B Books

As one reviewer notes, Robert Williams name is not noted in other books about this era. This is a great loss to history. Also reading "Blood Done Sign My Name" will give readers a more complete picture of life for Blacks in the South in the 60's & early 70's.
However, as Timothy Tyson told me in February, "desegregation is not complete". "Blood Done Sign My Name", is in production as a major movie at this time. It is being filmed entirely in North Carolina.

A compelling look at a fascinating figure of the modern American civil rights movement whose story continues to be relevant. Particularly interesting is the nuanced and thoughtful treatment of the complex dialogue and tension between "nonviolence" and "self-defense" in the history of the Black freedom struggle in the US.

The period of Williams's life following his exile is only very tersely outlined (as the author himself admits), giving the book a bit of an abrupt end. More analysis of Williams's decision to renounce public life, of his scepticism about the later direction of the "Black Power" movement that had claimed him as one of its icons, and of his decision to seek an "understanding" with the US gov't enabling his return from exile, would probably make for most interesting reading.

Mainstream history seemingly gets real nervous about who is carrying a loaded weapon and who one associates with. Combine the two and it will take an outstanding historian like Timothy B. Tyson to bring to life the tireless work and controversies surrounding civil-rights activist Robert F. Williams.

Williams brought the element of armed self-defense in seeking equal rights, especially in his hometown of Monroe, N.C. Though Williams, a military veteran, stressed that the specter of self-defense was necessary - and proven successful in confronting the KKK and other racists - his stance drew the ire of the NAACP's national office, the FBI and other government agencies & those in the civil rights movement who stressed non-violent actions no matter what the situation.

The book is more than a biography on Williams. It shows how his demands for equal rights meant something different to various individuals and groups, though Williams would not politically "fall in line" with any movement. It was the perceived idealism that drew many to Williams, but it was such a coalition - including Malcolm X and the Socialist Workers Party - that made him particularly dangerous in the eyes of federal officials.

While in exile from the U.S. after being erroneously charged for violating several federal laws, Williams was in Cuba after the revolution, North Viet Nam during the war, China as the Cultural Revolution caught fire and travelled to Africa. His independent thinking got him in trouble in Cuba; a radio show he conducted to the U.S., Radio Free Dixie, along with public comments he made, found Williams facing the wrath of Cuban government officials and ultimately led him to China.

The book also shows how his wife, Mabel and women in Monroe & in other cities not only demanded civil rights, but were willing to defend themselves and their families from violent attacks through the barrel of a gun. Mabel Williams was also an important person in the writing, editing and publishing of a newsletter that gained national and international attention.

Williams was an important catalyst for Huey Newton and the Deacons for Defense in their quests to skillfully confront the haters on the streets. In yet again another example on why we must continue to look past the history as it is written in textbooks, Robert F. Williams showed what can be accomplished when the intimidators become the intimidated while trying to perpetuate the myth of white supremacy.

The civil rights movement was not created by, lead by, or moved forward by the dozen or so media heros whose names we all now know. The civil rights movement succeed because so many ordinary people decided that they could no longer stand to live in the midst of injustice, and decided to step out of their daily lives and do something about it.

Robert Williams did just that. An ordinary working class guy, he used his people skills to form a network of working class black people who did not have the patience of the old line leaders of the local NAACP chapter in his hometown. He got himself elected president of the chapter, and backed by dozens of local people, formed one of the most activist chapters in the country. The national NAACP never was comfortable with Williams or the work of his chapter, and at best held them at arms length.

Inevitably, Williams' hard pressure on local structures of racism lead to a backlash. When he was attacked and his family threatened with death, the local police did nothing. When he and his community defended themselves, by taking up arms to combat the armed violence of the white racists, he was charged with murder, and became the subject of a massive FBI hunt. Escaping to Cuba, he operated a radio station, beaming the "truth" along with progressive jazz and blues which would never be played on corporate radio in the south, to Dixie.

Ultimately, Williams' stance of self-defense was taken up by Stokley Carmichael in the South, and by the Black Panther Party in Oakland, and is now well known as the "Black Power" movement. But at the time, it was simply a slightly more hardline version of the NAACP. Local chapters of the NAACP, building on long traditions of mutual support in black communities throughout the south, supported by thousands of ordinary people, formed the backbone of the civil rights movement. Anyone who thinks otherwise should read the statements by Bob Moses and the other SNCC organizers, who readily admitted that they could never have accomplished anything at all if not for the decades of groundwork done by the local NAACP chapters throughout the south.

Great book, which everyone interested in the history of the Civil Rights movement, or just interested in the way social changes really happen, should read.

Ultimately, the notion of white supremacy and the so-called glory of the Lost Cause always devolved to the use of violence and intimidation against black people and any one who sided with them. Williams' is an amazing story of courage and determination as he challenged the KKK and assorted white rabble of rural North Carolina in the 1940s through the 1960s in his quest for racial justice.

Williams, a soldier during WW2, came back to Monroe, NC after the war and took on the clowns and goons of the KKK and the local and state white government. When they fired on his home, he shot back, upsetting the applecart of segregation.

Tyson's book is a powerful portrayal of a man quite willing to die for his rights, a man fed up with the violence degradation inflicted on him by southern society, and a man willing to kill to protect his property, his person and his family.

Tyson's realistic and entertaining portrayal of the stupid and inane actions of white southern racists in North Carolina is another reason to read this book. The local thuggery is almost comical, until one remembers they are well armed and prone to alcholism and violence. Tyson goes into great detail about a 1958 case where two black boys, 10 and 8 were BEATEN and IMPRISONED for kissing a white girl.

Williams and his wife are not well known heroes of the Civil Rights struggle. This book gave me a greater appreciation of the vicious hatred, violence, and stupidity they were fighting, and how disciplined and determined the Civil Rights struggle had to be in the face of overwhelming white resistance.

My almost 4 year old received this as a Christmas Gift and he loves it! The accompanying CD makes it even better with a calming rythem and memorable phrases.

A very good book and the CD by Suzanne Scheniman is outstanding! It's geared toward children, but even adults will listen over and over.

A recent nightly news program featured this wonderful book. Apparently, a young boy could not calm down during school. His parents took him in to his doctor, who quickly diagnosed him with ADD. Before going to meds, his parents wanted to explore other options. The boy's teacher suggested reading "Remmy and the Brain Train" to him every night before bed. Within ONE WEEK, his behavior toned down, and he was just fine during classes. Coincidence? Hardly. Sometimes getting a proper night's rest is all our kids need. ...). This book is worth it's weight in gold, especially considering you get a CD along with it. Great for all kids for help sleeping through the night and getting the proper amount of much needed rest.

Kids today aren't getting enough sleep. It is obvious when you look at the number of children who are being labeled as having ADD or ADHD, when all they really need is more sleep. If you are a parent of a young child, I highly recommend this book, not just for your child(ren) but for parents too. Its important for parents and children to understand how sleep, or lack of sleep affects the body and more importantly, the mind. Remmy and Dr. Zeez help children to understand why they need to get their sleep and how they can benefit from getting 9 hours of GOOD sleep every night. I'm all ready reading this with my 6 week old daughter. The play along CD which accompanies the book is a great bonus which I find relaxes me as well as my daughter as it is played. Enjoy some good rest...you and your child(ren) deserve it!

Maas does a fine job in explaining to children why it's important to sleep. He writes in rhyme, and the colorful funny pictures add to the entertainment.

For adults, I give my strongest recommendation for Dr. William Dement's The Promise of Sleep. Stanford sleep researcher Dement covers everything from sleep pathology, dreams, and how sleep-load even affects your intelligence and internal organs. If you love a medical detective story, or just want help in physically feeling better, go check it out!

I love more than a good book, I love one that will make you see the people and feel their emotion. This book did this and more, it made me want to pick up my paper and scissors and scrapbook for my family!

If you have ever gotton a scrapbook or made anything homemade that is a gift of love for someone else you will just die to read this book!! It celebrates the relationships that Scrapbookers preserve through their art.
It is about friendships and love and girlfriends and real, real life!

You will love it!!
Jillene Moen
[...]

Natasha and Emma have been best friends ever since their mothers were roommates on the maternity ward. They were playmates as kids, best friends all the way through school, and though life has taken them in very different directions, are still as inseparable as when they were first born.

Emma is happily married, a stay-at-home mom to three wonderful kids, and an avid scrapbooker. Natasha, on the other hand, moves from relationship to relationship, travels all over the world due to her job as a lawyer, doesn't think she has a creative bone in her body, and is perfectly content just being "Auntie Tashi" to Emma's children.

Life seems just about perfect for them both, but early foreshadowing shows the reader that all is not as it ought to be for the two friends.

The Scrapbook is a charming book about love and friendship that'll strike a chord with any female reader, even one who isn't interested in scrapbooking herself (that'd be me). The writing style makes it read like a series of blog entries, which allows the reader to feel like she really knows the characters and has been granted a special insight into their lives. This way of writing a novel, as well as the fact that the happenings in the book are all very realistic, made me occasionally doubt whether the book was fictional or not, which just added to the feeling of knowing the characters as more than `just' people in a book.

Like many other chick lits, The Scrapbook doesn't quite escape being predictable at times-something that was made even more apparent because of the heavy use of foreshadowing-but Peggy Baker still managed to surprise me often enough that it didn't become tedious. I might have guessed the ending early, but not how they got there. She would have benefitted from fewer references to the move "Casablanca" though. Fortunately I'd seen the movie, but readers who haven't might be thrown for a loop by the numerous mentions of it.

Peggy Baker herself is an eager scrapbooker, which shows in the book, and she realistically describes the scrapbooking community existing online. Even the book's layout is inspired by scrapbooking, with each chapter heading being made in a different style.

Armchair Interviews says: A delightful read.

I loved this book! It was a great escape for me, an easy read, and I couldn't stop reading. It sort of reminded me of the movie "Beaches" - but with a twist that goes deeper than you could have guessed. I would say that this novel would appeal to a non-scrapbooker, just as much as someone who relates to scrapbooking. A scrapbook is involved in some of the story, but it is not about scrapbooking, so much. I recommend it VERY HIGHLY!

Peggy has done a fabulous job of putting the art and love of scrapbooking into words. If you are a scrapbooker, you will love and appreciate all the references in this book. But if you're not a scrapbooker, I think you will come to understand through this novel what makes us craft our memories into albums. How wonderful to have this book on my shelf to read time and again!

Secret of the Swamp King was another great book in the Wilderking Trilogy. Anyone who likes fantasy should read it.

This series is enthralling for my 10 year old daughter (who reads at a 8th grade level). It has adventure, danger, excitement and folklore to capture and maintain interest.

Young Aidan now serves at the court of King Darrrow. But his popularity also makes him dangerous enemies. Things come to a head when Darrow receives an anonymous letter claiming that Aidan is maneuvering to overthrow Darrow. Furious, the king sends Aidan into Feechiefen Swamp on a perilous quest. When Aidan reaches the swamp, he learns of a feechie war band led by the WilderKing. Who is this imposter? This second installment raises the stakes from the first book

Jonathan Rogers obviously loves C.S. Lewis' world of Narnia (see "The World According to Narnia"), and decided to create another fantasy world where kids and adults alike can see many "heart issues" of life portrayed in a creative way. The Secret of the Swamp King (Book 2 of the Wilderking Trilogy) is a great read for kids as they can imagine themselves in the shoes of Aiden Errolson. Aiden is the main character whose life is followed on his many adventures and challenges through his life in The Realms of Corenwald. Though he lives in a world totally foreign to the reader, it is very easy to relate to his troubles and joys during his journeys.
The book is a great link for the trilogy, leading to the more impressive climax in the 3rd book, "The Way of the Wilderking".
Well worth the time, especially to read with/give to kids.

I've got to hand it to MR. Rogers, he's done a wonderful job of following up on young Aidan Errolson. He's now a few years older and a member of King DArrow's court. True to the biblical parallels with David, Aidan has incurred the jealous wrath of his king. He may be the most loyal member of King Darrow's court, but Aidan is sent on a suicide mission to the Feechiefen Swamp in order to retrieve the legendary Frog Orchid. King Darrow thinks to see the end of young Aidan, but he meets up with his friend Dobro and becomes a Feechie friend to all Feechies. There's someone impersonating the legendary Wilderking out in the Feechifen and Aidan must find out who is enslaving Feechies to the civilizers ways of war and commerce. This book has more action and more intrigue to it. I loved it and read it in two days. Highly recommended!--James Somers, author: The Chronicles of Soone.

This was listed as the top choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder by the Carlat Report for December 2005 in a review of self-help books in psychiatry (www.thecarlatreport.com).
It is very much a self-help book, directed at patients rather than professionals, but some of the methods recommended seem to assume that a professional is involved and it discusses the use of medication. Indecisions and mentisme are not covered but hoarding (which is seldom due to OCD)is. As with several other self-help books it is without references or statistics so that we have to take some of the claims for effectiveness on trust. The professional reputations of the authors are so high that I would be inclined to trust them, although in some of the cases described the remedy looks worse than the disease. Their recommendations for dealing with contamination fears, and also their techniques for coping with contrast ideas, might be quite distressing.
An academic quibble is that the techniques mostly seem to be plain vanilla behavior therapy, rather than cognitive. The cognitive therapy of Beck (and its avatar, the rational-emotive therapy of Ellis) involve arguing patients out of their symptoms by convincing them of the logical errors of their thinking, a futile endeavor in OCD. This book recommends the kinds of treatment that many of us have found useful empirically whatever our theoretical background.
Sigmund Freud (in one of his letters to Binswanger) discusses a case of OCD and recommends what is called in Norman Guterman's translation "counter-compulsion." (His classic paper on OCD is usually considered the 1909 "Rat Man" whom he did treat by psychoanalysis. That was published as "Der Familienroman der Neurotiker Bemerkung einen Fall von Zwangneurose" for those of you who own the Sammlung kleiner Schriften. In the Collier paperback series, edited by Philip Rieff, the "Rat Man" case is in "Three Case Histories" )
Where Foa and Wilson fall short of Freud, and of Judith Rappaport's "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing," is in literary merit. They write clearly and understandably but this is not something that the general reader would want to read cover to cover.

The book describes a host of obsessive/compulsive behaviors together with strategies to overcome them. For instance,
washers tend to clean their hands multiple times, take many
showers and repeat actions obsessively or due to shear habit.
Repeaters tend to repeat actions compulsively until they are
performed perfectly or to the perceived satisfaction of
the person with "a repeater" behavioral trait. Hoarders tend
to gather "things" out of a fear of discarding something
valuable. The hoarder may keep every possession ever owned
for fear of throwing out a single valuable thing. Hoarders
never consider the opportunity cost of space. As a self-help book, the authors identify classic situations that trigger these
unhealthy behaviors. Once identified, specific strategies are
provided to combat the undesired behaviors/behavioral traits.
A strength of this book is that it helps you to conquer a host
of unhealthy demons which trigger neurotic retaliatory
responses. The authors encourage readers to act contrary to
these destructive proclivities every time they surface.
The book is worth the price charged-many times over.
The issues addressed are rarely talked about or admitted to
during the conduct of public discourse. This book provides
readers with a private forum to discover their eccentric
behaviors without the penalty of public chastisement or
derision. The book is recommended highly for this purpose
alone.

This book saved my life nine years ago. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. My life is no longer ruled by anxiety. Thank you R.W. and E.F.

This is an excellent book. I think it is the best self-help book on OCD. Luckily my CB therapist does these exact techniques with me in therapy so it's like this book is a hard-copy of the work I am doing. It's a great reference manual. Take this book seriously - it will help you if you follow the practices with as much patience and effort as you can. The thing that clicked for me after ready only the first few chapters of this book, is that my thoughts are obsessions! They are exagerrated, irrational, not based on reality! I never before could grasp that concept because I actually believed that my obsessions and suspicions might be real (that I was just missing something) and that somehow my mental compulsions would help me to relieve the tension and anxiety that my obsessive thoughts were causing. It's amazing... it all literally clicked. These thoughts are obsessions. They are NOT REAL!! Wow.

This book comes highly recommended by my doctor and is living up to its reputation!

This thin volume provides an excellent introduction to many of the most important supreme court cases that shape this country, and could be used as a guide for further readings on them. Each chapter review a specific topic (separation of church and state, discrimination, etc.), with important cases looking at different aspects of it. Highly recommended!

After seeing a 60 MINUTES interview with Judge Scalia recently I wanted to know more about the Supreme Court. This was one of the most interesting books I have read in years. I read it in just a few days and would highly recommend it to anyone. It talks about the evolution of the Supreme court and their most important decisons, decisions that effect us everyday. Also it is written in plain english so you do not need to be a lawyer to understand and enjoy it. Great book!

From Marbury v. Madison to Gore v. Bush, this book covers the most important cases in Supreme Court history. It's very clear and concise, an absolute delight to read.

Sure, you've heard of many of the cases in this book. But do you know what the legal underpinnings of "Roe vs. Wade" actually are? Do you know how the court derives its power?

I've been talking to everyone I know about this little gem, because it is so darn readable, and so relevant. Yesterday my local paper ran a story about filtering software the local library may soon install. And this morning I finished the book after reading about the cases that are directly tied to this course of action. So I can speak more intelligently about this issue, and I can read the paper with a more informed perspective.

Many of the cases are introduced by discussing a logical framework that parallels the facts of the case. The case is then introduced, and the arguments and reasoning that drove the court are discussed. Wow, that makes it sound really boring. But on the contrary, its a fun read and each chapter is short and encapsulated. Highly recommended.

I bought this as a gift, decided I'd better preview it first, and now I don't want to give it up. I'm ordering another one. Believe what the other 5-star reviewers have written.

There's many reasons why I'd call this the best book I've ever read, aside from the Bible. Kraybill's writing style is informative, and engaging, you really learn a lot of history, right along side of the philosophy. You can't go wrong with this book.

Donald Kraybill does an outstanding job of showing that what Jesus is all
abut is pretty much contrary to our normal assumptions--that is wahat he means by "the upside-down kingdom." What Jesus preached and what he lived is almost the opposite of what we consider normal or workable. For instance, Jesus said that the only solution to violence is non-violence, in any and all situations. We don't just tolerate those people we can't stand, we actively recriut their help, promote their well-being and have them understand that they are of immense importance, whether we agree we them or not. Love is what animates all of our thinking and doing, a love that goes out of the way to include everyone. A truly great book that will cause a person to rethink Jesus and what is meant as to His being the son of God--and just what is demanded of those of us who claim to be His followers.

The book, The Upside-Down Kingdom, is an excellent book. I would highly recommend it. I also would highly recommend your services. You, again, were very prompt and very accurate in your response. Thank you. Agnes Goertzen

Don Kraybill has done a wonderful job of clearing any misconceptions of the purpose of Jesus' ministry in the three years he was on this earth. Kraybill looks at opposites in our society such as rich and poor, slave and free, amongst others and tackling the realities of each being apart of the other. The book has had a real impact on my relationship with God and my relationship with others. I recommemd the book to anyone who is looking for ways to make changes in our right-side up kingdom.

I will never forget the confused look I received from the audience when I said, "The Kingdom of God is Upside-Down." This revealed to me that many Christians probably have not given a lot of thought to the Kingdom of God. If the Body of Christ fully understood this Kingdom... I don't think she would squinch her eyes at the words "Upside Down." And I certainly don't believe we would be giving in to the temptations Christ rejected!

Kraybill focuses primarily on the temptations of Christ (Matt.4) to reveal the true character of the Kingdom of God. Jesus rejected the temptations in the bread (the economic), the temple leap(the religious), and the kingdoms of the world (the political)... thus accomplishing heaven's task in a way that is foolishness to the world(1 Cor.1:18). If you have had a hard time understanding the Kingdom of God and want to learn how this Kingdom makes no sense to human wisdom... but is the power of God to those being saved... get this book. Wonderful insights into the radical claims of the Kingdom!

I would also like to recommend "The Gospel of the Kingdom" by George E. Ladd

This was one of the best books on leadership in a church setting. The book is a revelation of the heart. As you are reading, the insights that are given hit home into the chest because you can relate to the situations. It is a comforting book because of the feelings that are generated. You realize that you are not alone with the feelings that come from leading a congregation. This is one of the best ministerial books I have ever read. It would be best for a minister of course, but also elders within the church would grow from it. The book begins with a character studies of Moses, David, Paul, and Jesus. These character studies connect well with the present leader. The nature of leadership within God's people have not changed much through the centuries. God's process of developing leaders is the same. The book continues with an exploration of a leader's culture, call, community, communion, conflict, and the commonplace. All of these chapters are excellent with the section on conflict being the best. The book is a modern day masterpiece for congregational leadership. It is a book that is intended to refine and train the heart. It accomplishes the desired purpose.

This is an outstanding work about leadership in the church. It is written in such a way as to bring leaders out of their seats and into the 21st century. "A Work of Heart" will change your thinking about leading today's church.

It is said that before one can address a problem - or opportunity - one must understand that problem (or opportunity). McNeal certainly has understood the opportunity offered the Christian Church to reach out to a pre-Christian (not post-Christian) North American culture. This work presents a passionate appeal to transition to a missional, externally focused approach to ministry by gaining insight into how God shapes the hearts of spiritual leaders through six distinct shaping dynamics in the Christian life. These spiritually formed leaders will have drawn closer to the heart of God, thus recognizing their call to serve in Jesus' name and in His way. Excellent book. Highly recommend.

Absolutely the best book on spiritual leadership and development I've ever read! I have bought and sent numerous copies to friends involved in spiritual leadership positions. I'm sold on Reggie McNeal and the powerful scriptural insights he shares.

One of the best books on leadership I have ever read. The four brief biographies (on Moses, David, Paul and Jesus) that make up the first part of the book are extremely insightful and practical. McNeal writes with authenticity and clarity. There's not a lot of "fluff" or stuff that's rehashed from one leadership book to another. Every chapter is well worth a slow read. His dry wit also adds some spice to the read. Very good stuff.

Jason Perry's book, You Are Not Your Own: Living Loud For God is pretty awesome. It really made me want to live sold out for Him. Even if you're not a Plus One fan like I am, I encourage you to read this book. It will change your life for the better.

... this the best book I have read in my entire life and I am not just saying that because I am a BIG Plus One fan!! Lets just say that Jason is a man after Gods own heart, just like David in the Bible. This book has touched my life in an unexplainable(sp.) way!! ...

Ok i'll admit it right now... guilty as charged... i'm a big plus one fan. At first it was cuz of looks but that's changed alot in the past few months. when i read Jason's book i was amazed... he's so open in the book. he tells things that if it were me i'd be kinda afraid to share with people. Jason isn't amazing because he's cute or he has a good voice or because he wrote a book, Jason is who he is because God made him that way. God has used Jason, and the guys of Plus One in my life through their music. I would definately recommend Jason's book to any teen(or even adult probably). I know this is a "you are not your own" review... but while i'm at it i'd also recommend and of plus one's cd's. The Promise, Obvious, or even their new one that's about to come out... Christmas...

Jason Perry became an adult while with the very popular Christian boy band Plus One (he left the group at the end of 2002). Once you read this book, you will realize that he also grew up spiritually as well.

Think of "You Are Not Your Own: Living Loud For God" as an autobiography of Jason's walk with the Lord. Although it is a very short book (only 127 pages), Jason has bared his soul to us completely. He not only shares the good, but the bad as well. Many people, especially those who grew up in the church, should be able to relate to Jason.

God has worked wonders in Jason's heart, which will become very obvious to you as you read the book. Though written for an audience his age and younger, even those like me who are (much) older will be touched by Jason's openness and honesty.

Thank you, Jason, for listening to the Lord and sharing with us. I have been truly blessed by it.

This book is TOTALLY AWESOME .It will draw you closer to God.It will encourage,challange,and bring you into a closer relationship with Him!This book is really helping me with my walk with God and it is showing me the areas I need to give to Him.Believe me you or the person you'll be buying it for will love it.I can hardly put it down.I hope Jason writes another book.Believe me you will not be disappointed.Even if you're not a Plus One fan you you will still definitely enjoy it.God Bless!

All of Grace was a wonderful book. It was rich with doctrinal truths that believers at any stage of their growth in Christ will appreciate. Spurgeon always humbly directs the focus on God and His word and brings the reader greater understanding into the riches of God's grace. He makes it very clear that God's mercy and grace is not earned, but given freely - Eph 2:8,9. The chapters dealing with Salvation and Faith are extremely helpful. The book is written in devotional form, so it is excellent for bible studies, or for your personal devotional time with the Lord.

Good book about the grace of God and salvation to everyone that believes in Christ Jesus.

We need to believe in the forgiveness of our sins. God gives us a new heart and a right Spirit through salvation.

Recommend to those that want to understand what salvation is all about.

As with all works done by Spurgeon, this is a timeless classic. First printing in 1894, it is still in print. Simple yet profoundly true, Spurgeon explains the true Grace of God with a heart desire that many will come to know Christ through this work. I actually bought a whole case of 120 of these in paperback to give away from Moody Press. The audio version is awesome. I loaded it onto my iPod to listen while on the go.

There are three great strengths of this book; 1)the ability to make the gospel so clear that even a child can understand, 2)it is written in modern english, and 3)the chapters are very short and to the point. Asking someone to read this is one of the easiest ways to introduce the subject of Christ. The book provides a basis of discussion and followup that many can not deny.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon is considered by many to be the greatest preacher of the 19th century. This book, subtitled, "An Earnest Word with Those Who Are Seeking Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ," is Spurgeon's great explanation of salvation and God's grace. He explains what God has done and why, and what we must do to be saved and to persevere in the faith.

This is a great book, showing the power and intelligence that form the bedrock of Spurgeon's reputation. But, even more, herein you really see his earnest concern for those who are unsaved and dying in their sins. I found this book to be enlightening and uplifting.

It's a truly wonderful book, a true classic of Christian literature - as much alive and relevant to today as it ever was. I highly recommend this book!