Monday, September 26, 2011

Book Review: The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Andy Stanley

The Principle of the Path is an easy-to-read guide on getting out of unsuccessful life patterns. I liked the way the author imparted lessons from his life taken from 'simple experiences' and relating them to the main principle that he writes about.Although he touches on the life of David and Solomon, he does it it a way that would not require anyone to open a Bible.

The book started with a good narrative although I found the introduction to the Principle a bit too wordy and at times taking the tone of something mystical. At times, I felt that Stanley took a lot of words to explain something simple but I think it is his way of saying that what he is saying is important and he is trying to explain it very carefully to drive his point.

I found Chapter 5 good and was worth the time that I spent reading the book. There is a lot of good points in that chapter and I think that if the rest of the book was like that chapter, I would have rated this book higher. But again, you have to read the first four chapters for chapter 5 to create the desired impact.

Overall, I found the book to be lengthy and at times discouraging as the author stressed about bad choices for  so long without offering any solution. I wish this book has a condensed form.

Recommended for those seeking a Christian self-help book that is not too heavy on Biblical references and has the time to read. Not recommended for those expecting something heavy or direct to the point.

About the author:
Andy Stanley serves as senior pastor of the campuses of North Point Ministries, including North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia; Buckhead Church in Atlanta, Georgia; and Browns Bridge Community Church in Cumming, Georgia. Each Sunday, more than twenty thousand attend one of these NPM campuses. Andy is the bestselling author of Visioneering, The Next Generation Leader, It Came from Within!, and How Good Is Good Enough? Andy and his wife, Sandra, have two sons and a daughter. Read more at Amazon's Andy Stanley Page 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book review rating:

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Book Review: Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron is a very good read, one of the best books I had the opportunity to read and review.

I chose the book mostly because of its title and of my recent interest in material that tells about the lives of men in service. At one point I decided that the book should be titled Alcohol and Me but then I wouldn't think of reading it because it is not an interesting topic for me.

What I like best about the book is that is is very masterfully written and by the end of the book, I felt that I grew up with the writer. Memories from his childhood were described as if described by a child, vivid and exaggerated as a child would describe the experience.(The chapter on his first communion is so hilarious!)

As the memoir progress from childhood to adulthood, the writing style adapts to the writer's age at the time. Although this is a book on Christianity, it doesn't drown you in churchy language. Instead, the writing is honest and intimate and the writer opens up his life in areas that most would be ashamed to admit to.

I was able to see some of my own questions about life being answered. Questions as a child, even as an adult and father.  I could not forget the chapter that ended with the words, "Love stoops." God's grace described in two words! Some chapters in the book also have humorous anecdotes that carry a heavyweight lesson.

Truly amazing book and a gifted writer.

Highly recommended for men, but also for women.

About the author:
"Ian Morgan Cron writes with astonishing energy and freshness; his metaphors stick fast in the imagination. This is neither a simple memoir of hurt endured, nor a tidy story of reconciliation and resolution. It is - rather like Augustine's Confessions - a testimony to the unfinished business of grace."

- The Most Rev. Dr. Rowan Williams - The Archbishop of Canterbury


Book review rating:


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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