Cross Books

Well worth the read,A must for anyone interested in finding out about how Nazi Germany affected more than the Jewish population.

Excellant book. Most people don't know that there were blacks in the holocaust, this book tells a lot.

As there is a lack of information regarding blacks duing the Holocaust, this book is a great resource. It is frustrating to find few eye-witness accounts, but Lusane does provide names of those in camps from which one can perform their own research. A must for anyone interested in finding out about how Nazi Germany affected more than the Jewish population.

The book is deeply insightful and gives practical guidance for living out the Words of Christ on the Cross. No other work compares to this outstanding book --just as no one writer can compare to the author, Pastor Jack Hayford.

This book helped me to let go and forgive an injustice that I've been struggling with for two years. The Lord led me to this book and He used it to help me finally let go and forgive, it's the only way to really be able to move on past tragedy...if you're suffering with how to forgive or survive tragedy this book is the perfect place to begin...and end.

I really loved this book and I intend to read it over many times. Jack Hayford's writing is direct, powerful, and penetrates deep into insights from Jesus' last words' that I had never seen before. This book is not too long (can be read in one sitting), but no words are wasted. This is not a book for those who want just some simple nice words to make you feel good. But is is a book with principles of truth to live by that are worth meditating over. I highly recommend it for anyone.

As RV travelers for the last 30 years, we found this book to be very entertaining. It was interesting to see how RV traveling used to be. We have been so many places on their itinerary, and it was interesting to see how those places used to be. It is a time capsule of the 1950's in many ways. But most interesting are the characters. Life with Pat Patterson was unconventional, but never dull.

If the 1950s seem like one pale decade, consider one of its citizens--colorful Pat Patterson. Celebrated in the delightful memoir, "It Isn't A Bus," Pat, in his quest to create a family house car, emerges as an amazing engineer. First comes his experiment with a World War II airplane fuselage, followed by an attempt to fuse two bomber cockpit sections. Next he tries converting a 1933 model Utility Coach before he settles on a damaged Flxible bus.
In a time before motorhomes were ubiquitous, Father, Mother, and three children cross the U.S. in this modified vehicle. The "non-bus" leads them--and readers--into adventures (major breakdowns, living with the Hualapai Indians, dealing with a tenacious hitchhiker. . .) and shows the passengers--as well as today's audience--an intimate view of mid-century America.
Authored by mother and daughter, this book captures history, nostalgia, the wonder of travel, and how it permanently reshapes one's perspective. Written with humor, clarity, and especially with love, the unique narrative appeals to all who honor the creative spirit.

Reading this true account from an earlier era, I felt I was traveling along with the Patterson family on their unconventional journey across America. In addition to the joys of sharing in their unusual adventures, I came to have a deep respect for the mother, in whose voice the story is told. One can learn a lot from her about good parenting. She knows her children well and respects their individuality, as is certainly also true of her relationship with her clever, creative, adventurous husband. There is much humor here, and a great deal of wisdom. Some examples of her parenting are as simple as knowing when it's time to cut short the "educational" parts of the trip and go have ice cream. It is a nostalgia-inducing book and inspirational in the truest sense, based as it is on experience. I admired the mother's openness and willingness to learn from new experiences she was having.

The writing collaboration between mother and daughter at their present ages is a lovely thing to behold. The daughter is only five at the time of the family's unforgettable trip, and already manifests the spunk, intelligence and persistence that will undoubtedly characterize her as an adult. I truly loved this book and will pass it on to my daugher, who has two daughters of her own. It reflects its era very accurately.

Men can relate to Pat Patterson as a role model for being an adventurer following his dream in the framework of family life.

Mary Anderson Parks

Keeper Of The Cross by history teacher Nathan Barber is an exciting epic novel. Set in the era of the Crusades, it follows the life of a young English crusader who, after a fateful encounter with Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land, returns to England with a double mission: to safeguard the two pieces of the True Cross and combat the treachery of Prince John. But both objectives are filled with peril and danger, and a lone man faces immense odds in his struggle to attempt to confront treachery at its highest levels. A thoroughly riveting and engaging yarn, told with a flair for details of the era.

I am a Sir Walter Scott fan and his methodology and techniques have always captured the feeling of that time for me. I have not seen a modern book that could transpose the fervor and heat of that time into a framework readily understood by our "instant gratification" generation successfully before now. Congratulations on that achievement!

Keeper of the Cross takes an age-old theme (the common man forced to reach inside himself and find the hero) juxtaposes it on a time in history where life was often brutally short, animates the internal and external struggle in the rapt eye of the reader, and creates a masterpiece. From the first few paragraphs that introduce Beck and Richard to the end of the book, each plot and sub-plot is skillfully woven around and through the others. I found myself actively engaged in the characters, cheering them on as they attempted to achieve the impossible quest. The theme of someone dedicating their life to an errand imposed on them by external forces and accepting that as their goal, brings back the finer points of knighthood and chivalry.

One of the things that have made history "real" to the reviewer has been that it is made up of small causes with large effects created by human beings and their actions. The tiniest factor can create ripples felt down through the years. Keeper of the Cross takes one small facet of the Crusades, a knight named Beck, relates his story and through that telling, transports the reader right into the sweeping changes of the era.

This book is skillfully written, carefully crafted, and well thought out. It is a journey into the past as timely and timeless as history itself. Well done, extremely well done.

Carol M Chapman, Author Tall Ears and Short Tales: Observations From the Barn

The thing that works so well about Keeper of the Cross is that the reader is learning without realizing it. I really believe this novel could be used in a classroom setting for World History or something else related.

Even though I have read non-fiction books concerning the Crusades, such as Steven Sora's The Lost Treasure of the Knights of the Templar, I never fully absorbed all of the information due to the non-fiction style of writing. With Keeper of the Cross, it's easier to follow Beck's character and become `involved in the fight.'

Before reading the novel, I could tell you a quick synopsis on the Crusades. But after reading about Beck's adventures, I can tell you more in intricate detail about the Crusades, King Richard, and John's betrayal. The best part of that is that I didn't realize I was learning.

Another reason this could work in the classroom is that there is no bad language, no disturbing violence, and no sex or nudity (though it would have been nice on the honeymoon, zing!). I read it in two sittings, and each chapter had me heading to the next. Barber writes in a smooth, flowing style that is easy to keep going or to pick up the book the next day.

Perfect length as well-I remember wanting to hang myself halfway through the historical fiction John Adams and I still haven't finished it.
Bottom line:
Was I entertained? Yes.
Was this worth $19.95 (aka 3 hours of work at GNC)? Yes.
Did I learn anything? Yes.
Will I read Nathan Barber again? You betcha.

This book describes several types of suffering; one per chapter. Each chapter discusses how a particular saint dealt with this type of suffering. The discussion is then broadened with brief reference to the lives of other saints. Of great value are the five or six "lessons learned" at the end of each chapter. These short statements give valuable guidance, simply stated, in how to deal with each type of suffering. I strongly recommend it to any one who has asked "Why me, God?"

Dr. Chervin has done the Church and the world a great favor in writing this book! It has made such a difference in my life and I have sent it to numerous friends in time of trouble. She reminds us that the Saints are not people who are beyond us, but people who experienced the same kind of sufferings that we do. Dr. Chervin presents case after case of suffering and shows how our heroes in the Faith dealt with their troubles without becoming bitter or losing heart. This is no tome of flowery, empty piety, but a work that comes from the heart of one who has suffered and sought an answer. Thank you Dr. Chervin!!!

Few books can reach readers on a deep level. This book does a great job of it. The author shows how saints suffered from crosses of different kinds. She also offers advice on how to handle sufferings of all kinds. This is a very inspirational and moving book. I have researched extensively and have never come across as good as this one. It should become one of the great spiritual classics.

Excellent read. Brings a new appreciation for the job that our firefighters do everyday. Definitely reccommend this book and hope that Brian decides to write a few more.

This book, "Knights of the Red Cross", ia a good book about firefighters. It shows how firefighters live. It tells the story of a young firefighter, George Adams, that messes up just like anyone else would and another guy, Don French, that follows his dream to be a full-time firefighter.

George Adams, the rookie, goes into a basement fire and chokes when the smoke cuts his air supply. Later a fire gets worse and worse by the second and George must stop it.

Knights of the Red Cross is an exciting look into the fire service. The book starts with a 17-year-old boy with a dream of becoming a firefighter, and takes you through his career. You get to look inside the life of a volunteer firefighter both on the job and his family life. Although this is a fiction book fire call accounts, graphically and emotionally are real and at the beginning of each chapter you are taken through the growth that a fire goes through as seen by "the Fire". If you ever thought of becoming a fire fighter this is for you, if you are a firefighter, you will find yourself throughout this book

The Latino Patient: A Cultural Guide for Health Care Providers by Nilda Chong was an excellent introduction to the principles of understanding and communicating with the Latino patient in the U.S. The author had a difficult task, but I feel that she succeeded especially well in acknowledging the diversity of the Latino population while still focusing primarily on the similarities that are of practical importance to the well-intentioned but inexperienced health care provider. While the book does contain a good amount of Latino-specific information, I estimate that 2/3 of its content would be equally applicable to quality care for any type of patient. This could be disappointing to the more experienced provider, but to a young person such as myself, I found the basic review of respectful patient care to actually be useful.

The book is well organized, with five chapters of background information followed by five more chapters that chronologically outline the patient visit.

Overall, the author does an excellent job of achieving her intentions of raising awareness and creating a guide for culturally competent care of the Latino patient.

Exellent, comprehensive approach to better understand Latinos in the USA.

This is a much needed resource that is finally available. The strength of this book is the focus on health care practice, and the vignettes illustrating Latino cultural values in the clinical setting. The first part provides valuable insight into the familistic Latino culture. The second part is a gem, translating this information into practical vignettes in realistic situations. It will be an invaluable tool in my practice.

I chose this book because I wanted to do a few ornaments, but now I want to sew every chart! The variety in this book includes ornaments, pillows, towels, clothes, napkins, table linens, stocking, tote bags, and more. Every design is easy to make and are truly "Quickies!"

I love this book! It has whimsical designs as well as country, religious and traditional, some elegant designs too. A wide range of projects including quickies and those that take more time. FULL COLOR CHARTS make the work easy.

This is truly a great book of quickies. I have used it for round robins, gifts and decorations around the house.

The subject material is really compelling, given the obscurity that the legend of Mab's cross has suffered through almost 700 years. The back-story and elaboration regarding the royalty, the Scots, and life in general in the 14th century are downright enlightening. Then there's Jon Norris' writing style- informal, vivid imagery, and passionate.

Volume III is due out around Christmas this year. Anyone who likes historical fiction but is bothered by fictional characters should keep abreast of this trilogy. Norris also makes some intriguing editorial points in his introductions that encourage some deep thought about the origins and role of organized religion.

Jon Norris has taken real history, not changed it a bit, but simply filled in the dialog between characters to lend more humanity to the story. The story and the characters are real, due to exhaustive research by the author. This series is a rare and wondrous glimpse of 14th century history, replete with romance, honor, intrigue, and thought-provoking proselytizing.

This is Volume II of a trilogy, of course, but it makes a splendid novel in its own right. While the action in Volume I took place in England and Scotland, this sequel gives us a look at the debacle that was France between 1315 and 1322. Philip the Fair has devalued the French currency, set up a counterfeit pope in Avignon, and eradicated the Knights Templar. Christians are slaughtering Jews to escape their debts. "God's Dogs", the Dominican Inquisitors, are scouring the countryside for heretics. The Roman Church has turned heresy into a lucrative business, killing rich landholders so that their property can be confiscated. Without the financial and moral influence of the Templars, every principality and district of France has fallen into corruption.

Continuing the story from The Lost Rebellion, Sir William Bradshaw and his two lieutenants have been forced into exile after the devastating conclusion of Banastre's Rebellion. Arriving in Nantes on the west coast of France, they are soon taken captive and held for ransom. The ordeal lasts for years, and toward the end of this period all the Jews in the district are rounded up and brought to the dungeon. They must either convert to Christianity or perish. They perish as Sir William watches from his cell!

Meanwhile, back in Lancashire, Sir William's Lady Mab must endure her own hardships at Haigh Hall. With sheer determination she stalemates Sir Robert Holland and the Earl of Lancaster. When the earl grants Haigh to Sir Peter de Limesey (the Welsh Knight), she simply refuses to vacate the manor! Surprisingly, the Welsh Knight capitulates, and a long cruel cohabitation ensues.

Back in France, Sir William befriends "the last Templar", who has returned from Cyprus only to be thrown into the same dungeon. An extraordinary dialogue develops between them, revealing amazing Templar secrets, and raising disturbing questions about the legitimacy of the Roman Catholic Church. No sooner does this friendship develop, however, than a Dominican Inquisitor arrives to torture the Templar into confessing his heresy. In the midst of this horror, Sir William receives a coded message that he is about to be rescued.

Now, we come to the climax of the story, and the events that give Unholy Avengement its title. Edward II has defeated the Earl of Lancaster at the Battle of Boroughbridge, ending a decade of suffering for his loyal supporters. Sir William Bradshaw is ransomed from the French and personally escorted to freedom by the Earl of Pembroke. But, when he returns to Haigh, he finds the Welsh Knight still in possession. There is only one solution--"swords and shields!"--and a brilliant duel ensues at the Bloody Stone.

If you love medieval adventure stories, or the mysteries of the Knights Templar, or the legend of Mab's Cross, you must read this book. It is one of a kind!

The year is 1315. The place is Lancashire, England. Sir William Bradshaw, Lord of Haigh, has failed in his revolt against the Earl of Lancaster. Taking refuge in France, he and his two lieutenants meet with further adversity. The continent is a warren of thieving barons and corrupt churchmen. The peasantry are rioting, Christians are slaughtering Jews, and Dominican Inquisitors are scouring the countryside for heretics. In short order, the three Englishmen fall prey to a local warlord and are held for ransom in a dungeon near Nantes. For seven years they witness every manner of barbarity while they pray for a miracle.

Left behind in Lancashire, Sir William's great love, Lady Mab, must carry on without him. Unaware of William's fate, she holds on to Haigh Manor with extraordinary cunning and personal sacrifice. Ultimately, she is coerced into sharing Haigh with a would-be usurper called the Welsh Knight, and when Sir William suddenly reappears, the stage is set for a most Unholy Avengement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (FROM THE BACK COVER)
Jon Norris is a genealogist, writer, and amateur historian. His research has unearthed a number of fascinating characters whose histories read better than fiction. A persistent theme marks their lives; one of tyranny and rebellion. It seems that each generation has been faced with that terrible choice: whether to support the tyranny of their rulers or rise up against it. The Mab's Cross Trilogy is the first of a series that will celebrate these heroic struggles. Jon Norris studied creative fiction at the New School in NYC and is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. He lives and works in Maine.

Don't miss Mab's Cross Trilogy: Volume I: The Lost Rebellion (Mab's Cross Trilogy)

have to write a tribute to Don Browning's new book, "Marriage and
Modernization: How Globalization Threatens Marriage and What to Do About
It" (Eerdsman, 2003). It's one of the best scholarly books I've ever read
on contemporary marriage. It's a tour de force of historical analysis and
contemporary insights from the social sciences, with a unique emphasis on
what Christianity, in cooperation with other religions, can do to
strengthen marriage in our global age. Don Browning, a noted theologian
and social ethicist at the University of Chicago, may have the best mind in
the marriage movement, and is almost certainly the most widely read. This
book will forever influence my thinking about marriage in the modern world.

Marriage And Modernization: How Globalization Threatens Marriage And What To Do About It by Don S. Browning (Alexander Campbell Professor Emeritus of Ethics and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago Divinity School) is a meticulous and scholarly study of how globalization has impacted traditional matrimonial bonds worldwide (and for the worse) and just what can be done about the deteriorating state of marriage today. Clarion warnings and suggested ways to combat the erosion of marriage fill the pages of this critical, timely, thought-provoking and involving study of the integrity of the family, the nature of the threats it is under from militant feminism and other global trends, and strategies for its defense and continued survival through Christian-oriented cultural, social, and educational strategies.

Faith and family have survived for millennia, but they have had to undergo tremendous challenges in the recent past. How have the forces of modernization and globalization impacted on the institutions of marriage and family? Is the decline of marriage in the Western world inevitable? What role does religion play in the revitalizing of marriage and family? And how can the fortunes of marriage be reversed in the social, cultural and educational arenas? What models can we look to today which can guide us in our attempt to resurrect the institution of marriage?

These and other profound questions are closely explored in this new volume by a leading ethicist and family educator from the Chicago Divinity School. Political, historical, religious and theological disciplines are carefully woven together in this wide-ranging work. The outcome is a renewed call for the importance of marriage in an age that needs to rediscover why it is such a necessary and crucial institution.

Browning examines how the family has fared over the millennia, and then uses this historical backdrop to see whether and how modernization and marriage can co-exist. He argues that we cannot turn back the clock, and refutes the concept the marriage is a pre-modern institution, incapable of surviving in a modern and postmodern environment.

He points out the now familiar negative impacts of modernization on marriage and family, but also argues that there have been positive benefits as well to arise out of modernization. His thesis is that modernization, at least in its destructive aspects, needs to be curtailed (not eliminated, as if that were possible) while marriage needs to be supported and promoted anew. Somehow the two can and must develop together.

Detailed examinations of the family in different cultures and nations is followed by meaty chapters on the findings of evolutionary psychology, feminism and global trends, and theological defences of marriage. For example the place of marriage and the role of fathers in the thinking of Aquinas and Luther are given close attention. Given that the male alienation from families is perhaps the most important social problem of today, this chapter offers insights and wisdom from generations past which shed considerable light on the way we might proceed on these key social questions today.

The concluding chapters seek to develop a practical theology of marriage and to examine world family strategies. He develops his theology of the family mainly from Christian considerations, although drawing on non-Christian resources as well. Catholic and Protestant considerations are investigated, and brief assessments are made of earlier formulations. He also examples various marriage renewal movements and programs found amongst the different denominations.

Global strategies to renew the institution of marriage are explored, with their strengths and weaknesses examined. From papal encyclicals of the Catholic church to the work of Allan Carlson and the Howard Center in Illinois, a number of marriage renewal projects are discussed. Common themes are drawn out and elaborated upon, and tentative proposals for the way ahead suggested.

Those wanting a "solution" to the "problem" of marriage will not find what they are looking for here. The problems are too complex and the situation too diverse to offer a magic pill of reform. At best Browning can only point to wisdom from the past coupled with insights from the present to guide us into the future.

But the foundational themes addressed here are the right place to begin: families are essential to the well-being of society; marriage is the centerpiece of strong family life; and all levels of society (governmental, cultural, educational and religious) need to contribute to the defence and promotion of the institution of marriage.