Tuesday, August 21, 2012

From the Library of C.S. Lewis

From the Library of C.S. Lewis - Selections from writers who influenced his spiritual journey compiled by James Stuart Bell is a hard hitting, extremely in-depth compilation of the masters of literature. This book is not an easy read, but it is a true reflection of the true masters of literature that influenced C.S. Lewis, as everything in this book was pulled from his actual library collection. This book is divided by topic into eighteen chapters, with the literary selections fitting into the appropriate chapter. Each selection is one page long, and authorship ranges from 1200 AD to early 20th century. I did not recognize many authors besides Martin Luther, but I have not studied this type of literature (to my detriment of course!). This is not a book that you sit down and read cover to cover. This is a book that you must actively focus on what is being said - and then you must think about it some more. It is not an easy read by ANY means, and I did not necessarily learn much about why these pieces of literature influenced Lewis other than that they are classics - but I did get a taste of many different writers whom I would NEVER have read from had I not been presented with this format and material. If you have a major bookworm in your sphere, then this would be a great collector's piece. I am rating this four stars because of the material presented, but not necessarily for the ease of reading it. 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".

Monday, August 20, 2012

Eyes of Justice by Lis Wiehl

This is the final novel in the Triple Threat Club series, a highly suspenseful and dramatic crime series by Lis Wiehl. Without giving too much away, one of the members of the Triple Threat Club is no longer an active part of the storyline, and a new member is introduced and developed in this story. An elusive and cunning cold-blooded killer is hunting the Triple Threat girls, and the brutality exhibited toward the characters is unsettling to say the least. Christian messages are discreetly woven within the story, and overall it is interesting and fast paced. I didn't really like the fact that one of the previous members was taken out of this story, and I also didn't like it as much as the last book in the series, which was a five star read. Overall, you should read this if you want to finish the series, but otherwise it would be a confusing read. 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".

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Raising Financially Confident Kids by Mary Hunt

Raising financially confident kids by Mary Hunt is really a must-read for parents of children (of any age). As the founder of Debt-Proof Living, Mary is obviously very knowledgeable on debt, and finances. Mary herself was at one point in financial crisis, with almost insurmountable debt to her name (over $100,000). The family paid off their debt, and also developed a plan for their children, which Mary outlines in this book. In essence, the family would give each boy a salary at a certain age, and they would have to be fiscally responsible for meeting most of their own needs every month. Mary teaches on how our children are bombarded with materialism, and how to combat the incorrect teachings on debt and consumerism. Mary teaches you how to educate your children about banking, saving, spending, identifying need vs. want, compounding interest, and other very important topics. I espcially liked the fact that Mary was age specific in her do's and dont's, such as do let your pre-schooler see you deposit money in the bank, but don't take them shopping with you at the store or mall etc. The author was spot on in her teaching, and I love ALL of her books, including this one. Please do yourself, and your children a favor, and buy this book! 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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