5 stars (A great addition to the line-up) - My first impressions of the Renorare Spiritual Formation Bible are, what a great addition to the already crowded line-up of translations, study and style Bibles! I have not yet plumbed the depths of all that is available in helps to spiritual formation, but I can tell it is rich and will be an important Bible in my future. 5 stars (Don't miss this spiritual journey for the world!) - Personally, I am glad the Renovare editorial board asked those of us involved in the project to provide material that was inspirational, in-depth, thought-provoking, intricate and complex. I have never been of the opinion that Christianity ought to be reducible to a bumper sticker or a t-shirt slogan or that a Bible had to be compact and portable to be of any value. Other generations had no problem with Bibles that weighed a pound or two and had no issue with being afforded the opportunity to access copious amounts of inspirational material. They only asked that it be written with piety and integrity and that it not skate the surface. They expected to work their intellects and their spirits when they cracked open commentaries by Luther or Calvin or the Cappadocian Fathers or Matthew Henry. I believe the Renovare Study Bible lies happily within that tradition of the deeper life. It is jam-packed with essays and meditations and spiritual insights that will keep you thinking and wondering and praying and wrestling for months and years. Look, you have Walter Brueggeman of Old Testament fame, you have Eugene Peterson of The Message and Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places, Virginia Stem Owens with all her wonderful literary ability, William Willimon of Duke Chapel with all his refreshing eloquence, Dallas Willard of The Divine Conspiracy, Richard Foster of Celebration of Discipline, Thomas Oden with his love of the old Christian writings, an incredible and eclectic gathering of believers spading the verdant earth of the Holy Bible. I am going throu... HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & Bibles & Other :: Religion & Bibles & New Revised Standard :: Spiritual formation :: Religion :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: Bibles - Other :: Bi :: The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible
3 stars (Pilgrims Progress is a Classic) - You can't go wrong with Pilgrims Progress, but this version leaves a little to be desired. The text is printed in a tiny font, numerous biblical references are added - which I don't recall from my first reading of PP years ago. That this version is called "Modern English" is a bit of a stretch - may have been modern a hundred years ago. 5 stars (Extremely well written.) - Usually when someone attempts to re-invent the wheel it results in confusion and an ineffective product, never coming close to the original concept. That is not the case with Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English. The same devotion and effort it took to compose the original is evident in this masterful reproduction, NOTHING is lost in the translation. 5 stars (The Best-known Allegory of Every Christian's Life Journey) - The Pilgrim's Progress is one of my favorite books and was originally written by a 17th century Puritan, John Bunyan, from his cell prison in a trying time of persecution. Rich in solid Biblical theology, it is the best-known and well-loved allegory of every Christian's life journey. It tells the story of a pilgrim named Christian as he walked a journey from the City of Destruction (where he lived before his conversion) to the Celestial City (an allegory of heaven), sharing with us the many challenges and obstacles he faced along the way. However, it also shares of the wonderful, joyful experiences and comfort Christian encountered in his long treacherous journey. As a believer, reading this book reminded me that I, too, am walking in a similar spiritual journey as Christian did. There are so many experiences Christian faced that I can relate with. For example, in the beginning we see how the pilgrim carried a heavy burden on his back and met a man named Evangelist. Evangelist shared with him about the only One who can lift off his burden. This allegory teaches us the Biblical truth that we, too, have carried an overwhelming burde... Bridge-Logos Publishers :: Religious - General :: Religion :: Literature - Classics & Criticism :: History :: Fiction :: Christianity - Literature :: Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages :: Chr :: The Pilgrim-s Progress in Modern English (Pure Gold Classics)
5 stars (Reaches into your soul) - I was introduced to Scott Hahn when a dear friend gave me this book to read. Mr. Hahn is the first writer able to explain Catholic beliefs and doctrine in understandable layman's terms. For the first time, I truly understood teachings about the Mass and scripture, that I just doubted and had trouble believing. For once I am no longer scared of reading the Book of Revelations. Sinc then I have read many of Mr. Hahn's titles. I suggest to anyone who is struggling with understanding the Catholic Church, that you pick up any of Hahn's books and take the time to read, meditate, and be transformed. 5 stars (Gripping.) - From beginning to end this book is just fascinating. Finally, a text about the Book of Revelations that is NOT filled up with crazy "End Times" theories! This book will not only make you appreciate the Book of the Apocalypse more, but you will find this book making you appreciate the Mass in a whole new and important way. 5 stars (Judgment Day) - Someone pointed out to me that the those in the early church realized the crucial, "eschatological dimension" of the mass because of the martyrdom which was so immanent for many of them. When they heard "Kyrie eleison" (Lord have mercy) they realized that they were at that moment before the Judgment Throne of Christ on the Day of Judgment itself! We in the 21st century need books like this to make the connection between Christ's Ultimate Sacrifice and Our Ultimate Destiny. Dr. Scott Hahn masterfully connects the Book of the Apocalypse and the Divine Liturgy showing in what manner they are two manifestations of the same reality of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and his message of salvation and how they help interpret each other. This is all shown to be in accordance with the way the fathers and teachers of the Catholic Church have always viewed the Mass. I would recommend this book for non-Catholics who are curious as to why the Catholic church does not mak... Doubleday :: Religion & Catholicism :: Revelation :: Religion - Roman Catholic :: Religion :: N T :: N T :: Mass :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: Christianity - Theology - Ca :: The Lamb-s Supper- The Mass as Heaven on Earth
2 stars (dissapointed...) - i could only read an hour of this. the 1st 3 chapters are on the bible code. the rest is probably just as bad. 5 stars (The Bible as a Whole) - I was exposed to this book as I was visiting Regent College and talking with Gordon Fee in his office there. It was about a week prior to the release of the volume and he was excited about it. Dr. Fee pointed out that this was actually mainly his own project and Dr. Stuart acted primarily as a consultant for the Old Testament material. He explained his vision in very canonical terminology. He wanted to create a reader's guide to the Bible as a whole and explained that this is more of a one-person project in order to give the book unity. Verses are descibed in relation to surrounding passages. These passages are included in the individual book of the Bible. The books are a part of larger section of Scripture (e.g., Genesis is part of the "Narrative of Israel in the Biblical Story"). These sections combine together to make the whole of the Bible itself. There is an overview to the whole Biblical story and one for each section. The chapters about the individual works of the Bible have the following setup (using Genesis as an example): ORIENTING DATA FOR GENESIS -Content (brief synopsis) -Historical Coverage (estimation of time the events take place) -Emphases (short list) OVERVIEW OF GENESIS (few paragraphs to summarize material) SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR READING GENESIS (a page or two of advice) A WALK THROUGH GENESIS (divides the book into sections and gives short commentary on each section) The chapters end with a brief concluding paragraph which reiterates the books role in the whole of the Bible. This book is extremely accessible for the layperson wanting a guide to reading the Scriptures. All too often verses and passages are used apart from their biblical story and this guide is a wonderful reminder of those dangers as well as a helpful tool in changing our perspective. Of course it is hel... Zondervan :: Religion & Christian Life :: BIBLICAL STUDIES GENERAL STUDIES GENERAL :: Religion - Biblical Studies :: Religion :: Reading :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: C :: How to Read the Bible Book by Book
4 stars (Great for my Literature Class. . . BUT) - I bought this book for my college Literature class, overpaid as usual too. After a semester of use, the cover is falling apart, the pages are thin and rip easily and all of the paper is of a material that is hard to clean pencil marks from. However, it is a great book. It contains a wealth of poems, stories and advice between the poorly-made pages. And, since the pages are thin, it wasn't as heavy to lug around campus. Very good content though, as I said. The stories are multi-national, there is abstract and realistic, old-fashioned and very modern, some ancient and even the lyrics to 1960's folk songs! One of my favorite lines in the book is "Margaret are you weeping over golden grove unleafing?" I also like the old sailors poem Western Wind "Western wind when wilt though blow? The small rain down can rain. Christ that my love were in my arms and I in my bed again." Perhaps it helps that my literature professor is top notch and a noted author as well (Kent Meyers "The Work of Wolves") but he really made me love this book! There is gold within these pages, a very good choice for teaching college students to truly appreciate the many genres of literature from around the world and through the ages. 1 stars (Misleading) - I ordered the 13th edition and received the 5th edition. The order was clearly placed for the 13th edition; it had the caption, picture and everything, when I ordered. Then When I received the wrong book I e-mailed back to see what happened and they replied that I didn't see their small caption at the bottom that read 5th edition. This captioned was not available when I purchased the book. 2 stars (Helpful for my Lit class. Book VERY POORLY MADE!!!) - This book was very useful for my Introduction to Literature class. (Naturally) Contains works from many of the great authors. I am VERY,VERY disapointed in the overall quality of the book. DON'T BUY THE PAPER BACK EDITION. Get it in hard back if you c... Longman :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Rhetoric :: Literature :: Literary Criticism :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Compos :: An Introduction to Literature- 13th Edition
5 stars (Outstanding) - Currently I am studying for the LSAT (Law School Aptitude Test) The major section on the test is logical reasoning. I have read many books from LSAT books to books on critical reasoning. This book has finally made everything clear to me. It presents topics in understandable language, with excellent questions to ask as you read or hear an argument. If you are preparing for any test such as LSAT or GMAT or just want to be able to understand arguments that you hear on TV or editorials in newspapers or political speaches, get this book. 5 stars (If I could get this book long before...) - I bought a lot of books in amazon. In the beginning, I just was a sponge, the worse way this book pointed out. After reading this, I was happy and sad. The happy one is this book exactly addresses what I need in my career including self study and work. The sad is I need to re-read all the books I've read, which may take me about 1 to 2 years. It's the most important book I've bought until now. Thank you. 5 stars (foundation for critical thinking) - Although this book will probably tell you that personal testimony is not very effective as an evidence since you do not know me, I still want to contribute here to say that this book is terrific. Throughout the book, the author guides you what questions to ask when you look at an argument. This book provides me with insights to how to approach arguments and opinions. More importantly, it helps me understand how to revisit my own opinions and positions and how to contruct my argument more effectively. ... Prentice Hall :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Rhetoric :: Literary Criticism :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Language Arts & Di :: Asking the Right Questions- A Guide to Critical Thinking- Seventh Edition
5 stars (Good AP Textbook) - My senior AP Literature and Composition class is using this book as a textbook, and I would have to say it is the best high school English book I've ever used. The questions following each included piece really helps you to focus on what is important in the passage, and the introductions to each chapter are brief and to the point. 4 stars (Almost a great resource (that I'd give 3.5 Stars, actually)) - My first exposure to Sound and Sense was in high school, and, at the time, I found the book so valuable a resource that I later purchased a copy. Post-college, my views have changed somewhat. If the tone of the writing was not so condescending, this could be a great book. It defines most of the terms necessary to understand critical texts on poetry, including those analyses related to meter, style, and tone. I find the questions after each poem to be helpful and thought-provoking. That said, it is frustrating to me that the author presents ideas and arguments in absolutes (must, must not, never, always, etc.) and then asserts that the logic that MUST be applied to point A CANNOT be applied to point B (but maybe I have spent too many hours working with lawyers). My suggestion would be to read the text with a grain of salt. Glean the terminology, answer the questions posed at the end of each poem, follow their suggestions of rereading and considering the many facets of poetry, and try to overlook the condescending manner in which the authors display their opinions as fact. 4 stars (a little at a time) - I've been nibbling away at a 20 year old edition of this book for a few years in my spare time, and almost every bite has increased my abitity to appreciate poetry. I like the examples, most of them seem pretty old, Frost is about as modern as he gets, but thats ok with me. You might find this book a little annoying if it was required reading in a course, sometimes it asks more questions than it answers. ... Heinle :: Language Arts & Disciplines & General :: Poetry :: Poetics :: Literature - Classics & Criticism :: Collections :: American - General :: Greg Johnson :: Thomas R Ar :: Perrine-s Sound and Sense - An Introduction to Poetry
3 stars (Literature for Dummies) - This is by all means a decent anthology of literature for an introductory course, and a fairly respectable stab at a guide to good university writing. The selections are for the most part diverse, encompassing Native-American, African-American, Canadian, and English writers. Short fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction and, to a more limited degree, film get a fairly decent treatment here, too, encompassing chronolical - literature from the classical to the contemporary period is treated - and thematic terrain, making this a worthwhile text for students who simply want a brief introduction to all aspects of English. Still, it is a bit unwieldly, and too often feels less like a solid anthology, and more like an 'English-for-beginners' type deal. You get what you pay for, I guess. ... Longman Publishing Group :: Rhetoric :: Problems :: exercises :: etc :: Literary Criticism :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: General :: English language :: Criticism :: College readers :: :: Literature for Composition- Essays- Fiction- Poetry- and Drama (6th Edition)
5 stars (Spong has a lot to say) - Sadly, there are many hate-filled reviews by people who obviously haven't read this book. Or they have an ax to grind with the bishop. Whatever the case may be, it's to the "reviewers" own detriment. To pursue truth, we must look at all viewpoints, not just one. The Sins of Scripture is the third book by Spong that I've read. The themes he covers are much the same: that the bible isn't the infallible Word of God; that theism, where God is understood as a person-like being who interacts with the world, is no longer believable; that we should focus on this life, instead of the life hereafter, becasue God isn't the kind of God who literally raises people from the dead; and that the true test of a religion is its ability to engender love in a person's life. The bible, as Spong shows, is a cultural artifact written by humans at a paticular time and place; they didn't know everything about the world and thus couldn't make "absolute" truth statements for all time and space. The Jews held certain assumptions about the world and the human person that, in turn, shaped their theology and ethics. But we don't live in that first-century world anymore. If we take the bible literally--with its culturally conditioned ethical and theological pronouncements--we end up with a lot of absurdities, even immoral behavior. Since the world can no longer wear those old Christian clothes, Spong offers an alternative theism that he thinks is a better "fit" for the world. Bishop Spong is a good man and a good theologian. I've met the bishop, even had dinner with him at Boston University. We talked for an hour, and even though our faith journeys have taken different routes, I still admire his honesty to say things that many Christians don't want to hear but will eventually make the world a place that God wants it to be. Lee Tasey Author of "The Gospel of Arnie" 4 stars (Rescuing the Bible From Misuse) - Former Bishop Spong doesn't believe in the Bible ... HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & Christianity :: Religion :: Liberalism (Religion) :: Episcopal Churches :: Episcopal Church :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: Criticism :: Christianit :: The Sins of Scripture - Exposing the Bible-s Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love
5 stars (One of the best English textbooks) - I am currently using this textbook in my AP English Literature class and this is one of the best English text books that I have used so far. It really provides numerous poetry (famous and not-famous) with in-depth questions that I find very helpful for me to study 4 stars (Perrine's Literature : Structure, Sound, and Sense) - Read this book for Freshman English in high school. nice alternative to a textbook. Wouldn't really want to read this outside of class. 5 stars (Excellent) - I have this book for a college level English class, and I absolutely love it! The best part about it is the depth and quality of its selection of poems and stories. I found it to be a comprehensive collection of the best that literature has to offer. ... Heinle :: Language Arts & Disciplines & General :: Literature - Classics & Criticism :: Literature :: Literary Criticism :: General :: Collections :: Greg Johnson :: Thomas R :: Perrine-s Literature- Structure- Sound and Sense
5 stars (Extremely valuable) - My accidental encounter with an earlier edition of this book was the catalyst for my taking up film studies. The book is a clear, well written and systematically organized history of movies. It has a comprehensive and up to date bibliography and filmography. Chapters are chronological in sequence, but are organized around a particular theme. The authors introduce major influences in the cinema (whether directors, 'schools', actors or events), identify principal directors and films, and analyse major issues and advances. It is an excellent introduction to the history of movies and great jumping off point for further, more specialised study. It is refreshingly free from post-modernist jargon and abstractions. If you want a comprehensive introduction which is also a good read, I recommend this book most highly. 5 stars (Extremely valuable) - My accidental encounter with an earlier edition of this book was the catalyst for my taking up film studies. The book is a clear, well written and systematically organized history of movies. It has a comprehensive and up to date bibliography and filmography. Chapters are chronological in sequence, but are organized around a particular theme. The authors introduce major influences in the cinema (whether directors, 'schools', actors or events), identify principal directors and films, and analyse major issues and advances. It is an excellent introduction to the history of movies and great jumping off point for further, more specialised study. It is refreshingly free from post-modernist jargon and abstractions. If you want a comprehensive introduction which is also a good read, I recommend this book most highly. 1 stars (too much information!!!) - This book should only be read by master level film students highly interested in every single director, film and plot summary of every movie ever made. There are no summaries of the main points and this book should NEVER be used as a college core classroom book... Longman :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Communication :: Pop Arts & Pop Culture :: Performing Arts :: Motion pictures :: History :: Film & Video - History & Criticism :: Fi :: Short History of the Movies- A (9th Edition)
3 stars (Good book but a bit bloated.) - The messages of this book are wonderful, however my problem with the book lies in it's production. The publisher data lists this book at ~128 pages. If you were to remove all the glossy, fluffy, and otherwise do-nothing-feel-good stuff (pictures, etc.)this book would be lucky to hit 25 pages. Knowing what I know now, would I have spent the $15 in the bookstore for this book? Probably not for 20-25 pages of solid message/ideas slicky inflated and packaged. Seriously, the authors could have put alot more work into to earn my $15. If you have any doubts about my comments run down to the bookstore and leaf through this book. 4 stars (Clear and Understandable) - Ken Blanchard is famous for making leadership easy to understand and he once again delivers in " Servant Leader ." The anecdotes weren't as wonderful as in Shar McBee's book "To Lead is to Empower" but he is clear and understandable. Definitely worth reading. 5 stars (Abolutely Awesome) - Dr. Blanchard not only tells us how to become more effective leaders, but how to put our professional life in harmony with the most sacred part of our personal life. This is an inspirational interpretation of the 2000 year old best seller on which it is based. ... J Countryman :: Gift Books :: Business & Economics & Leadership :: Business :: Religion :: Leadership :: Inspirational - General :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: Christianity - :: Servant Leader
4 stars (A deeply moving meditation on hope and despair) - Elie Wiesel's THE TIME OF THE UPROOTED shouldn't work. With its sudden shifts in point of view, disturbingly eloquent children, truncated storylines and generally convoluted, if scanty, plot, the book should be a disappointment. But the Nobel Prize winner's meditation on despair and hope in the face of both the unthinkable and the mundane is deeply moving. Wiesel (and his translator, David Hapgood) skillfully controls the mood of the work, immersing the reader in the sadness of Gamaliel Friedman, a man whose life has been a series of struggles. A childhood spent in hiding from the Nazis and an adulthood spent in unhappy romances have left Gamaliel irreparably harmed. Spiritual issues are pervasive in this book. A ghostwriter, Gamaliel is at work on a story of his own centered on a conflict between a rabbi and a priest. He is also enamored of a rabbi seeking to force the arrival of the Messiah. And he is preoccupied with a woman, near death, who he imagines might be the woman who protected him as a child. Each interlocking piece of his life adds heft to the book's spiritual themes. Gamaliel's relationships with women, central to the story, are almost cursorily described. Each seems a rich vein of material that Wiesel barely mines. Indeed, the same could be said of many of the plot points. THE TIME OF THE UPROOTED often feels like a slimmed down version of a potentially more ornately layered tale. Ultimately, however, Wiesel stirs the reader's emotions with economy and power. --- Reviewed by Rob Cline ([...]) 5 stars (excellent but desolate look at humanity) - In 1939, Germany is cleansing Czechoslovakia of the Jewish problem forcing the Friedmans to flee their home for Hungary. The Nazis soon march into Budapest where they continue to implement the final solution. Hoping to keep their son safe, the Friedmans leave their child Gamaliel with a young Christian cabaret singer Ilonka. She keeps him saf... Knopf :: Fiction & General :: Wiesel :: Elie - Prose & Criticism :: Literary :: Jews :: Jewish children in the Holocaust :: Jewish children in the Holocau :: Holocaust :: Jewi :: The Time of the Uprooted
5 stars (Review?) - This is not a review - but I have a question. DOESN'T ANYBODY WHO REVIEWS AT AMAZON KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REVIEW AND AN OPINION????? I get utterly frustrated at all of your opinions and I still don't know what's IN the book most of the time. Go read up on how to REVIEW a book before you enter stuff here and waste our time! 2 stars (Are YOU ready to write mediocre *blah* fiction?) - First let me say that I am not a mean person. I am sure Ms. Burroway is doing her best to teach people how to write here. And look, the book is popular, and it's sold a lot of copies so that's something, right? Well, popularity is not enough for me. And I would hope it's not enough for other smart consumers too -- professors and students alike. This book shares a virtue in common with many other fine American textbooks these days -- it takes up a lot of space to say disappointingly little. It's structured thusly: The author covers all the elements of fiction, one after the other, in a very cursory manner, interspersing between her thoughts a few mildly inspiring, mildly relevant quotes from a few "Important Writers." Now the author's commentary on the elements of fiction is why I bought the book. I wanted to know about the elements of fiction and how I can use and fuse them to help me build legendary, immaculate fiction. Some of the commentary here, though not so original, is helpful. The author has clearly read up on the topic, and she doesn't do a terrible job distilling the basics. But each chapter left me wanting. These mini-essays are sparse, folks, sparse, and they won't get you past Fiction Writing 101. After each fiction element is discussed, the author then presents a selection of short stories which feature the techniques discussed. Theory in practice. Not such a bad idea -- in theory. But in practice, this idea doesn't work so well, because the author's taste for fiction is generally (excuse me) mundane, to put it kindly. ... Longman :: Literary Criticism & Collections & General :: Technique :: Narration (Rhetoric) :: Literary Criticism :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: General :: Fict :: Writing Fiction (6th Edition)
5 stars (Amazing Collection of Photographs) - Ms. Blumenthal says she has done a world history, and a story beginning 30,000 (or so) years ago and going through 2004's best musical on Broadway, 'Avenue Q.' She covers virtually every culture in almost every time with an amazing selection of photographs. She combines this with interviews, stories and descriptions of puppeteers. She describes all of the wide variety of puppet shows brought about by the advent of television, some of which are still on the air. Part of her discussion is on the way that puppets can be used to show/discuss things that wouldn't be allowed in other ways. Politics, for instance is different when a puppet is making the remarks about your leader. And of course sex has long been a staple of puppet shows. She has a picture of the romantically challenged Miss Piggy delivering an illustrated lecture on ideal frog physique. If puppets are your thing, you'll find nothing better than this book. 5 stars (Excellent book on the history of puppets!) - This is one of those luscious, lavishly illustrated coffee-table books that doll and puppet aficionados will drool over before shelling out $65 to obtain a coveted copy. Within the 272 pages, artistic as well as historic photography of puppets dating from antiquity to modern times chronicle the history of this captivating art form. The accompanying text is scholarly, but approachable and easy to read. The history of this art form is fascinating, really. The author structures her massive effort into chapters detailing the history of puppets, types of puppets, and uses for puppets, including sex acts, illustrations for violent stories, and political commentary, as well as public service (Sesame Street), and ventures into the spirit world. I love her opening statement: "They can be gods, idiots, or worms. They are able to nurture children or terrify adults. They survive indefinitely without normal biological aging but also can die and come back to life agai... Harry N Abrams :: Performing Arts & Puppets & Puppetry :: World History :: World - General :: Theater - History & Criticism :: Puppets & Puppetry :: Puppetry And Marionettes :: Pup :: Puppetry - A World History
