Book Description
Words of wisdom, hope, humor, and strength from those who have been tested by fire and maintained their faith.
The first book of its kind, Grace Under Fire is an inspiring and spiritual collection of letters and e-mails by U.S. troops and their families from the American Revolution through the War on Terrorism.
Andrew Carroll, editor of the bestselling War Letters, went through his massive archive of seventy-five-thousand previously unpublished wartime correspondence to pick out the most intimate, dramatic, historic, and insightful letters and e-mails ever written about God, religion, and spirituality. The fifty best of these are featured in this incredible book, and they emphasize how extremely important faith has been, and continues to be, in the lives of U.S. troops and their families.
What is especially remarkable about Grace Under Fire is the sheer diversity of the collection, which includes several extraordinary letters by two brothers who fought on opposing sides of the Civil War; a prophetic letter by Rabbi David Goode, one of the famed Immortal Chaplains who gave his life for his fellow soldiers; a lighthearted letter by a World War II nurse who met the Pope; and a profound and impassioned reply to the timeless question, “Where is God in wartime?” by a doctor serving in Iraq.
Warfare can reveal the worst in human nature, but it can also bring out the best, and these correspondences are a testament to the heroism, compassion, grace, intelligence, and inherent goodness of American troops and their families. And although the letters and e-mails featured in this book were written in times of armed conflict, they transcend the subject of war. They are about determination, hope, patriotism, fighting for something greater than one’s self, and, of course, the enduring value of faith. Regardless of whether we have served in the military or not, we can all find inspiration and courage in these powerful and insightful words.
Customer Reviews:
BRILLIANT...SIMPLY BRILLIANT!!!.......2007-06-17
Grace Under Fire is BRILLIANT...simply BRILLIANT!
It is overwhelmingly touching, powerful and inspiring and any one of these letters will pierce your heart. I was profoundly moved by the e-mail written by the late David Bloom.
Through these letters of faith in GRACE UNDER FIRE, Andrew Carroll gives us a glimpse of our service men and women and their families; we read about what they had...what they never lost...and what it means to "have faith", feel its power, how it has changed them or how they have reconnected with their faith.
GRACE UNDER FIRE is no ordinary book--this is another literary treasure from Andrew Carroll; this is the book you hand deliver and say "You must read this."
Beautiful Sensitive Window on Faith .......2007-06-08
The threads of faith are smoothly woven by soldiers from the Revolutionary war through our current conflicts. Their personal letters written to loved ones are sensitive and plain spoken in the face of the terror of their war. Bravo to Andy Carroll for sharing these personal reflections. I found this book very inspiring!
Loved it..........2007-06-07
I loved this book. We have been sending copies to our Troops as a community project in care packages and their feedback is terrific, they love it! As w/all of Mr. Carroll's work it brings the true and authentic stories home with what our men, women, and families experience while at war. One of the nicest things about this book is the elegance and quality, it simply feels good in your hands. I have given this book out already to civilians numerous times as gifts. I appreciated reading about the spiritual aspect and how faith does bring hope and encouragement during times of struggle, loneliness, and pain.
The real stories from the lines.......2007-06-07
I thoroughly have enjoyed this book and have read it several times. I have used it several times as guided discussions in a classroom setting. I felt it an important part of our front line stories that I got copies for the chaplains on base. I have actually gone back and gotten some of Andrews earlier books and have come to realize that warfare itself has changed, the verbage we use has changed but the feelings and emotions are still the same.
First, Second and Third impressions of the book.......2007-06-07
This is an outstanding book that I've read many times and shared with numerous friends of faith. The book, the works behind it, and the multiple intents for it are worthy of as much praise as can be heaped upon it. It's written for everyone: the common person who's never been to war, those have been or are in the thick of things overseas and especially the families of those who serve. It's a way to understand others thoughts and feelings as well as your own if you're in those circumstances.
Andrew Carroll has faith and a heart that is bigger than Texas in his desire to help others in their times of need to understand things bigger than themselves. This is one of his works in that human endeavor to make life better for others. A humanitarian award should be given to him for his desire to make life a little easier or better for others and to help others share their feelings over such harsh and emotional issues in life.
This is a must read for anyone concerned about war and the feelings that it invokes in service members, their families and even their friends. Read it for yourself and then share with others whom you know.
Average customer rating:
- Calculations are only as good as your numbers
- Pants on fire?
- Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
- Very Interesting
- History as Science Fiction
|
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
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Similar Items:
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History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
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History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
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They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies
ASIN: 2913621058 |
Book Description
Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.
Customer Reviews:
Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03
Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.
Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19
Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09
There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.
For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.
Very Interesting.......2007-03-07
It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.
History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10
Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.
I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.
Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.
Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.
I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.
This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Average customer rating:
- A very solid series that keeps expanding even after 6 books.
- excellent
- Books are excellent
- 5 stars for TotW--3 stars for SotF--and 5 stars for FotF
- Awesome once again
|
The Sword of Truth Box Set, Books 4-6: Temple of the Winds; Soul of the Fire; Faith of the Fallen
Terry Goodkind
Manufacturer: Tor Books
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ASIN: 0765344947
Release Date: 2002-08-29 |
Book Description
The Box Set includes: Temple of the Winds Soul of the Fire Faith of the FallenBook 4: Temple of the Winds On the red moon will come the firestorm....Wielding the Sword of Truth, Richard Rahl has battled death itself and come to the defense of the D'Haran people. But now the power-mad Emperor Jagang confronts Richard with a swift and inexorable foe: a mystical plague cutting a deadly swath across the land and slaying thousands of innocent victims.To quench the inferno, he must seek remedy in the wind....To fight it Richard and his beloved Kahlan Amnell will risk everything to uncover the source of the terrible plague-the magic sealed away for three millennia in the Temple of the Winds.Lightning will find him on that path....But when prophecy throws the shadow of betrayal across their mission and threatens to destroy them, Richard must accept the Truth and find a way to pay the price the winds demand....or he and his world will perish. Book 5: Soul of the Fire Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Temple of the WindsRichard Rahl has traveled far from his roots as a simple woods guide. Emperor of the D'Haran Empire, war wizard, the Seeker of Truth--none of these roles mean as much to him as his newest: husband to his beloved Kahlan Amnell, Mother Confessor of the Midlands.But their wedding day is the key that unlocks a spell sealed away long ago in a faraway country. Now a deadly power pours forth that threatens to turn the world into a lifeless waste. Separated from the Sword of Truth and stripped of their magic, Richard and Kahlan must journey across the Midlands to discover a dark secret from the past and a trap that could tear them apart forever. For their fate has become inextricably entwined with that of the Midlands--and there's no place so dangerous as a world without magic....Book 6: Faith of the Fallen Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Soul of the FireTerry Goodkind author of the enormously popular Sword of Truth novels, has forged perhaps his best novel yet, pitting Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell against threats to the freedom of the world that will take them to opposite ends of the world to defeat the forces of chaos and anarchy.Emperor Jagang is rising once again in the Old World and Richard must face him, on his own turf. Richard heads into the Old World with Cara, the Mord-Sith, while his beloved Kahlan remains behind. Unwilling to heed an ancient prophecy, Kahlan raises an army and goes into battle against forces threatening armed insurrection in the Midlands.Separated and fighting for their lives, Richard and Kahlan will be tested to the utmost.
Customer Reviews:
A very solid series that keeps expanding even after 6 books........2007-08-09
I was given bookset 1-3 as a gift, but bought 4-6 myself. I can definitely tell that Goodkind has grown as a writer since the first book. Unlike other fantasy series I've read, Goodkind's world keeps growing even at the 6th book -- which makes sense. As Richard's view of the world grows, so does the reader's. I consumed these three books, finishing them in 3 days once settled down to it. I was warned by one of my liberal friends that the hints of libertarianism in the first three books explodes in the later books, and it's safe to say that he wasn't lying. But that's OK with me. I'm glad to finally read a fiction book that actually teaches a worthwhile lesson.
The one problem I have with these books is that they are entirely too repetitive. I found myself skipping just about every third paragraph because it was a paragraph devoted to summary of what has already happened. I realize this is common to every sequel, but in my opinion Goodkind takes it to extremes.
excellent.......2007-02-01
Terry Goodkind has captured the imagination. His sequel books are hard to put down. They should be made into a movie or series on television.
Books are excellent.......2007-01-10
Books are in excellent condition, received on time. Have read two of the books and can't wait to continue the next one.
5 stars for TotW--3 stars for SotF--and 5 stars for FotF.......2006-10-20
I believe that judging this series as a whole will favorably argue that Goodkind is every bit the equal to Tolkien -- even though Terry Goodkind himself would probably balk at such a comparison. I have it on good authority a very large chunk of Sword of Truth fans are not even typical Fantasy readers in general (or at all). The social & political upheaval that is covered within the entire storyline is truly epic in scope. The first three books (Wizards First Rule, Stone of Tears & Blood of the Fold) are easily my all-time favorite Fantasy novels. Not an easy place to be in my opinion writing in the shadows of Terry Brooks, J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin and the mighty Tolkien (to name a few). While I believe books 1 & 2 are STILL the best, in this boxed set, two remarkable stories stand out.
First...Temple of the Winds is simply AWESOME. While after initially finishing Blood of the Fold I was slightly disappointed, after re-reading it several years later, I decided that it was actually very good...but Temple of the Winds surpasses it in every way (IMHO). The struggles against Emperor Jagang and his evil plots to conquer the world as he sees it is amazing. Just the very idea of the Temple I found to be incredibly original all the way around. The eventual outcome and how Richard had to lower himself in order to save his people -- and his beloved Kahlan -- was nothing short of compelling.
Second...Soul of the Fire was my first (and only) serious disappointment in this entire series to date. While I wasn't very pleased with 'Pillars of Creation' and how Goodkind totally changed gears on his faithful readers by shuffling his main characters into microscopic roles (they only appeared in the final 40 pages or so), in SotF he did a very similar act. He created the brand new city of Anderith and immersed us head-first into this entirely new plot-line and kept Richard & Kahlan to nearly secondary characters altogether. Even though Pillars almost eliminated Richard & Kahlan, I STILL found the overall storyline to be quite entertaining...but with SotF it just fell flat for me. At least half of the novel kept me interested, but every time we went back to the problems in Anderith, MY interest virtually died.
Third...Faith of the Fallen really IS long on commentary by Richard, almost as though he were running for office. What I found to be utterly compelling however is that to the people Richard is virtually preaching to, what he is saying actually FITS 100%. The worth of souls ARE great, and Richard sees this, and has this monumental struggle to prove it to those in bondage to the Order. The pacifists of this world will never really fully understand what this means, because they are so busy trying to iron over any so-called problems and shelter their families from the real-world consequences that almost ALWAYS happen when you take a back seat to the oppression that threatens to consume the world as we know it. In short, I loved this book. If you put aside your political beliefs, and the outright incorrect way in which many attempt to connect FotF to Atlas Shrugged, LOOK at the situation that Richard finds himself forcibly immersed into...how ELSE can he express himself and talk sense into those who passively sit by while the evil-doers of the Order slaughter innocent lives all in the name of the Maker? Goodkind got it totally right here and I wouldn't change a word.
All in all I would rate the series 5-stars.
Wizards First Rule 5 Stars
Stone of Tears 5 Stars
Blood of the Fold 5 Stars
Temple of the Wind 5 Stars
Soul of the Fire 3 Stars
Faith of the Fallen 5 Stars
Pillars of Creation 4 Stars
Naked Empire 5 Stars
Chainfire 5 Stars
Phantom 5 Stars
I just wish that Terry could write faster...but if it in any way compromised the quality of the stories, I am perfectly happy waiting however long it takes to read whatever he writes.
Awesome once again.......2006-10-02
These three books cover so much information that is essential to the story of Kahlan and Richard. My favorite of the three is Faith of the Fallen. One thing that a lot of people do not like about these books is the very heavy political undertones that Terry Goodkind displays. I happen to love the long monologues about the worth of an individual. Faith of the Fallen has many such monologues, but still moves a very quick pace. Would recommend these books to anyone who loves a great fantasy series.
Book Description
Imagine you're a young boy—maybe as young as three or four—separated from your family by civil war, traversing deserts and mountains with little food or water, no medical care, and no protection from wild animals. Imagine watching hundreds of boys perish around you from hunger, disease, or attacks by enemy soldiers and wild animals. To most of us, it is unimaginable, but this was reality for "The Lost Boys of Sudan," thousands of young boys who were separated from their families and forced to walk approximately 1,000 miles to reach safe refuge from war and certain death.
For the first time, this award winning book offers readers a chronological timeline of the epic journey taken by these children, beginning in their rural villages of Southern Sudan and ending with their arrival as young men to the United States. Narrated through the voice of Joan Hecht, one of their American mentors, whom they lovingly call "mom" or "Mama Joan;" "The Journey of the Lost Boys" is a compelling story of courage, faith and the sheer determination to survive by a group of young orphaned boys. Because of Joan Hecht's personal relationship with them, she is able to portray their story in a way that most famous reporters and authors cannot. In addition to her extensive research of the political and historical events surrounding the long lasting civil war in Sudan, are the heart-rending personal stories and original drawings of the boys themselves. A must read for anyone interested in the the true story of the Lost Boys of Sudan!
Customer Reviews:
The tragedy of the children of Sudan.......2007-03-31
I can only summarize my comment about this book in a few words. The author Joan Hecht did a wonderful task in narrating the frightening and heartbreaking experience of the thousands of lost boys of the Sudan,Africa's largest country. Their dangerous journey involving thousands of miles in a very hostile landscape is incredible. The author's very kind heart,sincere consideration and admiration for these children is worth more than all the gold of the world. Very highly recommended for young and old.
Learning about Sudan? START HERE.......2006-10-15
This is the book you need to read if you are unfamiliar with the background of the issues in Sudan, the Lost Boys, and the issues faced by refugees who come to America. Ms. Hecht might not be an " academic", but she is the person with an enormous amount of first hand information on these subjects, and she breaks it down into managable pieces. Even if you are knowledgable on these subjects, this book is still useful as a clarifying tool. Ms. Hecht is also very committed, and that comes through on every page.
OUTSTANDING BOOK .......2006-08-11
Readers of this book will be touched by the stories of these incredible young men, who, at an early age, were separated from their parents and families. The atrocities witnessed by the boys are unspeakable. The author has provided the readers with stories that make those who have lived a life without fear take a new appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States.
A good term paper.......2006-07-26
The endless conflict in Sudan is another calamity that the press should have been bombarding us with daily for years. A tragedy of such dimensions should torment our collective conscience. This is exactly why it deserves a better telling than Ms. Hecht is able to offer us. The writing is amateurish and the text cries out for the editing it appears not to have been subjected to. Easy streamlining and the correction of some grammatical errors would make the book more readable and more powerful. Ms. Hecht's devotion to the cause of the Lost Boys is clearly sincere and praiseworthy, however, and she does deserve thanks for contributing to making us aware of the atrocities that go on in the world while we turn the other way.
An accurate, heartfelt and well-written account.......2006-06-28
Joan Hecht's "Journey" is in this reviewer's opinion the most interesting and accurate book available on the topic of the Lost Boys. As a former foster father to one of the lost boys and a fellow author and researcher, I recommend the book without hesitation. It presents an extraordinarily complicated situation in a manner that is comprehensible, fascinating and accurate. It gives the reader a true sense of the horror, courage and hope that has gripped a generation of young Sudanese men.
For its rare photos, clear and organized presentation and sincere prose, I highly recommend this informative and inspiring book and thank the author for her outstanding efforts.
Book Description
"How do we deal with the pitfalls of life?" How do we deal with the experiences we all have of emotional, physical, and spiritual heights and depths? Bob Reccord presents Joseph of the Old Testament as the exemplary model. Forged by Fire uses the metaphor of a blacksmith's fire and anvil to teach us how experiences and circumstances mold us into the image of one who can be used by God. We may not always understand, but like Joseph, we need only to trust in our understanding of God's faithfulness and his sovereign grace.
Customer Reviews:
In The Dreadful Eyes of Burning Fire.......2007-02-01
The book Forged By Fire is about a boy and his little sister conquering and surviving fears with their family. After Gerald's Aunt died, he has been forced to move in with his mother, his little sister, and his mother's boyfriend, Jordan. While Gerald is there, he has to deal with Jordan abusing his family. Angel is also being sexual assaulted by Jordan. Jordan is than sent to jail. The question is is will Jordan get out of jail and come after Gerald's mother,his sister Angel, or even him? And/or will Gerald be able to provide for his sister more, since they are the only one's that have each other in life since their mother is an addict. I have to rate this book a four star because the story is a realistic fiction book, and children around the world go through things like this everyday. I recommend this book to anymore who is looking for a good book to read or wants to read a book dealing with real life situations.
Forged by Fire.......2006-12-21
Forged by Fire is a moving book that will make your emotions run through out your body. The book is a magnificent book that is a fictional drama written by Sharon M. Draper. It is about a young boy, named Gerald, whose like is like a nightmare when a fire occurs in the house. The fire changed his life for the better and he was able to live with his considerate Aunt Queen, who took great care of him through out his 6 years of living with her. But when his mom comes back after being in jail for several years, everything goes down hill and it gets worse when Aunt Queen unexpectedly dies. The mom ends up having to take in Gerald and he quickly learns he must protect his little sister, Angel, from their abusive stepfather, which they all secretly fear. However, to get the courage to do something about the pain and suffering might be the hardest challenge yet to come.
Forged by fire is a book that shows the strength and love people have for one another and the bravery one might have to risk for someone. This book has sequels. Tears of a Tiger and Darkness Before Dawn continue this thrilling story after the first book shuts. If you are the type that enjoys books that make you cry, laugh, and smile, then this is the book that you should be recommended to read, in hopes you will feel the same emotions others did.
Forged By Fire.......2006-12-21
Gerald goes through his life in a very suspense and dramatic atmosphere. He lived with his mom until he was three and was hurt in a fire. His mom, a drug addict, was taken away. Many years later after living with his aunt, his mom came back on his birthday with a man and a new child, by the name of Angel. A dramatic scene occurs, which forces Gerald to move in with his mom. His mom, Monique, had a boyfriend that didn't treat them nice at all. He treated Gerald's young, skinny, but beautiful sister in the cruelest ways possible. Their stepfather is as hurtful as a fire in a forest.
When Gerald was finally settled with basketball, another horrifying problem occurred. I got so into the book during this interesting, but extremely emotional ending. I loved the description and I could tell the Author really caught my attention to this book.
Read this suspenseful book, it will blow your mind away! It made me want to never stop flipping the pages. This is an amazing book for anyone, talking about a teenagers struggle threw life. After reading this book, you can read the rest of the series to figure out how there life went. This Sharon M. Draper novel is only $5.99. This book was published in 1997 by Simon Pulse. Read all of the fascinating Hazelwood Books: Tears of a Tiger, and Darkness Before Dawn.
Forged By Fire.......2006-12-21
How much are kids suppose to go through? Well young Gerald has a tuff life as a child. He goes through countless hardships and dangers many kids do not experience that early on in life. When his caring aunt dies, he is forced to live with his drug addicted mom and his new step dad, Jordan. While he was living with his loving aunt for nine years, several things happened he did not know about, his mom remarried and had a baby, named Angel. Gerald figured out what was most important while living with his mom, new dad, and new sister. After going through many painful and emotional months of abuse, Gerald decided that something had to be done. Will Gerald be able to stop his abusing stepfather for the last time? Or will he keep living through abuse, hatred, and betrayal?
I tremendously recommend this book to any person who wants to learn how to deal with death, love, and life. Forged by Fire gives a detailed explanation of what some teenagers go through and how the deal with it. To Gerald, life is like a nightmare that he has been trapped in. What made this book great was the love, hurt, and friendship that is scattered throughout the book. Even though the book has immense emotion, it at the same time shows what we, as humans, do in time of need.
Forged By Fire.......2006-12-21
Forged by Fire is a book written by Sharon Diaper and is very touching. When Gerald was six, his warm loving aunt died. He is sent to a home where his brutal step dad abuses and molests him and his sister, Angel, and their mom does drugs. When Gerald finds Angel crying with her dad touching her, in bad places, he turns to someone he can trust, Mr. Washington. Jordan is put on trial and is found guilty for abuse and for molestation. However, that is not where it ends.
When Jordan comes back, Angle and Gerald are a lot older. Jordan says he has changed, but they don't believe him. Jordan once again, starts to beat them.
A few weeks later Angel is home alone, Gerald is on his way back from school. Angle is making some hot dogs then walks in the drunken Jordan, screaming furiously. He screams he wants to play some "games", but she pleads no. While this is happening, Gerald is sprinting up the stairs because their apartment is in flames. Gerald finds them and tells them to get out of the apartment, but Jordan doesn't get out. He tries to swing at Gerald. Gerald leg gets broken and Jordan tries to get out. He falls right before the door, dead and Gerald and Angle trip over him. They land in the hallway and the firefighters find them.
Forged by Fire is like a car crash, you don't know if you're going to live.
Customer Reviews:
James Billington's classic from our time.......2006-05-21
This is one of the great history books of our time.
Billington provides a comprehensive account of the revolutionary obsession from the 18th until the 20th century. He examines in particular national and socialist revolution and the cast of sometimes bizarre characters, cults and conspiracies that peppered these movements.
Beautifully written, it is a joy to read. Billington treats his subject matter with empathy but is by no means a revolutionist himself.
Gibbon's "Decline aand Fall of the Roman Empire" is still being read today more than three centuries after it was penned. Billington's book will be a must read centuries from now too.
INSIDERS' VIEW!.......2006-05-18
This is another MUST read for ALL AMERICANS or any serious minded student of history,professional or not.Mr.Billington,who I believe is still head of the Library of Congress(though he MAY have recently retired)was appointted,to that position by Reagan, explores the role secret societies have played in revolutionary movements since the time of the AMERICAN/FRENCH revolution to the RUSSIAN revolution.It MAY change your view on "How the World Really Works.I stole that lasy phrase from the late Mr.Wanniski-a conservative.
Salutari Illuminati.......2003-02-04
Noone has mentioned the cousin to this book which is Carrol Quigly's "Tragedy and Hope". Dr Quigly went to Harvard and taught at Georgetown where he, according to Clinton in his inaugual address, became the mentor to future president Bill Clinton. Please read my review of Quigly's work where I reveal a third book that is just as essential as Billingtons and Quiglys...and that throws a curve even at the most well read and learned!
The firey embers of the Revolutionary Faith still haunt us.........2002-12-30
~Fire in the Minds of Men: Origins of the Revolutionary Faith~ is an intriguing intellectual history that traces the developments of the so called revolutionary faith. The tumultuous upheavals and violent revolutions of the twentieth century were spawned by revolutionary ideologies fomented in the nineteenth century. These secular ideologies became full-fledged secular surrogates for religious belief and likewise sought the overthrow of traditional authority whether political or religious with the subsequent creation of a new order. The contagious revolutionary fervor of the French Revolution, which was wrought from 1789 to 1791, had its origin in the utopian Rousseau and German Romanticism. Billington'a sweeping narrative begins amidst this fervor, which beset the eighteenth century.
Billington astutely observes that a flame of idealistic German Romanticism kindled the flames of the early revolutions. Groups like the Illuminati** (yes it did exist) led by the idealistic Adam Weishaupt clung to a Rousseauian vision of leading all humanity to moral perfection free from the trappings of all established political and religious authority. This group and other revolutionary secular sects sought to emulate the hierarchy and organization of the Jesuits. The Illuminati and its related groups were the revolutionaries who sought to bring about an end to the old order and liberate humanity into a blissful universal utopia of liberty, equality and fraternity. Billington interestingly devotes a full chapter on the occult organization of the early revolutionaries, which continued to inspire their latter day progeny. The new secular revolutionary of the time was enamored in occultic symbols, numerology, abstractions and rituals. Billington traces the developments of the revolutionary faith, which was consummated in the Revolution of 1789, throughout the nineteenth century.
Despite, various incarnations of revolutionary ideologies from anarchism to romantic utopian socialism to scientific socialism to syndicalism, a basic schism emerged in the revolutionary faith. Many of these ideologies didn't whither away, but rather metamorphisized and fused with one another. This schism played itself out in the ideological struggle between followers of Marx and Proudhon. Billington elaborates on this schism, and distinguishes between those who believed most in fraternity (and its idea that the nation was the vehicle of deliverance) and those who believed most in equality (and its idea that the social class was a vehicle of deliverance.) The chapter National vs. Social Revolution chronicles the revolutionary fracture that came about in the mid-1800's. What emerged from this schism were the totalitarian movements of the twentieth century. The heirs of the national revolutionary tradition, "fortified fraternity with equality" and gave birth to Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. National revolutionaries of the twentieth century found their fraternity in the abstractions of Volk (People) or the (Reich) Nation. The social revolutionaries, on the other hand, lofted equality above all but bound it to fraternity. They gave rise to Bolshevism and Communist movements. Ironically, as Billington notes, "The most violent and authoritarian movements in Germany and Russia each intensified one form of the revolutionary faith by adopting signficant elements of the other." Nazism was abbreviation for "national socialism" while Communism under Stalin came to be defined as "socialism in one country." Both of these revolutionary faiths whether of the national revolutionary tradition or the social revolutionary tradition were millenarian social religions. Both revolutionary factions wanted a new order to supplant the old traditional order. Likewise, both factions offered a salvific promise of a glorious future for an enlightened humanity, which would be paid for in the cleansing blood of revolutionaries and dissidents alike.
Billington devotes a chapter to revolutionary syndicalism and its various subsects and the 'social nationalism' and the fascist mutation that emerged. Mussolini was the heir of French syndicalists like Sorel and Valois and revolutionary Italian nationalists like Mazzini. Mussolini polished his brand of corporatist-syndicalist ideology turning syndicalism's rejection of state authority on its nose, but he embraced its organization, which sought to link trade union organization (syndicates) with mass action aimed at created a new order. Some scholars like Neev Sternhell have pointed that fascism represents a revision of Marxian socialism, rejecting its materialism and class struggle ethos in favor of an idealistic spiritual ideology made manifest in the pagan state while continually embracing an anti-liberal, anti-bourgeois, anti-parliamentary ideology like that of the Marxist.) Further bridging the nineteenth and twentieth century, Billington offers a chapter on 'Lenin's Path to Power,' which traces the revolutionary activities of he and his cohorts in bringing about the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
In his introduction, Billington offers a optimistic view of the future and professes a solace and contentment since it seems that the moderation and temperance of clasical liberals like Lafayette seems to have won out over the extremists. After the French Revolution, even the revolutionaries grew tired and weary of the bloodshed and violence while ridding themselves of extremists like Robspierre, but will history repeat itself?
This is a compelling book and a must to understand the ideologies driving the totalitarianism and the blood soaked revolutions of the past century. I've hesistated to review this book until I read it thoroughly and reread to digest its major findings. It remains a invaluable work in understanding the totalitarian horrors, which plagued us during the twentieth century. The author James Billington boasts some pretty impressive credentials as a Librarian of Congress and international studies scholar. He demonstrates a remarkable expertise and interest in Russian history as well.
**(And yes, the Illuminati existed. No, contrary to pop culture conspiracy theories, it does not still exist. However, Billington leaves little doubt that it ignited a fire in the minds of men, which has undoubtedly influenced, changed and perhaps scarred our generation through the revolutionary fervor and the wasteland created by the social upheveals and wars of the past blood-soaked century. The Illuminati waned while other revolutionary extremists rallied to pick up its torch. The indeliable mark Illuminatism has left on history and the present time leaves little wonder that the gullible who hear of its eighteenth-century exploits are so apt to still believe it still exists.)
Book Description
This book provides an inspiring, positive approach to what some call the negative truths of Scripture and presents a timeless but contemporary look at faith’s real attributes of sacrifice, selfless love, and discipleship at a time when society, and even the Christian community, is focused on blessing and comfort.
Customer Reviews:
powerful teaching.......2007-10-01
Gary Thomas is a gifted writer and communicator who presents classic foundational truths in a fresh and understandable way. This book represents another work that will cause the reader to think past a stereotypical walk with Christ.
Aweome book!.......2006-04-17
This is one of the best books I've ever read! Thomas address areas of faith that most people never talk about (the difficulties that we can't control). I recommended it to all my friends. We even used it for our women's study bible stuy. Every one of my friends who've read this book has also loved it. It's challenging, and it makes you uncomfortable with the comforts of your own faith. This book is convicting, but it also helps to transform your thinking and test your faith.
Great Book...Greater Footnotes.......2006-03-23
I absolutely enjoyed this book...but what I enjoyed even more than the book itself was the amazing resource of classic authors and texts through Gary Thomas' extensive footnotes...it is always a joy to find a book that sends you on a long and wonderful trail through the greatest thinkers/theologians of all time...a must read!
Authentic Faith reveals much deeper issues in our lives........2004-03-08
This book is a blessing. I recommend any of Gary Thomas's books. His writings are well focused but dynamic enough to keep your attention. This book covers a wide range of issues facing contemporary christians. I particularly like how easy it is to identify with his examples. Definately highlighter worthy!
Gary came to my church..........2002-10-05
to talk about greed, his new books, and how people take things for granted these days. We must accept the blessings that come to us and be thankful for them, not take them for granted. Gary gave several great examples adapted from Authentic Faith. I enjoyed the lecture and I got his autographs on the book and Seeking the Face of God. Also, I learned so much from his chapter on the Discipline of Forgiveness. I do need to forgive a coworker who sinned against me not too long ago and its going to be hard to decide on an obligation whether to forgive him or wait more weeks. Good work and thank you Gary!!
Book Description
2005 Gold Medallion Award finalist!
When hijacked American Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, LTC (RET) Brian Birdwell was only 15 to 20 yards away. He stepped out into the corridor and was instantly engulfed in flames--burns consumed 60 percent of his body, with almost 40 percent of them third-degree. Thirty-plus operations and countless physical therapy sessions later, his recovery has truly been remarkable, and spiritually he and his family are stronger than ever before. Brian and his wife, Mel, tell their captivating story of God's grace and sovereignty.
Customer Reviews:
Refined By Fire.......2007-10-02
This is a very encouraging book about courage and faith in the face of a devastating terrorist incident. I was moved by LTC Bidwell and his wife's faith in God and each other as they fought their way back from the brink of death, after he was burned over more than 60% of his body on 9/11. One of my battle buddies was just badly burned by a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan and is currently making this same recovery. Reading this book encouraged me about my friend's prospective future, after recovery.
Very inspirational, Highly recommend.......2007-06-25
This book is one of the most amazing faith filled stories I have read in a long time.
What Mel and Brian Birdwell went through after the tragedy of 9/11 and how it made them grow in the Chrisitan faith never giving in to others negativity is a true testimony of how God does work miracles. Brian Birdwell is a walking miracle.
This was the best of all the books I have read about people who have survived 9/11. This is one book once you read it, you will never forget it!
A very Sincere Couple.......2006-10-21
Brian is a friend of my son and his family and while visiting with my son, I was fortunate enough to meet Brian and his wife. They are a very loving sincere couple who have had their faith tested and have come out of this stronger than ever. I have recommended this book to others and am giving the books to friend and family because I think it tells a great story of love, devotion and faith.
James 1:2 Lived Out.......2006-08-07
This book is an amazing testimony of God's mercy, love and faithfulness to those who call upon His name. As Brian and Mel Birdwell share their experiences from the Pentagon attack and aftermath, the reader gets a vivid mental picture of much of what they went through. They share their pain and suffering, but they also share their hope and trust in the Lord which is ultimately what gets them through such an appalling tragedy. God is clearly glorified in this story!
Extraordinary testimony.......2006-08-03
Refined by Fire is an autobiography of a couple's experience of faith, endurance, and love of God. It evokes all human emotion.
Amazon.com
In the mountains of northern New Mexico, the Tewa pueblo of San Ildefonso and the laboratory city of Los Alamos coexist, representing two distinct, yet not entirely dissimilar world views. In this land of strange juxtapositions where magic and science rub elbows, Johnson introduces us to an amazing diversity of people who see the world through varied lenses, who find vastly different pictures in the night sky. At the core of the book is the question of the human view of the universe: are there really innate patterns in creation, and why do we honor them so highly? Johnson examines some of the radical theories of physics and biology emanating from Los Alamos and compares them to the intricate beliefs of the Tewa Indians, the Catholic sect of the Penitentes, and other inhabitants of the high New Mexico desert in this startling work of intellectual adventure.
Book Description
Are there really laws governing the universe? Or is the order we see a mere artifact of the way evolution wired the brain? And is what we call science only a set of myths in which quarks, DNA, and information fill the role once occupied by gods? These questions lie at the heart of George Johnson's audacious exploration of the border between science and religion, cosmic accident and timeless law. Northern New Mexico is home both to the most provocative new enterprises in quantum physics, information science, and the evolution of complexity and to the cosmologies of the Tewa Indians and the Catholic Penitentes. As it draws the reader into this landscape, juxtaposing the systems of belief that have taken root there,
Fire in the Mind into a gripping intellectual adventure story that compels us to ask where science ends and religion begins.
"A must for all those seriously interested in the key ideas at the frontier of scientific discourse."--Paul Davies
Customer Reviews:
Science, Faith, and Symmetry.......2006-03-22
Fire in the Mind passionately relates mans quest for understanding. Johnson sit backs, smiles and equivocates the Anasazi's expressions of order through their beliefs with Gell-Mann's attempt to orderstand elementary particles with extraordinarily complex mathematics. I think, the distinction rests on the level at which one is willing to quit asking questions and seeking answers. Fire in the Mind does not convince me they are both simply faith based exercises since it does not acknowledge that the hotter fire is fed by the fuel of endless questioning.
A Philosophy of Complexity.......2005-03-15
In his book "Fire in the Mind" George Johnson explores the frontiers between religion and science, between chaos and order, and between complexity and simplicity. This exploration forces the reader to rethink what "reality" is. In the process we realize that we "know" very little about reality. Despite the huge databases we are developing we actually have not answered the big questions about existence. Nor are we likely to do so in the near future.
Fundamentalists who try to fit earth history (and indeed the history of the whole universe) into 6,000 years are almost certainly wrong. However, because of the nature of science we cannot congratulate ourselves just yet. While our data tell us that the earth itself is several billion years old, we also have made some unsupported assumptions (certainly not as many as the fundamentalists, but more than a few). Even mathematics and physics are not completely free of assumptions that cannot be tested, at least not yet.
Researchers such as Murray Gell-Mann and Stuart Kauffman at the Santa Fe Institute are busily probing the frontiers of complexity and in the process may be starting to get glimpses of just how weird our universe really is. Johnson, who is not a scientist, but a science writer, captures the excitement of this possibly ground-breaking research which may eventually show us a universe much different from that we had previously imagined. Questions arise about our immediate corner of that universe, the part with which we should be the most familiar. Is the evolution of life contingent as Steven Jay Gould might imagine it, or is it inevitably to result in creatures such as ourselves, as Simon Conway Morris believes? Are we just lumbering robots carrying our genes around (as Richard Dawkins has said), or something more significant? Can adaptationist' "just so stories" explain life? Or are we creating all of our own "reality" because of a deep need for order? My guess is that the answer is somewhere in between these extreme views, but the actual reality (if we ever glimpse it) is probably going to be very strange to us.
Johnson has brought up these questions and exposed them to our view, along with the researcher's views and doubts. It is perhaps the latter that is most instructive because it demonstrates that, despite our often arrogant opinions on the matter, we still don't really know for sure.
In the mountain of New Mexico.......2003-07-15
Only 7 years have passed. However an interest to the good book can not become outdated. In Russia usually speak any paper owes to have pins and needles in one's arm. And it is correct haste is necessary at catching fleas.
The composition of the author concerns to magic and science. His characters see absolutely other sky.
It is usually somewhere in an average strip at cloudy weather at the night I can see 300-500 stars. In southern breadths at clear weather it is possible to see more than 3000 stars.
It is difficult to come off a kind installed and charming description of the author.
An epiphany........2002-03-14
This book started out slow and then became an epiphany. The book is set against the backdrop of the greater Santa Fe area of New Mexico. Johnson uses places and cultures in this area as a vehicle to lead into his description of current scientific thinking in cosmology and evolution. I didn't understand the connection at first, but one piece of rationale did emerge: the various high-powered scientific conferences held at the Santa Fe Institute beginning in 1989 that dealt with information and physics. This is where the epiphany came in, but I'm getting ahead of myself. The other reason he used this backdrop, I believe, is his obvious love for the area - its history, geography, and cultures.
The first part of his book is a fairly straightforward tour of cosmology, albeit at a bit more intellectual level than most popular descriptions. One theme he starts with, and to which he returns several times throughout the book, is that our interpretation of the universe is determined by our inherited ability to understand, by our genetic evolution. That is to say, we see the universe through our own lens, tempered by our limitations. Nothing startlingly different here from my previous readings. In fact, it's rather intuitive. However, he delves into chaos theory, with which I am only slightly acquainted, and brings attractors into the discussion, about which I know nothing. The point about attractors is that they may account for the evolution of the universe (and, as I would see later, the evolution of complex organisms on Earth). Things were starting to warm up.
He goes on into an understandable discussion of quantum mechanics and quantum physics. Wrapped in here is the epiphany: the fundamentals upon which the universe are built (as we understand it) are mass, energy, space and time. To these we have added information -- a fifth fundamental that is as much a part of existence and evolution, and cause and effect as any of the other four. His weaving of the significance of information into the tale of the evolution of complex organisms is all new to me, as is the concept that information is such a "real" player in the universe. It plays a role in entropy and a fundamental role in evolution, starting with organic molecules -- order leads to complexity, which leads to chaos.
I struggle with how to summarize him. I have flagged several dozen pages. To try to review them will be like rereading most of the book. This is one that I may, in fact, reread.
A literary spectacular.......2002-02-10
George Johnson has taken on some of the most difficult issues and questions woven into the fabric of science and religion and seperates them into their component threads to be examined by ordinary readers. He explores various world views as seen from the mountains and plateaus of northern New Mexico, truly a Land of Enchantment. The vast majority of modern human beings take most of the information we process each day on faith, no less our ideas of science than our religious verities. Johnson explores these faiths in the context of the pueblos, mountains, cities and research institutions of this ancient land, and presents each of them with no hint of condescension or disparagement. A truly remarkable feat given his subject matter which ranges from bar fights in remote villages to sunsets brilliantly firing the walls of the Sangre de Cristo mountians to the rituals and traditions of the Catholic Church and the Assemblios de Dios, to those of the Tewas and the myths and rites of the most primative peoples of the region. This is the best book exploring the escatologies of science and religion that I have ever read. It makes me anxious to retire so that I can attend lectures at the Santa Fe Institute and explore the mesmerizing landscape of nortern New Mexico. Read it. You will never again think of the struggle between science and religion in the same way.
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Faith and Fire: Popular and Unpopular Religion 1350-1600
Margaret Aston
Manufacturer: Hambledon & London
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Binding: Hardcover
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Lollards and Reformers (History Series (Hambledon Press), 22.)
ASIN: 1852850736 |
Book Description
The upheavals in belief that took place in the later middle ages and the Reformation cannot be grasped without understanding the relationship between the doctrine of the church and the actual beliefs of the people. This collection illustrates the workings of this tension, particularly through the rise and repression of Lollardy. It is exemplified in the ambivalence of Wycliffe himself, a member of the academic establishment yet the founder of a popular movement.The learning of the Renaissance, above all advances in the textual study of the Bible, and the spread of books after the invention of printing, made an irreversible impact on religion, breaching as they did the ecclesiastical monopoly on learning. The scriptural studies of Erasmus and other northern humanists, in their probing of ecclesiastical assumptions, found echoes among ordinary men and women across Europe.Fidelity to Scripture led to violent outbursts of popular activity against traditional objects of veneration. Margaret Aston shows how the drama of the Reformation was played out most spectacularly in public rites of fire, whether the burning of people, books or images.
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