Clear, concise, interesting, and edifying, this Lutheran guidebook explains the key points of the faith in a simple (but never patronizing) manner. SpClear, concise, interesting, and edifying, this Lutheran guidebook explains the key points of the faith in a simple (but never patronizing) manner. Sprinkled with moments of humor and warmth, and containing personal anecdotes of the author's life, this book has much more of a human connection than many theology texts. It also offers guidance (that is, "tools") that can help Christians understand their faith and live accordingly. Very well thought-out and quite thought-provoking!
Merged review:
Clear, concise, interesting, and edifying, this Lutheran guidebook explains the key points of the faith in a simple (but never patronizing) manner. Sprinkled with moments of humor and warmth, and containing personal anecdotes of the author's life, this book has much more of a human connection than many theology texts. It also offers guidance (that is, "tools") that can help Christians understand their faith and live accordingly. Very well thought-out and quite thought-provoking!...more
A collection of urban legends gleaned from period newspapers. This book would be worth reading for the introduction alone, in which the author describA collection of urban legends gleaned from period newspapers. This book would be worth reading for the introduction alone, in which the author describes the nature of an urban legend and outlines his process for finding and sorting them. The legends themselves range from the ridiculous to the merely implausible to the I-don't-quite-believe-it-but-would-like-to variety. Some of the legends here are physically impossible, and Young takes great pains to explain the science involved and the exact lengths to which it could go. A few of these chapters were a little disturbing in terms of subject matter, but many centered on human interaction, rather than gore, and were ultimately thought-provoking. People interested in print culture, in newspapers, or in urban legends will almost certainly benefit from this, but Simon Young's matter-of-fact style and eclectic topics will likely entertain any reader. A fun book of stories that didn't really happen . . . or did they?...more
Fantastic book, with clear writing and good explanations for the basic tenets of the faith. He does a fine job of explaining things for laymen, and heFantastic book, with clear writing and good explanations for the basic tenets of the faith. He does a fine job of explaining things for laymen, and he does not stray from the topic at hand. The result is a beautiful, concise read that neatly outlines the faith and is full of tremendous insight. I can't say that he fully answered all of my questions, but he answered a great many of them, and he gave me quite a lot to ponder. He has a knack for presenting old information in new ways, yet without abandoning church doctrine. The explanation of justification, given early on in the book, remains one of the loveliest I've ever read. His chapter on the sacraments was likewise enlightening. Highly recommended!...more
Not much depth of information here, but the book's broad scope is sure to entertain many. Full of clear, concise information and a plethora of photogrNot much depth of information here, but the book's broad scope is sure to entertain many. Full of clear, concise information and a plethora of photographs, this book's discussion of specific hoaxes from history will likely have something to intrigue most children. Not all the hoaxes are "creepy"; the one about the Cottingley fairies, for example, is rather cute. Enjoyable for browsing, and still short enough for kids to read it in a single sitting....more
How interesting! This charming book conveys a great deal of information about the country's first bookmobile and the remarkable librarian who made it How interesting! This charming book conveys a great deal of information about the country's first bookmobile and the remarkable librarian who made it possible. Clear and informative—but never condescending—this book can be enjoyed by youth and adults alike. The many photographs included add to the enjoyment....more
An interesting bit of history. I could tell the author did a considerable amount of research, and she laid out the facts clearly. I like that she was An interesting bit of history. I could tell the author did a considerable amount of research, and she laid out the facts clearly. I like that she was up-front about the missing information—does anyone really know how old Nettie Diamond actually was?—and how she wrapped up the end very neatly, explaining what befell most of the people involved in this true story. This is a tale of violence and murder, and of lust for money. It is also a portrait of northwest Indiana life during Prohibition. Race relations are also an important factor here, as the killer tried (and failed) to frame a Black teenager for the crime. Ammeson does a stellar job of bringing the past to life, of grounding news articles and witness statements in context, and in trusting that the facts themselves are interesting enough to stand on their own....more
This excellent children’s book introduces the history of the Rosetta Stone and the way its discovery has shaped our understanding of ancient Egyptian This excellent children’s book introduces the history of the Rosetta Stone and the way its discovery has shaped our understanding of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Although the subject matter is complicated, the author does a terrific job of explaining things clearly without ever condescending to his audience. An informative look at history and the methods by which the past is studied. Highly recommended for kids (or adults) who are at all interested in foreign languages, dead language, or ancient Egypt....more
"As unyielding as the Holy Spirit is in the matter of maintaining and defending the doctrine of faith, so mild and merciful is he toward men for their"As unyielding as the Holy Spirit is in the matter of maintaining and defending the doctrine of faith, so mild and merciful is he toward men for their sins, as long as sinners repent." A beautiful treatise on justification—on grace, faith, and the goodness of Christ. Luther's writing is clear and powerful, and he draws many parallels between the church's struggles in the first century and the difficulties Luther faced in his own time. (He also suggests that modern Germans may be descended from the people of Galatia, so that's an interesting historical perspective.) He describes Paul's conversion, his interactions with the other apostles, and his disagreements with Peter. Luther explains Scripture by linking it to other Scriptures; here, he puts the epistle to the Galatians in context of Paul's other writings, of the Gospels, and of the Old Testament. An enlightening read that prompts much soul-searching and introspection, but which always brings the focus right where it belongs, on the saving work of Jesus.
A note on the edition: I couldn't find on Goodreads the particular edition I read. I listened to a digital audiobook version, and while it listed a publisher and a narrator, there was no listing of either translator or ISBN. This version made a reference to dollar amounts and mentioned prisoners being executed via the electric chair, so I have some questions about the method of the translator. I would hate to think that the anonymous translator was telling me what he thinks I'll understand, not what Luther actually said....more
I wanted to like this more than I did. I liked the narrow focus of time—just those two decades—but I felt the questions were very obscure. I feel likeI wanted to like this more than I did. I liked the narrow focus of time—just those two decades—but I felt the questions were very obscure. I feel like some of the more memorable elements of that time period were neglected in favor of other details that were maybe not as interesting. And a LOT of these questions were about sports and celebrities. It got to be a little tedious after a while. It might have done better to include a broader range of subjects, even within the framework of those two decades. Still, this was great fun.
3.5 stars, rounding up because what it DID do, it did well....more
A joyful look at a year of Jewish holidays. The short descriptions of this collection function almost as free-verse poems. They capture a bit of the eA joyful look at a year of Jewish holidays. The short descriptions of this collection function almost as free-verse poems. They capture a bit of the emotion and history behind each holiday, and the slender volume would function well both for very young Jewish children and for non-Jews who have never been introduced to these holidays. Don't look for great depth of information here, but if you would like a charming and informational account that conveys a sense of childlike wonder, you won't be disappointed....more
Interesting, informative, and well-researched, this book is sure to delight any child who'd like to learn more about pirates. The book is highly readaInteresting, informative, and well-researched, this book is sure to delight any child who'd like to learn more about pirates. The book is highly readable, divided into chapters with 10 facts apiece, and these bite-size chunks are fun and quick without ever feeling simplistic. The content was well-chosen and offers a robust view of pirate life. Illustrations throughout add to the enjoyment....more
This was a bit disappointing. For one thing, there was very little information here. It's a very small book, and most of it is pictures, so that thereThis was a bit disappointing. For one thing, there was very little information here. It's a very small book, and most of it is pictures, so that there are maybe 3-4 sentences of text on a two-page spread. This seems strange to me; often, books with few words are intended for very young children, but the subject matter itself seems to be directed at a slightly older audience. Moreover, the information lacks detail and historical context. The book is filled with broad, sweeping claims, but there is little about specific pirates or events. Another disappointment was the subject matter: much of it doesn't apply specifically to pirates at all. For example, the author writes, "Cooks on pirate ships had little training and few supplies. They put salt on vegetables and meat to make it last longer. As time went on, food rotted. Cooks hid the rotten taste with spices." So the food was bad, and so the bad food was just one of many reasons why a life of golden-age piracy wasn't as glamorous as the movies would suggest. Fine. But this bad food wasn't unique to pirates. When I was in elementary school, in history class, we learned that salt was frequently used to preserve food in the days before refrigeration. It happened for centuries, with pirates and merchants and navy men, with pioneers and colonists and settlers, with different cultures, with normal everyday families preparing normal everyday meals. So it's a nice detail, sure, but it's hardly exclusive to pirates. I feel the same about much of the information here. Infection was tougher to treat before penicillin. Some pirates had infections. (Well, so did everyone else, right?) Some information about the ships and the battles, and about pirates codes, was more interesting. The author did a good job of defining certain technical words as they're encountered in the book, as well as in a glossary at the end, so that was nice. And the pictures themselves are quite interesting and fun. Consider this 2.5 stars.
Lots of information here, and very well-researched. The author explores the ways in which Victorians saw themselves, particularly in connexion with thLots of information here, and very well-researched. The author explores the ways in which Victorians saw themselves, particularly in connexion with the sea. Behrman draws on a host of primary sources, not just published accounts from navymen, but also newspaper and magazine articles, and even children's books. Like any historian, Behrman tries to be objective, and as with any human, it is a struggle. There are a few places in this book where I think she is the product of her own times, but on the whole, she does a stellar job of describing different parts of history, both good and bad. What places this author so far above many other historians is her copious use of citations, of quotes, of clarity with regard to what the sources say and how she draws her conclusions. She may not be as objective as she may have hoped, yet there is so little of her own opinions in this book—and so much of her research—the book stands as a useful aid to anyone with an interest in this history. She describes British islandhood, naval history (with particular emphasis on the parts of that history that are taught to children), and even public attitudes about the navy. Well worth reading!...more
A terrific resource for children interested in science and nature. This book is well-organized and informative, and the writing is clear without everyA terrific resource for children interested in science and nature. This book is well-organized and informative, and the writing is clear without every being condescending. The book explains not just the characteristics of sea otters and their role in their ecosystem, but also other plants and animals in the environment, the history of human interaction with the otters, the individual scientists who study them now, and even the different steps of the scientific method. It covers a lot of ground without being long-winded, and it's never boring. I know I'm older than the target audience, but I enjoyed it at great deal as well. Fun and educational!...more
![Proceedings at the laying of the corner-stone of the new capitol of Indiana, on the 28th day of September, 1880 at the city of Indianapolis 1880 [Leather Bound]](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1696235761l/151503109._SX50_.jpg)
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