Pershing: Commander of the Great War

I have always been fascinated by great generals and their monumentous achievements in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Hence I found the book “Pershing: Commander of the Great War by John Perry” to be an excellent treat.

In this biography of John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, the author paints a portrait of Pershing, not only as the brilliant yet demanding and difficult-to-please military leader in action-“nothing imperfect escaped his notice or criticism”-but also chronicles Pershing’s role as a loving husband and father, an excellent dancer, and a true friend to those fortunate enough to know him well off the battlefield. There's not much about his childhood, but his life at West Point and in the military before World War I is thoroughly explained, and really interesting to read. Pershing served in the West, learning to get along with Native Americans and Mexicans; apparently he was quite good at peacemaking and helping everyone live with each other. This experience served him very well when he was posted to the Philippines and expected to quell the Muslim Moro minority, which was inclined to fight the Americans as much as they had fought the Spanish. Pershing did his best to make friends with the Moros and calm the tensions in the area, and he was very successful.  Such excerpts from the life of this great man really makes this a must read for biography fans.

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.”

Surprised By Oxford

“Surprised By Oxford” is a memoir by Carolyn Weber telling us her own journey of graduate studies at Oxford University. The narration is broken down into the three terms established by the liturgical calendar.

Carolyn Weber received a scholarship to study at Oxford for graduate school. She arrived there in the mid-90's as a fairly typical agnostic student somewhat allergic to the world "Christian" (since as we all know, Christians are rigidly judgmental and irrational). But Weber also feels a great lack in her life, and as she gets to know some truly wonderful Christians are and reads the Bible, she unwillingly feels the hounds of heaven stalking her. This is the best that I can sum up the narrative.

I feel that it is a tad too long. Actually at the end I really got bored and somehow trudged my way along. Apart from this it is a good book especially for those who have been to Oxford or feel a special connection with it.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

The Final Hour

I have just finished reading ‘The Final Hour’ by Andrew Klavan. ‘The Final Hour’ is the 4th and last book in The Homelanders series. Teenager Charlie West is in prison and has no memory of what happened in the past year but then he starts remembering. He knows that the terrorist cell (the Homelanders) is planning to do something on New Year's Eve and starts plotting to get out of prison and goes through a lot to try to stop them.

I am amazed at how Klavan wove this complicated plot throughout his series. I appreciated how the story evolved and all of the loose ends were tied. Charlie is a hero, truly, and his decision making process would be a great example for young adults.

I really enjoyed this book, and I’m glad I was able to read all of the books in this series. I found myself unable to put the book down. Although I’m disappointed this series is over, I look forward to reading future books by Andrew Klavan.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® 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.”

WASHINGTON: A Legacy of Leadership

I must confess that I am not an avid biography reader. I chose Washington: A Legacy of Leadership by Paul Vickery and Stephen Mansfield mostly because I felt that although I know quite a bit about Washington - the statesman, I know very little about the Washington – the man.

Throughout the book, Vickery has provided many lesser-known facts about Washington’s life and has based much of the book on original sources such as Washington’s own letters. The author views Washington mostly in a positive light but does not shy away from pointing out the various mistakes Washington made throughout his career.

Another aspect that makes this book very interesting is the presence of a large number of pictures and illustrations depicting various events from Washington’s life and America’s history.

If you are a history buff or a biography lover, you will no doubt love this book, but if not, be prepared for a long and, at times, laborious, read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® 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.”

WHO IS MY SHELTER?

I just finished reading ‘Who Is My Shelter?’ by Neta Jackson. It is the story of Gabby Fairbanks. A middle-aged woman going through a difficult separation from her husband Phillip, after being thrown out of her own home. Gabby is making a new life for herself, raising her two teenage boys, and working at a job that gives her life meaning... running the House of Hope for homeless single moms and their kids. Gabby is a Christian who let the promise of romance and a better future distract her from God. But the trials in her life prove to be the very thing that leads her back to Him. And He shows her that He is the only Rock she can lean on.

I enjoyed meeting the various characters in this, the forth book in a series of House of Hope novels. Because I hadn't read the first three, I was worried I would feel left behind, unable to connect the dots, but I found myself able to jump right into the story with enough background information scattered throughout. The author moves easily from one character's situation to another, weaving pieces together in ways only God could arrange. I look forward to reading the next book, anxious to learn what happens next in the lives of these people I have come to know.

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.”