Baker Books

I have been blessed by not only reading this book, but also by having the privilege of being one of Dr. Quicke's students while he was a guest professor at Gordon-
Conwell Theological Seminary. He writes and speaks with great skill, sincerity, and passion. I hope that you will be as enriched by this book as much as I have been!

A Brief Overview
360-Degree Preaching provides a refreshing overview of the entire preaching dynamic, integrating spirituality with homiletics. While the book is clearly divided into two parts, its message is continuous the whole way through: preaching cannot be easily defined or explained by a simple doable, human-initiated system. Part one details the realities of preaching and covers a wide span of topics: the biblical and historical basis for preaching, analysis of the contemporary culture, the importance for the preacher to understand him-or herself, and the proposed 360-degree model of preaching. This takes into account of all these factors, especially the organic relationship between the Trinity, the preacher, and the hearers. Part two develops the `Preaching SWIM' as a model that incarnates the 360-degree dynamic. Each phase of the five stages of the sermon, though definitely more hands-on, stays true to the author's thesis of integrating all the disciplines of the preacher towards true spirituality. The model is simple but not superficial, and as a metaphor, it illustrates important aspects of preaching that will assist preachers in their lifelong as well as weekly journey of preparing a sermon.

Author's Distinctive Contribution
On many levels 360-Degree Preaching is a necessary addition to preaching literature. Broadly speaking, Quicke's integration of theology (both biblical and pastoral), spiritual formation, homiletics, and culture-critique make for an engaging read that challenges the preacher towards true spirituality. Rather than settling on a model that is easy and `doable,' what is presented is difficult to manage, unpredictable, paradigm-breaking, and open to creativity. In fact it is shocking, yet relieving, to actually read, "No one can say for certain what a sermon should look like" (p.26). This is not because the author has caved in to the despondency of our times, but rather he is in tune to the myriad of possibilities that could occur when the diverse factors of preaching combine: Scripture, words, the Trinity, the person of the preacher, the listener, and the worship context.

More specifically, the emphasis God's (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) role in preaching says something that is lacking in many preaching books, whether introductions or specialized. I do not recall one book in this field that I have read that emphasizes the role of the entire Trinity in the preaching dynamic, except Torrance's Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace. Therefore, this emphasis and foundation to the 360-degree model, is cutting edge in its thoroughly ancient, biblical origin.
Rather than offering an historical overview of modernism and postmodernism, the discussion is more focused and helpful. (This type of information can and should be researched in books more aptly devoted to the subject.) By defining the six key words that affect 21st century preaching, the book's thesis is not lost and the reader actually gains insight that equips him or her to be a more effective preacher. The discussion on orality shifts is one important example of this. Even in Johnston's Preaching to a Postmodern World this topic is overlooked, and yet it is essential for an accurate understanding of and communication to postmoderns.
Perhaps what makes the message of this book so commanding is the author's own pastoral experience of about 20 years. Unfortunately, many popular homileticians do not have such experience to stand behind their theories. Also, the author is well read and does not rehash only the works of popular evangelicals, but rather carefully interacts with a wide variety of authors.

A Personal Evaluation
At first, I resisted the preaching SWIM, thinking it might be a hokey acronym. However, after working through the process with the understanding of the 360-degree preaching dynamic, I wholeheartedly endorse it. It is not earth-shatteringly unique in terms of the actual stages (most sermons begin with some sort of immersion into the text and end with the sermon being preached); but it is revolutionary because at each phase of all the stages, the preacher is encouraged to engage all of the dynamics: Scripture, God, the preacher, the hearers, etc. Committing an entire chapter to "experiencing the outcomes" convinced me of the depth of the author's model.
The Trinitarian emphasis has further confirmed in my mind the necessity to worship God during the whole process of preaching, and that God is most glorified in our preaching when we are aware that he empowers it and us. Thank you Dr. Quicke for exalting our great God! Indeed, 360-Degree Preaching has impacted me so greatly because it is so God-centered. This book belongs in the preaching curriculum of every college and seminary and in the hands of every preacher!

Reading 360 Degree Preaching and discussing its content with Dr Quicke has contributed to both my understanding and experience of the Trinity in sermon preparation. In short, it has propelled me towards preaching as worship.

Summary
Quicke defines preaching as, "sharing the in-breaking of God's good news to create a new people in new community." He takes a fourfold approach in describing the nature and purpose of preaching: Prophetic, Transformational, Incarnational, and Diverse. These four elements can be briefly summarized as follows: 1) Prophetic - parallel between prophets and apostles in that they speak God's Word and understand God's Word to be God's deed (Greidanus). 2) Transformational - Jesus' preaching both amazed and antagonized people. Preaching should convict and convert, strengthen and encourage. 3) Incarnational - Jesus incarnational ministry was both to peoples and cultures and his preaching. He is the hinge of history intersecting every culture and people with His story. Jesus never wrote a book but he lived as story. He is the Story. 4) Diverse - Nearly 30 words in Scripture are used to convey preaching. There is no one model of preaching, instead there should be a variety of preaching styles and models.

He also provides a historical summary pointing to several key figures in the history of preaching. He notes Origen's seminal influence, the combination of three senses by which a reader could understand Scripture: literal, moral, mystical. As a result exegesis became intertwined with preaching and living. Augustine was a forerunner in understanding the text correctly in order to preach it persuasively (Greater existential and spiritual authority accompanies such preaching). Shifts in communication have also influenced preaching from 15th century moveable type to 20th century electronic text. After making a case for relevant preaching, he offers a modification of Stott's 180 homiletical model (Preaching Between Two Worlds) calling it the 360 degree model. Quicke writes, "The preacher's prime responsibility is to be immersed in the dynamics of Trinitarian preaching."

The 360 degree model stresses holistic preaching from the initial selection of a text to post-sermon reflection. This holistic model calls for a more Trinitarian approach to preaching by encouraging the preacher to depend more earnestly upon the Holy Spirit through hearing, listening and living the Word. He writes, "Twenty-first century preaching needs less function and more unction...(I couldn't agree more!)" The second half of the book develops the "preaching swim", a step-by-step model that fosters this holistic, Trinitarian approach to sermon preparation.

Contribution
Quicke is incredibly well-read, offering his readers a plethora of un-distracting and illuminating quotations which, if traced, lead to a number of homiletical goldmines that have proved valuable in the formation of his holistic, Trinitarian model. He attempts to fill out Stott's 180 degree model of preaching (preacher's responsibility to bridge the biblical world to the contemporary world) by emphasizing several additional key components in the preaching event: the Trinity, words, preacher, listener, and worship context. Quicke's refreshing and unfortunately unique contribution among contemporary literature is his emphasis on the preacher's swim within the flow of the three persons of the Trinity. Using the swim metaphor, he illustrates the function of each additional element, developing a more holistic picture and process for sermon preparation.

Effective preaching should be shaped by a Trinitarian dynamic in which the Holy Spirit anoints preachers and convicts listeners. All too often preaching becomes an exegetical regurgitation instead of thoughtful, Spirit-led, exhortation. Increased pressures also account for half-baked sermons and harried preachers. Preachers are found modeling their lives too closely to the cultures' definition of success instead of cultivating an integrated spiritual life. Holistic, Trinitarian preaching based on good models can remedy the present atrophy in effective preaching. However we must be careful not to reduce "ineffective preaching" to the responsibility of the preacher. Often it is the hardness of the pew that refuses to relent and receive the Word no matter how powerfully or relevantly it is delivered. Preaching is two-way communication through a three-way Person.

Critique
Preaching Defined: While Quicke's definition of preaching is concise and theologically accurate, he fails to unpack the definition for the reader. I found myself desiring more explanation. By using theologically loaded terms such as "in-breaking", "new people", and "new community" Quicke invokes theological concepts and categories such as inaugurated eschatology and new creation. However, one is left to wonder whether such theological ground is intended to serve as the foundation for his preaching.

Preaching to Changing Times: While Quicke makes an excellent case for relevant preaching suggesting that we should listen to the listeners, he fails to offer a paradigm for evaluating to what degree we should integrate cultural models of secondary orality into the church. What limits, if any, should be placed on the presence of secondary orality and technology in the preaching and worship event? What about the notion of sacred space? Jesus appears to have drawn some lines in what is and is not permissible in the worship context in his cleansing of the temple. Is there something to be said for guarding the church from excessive interpenetration with the culture? Where do we draw the lines? What about the corrosive affects of technology-driven preaching upon community?

This book on preaching is a welcome addition to the growing body of knowledge in field of homiletics. It is completely accessible, easily read and yet challenging. It is of value for both the novice and the seasoned preachers.

Divided into two sections, the first is an integrative review of the homiletical landscape - both historical and current day. The dialogue with the giants of the field are of great value in addressing the changing role of the preacher in the post-Modern age. Quicke examines the power of the scripture and the place of preaching in these changing times.

In the second section, Quick introduces a model of preaching as swimming in a river. This concept is initially off-putting, like jumping into cool river or lake. As with immersion, the body soon adapts, so it is with preaching swim paradigm. The mind adapts, the concept becomes more fluid and comfortable, indeed refreshing. His phases of sermon development and delivery provides an important resource and an excellent tool for all involved in the preaching art.

Finally, after describing the phases of sermonic design and delivery, Quicke surprisingly jumps in the River himself and supplies a wonderul concluding sermon as an example of his craft.

This book worth jumping into. It offers insightful hope for the work of Proclamation and practical helps on rejuvenating the ministry of the Word.

This is the book that Preaching Magazine has declared 2003 Book Of The Year. Amazing - well written and essential for all those who are in the ministry and especially for all preachers everywhere. Excellent.

The Baker's commentary series is the best exegetical commentary I have found. I love it. Great background information, and the exegesis is right on point.

The `Baker Exegetical Commentary On The New Testament' for `Acts' or `Acts of the Apostles' by Darrell L. Bock, the research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary is a generally good commentary on one of the less well appreciated books of the New Testament. In the spectrum of commentaries which range from very pastoral - friendly such as the `New Interpreters' Bible' to the heavily scholarly volumes which are practically worthless for pastoral use, such as those in the `Word Biblical Commentary' series, Bock's volume falls about two - thirds of the way toward the scholarly side. The book's greatest strength, as well as its greatest weakness, is that it seeks to be a scholarly study of all the latest commentaries on `Acts', most especially the Anchor Bible contribution from Joseph Fitzmyer, the Sacra Pagina contribution from Luke Timothy Johnson, The New International Commentary on the New Testament volume by F. F. Bruce, and `The Acts of the Apostles, A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary' by Ben Witherington. In fact, Bock refers so often to Fitzmyer and Witherington that I seriously wonder what I'm doing reading Bock, when I can be getting the goods from the horse's mouth. Surveys of the best (and worst) of scholarly opinions are great, but such books become books about the research rather than books about the scripture. As I read Bock, I often find myself vainly seeking to find what Bock himself thinks about a passage. And, there are times when I find Bock expressing an original opinion, only to find other experts disagreeing with him, and I agree with the other writers.
One of the better reasons for picking Bock is that he also did a commentary on the Gospel of Luke, the first of the Luke - Acts combination, written by the same author. I have not used Bock's commentary on Luke, because those by Fitzmyer, Johnson, and Joel Green are so good, and, Fitzmyer and Johnson have also done commentaries on both works.
A `simple' reason for picking Bock is that his book is quite new, so it covers all the major works written in the last fifteen years. Another simple reason for picking Bock is that in addition to pointing out the good stuff, he gives us what we need to know to avoid the bad commentaries. But, both of these reasons are a bit weak. If you happen to read this review and go with Fitzmyer, Johnson, Witherington, or Bruce, you really don't need Bock at all.
Since I always find it best to work with at least two commentaries on scripture for my lay Bible study teaching, I strongly recommend Robert W. Wall's commentary in volume X of the New Interpreter's Bible plus either Fitzmyer or Witherington. If Johnson has a point, Fitzmyer will have it in spades. Wall is especially good for lay study, and Fitzmyer is a good partner, as Fitzmyer (or the 'Word Biblical Commentary' volume) will have all the study critical material Wall avoids.
Last but not least, I found the Baker style of presentation just a bit difficult to follow; however, I must commend them on excellent typefaces for their readability. Otherwise, this is a book almost exclusively for scholars and teachers of courses on `Acts'.

I have used a number of commentaries on Acts over the years. Previously my favorites were Haenchen and Fitzmyer. Both had the most exegetical material available until the recent publication of Bock's wonderful commentary. Bock is thoroughly Evangelical and this will be helpful for those who previously had so few options for a good Evangelical commentary on Acts. Bock also does an excellent job of summarizing the findings of previous works. He is highly readable and has much to offer both laity and pastors. I am currently preaching through the book of Acts, and even though I was on chapter 9 when Bock's commentary was finally available, it has quickly become the first commentary I turn to each week!

This commentary by Bock is simply the best available commentary out there on Acts. It was published in 2007 and therefore incorporates the latest scholarship on Acts.

Bock has a solid reputation of being a trustworthy NT scholar and commentator. You would not be disappointed. He works quite well with the Greek and offers several translations and indicates the best one.

The layout of the commentary is great. I wish all commentaries were laid out in this way. It's so easy to find things and just begin to read.

Get this,for it is the best out there!

There are many great words to describe this book (and many others) by David Grayson. I can't believe there are so few reviews either, the last ones were in 1998! I think it's high time to spread the word about this man and his beautiful observations of who we are and how the simple things in life are what really matter.

This is the first in a series of around eight books by David Grayson (actually this is Ray Stannard Baker writing as Grayson).
The title of the work says it all. If you are looking for a very, very mellow read, simply stuffed with wonderful observations, then this is one for you. The style/syntax, while admittedly archaic, is great and it takes only a couple of pages for you to fall into it's rythm. This book was written in the early part of the last century. This work reflects a time long past in this country, but that being said, this work still
touches many aspects of our lives we often overlook in one way or another. If you can find this work, and the rest of the series, I strongly recommend you purchase them as you will want to read them over and over again. It is a shame we seem to have lost such books.

My first exposure to this book was ten years ago, when in the LSU library I stumbled upon some very old, very dusty books. Being intrigued by old books, I found his simple titles (Adventures in Contentment, Adventures in Friendship, Adventures in Solitude, etc.) irresistible. I read 5 David Grayson (Ray Stannard Baker's pseudonym) books in two days. I returned them to the library, then soon afterward moved to California. I could not remember Grayson's name, though I would tell stories about those wonderful books that influenced my life and my writing.

7 years later, I came across a 90 year old copy of Adventures in Contentment, and found that it struck me as even more profound, having tasted a little of the cynical world that drove the main character from the city to the farm. This is the only book I have ever read that made me cry tears of human experience -- and then the very next chapter had me laughing out loud. (I was sitting at a coffee house with my friends when this happened, after which they wanted to borrow the book.)

If you are a person of thought, this book will move you. Grayson will take you on a tour of his farm and his mind. You will give him a voice, and you will hear that voice speak the words as you read. You will quote this book, you will reread this book, you will think of this book with the fondness of a close friend.

The simplicity of the essays will charm you, his masterful vocabulary will force you to grab your dictionary, and his expressive literary patterns will strike you as being as close to poetry as prose could possible come.

A picture may say 1000 words, but David Grayson's simple essays about small town life in the early 1900's will paint more vivid images in your mind than 1,000,000 Michaelangelos ever could. Simply stated, this is the greatest literary work ever written. Unfortunately, modern literary critics refer to this type of work as unimportant, sentimental and preachy. So this book will probably never be placed in its rightful spot in the literary canon.

Still, don't think the author died in obscurity without his talent being discovered. He was a lifelong friend of Woodrow Wilson, and in his old age, Ray Stannard Baker won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of his famous friend.

I wonder why there aren't any reviews on this book? It is the greatest book ever written. This book is about a person who has found a perfect harmony in life. Escaping all the scholastic philosophy and theological quest David Grayson here settles for what I regard the highest wisdom and the true purpose of life, and that is living. The book is potrayal of extra-ordinary experiences of a farmer poet who discovers a world within and without and adds a dream world quality with a sense of humour to our everyday experiences. A return to nature, beauty, simplicity, spontaniety and harmony!

In this excellent book Edith Schaeffer shares many personal experiences which help a person to understand the meaning and purpose of suffering. The point she makes is that there is meaning and purpose in all suffering. She states there is a Personal God who understands and uses these experiences, not only to help us, but also in an eternal way to help everyone. It is good reading that is meaningful and full of comfort for anyone who is suffering.

I would like to encourage all Christians and non-Christians alike who have an opportunity to read this book to do so, and then use the lessons/encouragements/exhortations of Edith Schaeffer to be salt and light in the world we live in. If I could recommend only 1 book to someone to read to prepare them for the life we face on this earth(other than the Bible, of course)and to help equip others to deal with the problems/adversities we will face,and a sound, bible-based christianity, this would be the book. I found it readable 1 chapter at a time, it is not necessary to sit down and read the entire book at once, at so many places I found myself thinking of someone who needed to hear this, read this, understand this, gain a measure of understanding to get through what they were facing, or wanted to help someone else get through their trial with a christian way of seeing that I had to stop my reading and find/call that person at once. As you can tell, I am a big Edith Schaeffer fan, you can never go wrong in recommending one of her books to someone, if someone is not a christian, they will be exposed to real, authentic answers that the Bible and a relationship with Jesus Christ provide to those who do believe, and that is rare today, I feel. Again, please get a copy of this, read it, then pass it on, there is a hurting world that needs to be prepared to face "Affliction", and this book and author are the best I've found in my christian travels.

A great book for helping to understand affliction. Very helpful for learning to use affliction for personal growth and for experiencing increased intimacy with God. I recommend it to anyone who has lost a loved one, lost a leg, lost a job and/or suffered any pain or loss during their life's journey.

This book is excellent and one that I heartily recommend. In fact I have 3 on my bookshelf at the moment so I can share the truths in this book with others. It's given me understanding of how God uses suffering in our lives.

I know of one person who wrote a newsletter before her death of how this book brought purpose to her life in the midst of her dying from cancer.

If you are struggling for answers about suffering, this book will help bring about understanding.

This book is topical and beautfully illustrated. It is an excellent book to introduce children to the war in Iraq in a nonpolitical way and to break some stereotypes: I appreciated the strong but caring Muslim woman and the men who helped her. Adults will enjoy reading this book with their children, too, because of the good story and the wonderful drawings. (I am a child psychology professor).

This is a true story about saving books. It takes place in Basra, Iraq, in 2003. Yes, that Basra. It's in the news all the time. At the beginning of the book, "Alia's Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq," there is no war in Basra. But Alia Muhammad Baker, chief librarian of Basra Central Library, knows it is only a matter of time.

As a girl, Alia had read about the Mongol invasion of Iraq and the burning of the Baghdad Library. She equates the burning of a library and its books with the destruction of the culture of her country. Burn a library and you burn a collective recorded memory. Alia singlehandedly assumes the responsibility for saving the 40,000 volumes in her library. How? She stuffs her purse and loads her arms under her shawl and walks out, loads her car, returns for another load. City and military officials who now occupy the library, daring the enemy to bomb their library, pay her no heed. She fills her car.

Night after night she comes home with a car full of books. Her husband, bless him, unloads them into a closet, then guest room, then into other rooms. (I'm a librarian and understand her distress and need to save the books!). Then neighbors and friends, and those who hear about the effort, and then many other people help rescue the books. The only books intentionally ignored are those about Saddam Hussein.

After England invades, a fire finally destroys the library and 10,000 volumes. Currently, plans are underway to rebuild as soon as the war is over.

"Alia's Mission" is told in graphic panel form and will appeal to all ages. It is a great teaching tool for parents and teachers to explain the Iraqi Conflict, Saddam Hussein, libraries and why it is important to preserve them and their books, and most definitely the fact that one person can make a difference performing a simple heroic act and becoming the impetus to drive others. What a magnificent lesson from an Iraqi librarian wearing the Islamic head covering. Certainly, the love of books is a universal language that crosses all barriers and opens doors to future reconciliations.

When the war is over, let us find a way to help Alia Muhammad Baker to rebuild the Basra Central Library.

I've struggled for a while with how to introduce my 7-year-old to the reality of war, and this book provided the opening I was looking for. The focus is on the non-political actions of a strong, intelligent, middle-aged Muslim woman (headscarf and all) whose commitment to knowledge and history causes three-quarters of the books in the Basra library to be saved from destruction. Yet the unavoidable backdrop is the current war. The book does a good job of not explicitly naming names/ countries -- the only political figure specifically named is Saddam, who is described as a highly unpopular tyrant. But it led my child to ask questions -- why is the war happening? who started it? why do people loot? who dropped the bombs? etc. -- that led to difficult answers. But I was glad to have an opportunity to open this discussion with her at her pace, and to give her a positive figure/ action to focus on at the same time as she considers the tragedies of war.

If you are teaching about the war in Iraq at any grade level this is a book you must have. Written in comic book format it is edgy enough to engage high school students and simple enough for upper elementary students to understand. It raises very fundamental questions about what we value and offers rich potential for classroom discussion. It has been reprinted in Arabic. Does Amazon have access to the Arabic version?

I highly recommend Allison Gilber's book, Always Too Soon. It is heartfelt, and an inspiration to all especially those who have lost both parents at one time or another. It provides comfort to those who have had a similar experience and who can relate to one or other of the personal stories. It shows other readers that we are not alone in the losses we suffer through our lives and no matter what tragedy occurs, we can find the inner strength to move on, remembering our dear family members who have passed.

Dear Ms. Gilbert,

I heard about your book on a news show here in the Chicago area. I bought it and am very grateful for your idea, thoughts and dedication in publishing this book. My Dad passed on February 4, 2005 and my Mom on September 21, 2006. They were immigrants from Ireland and far away from their families when their parents passed. I knew it was hard for them...but had no idea how hard until now. I live 700 miles from my brothers (who all lived with in 15 minutes of my parents). I felt so bad about not being close that I made sure to talk with my Mom every day and we vacationed and were together for 3 weeks a year (my time off).

My heart is broken to lose my best buddy in my Mom...and not even have my Dad anymore. Your book is helping me heal.

Kind regards and living so many fond memories of two very special people,
Kathleen

One week to the day of buying your book, I have finished. I began to slow down 3/4's of the way through because I think I was afraid it would end too soon. Here in this book, I found words and thoughts behind my personal feelings and then encouragement to what can come from these same feelings. It is helping take away the fear. I learned that along with the sadness, I was feeling afraid.

Thinking, after the first read, I can not pick certain chapters because even in those chapters that are so different from my own experience, I found a thought, feeling or a sentence that was similar, inspiring or insightful. I will have to read this book again because when I started last Sunday, I read like a person who was about to have their first meal in a week (I basically "gulped down the interviews").

I hope that others will find solace in your writing.
K.

Bravo! This book was amazing... who knew commonality exists between Geraldine Ferraro & Ice-T in regards to building strength from hard times. Ms. Gilbert weaves an expert string of essays, how-to's, and wonderfully heartfelt stories for anyone who's experienced loss, or for those looking to appreciate what they have NOT lost.

I was able to buy a copy of this book at a recent publicity signing and read it over the Thanksgiving holiday, around family, and it left me with such a feeling of closure and peace within myself. Each of the interviews touches upon different aspects of loss and healing and the author has woven them together so masterfully. I highly recommend the book to anyone who has lost a loved one, whether it be one parent, both parents, a sibling, grandparent, or even a dear friend. It is filled with heart-warming sentiments, deep emotion, and that part of all of us that makes us human. Enjoy!

Amazing book, great antique photos of early wind machines. Knowing how rare these are one can appreciate the work and time T.L. Baker took for this book!

Any collection strong in early American history will find plenty to admire in AMERICAN WINDMILLS, by an expert historian on windmill who's been writing about wind-power history for a decade. His coverage here gathers historic images captured by professional windmiller B.H. Burdick and from corporate archives of windmill manufacturers, so it goes far beyond the usual light travelogue approach to cover the entire country's windmill production. Photos show wind machines in use and in manufacture and provide a fine survey which could have been equally well profiled in our Photography Shelf area, but which is recommended here as a top pick for any comprehensive collection strong in early American history.

This book was a complete surprise, meaning, I never knew there was such a colorful history about windmills. This book would be good to have in a school library. It would be useful for historians writing about early America.

Prairie Wind, Poems & Stories
"The windmill is a fondly recognized feature of the American landscape, a sentinel rising above rooftops and fields. Its stalwart presence states clearly that human ingenuity has been at work."
And so we begin an enjoyable guided tour of one of the mechanical icons of America. Even while rushing by on interstates, in the far distance a windmill can often be seen. If less hurried and slower routes are taken, windmills can be seen along the roadside as reminders of man and nature cooperating.
American Windmills is a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Through Lindsay Baker's photographs and clarity of writing, windmills and those who made them and used them are brought to life. Having written about wind power history for twenty-five years, his album contains historic images captured by professional windmiller B. H. "Tex" Burdick and from corporate archives of windmill manufacturers.
Windmills were used in a wide variety of settings: ranches and farms, alongside railroads, in industry and even in urban areas.
The photographs depict the manufacture, distribution and use of windmills in all regions of the United States with an emphasis on the Great Plains.
In a visual tour, we are taken into the factories showing how commercial windmills were mass produced and marketed. In rural America we learn how inventive people designed their own homemade wind machines.
Windmills are the remnants of lives lived in harmony with the earth. They are symbols of a peoples' determination. They are Americana.

After reading Archeology and the Old Testament by Hoerth, this book fills out the needed holes. For a newcomer to the field of archeology this book helps to understand some of the basics. Very well put together and infromative. The development of ideas is clear and insightful. This book is a winner, and I recommend this for any student of the Bible who seeks to teach the Word of God in it's context. You will find yourself quoting from this book in your sermons!!! Gary Van Daele

Although a scholarly, the author has done an excellent job of thoroughly presenting the current state of the archaeology of the New Testament in a manner both the scholar and layman will find approachable and thrilling.

The author handles all significant topics of New Testament archaeology from the life of Christ to the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul in a systematic manner. For example, the author discusses and illustrates where Christ was templed by the devil from the pinnacle of the temple. In another example, fascinating pictures of 1st century life come alive through discussions of the dates and events that occured as Paul lived and shared the word of God with people at the various cities on his journeys. This weaving of biblical passages with the archaeological data make the book readable and sheds new light on the Bible and the historical sites.

There are detailed discussions of the city planning, civic centers, housing, commercial activities, entertainment, and the methods and difficulties of travel in the Roman world. There is a special chapter on archaeology and ancient documents.

The book is very well illustrated and includes detailed maps of most archaeological sites. There are many photographs and numerous Endnotes for further study.

After reading Archeology and the Old Testament by Hoerth, this book fills out the needed holes. For a newcomer to the field of archeology this book helps to understand some of the basics. Very well put together and infromative. The development of ideas is clear and insightful. This book is a winner, and I recommend this for any student of the Bible who seeks to teach the Word of God in it's context. You will find yourself quoting from this book in your sermons!!! Gary Van Daele

An up to date discussion of the more important archaeological finds relevant to New Testament studies. Packed with social and cultural insights and written clearly.

Like Jeremiah who deals with suffering, Mr. Tabbs book is wonderful in helping us search for understanding through the pains of life. His advice and wisdom are encouraging and the questions that he asks througout the book are what everyone of us is asking on the inside but Tabb as the bolness to verbalize and wrestle with. This book stretched my soul and strengthened my relationship with God. I have read a lot of books on suffering and this is the best. It is honest, God honoring and helpful, in walking through the variety of trials that people face. Praise God for a real and great book on suffering. I will buy many to give to those who are wrestling through life. - Chris Trent

In reading Out of the Whirlwind, I've grown closer to God and gained a greater perspective for understanding the times when I went through times of suffering. This book isn't pop-theology, it springs out of the authors extensive Biblical research and personal experience. I've already passed a copy on to someone who is questioning "why God is allowing her to go through bad times," and plan on keep other copies handy to give to others. This book will benefit you whether you are struggling or not. It is for anyone who wants to draw nearer to God and gain a greater understanding of who He is.

It is not my intent to pit Christian book against Christian book, so please don't be offended by my review title.
On the surface it is very easy to ask God to bless us. It is easy to be a joyful, loving believer when things are all well and good. But people, we are going to have good days and we are going to have bad ones as well. How do you handle, the bad, or turbulent or the desperate times. When it seems as if even God has turned from us, what do we do? Job 2:1 says" Shall we accept only good things from the hand of God?"
When I got this book I thought why take on this subject? After reading it, I realized why Mark Tabb had to write this book. This is a message that needs to be told and this author doesn't pull any punches. Bad things are going to happen to everyone of us and our true dependence on God will be tested. Mark Tabb writes in the first chapter,"It is not a question of if our lives will be turned over by grief but when."
Tabb also warns us toward the beginning of the book that he is not going to try to explain why bad things happen. I think that this was a wise choice. The way he explains issues of truth, acceptance and moving on are more important then any discussions we could have about why bad things happen. (I will say that Mr Tabb does make some profound statements about the why's and where's of bad things.)
This book is also one of the most definitive character studies on Job that is out there. I gained a tremendous amount of respect for this Bible hero after reading this book. Tabb eloquently uses Job's faith, trust and character as examples that we should all strive for.
If you are unfamiliar with Mark Tabb's books you are in for a real treat. He is incredibly gifted communicator. His writings are very intelligent yet they are quite easy to understand. His "real life" stories are at times touching, other times humorous and always thought provoking. Out of the Whirlwind is his best book to date.
In closing, we know that this is definitely not the first book on this subject, but there is something unique about it. This book's readers are going to have a common thread... the desire to pass this book on to others. I have heard and read of quite a bit of this going on already. I personally have given this book to three people. That, my friends, is a benchmark, not for a good book, but for a great book.

I have read, and own, many books on the suffering and hardship that we experience at some point in our lives. I first started to read this as a local church pastor merely looking for another resource, but soon found myself captivated as a man living in what can sometimes be a very harsh and painful world. Mark writes well and very personally but never loses track of the big questions that must honestly be asked about the hard issues of suffering. He does a fine job of presenting a solidly Biblical framework for understanding what God is up to in our complex, and at times, terrifying world. I have read the book three times now, and am about due for another read. It may make you cry, or be angry, or be silent, but it will not leave you unchanged if you read it with an open heart and mind. My family member who is battling cancer read it and then gave a copy to his friend to read who is now a parapalegic due to a car accident. I simply cannot recommend it more highly.

My fifteen-year-old son read Baker's Dozen on the ride home from Maryland today. As we rode along, whenever I tried to engage him in conversation, he politely asked when he could get back to reading. In part that's a clever way of ignoring his dad, but during the ride he laughed out loud in several places, and during the part about the wooden sword fight and deer-head stabbing, his expression was one of amazement .. he was truly caught up in the story the whole time he was reading it. He gives it a B to B+, and would recommend it to others. He said that while it probably wouldn't interest an old fellow like me, it was good for his age range. I call it high praise when the reader's face shows a wide range of emotions, as his did during the ride. Clearly, this book is a good read.

one book make it Baker's Dozen. If you have to own two books make it Baker's Dozen and a Bible.

Joshua really brings to life 13 days of High School for those who forgot what it was like and for those who need reminding. This book shows what it was like any ordinary day in the life of a busy high school student starting two weeks before 9/11 and ending the day after the towers fell. This book is written as a journal, therefore it is life as seen through the eyes of an informed, albeit confused high school student.

Moorhead, at the ripe age of 20 manages to seamlessly blend the timeless memories of highschool with the time-changing massacre that is 9/11. This young author is here to stay.