The Giver (The Giver Quartet #1) by Lois Lowry (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars  ****

I categorize this story as a "Dystopia" but it is really an attempt at "Utopia" within a "Dystopia." The crux of the wrinkle in this novel that separates it from other dystopian tales is the issue of free will. A broken society develops order out of chaos in a controlled environment. Certain elders are privy to the truth about the real world and have the responsibility of maintaining control in a fabricated society via medication and indoctrination which manipulates the wills of the population. The hero, Jonas, is one who discovers the truth and must summon his courage to do what is necessary to restore humanity to its proper, natural course.

Coolidge by Amity Shlaes (Goodreads Author)

4 of 5 stars  ****

This Audiobook is a delightful listen. The life of Calvin Coolidge, the United States' 30th president, unfolds from his early days in New England to his success in Washington D.C. with his moral and economic values identifying him throughout his lifetime. President Reagan once said that he admired Calvin Coolidge. This intrigue piqued the interest of this student of history, especially American history. Calvin applies the principles that made him a successful, respected individual to guide his career without much compromise. He surrounds himself with men he respects and who have similar ideas about achieving goals; such as, balanced budgets, long-term treaties amenable to all interested parties, and immigration when the United States can adequately care for immigrants, who, he feels, should learn English and familiarize themselves with American laws to promote assimilation into our country. The issues he faces are still facing our leaders today. Rather than point out the difference in politics between the 1920s and today, this non-fiction points to Coolidge, the man, demonstrating the integrity, missing in so many, that brings all of his qualities and faculties to bear for the benefit of all. The author, Amity Shales, presents Calvin Coolidge as a man history sees as one who knows and rises to the challenges of his responsibilities.

Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand

5 of 5 stars  *****

Tortured for Christ is the story about the author's persecution in Romania under Communism and the Underground Church which evolved out of necessity. Unlike many so-called Christians, Wurmbrand never compromised his faith nor informed on any followers during his persecution. He writes about the martyrs who witness to Christ in the hours of suffering and at the moment of death. The Christians rise above the hate for the persecutors but disdain the Communism that turns men and women into minions of evil. Many Communist soldiers, jailers, and torturers convert to Christianity as a result of the Godly love the Christians exhibit, even for their enemies. Wurmbrand is freed only to return to prison after being caught teaching and baptizing in the name of our Lord. Eventually, his freedom is purchased for a sizable sum and he is brought to America where he writes about the inspirational life and death scenarios that go on to this day around the world. 

With $100.00 and an old typewriter, Richard Wurmbrand wrote his first newsletter, Voice of the Martyrs. His voice is the voice of the forgotten persecuted Christians who exist in Islamic and Communist nations. He and his wife, Sabina, established offices in these countries to provide the Underground Church with Bibles and pamphlets, as well as food and clothing, for secret distribution to those who cherish these items like he did; their efforts guided by his words, "Hate the evil systems, but love the persecutors. Love their souls, and try to win them for Christ." 

This is a book of selfless sacrifice and perseverance for one's deep abiding faith. The reward is eternal life with our Father, the Creator.

Explore the Bible Adult Personal Study Guide - Winter 2014-15 by Tony Evans

5 of 5 stars  *****

This winter Bible study is about simple people making major differences in the world by rising to the occasion when God calls. It encompasses the live's of Esther, an orphan raised by her uncle, Mordecai, whose beauty and bravery is essential to deliver her people out of exile; Ezra, a scribe who keeps the word of God and the Hebrew traditions alive with his education and devotion which restores the chosen people to God's plan; and Nehemiah, the food taster, who teaches the people in the restoration to drop their bad habits and foreign gods.   Adversity causes these people to repent as they turn toward God to rebuild Jerusalem with its walls and gates among the unfriendly neighbors who live there. The stories of these three heroes in the Bible are remarkable in their demonstration of valor, sacrifice, faith, and love. When the fate of the Hebrews hangs by a thread, a humble, meek individual is chosen to become champion of the many.

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan

4 out of 5 stars  ****

The author, Francis Chan, challenges the reader to identify the Holy Spirit in their life. Many people, today, have questionable religion; they attend church, do their demonstrative duty, but lack any serious consideration of God. This Christian book explains God as the Holy Spirit in us, whether ignored or not. For those caught up in the demands of making ends meet, the Holy Spirit gets lost, forgotten, without engagement with others. The Gospel teaches community participation in glorifying God. This is to keep alive His word in His children. The Holy Spirit works in people who know that life is not all about them. This Christian point of view is obvious on the pages of Chan's book. A sense of power is reassuring when readers realize their endeavors are more successful, more gratifying, when approached embracing God within them. Chan often refers to scripture to back up his claims. The book also suggests Bible studies and regular attendance of a church that teaches the word of God. This reader finds Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit a refreshing personalized presentation of the Holy Spirit. It keeps one honest and obedient. The book's lesson is to reverse the neglect and develop a personal relationship with God on a daily basis.

Truth Project DVD Set (Truth Project Series) by Truth Project Focus On The Family

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Review This project is the most profound, enlightening experience I can recommend. The group format utilizes DVDs and a workbook for individual reference. After each DVD, a class breaks up into small groups headed by a Truth Project prepared leader. A thought-provoking discussion ensues about the focus of the day's lesson.

Dr. Del Tackett is the professor who teaches a Christian Worldview centered around God, truth, man, and social order. Every session is a journey that includes opinions from professional and lay people around the world. The philosophical questions are deep and intriguing.

The subjects of the 12 chapters and their queries are: 1. Veritology: What is Truth? 2. Philosophy & Ethics: Says Who? 3. Anthropology: Who is Man? 4. Theology: Who is God? 5. Science: What is True? 6. History: Whose Story? 7.Sociology: The Divine Imprint 8. Unio Mystica: Am I Alone? 9. The State: Whose Law? 10. The American Experiment: Stepping Stones 11. Labor: Created to Create 12. Community & Involvement: God Cares, Do I?

The Study Guide refers to scripture used in each chapter and taken from the Holy Bible, NIV. I am a better man, a better citizen, a better family man, and a better Christian at the completion of this project. I apply the lessons learned to crises that befall me and I recognize, in others, the need for comfort found only in The Truth. 

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth (Goodreads Author), Emma Galvin (Reading)

4 of 5 stars  ****

Insurgent, second in a dystopian trilogy, finds Tris in love, orphaned, and dangerous. This sci-fi fantasy thriller is fast paced and holds one's attention during the make-shift world's collapse. Revolution and realigned allegiances create the mystery as to how Divergents fit into the disrupted world of a once ordered domain. The qualities of human nature blend during the insurgency for survival and discovery of the truth. Author, Veronica Roth, refuses to spare the heart of gripping emotions as family, friends, and lovers sacrifice themselves for their quest of being a free society that is not dominated by one faction or another. In the end, trust is suspect and hope hangs on a prayer while the unexpected revelation leaves the remaining inhabitants stunned before they roar.