Religion Books

I thought that the books where wonderful!!! I loved them, great story line, and plot. Love it!!!

I've loved the Hallmark Movies and now am reading the books. The print size makes them easy reading and who would not enjoy a Janette Oake story. Amazon pricing also makes them a excellent value.

these books are so wonderful, and makes you feel like you are in the book itself.

The movies of these books are good; however, these books are better and wroth of your time to read. If you like reading books, you should concider reading these series.

I loved this series of books! Janette has such a magnificent way of drawing her readers into the past! Love it!

Easy inexpensive purchase!
Very quick delivery!
I love it when it's like that!

Two copies (One for a friend)

Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition

Not quite as easy a read as I was lead to believe in the reviews. But definitely an excellent overview of mindfulness. I liked how it pointed out the pitfalls some beginners run into. I liked how they outlined the variety of ways meditation can be practiced. I would recommend this book to other beginners.

I purchased this book because I was interested in learning about the concept of mindfulness. I wasn't exactly looking to develop a serious meditation habit, but during my reading of the book I began to embrace the idea. I read the book and wanted to re-read it fairly soon after finishing, but I loaned it out to someone. I'm eager to get it back and read it again, but I've told someone else they can borrow it! I may have to buy another copy. The book is well-laid-out, covers the subject matter very well, and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking. I'm trying to become a more regular meditator; currently I do it in ten-minute increments a couple of times a week at minimum, but I'm hoping to build from there. Also: I'm currently reading the "sequel" to this book, called "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha's Path." I'm only in the beginning but I'm finding it on par with "Mindfulness in Plain English" -- informative and eye-opening, and teaching me things that I feel can impact my everyday thinking (and hopefully result in an overall healthier mind).

THIS BOOK ENGAGES THE READER. THERE IS ALSO HUMOR IN THE PART ON MEDITATION AND THE INTERFERENCES THAT COME DURING YOUR ATTEMPTS TO MEDITATE THAT MAKE THE BOOK EVEN MORE ENJOYABLE.

This Book is another must have. It is (in plain english) a insight meditation manual to help the beginner learn and the experienced meditator to review. There is real world advice and explainations that will greatly help you understand how to learn meditation. Though no book can replace a caring and experienced teacher this book can certainly improve your understanding. Also the Book Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness and The Four Foundations of Mindfullness go hand in hand with this one and I reccomend getting all there in order to have a much wider view of the practice. I am truly thankful to Bhante Henepola Gunaratana for writing such a life changing book.

I'm not good with words, but I'm going to try LOL. This book is so simple, but powerful, a story that will never leave you and one we can all identify with. I find it so hopeful and inspiring, a great read when one "is down". Its not a religious book, but definitely has spiritual themes to it IMO. I read this book in High School and am middle aged now and still adore it, one of my favorites. I read it to my 7 and 5 yo girls and they love it too :)

I received a copy of this beautiful book from my best friend in 1975 as I flew off to join the service. All these years later, I still have my copy and have given out innumerable others to my teenage at-risk students, clients and other people I have encountered. It is a heartwarming tale filled with a huge amount of hope for the future. I especially like to present it to students who have just gone through a devastating relationship breakup, reminding them that it is all part of the process which is preparing them to meet their future life partner.

I purchased this book for seven very special young girls who graduated high school and are heading off to college in the fall. The book is a children's story for all ages and gives an excellent message about life in that it encourages one to seek self established goals and achieve them while still maintaining a degree of intergity and self worth.

I was introduced to this book in a class provided by the company I work for. The class was entitled "Thinking Outside the Box". This class has been attended by executives and managers at large corporations the world over. I'm sure no one in the class expected the last activity to be reading "Hope for the Flowers" aloud. Although this is a "children's" book, it can be appreciated at many levels. I'm sure children will find it very entertaining and moving. However, the specific message relevant to adults is that "following the crowd" in the corporate world can be an empty pursuit, and that we all need to recognize the possibility of reaching for higher goals. The story is engaging, with two charming caterpillars as the main characters, and the beautiful illustrations of them and their exploits are very imaginative. We should all aspire to be butterflies!

A thought-provoking tale about life, curiosity, faith, hope, love and self discovery as a caterpillar learns about her life purpose. Although written and illustrated as a children's book, this book is clearly for all ages, adults and children alike. There are several lessons to be learned such as:
* Following your gut instinct or your calling
* The differences between a leader and a follower
* The consequences of striving to reach the top
* How every decision we make ultimately affects someone else
* The power of love, faith, and hope
After reading this book I felt humbled, inspired, and compelled to follow my life purpose.

I must admit I was a bit sceptical when I first purchased this book. Couponing seemed an unlikely way to save any substantial amount of money. Boy was I wrong! This book has truly impacted our finances for the better. I am a new stay at home mother and this book really does work! I cannot believe how much money we save (or how much I wasted before). It does take time and effort to really make it work, but the savings are phenomenal. I now feel like I am contributing to our family's financial well being while staying home with our child as well. Who could ask for more! I strongly recommend this book!

When you're facing financial difficulty, the last thing you should be doing is buying consumer products like books, right? Except maybe this one and one by Mary Hunt on managing money. I remember my mom cutting coupons but I never exactly studied the science of it. Ellie Kay breaks it all down for you. you get taught about ways to save money I had no idea existed. It's a quick, easy read that you can gain skills from and immediately apply. It is the kind of lesson where you can use the tools you gain slowly then apply on a larger scale after you master some steps. It is definitely worth owning, reviewing, and referring to. I actually was directed to this book by another of Ellie's books I received upon becoming engaged--The New Bride Guide. That was a surprisingly refreshing, honest, and useful book--and believe me I read dozens of them! That one was not cliche either. Anyways, definitely pick up Shop,Save,and Share. It is worth your money and time--I promise whether you plan on cutting brand buying out of your habits or not. The beauty of learning the actual science is that you can apply it to your lifestyle at a level of stringency that is comfortable for you and your family.

I am so thankful to find such a Treaure! Ellie Kay has really done a work in educating the beginner to the novice shopper on saving and sharing!
My first jaw dropping moment was when I went to Wallie World and my total was $111.09 and after my coupons my total was $46.97! WOW.... I felt like doing the running man right there at the checkout! The cashier looked at me and said, "I want to go shopping w/you!" It was a really GREAT moment! I would've saved even more money if I had went to Meijer where they double coupons up to .50. But at the time Wal-Mart was my comfort zone. Even though Wal-Mart redeems your coupons at face value, Shop, Save, and Share teaches you to use your coupons in conjunction. For example, I had 3 coupons for Huggies: two $5 OFF coupons for diapers [got these by simply calling Kimberly-Clark and telling them what I thought of their product, Ellie teaches you this too] and 1 coupon for free wipes with the purchase of 2 packages. I never thought to do this.
Another thing I incorporated from this book was to call every manufacturing company and gave them feedback on their product, I received so many coupons, coupon booklets [all at higher price value and longer expiration dates - if any], put on their mailing list and received samples - just by calling! My shopping time has been cut in half, because she also teaches you to make your grocery/shopping list in aisle order of your store. My family has also incorporated giving to local charities, neighbors, and our local church on items that I receive free w/my coupons and items that only cost me a few pennies. For example Dog treats were on sale for $2, I had a coupon for $1 that doubled to me getting them FREE! I gave them to my neighbor and it blessed them and me too!
Although, I am a much better saver now, I still refer back to the book.
Thank you Ellie so much for all the help! You've helped me save money, spend more time w/my fam - instead of in the store and to simply bless others!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who does the bulk of their grocery shopping. Using many of the principles in Ellie's book I was able to purchase $91.82 worth of groceries and toiletries for only $28.73!! Many of the items purchased were not necessarily things that my family uses but because I was able to get many of them free I felt good knowing that I would be able to help our local food pantry.
And not only does this book help you save money but the stories are inspiring, and Ellie's own personal stories are hilarious.

This book is AWESOME. Since I read it I've been giving "coupon seminars" from my office. My coworkers are amazed by ability to cut my grocery bill by two-thirds.

I also found a distant cousin who is stationed at an air base in Germany and plan on sending my coupons to his family soon.

Ellie Kay has inspired me to save and serve.

As a Psychotherapist and campaigner for the rights of children I would recommend this book as a compulsory text for any course on child care, therapy or education.
It is gripping, moving,shocking and eye-opening. It is particularly relevant to understand the capacity of disturbed parents to hide and disguise their cruelty and the mind confusing, emotionally scarring dilemmas faced by the abused child.
And yet it is hopeful and heart warming.

I am a special education teacher at a residential treatment facility that works with children in similar situations. As an end of the year project, I read this story to my 16-18 year old high school girls. They wouldn't let me put it down. The emotions, empathy, and similar situations my girls experienced were finally put into words. David, to them, is a survivor and has given them hope for their own future! Thank you Mr. Pelzer for sharing your story and helping my girls know that they are not the only ones!

This book was about a boy named David who went through a rough time when he was younger. He would get abused by his mother and his dad was an alcholic. The boy had no right and no say in that house hold his younger brothers had more say then he did. he would get tortured everyday and his mother would make him stay and live in the basement with nothing. Later in the book he finally gets rescued and is put into a shelter home. His life isnt how it use to be anymore.

As I read this, parts of the text were unbearable. Yet, Dave's story is an unfortunate reality of the deviance that exists within the human psyche to control, manipulate and abuse another. Anyone involved with educating children in whatever form they chose should read this because the truth brings to light what is hidden in the darkness. Dave is definitely an overcomer and his book will challenge you to look at the little boys and girls we see each day...a bit more carefully and mercifully.

The story a child called "it" it shows us the life of a boy longing to be loved. he is abused by his alcoholic mother. his father is torn between the two but chooses not to tell anyone. all his younger syblings are treated with love and care. he is trying to survive in his mothers 'hell'. i recommend this book to teens and young adults it will open your eyes to smoething you might have been blinded by but yet still happens in the world today... Abuse. some people just dont have the courage to stand up for what they know and believe is right. but just think about it you would be saving and inoccent life and giving a chance that wouldnt have been givin.

A gentle reminder of who we really are and why we exist. A must-read, at least once a year.

Every word that Thai has written brings more and more clarity. This is one I will read again and again.

This is one of the incredible diamonds that has been created for the human race - a book that should be read by all world leaders to move each and every one towards an inner peace so that we can all experience results that will ensue from the outer manifestations arising from mediation, deep breathing and appreciation of every tiny step.

Sally Shields, bestselling author of, The Daughter-in-Law Rules, 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-in-Law!

Peace is Every Step takes you into a world of peace and happiness, and you need nothing to get there but your attention. In the simplest everyday tasks, the author shows us how to get the most out of our lives and experience true enjoyment. We don't have to do or have different things, we just need to pay attention to what we have and what we are doing now. Nhat Hanh gently leads us to this practice. This book has changed my life for the better. I will keep it and read it over and over.

Thich Nhat Hanh's book Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life is an enlightening read!

The author does a great job of showing the inextricable connection between the mind, the body, and the environment. Mindfulness is an awareness of our living right now. It helps us to become and remain mentally and physically healthy and to live harmoniously in our symbiotic relationship with each other and our environment. Our survival on this planet depends upon it.

Hanh encourages us to be mindful in everything we do--for example, when we peel a tangerine eat it mindfully. He encourages us to feel the spray as we peel it. Smell the fragrance and feel the texture of fruit. Enjoy the taste and nourishment. Think of the mother of the fruit--the tree, its leaves, its blossoms and our connection with it and the environment.

The author encourages us to slow down, breathe, and live in the moment. Instead of being frustrated by the obstacles--red lights, traffic, layovers--that prevent us from getting from one place to another quickly, use those moments to practice Mindfulness.

I recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds. The author's writing style is simple and insightful. His aim is to promote peace, happiness, health, and wisdom. He did a great job!

This book was very well written and kept my interest. It is terrible that such brainwashing in the name of religion is going on. It was a miracle that she and her chldren were able to escape. I enjoyed this book very much.

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I took it with me on vacation and found myself buried in the book on the beach instead of buried in the sand. Being a fan of the HBO show Big Love I wanted to do some reading and research on the subject of polygamy to shed some light on certain things in the show I could not understand. This helped tremndously. I even began reading it out loud to my husband.

A very interesting and sad side of false religion and how easily Scripture is twisted to fit man's rules, not God's commands. It is really sad that people actually think pologamy is what God wants anyone to participate in. It is sad as well as disgusting how cults work and have their way with women and men alike. Just because some man thinks he is hearing God when all he ever heard were demons giving him false facts.
To start a whole religion on lies is NOT GOD and certainly not the JESUS who is the TRUE SAVIOUR! And as if that isn't bad enough, then more men come along and start more lies and another cult branched off the first cult of the LDS movement which robs even more people of eternal life in Christ and in heaven reigning with Him!

Read this along with "Shattered Dreams" to put together pieces of the puzzle of polygamy. They were both married to the same man but had different experiences. I would advise reading "Shattered Dreams" first as chronologically this is how it took place.

I kept asking that question as I turned page after page after page. This book is an excellent read, both for the wonderment of how such a young girl could expose herself to such wickedness of treatment and how such a young girl finally found the courage to leave. It is a book that is difficult to put down.

Wonderful book...it's a must read for anyone trying to obtain an intimate relationship with God, themselves, and their significant other!!!

Awesome Book! A must read for those of us searching for a deeper relationship with our Savior! Highly Recommended!!!!

This was a really good, easy-reading book. It's surprisingly insightful being written by a man. It's a book that speaks to the single woman hoping for a mate, as well as the married woman. I gives insight on how to understand how men think and feel and what they need, as well as how women feel. It challenges us to understand why we're have broken hearts and disappointments and how to become more whole.

T.D Jakes has written a book that every woman should read. Each page gives tremendous insights into the needs of a woman. Quite surprising to me, was that it was written by a man. I believe though that he was inspired by God - the Creator of women.
I have bought several copies to give to women I minister to from prison. There are golden nuggets within each page which will bring insight, love and healing to the reader. It's a good read for men, but may be a bit hard to understand all the emotion that is involved within it's pages.
I cried often and when I finished the book, I felt loved by God.

I cant imagine going through life as a woman without having read this book. I have read this book over and over again and I have given it out to my girlfriends as birthday gifts. Every woman just has to have it on their shelf-next to the bible.

Next to the Bible this is my favorite book. I have read it several times and each time I learn something new. It will definately increase your knowlege of the true nature and character of God. You will not only learn more about God but you will truely know God better..Tell me what you think of my Christain fiction novel The Palace Theatre..The Palace Theatre

I enjoyed the book Knowing God by J. I. Packer, it was thought provoking and very insightful. This book was part of a New Testament class and I usually sell my books after reading them but I am going to add Knowing God to my personal library.

This is one of the great Christian classics that is a must read for every generation. It is not heady theology though it is thoroughly rooted in Scripture. It's underlying theme is the love of God for human kind expressed through his character. I felt very loved!

Wow........ When I first saw the book cover I thought; " No Way am I gonna waste my time reading this!" But when I opened the book and read the first page, I could'nt stop! I read three to five chapters a day! When my youth Pastor mentioned this book, I was a little hesitant to purchase it. Now that I am heading toward the deep end, I have no regrets for purchasing it. I recommend that anyone who is reading this to buy the book. Trust me you won't have any regrets.

The updated version of Packer's book features a new preface, an addition to the fourth chapter, and "Americanization" of the text (spelling and such). The list of endorsing readers is quite impressive, many singing the praises after having read the first edition. Apart from that, the book has been left alone, and Packer stated his hopes that the book would continue to enrich the lives of those who read it. It seems safe to say that anyone who reads this volume and attempts to put into practice the teachings it sets forth will find immense value in doing so.
The first few chapters deal with the subject of truly knowing God. Packer is quick and adamant in his distinction between knowing about God, and actually knowing God. The thesis of the book seems to be simply that. While Packer greatly went into theological issues, the tone was set quite nicely in the first few chapters, as he made it quite clear that walking away with doctrine and an unchanged heart would cause the book to be nothing short of a letdown. Another seeming thesis of the book is set forth in the first chapter, as well as the preface, and it involves coming to a right understanding of who God is--and Packer frequently warned the reader that the waters of theology are choppier today than ever before, despite the numerous books written on the subject.
Chapter 4 is an interesting chapter in itself, and will be discussed more fully later. However, while it is grouped with the first three (and the next two chapter, as well), it takes a different tone--"correctly" worshiping God. Chapters 5 and 6, though technically still in the first section, seem to fit well into the second section instead. Dealing with the second and third persons of the Trinity, respectively, they open a great door for what is the majority of the book--
the doctrine of God. Chapters 7-17 discuss different attributes of God--immutability, majesty, wisdom, truth, love, grace, judging, wrath, goodness, severity, and jealousy. These issues are dealt with in quite a bit of detail, and Packer sets forth the proper human response to each of these attributes.
The last sections takes a turn towards the gospel. The doctrine of propitiation pervades nearly the entire section, and the Christian's adoption into the kingdom is quite prevalent as well. Other issues dealt with are facing the trials Christians will deal with, understanding the security received from Christ's atoning work, and the last chapter--through an exposition of part of Romans--helps the reader develop a mindset with which to end the book.
It could easily be said of Knowing God that Packer sets out a brief systematic theology. While it would certainly be incomplete in some ways, one could hardly find a better volume as an introduction to theological study. Over and over again, Packer points out the false view of God that is rampant in society today (though it is interesting that "society" was 1973, and it still seems completely applicable today, 2006), and explains the importance of understanding the biblical view.
Stating the few negatives first would be the easiest way. As has already been mentioned, chapter 4 was quite peculiar. Titled, "The Only True God," it might be best suited with a subtitle/warning label reading something to the effect of "Warning, Anti-Catholic Teaching Ahead." Suffice it to say that Catholics and Orthodox alike would likely cease reading after coming across this chapter. The idea Packer is arguing for is that the second commandment--the prohibition of idolatry--means more than just the age-old idea of golden calves. Rather, in Packer's estimation, that idea is combated with the first commandment. The second commandment forbids the making of things like paintings, statues and crucifixes (hence, the anti-Catholic/Orthodox sentiment). He referred to the story from the book of Exodus where the Israelites, tired of waiting on Moses to return from Mr. Sinai, asked Aaron to build an idol for them to worship. Packer argued that the Israelites were not asking for another God, rather they wanted an image of Yahweh. The reason Moses was outraged was simply that, though they worshiped Yahweh, they had not worshiped Him properly.
However, this does not seem to be what the Scriptures are saying. After rereading the story multiple times, it seems quite evident that the golden calf was to be a replacement for Moses' God, not simply an image of the One True God. The other main argument Packer used was that the Israelites would have had not contact with idolatry, so the second commandment must have been the prohibition of making anything of the nature of statues, paintings or crucifixes. However, that seems to be a weak argument, as the Israelites had just left Egypt, which was full of idolatry. Also interesting to note is the dearth of Scriptures in this chapter. While the other chapters are so full of Scripture references that one could hardly look them up, this chapter had relatively few. At the end, the addition for this version is a complete discounting of criticisms he received since the first edition. The other question left unanswered is what to do with Christ as the physical representation of God, and with the abundance of metaphorical language for God in the Bible that is sure to invoke images in the minds of its readers. It seems Packer may have gone too far, as he argued that all renderings, even of Christ, are nothing short of idolatry--even when used for didactic and devotional purposes. While it should go without saying that worshiping an image would certainly be wrong, the existence of them is not likely to be sin.
Another complaint about the book is Packer's generalizations. Virtually every chapter attempts to go against the modern thinking about God and produce in the reader a biblical mindset. However, as he explains the culture, the reader is hit with "many people believe..." or "most churches do not believe..." without any reference as to the truth of those statements. That is not to say Packer is wrong, nor that his conclusions and assertions are mislead. The simple fact, however, is that the reader is left wondering exactly how common these errors really are. Sometimes the trouble of unsupported assertions is too readily apparent. In one chapter (16), Packer refers to "Santa Claus theology." In that, God is likened to Santa and seen as nothing but good. Packer says this liberal ideology has opened the door to the problem of evil, which was not a problem before the 20th century. This idea seems preposterous, as Augustine dealt with the problem of evil many centuries ago. However, these types of pitfalls found through unsupported assertions are scarce in the book.
All that said, the rest of the book was quite a joy to read. The overwhelming majority of the book is packed with Scripture references and biblical stories as he makes his points. References to past theologians, especially the Reformers and Puritans, are abundant. Hymns are used multiple times to reiterate the message (many from Charles Wesley, too--pleasant to see from someone who is so strongly Reformed). While there was a growing concern that Packer might have been advocating Puritanism, he showed his objectivity in saying that the Puritans did not stress nearly enough the doctrine of adoption as God's children. Another great strength of this book is the light touch of Reformed theology throughout. Someone once joked that without Packer's endorsement (or lack of) on a book, one would hardly know if a book was Reformed enough to bother reading. The expectation is to find an abundance of references to election and effectual calling. However, it is not until the end that many references to election are found, and these fit the context and purpose perfectly.
The theological topics were quite a blessing to read, even for someone who has some level of theological training. Packer displayed an extremely high view of grace and the utmost importance on the work of Christ on the cross. Those two themes, as well as God's sovereignty, seem to tie the whole book together--from God's love, to adoption, to His wisdom. Probably the best topic was that of adoption. Packer reiterated the lack of resources on this topic (in the past and present), and stressed its importance. He boldly stated that, though justification may be more important (as adoption is not possible without it), adoption is the highest privilege. He made quite clear the importance as he stressed the relationship between father and son. It might certainly be a blessing if Packer were to help fill the void of resources in the area of adoption by writing a volume devoted to it, as he did such a wonderful job here.
Another great aspect of this book has already been mentioned. At the end of most chapters is a section on our response. After giving a great explanation of a doctrine such as the wrath of God, Packer asks questions such as
It would be difficult to discuss every positive point of the book. While theologically trained individuals may find it more of a refresher than greatly insightful, the book is not devalued. From new Christians to those who have been in the faith for several years, this book should be a great help. It would serve marvelously for a small group. It would also suffice as a reference for preaching and teaching. If possible, it should be incorporated into the discipleship process of any church (that actually believes the Bible, that is), especially for new Christians.
The rather robust look at God which Packer supplies is evenly balanced, scripturally supported, and historically illumined. All who truly desire to know God should read this book.

Joe Eherman has captured what is wrong with sports. This is a must read for all coaches.

I had heard that this was an amazing book from so many people and I was definitely not disappointed - what a great story of what God can do through the life of one man wholly sold out to His glory! Marx is a journalist who grew up as the ball boy for the Baltimore Colts. One larger-than-life figure on that team of the 70s and 80s was Joe Ehrmann whose life took a radical turn when his younger brother passed away from cancer. After years had passed, Marx once again reunited with Ehrmann and was struck by what he found - the flamboyant football star was now a coach and mentor to young men using the game of football to teach about the necessities of life. Ehrmann's life was now invested in the lives of others teaching these young boys how to be men - Building Men for Others is the name of his program, but it's much more than a program or a set of principles, it's a way of life, a way to see others, a way to live that completely transforms others around you. The book was a great read and should be near the top of "must reads" for every father and coach.

It has been such a long time since anything I have read has spoken to me like this book did. The writing itself was run of the mill, usual sports cliches (some parts read like a sports illustrated piece) - but the message is its strength. After reading it, this book would not leave my consciousness. Days later I had to go back and read passages again, Joe Ehrman's "Building Men for Others" concepts invading my thoughts at all hours. Honestly, I do not even know how this book ended up on my bookshelf. One day I needed something to read and found it sitting there. Only hours later I am left dumbfounded, reflecting on who I am and ultimately determining that I could be doing much more with my life and perhaps finding satisfaction I never knew possible. Please read the book, you'll be glad you did.

I purchased this book for my husband for Christmas. My husband does not read books normally, but he loves sports, so I felt this one was fitting. He read it within a week or two and passed it on to a co-worker. It is a book about life, and he actually was quoting from it after he read it. He loved it and wants our boys to read it too.

Do you have someone in your life that just inspires you? Are they a man built for others? In Season of Life, there is a true man, a man built for others. The book is an inspirational nonfiction book and Jeffrey Marx, the author of the book, is a ball boy for the Colts because he had a tennis camp across the street of the Colts stadium. He becomes friends with Colt Joe Ehrmann. 15 years later, in Baltimore, Maryland, around 2000, Joe is an activist for the needy, and Joe and Jeffrey meet again; much has changed about the two. I like this book because it is a useful book, because it is about friends, I say this because on page 83 Mike and Ambrose, two players on the team talk to each other after a loss, "'I'm proud of you, man' said Mike. `I'm so proud of you too." Said Ambrose". This is showing the friendship displayed. The book is being a man for others, meaning you must be caring towards others, which is the theme. The quote also supports that, because they are being men built for others by being true friends. That quote shows what inspirational value this book has, and why I like the book. This is a good book for 8th graders and older, and is useful for all.