James Books

If there was a way I could rate this book higher than 5, I definately would.

If you are a fan of incrediblely well written action, Christian themes, powerful topics, well-researched fighting techniques, and an all around good story... this is for you. Even if you dont' like action, you should get this.

One of the many reasons this book is so incredibly awesome is because on one character. Gage. He is the best of the best. The author researched every type of fighting to make this character. All the way from more-than-advanced knife techniques, to war tactics.

To state it simply: Get this book.

James Byron Huggins' thrillers are catered for the manly man. They are routinely explosive, tautly-paced, and laced with a supernatural element. The Reckoning lives up to his standards and, even though initially confusing, is a bonafide page-turner. His protagonist, Gage, is patentedly a superlative killing machine yet is spiritually conflicted. Even though The Reckoning is touted as a "Christian" thriller, it doesn't really get that preachy, which I appreciated.

Jonathan Gage is a man at odds with himself and with his murky past as a proficient, highly trained Delta Force operative. He's trying to change his ways, but it's proving to be a daunting task, as he is tasked by his friend Simon, a dying priest, to safeguard an ancient manuscript which foretells the advent and identity of the Anti-Christ. Shadowy forces stand in Gage's way, forces focused on bringing about the downfall of mankind. Gage, weary of violence but having no other recourse, must now muster all his old training and once again resume the ways of the killer. Because, ultimately, it falls on him and a few allies to keep darkness at bay and safeguard the future of humanity.

If that plot summary sounded overly dramatic, well, that's the vibe I got off reading The Reckoning. This book is one of James Byron Huggins's earlier works (published in 1994), and it shows. I found it initially hard to get into, which actually surprised me because I generally find his novels (Sorcerer, Cain, Hunter, Nightbringer) to be vastly entertaining stuff. But, in the Reckoning, I was thrown for a loop with the disconcertingly abrupt start, which throws the reader smack dab in the thick of the action. It left me with a lost feeling - as if I'd missed out on some key events which had gone on before page one. However, once I pressed on, the story rapidly became more involving and, in the end, proved to be an intense, adrenalin rush of a thriller. It is action-packed (believe me, brother!) to the max. The pace is hectic, as the protagonists seem to be assaulted or on the assault every few pages or so. The Reckoning is also colored with a supernatural Doomsday element. Anytime the Anti-Christ figures into the plot, you gotta think the stakes are raised just a tad more.

Gage is so daunting and self-sufficient a character that it's sometimes hard to empathize with him. Whenever he's in action, he simply becomes a killing automaton. It's a good thing Huggins infuses his hero with a conflicted persona, said conflict arising from his newly awakened moral compass, which goes at odds with his military-instilled, tightly honed instincts for mayhem. Also a good idea of Huggins is the introduction of a nemesis, Sato, who seems to be even more of a bad mo-fo than Gage. Their first encounter doesn't go well for our hero. But it does serve to humanize him more.

After Gage, the book has another intriguing character: the grizzled Nathaniel Kertzman, a civilian investigator assigned by Washington with unearthing a covert military faction steeped in illegal activities, of which investigation Gage is the prime suspect. Kertzman is uncompromising and honest to a fault, yet is comfortable with the greasy machinations and the double- and cross-dealings of Washington's upper-level power brokers. A fun character.

Then you have the baddies. There is a chain of command to these villains, with each elevated position of power seemingly providing a more callous and corrupt villain. The main Machiavellian mastermind is snaky cold and without scruples, while the deadly warrior Sato lives for the perfect kill.

At 473 pages, The Reckoning is a thick read. However, once you get into it, those pages'll fly by. I personally couldn't wait for Gage and Sato's final "dance." Huggins's research really shows thru as he ably engrosses the reader with a revealing depiction of the life and ways of an elite commando. Three and a half testosterone-filled stars.

Huggins does a masterful job of combining Christian truth with modern warfare. The hero realizes that in order to defeat evil, sometimes you must take up a "sword" and fight. I would highly recommend it.

This is probably my all-time favorite Christian novel. Huggins, who is now retired from law enforcement, is also an award-winning journalist. This is the story of a man who sought redemption and tried to leave his old life behind. This book is action-packed, gripping and spellbinding. It will pierce you to your very soul.

Gage, our hero, is an exile in his own land, abandoned on a military mission by his own country. He is rescued by a priest and an archeologist, who smuggle him back into the states and who helps him see a different way of life. Then a secret society kills the priest and Gage must take up the guns that he had forsworn, to protect those most dear and near to him.

Can Gage come out of retirement and take on some of the best assassins in the world? Can he save his friends? Can he stop a great evil from taking place? You will have to read The Reckoning to find out.

This is probably my all-time favorite Christian novel. Huggins, who is now retired from law enforcement, is also an award-winning journalist. This is the story of a man who sought redemption and tried to leave his old life behind. This book is action-packed, gripping and spellbinding. It will pierce you to your very soul.

Gage, our hero, is an exile in his own land, abandoned on a military mission by his own country. He is rescued by a priest and an archeologist, who smuggle him back into the states and who helps him see a different way of life. Then a secret society kills the priest and Gage must take up the guns that he had forsworn, to protect those most dear and near to him.

Can Gage come out of retirement and take on some of the best assassins in the world? Can he save his friends? Can he stop a great evil from taking place? You will have to read The Reckoning to find out.

Phelge knew the Stones when they were poor and just starting. This amusing memoir concentrates on 1963 when Brian Jones was the leader of the band before Mick and Keith took things over. Filled with mildly amusing anecdotes about juvenile pranks, mostly played on unsuspecting neighbors where the band lived together in the early days with the author. Some of the tales are a bit lame, and the dialogue, which fills the book, must be entirely made up. Was there a tape recorder present back then? I don't think so. Did Phelge take notes? Unlikely. Still, it's entertaining and a look at the Stones not normally seen. For lovers of music bios.

If you're looking for saucy gossip about groupies and drugs, this is not the book for you. If you want to learn about five teenagers from London who had a dream, buy this book. James Phelge, forever known as "Roommate of the Stones," offers priceless insights and hilarious shenanigans of a struggling, unknown band named after a Muddy Waters blues song. After the Stones start touring America and Phelge is left behind, the story seems to drag a bit when focusing on the "Swinging London" scene, but it is merely a set-up for the shocking ending -- Phelge walks away from it all and chooses to live a normal life! The crazy man of Edith Grove turns out to be the sanest of them all. A must read for EVERY Stones fan.

My husband is a true Stones fan. He loved this book. It gives many insights to how they began and grew to what they are now. He has thanked me over and over again for buying him this book to add to his collection. He knows alot about the Stones and this book was not a repeat of things he already knew. If you like the Stones, you should grab this book!

This is certainly the best "story of the Stones" book. Phelge manages to present the story straight out, with an excellent memory for detail. When he drops names (and there are lots) you really don't get the feeling he's dropping names, it just somebody else who was around at the time.

Although many of the stories have been told by Phelge to other writers before and have sort of become part of the Stones legend, it's great to hear the whole thing from beginning to end from the man himself.

If you only buy one Stones book, this is a great choice.

If you want one book that provides a window on the early 60s London music scene, this is it.

If you want a book that tells a great story about a group of naive guys trying to be a band, this is it. There are not ridiculous stories about parties, but when they screw around, you get the feeling you were there yourself.....a very nice writing job and well worth the trouble to find and read.

This book is precious and priceless!

Older Stones fans (like me), especially those familiar with Sixties London and the districts where The Stones lived in 1963, will delight in the easily readable and so evidently true stories of The Stones' very early days when Mick, Keith and Brian were more than teenagers but not quite mature adults. Phelge has covered many of the bases and truly gives you a taste of the environment that nurtured The Stones. You arre literally in the room with them, watching The Stones struggle hard, indeed, almost desperately for a commercial break, and against incredible odds in a still conservative post-war England. The book is chock-full of marvellous observations, wonderful insights, hilariously humorous incidents, and pathos. It clearly reflects Phelge's superb capabilities as a raconteur (and one not given to exaggeration) who tracked the evolution of The Stones even as he lived with Mick, Keith and Brian 40 years ago in their squalid, disorganized flat where cleaning up for the lads simply meant throwing crockery, cutlery and utensils out of the kitchen window into the communal garden below.

The book is filled with gems: Mick's yearning and wistfulness for a load of money as he lolls aimlessly in a freezing cold, food-free flat with his fellow Stones; chucking Ian Stewart out of the band because he did not look "with-it" enough for Andrew Loog Oldham, the first manager of The Stones along with Eric Easton; the unbelievably funny and ridiculous "Toilet Door Fiasco" with Keith and Phelge who drove their neighbors mad every day for months on end with their antics and purloining; the "Immaculate Dollies" with their [nice figures]; the "nankering" (face-making and squawking) and pranks that went with their looning around generally; the list is endless.

In addition, Phelge paints excellent portraits of The Stones' character and temperament. One sees the competitiveness and tension between Brian on the one hand, and Mick-and-Keith on the other hand, all starting very early on in their association. (They would carry this around with them for years until they ditched Brian with the worst of feelings in 1969.)

Younger Stones fans need to read this book in order to understand who The Stones were and where they came from, and how they started up the ladder that took them to stardom at the very top of the world where they have stayed since 1965. My younger office colleagues who like The Stones have absolutely no idea about any of this history and it is a shocking gap in their knowledge.

Overall, an amazing, informative, excellent book. At least 5 stars!

JS

This has been one of the few excellent books i have ever read. It is actually real, it really happened, so it makes you feel as if this was happining before your eyes. It was sad, and well written. i actually heard David Faber, the author of this book, speak. He was an incredibly powerful speaker, and his book places you in his position, just as his speech does.

David faber visited our high school last week, and had told us about his horrific ordeal during the holocaust. And I was utmost touched and embraced him. I could see those fear he told us in his eyes. And some of us left the auditorium in tears. I recommend this to anyone, because there is a dark side of humanity we taken for granted, and people had suffered more than anyone who had to go through.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Faber as he spoke at the middle school I attended when I was in 7th grade. He spoke to us about his experiences and encounters during the Holocaust that took part in Europe during WWII. Our history teacher read us "Because of Romek" as it was part of our curriculm. I have not been the same since. This is an incredible account of what he went through in keeping of his promise to his mother to stay alive. I would recommend this to a more mature audience being that it does have some parts that are somewhat rough to handle...or so were for myself but overall is an incredible read...as he takes you through his experiences.

This book explains how David's encounter with the Holocaust and yet his story is sad but a good book to read. This is one of the best holocaust memoir I've read! I highly recommended. When I was starting to read the book, I couldnt but the book down...( I ended up finishing the book in 2 days!). I loved it and highly respect the holocaust survivors and of course, David Faber.

Had I thought it was fiction, I would have thought the author went over the top with this farfetched tale. To know that it is authentic is horrifying and at the same time captivating. If you are into the holocaust, then you will find this book absolutely fascinating; and if you aren't a history buff I recommend this book as enlightenment. My utmost respect to anyone that has been through this nightmare. And David Faber my deepest gratitude for having written this book.

I was skeptical at first that this was a book by someone born with a silver spoon just looking to sell a book. But after reading through the thoughts and stories included, it's evident that Hutcheson has been on the front line throughout his career and the information included can be a benefit to any business owner and manager, particularly one looking to grow and transition ownership while facing the rough roads that will come with it.

As the world changes, a business must change or decline and die. Some do so even if their business climate has not changed at all. These businesses self-destruct due to internal incompetence or conflicts that blur their focus on what it is their business should do. James Olan Hutcheson is the grandson of the founder of Olan Mills, the world's largest photography company. After starting in the company as a telemarketer, he rose to a position of responsibility and then resigned to pursue a career as a business consultant. Therefore, while he draws heavily from the history of Olan Mills, he also uses examples from several other businesses.
His advice is sound, logical and yet not simple. Ideas such as having proteges (including relatives), work their way up through a company rather than having the reins of power simply handed to them without training is a sound yet often ignored management principle. Another bit of sound advice that is often ignored is the toleration of honest, well meaning and factually based dissent. An examination of business, political and religious history shows quite clearly that when dissent is crushed an organization loses its' health and eventually dies, sometimes rather abruptly. As greater details of the latest corporate fiasco's come to light, it is clear that those who dissented were hounded, and sometimes it continues even after they were proven correct. This is an absurd business practice, as denying the truth only makes it worse when the end finally comes.
The nine keys listed in this book will not make your business a success. Only the making of a valuable product and executing a sound business plan can do that. What it can do is increase the odds that you will do both by showing you how others have done it.

James Olan Hutcheson has written a book that should prove invaluable to owners of small businesses and other nonhierarchical organizations. Portraits of Success: 9 Keys to Sustaining Value in Any Business is a book that deserves--and will hopefully get--a large readership.

Drawing on what he has seen in his own family business' transition to second generation leadership, as well as what he has witnessed as a consultant on such transitions, Hutcheson gives the reader much to think about. As he makes each point in his "9 Keys" he illustrates it with a real-life example.

Many of the keys are basic but easy to overlook and (after having overlooked them) sometimes tricky to introduce in a static leadership environment. Yet Hutcheson is a faithful guide through the peaks and valleys.

Having suffered through encounters with ineffective organizations (my daughter's school) and reveled in being a part of an effective, on-purpose organization (my Church), I cannot stress enough how important it is for people in leadership positions to be intentional in what they do and have the ability to be life-long learners. Learning about leadership and listening to those who "have been there," like Mr. Hutcheson, is a big part of this. Nothing less is in the balance than the difference between a life of drudgery and one of joy and freedom.

My only critique of this book is one that springs from my Christianity. I feel that the missing tenth (and possibly most important key) is Spiritual giftedness. When people serve in an area they not only enjoy, but also are gifted by God to serve in, explosive results are to be had. Also, as part of the Kingdom, "Business Traditions, Myths, and Shared Beliefs" melt away in the face of the kind of common purpose given by the Great Commission and the whole history of salvation.

Bearing this in mind and also recognizing that Mr. Hutcheson's audience probably have not all partaken of the Kingdom as of yet, I have to say that this book does a darn good job as a whole. It is less of a compilation of other sources than are most other leadership books. I found it refreshing to be able to distinguish an actual authorial voice in a work such as this. Too many leadership books read like a cross between a presentation and an instruction manual.

Get this book. It is well worth the time spent reading.

A great book to read especially if you are interested in building a great company.

I've done the leadership thing at Toastmasters. I've attended the 12-class Dale Carnegie Course. I've read a lot of books on leadership, and I've counseled clients at SCORE.org counseling sessions on leadership. What I've garnered from all of this on the subject of starting a business and doing it as a leader is described in this book.

If you are leading a company - are you interested in just creating short term profits, or are you looking to the long term? When you hire people are you promoting them because you have become their friend, or because they have earned it? Are you leading or just managing? Do you have passion, or are you just putting in your time? These and other topics are addressed in this book. Get it and read it. You'll be glad you did.

"Portraits of Success: 9 Keys to Sustaining Value in Any Business" by James Olan Hutcheson is just another "how to succeed at business" book. I wish its value was more than that, but it isn't. It is neither passionate nor any more informative than its competitors.

In the business books I have read recently, I found this one lacks the authority and substance I found in others. William Pollard's "Soul of the Firm" has the authority, as he took ServiceMaster to a new level. "Values of the Game" by Bill Bradley was worth the read because of Bradley's unique metaphorical look at life. "Leadership" by Rudolph Giuliani has power because of what Giuliani has gone through. "Portraits," however, has a flaccid tone to it. I felt as if it was researched information regurgitated into book form. I felt like I was reading the kind of book which gets sold after a corporate sales seminar.

The book, as seen in the subtitle, can be boiled down to nine major points. In each, Hutcheson retells stories of business success and failures, from security company founder Richard Wackenhut to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Action items accompany each chapter, and herein lay the book's greatest value. Hutcheson provides a topic sentence to lead the mini-lesson, but weakly completes the thesis in the following paragraphs.

The redundancy of subject matter mixed with a bland presentation has me suggesting to you to look elsewhere. It was not edited tightly enough to build the necessary tension and excitement. Overall, "Portraits of Success: 9 Keys to Sustaining Value in Any Business" lacks the poignancy I have come to expect from professional advancement books.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

This book does excactly that what it pretends: it gives an excellent overview of al kinds of alternative processes so you can pick the one(s) you like. It does not go into detail, for that you have specific books or web information.

Some of the process described are at this moment impossible to perform, simply because the chemicals are not available anymore; they are too dangerous. The books states that as well...

Very clear and detailed information, with excellent photo and graphics that illustrate the alternative processes.
All the processes are historically contextualized.
Congratulations Christopher James for this great book.

'Tis the most complete alternative processes manual of all times. More beautiful color photograph illustrations than you could think to shake a stick at. To get the most alternative use of this book, one might stitch the pages together to wear as clothes, and alternatively processize to one's heart's content.

This book is for artists. It is worth every cent. Remember, you get what you pay for. It contains the details, the history, the examples and the intellect. Very well put together and a pleasure to read. If you are serious about learning "alternative" photographic processes, this is the book.

Every learning photographer must have this book. More to photography than photoshop and digital and this book will open up you photographic world.

Well bound leather book with quality feeling pages makes this an easy book to pick up and use. I would recommend this small daily devotional to everyone. Easy to use, carry with you and to read.

I ordered Daily Light from Amazon and was thrilled to get the 5 copies I orders, especially since the book has gone out of print. I received excellent service.

Daily Light is a book that I have read for over thirty years. There is a daily reading, morning and evening, of various scriptures that are all on the same theme. It was compiled by the Bagster family of London, England. There were twelve children and it was Jonathan, their tenth child, who was mainfily responsible for the idea and for the method by which Daily Light was compiled. The family prayed over, discussed and agreed on each scripture and sometimes it was weeks before it was felt that they came to an agreement. Not one word has been altered from its conception (1794). Hundreds and thousands of Christians have read the same page with its message of comfort and help through the years since it was first published. It brings hope and encouragement each morning and evening to anyone who takes the few minutes to read it and let it sink in. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Daily Light is a compot of Scriptures arranged around daily topics. It has been a favorite for generations but in 1998 Anne Graham Lotz revived it, published it in the New King James translation and offered it in a leather bound edition. Though very popular it is unfortunately no longer available. Our hope is that J. Countryman will republish it soon.

This book is a treasure of God's Word. Our family of 6 each have their own copy and we give it as gifts to those who are seeking the Lord.

I am a long-time fan of James Herriot's books. I worked in an independent book store when I found this jewel, and I have given it at every baby shower and young child's birthday since. It is a collection of stories taken from his books and illustrated. The stories are sweet, poignant tales of the literary veterinarian's encounters with four-legged friends in England.

If you are an animal lover or Herriot fan, this is a must- see. The illustrations are realistic with a touch of warmth and they bring life to the stories that graced these literary masterpieces. Many friends and family who recently have had children love this gift. It is a book to be cherished and read to/with your children for years!

The binding is solid with a dustcover I remove when reading with small children (who love to rip my dustcovers!). The papers is a tolerant high gloss that can easily withstand sticky little baby fingers. My niece and I have clocked many hours reading and cleaning this book!

The stories in here are not just bedtime tales. This is life-enriching literature with quirky characters and poignant emotion which you will treasure for years to come. I got as much out of reading these to our son as he did, and you will all enjoy the illustrations. As with real living, the death of a beloved pet is included in one of the tales, so if your children would be upset by this, you might discuss beforehand.

Our 3.5 year old daughter loves this book. The illustrations are beautiful and the stories compelling. They are on a level that she can relate to without feeling condescended to. The stories are interesting and fun for adults to read and they are great to talk about afterwards.

My 7 yr old son and my 5 yr old daugher both LOVE this book. And so does mom! It has beautiful illustrations and the stories are warm and wonderful.

This is a great example of a living book. The stories transport the listener to another place, and the journey is a pleasure. My 5 and 8 year old daughters love these stories and their illustrations.

Positive Pushing speaks to our times and the difficulties parents face when determining how much or how little to push their children to achieve success in life. We all want to motivate our kids to succeed in life, but how much is too much? When do we push and when do we back off? Dr. Taylor, through examples, research, and his own personal wisdom, walks this delicate line, showing the pitfalls and dangers of both sides, and leads us to creating a healthy, balanced and purposeful life for our young ones. In the highly competitive world we live in today, no home with children should be without this important work on their bookshelf.

If you're living vicariously through the life of your child- step out of the way. In his book Positive Pushing, Dr. Jim Taylor teaches parents to step back and examine the root of their attitudes towards their child's successes and failures and provides a win-win model for positive encouragement. He teaches parents to equip their children with an internal compass to which they can gauge their own successes and failures, while always keeping focused on giving their personal best.

When it comes to literature on young achievers, Dr. Taylor's book stands out from the pack. Positive Pushing brings to light the oftentimes overlooked and misunderstood world of emotions, family dynamics, and external & internal expectations that young achievers face during their school years and beyond.

Taylor cuts to the chase when it comes to examining achievement and happiness, making the necessary distinction between external achievement and achievement that includes the internal experience of joy in the process. In so doing, Taylor details the type of guidance and support he encourages parents to provide in order to ensure their children experience success and happiness simultaneously.

Taylor pulls no punches as he cautions parents to examine their own motives, desires, and expectations. At the same time, he skillfully guides parents on how to navigate the terrain of ensuring their children grow into happy, resilient, confident, and successful adults. Taylor draws from his extensive professional experience as well as from current research in the fields of child development, sports psychology, and other disciplines. He provides examples in the areas of academics, sports, and the arts that every parent will quickly recognize as true-to-life. He even details red flags, along with accompanying advice on ways to respond to them.

Positive Pushing is a resource as practical as it is thought-provoking. It is a must-read for all interested in ensuring that our children are truly happy in their success.

Dr. Jim Taylor does a fabulous job clarifying a parent's role in his book, "Positive Pushing". He gives you a framework to guide decisions about children's activities, schedules and responsiblities. I don't feel the panic to join everything or the guilt about not letting them quit piano lessons. He taught me what is negotiable with my three boys and what isn't. I am more of an in-charge parent. We have a new house rule: "one sport, one music...no more, no less". It has worked beautifully for 3 years now. Everyone is trying new things but they are not overwhelmed because they are trying too many new things and they are not bored because they aren't trying anything new.

Dr. Taylor taught me to own my part of parenting and to let my boys own their part. They are proud of the "excellence" they achieve by always working as hard as they can. The word "perfect" has been removed from our vocabulary. Once you open your eyes to how imperfect everything is...you'll never put that pressure on yourself or children again. Dr. Taylor brought joy back to my parenting and, I hope, to my children's childhood again.

Every parent owes it to themselves to read this book! Thanks Dr. Taylor!

Jim Taylor is pushing too hard in trying to resolve various parenting and parenting/adult issues in one book. He probable knows a lot about achievement but he couldn't convince me about how positive pushing/control can be with kids--he starts with a promising argument but feters out in his style of discussion. He cites good research but his own ideas/interpretations are unoriginal and unconvincing. He is also inconsistent in his opinions (i.e., unconditional love does not exist then in next sentence he says that parents are to love their kids without condition). He also talks about achieving "balance" without real-life solutions. He does have lists of behavioral solutions in the end of the chapters but they seem disjointed and almost exhaustive, making me feel more like my kids and I would be more exhausted than "balanced". The tone of his book was bland and too distancing--I found myself skimming his chapter intros. He sounds more like a motivational speaker or academician than an experienced parent (he cites kids/families he's worked with but no personal stories about his own family). For a more "balanced" approach in parenting and easier read, I recommend "Hold on to Your Kids" by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate.

i'm an advocate of Morris' book. in fact, our organization bought this book for all of our staff. it's the best "blessed" book i've read b/c it's less about how to get and more about obedience and responsibility with what you have. it also came at a time in ministry when i was having a difficult conversation with a couple from church who didn't understand the principle of the "tithe." morris gives the best biblical summary of understanding the "tithe." every church leader and every Christian should read this book!

Mr Morris, paints a simple clear picture on living a blessed life inside God's Word, His will and His heart. Some have criticised the tithe aspects of the book, but I trust that these people will eventually read their Bibles and understand what is required of them, by God. Mr Morris' book draws a clear distinction between the truth and deviant teachings such as the prosperity gospel, which appears to be very popular, and even the "poverty gospel". As such it provides a healthy, balanced view in achieving an extraordianry life in God. I am in the process of applying Mr Morris' advice, but my trust is not in his book - rather in God's grace - therefore I know I will not be dissappointed.

I was at the International Chruch of the Foursquare Gospel national convention in Houston recently and Robert was one of the speakers.

The title of his book was a little bit of a turn off at first for me. It sounded like another "prosperity" or "bless me" book. This was a misjudgment on my part.

He is a very gifted speaker and has been given tremendous insight into tithes, offerings, first fruits, and the firstborn.

The book encourages one to be obedient to the Lord in giving and realize that tithing is really a principle of first fruits found throughout the whole Bible.

I would highly recommend this book.

An insight from the book is Jericho. It was a tithe or first fruits for the children of Israel as they started taking the promised land. God wanted all the gold and silver for the Lord's house. The rest of the gold and silver from other cities would be theirs. Achan was cursed for stealing from God as the book Malachi said it would be.

I always go back to Amazon. I can find what I need and hassle free.

Excellent book!!
The Blessed Life was passed on to us by a close family member beore she died..
Our thought process has been changed by the truths in this book..
I recommend it to all Christians who truly want a Blessed Life..

This is a truly excellent reference book for anyone interested in the history of Biblical interpretation. Indeed, the book might more accurately be called "How the Bible has been Read," since for any given section, it gives an overview of traditional readings, both Christian and Jewish, followed by recent scholarship and biblical studies. The latter includes advances in linguistic and archeological scholarship. Kugel writes in a clear conversational style, the product, no doubt of years of university teaching.

Though I have only read about a hundred and fifty pages, I have found Kugel's scholarship outstanding and his writing clear and easy. As a catholic priest it has been a wonderful exposure to good Jewish thought and scholarship. I have found the contrast between the ancient inperpreters and modern scholars extremely helpful. I would be more conversant with modern scholars and not so clear on the more traditional. It is a great help to interpret sections of the Hebrew Bible.

Rev. Joseph Madden

This book attempts to integrate both traditional and modern views of the bible. It does this well. It creates layers of meaning that transcend the theological and is well worth reading for those not immersed in a particular theological approach to the meaning of this complex book

Well researched and written book. Understandable by layman as well as biblical scholar. Most enlightening and informative.

Thank you James L. Kugel. I have longed for guidance in understanding the complexities of the Old Testament. Very informative and readable.
Highly recommended.