The Bones Will Speak - A Review

The Bones Will Speak

by

Carrie Stuart Parks

A Review

Gwen Marcey could have any number of titles on her business card:

Talented Painter

Successful Forensic Artist

Wanna Be Criminal Profiler

Amatuer Consulting Detective

Rookie Sleuth

But unless she, her best friend Beth Noble, and Sheriff Dave Moore can catch the “sociopath”, “slimebag”, “scumbag”, “tweeker”, “meth-maggot” ... “perpetrator” who was trying to destroy her life, she would not need a business card tomorrow or at all.

It started with the dog finding a skull.  That was followed by the almost dead body of Mattie and the other bodies found on the rural Montana county’s farms. The crimes had roots in Waco, Idaho, Seattle, and Portland.  And the first hard piece of evidence pointed to a possibly guilty sheriff. It was going to be a long week.

Given the author and her husband’s backgrounds, it makes sense that the plot reads more like Criminal Minds than the lighter Bones.  With a hint of faith, the book has value as it pictures the need for forgiveness - in a variety of circumstances. Given the author’s background as a practicing forensic artist, the story seemed somewhat credible - even given that it is fiction. I particularly enjoyed the author’s use of color throughout the book.

Though there were times I found it hard to pick up the book, the last six or seven chapters were difficult to put down this sophomore look at Gwen Marcey’s life after I prepared for bed - I had to get it finished; and it was well worth it. I have ordered the first book in the series (at my own expense) - this second book was that good.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

NIV Dad's Devotional Bible - A Review

NIV Dad's

Devotional Bible

notes by

Robert Wolgemuth

For the young father looking for devotional material to support his new connections with the youngest members of his family, this book may fill the bill.  Including 260 devotional readings, 7 relationship building essays, access to simple and short answers to "Questions Kids Ask", and a look at "fatherly" perspective on each book of the Bible.  Together these features and the included NIV translation.

I might consider giving this well-done edition a five-star review except for two minor (read MINOR) concerns:

1. With only 260 devotionals, there are only enough to cover the weekdays of a common year.  Parents are parents 365 days of the year - why omit daily readings for the weekends?
2. The "Questions Kids Ask" needs to be accompanied with brief "For additional information see ...", providing access to web sites or books that may supplement either the parent's or the child's quest for further information.

Sadly, my copy of this book arrived too late for me to post a pre-Father's Day review, but the book would be (perhaps next year) a wonderful Father's Day gift for a young father, preparing him for a lifetime of standing alongside his children as they grow into men or women themselves.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Bridges Burned - A Review

Bridges Burned

by

Annette Dashofy

A Review

Book #3 in the Zoe Chambers mystery series comes out a winner.  Zoe, a county EMT and the towns’ Deputy Coroner, must decide who to trust and who to distrust.  She also must decide who to love and who to walk away from.  Neither would be easy choices.

I woke up late last night, could not go back to sleep, and chose to relax by finishing the last 15% of the book.  The climax, included in that 15%, was as intense and satisfying as they come.  

The usual characters are present: Zoe Chambers, Pete Adams (the police chief), Mr. and Mrs. Kroll (Zoe’s landlords), Sylvia (Chief Adams’ former Administrative Assistant), and Nancy (Sylvia’s replacement).  Other characters round out the ensemble that create add to this well-written story.  The southwest Pennsylvania home, both for the author and the book, provide a wonderful setting for this story.  The rural/suburban area near Pittsburgh provide a beautiful and believable setting for the story.  

Though the story does reach a milestone of sorts, it is this reviewer’s hope that the stories are not ending.  Monongahela County has more stories to tell - and it is my hope that Annette Dashofy is able to tell them.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

How To Read The Bible Like A Seminary Professor - A Review

How To Read The Bible

Like A Seminary Professor

by

Mark Yarbrough

A Review

It was during the first day of High School Algebra class that I was introduced to the spiraling didactic method.  The idea is that the same material is repeated multiple times during the term (a year of High School Algebra), but each iteration builds on the material presented in the earlier iteration.  Until stumbling upon the current book, I had not seen this approach applied to any other discipline.  Mark Yarbrough has applied it well to study, understanding, and delivery of scripture.

The chapter titles are useless, except to make the reader curious.  On the other hand, the first chapter starts where one might expect - at the beginning. The author does this by pointing out that there are three basic steps needed to study the scripture:

1. Know It

2. Work It

3. Live It

With that beginning, the author begins in chapter two discussing the basic structure of the English Bible.  The Old Testament is divided into five sections, beginning with "the Torah" and ending with the "Minor Prophets."  The New Testament is presented as four sections, beginning with the Gospels and ending with Revelation.  Though, even this basic review is designed for the believer unfamiliar with the Scriptures, it is presented in such a manner that it serves as a helpful review for the lifelong follower of Jesus.

The next iteration of the book steps back and take a close look at each of the sections identified above.  Beginning, again, with the Old Testament (one chapter) and then the New Testament (a second chapter), the author walks through the entire Biblical history using wide brush for each of the nine sections identified in the second chapter.  Jesus is clearly presented as the Messiah, the answer to the hopes and needs of the Jewish nation as well as that of the whole world.  

Chapter six is a summary of six (coincidence?) doctrinal statements that have defined most of the church for 2000+ years.  They are not as detailed one might expect from a denominational statement of faith or from a seminary - but they are specific enough that most (all?) Christians could not find fault with them.  The author approaches each statement from three perspectives: a brief description of the doctrinal position, a short (not all-inclusive) scripture summary supporting the statement, and a short discussion on the ramifications of the position for the Christian - both in terms of theology and in terms of living the Christian life.  

The next ten or so chapters present the procedures for "working the text,"  in other words, how to do Bible Study.  The material may be too detailed for the new believer, but too general for the established Christian.  Regardless, there is material of value to the Christian grounded in the Scriptures and help that will require rereading (multiple times) for those just beginning the Christian journey.  Questions directly linked to Bible Study (e.g. what to look for when reading the text for the first time) and indirectly linked to Bible Study (e.g. what translation or translations will I want to use as I study the Scriptures).  Tools for making accurate observations, interpretations, and applications are included in these chapters.  Again, material is sufficiently deep to be of interest to both the new and experienced student of the Bible.  The author also makes room for the different genre that comprise the scripture - narrative, poetry, letters, and prophecy, providing guiding questions for understanding the content of each genre.

As a book about hermeneutics, this book stands out because it focuses on the Scriptures rather than the preacher.  From page one, it wants the reader to change because of his or interaction with Scripture - it is not so much about preparing the preacher, but about how the Scripture can and will change the preacher.  

The book would fit well in the library of any serious Christian.  It could be used as an undergraduate text in hermeneutics or as an ancillary text for a graduate level course in seminary.  The book would also serve well as a refresher for the pastor or Christian professor seeking to revitalize his or her time in the Bible.  My prayer is that each reader will feel the desire to dig deeper, to learn more, and become more like the Savior as they read and apply the book's content.

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This e-book was supplied as a gift from the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The reviews are mine alone.

The Bible's Answers to 100 of Life's Biggest Questions - A Review

The Bible's Answers to

100 of Life's Biggest Questions

by

Norman L. Geisler and Jason Jimenez

A Review

I first met Norman L. Geisler 40 years ago as a student during my first semester at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The course was “Introduction to Apologetics”. I have seen and read a few of his books over the years, but this is the first book I have had the opportunity to review.

This book provides, as the title implies, answers to 100 questions. The answers are succinct, limited to one or two pages. They include THE answer, scripture, and external resources (e.g. web pages or videos) supporting the author’s view. Though most of the questions are theological in nature, each does include a one or two sentence statement as to why the question and its answer has application to our Christian lives. With few exceptions, only the last ten questions are directly related to the more practical side of life. Regardless of the question asked, Geisler does add his expected scholarly, thoughtful approach in answering each one. The reader will grow as he makes his or her way through the book - whether you agree or disagree with the author’s answers.

The order of the questions moves from very broad questions (e.g. “1.  What is Truth?”) toward more narrow questions:

10.  How Did the Universe Come to Be?

19.  Who is Jesus Christ?

32.  What is the Gospel?

67.  Does God Hear My Prayers?

73.  Is Abortion Murder?

95.  Why Are So Many Young People Abandoning the Faith?

From a philosophical perspective, this order makes sense. But for the unbeliever or new Christian, it may have helped to start with more specific questions and move on to the deeper, more specific, questions as one moved through the book.

Though I appreciate the book’s responses to the questions, I would much prefer a more balanced approach. An opportunity to study the multiple responses that believers have given to the various questions would strengthen the book. The authors attempt to give “THE” answer to each question, with little room for the reader to discover truth for themselves. Having said that, the writers do seem to strike a middle ground that might be more satisfying to many. For example, when asked, “Did God Pick Me or Did I Choose Him?”, the authors begin by stating that, “Throughout the pages of Scripture, the doctrine of free choice is repeatedly demonstrated …” However, they conclude by stating, “Finally, God chose us before we chose Him …” Similarly, when answering the question, “Can I Lose My Salvation?”, the authors reply, “Of all the questions, this one has certainly sparked some of the biggest debates in the church, and it is often to blame for much of the division among denominations.” However, they go on to write, “There are several reasons Christians can’t lose their salvation...”

I don’t question that the author’s can write the book they want to write; yet the reader must know that the authors are feeding answers, not helping the student discover the answers. This book presents a one-sided response, the true student will want to find other resources which present alternate answers. Geisler and Jimenez do contribute to the discussion. But the discussion must continue till we reach heaven and God gives us THE answers, HIS answers.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

With Vics You Get Eggroll - A Review

With Vics You Get Eggroll

by

Diane Vallere

A Review

A cozy mystery starring Madison Night, Lt. Tex Allen (of the Lakewood Police Department), and handyman Hudson James.  I found the mystery well-written as out of town women are being kidnapped and killed - but the connection to Mad to Mod, Madison Night’s remodelling store, seemed less direct than in previous stories.  

Madison, as in her previous books, is still attracted to the two men that seem to be around much of the time.  Lt. Allen is a suspect in the current case and Hudson James has returned from an extended vacation - Madison will need to make some decisions soon as to which relationship she will develop, if she can keep herself committed and alive long enough to develop any relationships at all.  The romance is more closely tied to the level of the Hallmark Channel Movies than to Lifetime Movies - but the reader will need a soft enough heart to appreciate that romance if the book is going to remain of interest.

It is unclear, to this reader, whether the series is coming to a close of whether more books are to follow in the life of this amateur sleuth.  I, for one, hope that there will be more.  It would feel like saying goodbye to a favorite television series if the author chooses to end our look at the life Madison Night with this book - it always ends too soon.  

For the reader looking for a cozy mystery for two or three spring evenings, this book may be the perfect fit.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

The Computing Universe - A Review

The Computing Universe

by

Tony Hey and Gyuri Papay

A Review

I began my computing journey early by most standards - in 1966 as part of an explorer post sponsored by IBM in Sacramento, CA.  We spent time learning COBOL (which made little sense to me at the time) and FORTRAN (a good match for beginning interests in the sciences).  I had no idea how early in the history of computers my experience came - I grew up with computers, at least as portrayed in Sci-Fi from the late fifties and early sixties.  

Later, my formal education would allow me to program in FORTRAN and Assembly Language.  Other environments presented themselves as I completed a Masters degree in Computer Science Education at the University of Evansville.  Eventually, I spent nearly 24 years teaching computers at the postsecondary level in both public and private institutions. I enjoyed that career.

This book, The Computing Universe, allowed me to re-walk through much of that career - its history and its accomplishments.  The book begins with history and jumps into the details that define the field of Computer Science as defined by its science and art.  I remember one question on a final exam for a course that I took as part of my Masters degree asked, “Is Computer Science an ‘art’ or a ‘science’.  My reply to the question was neither, it is a craft.  Many people can put together a computer program, but it takes a well-trained practitioner, a craftsman,  to create a really good program.  The Computing Universe convinces me that I was correct then - and it is still true today.

The authors claimed to  have aimed the book at the high school senior or college freshman, though I expect that parts would be more readable off the shelf to a college graduate.  The chapter entitled “Mr. Turing’s amazing machines” (sic) begins by saying “WARNING: This chapter is more mathematical in character than the rest of the book. It may therefore be hard going for some readers, and they are strongly advised either to skip or skim through this chapter and proceed to the next chapter. This chapter describes the theoretical basis for much of formal computer science.”  I would suggest similar warnings be attached to other chapters as well (e.g. the chapter on “Algorithmics”).  Having said that, I would think that the book might be readable by anyone with a college education or the high school preparation for a college education.  Though not written as a textbook, the book could serve as the text for a entry level Computer Science course designed for non-majors (given appropriate lecture support) or as an ancillary text in the first course of a Computer Science major.

I enjoyed the review of my last fifty years - from high school to retirement.  I would invite anyone with an interest in Computer Science and its foundations (both historical or theoretical) to join me in reading The Computing Universe.  

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Coffeehouse Theology

Book Review: Coffeehouse Theology

I stumbled on Contextual Theology purely by accident. While in seminary, in 1977, my wife and served as chaperons for a group of high school students who were holding Vacation Bible Schools for eight weeks in the upper Midwest of the United States. On the Sunday morning we were invited to attend Sunday School at the church scheduled for next week's program. One question caught my attention, “What are the problems of cities?” Having lived in cities all my life, I expected answers such as “pollution”, “crime”, or “isolation”. But the answer that was agreed to by most in attendance that day was “the destruction of prime agricultural land.” It was Contextual Theology, except I did not know it until I read Ed Cyzewski's book Coffeehouse Theology.

Coffeehouse Theology explores the implication of Contextual Theology for the church today. The author recognizes that each person who reads scripture does so from their own perspective. They bring to the scripture their own biases, their own history, their own successes, hurts, and desires. Those things that make us unique can influence how we read and study scripture. By balancing our understanding of scripture with our interaction with Christians from different cultures and different eras, allows them to help us grow. Then we can better understand the God who loves all mankind. Ed Cdyzewksi provides resources and tools allowing us to do just that.

The book comes with a strong recommendation to those who have not read previously on this subject.