Murray Books

This is not a book about dreams or dream interpretation... its a book about shifting your world-view (he calls it a "paradigm") to look at waking life as being filled with symbols and signs from God to be approached as if you were dreaming. It's a "how to" manual on how to see things from a prophetic perspective so one can stand in the gap and pray. The symbols God sends need to be seen by discerning eyes, and then one is to apply the question "If this were a dream, what would it mean?"

Unfortunately, I am not able to take this approach quite as seriously as he does because I do not think God currently acts in the way he is proposing.

For example, he uses an example that God is actively seeking to preserve England's destiny through revealing such things as God calling for the English monarchy to repent because of the "signs" of the debacle involving Princes Charles, Princess Diana's death, Queen Elizabeth, etc.

Another example involves God postponing judgment on the the nation of Switzerland for hiding billions of dollars in Jewish gold assets during WWII. He reads far to much into the headlines and I find his reasoning tenuous dot-connecting in order to come to assumptions that are off the mark.

Not that God is not involved with judging the nations, but I do not agree he is involved at this capacity in this present age. God's present involvement is no more or less active in his Will than who wins the Super Bowl, or where exactly a hurricane hits land. God doesn't send hurricanes to judge an unrepentant New Orleans... hurricanes just happen, its part of life on earth. And why should God judge New Orleans any more than Amsterdam which has legalized prostitution and hashish shops? No, there's much more to it than extremely subjective sign interpretations that author concludes his calls to pray with.

Still, I am glad I read the book. And I do find use for the book's title question for things going on in my own every day life. So read with caution and don't over-reach for any conclusions. The book is good, but certainly not great and I would not give it 5 stars by any means.

This is one of the very best books I have ever read. I loved it. It's not a dream interpretation book, but one that will help you interpret life itself and look at what's going on in your life with brand new eyes. Very good read.

If you're looking to psycho-analyze the effectiveness of symbolism and develop your own theory of political advertising, nab this book. It's one of the classic piece of poli-sci literature.

Although history-challenged readers may want to beg off, the story of the most notorious woman in the ancient world and her lover Pericles is one of the most romantic sagas. This union died all too soon with Pericles' death from the plague, but the words, emotions, and example live on.

The effusive verbose rich 19th-century language ("I wish the gods would sweep [Aspasia] up to Olympus where she belongs") and the ancient references (fyi: Hekatombaion is a month), as well as a culture where sixteen-year-old girls get married off, are a bit daunting, as are many endless debates about religion vs. science, and more political maneuverings than the last ten presidential campaigns combined. But this story reminds us that we are not so very different from our ancient ancestors, and we still enjoy a great drama!

Good footnotes, good fingering. Spread out well on the page (not squished like other editions). Would recommend for students. Great collection to own, as well. Print of high-quality.

Dervla Murphy has to be one of the gutsiest travel writers around. Her exploits in this book include slipping down precipitous slopes and dangerously narrow paths dragging an unwilling loaded mule behind her, sleeping in flea and rat infested hovels, being robbed by armed brigands etc etc. Armchair travellers will just love it!

As midlife appears to be an unavoidable passage in all cultures of the world, (gratefully so), this compact book is packed with the insights midlifers need to reflect upon it with wisdom and patience. It is a keeper!

Earl Murray of course did a good job in writing an excellent book, again. Since Isabelle Bird, the main character in this book, did a lot of travelling all over, I think a good series on many of her travels would be a great idea. If you're interested in reading about women in the west, this book is one to read. I have not yet been disappointed in any of Murray's books.

J.B. Murray's abstract art leaves a vivid, immediate impression. Padgelek clearly explains Murray's African-Islamic and Evangelical Christian influences, an analysis which expands previous studies of this self-taught, visionary black artist. Padgelek's biography of Murray goes beyond academic analysis, to include Murray's overriding mission in his art-- a visionary experience of the Holy Spirit. Murray's essential sanity and commonsense within his religious context and 'calling' are sensitively treated. Although his work is primarily abstract, Murray often filled a painting's space with haunting, human faces and figures, as seen in the book's many illustrations. Padgelek adds to our appreciation of a unique talent. An excellent book!

As the author puts it, (more or less) "If you are the type of person who wants to succeed by keeping his nose to the grindstone and shoulder to the wheel, this book is NOT for you. If you want to succeed without bothering, read on..."

Parkinson's prescription for success, altho written over thirty years ago, and somewhat overtaken by the cultural changes, [particularly as they relate to women) is uniquely valuable (especially to men!). Parkinson is an engaging and humorus writer, but with great lessons buried (not very deeply) in his nice wit.

Get the publisher to reissue... it will be well worth the efort!

This is a beatifully written book about a young colonial girl who loves the wild ponies that have roamed the islands of North Carolina's Outer Banks since the 1500's.

Our views of Colonial history often comes from the urban tales - from people who lived in Boston or Philadelphia or New York, but the colonies up and down the Atlantic coast were settled sparsely with resourceful families who played important roles in helping to secure American independence.

This colorful story gives us a realistic glimpse of life in North Carolina, based on the legend of Betsy Dowdy who may have been the key to warning colonial patriots of enemy plans.

Smith has written a historically detailed account that provides an exciting and enjoyable read. This is the kind of book that brings history alive, and gives a different perspective on the times when colonial life turned Revolutionary.