Through a Man's Eyes -- True Perspective

In all honesty, I was looking for a book to blog about when this one popped up.  I really did not want to get it, but it seemed interesting; so I requested it.  Through a Man's Eyes:  Helping Women Understand the Visual Nature of Men offered a true perspective of the battle for the mind that men fight on a daily basis in our highly sexualized culture.

The authors lay out a clear and reasoned case of what is going on in the male mind in order for women to better understand their visual wiring.  They did not draft this book so that people can reference men as "jerks" or "perverts" but to afford women the opportunity to really understand.  Numerous times throughout, wives share their inability to comprehend the male mind because both genders are wired differently.

The last few chapters of the book break down into a specific focus:  here is a response that moms should have and here is a response that a wife should have.  The strength of the home is the strength of the church and the strength of the church is the strength of the nation.  Clearly, we are struggling nationally and it can be traced back to the homes.  Women have an opportunity to help teach the next generation about purity in thought and deed while also reinforcing it with the men in their lives today. 

Women, get a copy so that you can understand what is going on in the minds of your husbands and your sons.  You need to know; and as the G.I. Joe cartoons I grew up watching closed with...."and knowing is half the battle."

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BELIEVE Storybook: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus

If you are a Christian and are not having a regular period of time to teach your children your beliefs, then you must start doing so right now.  This book by Randy Frazee is a good first step.  It does have its issues, which I will outline below, but something is better than nothing.  I will be using it with mine when we finish what we currently have.

The book is highly colorful and well laid-out for children.  The authors and illustrators select specific content from the Old and New Testament to teach how to "think, act, and be like Jesus."  They present a condensed version of the Biblical content, offer the passage (which I would encourage you to read to your kiddos), present key questions on the attributes of God, state Jesus as the answer, and conclude with a "Believe" section.  Time and effort have been put into this work to break down some of the complexities of these passages for smaller children.

Here are a couple of issues that I have:

1. "Storybook" -- we, as Christians, need to be careful with the language that we use.  Often, we talk about Bible stories with our children; however, we need to be more intentional with our language.  Our modern culture views the Bible as a collection of moral stories -- nothing more and nothing less.  If we believe the Bible is true, then we should not reference its contents as stories.  You may be thinking that this is overboard, but I do not.  If we teach creation as a story and a child hears at school that creation is a story but evolution is science, then have we prepared them to deal with those questions of faith?  I use that as an example and could provide others as well, but for the sake of time will not.
2. The key ideas are written as "I can" statements.  Once again, we need to be careful here.  All that we have from God is through His Son Jesus Christ.  We did nothing to earn His love.  We did nothing to earn His grace or mercy.  God provided it freely.  To reinforce those facts, those statements could be reversed to put the emphasis where it rightly belongs.  Here are 2 examples:  "I have the power through Jesus to control myself" should become "Jesus gives me the power to control myself" OR "I can deal with the hardships of life because of the hope I have in Jesus" should become "Jesus is my hope and strength to deal with the hardships of life."

All in all, this is a good resource.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review 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.”

Unoffendable was Uninspiring

Brant Hansen's book Unoffendable was something that capture my attention.  He speaks of making one change that will make all of life better and that change is relinquishing any right to anger.  He argues that righteous anger does not exist and giving up that right to anger is what gives you the "most healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do."  I looks from other reviews already posted that I will be the sole voice of dissent here.  Oh well...


Before you jump to any conclusions, I am not making the case for being angry.  I had a temper as a child and it almost cost me my life as, in anger, I stuck my hands trough a glass door.  I still bear the scars from that experience, so I understand the evil side of anger.  The Bible is clear in that explosive anger dishonors God, damages our testimony, and destroys relationships with others.  We are in agreement on that point; however, Hansen's book falls short of proving in a systematic and Biblical fashion that Christians are to never be angry.

Here is an example:  Hansen points to Jesus' anger in throwing the money changes out of the Temple.  Quite correctly, he points out that Christians use that as an example -- well, if Jesus was angry, then we can so be as well.  Hansen deals with this issue through slight of hand by saying something along these lines -- "you see, yes, Jesus could be angry because He can do lots of things that we cannot.  Like what you may ask?  Oh, how about create the world and rise from the dead.  Since we cannot do those things, we should not focus on other things that He does either."

What's the danger there?  Simple -- Jesus showed compassion, feed the hungry, went to the outcasts, exhibited humility, experienced pain, etc.  We must be careful in flippantly throwing out elements of Jesus' existence that clearly reflected His deity as reasons to avoid our humanity.  Anger is a human emotion that cannot be avoided.  I think the problem that Hansen misses is the realization of its innate humanness.  Anger, alone, is not a problem.  If it lingers and is acted upon, then it becomes wrong as bitterness forms.

Hansen refuses to deal with situations like Moses, in Exodus, being angered at Israel for creating the golden calf.  He threw down the tablets containing the Ten Commandments but nowhere do you see God rebuking him for that anger.  What about Paul who stood toe to toe with Peter over the issue of Gentile believers in Galatians 2.  I am sure that anger was involved here but, once again, we do not see God condemning him for his actions.

Again, I am not making a case for Christians to be angry; yet I am saying that Hansen fell short.  He offered lots of stories, examples from his radio show, and nice thoughts of his own.  What was missing, however, was a detailed exegesis and consideration of the totality of Scripture.  Since that aspect was lacking, I am left wondering at the veracity of his arguments.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review 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.”

Leadership Lessons from a SEAL Leader

Before moving forward, I am an avid reader of leadership books and am a sucker for anything that relates to the military and/or special forces.  So, when I saw the title The Navy SEAL Art of War, I jumped on it.  Rob Roy's book cover was uninspiring, so I made an immediate assumption.  Remember the adage "don't judge a book by its cover"?  Well, I should have because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  It will be added to my professional reading shelf and, quite frankly, it was not going to be prior to reading it.

This review is a deviation from my normal focus on Christian books.  It does have some profanity laced throughout, so bear that in mind going into it.  If such language will be offensive to you, then I suggest you avoid reading it.  Now, to the details of this modern-day leadership book written in the format of a Sun Tzu Art of War....

The author has more than 50 "chapters," and I use that term loosely.  Most of them are 3-4 pages of material but many others are only 1 page.  These are shorter musing that jump right into the details and he does not waste any time in dancing around the topic.  When you get this book, please read it with a specific situation in mind -- could be professional or personal life.  My advice is offered so that the tenets within can make a difference.  We, far too often, read a book just to read and the application is what creates the change that can produce success.

Here is a critique that I do have though -- pages 16 and 17 deal with lots of "I've" done this or "I'm" still doing this or "I've" used this or "I've watched" this happen.  This part is referenced particularly due to the section the author had on humility.  He says on pages 100 and 101 that "precious few details of my many SEAL adventures" have been omitted from the book  and "that's by design."  He goes on to say that SEALs are not "braggarts or glory hounds."  The two sections just seemed to lack cohesion.  Stop.  I am NOT saying that this guy is prideful or a braggadocio.  The lack of congruence was troubling to me and cutting that information in the introduction would have removed any sort of question from my mind.

It's a good read and an enjoyable one.  Remember,  "the first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.  The second is to look things in the fact and know them for what they are." 


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Special Book about Special Operation Forces

 

Legend by Eric Blehm is a fast-paced read filling with in-depth character analysis, historical context, and amazing story-telling skills.  This particular era was one of secret missions into Cambodia that were being driven by politicians, and you will see how that plays out on the date that serves as the primary subject of the book.  If you are unfamiliar with the author, I stumbled upon his work through the book Fearless about a Navy S.E.A.L.  I loved that book and, quite frankly, I love this new book Legend just as much. 

This newest work focuses on the Vietnam era and the amazing story of MSG Roy Benavidez and the events of May 2, 1968.  Before getting to that life-changing day, Blehm provides significant biographical information about Roy, which offers insight into how he made his decision on that fateful day.  As he was taught from a child -- when you know someone needs help, you just go help them.  That is exactly what he did in heroic fashion saving the lives of at least 8 men.  Although, he would be quick to tell you that he was no hero - the heroes are those that never made it back.  Yet, the fact remains that his story is one of humility, hard work, honor, and heroism.

I do not want to spoil the story for you in this review, but I will saw this much - that day in May started like any other for Sgt. Benavidez.  He was able to hear that some men were in a tough fire fight - some men that were his friends - and when a chopper was head out to attempt extraction, he jumped on board.  Now, mind you, he was not assigned to that chopper nor did he have his normal load (rucksack with ammo, grenades, or even his weapon).  He went in with only a knife and a medical kit.  As the chopper tried to find the men to resupply them with ammo, they realized they could not get to them.  That's why Sgt. Benavidez made the critical decision to jump from the chopper and into the battle when that Huey was there to try and remove men from the battle.  I will stop there but will offer this one final tidbit -- his actions led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor.

If you love history and stories of amazing encounters in combat, this is a must read.  His call sign - Tango, Mike, Mike - has become synonymous in special forces circles referencing the need for courage during conflict.  Please, read this book about an amazing American and see what is possible through the selflessness of one individual.


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

An Encyclopedia of Leadership

John C. Maxwell has put together what I call and "encyclopedia of leadership" in his culmination of the 101 series -- Complete 101 Collection:  What Every Leader Needs to Know.  If you are looking for an in-depth authoritative source, then this is not your book.  If, however, you are seeking something that offers solid information on many topics, then this is your book. Maxwell admits that in his opening section, so he does not mislead you in any way.

The book itself is 612 pages of text, so it is a rather large book.  The topics considered are as follows:  attitude, self-improvement, leadership, relationships, success, teamwork, equipping, and mentoring.  Each topic is approximately 70 pages in length divided among 8 or so chapters.  The format and structure permits a reader to digest the material and to notice the how the topics are interconnected.  For instance, attitude is the foundation of self-improvement and equipping others is the primary goal of mentoring. 

This book will be a solid addition to your leadership section.  I would also suggest that you may give this to others as a gift for their personal and professional growth.  Most importantly, get a copy for yourself and wrestle with the thoughts contained in its pages.  And, if you want to know more about these topics, Maxwell is proud to offer you other books on those topics as well.  : )


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review 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.”

An Interesting History of the Cubs and Wrigley Field

Disclaimer:  this book is a deviation from my normal considerations of Biblical or theological works.  Well, on second thought -- maybe not.  I am a die-hard and "religious" Cubs fan, so I guess it does...at least somewhat...stick with my focus on religious works!!  : )

George F. Will has written a nice little history of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field -- A Nice Little Place on the North Side:  A History of Triumph, Mostly Defeat, and Incurable Hope at Wrigley Field.  If you are a Cubs fan, or even just a baseball fan, then this is a must read.  Will has a tremendous ability in the written word, and I am jealous of his talent.

Now, let's get right to the point -- if you are looking for a chapter-based book that has a logical order of grouped ideas, then you will be disappointed.  Will has a logical order but he is all-over-the-page on some of the history of the ballpark.  I have the reputation of being the "walking encyclopedia of worthless information," and I can honestly say that this book will help me retain that reputation.  There are some absolutely wonderful nuggets of baseball records.

Some other things that you will keep with you -- the mental image of Al Capone sitting at a Cubs game, a Cubs manager that hated Ernie Banks, the impetus behind the famous outfield ivy, and the "myth" of Babe Ruth's famous called home run.  I'm not going to spoil that one -- get the book and see for yourself.

A good read that will be lots of fun for you.  I encourage anyone to pick this up and enjoy!


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.