Thomas Books

This is a very good story, quite touching, and what a beautiful cover! It really depicts the times. I like books such as these. Flags Of Our Fathers is another favorite! I am a regular WWII buff when it comes to things like this!

The opening train sequence captures your imagination and then you just cannot let go! Highly recommended!

Like the other reviewers I would highly recommend this book. I do not remember how I got a copy of it, and frankly was not sure it would be worth reading since I feared an overly pious book with under whelming plot. I was wrong in both counts. If you are familiar with World War II history, then you should have no problem following the plot. However if you are looking for blood spurts and four letter words being used, this is NOT the book for you.
My only objections to the book were the fact the author attributed certain actions to fictional characters that actually happened to real people, but then unexplainably included those same real people in his novel. Also he seemed to spend some time on a couple of characters thru the novel, but then near the end they just disappeared from the narrative but with no explanation as to why.
These two quibbles aside, it is definitely worth reading.

My dad was a bomber pilot in WWII, and I enjoy fiction set in this era. I enjoyed some aspects of this book; there were several little asides that evoked the time period very well. It is a very warm story, and there's nothing in it I wouldn't want my mother to read.

BUT, it's a little too sweetly corny and predictable to get more than three stars. The ending, in particular, was telegraphed from the very start, so there was no surprise when it arrived.

There's also a very strong Christian-faith-promoting undercurrent, which didn't bother me, but it gets in the way of the plot. In fact, it is the plot, pretty much. So this book would be a popular addition to the library shelves at the local Bible college, but I can't say it rates very high on my list of recommended reads. Sorry.

This book is a superb historical fiction in the setting of WWII. The book, while dealing heavily in the American daylight bombing campaigns, is not a typical book about the war. There are a few aspects that make this book unique when comparing it to other WWI books.

This is a book that deals with a few characters and covers all aspects of their lives: families left at home, US soldiers in an armor division, US aviators in a B-17 bomber squadron and US fighter pilots. This also deals with the human aspects of the soldier's relationships with the families back home and in their deployed locations. This is not a hard-core war book, nor is it a mushy romance novel. This book also deals heavily in the spiritual aspects of the members involved.

The writing is superb and gripping. I couldn't put the book down. I relished the spiritual aspects of the book, and there are all types of people involved from chaplains, church members, knowledgeable agnostics and a-spiritual people. One of the main characters, a chaplain in the USAAF, shows the relationship between a chaplain and the bomber crews flying daylight precision bombing missions over Europe. Some of the missions are merely mentioned in a journal-like setting. Others are described in detail. But, the book does not focus only on the aircrews and their plight, but also deals with men under the command of Gen Patton in N. Africa. You get to know the characters, making it more than names when characters succumb to enemy fire.

This is not a book for someone looking for a hard-core wartime historical fiction, because of the softer aspects dealt with in the writing. But, this should not be overlooked because of the real-life air this book sets up.

A superb read and one of the rare fictions I will keep in my library.

Definately one of Robert Vaughan best! I loved this book and so will you. An entertaining blend of history, adventure, drama, romance and spirituality. Vaughan gets you inside the minds and hearts of his characters. You will feel like you are with these young airmen on their flying missions in Europe during WWII. A page turner that you wont want to put down right up to the magical ending. You will want to share it with others.

Not only is this second novel a poignant, heartfelt tale; it is great fun to read. Living in the SC Lowcountry it "spoke to me" in many respects. But, for those living elsewhere it serves as an enticement to visit our beautiful shores and marshes and learn more about the Gullah. The author did a splendid job in portraying love between sisters, love between friends, illness, and the fact that no woman is an island.

I look forward to her next book.

In her sophomore stand-alone novel, TROUBLE THE WATER, Nicole Seitz takes on the grim themes of terminal illness, divorce, alcoholism, suicide and sexual abuse, but leavens them with quirky characters in a story that will engage faith fiction fans.

Like her debut novel, THE SPIRIT OF SWEETGRASS, Seitz sets TROUBLE THE WATER in the South Carolina low country --- this time, St. Anne's Isle. The book jumps back and forth in time, mostly between June and December of 2006 and includes several first-person points of view. It's an ambitious undertaking and can become confusing until you get used to it. But the characters are interesting enough to hook you.

Honor Maddox is an amateur painter in the grip of despair, trailing a string of broken relationships behind her. When her attempt to end her life is foiled by some Gullah nannies, she ends up bunking in a crumbling pink mansion with "Duchess," an elderly white woman who has problems of her own. (Gullah, for those unfamiliar with the term, refers to African-Americans of the low country of South Carolina and Georgia).

Duchess is a hilarious character. She has a passion for running around naked or donning only one or two pieces of apparel (a fur stole, for example). Honor wonders how she ended up with a crazy woman whose mansion is as filthy as she's ever seen. However, Honor finds purpose in cleaning it from top to bottom, symbolic perhaps for her own need to be free of a past full of shame and disappointment. For Duchess, Honor is "like a floating lifesaver sent from above to haul my flabby white rear back up on shore again." She has her own "dirty secrets" from the past and "stink might can be covered up, but it doesn't ever go away unless it's aired out proper."

Both the Duchess and Honor are mourning their pasts in different ways; together, they help each other heal. Soon, Honor is painting up a storm and discovering her natural talent. By helping Honor, Duchess pulls herself somewhat together (she still likes running around in the buff) and begins to socialize again.

Honor's beloved sister Alice wrecks her car, and it sets in motion a chain of events that spark a new realization of Honor's past and the tremendous load of guilt and shame Honor carries. Reading Honor's journals also causes Alice to face her own problems, especially an alcoholic, abusive husband, and determine what she wants to make of the rest of her life.

The frequent point of view shifts, as well as the aforementioned time jumps, are challenging for the reader. The characters are the strength of the novel, and keep things cooking. The storyline relies on the rather often-used breast cancer theme (a favorite of faith-fiction novelists) although of course, the issue of breast cancer is no less important for being used so much. I was disappointed, however, in the way Seitz tied up Duchess's storyline. It seems contrived and less believable than the rest of the plot. And the plethora of problems --- cancer, suicide, sexual abuse, alcoholism --- seemed excessive.

However, what works well is the relationship between Dutchess and Honor, and the portrayal of how the best emotional healing sometimes comes through helping someone else. As Honor reflects, "I knew for a fact that Duchess wasn't playing with a full deck, but this was my task...Like her or leave her." And as Duchess says, "...When you meet a true angel, you're never the same."

Seitz is an excellent writer, and her portrayals of the Gullah culture in the low country of South Carolina will engage readers unfamiliar with the area. I especially enjoyed how she wove healing techniques and traditions into the narrative. Painting your house blue, for example, helps keep the "haigs" (ghosts) out of your house. Propping brooms outside your doors mean that a "hag" (an old woman who can shed her skin at night) will have to stop and count every piece of straw before coming inside. Otherwise, a hag might ride on someone's chest all night "till they can't breathe anymore."

It's these sort of fascinating tidbits that enrich the story, and make TROUBLE THE WATER an interesting read.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

This was one of those stories where you just wanted to be there and talk to the characters! I began reading on a weekend morning (when I was supposed to be doing my chores) and ended up reading all day. Read a chapter (or two or three), do a chore, read a chapter..... Really excellent read all the way through!

I found this book to be very well-written women's literature. And you'll notice that I used the term "women's literature" rather than "women's fiction." That's because this book is definitely character-driven; that is, the characters are more important than the plot. And I've had the privilege to meet Nicole Seitz, a woman with a gracious and humble spirit.

When you play a stringed instrument, there are certain types of chords called harmonics. When this type of chord is played - although it is actually several notes - it sounds like a single note. It actually sounds as if it played itself - almost otherworldly.

In literature, you may call the same concept resonance: when characters in a book come alive to produce a prolonged response in the reader. TROUBLE THE WATER is that type of book. As you are reading, you realize that the characters have struck a chord in your soul - a chord that resonates long after you've finished reading.

Nicole Seitz is an artist. Literary fiction lovers might want to check into her further.

Through a group of Gullah women, Seitz reveals the fascinating spirit, superstitions and cultural richness as she revisits the Low Country once again. Though Trouble the Water is not a sequel to Spirit of Sweetgrass Seitz revisits settings that are obviously as fascinating to her as to her readers.

This is the type of novel I love to curl up with and savor. Seitz brought three first-person point of view characters to life as they relived sorrow and shame, choices and consequences. Honor, Alice, Duchess and The Nannies live and breath through Seitz's words. And what stories they tell.

This is not an easy read. Christian fiction, yes, traditional, no. Seitz writes with realism including sin and consequences, hypocrisy and the damage done through it. There is no salvation prayer at the end and very subtle gospel sharing, so those who expect a strong gospel message within their Christian fiction may be disappointed. In addition, the superstitions and beliefs of the characters may stomp on some toes.

However, those who are hungry for honest, transparent stories about tragedy and sorrow, and hope and restoration need to look further into Seitz's novels.

Wow! What else is there to say?

Harold Thomas Beck hits George W. Bush right between the eyes with his satirical tyrade, "Tyrannus Bush?"

This is brutally frank and surprisingly honest. It is not the typical Democrat clap trap hate Bush, but instead a frank assessment of the greatest thief and most inarticulate artful dodger in history.

It is dated only by the reference to Bush's age - 58 at the time, but the point is so well made that it becomes timeless and will live as an insightful look at the man who is destroying our Republic.

Well done and we need more like it.

After reading "The First Terrorist Act" I had to read Mr. Beck's treatment of the Ferlinghetti piece of the 60's. Like Mr. Beck I remember Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and as a Vietnam Vet as is Mr. Beck, I also oppose the War in Iraq for the same reasons draft dodgers like Dick Cheney and George Bush had when they didn't serve during Vietnam.

Go Harold Beck! You sum it up so well. You call Bush out for the fraud he really is. You show him up as the coward who wouldn't go to war when it was his time but sends our kids to die now for another stupid cause.

I heard about this work from a friend of mine in the Democratic National Committee. I am surprised and shocked more Democrats have not only embrased this piece of Literature, but Harold Thomas Beck, also.

This work is a must for anyone who disagrees with the direction the government and this nation have taken since the election of 2000. George W. Bush is exposed in a way no one has ever dared to do before - and that includes Michael Moore! The vehicle the author uses is unique. It is worth adding to any library.

The free verse prose sings to you from the pages and the images come alive in your brain as you read on into the depths of Mr. Beck's imagination. This is great, great, great, great; and, utterly magnificent.

I heard Harold Thomas Beck do a reading of Tyrannus Bush? the other night. It blew me away.

I was skeptical when I was told about the reading and booksigning. I was surprised beyond my wildest imagination. I gave him a standing ovation. He was great and the work, Tyrannus Bush? is a work of literature that compares with great satirical works like the great Gulliver's Travels.

His use of the English language is without an equal and to read along with and listen to him at the same time is a true and complete learning experience.

Get your copy today but at the same time if you can go hear him in person.

I had the honor to see Harold Thomas Beck do a reading of TYRANNUS BUSH? last night. Amazing! He was truly amazing.

This on its own is a great work of literature. But to hear him the author do the reading in person was more than I could imagine. He was great.

I was drawn into the conversational tone between Mr. Beck and George Bush whom he refers to constantly as Georgie. He exposes the prejudices Bush and Karl Rove have hidden so well until now. Now the cat is out of the bag and the truth will set us free.

I was also impressed by Mr. Beck the man. What a kind and wonderful person. He made me feel like I was a long lost friend as he signed my book following the reading. Anyone who gets the chance to hear him do his work live should not miss it. The book is a keeper and so is the author, Harold Thomas Beck

I found myself laughing out loud on almost every page. Mary Beth Crain seems to embody the essence (and the quirks) of living through the process of being a caregiver,grieving her loss and moving across bereavement with her companion Truman. Her humor shines through, giving a light hearted overview of a serious subject. We need more books on Care Giving and the Bereavement Process that uplift our spirits and giving us a good "Belly Laugh" along the way. KUDOS !!For the Laughter!
Katherine Rosengren R.N. M.A.

Aside from being more-than-a-little horrified that she went away for the weekend knowing her cat was ouside with its lower jaw ripped off....this was a wonderful book.

It's a lovely story of how animals help heal our hearts.

But, I still have trouble resolving the woman who wrote this book as the same woman who left her maimed cat alone for the weekend. Temporary insanity is the only explanation. She really should have left that part out.

An entertaining narrative of Chihuahua personality and charateristics per se, as well as an astute insight into the complexities of emotions and perceptions while restructring life after the loss of a spouse. An excellent account of canine capers and especially personal renewal, spiced with humor and tears, says it all so well!

I really related to this story as I too, lost my husband two years ago with cancer. Also my chihuahuas and cats and birds have been my salvation. I really understand where this lady is coming from. She did an excellant job of relating the real feelings one experiences with a death of a loved one. My hat is off to Mary Beth as a really great writer and may she find the happiness she deserves. I too, believe there is a connection with dog and God.Carole

I found this book while searching for manuals on how to raise my new chihuahua "baby." He came into my life not because I had lost someone to cancer like the author, but as a last-chance effort to get over a broken heart. In the end the cause of the loss didn't matter; I could totally relate to the author, her grief and the healing power of 6 pounds of atomic puppy.

My thanks to the author for a book that was an integral part of my recovery and for validating all the feelings I thought were mine alone.

This book is not for the literary snob, or high-brow reader; however, it's pure delight for anyone who thinks they'll never love again after a loss.

Tom Chown's first book, Our Chown Odyssey, is a history of his family, dating back to the 16th century. Wolves at the Door, his first novel, fictionalizes part of that family history. Woven into the fabric of American History, Chown takes his pioneer families out to the wild west in covered wagons, showing both the agony and joy of the constant quest for new ground. Dialogue is down-to-earth and as ragged as real people talk. This is not great literature, but it's a darned good story that will keep the reader wondering what will happen next.

Very enjoyable story of pioneer families. Story tells of both hardship and adventures in a new land. Enjoyed the characters. Nice book for all ages.

I couldn't put it down. Greater appreciation on the trials that early settlers faced as they developed new territories. Author very well creates the feeling of being with the Devon family as they settle new lands. Very enjoyable especially to those of us who are history buffs

I really enjoyed this historical novel--it was "riviting", and very hard to put down once I started reading it. I found myself "lost" in the moment--in other words, I felt like I was actually there as the events unfolded. I found myself going through a wide range of emotions--Mr. Chown really knows how to put you on a roller coaster. Can't wait for his next book!!

After just viewing the movie Wyatt Earp I could easily envision the families Chown depicted in this story -- the tie-in's to Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Doc Holliday were masterfully accomplished. When Chown's Devon philosophizes, I took time to understand and reflect; when the story was humorous -- which was frequent -- I caught myself laughing out loud; and as the families were real, it was often tearful. Coming from the midwest myself, I was drawn in as if it was my own family history. I truly felt my education of American history was deepened and broadened. Certainly, I will be amongst the first to order the 2nd and third installment of this trilogy. My compliments and respect to the author. Well done!Our Chown Odyssey

I enjoyed reading this book. It gave me valuable insight to the mindsets and principles required to being an outstanding leader. I agree. Leaders are sometimes born, but more often than not, you too can be a better leader if you develop and follow these sound principles.

I have been attending some leadership training sessions at church where the author's video has been used. He's been so captivating on video that I decided to buy the book so I wouldn't miss or forget anything. My doctorate is in educational administration and policy analysis and this book has certainly enriched what I already know. John Maxwell's life in the ministry has added greatly to his book.

In this revision of his 10 year-old best-seller about how leadership works, John C. Maxwell demonstrates that leadership learning never ends. The proof of this learning is in the deletions and additions to his irrefutable laws! Although I still find some overlap (i.e. the Law of Solid Ground, the Law of Respect, and the Law of Buy-in are all about a leader's character and the all important trust factor), these updated irrefutable laws provide plenty of insight into how leadership works, as well as offer a great deal of useful advice on how to make them work for you.

In this revised Maxwellian version of a leadership framework, servant leadership (the Law of Addition) with its relational aspects of heart (the Law of Connection), head (the Law of Intuition), and hands (the Law of the Picture) still serves as the leadership foundation. The external influence is addressed in the Law of Timing, but Maxwell's most powerful observation may be the Law of Explosive Growth, where he observes that leaders who concentrate on leading leaders are those most capable of growing their business.

I enjoyed the lessons from history that he uses to explain each law, and find that his personal examples add a touch of practicality to his sometimes too cleverly named laws. This revised edition is recommended for any student of leadership.

Dennis DeWilde, author of
"The Performance Connection"

I am a Corporate Trainer and Product Developer. This book is an essential new manager read. What a great congratulatory gift for someone receiving a promotion to their first management position. Great for an office book club.

This book review will cover The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, 10th Anniversary Revised and Updated Edition, by John C. Maxwell. Maxwell has written numerous bestselling books on leadership. Maxwell's other works include, but are not limited to; Developing the Leader Within You, The 21 Indisputable Qualities of a Leader, Leadership 101, and The 360 Degree Leader. Maxwell has a gift for relating his points to personal and historical examples that emphasize his suggested rules of leadership. These 21 Irrefutable Laws include: The Law of the... Lid, Influence, Process, Navigation, Addition, etc.

With each Law, the author describes the theory behind the Law. For example, with the Law of Sacrifice, the theory is that a leader must be willing to sacrifice in order to achieve. He expounds upon his point by explaining that a leader gives up rights - in exchange for responsibilities - the higher the leader rises. The example that he gives in this chapter is the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. The author shows how the more sacrifice King made in terms of sacrificing his personal rights and freedoms, the more the Civil Rights movement gained. This is indicative of the way a leader must sacrifice for the good of the organization.

Maxwell suggests that all of the Irrefutable Laws are important for a leader, but admits that it is rare for everyone to do each perfectly. This is where the Law of Inner Circle comes in. The author opines that a leader's potential is determined by those closest to him/her. Thus, if you are weak in certain areas, you can strive to get better. But if you know that you have a weakness in a specific area, you should ensure that your inner circle comprises leaders that have the skills you lack. A real life example that Maxwell gives is Lance Armstrong. Although Armstrong was a wonderful bike rider, he always credited his team for helping him reach the great achievements he enjoyed in the Tour de France. The author quotes another great leader in Mother Teresa - whose life embodied many of the Laws; especially Sacrifice and Legacy - who stated, "You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things." This is one of the examples that Maxwell uses to drive points home.

Every chapter in this book covers a Law, and every Law is like a quick course on Leadership. Leadership can be learned, but the effort must be put forth to recognize your strengths and to work on your weaknesses. There are several self-quizzes and exercises in this book to help you achieve your potential in these 21 Laws. Maxwell writes, "To become an excellent leader, you need to work on it everyday." Leaders must strive for excellence and they must strive to prepare others to take over for them when they move on. This is an excellent book on leadership. Maxwell has a way of speaking directly to the reader.

Reading this book was a rewarding experience that had me wearing out the yellow highlighter as there were valuable insights on page after page.

I highly recommend this 5 star book

Larry's been a close friend of mine for some time. This book didn't surprise me - it's the way he is: brutally honest, even if it hurts. He loves life as much as anyone I know and it came from seeing the other side and not liking what he saw. There's a lot to be learned from this book. If you're as honest with yourself as he is, it'll strike a nerve and make you take a good long look at yourself and the way you treat others.

This is a wonderful book about and by a person who really understands what life is all about.Maybe Larry would take exception with my saying that.Rather than thinking that he has all the answers,he has a deep faith in his God,and tries to live a good life and knows the rest is up to God.
He shows us that the life of a Superstar in the music business ,while being extremely arduous,it is one's decision to pursue it and has many rewards.Obviously,while money has to be a big part of it,it is the pursuit of your dreams ,joys and disappointments and the experiences and friendships that make it all worthwhile.
The great sacrifices and heavy load to keep things together,especially the life on the road and being away from family;can take its heavy toll.As we sit back and enjoy people like the Gatlins,we should keep in mind the effort they put forth to entertain and in many ways inspire us.
From this book we see a side of Larry's life that people outside the business can't really understand.When he talks about other stars ,Mickey Rooney for example,we see he is in great awe of him.Even more than that ,how impressed Larry was in finding that Mickey was so impressed with him.Larry may be a 'big star' but he carried that mantle with an even greater humility.
Maybe ,All the Gold is not in California,in a bank,in the middle of Beverly Hills;a lot is in the hearts and souls of people like Larry and others like him.
People of faith will understand what Larry is saying.Hopefully those without faith,might see what strength faith can be in good and difficult times.
A very good and inspiring book.

Books rarely hold my attention. Can't tell you how many I've started and put down. I started Larry Gatlin's book a few days ago and can't stop reading. Half-way thru the book, his re-telling of successes and failures have me grabbing for a kleenex every few pages. His reliance on God and coming back to God's grace are touching/inspiring. He gives God the credit for every moment that counts in his life that will connect to another open door (try to count how many times he writes, "another God moment.") His writing style is energetic, to the point, down to earth, honest - just as his personality is on stage. (I saw the Gatlin Brothers in concert in Kansas City 12/28/02). This book makes the reader rejoice as we watch him overcome alcoholism and substance abuse. Who wouldn't want Larry to win over these addictions, for his sake and his family's sake back home. He doesn't overdo the details but gives the full picture in few words. Keep the music coming Gatlin Brothers!

I'm a Larry Gatlin fan. His book is written as well as his songs. I was captivated by his life story which he described in such down to earth, honest words. And it is so funny.
What a talent!

I've been around the music business for the past 30 years, I have NEVER seen an artist be this honest and open about the rise and the fall of ones career. Larry lays it ALL on the line and this should serve as a wake up call for those that can not handle "life in the fast lane". Larry's story is 24KT solid gold. A real must read from someone who has certainly been there, done that.

This 4th & final chapter in the Lost books series is a surprise, to say the least. There is quite a jump to the "other earth" that provides humor and perhaps, just a bit of silliness to the otherwise intense book. Some of the challenges experienced by the Chosen are somewhat over-the-top in my mind, but I am not the 15 year old for whom this book is written. I think any young person will find it satisfying and gripping! You can't read the other books without learning the end result! Dekker is, without doubt, the finest author, secular or Christian, out there today!

I can't wait for the next book. Each of these books I've read in a 24 or 48 hour period. I am a stay at home mom of 3, so I've locked myself in my room, popped my popcorn, turned on my reading light and snuggled into bed, shouting periodically through door, "Ask your dad!"

After reading this book I want to turn in my sex-in-the-city-stilettos for a nice leather sheath....for my knife, of course. I want to sign back up for kickboxing and be confident I can take on any thug downtown Detroit. I long for The Great Romance to be what it was like worlds ago. My husand refuses to put on a tunic and answer to "Thomas"

This book as a great mix of action, romance, adventure, and humor all while dealing with what we stuggle with in our own hearts-good and evil. I think this paints a great picture of how evil satan is and how he wants to destroy us...a peek into what that world looks like. We also see the kindness, gentleness and love that Jesus gives us and what that looks like.
I will be first in line for the next book.

Ted Dekker has written a very interesting story in this and several of the others to this story line. Great books to read.......

I loved the Chaos book. Can't get enough of Ted Dekker, he is a great author. If you loved his Circle Trilogy books then you will love this book because it is part of a new series of Ted's that goes along with the Circle Trilogy. It is aimed more at teens - they will like it because it uses teen characters. However, as a person out of their teen years I still enjoyed it too. When you listen to Ted's books on CD it really makes them come alive.

The big 4th book of Dekker's "Lost Books" had promise written all over it. I still think it should've been top notch. And with the sprawl and tenacity of "Renegade," I simply thought the best was yet to come. Ted Dekker is blessed that he is nothing less than an accomplished writer. Because I was rolling my eyes through the first hundred pages, and then it thankfully got better. That's a good thing!

So, you have Johnis and Silvie, hanging out in a stolen Chevy...in Las Vegas! But make no mistake about it, books are top priority! Don't get in the way.

Love is in the air, and deception is beyond the reach of nobody! And just when you thought the nasty stench of Alucard was gone, take another sniff. You never thought it could get this crazy, and going out for blood never tasted so good!

Remembering Elyon, remembering a purpose. Dekker refuses to reveal any tricks up his sleeve, but lets us know that we should be keeping our eyes peeled. And please, beware dear reader. Sometimes the end is simply the beginning! Especially with Ted Dekker. Don't forget that.

Get ready for a big kiss, but expect it to get bloody! So expect nothing less than a kiss of chaos.

I have attended a few of Charles Stanley's program tapings in Atlanta, GA at the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. I have also enjoyed his programs on television as well as reading some of his books. If you are wanting a reading that will put things into plain english then this book is for you. Charles Stanley is an ordained Baptist Pastor yet he does not really preach to you. To me he is more of a teacher and put things into day to day english that even I can understand. He doesn't do the fire and brimstone preaching - He talks to you whether on tv or books as if he is talking in plain english just to you. He explains in details things you might not understand or just reiterates things you already know. So if you are ready to sit down and meditate on God's word then this is for you.

I only use "snack" to describe the chapters in this book because the subjects are offered in manageable amounts of nourishing, informative, fulfilling and soul satisfying nourishment. I read a subject or two each night as I lay in bed before I go to sleep. Very satisfying to my mind, body and soul!

If you have a question about anything Biblical or your personal life, this book is for you. In a concise, understandable writing, Dr. Stanley spells it out clearly. Add this book to your library.

This is a great book. This book will deepen your walk with Christ. It is easy to understand. Perfect for the new Christian or the seasond Believer. You will see Dr.Stanley walks with Christ, and his desire is for you to have a deeper walk as well!

I first want to say that I have read many Christian books and study the Bible frequently, and I am an ordained Baptist Deacon. This book has been so helpful to me when I have been feeling down or confused about the simplest topics. I recently had lots of doubts and fears over a new job that I had taken, which was causing me so much stress that I felt, I could barely deal with it. The stress was so great that it was interfering with my work, my time spent with family and with my time spent with God. When I read the section on stress it was like a battery recharge, it helped me to put my work stress in perspective and literally made me feel better immediately. Nothing here is new material for me, but it is presented in such a way that it will open your eyes and lift your spirits.

We are all growing everyday and it is our choice how we grow depending on what we feed our minds.

This book is a must have for every Christian family, and I highly recommend it.

Some of the strangest stories I 've read and I read a lot. Does make one think.

Really enough cannot be said about this book. It is a compilation of three other 'works', each of which contain numerous topics, or (one could say) 'works' in themselves. Lewis writes on a myriad of subjects, ranging from extremely controversial topics such as captial punishment, to perhaps less considered topics, like Christianity and Culture. Lewis has a remarkable way of making crucial points, even in topics you would not normally consider to be very important.

The writing is Lewis, so, of course, it is chalk full of wit, metaphor, and complex ideas. Many of the presented works are not overly long (they were written to be read as lectures), and so Lewis wastes no time in getting to his point. This is important to the reader who wants to get to the points Lewis is making - the meat of his arguments - as quickly as possible. Since the book is over 500 pages, reticence is one of Lewis's virtues (in this book). Another thing I found interesting was that, in a section of the book (towards the end especially, but also peppered throughout), there are rebutals and replies from Lewis's critics. This was a unique way in which to examine how Lewis responded, and it also showed Lewis, like all apologists, had his share of dissenters.

Personally, I like Lewis. I like his writing style, and, as far as I 'know' him, I like him as a man. Prior to reading this I had read his 'Signature Classics', which can be looked up on amazon, if one desires to know its composition. I found very little overlap in thought; though there invitably must be SOME, if we are supposing Lewis really believes in the ideas he argues.

If you are interested in diving into some of Lewis's deepest, most challenging (and therefore most rewarding) thoughts, I think you would like this book.

As other reviewers have already commented on the incredible bargain and high quality of this Lewis omnibus, I wish to focus specifically on "The Pilgrim's Regress."

Like most of Lewis's works, "The Pilgrim's Regress" merits regular re-reading. Originally published for an academic audience, the book is an allegory that reflects Lewis's inner journey away from the Christianized culture of his childhood to "popular realism," and from there to Philosophical Idealism, to Pantheism, to Theism, and finally to an adult-understanding of Christianity (see Afterword to the Third Edition). Thus the subtitle of the book runs "An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason and Romanticism."

"The Pilgrim's Regress" might be difficult to understand for someone without prior knowledge of the philosophical developments of the past centuries, since it lies in the nature of allegory to provide pictures to concepts generally familiar to the reader and not explain the concepts didactically to an ignorant reader. But, given some extra effort, even the ignorant reader can glean many great insights from the book.

To the philosophically educated reader it should be said that in "The Pilgrim's Regress" you have a book quite unique in the twentieth century. Since Allegory Proper has not been the most popular genre of late (to say the least), and since a Christian who is equally enthusiastic about Reason and Romanticism is also rather uncommon, the book is probably unlike anything you have ever read.

If you have not already done so, it is high time to buy the book and get enriched by its insightful imagery!

- Jacob Schriftman, Author of The Crack Beneath the Worlds and Other Books

The book I ordered was sent right away and I received it very quickly, even with media mail. The item was described accurately and I am extremely pleased.

The first part, a Pilgrim's Regress is a critique on many modern philosophies. Overall it's quite well written, with only a few parts that are so transparent as to leave your intelligence feeling a tad insulted. The other two thirds of this tome is a collection of Lewis' writings from several sources, correspondence, essays, transcripts from radio talks etc. A few of them are dry, but many of them are excellent. It's remarkable that the very same issues which we in the Catholic Church today are facing, are being discussed by this Anglican a century earlier. Women's ordination, the secularization of Christmas, etc. Why are we so incapable of learning from the mistakes of others?! A few quotes worth sharing:

from "Priestesses in the Church:
"The Church claims to be the bearer of a revelatio. If that claim is false then we want not to make priestesses but to abolish priests. if it is true, then we should expct to find in the Church an element which unbelievers will call irrational and which believers will call suprarational...If we retain only what can be justified by standards of prudence and convenience at the bar of enlightened common sense, then we exchange revelation for that old wraith Natural Religion."

from "Xmas and Christmas(an allegorical narrative, hence the Crissmass, and Exmas)"
"But I myself conversed with a priest in one of these temples and asked him why they kept Crissmas on the same day as Exmas; for it appeared to me inconvenient, But the priest replied, It is not lawful O stranger, for us to change the date of Crissmas, but would that Zeus would put it into the minds of the Niatriibians to keep Exmas at some other time or not to keep it at all. "
(which beautiful backs up a point I had made in a post a few weeks ago on why we should not move Christmas)

Apparently this book is now thought of as out of print or hard to find, but I'm sure other editions of it's three component works: The Pilgrim's Regress, Christian Reflections and God in the Dock have come out.