F Books

Formerly titled 'The Death of Christ,' Norman Douty's fine work is essential reading for any who want to sort out the 'Limited Atonement/Unlimited Atonement' arguments once and for all. In this book the writer goes through the relevant Scriptures with great care so that, by the times the book is concluded, there really should be no confusion left on this vital point. Douty is also able to freely quote main protagonists from both sides of the fence as only a man of considerable study and learning can do; in fact, Douty was a past president of Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. There is no doubt, of course, that it is Unlimited Atonement which is the true biblical teaching as even Calvin was prepared to admit towards the end of his life and before the dark curtain of Hyper-Calvinism closed in. This quite small but outstanding book really should be better known and at UK Apologetics ([...]) we strongly recommend it.

This is an excellent book. It maintains a good spirit toward those with whom the author disagrees and deals with the real issues. John Owens' book, The Death of Death in Christ, is a focal point in this book. Whether you agree with the author or disagree, if you are studying the issue of limited atonement, this book is a must read.

He does not shy away from the difficulties of either side of the issue of limited atonement. He is a Moderate Calvinist who makes his case concisely, yet without dodging some major obstacle. His appeal is to scripture for all answers. To those who will try to paint him with an Arminian brush, they will find his reasoning solidly biblical and his positions unassailable.

This is a reprint of Norman Douty's most excellent "The Death of Christ," a treatise addressing the question, "Did Christ Die Only for the Elect?"

This small book is a priceless gem in the library of any preacher. The value of the book can perhaps best be measured by all of those in your library you can throw away after reading it.

I would say this is an especially nice gift to present to enthusiastic, bookish young men who are cluttering their shelves with John Owen's works, and other hyper-Calvinistic literature which, except for the grace of God, will keep them from understanding and the enjoyment of the Scriptures.

As a young man, I had the privilege and pleasure to have been introduced personally to Brother Douty by an old Southern Baptist preacher, and Douty sent me his book. I have been greatly helped by it, and keep it handy.

Douty demonstrates his thorough hold on the issues at stake in "limited atonement," and then tackles them head-on with three chapters of Scripture exposition.

Calvinism and Calvin have huge issues that lead to a system of thought closer to Romanism than Bible Christianity. Somehow those who follow this system populate their bookshelves like no others!

Jesus Christ paid an unfathomable price for the redemption of mankind. The doctrine of "Limited Atonement" cheapens that work by denominating it.

Douty has it right, and expounds it well, so the reader goes away realizing the inestimable value of the sacrificial, and substitutionary death of Jesus Christ.

Shall we interpret Scripture in light of a system of theology, or theology in light of Scripture? That seems to be the crux of the matter regarding what is called Limited Atonement or Definite Redemption. Rev. Douty has done an excellent job of stating the case for the Biblical view of the atonement. Along with Dr. Lightner's book "The Death Christ Died", the case should now be considered closed.

As anyone who has objectively studied this issue knows, Limited atonement is by far the weakest link in the strict Calvinist's all important T.U.L.I.P. Few of the limited redemptionists try to refute Douty & Lightner's works, because of the overwhelming evidence of Scripture that supports the Unlimited view they present. Not that all will be saved, but that a provision of salvation was made for all in the death of Christ. Calvinists who are truly seeking answers to this issue will likely appreciate Rev. Douty's respectful treatment of his opponents like Owen, the strength of his arguments based on Scripture, and their common ground of Covenant Theology.

I am also grateful to Rev. Douty's work for introducing me to J.C. Ryle. His quotes on the extent of the Atonement in the writings of John helped me immensely. Ryle seems to be a man who sincerely sought God's truth in light of Scripture alone, like Davenant and even Spurgeon. Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike should take a look at Ryle's tracts and sermons. His tract "Prove All Things" is a sobering look at how believers should "Prove all things by the Word of God" and not just accept all teaching and systems of theology blindly.

EVANGELISM: Most importantly-as history has shown, and as Douty & Lightner's works point out-the importance of this issue as to the extent of the atonement is critical to fulfilling Jesus' last command to believers, i.e. The Great Commission. It is not merely a theological debate, but highly practical issue as well. How will we present the Gospel, and whom will we present it to? Since the Scriptures clearly teach that we have Good News for lost men everywhere, is this Good News only for the elect? How can we sincerely offer to all men, as the Bible demands, what has not even been provided for them?

Rev. Douty's sections on God's love, the universal offer of the Gospel, and Doctrinal Themes such as imputation, atonement, and intercession will be helpful to all. In the course of three chapters, he goes on to list and defend 38 portions of Scripture that refer to the Unlimited extent of the atonement. There is also an interesting section that lists some 70 advocates of General Redemption from the Early Church fathers to the 20th century. Overall, this is a great study of an important subject that any objective student of the Bible will benefit from!

In this book, Norman Douty seeks to establish a two-fold aspect in the design of Christ's death. Contrary to the strictly limited atonement view of Owen, Pink and others, Douty returns to the older understanding, which argues that Christ suffered sufficiently for all, but efficiently for the elect. He points out how certain theologians of the past have taught this formula, but also that they have not agreed as to it's meaning and significance.

Douty is more like John Calvin than John Owen. He treats the scriptures fairly. He is not encumbered by Owenic categories and filters so as to make passages fit a decretal reading. Douty properly understands volitional complexity in God (distinctions between the "secret" and "revealed" will of God), and thus he builds a double aspect theory of the atonement (like John Calvin, Wolfgang Musculus, Zacharias Ursinus, David Pareus, Jacob Kimedoncius, Robert Rollock, James Ussher, John Davenant [and the other English and Bremen delegates at Dort], Amyraut, Richard Baxter, John Preston, Stephen Charnock, Edward Polhill, Henry Scudder, Ezekiel Culverwell, Edmund Calamy, Jeremiah Burroughs, John Arrowsmith, Robert Harris, Stephen Marshall, Lazarus Seaman, William Twisse, William Strong, William Bates, Richard Vines, Edward Reynolds, John Howe, John Bunyan, R. L. Dabney, Charles Hodge, J. C. Ryle, W. G. T. Shedd and others who are similar). There is a sense in which Christ died for all men, and another sense in which he especially died for the elect. The particularity and limitation is in the efficacious decree to apply Christ's satisfaction via the Holy Spirit to the elect alone, but there is no intrinsic limitation to the death itself, or in the imputation of sin to Christ. In fact, there is a sense in which Christ intended to die for the salvation all men as John 3:16 says. There is nothing inconsistent about this. It's just an acknowledgement of the valid biblical distinction between God's secret (or decretal) will and his revealed (or preceptive) will. This distinction, which is found in Douty's theology, is very old. The church has taught the distinction since the early church fathers (see Ambrose and particularly St. Prosper).

Douty's concern is to read the scriptures fairly and accurately. He points out some of the logical and eisegetical fallacies of the limited (he means the "strictly" limited) view. Since the label "limited atonement" is vague, some may misunderstand what Douty is saying. Douty is really a dualist. He is neither Arminian (Christ died for all with the same intent or design), nor a High Calvinist (Christ intended to die ONLY for the elect). Douty's position is that Christ died for all men, but especially for the elect.

The burden of this book is to refute the strict view that attempts to make passages conform to God's decretal will. This strict view is the High Calvinist view (not even Calvin's own view) that is so prevalent in Calvinistic literature today. Douty's book offers a good corrective to this overly decretal theology, especially with the dangers of hyper-Calvinism gaining ground through the internet.

The arguments in Douty's book should not be neglected. Some Arminians may like the book, but that may be due to a lack of understanding Douty's dualism. Douty does not deny the depravity of man (moral inability) or God's sovereign election. He is only arguing for a bigger picture of God's love in Christ's death that includes his desire that all men repent and be saved, contrary to the strict view. Thus there is a sense in which Arminians and High Calvinists are both right, and a sense in which they are both wrong. They represent partial truths, and not the whole truth. However, most of Douty's arrows are aimed at High Calvinist half-truths. He is refuting their position in this book so that the church may return to a healthy understanding of the well-meant offer of the gospel as presented in scripture.

The arguments in this book must be wrestled with. He provides useful exegetical and historical arguments. I highly recommend this book for those who want to discover a view that is largely unknown and/or misunderstood. It's a good defense of biblical dualism with respect to the design of the Christ's death.

"That reprobate and deplorably wicked men do not receive it, is not through any defect in the grace of God, nor is it just, that, on account of of the children of perdition, it should lose the glory and title of universal redemption, since it is prepared for all, and all are called to it." Wolfgang Musculus Common Places, p. 151.

I can not say enough about this book. A true story of a brave womans' journey back to the real world and the hardships she endured throughout her lifetime. She had to go through many hours of therapy before she was ready to face what had happened to her in her lifetime.
I do not want to spoil the book for you. It is an enlightening, positive journey and you will be so proud of this warm-loving woman when you have reached the end of the book.

Although a work of fiction, "Edgewise: An Assignment To Remember" is the gripping novelization of real life events personally experienced by the author, Darlene Wofford. In January of 1984 she discovered her son, Collin, drowned in their backyard pool. Three weeks after this tragic event she was abducted at gunpoint by two men who sexually assaulted and then abandoned her. The psychological impact of these events left her traumatized and in a deep depression that Carl, her husband and her two remaining sons, Kenneth and Cory, could not help her overcome. She went under the care of a psychiatrist who, after several months of unsuccessful therapy, gave her an assignment -- to write about her first memories. The first memory that occurred to her when complying with the assignment was that of her father and herself as a little girl. Over the next several months writing about the people and events in her past and present were to bring her out of her depression and restore an appreciation for her life, her family, and herself. In this novelized account the main character of Delaney is the author's alter ego. The names of all the other characters were changed to protect the innocent -- and the not so innocent as well. A candid and engaging account of both the tragic and the triumphant, "Edgewise: An Assignment To Remember" is deftly written and very highly recommended reading. The first volume of a planned trilogy, "Edgewise" an inspired tribute to the strength of the human spirit, and of eventually being able to overcoming the wounds that life can inflict upon us without warning.

Emotionally brutal and honest, Darlene's account of her past and the therapy assignment that brought her out of the darkness will change your life. Her willingness to bare her soul for all to see will touch your heart. And you will come away thankful that you've never had to endure such traumatic events. A must read!

A terrific book, I didn't want to put it down! It is funny, sad, tragic, and thought provoking all at once. To realize that it is a true story and the author was able to fight her way back from tragedy is simply inspirational. I can't wait to read the next installment!

From the very beginning, I was totally captivated! Having grown up in Atlanta, I found the novel an emotional trip back in time, reliving such happy, warm memories of times and places that I hadn't thought of in years. Delaney's character is one that we can all relate to in some form or fashion. The novel left me wanting more. I sincerely hope the author will consider a sequel. I would like to know what happens to Delaney after she remembers everything.

This is a very informative book. I would recommend to both freinds and family members of Epilepsy patients.

I found this book very beneficial and loaded with many important facts and information for lay people to comprehend.

Great for patients/families with a new diagnosis of epilepsy or someone that has had epilepsy for many years.
Excellent handbook to have available.

This book offers a great overview of epilepsy. I found it up to date and informative. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is newly diagnosed or who has a family member diagnosed with epilepsy.

This book is what it claims to be, a good intelligible guide to epilepsy for non-medics. BUT there is far too little (less than one page) on Sudden Unexplained Death, Epilepsy (SUDEP), which can devastate families and friends. While the mortality rate associated with epilepsy may be small, the effect of sudden death is enormous. Like almost everything else I have read on the subject, this book inadequately recognizes the risks of death. The words "death" and "mortality" are not even in Devinsky's index (though SUDEP is). So -- a good book, with a crucial omission.

This book was given to me as a birthday gift from my mother-in-law. I absolutely love this book. There are many beautiful photos. There are places and subjects that I never knew had so much beauty. Because I am already a huge fan of art and architecture, it was fun to learn about the many influences to Filipino style. I liked it so much that I had to buy a copy for my father (Born in Las Pinas - Metro Manila, Philippines)

This book is a great book for young Filipino Americans who need some inspiration. As a Filipino American growing up in USA, I never really felt any connection with the Philippines. I was brought up by knowing only the stereotypes that sometimes make a Filipino American want to shy with embarrassment. Stereotypes are everywhere within any culture. By reading this book and flipping through the pages, I saw that Philippines is a beautiful place. Everyone needs take a look at this book. It's a great eye opener for Filipino Americans who have problems accepting their own skin.

I'm an Architectural Designer that lives/works in Jamaica and Bermuda and I'm also a fan of modern/contemporary architecture. I own a number of books on the subject, but few tend to address basic climatic issues that we in the Tropics face (and rightly so, since they are about projects north of the tropics). I've just received the book from my freight forwarder and had a chance to browse thru it. It really looks interesting and certainly provides inspiration for projects that can be successfully executed in our hot, humid climate.
The inclusion of architectural drawings (Plans, Sections, Elevations) is also welcome - too many books on Architecture neglect this very important point. I think this may be the telling factor for deciding whether this is to be another one of my coffee-table books, or a serious informative reference for ideas and inspiration. For now, I'm leaning to the latter.

I bought this book for myself. It's a true treasure trove of visual treats. Have you wanted to know how the homes of the rich and/or famous in the Philippines look? The variety of materials available for buidling and furnishing homes in the Philippines is astounding--rich woods, a wide spectrum of fabric, ethnic carvings and woven work. Linger over the detailed photographs in this book! Now I know what to get for my sisters and in-laws for Christmas!

Finally, a book on Traditional and Contemporary Philippine Interior Design by a reputable author/photographer. It will give the reader a good sense of Native Interiors to Traditional influences of Spanish-Colonial Interior Design and Architecture. Very superb photographs. Beautiful renderrings in the Furniture Dictionary.

My husband and I both really enjoyed this book (i.e. it will appeal to both men and women). It's a nice change of pace from the same-old, same-old. Great characters and an episodic plot as incredible, quick-paced, and satisfying as the pulp comics that Franklin gets his start in. Good and evil are pretty black and white here, but Christopher's ultimate outlook on life seems as sunny as Franklin's yellow fedora.

At one point in the picaresque journey of Nicholas Christopher's Franklin Flyer, he takes a job creating heroes for pulp-fiction magazines of the Depression era. This is perfectly appropriate because Flyer himself eventually becomes such a heroic figure himself, working as a spy for the OSS during World War II, when he's not becoming a tycoon, inventing a paint-mixing machine, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, dabbling in Ancient Egyptian mysticism, or looking for a mysterious woman in a photograph--all the while keeping a firm hold on his yellow fedora (yes, that fedora--the one on the front cover).

Christopher's fast-paced tongue-in-cheek homage to the genre is 180 degrees from his previous novel, the long, languid, "A Trip to the Stars," and maybe it doesn't measure up to that masterpiece.

But it's definitely a fun, provocative read, and it will keep you out of mischief for a couple of days.

The third novel from Nicholas Christopher, Franklin Flyer is another wonderful story of character and powerful ideas. There is such a sense of completeness to the book I'm thinking about starting all over again for a second shot of experience. Everything seems to be interconnected in our lives, everything and everyone matters on some level. Franklin Flyer (the person) has a wonderful sense of wanderlust and powerful ideas of invention. Franklin Flyer (the book) sets a tone of poetry and depth of character within the pre and World War II United States and Europe. There is mystery here. There is romance here, although it is less romantic than emotional. Franklin Flyer sits just this side of mystical, but remains well grounded and ultimately complete. Strongly recommended...

This book expands on some of the themes of Christopher's previous novel, A Trip To the Stars - namely fate,destiny, chance and all that - while introducing another: personal and metaphysical transformation. Think Ovid and Heraclitus (i.e. everything eventually changes into its opposite) with some ancient Egyptian religion added for some creepy atmosphere. This novel is beautifully written. It's also obscure. But you'll love the journey, from the moment Franklin's yellow fedora flies through an office window, to the book's coda, which takes place almost a century later. Throughout the book, characters appear in different guises, motivations change, and people are evidently reborn. If you enjoy books such as Helprin's Memoir of Antproof Case, as well as Chistopher's ealier works, you'll definitely enjoy this.

Nicholas Christopher has done it again. He has created an intriguing tale, well drawn characters and a wonderful vacation from reality - all of which make for a fabulous, can't put it down kind of read.

This book follows Franklin Flyer, named after the train he was on that crashed when he was a newborn, from 1939 through to the later years in his life. From New York City to Europe and back. Each chapter is a year in Franklin's life and each year brings new and interesting characters and exploits.

The first chapter introduces you to Franklin and quickly sucks you in, giving you some enigmatic thoughts to keep in mind while reading the book. Christopher once again delves into the topics of fate, destiny and luck and manages to wrap up each and every question and plot line that he introduces Franklin and the reader to. While not as spellbinding as his previous novels, Veronica and A Trip to the Stars, Franklin Flyer is certainly worth reading and enjoying.

As a book of quotes designed to inspire, this well-designed and user friendly text offers a practical yet unique approach to any challenge life offers. The author's Native American world view enriches by overlaying traditional thought onto contemporary life.

These inspirational messages cover everything from of personal concerns such as love, family, creativity, fear, death to the broader social and political matters. Carefully avoiding the familiar "New Agism" often found with American Indian philosophical treatment, the book also provides some never before expressed views of Indian issues that demystify while clarifying.

In putting the text into four categories that represent each the sacred aspects of the hoop -- generosity, fortitude, bravery and wisdom -- the editor brings us a truth teacher who does not dance around serious matters, let alone wolves.

Rather, he enables us to find our place within these aspects at any given time, and go out into the world with a different, and refreshing perspective.

As a book of quotes designed to inspire, this well-designed and user friendly text offers a practical yet unique approach to any challenge life offers. The author's Native American world view enriches by overlaying traditional thought onto contemporary life.

These inspirational messages cover everything from of personal concerns such as love, family, creativity, fear, death to the broader social and political matters. Carefully avoiding the familiar "New Agism" often found with American Indian philosophical treatment, the book also provides some never before expressed views of Indian issues that demystify while clarifying.

In putting the text into four categories that represent each the sacred aspects of the hoop -- generosity, fortitude, bravery and wisdom -- the editor brings us a truth teacher who does not dance around serious matters, let alone wolves.

Rather, he enables us to find our place within these aspects at any given time, and go out into the world with a different, and refreshing perspective.

As a book of quotes designed to inspire, this well-designed and user friendly text offers a practical yet unique approach to any challenge life offers. The author's Native American world view enriches by overlaying traditional thought onto contemporary life.

These inspirational messages cover everything from of personal concerns such as love, family, creativity, fear, death to the broader social and political matters. Carefully avoiding the familiar "New Agism" often found with American Indian philosophical treatment, the book also provides some never before expressed views of Indian issues that demystify while clarifying.

In putting the text into four categories that represent each the sacred aspects of the hoop -- generosity, fortitude, bravery and wisdom -- the editor brings us a truth teacher who does not dance around serious matters, let alone wolves.

Rather, he enables us to find our place within these aspects at any given time, and go out into the world with a different, and refreshing perspective.

As a book of quotes designed to inspire, this well-designed and user friendly text offers a practical yet unique approach to any challenge life offers. The author's Native American world view enriches by overlaying traditional thought onto contemporary life.

These inspirational messages cover everything from of personal concerns such as love, family, creativity, fear, death to the broader social and political matters. Carefully avoiding the familiar "New Agism" often found with American Indian philosophical treatment, the book also provides some never before expressed views of Indian issues that demystify while clarifying.

In putting the text into four categories that represent each the sacred aspects of the hoop -- generosity, fortitude, bravery and wisdom -- the editor brings us a truth teacher who does not dance around serious matters, let alone wolves.

Rather, he enables us to find our place within these aspects at any given time, and go out into the world with a different, and refreshing perspective.

This inspiring book offers a uique approach to any and all of life's challenges by overlaying the author's Native American world view onto contemporary life concerns. Written in the format of quotes taken from a series of talks, this makes a handsome gift that can be opened and enjoyed quickly.

Organized in four general categories (each covering an aspect of the sacred hoop; bravery, fortitude, wisdom and generosity) each chapter within offers hope for such personal concerns as love, family, creativity, fear, death...to name a few.

Broader social and political matters are also covered, especially as Little Crow demystifies and clarifies current American Indian issues with a refreshing avoidance of trendy "New Agism".

The editor has brought us a truth teacher who does not dance around serious matters, let alone wolves. Rather, he enables us to find our place at any moment, and thus we are encouraged to go about our lives with a new and optimistic perspective.

This book offers hope to the babyboomer generation who recognizes that we are slowly becoming our parents. By following the comments and advice offered in this helpful book, we know that we no longer have to follow in our families genetic past. The authors create the view of a cheery healthy future with sound nutritional advice. Highly recommended.

Deb Landry
Certified Parenting Coach & Children's Author

Bryson Taylor Publishing
Books with Character
199 New County Road Saco, Maine 04072
[...]

I have followed and learned from Dr. Giampapa's work for over 20 years. He has always been well ahead of contemporary medical practitioners in his understanding of the human aging process and possible therapeutic interventions to extend meaningful human lifespan. The Gene Makeover-The 21st Century Anti-Aging Breakthrough describes an exciting new approach to the field of Medical Age Management and lucidly translates a very complex subject into language that the average person can easily understand. This book provides an opportunity to understand therapies which you will read about in the medical journals of the future.

Brooke R. Seckel, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Asst. Professor of Surgery
Harvard Medical School
Chairman Emeritus
Plastic Surgery
Lahey Clinic Medical Center

I have followed and learned from Dr Giampappa's work for over 20 years. He has always been well ahead of contemporary medical practitioners in his understanding of the human aging process and possible therapeutic interventions to extend meaningful human lifespan. The Gene Makeover-The 21st Century Anti-aging Breakthrough describes an exciting new approach to the field of Medical Age Management and lucidly translates a very complex subject into language that the average person can easily understand. This book provides an opportunity to understand therapies which you will read about in the medical journals of the future.

Brooke R. Seckel, M.D., FACS
Asst. Professor of Surgery
Harvard Medical School
Chairman Emeritus
Plastic Surgery
Lahey Clinic Medical Center

A Bully Grows Up: Erik Meets the Wizard

As the baby boomer generation reaches the 'new middle age' we search for new information to assist in creating a more healthy and viable future for us, our parents and our children. The connection between our daily environmental and personal stressors and our overall health is important. Studies have proved that stress has a significant effect on our longevity. As an author of a children's book regarding bullying behavior and frequent speaker regarding the topic of bullying and stress, I am keenly aware of this connection. This book offers a vast understandable quantity of information regarding our predisposition to DNA damage and offers easy to follow steps on how to hold on to or improve our health. A great navigational aid for our journey into the future.

I have been an anti-aging patient of Dr. Giampapa's for over 5 years. My energy levels are high, my body is muscular and my skin is the best it has ever been. I look and feel fifteen years younger then my acutal age. Dr. Giampapa is well ahead of many medical practitioners in his understanding of the human aging process and therapeutic interventions to slow it. The Gene Makeover-The 21st Century Anti-Aging Breakthrough describes the newest findings in the field of Medical Age Management and explains very complex information in a plain simple language that everyone can easily understand. This book is a must read for all who want to remain healthy and active.

I read the Crosswick Journal series before being buying this treasure as a Christmas gift to myself a few years ago. I was already a fan of Ms L'Engle. However, this book brought her into a new realm. I followed the readings quite faithfully during two yearly cycles. I must say that they provided my those glimpses of grace that were needed during that very difficult time of my life. These are only glimpses because they are relatively short and easy to digest over breakfast. However, as so often happens, glimpses open doors that reveal so much more. My faith in the God of Creation was reaffirmed through this book. This God accepted me as I was (and am) and affirmed me as good. What more can one ask from a book of daily reflections?

Thank you Ms L'Engle. I'm proud to call you a fellow Episcopalian!

This is a beautiful devotional, and a glimpse of the way a brilliant mind works at something we all aspire to: understanding God. It is refreshing to read something that doesn't pretend to have all the answers about Him, but encourages us to "learn to love the mysteries". I don't know about you, but that is what I am trying to do. Instead of simplifying who God is and reducing him to the level of an idol, the author encourages us to see him as Omnipotent God, Creator & Sustainer. It is a breath of fresh air to me, and a wonderful encouragement.

Since Christmas of 1995 my wife and I have used these fabulously interesting readings from GLIMPSES Of GRACE to buffet us from the storms of everyday life! As one quite perceptive reviewer speaks of her as a Mystic and Yes, she asks good questions. Her readings relate to the living of all life in the face of Belief and Doubt.

One reading from May 20th she is doing an afterschool seminar for high school students and is asked by a brilliant young lady from Harlem, earlier from Panama: "Mrs Franklin, do you really truly believe in God with no doubts at all?"

"Oh, Una, I really and truly believe in God with all kinds of doubts... But I base my life on this belief." Another topic that often arises in her readings is that of Death and Eternity. After one student is saying that it seems lately "there's death everywhere..." Another answers, "Is the price too high? Are you afraid?" These lead to the titles of "We Die Many Deaths and A Metaphor for the Afterlife." Her simple yet clear approach seems to come down from the power found in Creation... that Life is a Gift and where there's Life there's Hope!

This is truly one lovely, consistently inspiring devotional book by an awesome fearless lady! Sincerely retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

L'Engle does something here that few devotional authors dare. She not only supplies answers and inspirations, she poses questions. Questions without easy answers. Questions that penetrate to the heart of true faith in God.

Does she qualify as a mystic? Yes, in that she moves outside the world of pure rationalism.

Is she a Christian? Yes, in the sense that she believes upon Jesus Christ as the savior and as the only begotten Son of God.

Is she an agnostic? Yes, by her own definition. She says that by confessing agnosticism, she is only confessing that she doesn't know everything. She refuses to lie or pretend otherwise. Yet, in the midst of not knowing, she still believes in the God that created the universe.

This devotional breathes life into a sometimes stale genre. L'Engle's openness might challenge, even offend, some. But for those on the limits of faith, those hanging in amidst life's tragedies and unexpected miracles, "Glimpses of Grace" gives a little more grace to move on. This is classic and poignant writing. One closes the pages filled with a greater awe and greater mystery regarding the love of God.

Madeleine L'Engle has written many wonderful books for both adults and children. Her work is very provocative and most thoughtful. You glean something more every time they are read... GLIMPSES OF GRACE takes the best passages from her books and reveals more contemplative insights. This Daily Thoughts and Reflections is cross-referenced by topic and title. GLIMPSES OF GRACE can be appreciated by Madeleine's fans as well as someone who is not familiar with her work. I keep an extra copy on hand as I have often given this book as a gift. Highly recommended!

What a good way to end the series. I've been taking my time with reading these over the past few years because sometimes I would get fed up with the plot. But this right here, was the icing on a very large, and very tasty cake. It kind of hit me hard that the Fearless series was over now, and the way it happened was kind of hardhitting for me.

As many others are, I'm a huge Ed and Gaia fan. I hope in Fearless FBI, they somehow reunite, because honestly, like Ed says.. "If there was such a thing as soul mates..."

This book is excellent. I read it in one day. After the bull drama Gaia had to go through to get here, she's made it. And even in this book, she doesn't get a break. But even though it was hard to say goodbye to all the characters, I'm prepared to meet some new ones in the new series.

i really loved! this book. There were closures and things coming together. some people whom whe hadn't seen in the last couple of books turn up in this book.the end of the book isn't all that surprising if think about it.If you've been following this series for years, like i have, then you have to read this book. It's a good ending for a great series and now we'll just have to wait for the second book of fearless fbi.I've read the first one and it's a great book. if you loved the fearless series then you will definetely love fearless fbi.

While this series had a few ups and downs along the way, it ended just perfectly. I read the last 5 books in a 3 day period. I cried and cried. To anyone who may have given up along the way, be sure to at least pick up this book to see how it all ends. I am glad that Francine Pascal put in details from the special editions in the last few books as well.

I could identify with Gaia all though her senior year, as irregular as it was. I loved these books. As sad as I am to see them go, I almost died of curiosity over the past 5 (or is it 6) years. I am not sure I can get on that roller coaster again with Fearless FBI. Then again, I would hate to miss out on further Gaia adventures.
I LOVE ED!!!!!

Oh man, picked this up last week, stayed up till 2 in the morning to read it all, even the summary part in the back just for kicks. The book was sad and yet good all the same time, fitting for the end of this portion of Gaia's story. So while I've heard many people complain about this book sucking, I think they need to look at it more, see that it fits well with Gaia and her life. Anyway, onto Fearless FBI! Oh man, can't wait this should be good, I'm hoping some old characters pop up, and we find out what happened to Gaia's dad, because seemed like Francine sorta forgot he existed. And Ed, who doesn't want Ed to come back huh? Anyway, read the book!

While most high school seniors are getting ready for the prom, and preparing for graduation, seventeen-year-old Gaia Moore is trying to avoid the inevitable: death. Gaia has been trailing Skyler Rodke, playing up the helpless act to get him to believe that she's still scared of everything, when in reality, she's been watching him. Taking notes on his every plan for her. Gaia plans on getting back at the people who have hurt her, and plan to hurt her, then to escape from New York, for it is the home of bad memories.

I have never been so sad to see a series end. Gaia Moore has been one of my favorite fictional characters since the very first FEARLESS book was released over four years ago, and her character has only grown over the years. GONE is an exceptional book in the series that will bring a tear to the eye of all FEARLESS readers. And watch for the LOOK BACK section at the end, for it gives you an update on all of the characters past and present, lets you see bits of the Village School's Yearbook, gives you a peek at Loki's Files, and more. I am now eagerly awaiting the release of FEARLESS FBI. I can only hope that that series is half as good as FEARLESS.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

"Gothic" is the second book in a series that covers Western European art and architecture from the 11th to the 19th century. "Gothic" actually deals with two periods: the Gothic period proper, and the Early Renaissance, mostly it's Northern (Dutch) version. The editor believes that the distinction between Late Gothic and the Renaissance is problematic and somewhat artificial. Thus, the book takes us from the 12th century well into the 15th century.

A large part of the book deals with Gothic architecture: cathedrals, churches, city halls and (to a much lesser extent) castles. There are also chapters on Gothic sculpture, painting and goldwork. The chapter on painting also includes Giotto, Fra Angelico and the Northern Renaissance (especially the latter). The text is very comprehensive, and probably mostly appeals to serious students of European art and architecture. What makes the book of interest to the non-specialist are the lavish illustrations. There are photos on almost every page, most of them in color, and all of it for a bargain price!

Personally, I must admit that the "pure" Gothic cathedrals don't really appeal to me. I find them boring. And yes, almost half the book shows Gothic cathedral interiors or facades, most of them strikingly similar to each other... The second half of the book is more aesthetically pleasing, showing how the original Gothic style changed as it spread to Germany, the Netherlands and Bohemia, and how painting developed during the Early Renaissance. The section on goldworks shows many interesting objects.

I like the "Baroque" volume of this series more, but if you have an interest in the Middle Ages, or "Old" Europe art and architecture in general, this book is nevertheless recommended.

Honestly, I'm thinking of buying another two copies of this book (I have one now) so that I can cut out and frame some of the pictures - (I want two copies because some of the images are back to back). The images are stunning, and there are clear examples that show the influence of Islamic and Moorish art on Christian cathedrals, especially in Spain. Truly a beautiful and scholarly introduction to this lovely part of the heritage of the whole human race.

I first discovered this book in the library and I checked it out several times because I just loved looking at it so much. The pictures are so breathtaking, it increased my resolved to go to Europe and visit all these incredible places first hand. It's a great thourough book for anyone who is new to Gothic art forms as well as a visual reference for people who are already familiar with the style.

Hard to carry around, but very easy to read!

Having borrowed this book over and over from the library, I really had a hard time parting with it when I last returned it. The photographs are splendid, a joy to look at. Since it also qualifies as a reference book, I looked it up ..... to but [buy] a copy but was certain price would be ... more than in was. Now I'm about to by my third copy --it is an amazing bargain.

This is the most spectacular book for you if you like lots of HUGE clear photos of TONS of gothic cathedrals. There are MANY pages of history and other information about the making and restoring of the cathedrals. A MUST HAVE for any gothic-history lover.