corrected edition and some quotes from the artists on the significance of their rich cultural heritage.




4. I have not read the book. I leafed through it in a book store. What can I add that others haven't already said. The one page bios are superficial and there are many mistakes and omissions.

   I response to the reviewer who said that Iggy is Jewish. Well he isn't. I read his autobiography about 12 years ago. I think he said his father was an orphan who had been adopted by a non-practicing Jewish family. But he wasn't brought up Jewish. Iggy isn't Jewish by decent, upbringing or in any other way except in name (James Newell OSTERBERG) You can hear various anti-Semitic remarks in live and `unofficial' recordings of the Stooges.




5. This book has short profiles of Jews in rock n roll. One reviewer accurately set forth many serious omissions including two great Jays, Jay Segal of the Tokens and Jay Black of Jay and the Americans. I also noticed that the great producer for Atlantic Records, Jerry Wexler was not listed. This book includes very short profiles with little substance. Therefore, this book is not much more than a list.

   I found a profile of Carny Wilson interesting in which the author stated she is Jewish on her father's side. Really? Since when is Brian Wilson of the Beachboys Jewish?? Also, people who have some Jewish blood from their father's side but never lived as Jews are included so, the definition of a Jew is stretched. The book was a good idea but, it just doesn't cut it.

1 comments about The Complete Book of Christian Heroes.

1. This wonderfully fascinating book contains over 200 stories of people who lived for Jesus, suffered for Jesus, and in some cases even died for Jesus. Christian heroes from many different times and places and sects are covered here, everyone from Stephen (the first recorded martyr for the Faith), through Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa, including such lesser known lights as the 26 martyrs of 16th century Japan, the Moravian Indians of Ohio, and Johann and Susanna Kroeker.
   
   Overall, I found this to be a fascinating and informative book, and a very uplifting one as well. If you want to read about Heroes of the Church - believers from all times and places, then this is the book for you. I give it my highest recommendations!

5 comments about Angel Unaware.

1. I first read this book shortly after I learned to read, at my grandparents house. The book was hardcover with a pink cover page.
   
   Every time I went to my grandparents I would reread the book.
   
   This book will bring tears to your eyes, and it shows that you are truly not alone.
   
   Karen



2. I received this book for my 10th birthday from my parents, many years ago. At the time, I was very impressionable and this book made a significant impact on my life. I learned then that what we as fallible humans consider to be "imperfect" according to our standards of ignorance and bias is usually the most precious of all things to God.

   Now, I have a two-year-old son with Down Syndrome and I can relate in so many ways to this book. As I look back over my life and various correlating events that have taken place, I see that God was preparing me to be the mother of a special needs child all along. And it all started with this one little book.




3. I doubt even Dale Evans knew how much this little book would touch lives. It was published in 1953 and my 6th grade teacher read the book to all of us in her class years later. Of course, we were all Dale and Roy's fans so we could not wait until the next day when she read another chapter. It is one book that I have read over and over again. It is amazing how Dale got Robin's message which was told from her point of view. If you want to read a book that is life touching, then read "Angel Unaware". The Bible verse from Hebrews is still my favorite verse.



4. A brief story of a child with Downs Syndrome, born to Dale Evans & Roy Rogers, this story reaffirms the obvious...God makes no mistakes, & uses all things to draw us closer to Him.



5. I bought this as a present for my wife and it moved both of us to tears. Wonderful.

No comments about Vatican II: Forty Personal Stories (Three New Books for Easter and Beyond).

4 comments about Hearts of Fire: Eight Women in the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith.

1. I bought this book several years ago. Very few books that I have read have stayed with me like this book. I have read it 3 times. I find that the stories of the women in this book not only show their struggles and victories in Jesus but they continue to inspire me to step out of my comfort zone. I love this book.



2. Eight women in the underground Church have shared their stories of what their faith in God has cost them and their loved ones. They are each from different countries, and their individual ways of drawing persecution, and their sufferings are distinct. They are alike in that they each refused to deny the Lord Who saved them.
   
   I don't agree with all the women in the book. One of the chapters was on Sabina Wurmbrand. I appreciate her suffering and stedfastness in the Lord, but some of the comments, as well as some things I've read on her husband, Richard Wurmbrand who has suffered so much for Christ's sake, seem to be contrary to Scripture. Maybe I am mistaken, or maybe they are less than orthodox, but I can still glorify God in their testimony for Him.
   
   Ling was another woman who was tortured for Christ. She was a leader and preacher in the underground church in China. I believe that the Bible teaches against women preaching in mixed company, but I admire her conviction. I also realize that sometimes men are not available or willing to do things, and women are. Ling was willing, and she suffered much for Christ's sake.
   
   The other six women had one thing in common with each other and the previously listed two: they were all Christians. One woman suffered incredible physical and emotional pain after refusing to convert to Islam. One father tried to kill his daughter who became a believer in Christ from Islam after searching for the truth. Another woman lost her husband and two sons to those who resented the message of Christ.
   
   One thing I really appreciated about this book is that these are women of today. They are not women to inspire me from history, although they will be that for others. They are women who are living now, existing on this planet in my lifetime. These are the sufferings of today. I have not been chosen to suffer as they have, but whether my time comes or not, these women inspire me to cling to Christ, and remain faithful to Him whatever the cost. Due to the explanations of the extreme costliness of their faith, I would only recommend this book to adults.



3. Touching and heart-tugging. Certainly an emotional pull. But I must say, I greatly prefer another book of the genre, "Daughters of Hope: Stories of Witness and Courage." It not only covers women from far more countries, but it goes beyond the emotional pull. It gives clear prayer and activity responses, country by country, giving guidance as to what we can do. I don't want to know unless I also know how to respond.



4. This was a truly inspirational book. These women of faith show true courage in their convictions and their walk with Christ. Each story is compelling and moves you to challenge your own faith!

5 comments about Memories of God: Theological Reflections on a Life.

1. The book Memories of God, written by Roberta C. Bondi, is about a female professor who wrote a memoir to fully understand her own thoughts about her life and her faith. She faced many challenges of being a female in a male dominated home life, school life and work life. This memoir examines her relationships that she has and helps her to gain a better understanding of her relationship with God.
   
   This memoir is a great book to read to get a better understanding of how culture shapes are lives and our beliefs. Bondi referenced the early monastic father's articles which helped her see a different side of God that her own images she learned from her controlling father. Anyone who reads this book can grasp new images of God as our Father. This book has been helpful for my particular ministerial context in that it reminds me that not all people have the same view of God. I particularly have a great relationship with my father but can use this book to reference other relationships in view of my perception of God.



2. In Memories of God Theological Reflections on a Life, Roberta Bondi shares her life story relating her search for a relationship with God that was true to her life experience. Growing up with a harsh father, fire and brimstone southern Baptist preaching, and a male dominated culture, Bondi struggles to reconcile all the parts of who she is - being a female with an intellect, being up-happy and unable to truly please anyone, with what she perceives as people's and God's expectations of her. Through intense and painful prayer and reflection, and encountering a view of a loving and forgiving God through experiences of beauty, adult unconditional love, and in the writings of the early church, Bondi comes to see herself as beloved by God in who she is.
   
   Storytelling, questioning, and prayerful reflection are highlighted in Bondi's book as the means to truly understand self and our relationship with God. Without these processes our relationship remains at best, an intellectual impersonal assent. Opening ourselves through probing our deepest fears, feelings and beliefs brings the joy of self knowledge and of our belovedness before God.



3. I would recommend Ms. Bondi's book, Memories of God, to anyone who has struggled with disconnections between their experiences and the accepted wisdom of society and traditional Christianity's view of God. This book will be especially meaningful to women who grew up in the 1950's and 60's, when women's dependence on men was no longer biological, i.e. due to physical strength or the need for a strong defender of the home, but was necessary for societal order. During this time in American society, it was the "natural" order of society to redirect women's gifts to the home, lady's social clubs and volunteer work. Underlying this societal necessity of the authority of men were culturally supportive messages not only from society, but also from churches in the way God was portrayed. Ms. Bondi heard these societal messages and tried to live them but never was at ease with them. This book investigates how one can take off society's and traditional Christianity's "lens" of what it means to be a woman in the late 20th century and find a healthy way to connect women's experiences and belief in God.
   
   Ms. Bondi explores sin, prayer, God as Father, the cross, sacrifice, and salvation and creates a paradigm shift in her faith life through theological reflection, by connecting her experiences with great Christine doctrines. Her courage in writing this memoir is evident considering her career as a professor in areas connected to religious thought. I am thankful for her courage and for what her book offers to all who have faced similar issues and have searched for healing.



4. Assigned to me to be read as before a spirituality seminar, I really enjoyed looking at the theological reflections of this past generation through the eyes of a theologian who is a woman. I was able to relate so much of what she said to experiences I have had with other women who have had a great influence on my own growth of thinking about God in these years.



5. I tried to like this book but I just couldn't get past the number of accounts Bondi gave to her horrid upbringing. I realize this wasn't her intent but just when I thought she'd celebrate her success in working through her own theological beliefs- Boom! Back she went to retell the sources for her misguided theology from youth.
   
   It is truly remarkable that she had the will to seek answers; I was just hoping she'd give more attention to the life she now leads.

5 comments about Trapped in Hitler's Hell.

1. When I first read "Trapped in Hitler's Hell," it was called "Angels In the Camp." From the miraculous acts that God preformed for this faith filled German-Jewish girl, there certainly were angels watching over Anita Dittman. For example, while in the hospital the Nazi nurse who attended Anita refused to provide her with food. Knowing Anita was Jewsih, the nurse was trying to starve her to death. A Chritian friend in the next bed shared half of the one potato she received for food each day with Anita. They hid under the covers and ate their potato. The nurse was certainly surprised when not only did Anita not die, but actually gained weight and was soon well enough to go back to work. The book is filled with faith building stories such as this one.
   
   Recently I had the priviledge of hearing Anita speak. Her book had really spsoken to my heart. I remebered many of the stories of her experiences during WWII and quoted them every so often. What an inspring lady she is. She concluded her testimony with a saying I shall always remember. Anita told us, "Safety isn't found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God."
   
   As one reviewer summed it up, there are important lessons we need to learn from Anita's exxperiences. She said, "Just as many of the churches of Nazi Germany fell quickly to the seductive message of the Third Reich, so many of our churches today are falling quickly for the seductions of the Emergent Church's apostate theology and the allure of occult eastern mysticism though so-called "Christian" comtemplative spirituality." Before it's to late, we need to get our lives right with the Savior. We need to let Him show us any sin and pray that He would lead us out of any erroneous doctrine and into His truth.



2. This is an excellent book told from the first-hand account of a holocaust survivor. The account is very well written and edited and you won't be able to put it down.
   
   How Anita Dittman survived is simply a miracle and one can see God's hand in sustaining her existence and planning the extraordinary sequence of events that delivered her from her Nazi captors. God's love for the Jewish people and allowing her to survive to tell her story is a witness for all of us that Jewish people have a remarkable future desiny to play in the prophetic timeline leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.
   
   I have heard Anita Dittman and Jan Markell present this story in lecture format. Talk about having a lump in your throat for an hour.
   
   The sad part of this story is that Anti-Semitism since World Warr II has not really gone away. It's always there and there are disturbing signs all around the world that it could return even worse than the holocaust. We now have world leaders such as Iranian President Ahmadinejad and Palestian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas openly deny the Holocaust and the world's media and United Nations don't call them on the carpet for it.
   
   The Book of Zechariah Chapters 12-14, Jeremiah Ch. 30:7, Revelaton Ch. 12 and many other biblical texts indicate that Israel will go through even worse trial and tribulation immediately preceding the return of Jesus Christ. If those times are worse than what Anita Dittman and her mother experienced, the world truly needs Jesus Christ to return to save the Jewish people from complete annihilation.



3. Anita Dittman's story is a vivid testimony to the sovereignty and faithfulness of Christ in the life of a little German-Jewish girl who finds in her Savior both courage and strength to meet each day in the midst of painful persecution and the terror of war. As Anita grows up, abandoned by her father and rejected by her non-Jewish teachers and schoolmates, her spirit grows more lovely with each passing year as she learns that Jesus will never leave her nor forsake her.
   
   This story is not gloomy or depressing in any way. It is full of faith, hope, and glorious glimpses of the power and the love of God. I could hardly put it down.
   
   There is a compelling immediacy to Miss Dittman's story. I felt almost as if I knew her. My faith in the Lord has been challenged and renewed as I've followed her through her trials and triumphs in the pages of this book.
   
   There is a warning here also, with a striking parallel to the present. Just as many of the churches in Nazi Germany fell quickly to the seductive message of the Third Reich, so many of our churches of today are falling quickly for the seductions of the Emergent Church's apostate theology and the allure of occult eastern mysticism through so-called "christian" contemplative spirituality.
   
   As many have described Hitler as a "type" of Anti-christ, so the apostate German church may be said to pre-figure the apostate worldwide "christian" church which the Bible warns will arise in the last days. Is that what we are seeing unfold?
   
   If you want to be uplifted, forewarned, and encouraged during these "perilous times," read Trapped In Hitler's Hell.
   
   [I'd like to thank Miss Dittman for writing this book. I will never be quite the same. :)]



4. Trapped In Hitler's Hell by Anita Dittman is the epic and personal recollection of the hardships and difficult times during the second world war in Nazi Germany. Dittman righteously describes the anguish she suffered throughout her captivity and solitude. Trapped In Hitler's Hell is an inspirational tale of one young woman's only certainty being that the God above her would protect her, and is highly recommended for all Christian and Judaic practitioners and students, as well as students of history during World War II, as this book is as informative as it is encouraging.



5. This book shows the what it was like to be in Germany at the time of the Nazi occupation. I have met Anita Dittman and she is an incredible lady with an incredible story.

3 comments about My Eyes, His Heart: Encounters of a Medical Missionary.

1. This a awesome read. Well worth the price. Great for anyone thinking about short-term missions.



2. Dr Kuhn, in the Preface says that "Years ago I was challendged to ask God to break my heart with the things that break His heart." Few of us will have the courage or will to live such a self sacrificing journey in life. "My Eyes, His Heart" gives those of us who only dream of the journey a chance to feel a little bit of what Dr. Kuhn has lived for the last 30 years. It is a wonderful treat. Thank you Dr. Ted Kuhn.

   Heartwarming, heartbreaking, but above all eye opening.




3. This book contains twenty-three short (usually 2-3 page long) glimpses from the travels and work of Dr. Kuhn as a medical missionary to various locations in South America, Africa, and Asia. Each one gives a vivid sense of the place, the immediate physical suffering of the people, and the eternal spiritual joy they can (and in some cases do) have in that suffering.

   For me, this book is not so much about the work of missions, though it is about that, as it is about seeing the spiritual reality alongside what we perceive with our physical senses. This book is sad as it talks about the suffering of many real people. This book may move you to compassion for those around the world who suffer physically and spiritually without hope. But, whether or not you become a missionary to the far reaches of the world, I hope this book gives you a sense of the immediate and eternal together in everyone you encounter.

   The book is a very quick read and is well written. Since it is organized in a series of short chapters, it is easy to pick up and put down. This book will be of particular interest to those involved or interested in mercy ministries and missions.

3 comments about The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor.

1. This book was powerful. It was well-written and captured the pioneering spirit of Hudson Taylor. I also appreciated how this autobiography captured firsthand the impressions that Dr. Taylor made on others. This book was truly inspiring - especially the sections where it chronicles Taylor's inner struggles of finding his joy and sufficiency in Christ, the many instances when God answered his prayers during times of his greatest need, and his devotion to his family.



2. I read this book and found it inspiring and helpful. I particularly found the secret that Hudson Taylor speaks of relevant to transforming and deepening immensely my own walk with God. Not only I, but years ago my father's life was dramatically changed as he was inspired to have faith in the God who took care of Hudson Taylor as a missionary in China. After reading this book my father was able to put confidence in the Lord to take care of him as he stepped out into full time Christian service. (Hudson Taylor relied on God to provide for all of his needs and would not tell others what his financial needs were. God was faithful to meet all of Taylor's needs as well as the missionary society he founded. But there is far more in this book than that).

   If you are looking for a deeper, intimate walk with God then read this book. Or if you struggle with living faithfully, joyfully and consistently for the Lord then read this book. The spiritual transformation that occured to Hudson Taylor took place after years of service on the mission field. Many Christians, like Hudson Taylor did, will benefit to find the secret of that transformation. I did.




3. A book for missionaries, which indeed we all are for Christ. This is a thrilling true story of one man's relationship to our Lord and what his life becomes in service to Him. All those who have dedicated their lives to Christ can learn a lot about living out the faith and what God can do when you put your entire being into His loving hands. What this man, Hudson Taylor, does in China, we have assurance that God also wants to do in our lives even right where we are. A blessing for the indivual reader, and subsequently for those around, affected by the ministry inspired.

5 comments about No Saints, No Saviors: My Years With The Allman Brothers Band.

1. I am a HUGH Allman Brothers fan. Followed them since the late 60s! While the book did provide some insight, I felt it was woefully short and seemed to me to leave out much of the "meat" out that I expected. For diehard fan, I guess it's intersting. Would I spend my money again...no!



2. Willie Perkins was road manager for the Allman Brothers Band from their scruffling days in 1970 through the peak of their popularity. He continued in varying capacities until the end of the 1980's when the band changed management companies. For the biggest part of a year he was Duane Allman's roommate on the road, so if anyone knows where the bodies are buried, he does. While he supplies a solid and conherent narrative, he rarely goes into any detail and leaves the reader wanting more. This is particularly true when it comes to Dickey Betts more mercurial tendencies and the twisted financial dealings of the band with Capricorn Records. Yet the strenth of the narrative itself provides a framework on which to place and evaluate other (sometimes mythological) stories. As a writer his style is flat, rarely showing the passion he had to have to work with this organization for so long.
   
   However, I feel like I come away knowing the characters better, and the details of the infamous Grove Hill bust are worth the price of admission. I recommend the book. In combination with Randy Poe's Skydog, and Jan Reid's recent book about the Layla sessions, and Chuck Leavell's wonderful Between a Rock and A Home Place, the reader can get a fair presentation of the band's story.



3. I thought the book was well written and told the truth. Being a fan of the ABB for over 30 yrs I found out much that I did not know! This book, in my opinion, should be read by all ABB fans! I enjoyed the book!



4. As the book itself says, this isn't a comprehensive study of the ABB. What it is is a nice series of cronological essays about Willie's time with and around the ABB. It is a quick but satifying read and a must for any fan of the ABB or music of the late 60s and 70s. It is a nice view into those lived it.



5. As noted in the acknowledgments, this is just a personal memoir and not a full-blown history of the Allman Brothers Band--so anyone who says "he's an awful writer" had better get their eyes checked. Perkins lays out his thoughts and stories in a very simple but plain fashion--in some spots, it's more a collection of essays. (He's honest about it, and not every autobiography is meant to be in-depth with insightful deep meditations of actions and deeds.)
   
   Yes, as noted elsewhere, he's fiercely loyal to the band, but the deceased members were close friends--so what else would be expected? And no, the ABB and associates were not known for their social graces either.
   
   What Perkins does well is to give a glimpse into the financial and management whirlpool that can be found in the music industry. Any wanna-be managers or agents would be well off reading this if only to learn more about the reasons why it's sometimes insane to say "I'm with the band" and expect nothing but fast and exciting living without paying the price.