4 out of 5 stars ****
Writings from an acclaimed teacher and author, Jordan B. Peterson, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, is written from answers he gives to an internet site that encourages discussion on various topics. His responses are so popular and relative that he decides to write a book about them.
This book explores how people interact and why they are harmonious or at odds. He refers to people's belief systems, their life codes, by which they rate others. Peterson explains, in depth, 12 rules that can create order in chaos. His purpose is to provide an approach to life's dilemmas that create meaning and limit strife. A life with meaningful purpose can overcome most obstacles.
"Stand up straight with your shoulders back," is Rule One; Rule Two, "Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping; ...Make friends with people who want the best for you," is Rule Three; Rule Four, "Compare yourself to who you were yesterday;" Rule Five, "Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them;" Rule Six, "Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world;" Rule Seven, "Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient; ...Tell the truth or, at least, don't lie," is Rule Eight; Rule Nine, "Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don't;" Rule Ten, "Be precise in your speech;" Rule Eleven, "Do not bother children when they are skateboarding;" and Rule Twelve, "Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street, dogs are okay, too."
The above twelve rules encompass the wisdom of great authors in literature and theology as well as Jordan Peterson's genius in using their observations to contribute to each chapter. The encouragement and joy that is the experience of life roots itself in order and clears the smoke of chaos.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This weekly bible study, 2 Samuel, is about David, the man who is after God's heart. The life of David from little shepherd boy whose faith in God gives him the courage to face Goliath, the giant Philistine champion, to King David, the older man whose past sins cause death and turmoil in the King's household. The study exposes this biblical hero as a man fraught with flaws just as all mankind has. The marked difference in David from most men is his genuine sincerity with repentance once he realizes his sin. The lesson taught through David's life is that all sin must exact a cost; so all calamities and tragedies are not necessarily shaping tools in God's hands; they can be repercussions from past sins, as well. Also, the need for God, His Holy Spirit, and His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, are essential for justification of our sins and salvation for eternal life once this mortal one ends.
5 out of 5 stars *****
A brief background about Andrew Jackson's beginnings and his perseverance in most difficult situations preludes the Battle of New Orleans. This city is crucial for control of the territory west of the Mississippi River and the wealth such a port provides via trade from Northern and Midwestern regions in North America. If the British capture the city, America could easily collapse as a new country. The British destruction of Washington D.C. scatters the United States government into survival mode. Recent military victories at Fort Henry and Pensacola bolster US spirits but the battles are without reinforcements from a centralized government and a Secretary of War, James Monroe, who recently adds that hat to his Secretary of State collection, an onus he accepts from President Madison due to the casualties of war.
The author narrates this well-written account with excitement and energy. Brian Kilmeade provides readers with his passion for the subject. He acquaints his audience with the characteristics that set Andrew Jackson apart from most of his contemporaries.
The Battle of New Orleans showcases Jackson's talent as a tactician, leader, and inspiration to those who follow and fight with him. The man makes enemies as easily as he makes decisions and he is a decisive individual who assesses men, animals, terrain, and his enemy better than most. Kilmeade describes the genius behind events, how outnumbered and over-matched people come together to repulse the mighty British Navy and sophisticated, seasoned soldiers in the climax. This historical turning point in America's story exists because of a sense of duty and drive of one man, General Andrew Jackson.
4 out of 5 stars ****
A nineteenth century dying man dreams about being transposed into thirteenth century England, Camelot, where he uses his Yankee wit and ingenuity to survive. He encounters knights, noblemen, peasants and wizards. He not only survives, he rises to a rank that makes him a feared opponent throughout England and a prosperous friend and adviser to the King. He gives himself the title, The Boss. Humor keeps the story moving along as The Boss anticipates and plans maneuvers to stay one step ahead of his dazzled subjects. Merlin the magician, once bested, is a major protagonist in the plot because of his lost prestige.
Mark Twain writes this story using the Old English vernacular for the simple folk and the pompous Royal King's English for King Arthur's Court. Twain masters the dialect appropriate for each character spoken expertly by narrator, Nick Offerman. The author's use of this historical fantasy setting and an epic tale of chivalry breathes life into his own story that applies future principles to yesteryear's issues. Twain leaves his mark on Camelot as only he can.
5 out of 5 stars *****
A joy encounter with greatness, I learn about the athletics, friendly temperament, and magnetic pull of the horse with a misspelled name, American Pharoah. Everyone who cares for this Triple Crown Winner falls in love with his personality and grace. Birther, trainer, rider, and owner are characters who reveal magnificence when they describe the journey of the foal, colt, pony, horse. Bob Baffert, the trainer, tells how easy his favorite horse makes winning.
Baffert is modest in giving the horse all the credit even though he claims American Pharoah is built for speed and hardly needs any prodding to kick into high gear. The trainer discovers early on that this horse becomes unsettled by loud noise and disruption in his normal routine. Baffert puts earplugs in the young horse's ears for a while while training him and American Pharoah overcomes the impediment that would make him inconsistent and prone to injury by being overwrought.
The colorful world of the oldest sport in America unfolds in this book with its accounts of the big money, international players, and bigger-than-life personalities unafraid to show their emotions for the people and animals that become significant parts of their lives. A deep appreciation for the work ethic, devotion, and humanity that goes into horse racing is with what I come away.
I finish this book the day after Bob Baffert accomplishes the feat that eludes him by a nose more than once, once more. Another Baffert trained horse, Justify, wins the Triple Crown for 2018. I, now, feel part of his story thanks to Joe Drape's professional, engaging abilities as an author and Aaron Abano's excellent narration.
5 out of 5 stars *****
The best qualities in men are shaped by the suffering and trials they overcome on their path of maturation. God's will is not always man's because free will allows choices based on desires within this world where mankind is mortal flesh. To be a man who inspires others but, more importantly, praises God, requires selflessness to serve and complete surrender to trust in God.
Patrick Morley uses ten men in the bible to demonstrate how God makes men according to His will and not their own which tries to make God a servant to their desires. Thought-provoking questions follow each chapter. They arouse insight and introspection within the reader. Accounts of divine intervention reveals Abraham's faith, Joseph's perseverance, Moses' humility, Gideon's courage, David's heart, Solomon's wisdom, Nehemiah's zeal, Job's integrity, Peter's boldness, and Paul's passion. This book aligns man's efforts to the will of God for His glory and man's well being.
5 out of 5 stars *****
This Audiobook is a pleasure because of its subject and enthusiasm of the author in his presentation. Drout's understanding of Tolkien from his personal perspective captivates an audience in this scholastic effort to explain the genius behind Western literature's most widely read author. This student's appreciation of the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and the Silmarillion is greater and fresher in my mind now that I finish this class by a real Tolkien fan, Michael D.C. Drout.
