B Books

This, the second volume of an awesome collective work, catalogues in rich detail the events and achievements of ancient Greece. But more than that, it tells the story about how the events unfold and gives insight into how science and philosophy came into being for the first time in civilization. For a long time, I had only a very scattered understanding of the ancient Greek world. This work gives me a much clearer view of the whole picture. There were a few sections where I did get stuck on the details - in the enumeration of people, places, and events - but it wasn't very often and it was probably due more to a lack of imagination on my part.

In trying to make a overly short synopsis, the book can be viewed as divided into three parts covering three different eras in Greek civilization. The first part delves into indefinite origins that can be traced back to the culture of ancient Crete, then the Mycenaean civilization, the Achaeans and the Homeric epic of Troy - which the archeologist Schliemann found actually existed in Asia Minor - and then the Dorian invasion. The second part concerns the Persian War and the coming of age of the city-states including Athens, it's friends and foes; and also the great advances in art, literature, science, philosophy and law as well as the decline that results mainly from the Peloponnesian War. The third part concerns the decay of mainland Greece but the diffusion of it's great culture to most of the known world through especially the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Vital to the development of Greek culture was the city-state, which grew in mainland Greece after the Dorian invasion (1100-950BC), and spread across the Aegean to the many islands and far-off shores of the Mediterranean. The city-states were separated and protected by mountainous terrain, which made it difficult to assert centralized control. They were linked principally by the waterways of the Aegean, and this linkage stimulated trade and preserved a common heritage, despite the many squabbles and wars. It was the burgeoning of trade and the opportunity for people to interact with others of different cultures that helped shake some of the ingrained beliefs and traditions and stimulate the inquiring mind. The Greeks were also freed to question supernatural explanations of the universe - and therefore develop science and philosophy - because they did not have a powerful priestly class, and thus were not so readily subject to persecution for the shattering of old myths. They were really quite ingenious in an age that had a very narrow view of the world. For example, Eratrosthenes made calculations concerning the curvature of the earth and computed the circumference of the earth to be very close to what we know it today.

One of the remarkable facts of the Golden Age of Periclean Athens (but not uncommon in those days) is that of the total population of Attica, some 315,000 peope, something like 115,000 were slaves. Of that difference consider, too, the number of woman, who were not participants in the political process. With that kind of distribution - more than half were not eligible - democracy had to be tenuous and fragile at best. For much of the history of the Greek city-states, there was this back-and-forth struggle between an obligarchy, the very richest and the aristocratic, and free citizens, who managed from time to time to rise above menial labor and assert themselves. During the time of Pericles, somehow a significant number of free citizens became active participants in government, signifying the dawning of a democratic process. But it did not last for long.

This is the second of the multi-volume work by the Durant's. It is as good as the first (and not wanting to give anything away, chuckle), they only get better and better. The author's prose is almost as wonderful as the actual historical work. The author apparently spent fifty years in writing these books and it certainly was worth the effort. He, and his wife, make history come alive. Now granted, I am a history buff and simply cannot get enough of it. I realize that not all share my love for the subject, but I truely feel that the entire work should be required reading in our schools. Not only are they superior to any and all text I am familiar with, they are truely a joy to read. This particular volume gave me much more insight to the ancient Greeks, their culture, art and philosophy than any work I have read, thereby giving me a much better understanding to our own culture, etc. It's just me, I know, but an added joy to this work was prowling used book stores and finding these things one by one to add to my collection. Highly recommend these books.

My set of Durants The Story of Civilization was purchased at a garage sale. Poor fools, they did not know what they were selling. Their loss is my gain. Volume Two, however, was missing, a situation that was remedied when I wandered into a used bookstore and there, on a shelf was Volume Two- The Life of Greece calling my name. I immediately forked out eight bucks and headed down to the local coffee house and began a fascinating and enjoyable read.

Having read through Volume 5, The Age of Faith, this has to be the best volume thus far- I could hardly put it down. To be sure there are areas that one has to plow through, that is to be expected of a work of this scope; but Durant has filled my world with the genius, history and drama of ancient Greece.

What made this book so fascinating is that, over and over again, Durant brought us into the lives of these men. We are not merely dealing with historical figures, but real people who lived, made love, made war, wrote masterpieces and who could act with courage, fall to cowardice or just make stupid mistakes. By far my favorite chapter was The Suicide of Greece. It told how a great civilization could fall. The story of Alcibiades was absolutely riveting. Both a brilliant leader and a scoundrel, he pushed Athens towards destruction by his fraternity style pranks that doomed his invasion of Sicily contributing significantly to the downfall of Athens as a power.

Consistent with all his volumes, Durant again shows us the cycle of civilization. He shows us again that the life of thought endangers every civilization that it adores. He writes:

As civilization develops, as customs, institutions, laws, and morals more and more restrict the operation of natural impulses, action gives way to thought, achievement to imagination, directness to subtlety, expression to concealment, cruelty to sympathy, belief to doubt the unity of character common to animal and primitive men passes away; behavior becomes fragmentary and hesitant, conscious and calculating; the willingness to fight subsides into a disposition to infinite argument. Few nations have been able to reach intellectual refinement and esthetic sensitivity without sacrificing so much in virility and unity that their wealth presents an irresitble temptation to impecunious barbarians. Around every Rome hover the Gauls; around ever Athens some Macedon.

I hope that Durant has not just written our epitaph as a great nation.

Durant paints a fascinating portrait of Greek life and culture as well as the history of a country that provided a foundation for modern thought and politics in the modern world. Highly recommend for history buffs as well as serious students.

Authors Dr. Will & Ariel Durant have compiled the history of ancient Greece in this, the second volume of The Story of Civilization.

At over >700 pages in length, the Durants launch into great detail about: The mysterious lost civilization of the island of Crete, land of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. The violent society of Homer's Iliad. The rise of classical Greece; a society of traders and navigators, explorers and colonists, soliders, sailors, and settlers. The origins of democracy and the political legacy to the Western world. The heroic battles against the Persians. The golden age of Athens. Backgrounds of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the birth of the Academy, and of course....Alexander the Great! Plus much more including plates and maps.

As with all of the volumes of The Story of Civilization, these books were written to stand alone and most likely will be read by the more serious students of history, however, they are composed and written to be understood by the layperson as well. In short, these books are for everyone! I rate it at five stars as the Durant's Magnum Opus!

Beth Moore is one of the best in her daily walk with the Lord!! She has many Bible studies in which I had read her poems, so I thought this book was a must!! Well worth the read!! Verleen

Having read everything Beth Moore writes, I was again touched by the sensitive way she portays a woman's heart and soul. I believe God annoints her words with a whisper of His.

As always, Beth Moore delivers in her honest, engaging and encouraging way. She is an interesting and intelligent writer who shares her life journey with you. Any woman would be able to relate to her stories and insights. She's one of my favourite Christian writers.

I wish she'd come to Australia so I can see her in person...

A great buy!

i love poetry and these are some of the best poems Ive ever read. They are very deep yet very easy to understand.

If you love Beth Moore, you will not only have a compilation of some of the wonderful personal writings she has shared in her studies, but you will also learn more about Beth and the challenges she has faced in her life that has made her the inspired woman of God that she is today. God uses her mightily to minister to others, and her tender heart and love for God comes through so beautifully in this additional gift of creative writing and poetry. A delightful, heart-provoking read.

Diet Eman was a young dutch woman during WWII in Holland. Her and her fiance were involved in the Dutch resistance movement. They helped Jews find homes/families to hide with in the Dutch countryside. This was a huge undertaking that required much teamwork. (For instance, the families that took in Jews would need extra ration cards to buy more food. Extra ration cards would have to be obtained and delivered to these families.) Diet literally rode hundreds (probably thousands!!) of miles on bicycles during the war coordinating this effort to keep Jews hidden in the countryside.

As Diet tells her story, there are frequent excerpts from the personal diary she kept during the war. And excerpts from postal letters she either sent or received during the war. This helped give the book a very "real" feel...You experience her first hand emotions and thoughts as these events were actually taking place.

Diet had a strong Christian faith. Her spiritual insights are deep and powerful. Her faith sustained her during this troubling time in history.

Diet was eventually caught by the Nazis and spent time in a jail and a concentration camp. She was briefly at the same camp as Corrie TenBoom, author of The Hiding Place. Diet survived, but her beloved fiance died in a concentration camp.

I highly recommend this book. Not only is it an exceptional historical account of life during WWII, but the spiritual (Christian) thoughts in it are very profound. While Diet was living through this horrific time period, the spiritual thoughts she recorded in her diary are incredibly mature. She was so young (early 20's) but was advanced beyond her years with spiritual perception. Her faith influenced her every thought.

The true story of true Christians, and Dutch patriots, Diet Eman and Hein Sietsma, and their courageous risk of everything to resist Nazi tyranny and hide thousands of Dutch Jews.
True Christians always love the Jewish people and Israel, and true nationalists are opposed to both Communism and Nazism, both the antithesis of national self-determination.
Diet recounts her own life, and experiences and what she saw and heard, as well as her deep faith in G-D, that guided her in all she did and thought.
Diet recounts her experiences in Scheveningen prison, where she describes how Jewish families, who were caught in hiding, were hauled into the prison, mothers, fathers and children: 'On the nights the guards brought Jews in, we always heard the children crying all through that place. It was bad enough for us to have to suffer through a place, like Scheveningen, but it was terrible to hear those poor innocent children crying.'
It is up to true Christians and righteous gentiles to stand by the State of Israel today, in the struggle for her survival and that of her children, against the monstrous Islamic-extreme leftist hate machine.

Excellent book. The book is fast paced, exciting and touching.

The risks and sacrifices that the author and her fiance went through for their beliefs and for unkwown people amazed and inspired me. Highly recommended.

The account of the author and her experiences fighting the German occupation of Holland during WWII is harrowing. It is hard to imagine that any human being can display so mush courage at such a young age.

I have read more than 75 books of this genre depicting this period of history. "What would I have done under the same circumstances?" That is the question I am always asking of myself whilst reading these stories. This is the story of a group of people with the courage of their convictions...Diet's story is inspiring and touching. It illustrates perfectly that the power of prayer is undeniable and when 'all one can do is pray' one has done everything.

There is a quality about this book which is haunting and reflective. The mood may seem upbeat as the action side gets going - but this is merely a device to stop the reader becoming too disillusioned with the dilemma that is revealed as the story unfolds. As we learn about Ursa, the central character, it becomes increasingly clear that we are witnessing something deeply disturbing and rather gothic. Here is an individual who has only one wish in life and that is to be allowed to determine her own destiny. Unfortunately she possesses something so important to the well-being of mankind that society will not allow her the self-determination that any other individual might expect and demand as a right. She kills anyone that threatens to expose her to the chaos and danger that her gift would attract. The subsequant moral issues that arise are enough to make your head spin, and when in the end, the system destroys the very thing it coveted, we are tempted to nod our heads knowing that it typifies the shear stupidity of the way we work. TETO is an amazing read - even if you are confident of your own moral position I dare you to take this on. You might be forced to re-consider!

A story which makes the reader want to keep turning the pages has to be good - this one makes you want to gobble the whole book up! I simply had to keep reading, and the more I read the better it got. This is a story which asks questions about morality and individual rights, but in a way which is both exciting and disturbing. The problem (if problem it is!) is that it is unrelenting - it is too well told, too well contrived and too close to reality. That makes it a compulsive read. I for one look forward to another offering by C.B Barrie, if its anything like this one we are in for a treat.

Read the backcover and you know what you are about to get involved with - 'Can the Ultimate Gift be to Much to Bear?' - The answer - not to give the game away - is between the front and back covers! This is a thriller with a most unusual theme and it's not long before the reader stands aghast as the events unfold and becomes a witness to a situation no one would care to untangle. The heroin has the panacea but society is offended and unforgiving in the way she attempts to defend her right to life and freedom. The moral basis for all this is clearly argued and it makes for uncomfortable reading. This is a highly innovative and superbly structured story which moves rapidly without any sense of fuss or disjunction. It holds together extremely well and moves the reader deeper and deeper in to a turmoil of rights and wrongs. So intense is the narrative that at times one needs to come up for air and escape it. All told a very disturbing and brilliantly told story. Too good to miss.
This review refers to the Trade Paperback edition

This is an outstanding piece of fiction, writen so well and with such insight that it moves the reader out of from the page and in to the grim and stark world of real people! There is nothing fictional about any of the characters, no empty characatures, each one is a harsh reminder of every fickle, ambivelant and self-serving trait we see in those around us. Only a few of the events that take place offer any sense of hope for those anticipating that good will prevail - it doesn't! What should happen in an ideal world has no chance and all, and all the things one might dread do come to pass. Yet for all this there is, running through the whole episodal narrative, a sense of poignancy. It comes about because the author knows what we know, that for every human disaster hope springs eternal, and in this book the expectation of utter, irretrievable disaster that results from societies attitude to the heroin can be undone - that though society's blind stupidity happened once, it need never happen again - in essence, mistakes need not be repeated. In this we find a moral to the tale, and it is a refreshing and encouraging moral, that no matter how bad we are, we can always become better. In this respect we see the two sides of humanity -demonstrably cruel and vindictive on the one hand yet with the potential to see and follow a better way on the other. To Each Their own has a very special quality about it, not only the writing style (which is highly descriptive) but so to the somewhat haunting chapter based vignettes which allows the reader to see the course of events with absolute clarity and comprehension. This is a gripping and highly original story which has merit in every sector of creative writing.

I definitely intend to read this again - and soon. Yes it has a disturbing quality as the story moves on and yes, the events as they happen are akin to an emotional sledgehammer but hey, it's one good story and I want to experience it again.

Rabbi Harold Kushner is best known for his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People, but this work is in my judgment his greatest contribution to the philosophy of the spiritual life, Kushner's pièce de résistance. Using my favorite Hebrew Bible text, Ecclesiastes, as a springboard, Rabbi Kushner writes about the "ultimate thirst of our souls": the need for "meaning," for "the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter." Rabbi Kushner offers readers his wisdom -- born out of years of study, struggle and life experience -- about how to live a life that matters.

READ this BOOK! Rabbi Kushner hits on so many relevant and pertinent topics that you will be amazed how you see yourself in the anedotes and examples used to illustrate Kushner's point. Rabbi Kushner uses the Old Testament story of Ecclesiastes to illustrate how man's search for happiness is eternal and not unique. I could not believe how similar Ecclesiaste's view on life and search for happiness are so similar to my own. I found myself stopping on many occasions and telling my wife "READ THIS!"
I have been on a self-help book crusade for the past several months. Reading a bunch of these books have helped in finding some understanding to the search for happiness I have been after. After each book, I can say one or two of the points explained in the book have made sense and have some good practical applications to dealing with everyday situations that arise in my life. Kushner's book is by the far the best. He gives you straightforward and understandable examples of the negative behavior that conflict in man's search for happiness.
From the opening pages Kushner had me! He hits the nail on the head when he says the lines "If you ask anybody what is more imporant - work or family? - without a doubt they answer family. But then ask them how much time they spend away from family by putting work ahead of family and making work more important than family obligations." (paraphrased) He has many of these observations that help the reader get some insight into how destructive these behaviors are towards our supposed goal of happiness. I highly, highly recommend this book - READ this BOOK!

A great book and one the everyone should read at some time in their lives!

Thanks again for getting me the book so fast and in such good condition!

Gary

A thoughtful, spiritual examination of why fame and fortune do not produce happiness, and why "average" and "successful" people often feel emptiness in their lives. Many brief anecdotes are used to illustrate the author's observations, which are linked to the book of Ecclesiastes.
Read by the author. You will read (or listen to) this more than once!

Kushner is a sage and this book is a classic. As always Kushner's knits together wonderful stories, quotes, and historical observations that are always on the mark and move his thoughts forward. The disease that plagues our age is overconsumption and Kushner invites the reader to step away from the table of materialism and instead search out the things that really matter.

Oliver North rises from the ashes of disgrace to talk about war heroes - what a joke. Are people's memories so short that they forget about Mr. North's illegal war that he headed in attempts to get rid of the Sandanista government in Nicaragua? Ollie is part of a long line of brain washed military geeks who buy the line that America is supposed to be the world's policeman. Except for America's involvement in WW11 almost every military campaign has been a mis-adventure - a BLOWBACK of foreign policy. Its the USA foreign policy that has triggered the rise of radical Islam. If they had pulled their base from Saudi Arabia after the Gulf War which the clerics had asked them too, (however they ignored) there would have no reaction by the Islamic clerics. A better title might have been: Black & White: How I see the world by Ollie North

I always read the reviews with great interest, and rely upon the consensus of reader views. The book sounds very good. Certainly the war against AQ and related groups is critical, yet this Iraqi war waged upon false pretenses, and our actions in the prisons in Baghdad and Guantanamo have brought pain and disgrace upon our nation. This author, while undoubtedly a military hero, broke the law in Iran-Contra (obeying President Reagan covertly). I am reluctant to rely upon reviews by Newt Gingrich, or from Fox News. Are there objective reviews here? Comments?

This is a high quality book in the National Geographic style. Well illustrated with scenes of the young people that are doing the job and relevant articles about their heroics. Not all heroics is dodging bullets and bombs. Sometimes it's taking the time to comfort a child or give aid to a civilian. Even enemy combatants are cared for by the troopers after the shooting stops. I give this book my highest recommendation. This is money well spent.American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories)

With all the different opinions and false information shown in the media the war on terror has become something we are unsure and confused about. This book comes out and clears things up. A Must Read!

It has been a challenge to gather accurate, encouraging information and insight into this conflict due to the fact that it is an unpopular endeavor among leading media outlets. I know Chuck Holton personally and have been following his work with Oliver North so that I know how much time and effort has been invested in delivering this insightful book. It is very refreshing to get my hands on information written and compiled by men with integrity who are committed to truth.

Sometimes you wonder how people could be so immature, dumb, and naive. But it definitely happens!!! But it was a good book overall, can't wait to read the 3rd of the trilogy. The sequel: Dead Man's Venegance was even better than the first!!! 5 stars for that. BLUNT definitely has a challenge on her hand to end this deserving of the rest of the story. My book club loved it, anxiously awaiting the final chapter!!! Don't let us down!

First, off let me say that I will never in my life judge a book by its cover again, I was reluctant to get this book because of the lack of graphics, and I had never heard of the author, but when I read it I was so happy that I did not listen to my judgement; I could not put this book down. The story is told so realistic, it gives you a feel of visualizing everyones moves, emotions and personlity. This book would also be catergorized as a grimmy, ghetto coming of age love story. The end will make you want to go get the sequel. I am about to purchase it now!!!

I LIKED THIS BOOK BUT I FELT THAT ALOT OF QUESTIONS WERE LEFT UNANSWERED LIKE WHAT WAS CAMARIA'S CONVERSATION ABOUT WHEN LISA HEARD HER???? WHAT HAPPENED TO CAMARIA, DONNELL. MAYBE THEY WILL BE ANSWERED IN PART 2. I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW LISA HAD SUCH GOOD LUCK WITH MEN AND WHY SHE MANAGED TO DO ALL OF THIS.

THIS WAS EXCELLENT. I JUST ORDERED PART 2. THE NEW BOOKS OUT HERE ARE BEGINNING TO SOUND THE SAME. THIS IS ON THE LEVEL WITH DUTCH, COLDEST WINTER EVER AND SOME OF THE BOOKS BACK FROM 2002-2004. A MUST ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION...

Chino and Donell were the best of friends; Chino and Shark were like family. Everything seemed to be cool, until Chino goes to the left. Chino betrays Donell and Shark in the worst ways, and wreaks havoc on their entire operation. After he betrays both of his friends, Chino finds himself being hunted down with a bounty on his head.

B.L.U.N.T. makes you wonder if friends can really stay friends when power, drugs, money, love and sex are involved.

The book takes the reader into channels of thinking
which are spiritually challenging, and most unique,
in terms of exploring earlier relationships that
must needs be addressed once again.
Very well written, and informative.

This is a dynamic book that every Christian who serves the Almighty God needs to read in order to grow in God's love one to another. Many of us lack this fruit and really don't know what real love is or what the love of God is. By the time they read this book they will have a deeper more revelatory understanding of God's expectetaion of us. Every leader needs this book now!

This gem of a book was published among a flurry of "me too" self-help psychobabble tomes and I think was lost among them. I am amazed every time I pull it out, at how relevant it still is.
I laughed when I saw the earlier review that said "I dare you" regarding this book.
I said the same thing when I gave it to a friend years ago. (I'm married to him now)

Bold Love is probably the most important book I have ever read. It was recommended to me for the practicality of the three last chapters concerning how to relate to evil persons, foolish persons and so-called ordinary sinners. I found these chapters very helpful. What I didn't expect from the book was a new perspective of myself and God. Allender's language is so graphic I wondered how a man could know what I, a woman, was thinking and feeling. Without knowing it, this is the book I was searching for and hoping for but didn't think existed. I will read it over and over.

What does it mean to "honor" a wicked parent? How do you love an abusive person without opening yourself up to more damage? What happens when you can't forgive and forget?

With a few exceptions, I generally write reviews of books I like which means I'm somewhat biasing the overall Amazon rankings. But let me say that of all the books I like or love, none has influenced my life more than Dan Allender's Bold Love. I say life because it has impacted so many areas from my relationships to my politics to my theology to my marriage. The book is about what it really means to love someone, anyone from the love of your life to an abuser to your greatest enemy. The crux of the message is that love is not forgive and forget attitude but rather one that admits the pain and hurt that has been caused and confronts it. But the purpose of the confrontation is really the key to the book. The purpose is not to cover your bases or get it off your chest to enable to move on and have closure. What was revolutionary to me at the time of reading was that it pointed me back to the object of love, the other. It solidified the fact that evil committed against you must be admitted and the accuser must be confronted. This is difficult and thus the "Bold" in the title. But the underlying belief is that no person is beyond saving. No person is beyond to hope of reconciliation.

The authors are Christians. Dan Allender is a counselor with many years of experience. Tremper Longman is a top-notch Old Testament Scholar who writes one of the chapters in the book himself and assists in writing the rest. Why bring an Bible scholar into a discussion of interpersonal relationships? Because their model for reconciliation is God's reconciliation with man. The sin that man commits against God did not disqualify us from being loved, it just made the task more bold. First of all, God calls a spade a spade. He does not deny the sin committed or the gravity of the consequences. He does not just forgive and look the other way. Rather, Jesus, or better to use the name Emmanuel in this context, dove right into the mess and sought after those who had abused God through their disobedience. He never gave up. He was tenacious always believing that reconciliation was possible. He interceded for his killers saying, "Father, forgive them."

The argument is that this should be our impetus for boldly going after those who have sexually, physically, verbally, or mentally abused us, whether fathers or mothers or former friends or outright enemies. God did not give up on creation. He sought after it at great expense to himself. This is what it means to love. This is what it means to love your enemies. The importance that the book places on admitting the evil that was done along with the hope that no one is beyond the reach of reconciliation is what has impacted my mind so much in so many different areas.

If you're interested in this topic in general I also recommend the following:

Exclusion and Embrace by Miroslav Volf - Award-winning book I've seen recommend by theologians/biblical scholars. (Author is a Christian theologian)
The End of Memory by Miroslav Volf - The latest offering from Volf and has been receiving rave reviews. (Same as above)
I and Thou by Martin Buber - Becoming somewhat of a modern day classic on the subject and I've also seen this recommended in theological circles. (Author is a Jewish philosopher)

Here is a summary outline of Bold Love which follows a wartime motif:

Section 1: The Battlefield of the Heart
This is the most theologically oriented section as it introduces the problem and describes the motivation to love based on what God has done.

Section 2: Strategy for the War of Love
This section is the meat of the book as it describes the steps toward reconciliation. First there is a passionate hope and hunger for restoration. Second, we mercifully revoke revenge and as we are reminded of our brokenness and how God hoped and hungered for restoration with us. Third, introduces us to the art of confronting the enemy.

Section 3: Combat for the Soul
This section takes the principals in the first two parts of the book and applies them practically to three different types of people who may have caused hurt in our lives. First, there is a chapter on loving an evil person, subtitled Siege Warfare. Specifically this is about sexual, physical, verbal, or mental abusers. Second, there is a chapter on loving a fool, subtitled Guerrilla Warfare. This is about people who carelessly cause great damage to another's soul. Third, there is a chapter on loving a normal sinner, subtitled Athletic Competition. This is the type of hurt you may deal with from most people on a daily basis.

Great book describes the origin of the breed into the United States and how they came to be the way they are today.

If you are looking to see how the pit bulls used to be then look no further. This book includes pedigrees from some of Colby's greatest dogs like Colby's Pincher. Definately a must have. Lots of pictures.

This is the best book I have read on APBT in a long time.
My earliest memory of reading about pitbulls was in a elementary school library and I was reading a book of dog breeds. As I was flipping through the pages of different breeds I came across a picture of a white pitbull tied the front of a car, the picture if I remember correectly was dated in the 1920's. Under the picture was a caption that read "An old time colby dog before a match". I was hooked as I read the history of the American Pitbull Terrier and the man named J.P. Colby that imported these great animals into the states.
The ONLY thing missing from this book is that picture that I remember so well.
Whether you are for or against the breed and it's rich history this book is still a great read.

This book has many great pictures of famous pit bulls from the early part of the last century. I enjoyed reading this book for some of the historical aspects of the breed, but felt that the focus on the breed was too narrow. I know that the book is about J.P. Colby and the dogs that he produced. But I would have liked the book to have had some more input about other bloodlines and how the Colby dogs compared to some of the other famous dogs from the other great breeders of that period and the present. A decent read for the pit bull enthusiast, but the book is more factual than enjoyable in the literal sense.

This is a fascinating book, although I would prefer if dog fighting had never happened at all. But for someone who is interested in Pit Bulls, they definately ought to read this book (but first read Diane Jessup's The Working Pit Bull!). It will give them insight on why the Pit Bull acts the way he does, and for the most part well-bred Pit Bulls of today haven't changed much from the dogs in the oldest photos! Pit Bulls are truly the greatest dog ever, but they do take a higher degree of responsibility. If you are considering a Pit Bull, go to PBRC.com (Pit Bull Rescue Central) and adopt!! I urge you not to buy from a breeder, a rescued is always the best (my three Pit Bulls are all rescues, one from PBRC)! I DO NOT SUPPORT FIGHTING IN ANY WAY!!

This book is about four kids, Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan. They are going through the last seven years left on earth after the Rapture. None of them have parents because they were either taken during the Rapture or they died. They have all become Christians and are beginning the fight towards the antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Their pastor Bruce was just killed in a bombing in Chicago, and now they have to face the future without parents or a pastor.

I thought this book was very good. It helped me become a better Christian and better believer of Christ. This book would be good for people who are Christians or people who want to learn more about the Rapture and about being a Christian. Reading this book helped me to be more aware and know more about the Rapture also. I think the lesson is to accept Christ before it is too late because you never know when your last day will be.

I have always enjoyed the adult series of Left Behind books. The kids books are just as good. The kids interact with the characters from the adult series, experience the same events, etc. However, since the main characters are teens, these books can appeal to younger readers. So far, the stories haven't had the ups and downs that the adult series has had. The adult series has books that are a lot more boring than others. The kids series seems to be good in every book. These are not for really young kids, but would be appropriate for young teens. I enjoy them and I am an adult.

I like to read a variety of books, but since I have come upon the adult and kid's series of left behind, I just can't really get into another book until I know I have read the last one of both series.

Death Strike is the 8th book in the LBTK series, and probably the most crammed, adventure filled book, in the whole series to date (#32, and counting).
We last left off with Vicki being taken back to Northside Detention Center. After a run-in with trouble, Vicki is left injured within the first few pages, and recieves word that there is someone that would like to adopt her! Who could it be, and will she want to go with them? Also, Vicki finds friendship within a girl named Janie, but wonders if she will ever believe the truth.
Meanwhile, back home, Judd, Lionel, and Ryan are left amazed through the teachings of Pastor Bruce Barnes. With new security measures being brought up within Nicolae High, can they really risk bringing back "The Underground", since they have witnessed the trouble it can bring?
With the return of a new friend, Judd decides to travel to Israel with Bruce, but when a mysterious illness strikes the pastor, the Young Trib Force is left to deal with the loss of a great friend, and the disapperance of another. World Word 3 begins, and it's going to be a rocky ride.
Truly a favorite in the series, Death Strike delivers and really set the standards I've put the series up to. Always suspensful, and always inpirational, this series is one that you can't afford not to read.

This eighth installment in the series about a group of teens struggling to survive the Tribulation and spread the Truth of the existence of God to a world caught in the Antichrist's web of deceit is one of the most exciting in the series so far. Death Strike starts one year after the events of book 7. The Antichrist's regime has gained complete control of the world, decieving people into thinking that Nicolae Carpathia is the savior of the world. The young Trib Force sees this man as he really is - the most evil man on Earth. They are determined to resist the power that this regime has over the world.

Vicki Byrne, now 15 years old, is still detained in the detention center, where she has been fighting for her life for one year. Judd, Lionel, Ryan, John, and Mark are continuing their undercover ministry at Nicolae High. Judd, now 17 years old, sets a new goal that could put the entire group in the greatest danger yet. At his graduation ceremony, he proclaims the message of the Bible and how to recieve God's salvation. He is dragged out of the ceremony by Global Community gaurds and given no credit.
Then conflict arises, the rise of a rebel group fighting against Carpathia's regime triggers war and Judd, Mark and Vicki, who finally makes it out of the detention center, are almost killed by a sudden attack of GC soldiers against a gathering of Militia rebels.
Then global catastrophe strikes. When the GC military bomb the Militia's nike base, World War 3 begins, leaving the young Trib Force fighting for their lives. As GC fighter planes soar over Chicago dropping bombs on buildings and neighborhoods, the kids desperately search for Mark, whom they fear is dead. They find him, barely alive, but alive nonetheless. But the kids are given a heartbreaking challenge when one of their closest friends is killed by the bombings.

Book 8 in the Left Behind Kids series is one of the most suspenseful books in this series so far. It kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end, and the cliffhanger ending left me hanging. I highly reccomend this series to anyone.