5 out of 5 stars *****
| Another month of influential scripture and comments from a scholarly Christian, Dr. Charles Stanley. February's devotional reminds me how important my relationship is with God, His Holy Spirit, and my Lord, Jesus Christ. This issue also reveals how my faith displays in my confessions, repentance, and renewed behavior. The In Touch series is the guardrail on the slipper slopes I encounter. |
A book that uses objectivity with just a hint of human frailty to describe the divide in America, especially on college campuses and the last two generations known as Millennials and the "I" Generation - Millennials approximate mid 1990's to 2005, "I" generation refers to "internet" generation from 2005 to present. The psychology of coping effectively utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to combat untruths and subsequent maladies that accompany detrimental thinking patterns an individual may harbor. The pursuit of truth is in the remedy and demands a thicker skin and more personal responsibility. Honest debate promotes freedom of speech and the right to assemble. This book cites today's trends that indicate a healthy approach to teaching young adults is neglected for a more indoctrinating way to sway impressionable minds to a certain mindset. That trend gives birth to "cancel culture." Lukianoff and Haidt do not point at one particular party or another but try to remain neutral. Their observations are fascinating as some drawn conclusions may be subject to personal politics and worldview. This work is important and significant in recognizing the red flags current trends raise. The logic is sound in the science while scholarly opinion still rests in the realm of human imperfection.
A book that amuses with stats and stories about songs, albums, and artists who may not be household names throughout the world. Many of the artists continue to be influential in the music industry, today, in addition to their contributions which author, Bill O'Neill, refers in Rock Trivia Madness. The most prominent feature of the book is how the 60's through the 90's creates new genres that eventually fuse into descriptive styles. One can add songs and artists to playlists enriching the variety and quality to their collection. It is wonderful when a book adds something pleasing and exciting to one's life that would otherwise be absent.
A jaunt through space and time with cryogenics and logical human ingenuity. Taylor writes an exciting tale of one mission bound by duty to save as many Earthlings as possible before the sun engulfs the solar system. Best efforts fall short of expectations and hard decisions must be made. Mankind's survival depends upon it. A Change in Plans demonstrates the need for both law and order while thinking freely to bend the restraints of rules and regulations for the sake of human existence.
A coherent explanation of events that precede and follow the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States, the democrats' campaign and efforts to assure that outcome, and the woke Far Left direction they are trying to impose on America. The author backs his findings with historical accounts, polls, graphs, and charts in the back of the book. Gingrich sees America's future challenges being met by the private sector, the American people, rather than more government legislation that hinders the growth of ideas and over-regulates freedom. The sharp contrast between the Trump and Biden administrations poignantly display the counter productivity of this current regime from the prosperous, energetic strength that Trump conveys. International powers are emboldened with Biden in office because of his withdrawal from Afghanistan which resembles surrender. Broken promises and a lack of transparency are also major factors that separate Biden's presidency from Trump's. Newt Gingrich is optimistic about America in this book even though he stresses the seriousness of the Progressive agenda to turn America into an apologetic, weaker power who accepts dependency on government to meet people's needs and dependency on foreign countries for natural resources, like oil and natural gas. He quotes Ronald Reagan's motto that capture's the American spirit, "You ain't seen nothing, yet."
