“Lasting happiness can only be achieved through cultivation of soul and mind.�
Ben Shapiro’s THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY is exactly what its sub-title pr“Lasting happiness can only be achieved through cultivation of soul and mind.�
Ben Shapiro’s THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY is exactly what its sub-title promises, an overview of how “reason and moral purpose made the West great�. The book is a compelling exploration of the philosophical and moral foundations that have shaped Western civilization. With sharp analysis and historical depth, Shapiro takes readers on a journey through the Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman traditions (from the ancient to the present day) demonstrating how these ideas have influenced the development of reason, morality, and individual rights. As I was reading this book I kept thinking of introductory Philosophy of Western Civilization classes from college. This book is a more interesting version of those classes. And since many crap colleges probably would not deign to teach a course like that anymore, it is a needed text!
Shapiro’s writing style makes complex philosophical concepts accessible, while his passionate defense of these principles highlights their continued relevance in today’s cultural and political landscape. If there is an overarching theme to this text it is the idea of the necessity of a cultural moral foundation. Shapiro writes, “…cultivating our souls and minds requires us to live with moral purpose.� This book does a nice job of fleshing out that argument.
In the Introduction these two thoughts are posed to the reader: # 1, “Why are things so good?� and # 2, “Why are we blowing it?� This book gives one lots to think about in regard to both questions. Whether one agrees with all Mr. Shapiro’s conclusions or not, THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY offers a thought-provoking and insightful reflection on the values that have defined the Western world....more
“Guilt is always stronger than logic.� (1.5 stars)
It is early in 2025, but I have a feeling that THE WINNERS may win the “most disappointing book of t“Guilt is always stronger than logic.� (1.5 stars)
It is early in 2025, but I have a feeling that THE WINNERS may win the “most disappointing book of the year award� for me this year. What a waste of time. Not once in this 673-page book did I feel invested in it. In fact, I should have put it down. This is a classic example of a self-indulgent book, one where the author is too big for his editors to say, “This is 400 pages too long!� And that is not an exaggeration, this is an overwritten novel. There are entire chapters that are superfluous to the plot.
The biggest problem with this text is that I was halfway done with it, and I still had no idea what it was supposed to be about. Its focus was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It boggles my mind that a concluding text in a trilogy could be so unfocused. Which tells me that the author had no story he needed to tell, he just wrote the thing because he was supposed to. After BEARTOWN (the first book in the series) Mr. Backman should have pulled the plug on this series. That novel is fine as a standalone book.
Quotes: � “Naïve dreams are love’s last line of defense…� � “…because no one stands a chance if they are alone.� � “People say that our worst moments reveal who our friends are, but of course most of all we reveal ourselves.� � “It’s only a story, it might not even be true, but that doesn’t mean it’s improbable.� � “The most unbearable thing about death is that the world just goes on.� � “Warriors are supposed to love other men, not fall in love with them.� � “Everyone dreams about being invisible sometimes, no one dreams of being transparent.� � “Time is unreliable when it comes to those we love.� � “The lack of words is worse than loneliness.� � “It’s the same everywhere: almost everyone loves too much, hates too easily, forgives too little.�
And just as you are getting to the falling action and the conclusion of this tome, Mr. Backman gives the reader another kick in the nads because the final pages of this book are bad. Like Instagram poetry pages bad! There are so many stupid and uninspired threads in this novel that the conclusion takes over 40 pages for the author to give each of them an overwrought, and mostly unrealistic, ending.
Goodness, I wished I had skipped THE WINNERS. I will still read Mr. Backman, but I will be more selective about it....more
“The root of all of our sins is that something or someone is taking the place of God.�
KILLING SIN is a short text, meant to be a biblical companion fo“The root of all of our sins is that something or someone is taking the place of God.�
KILLING SIN is a short text, meant to be a biblical companion for the Christian who has something in their life that they want to get some power over. What person who is striving to live a holy life would not be interested in that subject matter? Author Karl Clauson gains major points with me for brining everything back to the word of God, and his adamant disregard for “self-help� which he views as the antithesis of successful biblical living. It is in His help, no one else’s. As he writes, “It’s God’s work, or it won’t work.�
Some highlights for me included some excellent thoughts on “pride� and “humility� and their roles in our lives. Some good insight in those sections. I also especially appreciated Mr. Clauson’s discussion of the role of hatred in defeating sin. His blunt assessment of the need to hate the things that are dragging us down is refreshingly candid.
KILLING SIN: CONQUER THE ONE THING THAT IS DEFEATING YOU offers readers a compelling guide to overcoming persistent spiritual struggles. Drawing from his personal experiences and extensive pastoral work, Clauson presents a biblically grounded approach to achieving lasting freedom from sin. The book delves into behavioral habits that hinder spiritual growth, provides insights into the transformation process, and offers practical strategies rooted in Scripture. I found it to be a worthwhile read....more
“It could only be understood by those who have had this privileged experience.�
THE LAST HILL is narrative nonfiction that focuses on the 2nd Ranger Ba“It could only be understood by those who have had this privileged experience.�
THE LAST HILL is narrative nonfiction that focuses on the 2nd Ranger Battalion unit and their exploits in World War II. It deals with the formation of the unit, their training, and their fighting from Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Fortress Brest, and the Hürtgen Forest. Most of the book focuses on the three months prior to the Battle of the Bulge, specifically the fighting in the Hürtgen Forest. I had not read much about that campaign, and this text does a wonderful job of depicting the vicious ferocity of the fighting that happened in that area. The authors (Bob Drury and Tom Clavin) are unflinching in their analysis of the dubious strategic value of the campaign in the Hürtgen Forest. Of course, they acknowledge that they're looking on this from many years in the future.
One of the great strengths of this book are the portraits of some of the individuals of the 2nd Ranger Battalion unit. Their humanity is on full display. Readers will enjoy getting to know men like Bob Edlin, L. Rod Petty, Len Lomell, Duke Slater, and others. These were real men, and these are real stories, and I enjoyed that. An unexpected surprise was learning about the “Fabulous Four�, which was a group of scouts from the 2nd Battalion who performed some wonderful, and colorful, exploits in the war. These were amazing stories about these four men, and I'd never heard of them. Quite frankly, this little group of Scouts deserves a book of their own.
Quotes: � “Because first I’m going to make men of you, then I’m going to make soldiers of you, and them I’m going to make Rangers of you.� � “No small part of that heroism accrued to the 2nd Ranger Battalion, which by 1945 had become one of the most highly decorated units in American military history, earning 18 Distinguished Service Crosses, 73 Silver Stars, 64 Bronze Stars, 2 British Military Medals, and an astonishing 542 Purple Hearts.�
In recent years I been drawn to reading about World War II, especially the stories of the young men—many still in their teens—who rose to the challenge and changed the course of history. THE LAST HILL earns a well-deserved place on my bookshelf, standing out as an engaging, educational, and deeply moving account of courage and sacrifice. As a final thought, the last two paragraphs of the Epilogue left a lasting impression on me—an absolutely brilliant tribute to the men of this extraordinary unit, and to all who served in World War II....more
In 2024 I read 57 books for a total of 19,952 pages. 27 fiction, 30 nonfiction. All reviewed on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
Best and favorite reads of the year: â€� "PaperIn 2024 I read 57 books for a total of 19,952 pages. 27 fiction, 30 nonfiction. All reviewed on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
Best and favorite reads of the year: � "Paper Money� (Ken Follett) � “All the Old Knives� (Olen Steinhauer) � “Refiner’s Fire� (Mark Helprin) � “Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World� (Simon Callow) � “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises� (Spencer Klavan)
Favorite reread: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever� (Barbara Robinson), a book which still holds up after my initial reading of it over 30 years ago as an elementary student. I gifted a copy to one of my nieces this past Christmas.
I read 30 nonfiction this year. This is the first year in a long time where nonfiction was more than fiction. This is due to my embracing audio books this year. They are great for yard work, chores, etc. Top of that list were the aforementioned “Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World�, a text that made me determined to read more Dickens in the next years. I also enjoyed “Martin Luther� (Eric Metaxas) and “The Wars of the Roses� (Dan Jones). Two texts that were much more engaging than one would think their subject matter would indicate.
Biggest 'meh' reads of the year: “Somebody’s Fool� (Richard Russo) a third installment in his North Bath series. I loved the first two novels in this series. Loved them. This one hurt. This text takes the title of most disappointing read of 2024 for me. Also ‘meh� was “The Measure� (Nikki Erlick). Some people loved this book. I thought it was so lackluster that it should win an award for being such.
Books I should have put down: “The Mosquito� (Timothy C. Winegard) was just awful. One of the worst nonfiction books I have ever encountered. And entirely the result of the author and his sloppy arrogance. “The Sentence� (Louise Erdrich) was a book I loathed. I must have been out of my mind to finish it.
Best Surprise of the Year: “Simon the Fiddler� (Paulette Jiles) was such an interesting text. There was something about the writing that has caused me to add more of Ms. Jiles works to my ‘to read� pile. “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises� (Spencer Klavan) was also much more interesting than I was anticipating a nonfiction book about antiquity to be. Mr. Klavan has recently published another book. I will be reading it.
I only read 1 play in 2024, “Cymbeline� by Shakespeare. This was a reread for me.
Other misc. observations: --16 of my books this year were audio. This is double the amount of audio books I consumed the previous year. All of them nonfiction as I feel that genre is better for audio. At least for me. It kind of feels like listening to a podcast. --I continued my way thru Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series. I read #18 “The Other Woman� and #19 “The New Girl�. These two were more standard thriller fare than a lot of the series. Something changed with Mr. Silva in 2018, and the series suffered. However, I will be continuing with the series, because usually they are smart books, have an element of legitimacy, are fast paced thrillers, and Silva is a decent writer. --I read quite a few books on Christianity and apologetics this year. 8 to be exact. I got something from all of them, but C.S. Lewis� “The Problem of Pain� probably made me think the most. --11 books I read in 2024 were part of larger series. I like series, but I feel that I have too many of them going at the moment. I am liking Michael Connelly’s Rene Ballard series. They are good for what they are. I read two this past year. --I read two works of poetry in 2024. The complete narrative poems and sonnets of Shakespeare (a personal achievement I am very proud of) and the complete works of Galway Kinnell. I have not read so much poetry since college. I intend to continue reading it regularly in 2025.
Looking forward to what reading in 2025 brings my way. Here is to a wonderful reading year Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends! Health and happiness to all of you....more
�...you always wonder if everyone else is actually telling the truth.�
MAIDEN MOTHER CRONE brings to mind something a professor once said in my undergr�...you always wonder if everyone else is actually telling the truth.�
MAIDEN MOTHER CRONE brings to mind something a professor once said in my undergraduate Intro to Poetry class: “Poetry should do more than serve the poet alone.� Her blunt phrasing aside, her point was clear—if poetry functions solely as personal expression without offering something broader to the reader, it becomes self-contained rather than resonant. Much of this collection falls into that category. These poems read like journal entries—valuable as a means of personal exploration but lacking the universality that makes poetry meaningful to a wider audience.
Here are a few of the many issues with this text: � Not one poem in this collection has a title and none of them have any punctuation. None! And both devices are used for no purpose. � The collection has many moments of the absolutely insipid. There is a poem on page 17 about nuclear bombs. It is the perfect example of shallowness trying to disguise itself as deep. � There are some poems about Covid. They are dreadful. � There are a few moments in this collection where there might be a decent poem, but then it is followed by pages and pages of the worst sort of navel gazing.
To be fair, there are moments of merit within the collection. Without titles to reference, I’ll note that the poem on page 22, which reflects on quilts, and the one on page 96, exploring a woman’s life cycle, stand out as exceptions. These pieces manage to rise above the collection’s overall self-absorption, offering glimpses of something more universal. Additionally, there were scattered moments—an evocative image here, a striking line there—that hinted at potential, only to be overshadowed by a lack of cohesion, trapped in an inferior piece.
The collection concludes with poems written in response to Instagram prompts and challenges, a fitting end for a work that often feels more like a compilation of personal social media posts than a refined body of poetry.
There is better poetry out there. On to it!...more
“…he found shelter in Medicine’s routine.� (3.5 stars)
Daniel Mason’s novel THE WINTER SOLDIER is a tale that weaves together historical detail and emo“…he found shelter in Medicine’s routine.� (3.5 stars)
Daniel Mason’s novel THE WINTER SOLDIER is a tale that weaves together historical detail and emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the story follows Lucius, a young medical student thrust into the chaos of a field hospital in the remote Carpathian Mountains. Mason’s ability to bring the stark realities of war to life is evident in his vivid descriptions of the hospital’s primitive conditions and the challenges faced by both the medical staff and their patients.
What kept me engaged throughout the novel was Mr. Mason’s attention to historical accuracy and his integration of medical and military details into the narrative. The depiction of wartime medicine adds a compelling dimension to the story. I also appreciated Mason’s portrayal of Vienna society and Polish culture, which enriched the backdrop of the novel. Despite considering the book average overall, there was a quality in the text that kept me turning the pages.
While I admired Mason’s craftsmanship, the book didn’t fully captivate me. The pacing felt uneven, with moments slowing the narrative’s momentum. Even so, Mason’s lyrical prose and his ability to evoke a strong sense of place helped mitigate these shortcomings, adding depth and atmosphere to the story.
The central relationship between Lucius and Margarete, the enigmatic nurse who becomes his partner and guide, serves as the emotional core of the novel. However, the pivotal event meant to profoundly transform Lucius’s life felt unconvincing to me. It lacked the emotional weight the author seemed to intend, occasionally pushing the narrative into melodramatic territory.
Quotes: � “Our exotic things are always female.� � “But most advances in medicine involved some serendipity.� � “He now understood why one might die for someone else. It wasn’t mercy; it was torture to remain.� � “If anything, there was something in the very denial of the flesh that acknowledged the power of flesh’s pleasures. � “…who seem forever stuck in eternal winters.� � “Marriage is a market, like any other. And a very liquid market, I should add.� � “…for she smiled with a smile that only the very beautiful can mage, wicked and conciliatory at once.� � “But now, they both had retreated from whatever dream they’d tested.� � “But what he was seeking was forgiveness and atonement, and he couldn’t think of any worthy offering to give.�
I will add that the last 20 pages beguiled me. I was caught up in them, and it was nice to be swept up in such a manner. Ultimately, THE WINTER SOLDIER is a read for those who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction. It may not have gripped me as deeply as I had anticipated, but the thoughtful writing and immersive historical context made it a worthwhile experience....more
Senator Tim Scott’s AMERICA, A REDEMPTION STORY reads like a campaign book. Unfortunately, the book largely “I, for one, plan to make my story count.�
The writing is filled with aphorisms, platitudes, and anodyne statements that dominate much of the text. These elements distract from the moments when Scott discusses real people he knows or has worked with—stories that could have been compelling if they weren’t also used as talking points. The calculated nature of the book is its most glaring flaw.
Scott’s beliefs occasionally shine through, but rather than confidently presenting them, he seems to dilute his convictions by leaving room for opposing views in ways that feel more like pandering than open-mindedness. While respecting differing opinions is admirable, it comes across as lacking the courage of his convictions—an issue for a book meant to reflect a leader’s vision and principles.
One of the book’s strongest sections addresses the racism faced by black conservatives. He confronts the vitriol directed at him and others—such as Thomas Sowell, Condoleezza Rice, and Clarence Thomas—with commendable candor. His critique of liberal racism is poignant and underscores an important issue often ignored in mainstream discussions. In these moments, Scott is at his best: forthright, passionate, and genuinely compelling.
However, Senator Scott’s attempt to straddle multiple sides of key issues—race, the economy, and others—feels disingenuous. This is particularly jarring in an era of politicians who, for better or worse, are often unabashed in their beliefs. While one might not agree with the likes of Donald Trump, the raw authenticity of such figures contrasts sharply with Scott’s overly calculated approach.
Quotes: � “Clearly our Founding Fathers had glaring blind spots, but they were smart enough to know it! They created a Constitution that allowed us to adapt and evolve.� � “Redemption won’t be stopped.�
Ultimately, this text left me less impressed with Senator Scott than I was before reading it. While I still believe he’s a decent person and a better option than many of his peers, this book does little to inspire confidence in his leadership or authenticity. This is not a book that needs to be reread or even kept on your bookshelf. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the performative nature of modern politics—a missed opportunity for Senator Scott to present himself as a principled leader rather than just another politician....more
“The cruelty of the desert had influenced the faith.�
Daniel Silva's THE NEW GIRL delivers much of what fans of the Gabriel Allon series have come to e“The cruelty of the desert had influenced the faith.�
Daniel Silva's THE NEW GIRL delivers much of what fans of the Gabriel Allon series have come to expect: a tightly plotted, high-stakes geopolitical thriller with well-drawn characters and intricate storytelling. The novel opens with the kidnapping of a mysterious girl from a Swiss private school, revealing a complex web of international intrigue involving Saudi Arabia, intelligence agencies, and global power struggles. One character in the book remarks, “Because men who tell one lie usually tell others.� This text amply demonstrates that idea.
While engaging and well-written, THE NEW GIRL doesn’t stand out as a series highlight. Silva's knack for weaving timely geopolitical events into his fiction has been clearly evident in this series, but some of his 2019 predictions (this text’s publication) about global affairs feel off when viewed from the perspective of late 2024. For instance, certain political dynamics involving Middle Eastern diplomacy and shifts in power haven't aged as presciently as in previous books. This doesn’t detract entirely from the story but does make it feel slightly less impactful compared to other entries in the series.
For fans of Gabriel Allon, it’s an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, read. I am starting to feel that the series is coming near to its conclusion. Or it should. But there are 5 other novels after this one! THE NEW GIRL has not given me a reason to walk away, so on to number 20 in the series soon....more
I first discovered THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER in my school library in the mid-1980s when I was in elementary scho“Hey, unto you a child is born!�
I first discovered THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER in my school library in the mid-1980s when I was in elementary school. I remember enjoying it so much that I read it repeatedly, until my parents eventually bought me my own copy.
Although I’ve never forgotten about the book, I hadn’t read it in probably 35 years—until recently, when a new movie adaptation was released. Inspired by the film, I picked up a copy of the text at my local bookstore. Within the first 10 pages, memories from all those years ago came flooding back.
As a child, the story’s themes of grace and redemption didn’t resonate with me as deeply as they do now. But as a man in his mid-40s, who has returned to faith in the last decade, I find this book incredibly moving. It’s not preachy or didactic, but an honest and heartfelt exploration of how even those who’ve faced life’s hardest knocks can find beauty in the story of Christ’s birth.
And after all, isn’t that why He came?
I was delighted to gift a copy of this book to one of my nieces this Christmas. Of all my nieces, she’s the one most likely to see herself in some of the characters. I hope she discovers the same joy, self-recognition, and wonder at what the Christ child came to do that I now see in this story.
Revisiting this book after so many years was a true joy. It had been absent from my bookshelf for far too long, and I’m so glad to have rectified that....more
I first read HOLIDAYS ON ICE over 20 years ago in my 20s, back when I was a big fan of David Sedaris. As I’ve “I think I’ll be a low-key sort of elf.�
I first read HOLIDAYS ON ICE over 20 years ago in my 20s, back when I was a big fan of David Sedaris. As I’ve gotten older, however, I find his work less satisfying. To be fair, I haven’t yet read his two most recent books.
Many of the pieces in this collection left me feeling unsatisfied. That said, this edition includes some additional stories, and the ones carried over from the original edition remain enjoyable. HOLIDAYS ON ICE opens with the famous “Santaland Diaries�, which has been adapted into plays and other formats. It details Sedaris’s experience working as an elf in Macy’s Santaland at their flagship Manhattan store. The piece is good for a laugh and remains a highlight of the collection.
Another standout is the wonderfully sharp Christmas letter written by the fictional matriarch of the Dunbar family. In “Season’s Greetings�, Sedaris creates a wholly believable and hilariously passive-aggressive persona in the voice of Mrs. Dunbar. This piece is so wrong on so many levels, but I can’t help grinning every time I read it.
My favorite piece in this collection, however, is one I don’t remember from my initial reading: “Front Row Center�. In it, a character reviews local elementary school holiday productions as if they were legitimate professional theater performances. The satire had me in stitches, with numerous laugh-out-loud lines. At the same time, it acknowledges the absurdity and charm of those productions, which we endure and enjoy only because someone we love is performing. The final lines of this story are unexpectedly moving, as Sedaris makes an important and poignant point. For me, it’s by far the standout piece in this collection.
Quotes: � “All of us take pride and pleasure in the fact that we are unique, but I’m afraid that when all is said and done the police are right: it all comes down to fingerprints.� � “Under certain circumstances parental pride is understandable but it has no place in the theater, where it tends to encourage a child to believe in a talent, that more often than not, simply fails to exist.� � “If I could believe in myself, why not give other improbabilities the benefit of the doubt?�
Overall, HOLIDAYS ON ICE is a quick and entertaining read for the season, though it’s not exactly a feel-good book. It’s more for the grown-up who wants a day of biting humor amidst the sugary kindness of the Christmas season....more
“I’m grateful for this country and its Constitution.�
UNMASKED: INSIDE ANTIFA’S RADICAL PLAN TO DESTROY DEMOCRACY by Andy Ngo is not exactly an enjoyab“I’m grateful for this country and its Constitution.�
UNMASKED: INSIDE ANTIFA’S RADICAL PLAN TO DESTROY DEMOCRACY by Andy Ngo is not exactly an enjoyable book to read, but it’s one I’m glad I took the time to absorb. I listened to the audio version, which I found to be a great way to take in this journalistic exploration. In this book, Andy Ngo takes a deep dive into the actions, history, and ideology of Antifa.
I have little tolerance for violent individuals who hide behind masks and harass people—sometimes even at their homes. This is exactly the kind of behavior that Antifa has carried out against Andy Ngo himself. The book includes photographic and video evidence that such harassment has occurred, leaving little room for doubt.
One of the more compelling aspects of this text is how thoroughly Ngo examines the history and development of the Antifa movement, including its internal policies, rules, and organizational structure. What surprised me most was Ngo’s willingness to engage with and even consider some of the perspectives held by Antifa members. While he ultimately criticizes their values as misguided, he shows a level of thoughtfulness and consideration that is more generous than I expected. For example, he takes time to understand and address the logic (fallacious though it is) of their arguments, even though he does not agree with them. This measured approach is something I appreciated. That said, Ngo has no praise for Antifa or its goals. His criticism is clear and pointed, but it’s not dismissive from the outset, which allows the reader to weigh his arguments thoughtfully.
The most profound part of UNMASKED is its “Afterward�. It’s powerful and thought-provoking, standing out as the most impactful section of the text. Ngo, a first-generation American and the child of refugees from communist Vietnam, reflects on why he is so committed to preserving the America he knows and loves. At one point, he writes, “America is worth preserving and protecting for future generations.� I found this perspective deeply moving. It’s always inspiring when the child of immigrants, who may have a more acute understanding of the fragility of freedom, values this nation even more than those who have been here for generations.
As a side note, the book is well-researched, concluding with 53 pages of single-spaced endnotes and sources. Ngo does an excellent job of backing up his claims with hard evidence, which is a testament to his journalistic rigor.
Is UNMASKED an enjoyable read? Not exactly. But it’s a book I’m glad to have been exposed to. It’s thought-provoking, informative, and a sobering look at a movement that warrants scrutiny....more
“The Bible is Christ and Christ is the Bible.�
I have seen David Limbaugh’s books on Christianity in bookstores for a while, and I decided to give him“The Bible is Christ and Christ is the Bible.�
I have seen David Limbaugh’s books on Christianity in bookstores for a while, and I decided to give him a go. Mr. Limbaugh is a lawyer by trade, and it shows in his logic-based analysis of his premise, which is that the Bible is from beginning to end about Jesus Christ. (I agree with this premise by the way.)
The focus of the text is on finding Christ in the Old Testament, and THE EMMAUS CODE is an accessible and insightful review of the historical Old Testament as a whole. Limbaugh approaches the historical timeline of events in chronological order and it makes for interesting reading.
Chapters 5 & 6 of this text, dealing with biblical covenants, were misses for me. They were a little dry and I have some theological differences with some of the of interpretations/conclusions that Limbaugh comes to, but nothing that was a reason to walk away from the text. For example, some of the writer’s conclusions lead him to believe in a literal 1000-year millennial reign. I do not subscribe to that view.
Quotes: � “…Christianity does not abrogate the Old Testament; it completes it.� � “As Christians we do not get to cherry-pick the Bible-it is all God’s living, breathing Word.� � “God forgives the past, but He does not undo it.� � “Man left to his own devices can produce nothing but chaos, destruction, and death.� � “With more than eighty citations, Deuteronomy is one of the most frequently quoted books in the New Testament.� � “I never cease to marvel at the parallel threads coursing through Scripture, all heading inexorably to fulfill God’s unfolding purposes.� � “Acquiring wisdom involves a pattern of behavior: steeping ourselves in God's Word, applying the principles from it to our experiences, then incorporating those lessons to gain greater insight that will in turn enhance our next readings of scripture.� � “…the certainty of judgement is the very reason we need the Gospel.�
One of the things I liked about THE EMMAUS CODE is that Mr. Limbaugh has clearly read and studied a lot on this subject, and much of the book is a collation of his studies. He cites other scholars a lot! I appreciated what was clearly a labor of love for him. I learned a lot from this text, and it enhanced my personal biblical study. I would not recommend this book for the beginning Christian. I think it would overwhelm them. But for those who have been in the faith a while and have been regular with reading God’s Word I think it would be a good experience. I do intend to read some of Mr. Limbaugh’s other biblically based works....more
“But true is true, whether you want it to be or not.� (2.5 stars)
If you, like me, fell in love with Richard Russo's North Bath Trilogy—starting with N“But true is true, whether you want it to be or not.� (2.5 stars)
If you, like me, fell in love with Richard Russo's North Bath Trilogy—starting with NOBODY’S FOOL and continuing with EVERYBODY’S FOOL—you enjoyed the rich tapestry of salt-of-the-earth characters. These were real, complex people you came to love, navigating the gritty realities of small-town life. However, I suggest you skip what I hope is the final installment of this series, SOMEBODY’S FOOL. It pains me to say this, but Russo has seemingly lost his touch with North Bath.
To begin with the positives, there are a few moments in SOMEBODY’S FOOL that reminded me why I loved this series. The character of Rub Squeers returns, and Russo handles Rub’s grief over Sully’s death with poignant care. It’s deeply moving, raw, and authentic—one of the few elements of the book that stayed with me. Additionally, there’s a lovely chapter titled “Too Late,� in which a mother and daughter, who have struggled throughout the series to connect, share a moment of profound understanding. This chapter stands out as Russo at his best: simple, human, and deeply resonant.
Unfortunately, these highlights are overshadowed by the book’s numerous shortcomings. The hallmark wit and dry humor that defined the first two novels are noticeably absent. This loss of humor leaves the story feeling flat and lifeless by comparison. Moreover, the novel leans heavily into contemporary cultural tropes and stereotypes, which feel forced and out of place in the world Russo has built. For instance, there are obligatory mentions of a closeted homosexual character and the latest cultural fad, a man who decides he is a woman. These moments are not explored with the depth or nuance one would expect from Russo; instead, they feel perfunctory, as if included solely to tick cultural boxes. Each of these topics is given less than half a page, making them feel like superficial nods rather than meaningful elements of the story. Another issue is the inconsistency in the text’s treatment of race. The word “Black� is capitalized when referring to ethnicity, while “white� is not. It struck me as distracting, inconsistent, and ridiculous.
On a literary level, the novel suffers from excessive internal monologues and navel-gazing. While Russo’s earlier works allowed readers to inhabit the minds of his characters, these internal explorations were balanced with action and dialogue that brought the characters to life. In SOMEBODY’S FOOL, however, the narrative spends so much time inside the characters� heads that it feels stifling. The story lacks the spark of dynamic characterization and the engaging momentum of its predecessors.
Quotes: � “If potholes and second-rate schools kept taxes low and degenerates, atheists and Starbucks out, then let’s hear it for potholes.� � “Did lust count as a feeling? he wondered. It should.� � “Aren’t we all trapped in our heads?� � “Maybe she figured a few chips and cracks were worth it, proof she’d lived and loved.� � “His myriad, strident opinions on a wide range of subjects he viewed as proof of enviable intellectual acuity, whereas in reality, they rendered him tiresome in the extreme…� � “…I’ve learned to put hurt in a different room from the one I’m in.� � “People who love you are the easiest to lie to.� � “After all, how long could you stay pissed off at somebody for trying to be happy?�
Ultimately, this text feels disconnected from the heart and soul of the series. The characters and storylines that once felt organic now feel contrived, as if Russo were writing not from a place of inspiration but out of obligation. It’s disappointing to see such a series conclude on a note that feels so inauthentic and lackluster.
If you’re a fan of the first two books, my advice is to cherish them and let the series end there in your mind. I doubt I’ll pick up another installment if Russo chooses to continue. SOMEBODY’S FOOL left me with a lingering sense of regret, wishing I had stopped after book two and preserved my admiration for this once-brilliant series....more
“True freedom must be an ‘ordered freedom�, at the center of which is what we call ‘self-government�.�
I was surprised by this book. In a pleasant way“True freedom must be an ‘ordered freedom�, at the center of which is what we call ‘self-government�.�
I was surprised by this book. In a pleasant way. It was much less political than I thought it was going to be, in fact there are no political references of any note that are more current than the Clinton presidency. I’m sure other modern presidents were mentioned, but the only two I can remember being mentioned were Clinton and Nixon. The book was also just much better in general then I expected. I think Mr. Metaxas wants his book to be relevant long after the current political climate has passed away, so he wrote this book from a historical perspective, which will give it a much longer shelf life.
Especially good is chapter four where Mr. Metaxas examines the idea of Heroes, specifically heroes in American culture. His line-by-line examination of the Longfellow poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere� is just lovely. This respect for our past, despite its flaws, is just not what it was when I was a child. It's lacking in American culture currently (in sections of American culture) and it makes me sad. I for one am glad that Mr. Metaxas is defending it. There is also a nice bit about Squanto, and the providential aspects of his life. If you don’t know who that was, I read books about him when I was a kid. Now he has all but disappeared from popular culture. The book also includes an excellent examination of the timing, and miracle, of the drafting of the US Constitution. This section was especially stirring and thought provoking.
In IF YOU CAN KEEP IT, THE FORGOTTEN PROMISE OF AMERICAN LIBERTY Metaxas focuses on the idea of America, venerating heroes, the importance of moral leaders, loving America, and other concepts. It’s a positive book, but not sycophantic. It is a text that refuses to ignore the good just because there is also bad. I end with this thought from the author as he concluded this work, “So go forth and love America, knowing that if your love is true it will be transmuted one way or another into a love of everything that is good beyond America, which is her golden promise to the world. And the promise that we, you and I, must keep.�...more
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