Jack Hawkins Books

I love this book. It was so easy to get caught up in everything that was happening, and I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. I highly recommend it.

I've read the first two installments in the Songs in the Night series. Both were excellent reads, with Under His Watchful Eye being even better than the first. I couldn't put it down. As a library director, I have recommended to many of my patrons and nearly everyone has rated it a ten! I'm waiting for the third book to come out this year...hopefully.

This fourth issue of Asimov's long-running magazine has some great stories like "Heretic In A Balloon" by L. Sprague de Camp. Other authors include Asimov himself, F.M. Busby, Randall Garrett, and Barry Malzberg. This magazine was launched the same year Star Wars was released, and this is the first issue to mention the classic film, as it's reviewed by Charles N. Brown, with 3 black & white stills.

Though not as good as subsequent novels "Little Children" and "Election," Tom Perrotta's first, "The Wishbones," already laid the groundwork as to why he has so many admirers: quirky characters in uncomfortable scenarios narrated in a snappy way. Here, the protaganist (Dave Raymond) is what one might consider a bit of a loser -- at age 31, he still lives with his parents, and although obviously intelligent, hasn't done much with his life. He messengers during the day, plays guitar at night for a wedding band known as "The Wishbones," and hangs out when he can with his on- again-off-again girlfriend of 15 years, Julie. The monkey wrench is thrown, however, when he finally (but still impulsively) proposes to Julie who accepts, and immediately meets Gretchen at a wedding, who's dramatically different than Julie, and whom he thinks he's fallen in love with. What to do?

An interesting story that kept my attention. Two things, though, stretched my belief. First, if Julie is so wonderful and beautiful, there's no way she's staying with someone like Dave for 15 years. Second, there was a scene in which The Wishbones mistakenly find themselves as a houseband for neo-nazis. I think Perrotta was trying too hard here and not staying true to the anally meticulous character "Artie," the manager and sax player of the band, who would never have contracted to be anybody's house band without doing a little research on who the band would be playing for.

In any event, Perrotta is one of the most fun authors around to read, and I'm one who can be included as a fan, even though I think he has yet to write that elusive five star novel (at least the way I rate things).

THE WISHBONES

Meet The Wishbones, a wedding band. These guys have been together for a long time, playing all sorts of events calling for a live band. The story's main character is Dave, a 31 year old semi-loser -- he still lives with his parents, he has been dating the same girl for 15 years, he has a so-so job as a courier, and works with the band evenings and weekends. He is a guitar-man and he loves his band, The Wishbones.

The author of LITTLE CHILDREN does not disappoint. This is a good book. The characters are very life-like and you will care about them and what happens to them. The dialogue is real and good and the book has plenty of interesting events. Dave's life, along with his fellow band members, is usually a mess and not ever boring.

I truly enjoyed this book. The Wishbones are not only a good band, but a group of close-knit, caring friends. What I really liked about the book was the total unpredictability of the story and the characters. The author keeps you guessing as to what will happen to each character and you are never quite sure how the book will end.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. Mr. Perrotta has a gift!

Thank you!
Pam

I loved this book. In fact, I loved it so much I went out and bought four copies of it for my guitar playing friends. The Wishbones never stops satisfying, and almost every page is filled with scenes I had experienced or people I knew somewhere along the line. Perotta writes about "boomer" themes almost as well as Stephen King, though not anywhere near as wordy. He creates very likable and believeable characters; people any hard rockin', guitar swingin' dude born in the USA after WWII would recognize. I started reading this book on a Friday, and I was wrapping it up on Saturday. It is just good fun. The only part I didn't like was the happy, well, almost happy, schmaltzy ending. I gave this book to one of my friends who actually played guitar in a wedding band himself for twenty odd years, and he said it rang with irritating truth.

For Context:I read all the time and am a big fan of Nabokov, Robbins, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Hesse among others.
I was "recommended" this book by Amazon b/c I am a fan of Tom Robbins and Christopher Moore.

My Feedback:This book was pretty slow and not that inventive....kind of a plain story about a wedding band and a guy who didn't want to get married.
Saying that, I did finish it instead of giving up (as i will do if a book is exceptionally crappy)....wouldn't recommend it either way.

I am a little bit torn in my rating for the book. For the sheer enjoyment of the read, I give it a five. There is a lot of humor and decent secondary character development, and the writing flows very well.

I think that from a thoroughness perspective, Perrotta only scratches the surface of the conflict and feelings associated with Dave and Gretchen's relationship. I feel that I would have enjoyed this book even more if he had added another 100 to 200 pages to really delve into how it is that Dave can love and care about both Julie (his fiancée) and Gretchen.

I really would have liked Perrotta to explore the turmoil that Dave experienced. Dave as a character isn't your typical jerk who cheats on his girlfriend for one last fling before marriage. I think that he is truly conflicted by his predicament and I would have liked a much deeper analysis. Also he really only touches on Dave's other mistress, his music, and what it will be to have to give up this dream to make Julie happy. Gretchen offers Dave music and happiness and love, but he still can't get his act together in time to choose her over Julie. How is it that in the end, Dave is able to give up so many of his old dreams and choose Julie?

I also would have loved to have gained more of a perspective from Gretchen's point of view. Here she has found the man of her dreams and he is engaged to another woman. No matter how much she loves him and how perfect they could be together, she can't get him to give Julie up. You catch a glimpse at the pain she is experiencing through her poems, even though Dave doesn't get the meaning in them, but I would have like to see Perrotta give us a clearer view of Gretchen's loss, a true exploration of what it is to be the other woman, knowing that you will never have what it is that will make you most happy and fulfilled.

Perrotta only really suggests these inner struggles and heartbreaks, but fails to deliver what could have been a very powerful and thought provoking novel.

Buddhism in America may strike you as a square peg ramming into a round hole, but if that's the case, why has the "religion" attracted so many Americans? Something about our way of life must drive it... something about the fast pace and materialism of our culture must be whetting the appetite of these seekers. Thus, the premise of Dinty Moore's THE ACCIDENTAL BUDDHIST. Though now 10 years old, the book's chronicling of one man's search for Buddhist truth in America still flies because, well, neither America nor certainly Buddhism has changed much.

Moore visits monasteries, priests, Buddhist "concerts," retreats, and even individuals in his journey. All of this, of course, is flavored heavily with his own observations and doubts. Brought up a Catholic who was terrorized (in a sense) by his nun teachers in school, Moore wanted a gentler, kinder "God" over the punitive one he had come to know. He especially wanted a belief system that discounts Hell. Thus, Buddhism.

As it turns out, the idea and the book itself are a win/win proposition because the answer turns out to be no answer (proving the protean nature of Zen). Yes, Moore's definitions of common Buddhist terms (including a glossary at the end) are instructive, but his frustrations and compromises are even more so. With its sense of humor and self-effacing (Eureka!) manner, THE ACCIDENTAL BUDDHIST is a perfect fit for beginning Buddhists and those simply curious about its precepts alike. We are the book and the book is us, in other words. Enjoy.

I started reading this yesterday, and just finished it a few minutes ago. It pretty much sums up what I've gone through myself in personal Buddhist research. Tibetan buddhism seems browbeating, Zen is more palatable, but still can be a bit too strict - but the core points always hit home. Still your mind, that's all. It was nice to see that others search for the same thing, and also that there are so many others interested in Buddhism in the US. Mr. Moore shares his experiences of going to different Buddhist retreats and meeting with various kinds of Buddhists from different parts of the US, and its much more varied than one might think. I'm not sure that religion will ever really take off in this country, because for something to take off here, it has to be somewhat organized, which is NOT the case with Buddhism here - I bet most who are truely Buddhists here at heart are very hesitant to say that they are, for various reasons.

Thank you, Mr. Moore for sharing your experiences with us. Your book has really helped me digest everything I've tried unsuccessfully to piece together over the years.

Easy to read and constantly interesting, this book follows Moore's spiritual journey as he strives to answer the question, Why are Americans getting interested in Buddhism? Each chapter details an experience with a particular teacher or at a particular monastery, and focuses on a question about or central tenet of Buddhism, including karma, compassion, samsara, and whether Buddhists are, or should be, vegetarians. He also explores the major existing schools of Buddhism, including Zen, Theravada, and Tibetan. Moore examines his experiences with the quality and wisdom gained from hindsight, but recalls his many doubts, frustrations, and amusements, recreating his journey for the reader, and reflecting and guiding her own questions, doubts, and pursuit of enlightenment.

Moore's autobiographical narrative is an excellent overview of American Buddhism practices. His explanations of the dharma are accessible and easily understood. I personally found his experiences at various retreats good preparation for my first retreat. Highly recommend this light read as an intro to Buddhism. If readers are looking for more meaty books, try Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron, and Chogyam Trungpa.

I've been reading about Buddhism for the last 3 years, and this is definitely one of the most user-friendly books I've come across. I really enjoyed reading about his experiences with the different schools of Buddhism (he's quite funny), and I immediately identified with his impressions. So dependent are we on rules and rituals of organized religion, many of us feel we MUST pick a school of "this" or become a follower of "that." Those with this tendency may feel Buddhism is in danger of becoming watered down in America. I feel just the opposite. Here in America, we have the chance (if we like) to put aside the cultural influences and instead get to the meat of the philosophy, the very basics. And I find the basics enough of a challenge for one lifetime.

Josef Schumacher is a conscientious pastor in Berlin, Germany. Many of the members of his youth group are a part of Hitler's Youth Brigade. This concerns the pastor, and he tries to point them toward Christ.

As time goes on, Pastor Schumacher becomes increasingly alarmed at the atrocities in his country, but his father in law and retired pastor Wilhelm Olbricht counsels him to work with the Nazis rather than against them.

The pastor's pregnant wife seems more loyal at times to her dad than to Josef. She is uncomfortable with his edgy and at times anti-Nazi rhetoric.

Can Josef make a difference in Nazi Germany? Can he win over his wife? Can he lead the youth ministry in the way everlasting? Can he survive the SS and the Gestapo breathing down his bacK? Can he rescue those who are being led to slaughter?

This is part one of a three part series, and it is a gripping tale, typical Jack Cavanaugh. Highly recommended.

The characters of this book sometimes get into your own heart and thoughts--a man who believes and has conviction but at times capitulates to social pressure, tyrants and family members; the struggle in a marriage where love exists but not necessarily passion, romance and excitement; and the conflict of ethics when those in your care believe to the contrary of your choices, are threatened by them and not sure if they can even really trust you. Such wrestling and grappling on these issues that we all must deal with define us by what we choose to do and as equally as important, what we choose not to do. The Nazi era was a proving ground like no other. Those kinds of choices are ever before us which I believe is part of the author's purpose in writing this book. It's as if each of us is looking into a mirror. Do we see ourselves and make appropriate changes or do we, like Reverend Olbricht in the book, walk away and forget who we are...

first read "While Mortals Sleep," then remember what happened to terri schiavo, then ponder the current popularization of euthanasia & then answer this question:

how are we (americans) different from the nazis?

because, quite frankly -- the way things are going -- i'm not seeing much of a difference!

excellent book. but then i'm always partial to books that give a glimpse of what it must have been like to live during the holocaust ... & ESPECIALLY now that we (americans) are facing the same sorts of social dilemmas.

because everyone likes to point the finger & ask how the germans could have allowed all that horrific stuff to happen in THEIR country ...

but guess what?

we're in the same boat!

which begs the question:

will we behave any differently?

only time will tell ...

As a reader, I was pleased by how well the story in "While Mortals Sleep" flowed--making it seem like I was there during this troubling time in history. The book also made me question, "What would I do in that situation?" It's easy to look back and think, "Oh, I would have stood up for the Jews" or "I would have fought against Hitler," but when you think of the lives of your own family being at stake--well, then it becomes harder to know just what we would do. This novel also made me think about our country in our own time period. What evils are we allowing to happen in our society because it's easier to sit back and do nothing? What are we sacrificing in order to live a comfortable life and go with the flow? While the questions are hard, this is the sign of a good book. It is not only enjoyable to read, but it also makes one turn the pages back on themselves and ask, "What about me?"

Jack Cavanaugh has given us a character in a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany who learns the meaning of courage as he stands for righteousness, and I am reminded of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the real-life hero of Nazi Germany who risked his all.

In this book, which won the International Historical prize for "Christie Award," the pastor is Josef Schumaker, and he is torn between the opinions of his congregation and his father-in-law, also a pasator, and his own knowledge of what's right. Eventually, he is forced off the fence and has to risk his life to save the "defective" children who are destined for destruction. Not exactly Bonhoeffer, but I'm sure it may have been an inspiration.

Highly recommended!!!

W.A. Criswell is by far one of the clearest teachers of the Bible. I use the commentary in this Study Bible as a resource to teach and preach. If you are looking for a clear study Bible, this is the one you should purchase. Criswell College is named after W.A. Criswell and home of the Pasche Institute of Jewish Studies. His teachings are clear and easy to understand.

1) They almost never inspire "study" - we Americans are laaa-zeee. We would rather have someone else do our thinking for us. 2) Their "notes" are too often propaganda rather than exegesis - please learn the difference and always keep this distinction before you. 3) Any Bible that has a subtitle is, by definition, suggesting that this edition is better than the rest - do you see why I would say that? 4) Too often "Study" Bibles are simply devices for selling more paper and ink - the same applies to "new" translations.

If you want to celebrate your heritage, good for you. But be aware of this - if you are a Christian your heritage is neither in your church's denomination nor even in your church's pedigree. Our heritage is in Christ and in Him alone. We need to stop thinking in terms of "It's all about me" (e.g. I'm a Baptist / Presbyterian / Episcopalian,etc.) and start focusing on the excellencies of God in Christ. (Perhaps you might want to read Packer's KNOWING GOD.) It's not about "me", it's all about Him

... I'm just along for the ride.

P.S. for some additional historical issues see the review titled "Errant Notes to the Inerrant Word, October 24, 2006". Interesting, if true.

This study Bible is a fantastic resource for any and every Baptist believer! When you open the cover, and see a forward by Billy Graham, you know it is going to be good, and when you look at the list of contributors and see W.A. Criswell and John MacArthur, you know it is going to be great!

Each Bible book starts out with an in-depth introduction that discusses such things author, date and theme, then has a nice outline, and then follows with the Biblical text (New King James Version) with copious and highly informative annotations at the bottom of the page. At the end of the book are several Bible study articles, maps, and a nice concordance.

Now, my description above is not really exhaustive. There is so much in this great book that I could probably write a small book just describing it! So, suffice it to say that this is a great study Bible, one that is sure to please any Baptist believer. I love this great study Bible, and give it my highest recommendations!

This study Bible adds errant notes to the inerrant Word of God. It represents the definitive position of a theology (dispensationalism) that will be so changed in the next few decades that it will be unrecognizable from its present form. Those who believe that dispensationalism is Baptist theology don't know their Baptist history. Gill, Fuller, Boyce, Dagg, Carroll, Hovey were all covenant, calvinistic theologians. The precursors to modern Baptists who hold to dispensationalism were either holiness folks like A.J. Gordon, or radical sepratists like William B. Riley. This study Bible is no more representative of Southern Baptists than the Ryrie Study Bible. Go buy the Open Bible, a much better choice.

This Bible is the direct descendent of W. A. Criswell's original 1979 "Criswell Study Bible", revised by his chief protegé, Dr. Paige Patterson, and a who's-who of Southern Baptist pastors and theologans. If you are interested in exploring the full depth of Southern Baptist theology, this is the Bible to have.

Dr. Criswell was the long-time pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas and one of the bulwarks against the influx of liberalism into the SBC, and one of its intellectual giants. Dr. Patterson, who is now the President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, was one of the principals of the conservative movement within the Convention. Together, they have produced a study Bible that represents the essence of classical Baptist theology, represented in the copious amount of study notes that appear throughout the text. I have read every page and was greatly enriched from the experience.

Its content is much more in-depth than appears in the "Life Application Bible" and IMO is a little more in-depth that even the "MacArthur Study Bible". A thorough reading will be richly rewarded, but be prepared to spend a lot of time looking up cross-references (buying the thumb-indexed edition will help here!). In many places, particular words are explained with references to the original languages, or when symbolism is used, it is thoroughly explained.

The main body of this Bible is the standard Nelson Reference Bible (taken pretty much verbatim, including the typeface). Commentary on various verses and passages appear at the bottom of each page. A introduction and outline precede each book, and there are charts and diagrams interspersed as well.

The only strike against this Bible is it has typical (sub-par) Nelson construction. It is best used in your library than in your pew as it may not stand up to the rigors of use over time. This edition begs for the Nelson Signature Series treatment as that line of Bibles are superb.

I highly recommend this Bible to any serious Bible student! It would be the perfect companion to the "Reformation Study Bible" as these represent the 2 remaining theologies that still hold true to the historicity, authority, and accuracy of the inspired Word of God.