T Books

This book has been an excellent resource for me both in my personal Bible reading and in preparing sermons.

The first sermon I ever gave was directly informed by the historical information I learned about from this book.

It really illuminates the historical background for all the verses in the New Testament.

I have taken a course with Dr. Keener, and his passion shines through in this book. I have never met someone who works harder than he does. It is big, but it is not a difficult read. If you are looking for answers, you will find them here. Want to know why the signs in John are so important (and it is "signs" rather than "miracles" in John for a reason), you will know. If you want to know the significance of the numbers and churches in Revelation, you will know.

This is a helpful resource in helping to understand who the Bible text is written to. By understanding the historical background, you can interpret the scriptures accurately.

I was given this book as an ordination present back in 1996, and I have used it faithfully ever since. It is the work of Craig Keener, New Testament professor at Eastern Seminary. He works verse by verse from Matthew through Revelation, giving cultural and historical information that lies behind the text. He teaches about the different kinds of tax collectors, the roles and responsibilities of the teachers of the law, and Jewish customs and traditions that bring to light the meaning of certain verses.

This is one of the first books I consult when I am researching information for a Sunday sermon, and I am always rewarded with something to chew on to give to my people. I highly recommend this resource as one of the ten books every Bible teacher should own.

I've found it to be priceless to have this book (and the OT edition also) at the table whenever doing a Bible study. When I do group Bible Studies (especially inductive studies), people love to crack this reference book open so that they can get more clues into the significance of objects and names and motivation of the characters in the Bible. I am not a Biblical scholar, so there would simply no way for me to learn about some of the more obscure details we come across during even common passages for study. I also own the electronic version of this book, so that I have it with me wherever I go with my laptop.

This is not to say a thing against either of the two TV two versions of this play, which I saw and loved, but to say that when I first heard the play it was on a recording with the voices of John Gielgud, Penelope Browne, and Richard Burton.

I thought I had never heard words spoken by human voices that was so alluring they were close to opera. Hearing them was like getting drunk on words. I can't find that audio tape now that I used to copy the library recording, and I wonder if there is any way of tracing that performance and getting another copy? I remember Gielgud's way of expressing tedium of the party that was to mark the last night of his life and Jennet's. "Tedi-UM, Tedi-UM, Tedi-Um, on a falling scale, or naming the party "ice bath of pleasure." Yet he was in love and bordering on desperate when he told Jennet that when she had rejected him after a brief pause: "I'll chalk that hesitation all over the walls of Hell."
And about the future, which they didn't think they had: "I can give you generations of roses, here, in this wrinkled belly," He murmured, putting a rose hip in her palm. Wonderful, indeed.

Centering around the notion that two antithetical people are nonetheless in the same kind of predicament makes an interesting subject for a story, comedy, or otherwise. What makes this play such an entertaining read, play, and piece of literature, is also what keeps it from being an enduring classic. Language can be a beautiful but it can also be ruined by needless toying and that's exactly what the lead character, Thomas, does for large portions of this play. The two leads are so conceited about their lives and goals and proving things to others. I guess that's the reason the play is both laughable and exhausting. The characters in the play concede to truths and judgment not by reason, they can just ignore it no longer. Everyone in this play, with the exception of Richard, is unsensible and their actions are unpredictable in tradional terms, but the one thing you can count on is that they won't do what someone else wants them to do, they will always do the opposite unless it's already what they set out to do. This is classic comic folly, however, it doesn't come out that way because of Fry's language taking center stage.

As a previous reviewer put it "not everyone will enjoy reading "the lady's not for burning" I'll take it a step further and say that not everyone will find it essential, because I don't. Although I enjoy it and am thankful I read it, I think it's a disposable play, that depends on virtuosic acting and an uncanny knowledge of the English language.

I had the pleasure of seeing John Gielgud and Pamela Brown in "The Lady's Not For Burning" when I was teen-ager. It has been a pleasure to relive the joys of this delightful play once again.

It's 14th Century England and Thomas Mendip is tired of the world. He just wants someone to hang him so he can leave this life for good. He keeps telling people that he's the devil himself and the only way to send him back to Hell is to kill him. But the village leaders have bigger problems to worry about. The daughter of a local deceased alchemist, Jennet Jourdemayne, is certifiably insane and the townfolk think she might be a resident witch. It doesn't help that on the day that Thomas begs to be hanged, the beautiful Alizon Elliot is arriving to greet the son of the mayor to whom she is engaged. Thomas and Jennet are forgotten while the preparations for Alizon's arrival take place and that night during a ball for Alizon, Thomas and Jennet meet. The fates collide and they fall in love. But Jennet's supposed to be hung. What is a devil to do?

THE LADY'S NOT FOR BURNING is hilarious, but the comedy takes a backseat to the witty wordplay. The characters are secondary performers and the real star of the show is the language. One would probably assume that THE LADY'S NOT FOR BURNING was a product of the English Renaissance, perhaps even a missing play written by Shakespeare himself. But it's just good ole Christopher Fry's twentieth-century version of a Shakespearean-type comedy written in grand form.

Not everyone will enjoy reading THE LADY'S NOT FOR BURNING as the delightful language might be too much for some to understand. However, if you like Shakespearean comedy or just have a love for the English language, then THE LADY'S NOT FOR BURNING might be something worth your reading.

Charles Williams once yelled something to Christopher Fry from the top of a London bus. I forget what he yelled but I'm surprised they couldn't communicate psychically, for Williams and Fry were soulmates in more ways than one. Critics find both obscure and obtuse, overly given to purple prose and awkward phrasing. Readers who want to be banged over the head don't like either author, but those who enjoy sublety and coaxing a text to give up its secrets often enjoy their whimsical wordplay, even if they find their works overly freighted with ideas.

Both writers are given to many-layered interpretations. One writer found in Fry's play A Phoenix Too Frequent an almost allegory of St. Paul's contrast between the "law" and "grace" in the book of Romans (in a full allegory everything corresponds to something else, which is not the case here). Charles Williams' plays are works in progress that are worked out dramatically on the stage. His most famous novel, Descent into Hell, develops the story around the attempt to put on a play.

Charles Williams would find nothing odd in these resonances between himself and Fry, both members of what he called the confraternity of poets, or between author and reader, whom he would say were linked in the web of souls. This language yearns to be spoken, almost as an incantation, and this potential energy longs to turn to kinetic action on the stage. Our age, given unto despair, finds both writers alternately too somber and too flippant. But for readers who, like Fry and Williams, find themselves out of step with modern (or post-modern) sensibilities, these plays may be just the thing. Maybe that's what Charles Williams was shouting from the London bus.

Leaps of Faith is truly captivating. Its plot is rich and moving. Its characters are endearing and vividly alive, especially Warren and Flip. However too much emphasis is placed on the union and the strike. Also, the side stories of Tanya and the lesbian couple in Flip's theatre group seem irrelevant. But the relationship developments between Warren and Flip, between the couple and their respective sister, between the couple and their little girl,Juliet, makes the book shines. The strength in Warren and Flip's relationship culminating to their "marriage" is rare, touching, deeply emotional and beautifully told. I hope Kranz will invest her talents in another novel soon.

"Leaps of Faith" is a work of love. It is warm, funny, sweet and moving, with elements of suspense and drama. Rachel Kranz tackles major themes of race, sexuality, family and betrayal. She searches her characters with great affection for the best they have to offer and finds an array of human qualities that contribute to a most satisfying reading experience. The book is stylishly written, but in a friendly, down-to-earth way, and at the end of the nearly 600 pages, I only wished for more. I can't wait for Rachel Kranz's next book.

Kranz's remarkable novel is a hefty mix of comedy, politics, and the daily grind of love in all its forms. Flip's psychic boyfriend Warren doesn't fully support his fledgling acting career. Rosie, Flip's sister, is juggling what could be her first union strike with her so-called dating life. While Flip and Warren's relationship struggles, Warren's estranged sister sends her biracial daughter into Warren's life, causing him to adjust to life in totally new ways. Kranz changes viewpoints through the story, making it a mosaic of life in New York City, and this is one of the strongest aspects of the story. The most potent aspect of the story is Warren and Flip's love. It's incredibly tangible in its constant variations from positive to negative to inbetween. Like real life, their love is inconsistent with one saying something honestly to the other, and watching as it's misunderstood. And it's this honesty that resonates with the reader, drawing us further and further into the book until it's unquestionable that this book would be set aside. If you want to give yourself a fulfilling, joyful treat, grab this book and settle into a comfortable chair.

Set in the vibrant Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen neighborhoods of New York City, Leaps of Faith explores gay and lesbian relationships, struggling actors, racism and union activists. There's something for everyone in this novel, but the author invested so much of her own experiences, I wonder if she has anything left to contribute to subsequent novels.

Warren is a professional psychic, raised in a wealthy family who only partially accepts his gay lifestyle. He is suddenly saddled with raising his sister's French bi-racial 8-year old daughter, Juliette, after his sister admits herself into an asylum in Paris. Although he is totally unprepared for this role, he adapts quickly to it and learns to love Juliette totally. The central theme of the novel is Warren's volatile relationship with Flip, 13 years younger, struggling actor, and the love of his life. After much angst and soul searching Warren and Flip decide to pledge their troth to each other, and many humorous scenes are built around their "wedding" planning.

Flip's sister Rosie is also struggling to come to terms with her love relationship with a much younger man of a different ethnicity. She is also a determined union activist and struggles with some serious health problems. I found the chapters relating to the clerical workers strike at the university to be overdone and boring, and some skillful editing could have made this section of the book more concise and entertaining.

The structure of the book, which was told in multiple voices, allowed you to have insight into the perspective of multiple characters, and was a useful device until the chapters relating to the strike. Moving rapidly from the voice of one character to another character, none of whom were adequately fleshed out, was confusing and tedious.

But, all in all, the book was amusing, quick reading and gave some fascinating insights into New York, the gay life, the theater, and the behind the scenes union organizing. A little less detail in some areas could have shortened it somewhat and made the pace more brisk.

I loved this book! It's a real page-turner. Ms. Kranz has captured the pulse of New York City with an exquisite array of pitch perfect voices running the spectrum of sexual orientation, gender and political position. It is epic in scope and yet very detailed and personal in each of its unique points of view. She has written a novel about intimacy and how we construct our intimate relationships that is political without being preachy. Her insightful glimpses into actor's lives, union organizers, traditional and non-traditional family structures and the web of relationships that keep them together are both painful and heartfelt. The characters have lingered with me long after the last page has been turned. The book reminds me of a fine tapestry, rich in texture and pattern, its story-lines beautifully woven together into a satisfying whole. I highly recommend this book!

Melody Beattie tells of her exeperience of great human tragedy with integrity and brutal honesty. Her book ends with a greater understanding of the human heart and with a message of hope.

Melody Beattie has great infornation in this book to help you help yourself

This book has been the most helpful book that I have read since my 15 year old son died of suicide in May 2006. She knows exactly how we who have lost children feel. It gave me hope. She made me feel more "normal". I have read Melody Beattie for years and was deeply touched by this book. I would highly recommend it to all bereaved parents.

Melody Beattie's book is a profoundly poignant, honest, courageous, heartfelt, and inspiring journey from being shattered at the loss of her precious 12 year old son, to learning how to embrace life again, and how to love and live fully.

It is not an easy journey, and takes time to adjust, and plunge wholeheartedly into the life circumstances you are facing NOW, so that you can re-claim the love in your heart that you can give both to yourself, and others who do need you.

I was deeply touched at how Melody shares generously with depth, and inspiration that anyone who is suffering from loss will gain tremendous benefit from reading this beautiful gift to humanity.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is in grief, as well as to grief support groups, so you can re-gain your life set by Melody's example. It is a beautiful and genuine one.
Barbara Rose, author of "Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE" and 'If God Was Like Man'
Editor of inspire! magazine

Melody Beattie's book is a profoundly poignant, honest, courageous, heartfelt, and inspiring journey from being shattered at the loss of her precious 12 year old son, to learning how to embrace life again, and how to love and live fully.

It is not an easy journey, and takes time to adjust, and plunge wholeheartedly into the life circumstances you are facing NOW, so that you can re-claim the love in your heart that you can give both to yourself, and others who do need you.

I was deeply touched at how Melody shares generously with depth, and inspiration that anyone who is suffering from loss will gain tremendous benefit from reading this beautiful gift to humanity.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is in grief, as well as to grief support groups, so you can re-gain your life set by Melody's example. It is a beautiful and genuine one.

Highly recommended! Barbara Rose, author of, `Individual Power' and `If God Was Like Man'

I read this book new and several times since. I've given away a few copies which is why I'm here on Amazon again. I hope they don't run out.
I WROTE CONSUMERS REPORT a while back about publishing an updated edition. They didn't respond.

As the other reviewers say, this book is hands down, the best book on drug history available. Unlike other books about the history of drugs and drug policy (i.e., Musto), this book is not dry. It covers most drugs, including licit drugs (which is very important), and this man has great insight. This is the right way to write about drug policy. I have no idea why this book was never reprinted; it is truly the best drug book that exists.

I read this book in the early '80s. I say that it helped me survive my period of drug experimentation. Now as a father I don't endorse the use of drugs but I do recommend this book so that the reader could make an informed choice.

Even though this book is nearly 30 years old, everything it says about the drug problem is still relevant today.

This publication outlined a clear-cut set of recommendations that if adhered to, today's drug problems would have become a long forgotten memory.

This book is a must for the collection.

I went through alot of 'Drug Education'. I thought I knew something. I didn't. I learned more in one night from this book than I did in 18 years of being a youth in the Drug War. Read this cover to cover and now try to get everyone I know to read it.

This is one of the best Christian devotional books I have ever read. It is unique in its presentation of events in the life of Christ and the author's spiritual insights certainly draw one closer to God. I gave a copy to my pastor and he recommended it to fellow pastors, as well as friends and family.
Gert McIntosh

I find this devotional to be so touching and thought-provoking. I have purchased one for my husband, daughter, and two friends. I only wish I had bought more. In relation to the scripture, Mr. Gire ties Moments with the Savior into every day life and hin doing so this book helps me to know how to pray more effectively about different matters in my own life and in others for whom I pray. It is very insightful and highly recommended!

I have received more graces through this book than any other in my library. Ken Gire knows how to make the Bible come alive in very real, truistic ways. A definite +++

By far my favorite devotional book. Gire, through his gift of story-telling, brings to life the characters and situations of those Christ touched in his time here on earth. The prayers that end each chapter help me examine myself and fix my eyes on Jesus. This book is wonderful for those who only know the name of Jesus and seasoned Christians alike.

On seeing other interesting reviews, I briefly need to quote Ken Gire in his exceedingly well-written glimpses! 1) An Insightful Moment of the Fields: "He lies there so meekly...Coming to us in the weakest of ways. He placed himself at the mercy of creation, at the mercy of a census, at the mercy of us mortals, even at the mercy of animals." After being immersed in sacrifice, I find An Intense Moment in the Desert: "The desert is where we face the strongest and most seductive temptations in life...where the enemy is most formidable, and where we are most vulnerable."

Ken uses descriptive adjectives so artistically. He seems truely sincere, never boring. With the Insightful Moment at Nazareth, he creatively expounds upon Jesus reading the Prophet Isaiah in the Synagogue.

"Nazareth was Jesus' hometown. (Just in case my first readers may not know the fact) Nazareth's obscurity is surpassed only by its austerity." With few words he sparks my imagination!

Two more dramatic moments compelled my total attention: Gire's
Intimate Moments With Peter and Insightful Moments of Character, focused upon the Beatitudes! Describing his Fishing with the disciples, Gire writes: "Above them hover squawking fluries of herons, cranes, and cormorants waiting to dart in and steal away what they can of the catch." (To any salt-water fisherman that cuts it deeply)

Finally, An Insightful Moment of Character: "The Crowds were comprised largely of outsiders. Hardly pillars of the community.
What did they hear in His voice when he preached? What did they see in His Face?" Then his answer comes in outline form: "He was poor in spirit...He mourned...He was meek...He hungered and He thirsted for righteousness."

"If the world persecuted Him; What would it do to His followers? Similiar thots are included in his most Intense Moment about the Mountain-top, with more creative embroidery. Poor in spirit, mournful, meekness, hunger for rightousness... being merciful, being pure in heart, also a peacemaker." What a wondrous way to end my Commentary...Awesomely full of Intimate, Instructive Moments with Jesus! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Celebrity autobiographies are exercises in exhibiting the overexposed. However, dignity and discretion are assumed by the reader. Consequently, the author is oblidged to spend the entire book repeating, in essence, "I don't mean to brag but..." Also, celebrity autobiographies are famous for their creativity. David Niven's is pretty par for the course. I doubt if more than 25% of the incidents included happened exactly as described, if at all. All the better for the reader. The truth is usually rather dull or unpleasant. The narrative itself is very readable in a relaxed chatty style. Who knows if he even wrote it himself. You never know. Maybe he wrote the bare bones out and gave it to a ghostwriter to pad it and make it sound like "David Niven" wrote it. Wouldn't be the first time. Who cares? It's a fun story filled with famous people being interesting.

Published in 1972, THE MOON'S A BALLOON proved one of the great bestsellers of the decade--and if you read the first page you'll know why. You are immediate hooked by star David Niven's wild, wicked sense of humor. Whether it is his Dickensian childhood, his outrageous tour of duty with the British military, or his climb to unexpected stardom, this is truly Niven exactly as you imagine he would be.

Imagine, however, seems to be an operative word. Niven was less interested in relating the facts of his life than he was in telling a good story and in putting his best face to the public--something that is not entirely unexpected in an autobiography, particularly the autobiography of a Hollywood star. Later writers have noted that Niven played fast and loose with the facts in THE MOON'S A BALLOON, and that for all his charm he could be viciously despicable when the mood took him; it is also worth pointing out that he was never quite the "A List" star that he seems to be in his memoirs.

But all this is actually a little beside the point. Whether it is factually accurate and emotionally honest or not, THE MOON'S A BALLOON is simply a delightful read right from the first page, where we meet Nessie, the Picadilly hooker who introduced Niven to the joys of the flesh. Approximately half the book concerns Niven's life before he arrived in Hollywood as a would-be actor, and it is a riotous ride; once Niven hits the film industry, however, he begins to name drop with the best of them--offering memorable glimpses of such famous names as director William Wyler and stars Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh. It is all fascinating stuff.

It can also be quite startling. As just one example among many, when writing of his first wife's death Niven mentions that Joan Crawford stepped in to care for his children while he attempted to cope with his grief. Yikes! And although he was a great womanizer and cut a swath through Hollywood's beauties, Niven does no name dropping there; he does, however, describe an affair with a "Great Big Star" who was very likely Merle Oberon, the leading lady of WUTHERING HEIGHTS.

True enough, THE MOON'S A BALLOON will hardly stand a cold factual analysis--but it is a tremendously fun thing to read, a joyous and fun book, and while quite a lot of it is of the "tall tale" variety it certainly presents the star as he likely most wished to be seen and be remembered. Don't pick it for bedtime reading, because you'll never put it down! Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

David Niven was not always a star. He had to go away and learn his trade in "B" movies before being allowed to enter the big time. He learnt that trade well but, unlike some who were destined to become greats of Hollywood, he also put his entire acting career on hold whilst he served as an officer in a fighting unit throughout WW2.

This book tells the first half of his life's story and what a story it is. Like every biography ever written, the best bits do not happen at the beginning, so some readers, therefore, might find it slow going at first. Though many will not. But then we meet the rich and famous stars of Hollywood from another era and learn a little about each of these people and their various relationships as we move from one to another and sometimes back again.

Written in David Niven's own hilarious style, there is so much humour here that you "will" find yourself insisting others read this book. In fact, it is so funny - especially his descriptions of the wrong use of English words by foreign movie directors, one finishes the book in the knowledge that had David Niven not become an Oscar-winning movie star, he would easily have achieved great success as a writer.

The underlying theme, of course, is David Niven's life and, as one reviewer has already said, this book leaves you wishing you had met this man. Me too.

NM

Let me explain what I mean.

First of all, from the very beginning pages of the Book, I could sense the smooth flow of thoughts, pouring out of MAN Niven, not ACTOR Niven.

Second, I could also feel for MAN Niven and what he went through in his youth and early manhood.

David Niven is a born storyteller. He should have dared direct movies as well. He would have succeeded splendidly because one of the very first requirements for a director, both on stage, as well as on camera, is to know how to tell a story, and tell it in a coherent and organized way.

That he had chosen not to do it, means that he was aware of his limitations and probably preferred to stick with what he knew best: acting.

I bought this book just by chance at Heathrow, while traveling to New York, feeling bored to death by the many security checks and formalities to be undergone these days, in order to be able to travel from point A to point B on the globe.

I had absolutely no idea what it was all about, but the title intrigued me, also because I had heard about it some years ago, but didn't pay appropriate attention to it at that time.

So, here I went and bought it. Finally on board of my flight carrying me to the U.S., I opened it and before I knew better, I had already landed at JFK having read half of it.

I could have blasted the pilot for that, but it wasn't his fault. I am a slow reader. I have to savor all the finesses contained in a book, given that the same is worth the effort. Believe me, "The Moon Is A Balloon", is such a book.

During my entire stay in the U.S. I carried the book around and kept on reading it - I should actually say - devour it. When I finally came to its end I felt disappointed.

Not by the book and magnificent tales and accounts it contains, but having come to a point where there was nothing more to read.

This is a book that will leave you with a "hunger" to read more about MAN David Niven and what he has to say about his experiences.

It is not just what he says, but how he says it.

The descriptions of the people he met, the places he visited, the moods and colors of his world, all come to life vividly.

Perhaps because I am a stage director, interested in directing movies, I may have a distorted vision on this, but I could actually visualize what David Niven was describing.

Various wild images a la Charles Dickens, especially at the very beginning of the book, sprung out of my mind (even "The Turning of the Screw" popped up - go figure why...).

Then, while he was describing his experiences with the schooling system in England, I visualized sorts of crazy images half-ways out of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips", mixed with "Blackboard Jungle" and/or "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" - the male version that is.

Later the encounter with his first love affair (I won't reveal more about it, you must read by yourself), I had flashes of "Of Human Bondage" and "Great Expectations".

His Malta adventure in the Army, almost sprung out from very early forties war movies, or thirties movies with Clark Gable.

Now I realize how deformed my professional mind is, but indeed I could feel being transported there, in his "Balloon", in his world, and felt part of his tragicomic life.

David Niven takes you by the hand and leads you into his secret garden, in which you discover the ugly sides of life, but also the very splendid tiny little pleasures that make his and everyone else's life pleasurable and indeed, worth living.

It is funny to think that David Niven's "Balloon" closely resembles to the one Jules Verne's created in "Around the World in 80 Days", and while this was a total work of fiction, Niven's own takes you much farther, than just around the world.

It takes you into a lesson of lived life, told by a human being who has truly learned from his mistakes and learned from them what life is truly all about.

The lesson though, never comes from a pulpit, it comes as a highly entertaining and fascinating account of experiences, at times very funny, at times very grim, but never, never boring.

I was stunned to finally witness that even a person like Niven, that was alive for most of my lifetime, could still enthrall and grip me with his writing style.

I usually have always avoided reading modern authors, or biographies of modern personalities, except maybe Science Fiction books (Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury or Arthur C. Clarke), since they all seem to resemble each other.
It is a continuous ego-trip with lots of whining and gossiping involved, but no true and genuine life experience and wisdom shared, and if is at all shared, it is in the form of "...let me tell you how to change your life, into a successful business-like one...".
Lots of preaching from insignificant and dull people I wouldn't even like to meet in person, even if I had a chance to do so.

David Niven never preaches, he just tells you how it was and the ways he managed to work himself out of trouble and into a very useful and respectable life.

I absolutely love his book.

Alas, David is not among us anymore, because if he were alive today, I would absolutely want to know and meet him in person, and perhaps even work with him.

I am over fifty, but I get a sense that with a person like him, I could still learn a lot in matters of life and how to survive even the most adverse of situations in it.

Dear readers, allow me to suggest this book to all of you. You won't regret it. This is not just another boring autobiography.
This is a man's heart opened up to the world, for the best and the worst.

David Niven's soul lies in his lines and comes alive when these lines are read.

Bless you David, wherever you may be, my thoughts are with you.The Moon's a Balloon

I just want to quickly add to all these other five-star reviews that this is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. David Niven candidly bares his vulnerabilities and lets us in on the obstacles and hurts he endured. I read this at a time that I felt I was drifting and this made me feel much better. There are amusing stories about Hollywood and the rest of the world in the old days. Blessings to David Niven. It's a breeze of a read and I envy those of you who have it yet to enjoy for the first time!

Mark Nanos leads the reader through the historical context in which Romans written with substance undergirding his thesis. His historical and pastoral exegesis does not detract from the spiritual guidance Paul was communicating to the Romans, but amplifies it. He skillfully addresses dissimiliar scholarly orthodoxy with reason and facts. This is a thoughtful and flowing work that holds the reader's interest to the end. For those interested in additional information that seems to support Nanos' conclusions read The Christians and the Roman Empire by Marta Sordi, and The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark.

Nanos pulls from the history, the culture, the Greek language, and even the archaeology to bring a "fresh" interpretation of a mysterious book to our time. In doing so, he comes closer to putting us into the minds of Jewish Christians living in the 40s, 50s than most commentators.

Nanos' thesis is that Paul is rebuking Gentile Christians for being arrogant about their grace-oriented lifestyle, and that the weak and the strong in Romans aren't Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians (as interpreted for, goodness, 1900+ years?), rather non-Christian Jews and Jewish/Gentile Christians. The Christians are the "strong" because they rely on God's grace, the Jews "weak" because they rely on the law. However, the term "weak" is not necessarily prejorative. In fact, Nanos states that the weak are stumbling *because* of the arrogance of the strong regarding violating the Law. The Christians are chastized in the letter, not exalted, and the Christians are asked to be more "Jewish", or at least, Noachidic.

The Jews are still considered brethren, the calling of God is irrevocable, the seed of Abraham is the branch which sustains the Church, and "all Israel will be saved" (pas Israel sothesetai). Nanos backs all this up. This is a challenge to 'Replacement Theologians,' as Replacementers rely on this letter for much of their arguments.

I also found Nanos' comments on the Shema and its role in the Gospel enlightening.

Nanos is unequalled in his ability to write and back up his thoughts with proof. He has a twist in this book, from a Jewish perspective, he attempts to show how Paul is writing to Jews and Romans to consider one another as brothers, to emphasize toleration.

Nanos' thesis is that Paul was writing a correction to both, neither should think more of themselves than what they should. It was not the Jews who thought too much of themselves, it was he Romans who were thinking they were more than just simple Christians. His reference to Romans 9 is very insightful.

It is a difficult read, written mostly to a more educated audience, however, it is a good tool for anyone who has a desire to understand the depth of scripture from a Jewish perspective.

If only all christians would remember that the early church was originally all Jewish until the conversion of the Samaritans. The core of Paul's work was done in synagogues and Jews were among the converts throughout Europe and Asia Minor.

Nanos goes a long way to reveal a much needed dialog between Christian and Jew. Christian roots, Jewish ideas, a need for understanding.

That's it--simple--one of the best 10 books on Paul of the last 5 years.

This was the most stimulating book on Paul's epistle to the Romans that I have ever read. It challenged my thinking and shifted my paradigm.

Essentially, Nanos argues that the 'weak' in Romans are not Christian Jews, but rather Jews who have not yet believed in Christ. With this in mind, Nanos interprets the entire epistle as a sustained plea to gentile Christians not to cause offense to Jews, but rather to live in such a way as to cause them no stumbling block to believing in Jesus as the Christ.

There were some elements on Nanos' theory which I found unconvinving. For example, his critique of Luther's view is somewhat overstated, though some criticisms are warranted. Also, Nanos' treatment of the governing officials from Rom 13 being synagogue officials seems a little too narrow. His treatment of the Claudius Edict is also unconvincing. In my opinion, Paul is writing to the gentiles for them to take not a 'hands-off' approach towards Jews, but rather a 'hands-on' evangelistic approach.

One feature of the presentation I thoroughly disliked was the amount of argumentation which appeared in the footnotes. I could not see why most of Nanos' arguments in the footnotes could not have been put into the body of the work. Footnotes should, in my opinion, be reserved for referencing and short peripheral statements. On occasion, Nanos' footnotes take over in arguing his case.

Nevertheless, Nanos' work is highly thought-provoking and well-worth a read. You will not be disappointed by reading this book closely. I did and it altered my outlook on Romans (for the better, I believe).

After hearing Nick Hornby read his short story "Small Country" on NPR, I had to pick up this book. I was not disappointed. The stories are odd, humorous, and a bit-off center, but they are also immensely enjoyable. The themes are geared primarily towards younger readers (stories about parents leaving for Peru, monsters at summer camp, over protective fathers - you get the idea), with a tongue-in-cheek parody about them that is reminiscent of Lemony Snicket (who, in fact, wrote the introduction.)

Most stories are sure to be a hit with the grade 3 - 6 crowd; the final story by Jonathan Safran Foer ("The Sixth Borough") is a bit less kid-friendly, but the collection as a whole is a fun read. Highly recommended for young readers.

My 10 year old daughter absolutely loved this book. She was a bit intimidated by the title initially , so I started off reading her the stories. We both were intrigued and read the whole book together. I thought is was so good , when we finished, I gave the book to our school library for other kids to read - my daghter nearly killed me for giving it away!

The collection of stories is a must read for fans of intelligent young adult stories. Even the introduction, by Lemony Snicket, poking fun of books that are more mundane (with a terrific nod to Harry Potter) is a great read. I liked Gaiman's and Hornby's stories.

The general impression is that it's a collection of stories that the authors would have like to read when they were kids. Some of them may be scary to the announced age group (4-7) but most are just sweet. For the adult many of them will remind the reader how it was to be a kid. And for the kid, this will make them feel vindicated for many injustices they suffer, like the loud mean boy that everybody likes, over-controlling parents, and having to play sports when they really don't want to.

The funniest part was the introduction by Lemony Snicket. I'd like to know how Paul Revere did wrong by him.

Take some excellent, renowmed writers, have them write a collection of stories for kids, and this is what you get. An eclectic, fun, sometimes creepy mix of tales that those of all ages are likely to enjoy.

While writers like Nick Hornby and Neil Gaiman contribute, the best effort comes from Kelly Link, in his tale titled, "Monster." Although written for children, this is one of the funniest short stories I've read in quite some time - funny, scary, straightforward in its telling - and it's the highlight of an outstanding collection.

The only thing that keeps me from giving this 5 stars is the fact that there are a couple of weak stories that hurt the overall collection. Still, I'd highly recommend this for readers of any age. You might not like every story, but I guarantee that there will be several that catch your fancy.

I learned so much from these books. (I have all 3) They are amazing! Very easy to read and understand, just great!

While these volumes are now online, I love having them in print because I can't read for long periods of time in an electronic format. These books are great for every day real questions that people ask about the Catholic Church, from the most common to the most absurd. The two fathers always answer in a frank and honest manner - they do not mince words, but they are charitable. Well in the top 100 Catholic books.

These books are probably the best resource available for someone wishing to learn about Catholicism and faith in general. The authors respond to the toughest questions posed by Protestants, Agnostics, Atheists, and other non-Catholics. The answers are simple, brief, and logical. The only downfall is the fact that they pre-date the Vatican II council; otherwise this set captures the faith quite well, and is indexed by topic. If you are a Catholic looking to expand your knowledge of your religion, or are questioning the beliefs of the Church, I challenge you to read these books. Also, I challenge any Protestant to read the responses of the authors on any doctrine you find difficulty believing. Every question has a strong and complete answer. These books are a must-have!

This three-volume set is considered a classic text of Catholic apologetics. The writing is clear, concise, and relentlessly logical. The arguments put forth are a remarkable combination of common sense, logic, and Scriptural reference. Not only does the book give Protestants, agnostics, humanists, and atheists a lot to think about, it is a fantastic resource for Catholics who desire a full understanding of our religious beliefs and practices, top to bottom. The big difference between Volumes 1 and 2 is that the latter responds to far more challenging questions, delving deeper into the same general topics covered in Volume 1.

I covered Volumes One and Two under those listings, so this is about Volume Three. As the series progresses, the questions get harder. Volume Three covers Church dogma and morals in great detail. In particular, the sixty year-old commentary on morals is eerily, sadly prophetic. The consequences of a drift toward complete moral relativism are described as a nightmare scenario, yet how much of it has come to pass--steadily rising divorce, abortion, alienation, violence, division into smaller and smaller groups dedicated only to the advancement of some self-proclaimed social imperative. Undoubtedly, to a non-believer, the prophetic quality of the arguments is the strongest point in their favor. It is not hard to see the moral quagmire we live in (if one only bothers to look), but to see it so clearly when it was just forming--that requires a true vision, a true perspective. For the believer, the truth of the Fathers' arguments is self-evident, for it is simply the Word of God.