Killing Jesus: A History by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard

5 of 5 stars  *****

An honest book about the life of Jesus, the Nazarene, and his impression made during his day and ever since. The book is so compelling because it is not trying to prove the divinity of Christ nor is it trying to disprove it. The painstaking efforts of author, Bill O'Reilly, and co-author, Martin Dugard, craft an excellent read based on corroborated evidence from historians of the day, Roman, Greek, and Jewish as well as the NIV Bible. Accounts written by these sources cover the life and predictions of the life of Jesus. The authors point out that there is not a man who, without an organization behind him, has influenced the world, with his message of love, as much as Jesus.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Goodreads Author), Allan Corduner (Narrator)

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Catapult back in time to Nazi Germany and experience life through Death's eyes and how a little girl copes through it all. The writing is superb. The narration is wonderful. Enjoy how durable the human spirit is in the face of death at any moment. Discover how words become soothing comfort for the soul. The Book Thief takes one through a grievous time of antisemitism, hate, and despair when families are torn apart and possessions are scarce. Through it all, a young girl is saved by her compulsion for books which starts before she knows how to read. The relationships she shares are deep and profound. She becomes orphaned early in the story and her foster parents provide for her bodily needs while her books take care of her spiritual needs. The reader cannot help but feel each genuine bond she forms as she establishes a new life. Loss is not done with her, however, and new growth occurs out of its reemergence. Miraculously, reading saves her life more than once in this incredible story which she eventually writes.

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent, Sonja Burpo, Colton Burpo, Dean Gallagher (Narrator)

5 of 5 stars  *****

Profound book that tests one's faith as a four year-old boy's recall of heaven tests his parent's. The contemporary setting with trials that society places on a struggling family make this story, based on a true account of events, pertinent to everybody who reads or listens to Todd Burpo's rendition. This listener particularly liked the poignant revelations that occur through the little boy's eyes. The message of kindness, understanding, and love permeate the characters via this child's memory of events and the people he meets during an operation that almost cost him his life, and another vision, while at home, when he met a sister he never knew he had. A word to describe the extraordinary events that occur throughout the book is miraculous. The uncanny ending leaves this audience a believer, one touched by the words that convey divine intervention in the telling of this heart-warming story.

Power to the People by Laura Ingraham

4 of 5 stars  ****

An enjoyable, informative perspective about America and how it is changing within our lifetime. Laura Ingraham is a Conservative Christian who views the changes as red flags in the areas of family and faith. Power to the People also warns her audience about the loss of people's power that trends toward a loss of liberty, the quality that defines America. Laura's strong Christian faith is evident as she tells about its emergence during trying times in her life, the death of her mother and Laura's bout with cancer. She concludes that the people's power is not "of" the people but "to" the people, suggesting it is given by the grace of the only power, God.

The Anatomist's Apprentice (Dr. Thomas Silkstone #1) by Tessa Harris (Goodreads Author), Simon Vance (Goodreads Author) (Narrator)

5 of 5 stars  *****

A most enjoyable historical fiction that captures English lifestyle and colloquialism circa mid to late 1800s. The intrigue begins with an investigation into the death of a prominent, surly figure by young, bright Dr Silkstone, an American. The host of characters who have motive create background profiles in subjective thought and public opinion. Dr Silkstone offers objective, scientific data that is new to medicine for this time. Twists in the plot reveal ulterior designs by those who have a special interest in the the investigation's findings. Simon Vance narrates the artful writing of Tessa Harris in a superb fashion worthy of award-winning theatrics. The scenes and interactions between characters use the articulate brush of Tessa's words and colorful shades of emotion, atmosphere, and intention that Simon paints through his expression. The reader is never bored throughout this audio rendition of a mystery that entertains and educates.(less)

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Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide: Ezekiel, Daniel:Faith Under Fire by R. Kelvin Moore (Editor- David Briscoe)

5 of 5 stars  *****

A clear explanation and study of a difficult section of the Bible. The study involves the great stories and prophesies of Ezekiel and Daniel. The story is one of existing with faith during trying times of defeat and exile. The prophecy ranges from the near future to the end of days. The discussion reaffirms that no one, except God, knows when the end of days becomes reality. Many times throughout history, man has read this section of the Bible and predicted the coming of Jesus Christ based on the prophets descriptions and events of the day. Perseverance and faith in the Lord is the theme so one is ready when that time arrives.

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

5 of 5 stars  *****

The second of the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, is every bit as exciting and intriguing as the first novel. As the first sets the stage for the rules of the game and the disparity in society, the second book reveals how the rules change in a struggle to maintain the social status quo. The author, Suzanne Collins, captures the humanity in the quest to stay alive while forming bonds of personal and patriotic love between combatants. This inspires the poor. Hope emerges, much to the dismay of the power that is privy to all the secrets of the poor. The classic battle between Good and Evil ensues as the poor define the true enemy opening the door for the third novel in this trilogy, Mockingjay.