I Books

Although I am female, as a child and a teenager I didn't cook much. When I went to college, I cooked even less. Then suddenly I was in a position where I was going to have to start cooking meals, and I didn't have a clue of what to do.

I discovered this book, and I grabbed it! Ir was made to order for someone like me. The instructions were plain, easy to understand, and within two days I was preparing Rock Cornish Game Hen with garlic stuffing! Not only did I appreciate the recipes, I also appreciated what I found out about cooking in general.

I would even recommend the book for experienced cooks. The recipes taste great and are easy to prepare.

Bon apetit!

If you've never cooked at all and suddenly find yourself forced to do it and you have no idea where to get started, this is the book to pick up. There's nothing like it. It's exactly what any fumblefingered bachelor needs. Why is it out of print?

This is the best cookbook ever! You will stop feeling inept in the kitchen because the recipes are readable and doable. Please reprint. My book is brown and in several parts. I need a new one and my son definitely needs to have one.

I found this cookbook in my College bookstore in 1971 and I still reach for it several times a year 31 years later.

I knew just by the name of this cookbook that I needed it when I first bought it 18 years ago. It is still in my kitchen, I still use it all the time, and I still love it! But I need a new copy because it is turning brown with age and it is held together with tape. As the author writes in the foreword, this book is for those who "would like clear directions on how to cook the basic foods, who are well aware that foods can be braised, flambéed, and souffléed but who are really only interested . . . in getting a decent, well-cooked meal on the table with the least amount of trauma." I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to cook and serve respectable, even delicious, meals but who has other things they would far rather do than spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I hope this book will be republished, if not---buy it used!

I was very satisfied with this book and i know my grandchildren will love it. Thank you

I was so involved in this book I neglected my friends and family until I could finish finding EVERY SINGLE THING on the lists! I loved it, and even though it's almost useless to ME now that I've found everything, I'll keep it on the shelf and show/lend it to others who come to visit. Maybe in a few years I can pick it up again and start over; my senior moments are becoming more frequent, and I might just forget where everything was hiding!

This was another great I spy book. Keeps the kiddies interested.
I loved it too.

Item as described and received in a timely manner... an excellent buying experience!

Very difficult book, but one you can't stop playing. Great person that I bought it from.

The envisioned reality is put into words by a master. You'll love to follow his trail page by page. Don't miss making this novel a permanent part of your library.

What a read! Nothing like the newspaper-article style true crimes I'm uccustomed to wading through. In the end the author lies to the court like Clinton to protect others, but unlike the prez...gets 20 years for pot! Lion didn't plot to kill the witnesses like his associates, he didn't desert his wife, and he... Well, just read the book. You won't be disappointed.

T.Lion has his second hit book this year.Chelan was fabulous and now Unsolved. When will this government figure out the "wharehousing" of peaceful citizens in the name of marijuana is a very bad joke !!! Draconian sentencing for "herb" people should END ! Lion's unrelenting fight for freedom and fairness can finally be heard. Please take a special note how our government rewards violent criminals to get "their" man. Unsolved could be the new bible of the underground. A GREAT true story!

Lion has it right: marijuana users growers and dealers are not threats to society. The decision to use pot should be a moral rather than a legal one. Lion began to act on these ideas in the early seventies. Eventually his actions forced him underground, broke up his family, and landed him in the slammer. An amazing story.

There is something that attracts most of us about a true story. This story is better than most. Both romantic, and dark, Lions takes you through an almost unbelievable journey that keeps your eyes glued to the pages. I was shocked at the way he escaped the hand of the law, and how the law finally tracked him down. This is a must read book!

The authors of "I'll Miss You Too" offer terrific perspectives and invaluable advice to help both parents and college-bound students navigate this turbulent passage. Too many parents and students are ill-prepared for the emotional turmoil that can begin to overwhelm both parent and student. My husband,son and I were caught off-guard by what we later learned was typical--our son departed for college with high expectations, but soon encountered significant adjustment challenges--trials that impacted his academic record and caused great distress to all. More recently, when our daughter was facing the same transition, we no longer had to make it alone and unprepared. "I'll Miss You Too" was there to guide us and offer support to our entire family. Happily, our daughter successfully completed her freshman year, thanks to this very savvy and to-the-point book!

Petty thin on content. Quite a bit less than what I expected. Oh, well...

This book was wonderfully insightful. As a single parent with a beautiful intelligent young girl I had many questions that were eloquently answered by the suggestions in this book. There are not many books out there that offer the point of view that this one does. It helped me immensely. It helped bring me and my daughter closer and aided in the confrontation that was inevitable because it eliminated any aggressive behavior due to fear. It brought to my attention the questions that you forget to ask or are unprepared to answer. This book was a great communication guide for me and my daughter to open the doors of what may be expected in this difficult but necessary transition. I am confident of the authenticity of this book and how the advice given really will pertain to your experience with your loved one. Every parent wants to be as prepared as possible in lives huge alteration's for me it was relieving to have material such as these book to make the inevitable progression of a youths education a smooth and healthy one. This book is a brilliant example of how the skills of parenthood have excelled.

Best book I've ever read! Most insightful book - every single parent and child should read this prior to college! I am my parents only daughter, so going away to college was tough on my mom and my dad. I only wish there was a book like this out when I had graduated years back. My own mom cried for a good 4 days when I left and then gave me guilt trips and we fought all the time on the phone for no reason (or that was what i thought of then) - her little baby was growing up and I wish she read that book because all I wanted was for her to treat me like an adult, all I wanted was alot of things, things that I thought couldnt be explained, but after reading this book - it makes sense now, everything makes sense. This book can be applied to any kind of person going to any school, whether it is a large public school, or a small private school, or a state school. The point of the matter is that leaving home and entering a new world of adulthood when there is very little transition is hard. Hard for the parents and hard for the children. My little cousin is going to off to college this fall to a public state school half way across the country. I gave this book to my aunt and cousin to read - quote from my cousin "i cant wait until college and to learn how to deal with my parents FINALLY, I read it in one sitting". I sat around the kitchen table with my family discussing how profound this book actually is,,, and how it can actually change your life. I can't wait for a sequel!

There is a great line in this book; at a moment of despair, Steffany says `I was one with the car.' It's great because no adult would ever write that; we tend to filter ourselves. This sounds like a kid, dealing with the real emotions of leaving home.

There is so much literature about the students leaving, but so little on how the parent/child relationship is effected. Margo has done a wonderful job of honestly addressing the real issues involved when your child goes off to college.

For women, girlfriends, wives, and mothers of all ages. Sarah takes everyday events that happen to us all and turns them into good humor stories. The stories capture your interest and sparks your own memories. You do not have to be in the military "family" to relate, you just have to be in a family. Easy to read, large print, broken into a few pages per section so it is easy to set down and pick back up. Good for both young and old. This is my first Sarah Smiley book, but won't be my last. I plan to buy this book as christmas gifts for several of my military and non-military friends.

One of my best friends sent this book to me as a special treat - and that it was! It sits on my bed side table and you better believe that it is never used as a coaster. I read from it nightly and enjoy each of the stories. They are even great to go back and read time & time again. My husband has also enjoyed hearing different excerpts that I share with him. This book would make a lovely book to give to someone, but be sure to get one for yourself as well! It's a must have!!

I was introduced to Sarah's articles by a friend, and now I'm a fan. Her book stays in my gym bag because I love to read 'I'm Just Saying' while I'm working out on the eliptical. It helps me pass the hour quickly. I tend to giggle out loud at her light, fun humor, so I have recommended the book to ladies working out near me! I hope she keeps writing, because I will be looking for more anecdotal stories on family, children and the fun side of life.

The collection of stories in "I'm Just Saying" speaks at once with wisdom, humor and vulnerability about life as a military spouse. As Sarah documents both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of her life, the reader feels like Sarah is an old friend. "I'm Just Saying" is a book that captivates you right from the beginning. Hats off to Sarah for writing a book about military families that speaks universal truths. This book is going to be popular gift for everyone on my holiday list this year!

Sarah Smiley writes in a way that makes the reader feel as if she or he were sitting with Sarah over a cup of coffee hearing about her day. The short essays in "I'm Just Saying" are snapshots of every day life for a very real woman. She might happen to be a military wife but her experiences are common to all women and she shares them in a way that are not only entertaining, but make you feel a lot better about your own mistakes and relationships! Sarah is friend, though I've never met her, and I love seeing myself in her writing.

The point-haired Boss is just like my REAL CEO.
The consultants hired by my company are really as cynical and expensive as Dogbert
...sometimes I had the feeling, Scott Adams worked in my office...

Amazing!

Highly recommended, at least for self-defense purposes!

Bought this as a Christmas gift for my teenage nephew, I think he has quite a collection now. He was very happy to get it. We are all Dilbert fans in our family!

I'm Not Anti-Business, I'm Anti-Idiot is a marvelous compilation book featuring more of Dilbert's trademark humor on a sometimes dreadful subject: work. While Dogbert schemes to cheat gullible people, Dilbert struggles with his overly incompetent boss, and Alice is working around the clock on pointless tasks. This book also introduces Asok the intern. So join your favorite Dilbert characters on this oddessy through futile projects, idiotic management, and sarcastic co-workers.

One of scott's best books ever. I could not stop laghing. BUY THIS BOOK

There is a reason that many workplaces ban Dilbert cartoons- they are just too darn close to the truth. I've lost track of the number of times that I've laughed myself silly after finding one of his cartoon arcs describing some experience in my own working career.

In his biography, Scott Adams is described as both an engineer and as a member of Mensa. Inspite of this, however, he has a sense of humor....

I'm sure that this confirmation of the absurdity of corporate "culture" has helped more than a few intelligent wage-slaves maintain their sanity over the years. It almost maintained mine.

I actually was only going to read this book to prepare myself for the radio interview with this author (May 29, 2008 on In Short Order at [...]). Instead, I found myself glued to the pages of valuable information from a patient's view. By reading this book, those who know or take care of a person with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) will be better able to understand what the victim is going through - a better handle on things makes for a better friend/family member or care provider. Those who treat TBIs would benefit from this book more than most - what you can't see on tests can be learned here and therefore validate the diagnosis more quickly so that treatment can begin at an earlier stage. For those with a TBI, Lyme disease, or any disabling affliction, this book is your pair of ruby slippers.

Bruno equates a TBI to The Wizard of Oz classic. Although I have Lyme disease (which in many cases can be likened to a TBI), and can relate and benefit from this book, I never saw it put so simply - and well written. Just as Dorothy is whisked to another place, it is the same with most injuries and illnesses. We leave the life we know for a place we have never been before (and few want to make it a vacation spot). Come take the first step on the yellow brick road - where the journey to recovery begins.

Glinda (as we remember as the good witch) starts us on the path. Contacting organizations and support groups is an important step. Who doesn't need support, information, and to hear from others on virtually the same path? There are many things to do to prepare us for the first steps to recovery, but often we forget where we need to begin. Order is the way to end chaos. Support is the way to end aloneness. And information is the way to the next steps that must be taken if recovery is the goal. And don't forget, some who have grown accustomed to your disability-state may not want you to recover - learn why in "If I Only Had A Brain Injury."

There are the ruby slippers and the wicked witch. The information in this section is most helpful because it starts us focusing more closely on ourselves. Here we can begin to turn the injury or disease into a new beginning. When we beat ourselves up or refuse to accept what we cannot change, we slow or halt our journey. Forgiveness and identifying change are good things.

Okay, we're on our way. We may not be skipping yet, but we can add pep to our steps when we look at what can remove some of the stumbling blocks that have been preventing us forward movement on our road to recovery. Bruno learned that buying quality electronics (a computer monitor) cut down on her headaches and dizziness; which allowed her to work; which enabled her to earn a paycheck; which helped her to feel she was still in Kansas.

There are more ideas that are presented in this work - classical music, relationships with animals, and cultivating new friendships, to name a few. These will open new doors in the land of Oz and you may even discover new things about yourself that you never knew existed.

In "If I Only Had A Brain Injury," Bruno has given us a map of the Emerald City, introduced us to the Munchkins, and provided a beacon for anyone who is associated with injuries and disease. It is a one-of-a-kind book.

This a must read for all, with hopes that you find an owl in your life, too.


Sue Vogan
[...]

I got this book yesterday afternoon and I have been gobbling it up! Right from the start I identified with the writing. I, too, had a feeling that my evening at the outdoor amphitheater that July 26th night in 2005 could change my life. I didn't know how and so I ignored my irrational feelings. I went to the ballet and although we were sitting inside I must have picked up the tick as we walked across the lawn to the amphitheater. 10 days later, almost to the hour, I was very, very sick. The Lyme crossed the blood brain barrier and I have had neurological and emotional problems. My stupid neurologist says I am "in the normal range" even when I have vertigo and was falling back on my head walking down the street, have huge memory gaps, sometimes make no sense, etc. I told him it wasn't normal for me, but ended up getting nowhere and leaving his office in tears.
My boyfriend of 12 years (with whom I attended the ballet that night) became very frustrated and angry. I am no longer the same woman he signed up for. We separated in the Fall of 2007. He felt I was not "trying hard enough" to get better.
My family thinks I am mentally ill. In fact over the last 9 months I have been misdiagnosed with either depression or Bipolar II disorder and mis-medicated, which DID make me pretty crazy. I am now convinced I ought not to be on any medications but treat myself holistically. I have been medication free for one month and that has made a huge difference for me.
So, I am so thankful for the book! I am finding out that I need to listen to myself and not depend on doctors to be able to fix me or even diagnose me correctly. I have been changing my diet and using it as my medicine. I have been making sure to get outside and walk or recently I can bicycle again! Soak in some sun. Surround myself with positive people--no angry boyfriend--as much as possible. I am painting again.
I think I was already headed in this direction -- after 11 months of putting my hope and trust in, then floundering in, medical offices, hitting my head against (figurative) wall after wall. Laura Bruno's book gives me such strength and hope for this journey.

If I Only Had a Brain Injury is a beautifully conveyed book that is not only practical, simplistic, and full of easy to apply tips and tremendously helpful, thorough resources, but is also an artistic expression of genuine experience and compassion that takes one on a journey through Oz. Utilizing Dorothy and her friends' experiences to illustrate our own unfolding life processes creates a tangible and easily understood analogy, and coupled with Laura's own personal experiences, truly hits home and creates a relateability that transcends all boundaries. This is not only helpful for those with TBI and medical challenges as listed, but truly is a guideline and means of support for any and all challenges in life that can be simply applied. Finding myself challenged in overly mental focusing and truly not having the desire to do so either, I found Laura's book wonderfully supportive to this. It was easy, quick, and very clear, with nothing to have to read between the lines or mentally figure out. One can open the book to any page and find something valuable easily without it feeling out of context. This works well for people like myself who either don't have time to read, don't have much desire to read, or little focus to do so. You can pick up and leave off at any point and never feel lost and get exactly what you need at every turn. Laura is a beautiful example and expression for us all and one can only look forward to more wonderful books to come from her.

Injury took some mental abilities away.
Through that loss, author Laura Bruno,
finds an alternative path to health and
trusting herself. She demystifies many
medical mysteries all the while reassuring
those in similar situations not to suffer alone the
embarrassment and self consciousness of a
brain that is learning to function again -
perhaps differently. If I Only Had a Brain
Injury is a compendium of spiritual and
emotional support. It includes 52 healing
hints while leading its readers to become
wizards of their own healing. It offers
support to the caregiver and acknowledges
how events changes all involved.
Ultimately Laura Bruno wants everyone
to find their own deeper meaning of
injury - an opportunity to connect the
mind and heart - to live deeply, meaningfully,
and creatively through one's
essence.

If I Only Had a Brain Injury is a delightful, powerful and highly informative book. Beautifully written, Laura Bruno draws upon her experiences with her own Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from a car accident. Her descriptions are vivid, deeply and personal. The book is very supportive and is an excellent resource for those dealing with Traumatic Brain Injuries and their caregivers. The book is also vitally important for those dealing with challenging and mysterious health issues like Chronic Fatigue, Lyme Disease and Migraines.

Bruno tells her own story while expertly weaving her insights within the context of the Wizard of Oz. I loved the humor, playfulness and utter seriousness in the book in the chapter titles and content. In the chapter, Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bruno states that her aim is, "...to inspire you and to guide you to resources that will empower you to take control over your own health and wellbeing."

Gradually after Bruno's own accident she began to realize that she had entered into a new land, and needed to learn anew. She recounts these realizations in the chapter, We're not in Kansas Anymore. Bruno says, " Like Dorothy, I knew I could not return the way I arrived. Like Dorothy, I eventually found my way "back home," but I took the Technicolor journey with me. I wrote this book to help others to do so, to."

And, like Dorothy following the yellow brick road to find her way back home to Kansas, the book emphasizes actions you can take in your recovery from the symptoms of these various illnesses that are so mysterious to the medical community. Bruno says in the chapter titled "Glinda," that "This chapter suggests ways to find the Glinda's along your journey...Even in the Wizard of Oz, Glinda prefers to help Dorothy help herself." She includes an excellent listing of resources to contact. For instance, she notes that you might want to contact a Behavioral optometrist that specializes in connections in mind, body and vision because "...a majority of people with neurological issues suffer from visual impairment. If you have any of the flowing symptoms, you may benefit from visual therapy or prism lenses: Concentration problems; Double vision; Headaches; Difficulty reading; Balance disorders; Clumsiness; Eyestrain; Intolerance of flickering lights; Intolerance to varied backgrounds; Panic Attacks; Easily becoming overwhelmed; Vertigo.

If I Only Had a Brain Injury is like a breath of fresh air as it offers hope where typically there is none. As Bruno notes, so many head injuries and their effects are not detected, diagnosed or treated. Many people are told that they do not show any medical evidence of a medical injury even though they are experiencing severe difficulties in daily functioning since the time of their accident or since the onset of their illness. And, even when a brain injury and trauma is recognized, there have been very limited resources to assist in continued rehabilitation.

My level of awareness about the nature of head injuries and its effects has risen dramatically from reading this book. This includes helping me to understand some of my own experiences from knocking my head with numerous falls off of horses, minor car accidents and some of my own hard to diagnose symptoms. I now keep this book by my bedside for personal quick reference and I also have a copy available in my office for those clients who have had head injuries.

If I only Had a Brain Injury is an excellent resource that I very highly recommend for anyone who has experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury as well as their family members, caregivers, medical professional and therapists. For anyone whose life has been touched in some manner with a Traumatic Brain Injury or by any illness that has been a medical mystery, this book will be of great value.

If I Perish is the rare book that transports the reader to another place and time. From the moment you pick the up this book, you are immersed in the world of ancient Persia. The people on the pages of the book not only come alive, but the reader is also there, reveling in the sensory delights provided by the author.

The story begins when the young girl who will become Queen Esther is living in the Jewish quarter of town. She is a beauty even before she turns thirteen years old, living under the protective and loving care of her uncle Mordecai who has taken care of her since the death of her parents. She is called Hadassah as a Jewish girl and grows up sure that she will one day marry her best friend's brother, Reuben. But fate has other plans in store for Esther. For after King Xerxes has allowed his queen, Vashti, unprecedented power and influence in his court, his princely advisors are none to happy about a woman having so much say in matters of state. They plot to get rid of her and manage to get her banished, but the king mourns her absence. The princes come up with the idea to have a beauty contest throughout the land to find the most beautiful girl who will then become the King's new bride. While this is transpiring, King Xerxes has begun fall under the influence of Haman, a rug merchant, who appears to be wise and loyal to the King. Xerxes, who is often much too trusting, soon elevates Haman to a position of power, which eventually leads him to become Prime Minister.

Reviewed by Nanacy Rechtman

To read the complete review & interview go to http://betsie.tripod.com/literary/id54.html

Deborah Turner's talent as a writer shines through the pages of her novel If I Perish. She took on the daunting task of writing a fictional account of the Biblical story of Queen Esther. Through vivid narrative and true-to-life dialogue, If I Perish is an excellent story that transports you thousands of years into the past, to the world of a young Jewish girl called of God to save her nation.

Esther risks her life to save her nation by entering the King's throne room. She knows the King trusts the evil prime minister Haman, but in spite of that, she follows through on a plan that had to be divinely inspired.

If I Perish is a book that is a reminder that self-sacrifice for the good of others is not only honorable but also far-reaching. If you have never read the Biblical account, If I Perish compels the reader to do so.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it. In a world where most literature seems to be the same authors and the same kinds of stories, If I Perish is a refreshing change, with a fresh voice from a new writer who has great potential to take her readers into a new place. In your mind's eye, you see the luxurious palace, and the richly colored silks that adorned Esther. The role of the eunuchs is made clear to the reader, for they, too, were men who sacrificed much in order to fulfill their duty to the King.

If I Perish reminds us to stand up for those in need, those in danger, and those who are persecuted. I give this book five stars!

This book is absolutely wonderful. Deborah Turner takes you on an enthralling journey to ancient Persia, into lives of servants and royalty and thoughts of greed, power, loyalty, honor, and romance. Deborah's vivid descriptions give evidence of extensive research, enabling the reader to visualize every scene. She gets inside the characters and convincingly conveys them to the reader. The story is well written and fast paced; each step is an experience you won't want to miss! I look forward to her next book.
Marcyle Taliaferro, Louisiana Author
...

Author Turner has beautifully portrayed Esther from the Old Testament in her debut novel "If I Perish." The research has been done, but the author obviously took pains to interweave history, biblical truths and emotion in this timeless story brought to life brilliantly. Lost in this well written book is what potential readers have to look forward to when they decide to treat themselves to a great read. Outstanding!

"I finished Deb Turner's book, If I Perish." WOW! It is a GREAT book! It is on the story of Esther in the Bible and the way [Mrs. Turner] unravels the story is unique. I stayed up til 3:00 one night and 2:00 the next just so I could finish this wonderful book. She tells the story so well, that you feel as if you are really there and you can see the vivid scenes play out right before your eyes. You get to know each character and go into the minds of Kings, Queens, and Murderers. You come to know Esther for her faith, integrity, courage, and loyalty.

Mrs. Turners'research must have been great, for the amount of detail her story unfolds. I absolutely loved this book! I really believe this author is headed for supreme success! I bow to this great weaver of stories! Now when I read my scriptures Ester's story makes so much more sense. Mrs. Turners' knowledge is truly wonderful."

For some reason, as a Christian single in her 20s, I have always been wary of reading books about single life. Maybe it's because they're aimed towards dating and preparing for marriage, or the never been married. I was single but I wasn't dating, and I wanted some reassurance and encouragement that I was doing the right thing, and I couldn't seem to find anything that spoke directly to my situation. But after I came across Kerri's book, I decided to buy it and I'm very glad I did. It's very different from all the other books out there in that it deals specifically with waiting for true love to come your way. I'm not sure why, but considering that waiting is so important for Christians and has a lot to do with faith, there seems to be nothing out there for singles which deals with this. 'If I'm Waiting on God...' is very honest in that Kerri asks many questions I've asked myself: 'What if I never meet The One? 'What if I've missed him? If I'm still not ready when will I ever be?' These questions are impossible to answer, and I can only assume given that practically every book geared towards singles tends to be about dating or never being married , that people are simply too scared to approach them. I am so thankful that Kerri wrote this book because otherwise I would probably still be wondering if I was the only Christian single in the whole world who had questions about how long I would have to wait. I found myself empathising with her in almost every chapter; especially when she voices her fears and insecurities in the chapters 'What If' and 'Sunday'. Even if we've never questioned God's ways and timing directly, I'm sure we've all felt overwhelmed by doubts and scared it just doesn't happen. This book is refreshingly honest, funny and very real. I wish more books aimed at single people were like this.

I loved this book so much! It is the true story of Kerri's dating life up until she met her husband. All of the stories are written according to what really happened, yet, full of funny insight as to what Kerri was really thinking through it all. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, comical, and romantic story.

I related to a lot of her stories. She was funny, but with a good message for single women. It never hurts to hear that we need to focus on God being the only man we need!

Such an honest depiction of dating. Even if you've dated a lot or even just had a long relationship this book is so easy to relate to. Kerri Pomarolli is so real in her struggles as well as her triumphs. Easy read, very entertaining and thought provoking. I highly recommend it.

A delightful and insightful look into the life of a Christian single twenty-something year old woman. From the first to the last page, the author's wit and honesty carry this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I highly recommend this book for anyone studying or teaching the life of David in I and II Samuel. It gives an excellent portrayal of the character of this very human man as he tries to please his God.

Explores the spiritual formation of King David from his earliest experiences with Goliath to his time in the desert running from Saul to the death of his son Absalom and his eventual death. Makes a great adult study in a small group or Sunday school context.

I found a copy of this book in my in-law's attic. I looked through the contents and decided to read the chapter on Friendship - David and Jonathan. Peterson is profound in this chapter. His comments on friendship as an expression of spirituality were so insightful that I am viewing my relationships with others in a new way already. I was even convicted that my friendship with my wife was not sufficient by God's standard. Wow, what a difference one chapter can make. I can hardly wait to buy this book and read the all of Peterson's reflections on the life of David. I like this "earthy spirituality." Give it a try, you might like it too.

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is the Bible passe, or is it still relevant for today? Does Christianity mean the triumphalstic life? What is the end goal of being a Christian? How can I live an authentic Christian life?

Eugene Peterson (the author of The Message) reflects on the life of David in this book and looks at what we can learn. Every chapter contains important lessons to being a Christian, and areas that we are to reflect on, and how we interact with God in our relationship with Him. The life of David becomes a platform for us to learn about our spirituality and relationship with God.

The following are some facts about David:
- The David story is the most extensively narrated single story in the Bible. We know more about David than any other person in the Bible.
- The life of David showed the humanity of this man after God's heart, and there are many themes that run through the life of David, e.g. parents, relationships, danger, murder, temptation, adultery, pride, humiliation, children, wives, rejection, sickness, justice, fear, peace, death...
- David did not perform any miracles.
- David sinned more than Saul, yet he was known as a person after God's own heart.
- David was known as a man served God's purposes in his generation (Acts 13:36).

The story of David is simultaneously earthy and godly. It shows us that we are never more alive than when we are dealing with God. David was an unfortunate parent, an unfaithful husband, and if we look at him from a purely historical perspective, he was a barbaric chieftain with a talent for poetry. But David's importance isn't in his morality or his military prowess but in his experience and witness to God. Every event in David's life was a confrontation with God.

Spirituality and humanity cannot be separated. We can't grow spiritually without understanding our humanness. We can't grow humanly without understanding our spirituality. David shows us that we can't be human without God. Understanding all this gives hope to many Christians that God looks at the heart, and it is about having a relationship with God. There are many lessons to learn, one of the most impactful to me was David's years in the wilderness.

It seems that all of God's leaders will at sometime go through a wilderness experience at least once. The wilderness experience is not something that any flesh likes, but it is an experience that can sanctify and consecrate the flesh. "Wilderness is the place of testing, the place of tempting" (pp. 75). In David's wilderness experience, he was being set apart, made holy, for God's use. The more he dealt with God, the more human he became (pp. 75). The wilderness was an attack on the flesh and a thrust towards dependence on God. In fact, David seemed most "spiritual" in his days in the wilderness.

Wilderness spirituality also includes being with the company of people we would not ordinarily choose to be with, and who would not ordinarily choose to be with us. (pp. 96). God uses others to point us to Him. If we see that the wilderness is filled with people we do not want to be with, we would have missed God. But if we see the wilderness being filled with God, we would not miss the people in it. "The wilderness taught David to see beauty everywhere. The wilderness was David's school in the preciousness of life; through wilderness testing David learned to see God in places and things he would never have thought to look previously. The wilderness immersed David in beauties so profound that a cheap revenge was unthinkable. The wilderness trained David in loyalties so binding that a broken oath was impossible. The wilderness exposed David to the presence of God in the most barren piece of rock so that no thing, and certainly no man, could ever be treated with scorn or contempt." (pp. 77-8) We cannot be naïve about the wilderness; it is a dangerous place. But we must never avoid the wilderness; for it is a wonderful place (pp. 80). "Hardship brings out the best in David. Suffering can, if we let it, make us better instead of worse" (pp. 198).

If you have ever felt discouraged by your own imperfections in your Christian walk, read this book! David is about as earthy and real as a person gets. As another reviewer wrote, the chapter on the friendship between David and Jonathan is also insightful and valuable. Eugene Petersen explores the reality of David's life situations and choices, and how his relationship with God was affected by them. In so doing, he highlights how God grows us and walks beside us throughout all of the trials of life, even those we bring upon ourselves. Ultimately, despite everything, David remained "A man after God's own heart" proving the existence and endurance of God's grace and acceptance, and that there's hope for us all!