Book Description

Like most of us, Lauren Winner wants something to believe in. The child of a reform Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother, she chose to become an Orthodox Jew. But as she faithfully observes the Sabbath rituals and studies Jewish laws, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Christianity. Taking a courageous step, she leaves behind what she loves and converts. Now the even harder part: How does one reinvent a religious self? How does one embrace the new without abandoning the old? How does a convert become spiritually whole.

In GIRL MEETS GOD, this appealingly honest young woman takes us through a year in her search for a religious identity. Despite her conversion, she finds that her world is still shaped by her Jewish experiences. Even as she rejoices in the holy days of the Christian calendar, she mourns the Jewish rituals she still holds dear. Attempting to reconcile the two sides of her religious self, Winner applies the lessons of Judaism to the teachings of the New Testament, hosts a Christian seder, and struggles to fit her Orthodox friends into her new religious life. Ultimately she learns that faith takes practice and belief is an ongoing challenge. Like Anne Lamott's, Winner's journey to Christendom is bumpy, but it is the rocky path itself that makes her a perfect guide to exploring spirituality in today's complicated world. Her engaging approach to religion in the twenty-first century is illuminating, thought-provoking, and most certainly controversial. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Delightful Spiritual Memoir!
Lauren Winner, a graduate student in her late twenties, comes from a mixed religious background. The book follows her on a spiritual roller-coaster ride through two major conversions. First, although she always considered herself Jewish, she must go through a long and difficult process to "convert" to Orthodox Judaism. And yet, even as she is working this out, she is being drawn to Jesus, and her second conversion, ending up as an Anglican Christian. And then she must struggle to sort out what she has gained and lost, rebuild relationships, and integrate the two streams of her heritage.

As the book ends, she has not finished this hard work by any means, but she has begun going back to her Jewish roots to understand her Christian life more deeply.

Author Lauren Winner is an intelligent, witty, intellectual young woman, someone you would like to spend hours with, just chatting, talking about spiritual things, sharing favorite books--yes, I loved the Mitford books, too. She writes in a lucid, conversational style, with a sparkling sense of humor. By the end of the book I felt I knew her well.

The book is not perfect. It leaves far too much unexplained, and, as other reviewers have noted, she is perhaps a little early in the process to be writing this memoir. Still, I enjoyed it immensely. As someone who has walked a similar path, I felt privileged to share in hers. I recommend this book highly! Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

Page Turner
It is not often a person can say a religious book is a edge of chair page turner; BUT, Lauren's book was just that. I read it in three evenings, and quickley ordered her book Mudhouse Sabbath, and can't wait to read it. Lauren's religious "travel" from reformed Judaism to orthodox Judaism to Episcopalism was both insightful and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book if you are searching spiritally, or want to learn basic tenants of Judaism and christianity from a person who lived both.

A Dizzying Journey
You might have a friend who is pretty bright, likes to talk about their struggles, desperately tries to defy any and all 'categorizations', and comes across as passionate but erratic. Chances are this friend is great at dinner parties, but you don't exactly give them the keys to your house and ask them to water your plants while you're on vacation. Maybe this is because you fear that they would suddenly, inexplicably, or tirelessly pursue a 'spontaneous' life, a life that maybe didn't include sustaining your African violets. If you don't have that friend, I encourage you to read this book. After which, Lauren Winner can be that friend.

The book is not a bad read. It's a faithful mimicry of Anne Lamott - even when it comes to sentence construction. You'll have lots of long, rambling, free-flowing sentences (with parenthetical expressions) that will be showing you the many divergent paths that her intricate mind is capable of exploring...and you'll see that she's young, hip, and flippant because there will be the necessary punctual follow up fragment. Like this.

Overall, I found her a story a little suspect, in part due to the author's note that let's us know certain "details - names, professions, chronology, and so forth" were changed. Also in part due to the freshness of the material; she's so stuck in the churn that I don't think she's fully reflected on her journey. The dust-jacket comparisons to C.S. Lewis (because he wrote a spiritual autobiography?! What about St. Augustine while we're at it?) made me want to puke.

Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life
I have spent my whole life since middle school, and actually even before that, seeking God. In this collection of biographical and theological musings, structured around Jewish festivals and the seasons of the Christian liturgical year, Winner considers her path from Reform Jew to Orthodoxy to self-described evangelical Episcopalian. Frank, often funny, sometimes sexy, and disarmingly honest, her story is far from the "how I found Jesus" tract one might expect. Sophisticated, well-educated with degrees from Columbia and Cambridge, and the child of a secular Jewish father and a lapsed Baptist mother, Winner at age twenty-something is very much a modern, worldly wise young woman. Her spiritual self-examination could almost be a caricature of the self-absorption sometimes considered characteristic of GenX'ers. Her writing what amounts to an autobiography while still in her twenties might be considered premature. How, the reader wonders, does one know that she will not go off to become a Buddhist next year, but she even addresses this question. The book's appeal lies in Winner's sincerity and her willingness to share her struggle to be honest and faithful to God. Many young seekers fumbling their way to faith will appreciate the example of someone who is not a stereotypical, good-girl Sunday schooler but whose belief is heartfelt and hard-won. Her well-written, absorbing account provides an important validation for those readers who may not be ready for Kathleen Norris or Anne Lamott, but who share their bumpy paths to spirituality

Neville meets Lauren.
In "Girl Meets God," (a title I'm convinced the author did NOT come up with, and is not really fitting to the book---perhaps the cover should change designs too) Lauren Winner does some pretty incredible things. She manages to tap into C.S. Lewis-like intellectual thought, write like Anne Lamott, think like a Cambridge graduate student and still comes across as being smart enough and human enough, to live out Jesus' loving call. Anybody interested in Jewish tradition will be fascinated (like I was) by how much this tradition aids in the Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Not only do I admire Winner for such a provocative, insightful, and honest memoir, I also respect her for writing with such clarity, free from any "Christian rules." She knows how to be human, which is something so many Christians forget. For a look into how the next generation will learn, think, and process the idea of God, check out this book. It's a great memoir. Thanks Lauren. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Food for thought
This is a philosophical biography of Martin Luther. Although it provides some details about Luther's personal life, early upbringing and later family life, the focus of the book is on Luther's struggle to reform the Catholic church. The book is dense with summaries of Luther's writings, and it appears in a relatively small font, so it is not a quick or light read. It assumes a familiarity with Christian ideals and scripture; nevertheless, you don't need to be a Bible scholar to appreciate its discussion.

This book is filled with passages that made me stop, think and reflect, and then dog-ear the page for return visits. Bainton quotes Luther: "Faith is a living, restless thing. It cannot be inoperative. We are not saved by works; but if there be no works, there must be something amiss with faith." Later, "Music is to be praised as second only to the Word of God because by her all the emotions swayed...The Holy Spirit himself pays tribute to music when he records that the evil spirit of Saul was exorcised as David played upon his harp....This precious gift has been bestowed on men alone to remind them that they are created to praise and magnify the Lord." Through reading this book, I became much more aware of the tremendous influence that Luther had on shaping numerous aspects of modern Western society. Anyone with any interest in any form of Christianity should become acquainted with the ideas of Martin Luther, and reading this book would be a good start.

A life in review
"Here I Stand" is a fine biography of the 16th Century Reformer Martin Luther. It encapsulates the full range of his emotions and struggles as he led the Reformation, and it also summarizes his key teachings. Bainton has a nice way of showing the progression of Martin Luther's thought, as in the earlier chapters the reader witnesses the struggle Luther underwent to free himself of the medieval Roman Catholic church's accretions to the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We see Luther's profound awakening to the Gospel, as he began to see in Christ the merciful and righteous God who grants salvation freely through faith. Then eventually we see the mature Luther, who has been freed of the false teachings and traditions of the medieval church. Bainton shows us Luther's boldness and courage as a reformer, and also his deep humility and his failings. This book shows us a picture of a man who was used by God to restore the church to the Word of God alone, to faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone.

The places where Bainton is weakest in this book is in his descriptions of how Luther understood the sacraments (baptism and communion) and how he understood the two realms of church and government. He doesn't quite explain these correctly in the Lutheran sense. But otherwise he has a helpful balance of the factors that influenced Luther and the reformation: social, political, historical, and most importantly theological factors. And the story is supplemented with personal stories showing his love for his wife and family, and his desire for a peaceful reform of the church. Above all Luther acted on the sure confidence in the Word of God as revealed in the Scriptures.

One of many Martin Luther biographies
I am reviewing the 1950, Mentor Books Fifteenth Printing.
This book is well laid out. Much of the material is in lecture form. There are twenty-two content headings, 12 page Bibliography, References, Source of Illustrations, and comprehensive Index. The illustrations are just that monochrome sketches.

Roland H. Bainton received an A.B. degree from Whitman College, and B.D. and Ph.D. degrees form Yale University and form Oberlin College, Dr. Theological Seminary and from Oberlin College. He is a Specialist in Reformation history.

There are many biography and reference books on Martin Luther, each with its own strength s and weaknesses. This one by Roland H. Bainton is pretty comprehensive and goes into more depth than most. Do not get out your highlighter or you will highlight every page.

This is the story of a religious leader who is well known for leading the Protestant Reformation. "I cannot...I will not...Recant! Here I Stand."

Readable, memorable, informative
I read this biography several years ago, and still remember it vividly. I am not generally a fan of biography, and read it to get a picture of this man who has made such a radical difference in world history. I was not disappointed. It held my attention throughout. Interesting, well documented, the story moved at a pace worthy of a good novel, while still providing abundant information and detail. The education about the man and the period gained from reading this book has stayed with me like few books I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it too highly.

The Best Biography on Luther, Period.
This biography is the most accurate and unprejudiced ever written on Luther (and I have read dozens of them). Bainton provides very lucid and vivid historical settings, events, people, and such surrounding the life of Luther. What is more, Bainton is quite fair-minded with regard to Luther's personal traits; I get tired of reading other biographers who try to psychoanalyze Luther and draw conclusions about his thinking based on pure speculations. Bainton renders a fair assessment of perhaps why, based on historical settings and events which were occurring during Luther's day, as to why he perhaps did and said some of the things he did.

Bainton really draws his reader into the life of Luther by carefully unfolding historical events which led up to the reformation and events that helped to shape Luther's thinking during and following the Reformation. The book is also nicely lavished with engravings and illustrations which helps the reader get a better understanding of what Bainton is trying to communicate. Moreover, the book contains a very exhaustive bibliography to help the reader branch out into further research and reading.

This book is written in a chronological format from Luther's birth to his death, and every major event which occurred between. This text is certainly a must for anyone who wants a better understanding of Martin Luther. Moreover, it is also a crucial text for anyone wanting a better understanding of the Reformation. I cannot begin to describe the depth and breadth of this work. I highly recommend this text!!!! ... Read more

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Bhagavan Das is back. The 1970's guru of egregiousness, who inspired the title of Ram Dass'Be Here Now, has penned a spiritual memoir that is stranger than fiction, farther out than the Oort Cloud. We last saw our hero when he was a spiritual rock star touring the hippie circuit with Allen Ginsberg. Soon thereafter he dropped out of the scene and took a job at a Dodge dealership to support his second family. Peyote beckoned him to the desert, then he raised magic mushrooms, sold encyclopedias to Marines, dabbled in solar power, attended Bible college, and ended up selling overpriced car insurance to poor people--until his latest 18-year-old girlfriend flipped out on acid and ended his career.

Bhagavan Das's writing is guileless. He neither boasts nor apologizes. He describes the manic ride he has been on since he left California after high school. For seven years he wandered around India and Nepal, practicing austerities, sitting at the feet of gurus, studying Buddhist scriptures, and getting laid. The common denominator in his pursuits seems to be a search for the ultimate high.Whether he is kissed on the forehead by a saint, standing at the foot of a 20-foot stone statue of Vishnu, lost in meditation, dropping acid, or being initiated into tantric sex, his descriptions are in the same terms: "mind-blowing," "out-of-body," "ultimate bliss," "beyond the beyond." It's Here Now (Are You?) is an entertaining, vicarious journey through a life that you don't mind visiting, but you wouldn't want to live.--Brian Bruya ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Let Bhagavan Das Take You on a Wonderful Journey of Love
A wonderful spiritual memoir that ranks with Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi, with a dash of sixties' psychedelia flavor.

It details Bhagavan's journeys through India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, his meeting many Indian and Tibetan saints and teachers, and being embraced by the people who later popularised the Eastern spiritual movement in America; namely Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and Ram Dass.

Bhagavan Das was there first - he watched as India and Nepal became overrun with hippies looking for Eastern wisdom after LSD gave them their first hunger for another reality.

After Ram Dass published Be Here Now, it set off another influx of Americans going over to India, and helped inspire Bhagavan's rise to fame in the states after coming home from seven years in the East.

Now, twenty-six years later, Bhagavan Das puts pen to paper to tell his own story, one that is infinitely deeper and more compelling than the one that was originally told in Be Here Now.

It al! ! so accurately portrays the hardships and internal divisions one goes through on the path to enlightenment. A worthwhile book, the kind of book I wait years for.

Books of this quality, conveying this range and depth of experience, and also being so enjoyable to read, are simply too few and far between. Cherish this one while it's here now. It's one I plan to read over and over, as I have done with W. Somerset Maugham's book about the original Dharma Bum, The Razor's Edge.

A great read that becomes muddled in the end.
This is a highly entertaining book. I find the personal journey of Bhagavan Das pretty amazing, others may find him a nut. Reading the book will lead you to your own conclusions.

I thought it was a lot of fun and I ate the book up in a day or two. But I really found the denouement muddled. However in defense of an otherwise great read, I must admit that anyone's personal spiritual revelations and experiences would be hard to put into words.

Nevertheless, pick up the book and give it a read. The experience will be well worthwhile.

An Inspiring Tale of a Spiritual Journey
This is really a great book and one that I would recommend to anyone interested in devotional spirituality, especially Hindu and Buddhist. This is a very honest book and he has clearly made it a point to not glamorize it or gloss over the sordid parts. Highly recommended!

Another Mahabharata
I can read Mahabharata for spiritual food - but when my humanness was 'stuck' in my fears, it was so easy for me to get 'stuck' in the grandeur and antiquity of it. At those times I wish I had the 'living Mahabharata', who is Bhagavan Das.

Bhagavan Das is also Arjuna in the Maharabharata.
To me what's more Heroic about 'It's Here Now (Are you?)' than the great epic is: the epic was seen through Sanjaya's higher eye (intuition?) and written by Saint Valmiki. No big deal for Arjuna here, eventhough every truth in it was born through his fears as well as greatness... To walk through fears with honesty and having that same honesty to share it with others - that's a Real human being! Now I understand there is nothing more spiritual than being human. Bhagavan Das is everybody put together -Arjuna, Krishna, Sanjaya, Duryodana, Valmiki; an epic as solely himself.

Jai Bhagavan Das!
I have the luck to listen to and give Bhagavan Das a hug every couple months, and never see my copy of this book because one of my friends have inevitably borrowed it. Bhagavan Das' writing has reached out to young people especially taking away our cynicism and placing devotion in our hearts instead.
Jai ma, Jai bhaghavan das!
*** Be sure to see where Bhagavan Das is appearing ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Challenging and inspiring portrait of an incredible life
The reader will find this book personally challenging, inspiring, and moving. Even for those unfamiliar with the incredible (yet short) career of Keith Green cannot help but feel a certain level of conviction as well as a measure of inspiration in the life of this disciple of Christ. This biography tells the story of Keith Green's life from a variety of angles, but perhaps the most significant is the account it gives of his growth in faith. I read this book and was spiritually and emotionally moved to know the God that Keith Green worshipped in a personal and intimate way. Highly recommended.

This Book Will Change Your Life
This is one of the best books I've ever read, it's my favorite book next to the bible. Keith's music changed my life and so has his story. I've read the book at least 3 times now, and every time I read it, another area of the book stands out and ministers to me. This book shows Keith as he matures in his christian walk,which is really helpful to any maturing Christian, to see the details of another's walk with Christ.
Keith Green was a sold-out man to Jesus, like we all should be. It's a book of inspiriation, challenge, and it will change you.

Finding the real man behind the legend
There is no doubt that Keith Green has had a profound ministry. Even more than twenty years after his death, people are still being touched by his music and message. I know that I am a different person because of my exposure to this bold man of God.

"No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green" follows Keith from failed teen idol to the tops of the Christian music carts to a fiery plane crash in Texas. We see his early days as a struggling musician whose life was one of constant seeking but never finding until the day that Jesus put an end to the search. Along the way, Melody Green (with David Hazard) paints a picture of the early Jesus Movement of the late Sixties and early Seventies, showing how she and Keith were in the midst of it. Anyone who has been a Christian for a long time will be fascinated by how God put the Greens into the right places at the right time. There is a look at the nascent days of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship; friendships with classic Christian musicians like Randy Stonehill, Larry Norman, Barry McGuire, and Phil Keaggy; radical days of ministry highlighted by long nights ministering to anyone who would listen; and a sense of destiny shared by a small group of people with a common vision. It is almost a textbook-worthy look at a post-hippie Christianity finding its way.

To say that Keith Green is revered in certain circles is an understatement. One of the nicest features of this book is that it demythologizes the man himself. The "shoot first and ask questions later" perspective of Keith that made so many consider him a prophet is examined more closely, revealing feet of clay that some might find surprising. Often the hard-hitting songs that we have taken for granted were written as much for Keith himself to hear as for anyone else, the stinging messages a form of self-discipline for the author as much as his audience. Yet even in the correction of bad eating habits and too much TV, we are shown a prophet who examined his own life and often found it wanting. Finally, we get to see how Keith's self-defining brashness often backfired and how he came to a more gentle place in his ministry shortly before his death.

All these revelations are helpful in understanding the man behind the myth. Still, there are lapses. Very little is said about the recording sessions that led to the amazing albums. They come and go and we learn little. Certain anecdotes don't seem to lead anywhere, either, leaving the reader to merely surmise how or why Keith came to a certain place in his thoughts, actions, and spiritual development. Short excerpts from his journals are included, but more would still have been better. I know that I wanted to probe further into the subtle changes in the spiritual life of the man that led him into the situations outlined here, especially in the last year of his life--a year that zips by in the book. I suppose a wife can only know so much, and for those of us who want to know exactly how everything fell into place, I can only say that this book serves to drive us closer to God in order to ask Him those unanswered questions for our own ministries.

That said, this is still a very good biography of a man that practically packed a whole lifetime of spiritual growth into twenty-eight all too short years. Anyone who loves biographies of the great saints of God would be remiss to skip over this one. It definitely got me thinking and praying.

Amazing
It is really quite amazing the way God used Keith Green for his 7 years as a Christian. It's an amazing the impact his ministry made in such a short time before the Lord took him home at the ripe old age of 28. This is a pretty powerful biography.

I was a little worried though over John Dawson coming into Keith's life. He seemed to be feeding Keith some bad doctrine, even if very subtly, and seemed to be a flatterer, trying to tell Keith how big he was going to be. His prophecies were proven false though when Keith suddenly died in a plane crash. It's amazing how Keith, Melody, or Keith's mentors never seemed to see this.

Overall though, this book is a powerful testimony of what God will do with a willing vessel. How God can raise a man out of obscurity to be a prophetic voice that, though he be dead still speaks.

Do you have 'ears to hear' this message?
NO COMPROMISE is just that; a powerful, straight forward telling of the life of child musical prodigy come 70's-era preacher Keith Green. For as long as I can remember I have heard his music. I was practically raised on it. Yet it took me until 2002 to actually read this book. The experience was well worth it; his wife Melody did a good job considering lyric composition seems to be her forte.

The book is not too short and not so long as to scare away the somewhat-interested. As I think back on the book, it really is quite an amazing summation of Keith's short 28 years. Melody has included many small stories throughout the prose; stories of personal revalations, hilarious experiences, and tragic occurances. We see the human side of this man who was so often held up as God-like figure in Christian music. How fascinating it was for me-a fan of Keith's music for two decades-to read all these little anecdotes, diary clippings, journal entries, and especially information behind the writing of so many powerful songs. The scope of the book is impressive just because of the number of people drawn into Keith and Melody's circle. Many, many well known people are referred to and quoted. I had no idea there was a Bob Dylan connection and friendship for example.

NO COMPROMISE is a powerful book that follows Keith from his infant Christianity thru his maturing process and eventually, his untimely death. The end of the book is difficult if only because it seems so sudden, but that's how it really was. This is the story of how God worked in the lives of two young people and changed millions for the better. Thankfully, the story did not end on that July day in Texas, it went on, and continues today.

Recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

excellent reading material
I have read this book years ago,when I myself was a teenager.After reading it,I was also lucky enough to see Nicky Cruz himself in person.I couldn't believe that a person his size could also have been one of the toughest sob's in the ghetto.I found his story very exciting and very moving.I am very anxious to find his book and read it again.I would also like to have my children read this book.It is a story that every family should have in their house and one that every family with teens should read.

Run Baby Run is inspiring
I read this book several times while still in school. I was lucky enough to see Nicky Cruz speak on a couple of occasions, and found his story fascinating. I found it exciting where it needed to be and uplifting as well. It is an amazing story and sheds light in a dark area. His story is from decades ago, but now more than ever, it is useful. Today's gang-obsessed youth could really use a book like this in their lives. Even without the religious themes within the book, the messages of hope and positive change are important.

Great book!
I read this book when I was a teenager (I'm almost fify now). Since I haven't reread it, I can't remember many of the details of the book. However, I do remember this book greatly impacted me in three ways. One, it showed why young people join a gang. Two, it showed how brutal gang life is. Three, it showed how Jesus can transform anyone, even a hardened gang member, if he or she will only ask Him to come into their heart. I believe everyone will benefit from reading Nicky's story.

Inspiring and heartbreaking... very emotional
I have read the novel Run Baby Run 3 or more times and it has really moved me and I recommend this book to all my friends and my boyfriend. It is amazing how God can change someones life so dramatically. I would love to go to one of Nicky Cruz's ministries sometime in the future and actually meet the man who has made a dramastic change in my life.

Not your usual "Ugly Duckling" story!!!
This is the kind of book we need to give to our teenagers today. They can relate in the realest way possible. The pressures of peers, drugs, sex, the macho attitude, and lonliness. It tells of a boy and many others who just want someone to love them. It tells of how God uses other people to help these teenagers see that they are truly NOT alone. God loves them, no matter what crimes they've committed, or what kind of darkness is in their heads and hearts. Nicky Cruz shares his life with us in the most open way. He helps you see how his life was transformed from one of gang life to a wonderful life with a wife, children, and a mission to help other who were just like him. I highly recommend it. Even if you don't believe in God or His awesome power, you will still be able to relate to Nicky. I guarantee you'll be rooting for him and will feel joy in his life-changing moments. He is truly a man touched by God. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A powerful woman
In the late 1960s, when I was maybe 9 years old, my mother let me ditch school to attend a lecture by Maria von Trapp. I'm guessing that the author was promoting a newer edition of her book at the time. She struck me as an opinionated, very strong personality, but one who had twinkling eyes and who encouraged me to continue my piano lessons. The baroness autographed my EZ-Play "Sound of Music" piano book, but sternly made sure that I realized that the movie was not REALLY what her life was about--that it was just Hollywood stuff. When I grew up and became a music teacher myself for 15 years, I wish I'd remembered this book, because I would have recommended it to every student of mine. I just found this copy in an antique shop, but THIS one won't be recycled or resold!

What comes through on every page is the dedication to a will and purpose higher than any human's will. This was not meant to be a "religious" book, but a history of a family who made a huge difference in the world by their faithful service to God. Being willing to work hard, submit their discomfort or inconvenience to God's will and have Him turn it into great blessings and lessons for the family and indeed the world, are truly building blocks of faith, hope, love, and encouragement.

In addition, the stories of the family's dedication to their profession and the pursuit of excellence are inspiring. To attain such stature and not have one's nose in the clouds is an accomplishment in itself! (Ever meet a music scholar or highly-educated performer? The humble ones are few and far between.)

I agree with the other reviewers that Maria probably was the Captain of the family, but look what happened to a country peasant girl who was truly noble, not just assigned the title!

A slightly skewed version of reality
Along with everyone else who has read this book, I loved "The Sound of Music" and knew that it was a glossed over account of their real life. I picked up this book, hoping that there would me some truth to it. While I am sure that the majority of the events DID happen, they way they are presented leaves much to be desired. I got the impression reading this book that there was yet a 3rd side to the story that is not presented here.

This is the story of the family, as told by Maria. This is the book on which the movie is based. The book leads the reader to believe that everything was sunshine and roses and that whenever anything bad happened, God provided the opportunities. While I am not doubting Maria's faith, I also think that she worked her tail off to get some of the opportunites the family recieved.

This book is very moving. Some of the antics of the little kids made me chuckle and the story of Georg's death brought tears to my eyes. I would be interested in finding out what happened later.....

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the movie.

Curiosity satisfied
This book is a personal family history of the Trapp Family Singers. It begins with Maria's days in the convent, traces the migrations of the family during the War years, and finishes in their family home in Vermont.

Ever since seeing The Sound of Music for the first time, I have always been curious about what happened next- -did the entire family manage to safely climb the Alps to freedom? How did they pay for their journey to the US? And what connection do they have to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont? Maria Trapp answers all of these questions in this book. While the musical version of their life did convey many of the main episodes, the storyline of the musical compressed these episodes so that they seemed to happen one after the other: Maria leaves the convent, teaches the children how to sing, marries their father, and they flee the country at the outbreak of the war, all within 2 hours. Phew! Like the musical, this book also starts with Maria's last day in the convent, but more than a year passed before she and the Baron were married, in 1927. They were married some 12 years and had 2 additional children along the way before leaving Austria. Yes, as unknowns, the family did win a song festival, but that was in 1936, and by the time they fled Austria, they were already quite well-known and had toured Europe as a family singing group. Indeed, one additional reason for leaving the country when they did was that they had been invited to sing at Hitler's birthday.

When driving past the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, I have always thought of it as a ritzy place, and assumed that the money to purchase it and develop it had come from the Baron's family fortune. In reading this book, I found that that was not the case at all. The Baron's fortune was lost before the family left Austria, and they arrived in the US on borrowed money. In their new American lives, they had to restart from the very bottom of the social ladder, digging themselves out of debt before they could even begin to think of buying new clothes or a home. For years they dressed in the same simple clothes they had arrived in, and they built their first house in Vermont from the foundation up with their bare hands. That is, the girls did, since the two boys had been drafted into the US army and were fighting in Europe at the time.

This book relates all of these details and many more, with a considerable sprinkling of humor. Maria comes across as a determined optimist, a young girl barely out of her teens who arrived on the doorstep of a house filled with grief and dissension. Through her personal character and upbringing, she created a family with strong bonds to each other that was able to withstand remarriage, loss of fortune, becoming refugees, and establishing a home and a livelihood in a distant foreign land. The two elements that were her constant guidance and source of inspiration were her faith and the music. This book is peppered with remarks that ring true even today: "The family that sings together, plays together, prays together, and usually stays together." "Our age has become so mechanical that this has also affected our recreation. People have gotten used to sitting down and watching a movie, a ball game, a television set. It may be good once in a while, but it certainly is not good all the time. Our own faculties, our imagination, our memory, the ability to do things with our mind and our hands- -they need to be exercised. If we become too passive, we get dissatisfied." The Sound of Music is a great story, but the story presented in this book is much better.

Ave Maria!
What a wonderful book! I laughed and cried all the way through it. The story of the Trapp family, their adventures, their singing career and their camp were uplifting. And the constant trust in God and the way in which they lived out their Catholic faith were beautifully described. A story full of the joys and sorrows of real life.

The best book ever written!!!
That really was an interesting book!!!!! When I started to read the first page, I was so cautivated by its contense, that I could hardly stop reading!!!! I also liked it, because I read it when I had already seen the movie and so I could see what was true and what was invented by the producers of the film.

What I liked best in this absolutely interesting book is the way Maria starts learning Enlish in the ship American Farmer, because thats really an ingeniouse and funny way of learning a language.

I also liked the part when they arrived in America and they saw that the american culture was very different from the european one. In this part it was very easy to understand how lost and confused they surely felt in the first days of being there. But also in this part of the book we can see how brave they were, because although they had a lot of problems, they had success in their lives in the american continent.

The part in which I was almost moved to tears was the ending, because there you can see what friends are for and why you have to have some. ... Read more

Book Description

By powerfully illustrating the power of forgiveness in a fallen world, this first-person account is compelling in its narration of a remarkable young woman's physical, emotional, and spiritual survival following her abduction and rape, as portrayed in the movie Dead Man Walking. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

To Forgive But Not Forget.
As a sixteen year old victim of rape, torture, and attempted murder by Robert Willie in Louisiana, Debbie Ceuvas survived the brutality this killer used to subdue her during the kidnapping.After fifteen years of remembering the nightmarish ordeal, she was able to overcome the trauma and start speaking out.

Her appearance on the t.v. show, 'Frontline,' to tell what really happened to her as opposed to Hollywood's version of 'Dead Man Walking' proved a pivotal point in her recovery.It served as a turning point whereby she was invited to speak at conferences where other participants had endured their own form of confinement and torture.

At the Cleveland, Ohio, conference in 1997, titled "Forgiveness in a Violent Society,' she shared the platform with Beirut hostage Terry Anderson.At seminars directed by Terry Hargrave, a therapist and psychology professor from Amarillo, Texas, she learned the steps to inner healing through forgiveness:insight, understanding, remorse, compensation for past hurts, through two areas, salvage and restoration.

Though she was never mentioned in the film, her testimony led to Willie's conviction.In FORGIVE AND FORGET by Lewis Smedes, she found the section, "Forgiving Monsters" relevant to her experience.Refusing to forgive meant submerging the pain, shame, and self-pity.

Forgiveness seems so hard and you wonder, "Is it really worth it?"She learned that by forgiving that human monster, she was able to trust again -- to experience the giving and receiving of love.She married Conner Morris and is now a mother.

She writes, "People often ask how I feel about the death penalty now?"Her response:"Justice didn't do a thing to heal me.Forgiveness did."I've always been opposed to the death penalty due to the fact that so many 'criminals' on death row are there through revenge and lies.

This is the previously untold other half of "Dead Man Walking,' the movie starring Sean Penn, which depicted the death row relationship he had with spiritual advisor, Helen Prejean, author of the book, DEAD MAN WALKING.Sister Helen, though she tried to save the life of a killer, admires Debbie's refreshing honesty as she dealt with the 'traumatic aftershock and the long, painful road to become whole again.'This true story of the young woman whose testimony sent Willie to the electric chair is one of courage, faith, and forgiveness.

This book is Debbie's "walk" on an incredible journey which was life-changing.THE DAILY VARIETY describes her as 'a woman who is Prejean's equal in strength and virtue.'We are asked to contemplate, "Is there any crime, any hurt, any person beyond the power of forgiveness."

The other side of the story to Dead Man Walking
If you have read Dead Man Walking, you really MUST read this book also!It is the other side of the story. Please consider reading it.

This book is written by the victim Debbie Morris. She takes you through her life (before and after the crime) and how she went on after being the victim of such a horrific ordeal.She ultimately found peace by forgiving Robert Willie. The parents of another girl that had been victimized and murdered by Robert Willie were the opposite of forgiving - they were filled with rage, hate and bitterness. The contrast between Debbie's response and their response really stood out to me. Debbie found peace and they did not...

This book also gives a different perspective on Robert Willie than the one given by Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking. Debbie portrays Willie as being the one in control. He was domineering, the leader, and heavily influenced his partner in crime Joe Vaccaro. In Prejean's book, Willie is portrayed rather the opposite!!(Should we be surprised that someone on deathrow might not honestly describe themselves?)

Overall, this is a well-written book about the power of a forgiving spirit. Please consider reading it to get both sides of the story of Dead Man Walking.

Powerful Book
I originally saw this book in a discount bookstore during summer 2002. I was curious and eventually red the inside flap and back cover. I was intrigued by just that much alone. Then about a year later, I finally ordered me a used copy through a private seller on Amazon. My only regret is that I didn't order this book sooner.

Debbie (Cuevas) Morris was abducted by Robert Willie and his friend. In addition, she was raped 3 times while in thier hands. Her testimony eventually lead to his death sentance, due to some previous murders he committed.

Most of what was said or reported prior to this book focused on Willie, his crimes, and his eventual execution. All too often the law enforcement officials, with help from the media, are so busy tracking down a criminal that people forget all about the victims left in their wake. I do agree that we should go after the criminals and bring them to justice. But what about those affected by their crimes?

Debbie Morris tells the whole thing from start to finish. But don't be mislead. This isn't just a true-crime book. Debbie also tells of the long and painful journey back that she had to make. She had to re-examine herself, her beliefs about criminals and the death sentence, and ultimately about her anger towards God.

Perhaps the best part about this book is how Debbie Morris tells how she came to terms with Biblical forgiveness. Everyone in the world could certainly learn many lessons on just this alone. I say this because unforgiveness will eat you alive. Debbie stresses this point too, because she said that she was still unhappy even after Rober Wille was executed. As she states in the book, justice doesn't automatically bring about forgiveness. Sure, justice should happen. But we still have to have God's help in forgiving others. Justice in and of itslef will not make us happy and live a peaceful life inside.

To Debbie Morris-thank you for writing this book. I think that your book should be a must reading for all Christians. And thank you for your strong Christian faith. To God be the glory!

More than just a book!
The author gives just enough detail to imagine it all.Her descriptive words leave you with strong feelings of sadness for what happend to her.This is a great gift for just about any occassion.I would recommend it to my friends.

A wonderful book about forgiveness
My sister gave me this book, and I found it to be one of the best books on a person personal journey from being victimized to forgiving the victimizer.It portrayed what Biblical forgiveness really means-it isn't saying what the victimizer did was okay, or that you have to be best friends with him, it simply means that you no longer hold anger in your heart, and will not let what happen to you grow to bitterness.Her journey wasn't easy, but her words were very genuine.I think this book is a great lesson in forgiveness to anyone, but I think any woman or man who has been the victim of a brutal crime should read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

An ordinary person travels the world to find the meaning of life in conversations with extraordinary people. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Extra Ordinarily Illuminating
William Elliot is a brave soul who had the naive courage to approach some of the greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders of our times to gain their perspective on the meaning of life. Remarkably, he gained access to a number of these prophets, who answered his questions in a thoughtful and decidedly heartfelt manner. There is much to provoke thought and inspire action in these pages. As drawn as I was to the book, eager to move from interview to interview, I found I needed to pace myself to better absorb what I was reading. Sometimes I felt my heart sing with the joy of hearing the expression of a kindred spirit. Other times, my desire to be compassionate and respect the beliefs of all felt challenged by the expressions of people with a greatly divergent perspective. Both experiences were of great benefit to me. The wonder of this book, outside the fact that it even came to be, is the engaging narrative Elliott weaves through the interviews. In his unabashedly honest, touching, and humorous, style, Elliott wryly observes that the path to "knowing" can be a twisted and never ending journey of delightful surprises. Travel along with him, you won't be disappointed.

Tying Rocks to Clouds : Meetings and Conversations With Wise
William Elliott's writing style is easily read. The story of years and years of travels focuses on those interviewed and telling their story in such a way as to bring many interviews into a perspective for the reader's appreciation of what Elliott's life has been about -- all a well-woven fabric. His objective stays well-centered. That gave me a real sense in reading this most interesting book about various religous leaders and her/his successful living out their dedication. Elliott has indicated his next one is on experiences of 40 days in the desert in looking at how Jesus did his forty days there two centuries ago. I am excitedly looking for it to show on the market.

Bringing Spirituality Down to Earth ...
The author, William Elliot is someone you might know, the boy living next door, who went away to the University, whose parents died when he was young, someone who was raised by loving parents, that is, until they died when he was a teen. He keeps alive the values and love his parents showed him but he is searching for something. He is looking for meaning - meaning to their death and his loss. He was a psychology major at the University of Wisconsin when he conceived of interviewing the "wise and spiritual" people who are alive today. His method was deceptively simple ... he sought answers to 25 - 30 questions that might unlock the secrets to his dilemma. Questions such as, "What is the meaning or purpose of life?" "Do you believe in G-d or Ulitmate Reality?" "Why is there suffering, evil in the world? and What is its cause?" "What is important to you?" "What are the three most important problems in life?" He was dissuaded from pursuing this endeavor, to write a book about his conversation with the "wise and spiritual" people whom he interviewed. He overcame challenges and obstacles to interview the people on his list, all the while holding firmly to his goal. He met and interviewed: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller, Jean Houston, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Rabbi Harold Kushner, psychologist Albert Ellis, psychologist B.F. Skinner, Pir Vilayat Khan, Frances Vaughn, Stephen Levine and even Mother Theresa. He interviewed a total of 21 high-profile persons deemed 'wise and spiritual' by modern standards. The author does not interpret the answers for us, instead he writes out the answers given to him by each person interviewed. In some cases, he writes an introduction prior to the interview, letting the reader know how he managed to get an appointment or interview with the "important" person or else he describes some interesting event or circumstance concerning the interview. He seldom makes a judgement about the person or what they said ... his writing style is matter-of-fact and straight forward. This style of writing makes the book a valuable and worthwile reading experience. It is as if, you, yourself, decided what questions to ask and took the time to write out the answers, sometimes, in utter amazement, that you snagged the interview with his or her eminence ... The author also made a trek to Nepal to meditate and visit one of the most spiritual climates and areas of the world. We learn of his experiences and interactions with people he met there. This book is recommended for anyone who has any interest in spirituality or has read any book by the persons whom the author interviewed. It can be said the author found the truth which he was seeking ... Erika B. (erikab93)

Tying Rocks to Clouds
This is an excellent book, not only for people who are looking for answers, but for people who believe they have them. It offers insight into the minds of some of the great thinkers of our time, but more importantly, it offers a glimpse of the importance of seeking : to find things for which we didn't even know we were seeking.

A Successful Journey
What started as the personal journey of one man to answer some of the mysteries of life turns out to be a discovery of universal truths that are common to all. The spiritual growth of mankind is at critical point as current events (9/11/01) unfold and the more we all understand how similar our journeys are if we are able to make the connection of rocks to clouds. A truly enriching book for people of all backgrounds and interests. ... Read more

Reviews (103)

A "COLORFUL" CHARACTER
To say this book is a riviting account of an outlandish American character is an understatement. Brodie's work is still the standard by which all other biographies of Smith must be measured. Having unparalled access to LDS archives gave Brodie a leg up on all other biographers (other than official LDS "historians" assigned the task of whitewashing the life of their church's founder). Since this work no one has been allowed the access to official LDS records which Brodie enjoyed because of her pedigree as the descendant of an LDS President. Brodie's writing style is professional and interesting. I will fault her with speculating on the feelings and thoughts of Joseph Smith's mother at the time of his birth (1st edition). Other than that Brodie does an excellent job of sticking to the facts and setting forth the character of Joseph Smith more thouroughly than any historian before or since. History has proven Brodie right and her critics wrong concerning controversies on some of her writings. This book is the type of tour de force one expects from a University of Chicago scholar, which Brodie is. If only all biographies were this well researched and written. LDS apologists will not like this book because it presents the shaddy side of Smith (conviction for disorderly conduct, what we would today describe as fraud, his illegal banking scam in Ohio, having affairs with married women and then latter coming up with the doctrine of poligamy)and the politically maniacal side of Smith (organizing a 6,000 member malitia and terrorizing his non-Morman neighbors by marching around the county, attacking and destroying private property because a newspaper pointed out the facts of his doings in the church and city). Brodie is fair and points out the positive aspects of Smith as well. Smith's great intelligence and familiarity with the King James Translation of the Holy Bible is very evident from this biography. The problems with the official LDS account of the discovery and translation of the book of Mormon become evident because of Brodie's thourough handling of this area of Smith's life. If you only read one book on Mormanism or Joseph Smith in our life, this is the one to read.

Pretty good
I read this biography because I love history and Joseph Smith is, like it or not, one of the most important figures in American history. The book is readable and well-researched. There is a great deal of speculation on Joseph Smith's life and any work written about him will contain "facts" that are disputed. This is partly because there are gaps in the record, and partly because the LDS church has been less than forthright.

Reading through the other reviews, I think I may be one of the few is not either Mormon or aggressively anti-Mormon. I think many of the glowing reviews on this page were written by people who would and want to believe anything bad about the Mormon church. Conversely, most of the ridiculous "one-star" reviews were written by Mormons who seem to have not read the book. It is convenient to comment on a book you haven't read by pushing forward a rebuttal book you have, such as No Ma'am, That's not History.

No Man Knows My History is widely viewed as the definitive book on the life of Joseph Smith. If one wants to know what is NOT history, check the many white-washed versions of Smith's life that are available from members of the LDS church.

Full of errors
This book has been around for a long time because people who do not know the facts are deceived by it. This book takes quotes out of context, mixes them with pieces of other quotes, then tries to make the reader believe they were said in connection with each other. Many dates are wrong. The author reads into an event her own explanation and then says that is the only reason that event occured. Truth is totally obscured in this book. A waste of time and money. A "friend" loaned a copy to me and now I'm glad because I could then see what a piece of junk it is.

meticulous and thought-provoking
I will spare the reader of this review another exhaustive summary of the book contents, since the contents are well-documented and reviewed by innumerable other reviewers (the book was initially published in 1945). At any rate, I found the book well-written, the material neatly couched & contextualized into the era it occurred, and a conscientous effort given to both 'official' mormon history and 'unofficial' mormon history. In spite of one's religious beliefs, this book ought to be required reading for both the scholar of mormon history and the devout mormon churchgoer. Ultimately, this book should serve as a springboard for further investigation and research by BOTH earnest mormon scholars and pious mormons alike.

Comprehensive book to date
This is the most comprehensive, factual book about Joseph Smith's life to date. The author backs up every statement with references on where the information was obtained and how the research was acquired. Very objective and educational. ... Read more

Book Description

From Johannesburg to Jerusalem: A moving memoir and a controversial examination of a nation's conscience.

Hirsh Goodman's childhood in South Africa was white-and Jewish-in ways he did not initially appreciate. While the local culture brutally suppressed the black population, Hirsh and his friends marched off to Zionist Socialist meetings, full of rhetoric about equality, justice, and democracy-all within the context of Israel. By his mid-teens, Goodman could no longer ignore South Africa's anti-Semitism and racism. He soon left for Israel, never expecting that the promised land of his dreams would also prove to be riven by ethnic and religious conflict. It was after marching victoriously through the Sinai as a paratrooper in the Six-Day War that Goodman heard David Ben-Gurion on the radio warning that Israel must rid itself of its Arab territories lest it "become an Apartheid state," a warning that had a very specific meaning to the young soldier. Then, as a journalist, Goodman witnessed first-hand all of Israel's subsequent troubles, from frontlines, to occupied zones, to the summits that attempted to find even a temporary peace.Let Me Create a Paradise is a wise, warm, and wry memoir. It is one man's life story and the story of two divided nations in two different eras; the tragedies in their histories, and the hope that still exists for both of them. ... Read more

Book Description

Dr. Jane Goodall's revolutionary study of chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe preserve forever altered the very definition of "humanity." Now, in a poignant and insightful memoir, Jane Goodall explores her extraordinary life and personal spiritual odyssey, with observations as profound as the knowledge she has brought back from the forest.

As a toddler she was entranced by all living things, and over the years the little girl inspired by Tarzan and The Jungle Book became the woman who found herself working with famed paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey; accomplished scientific breakthroughs in Gombe; and, ultimately, became a champion of the environment.

It has been a life blessed with faith, resolve, and purpose, though not without its crises. Jane Goodall endured the horrors of the London blitz and World War II, postwar hardships, vicious rumors and "establishment" assaults on the integrity of her work, a terrorist attack and hostage taking in Africa, and her husband's slow, agonizing death. But throughout, her religious convictions, although tested, have helped her survive-and Jane Goodall's pursuit of science has enhanced, not eroded, her belief in God.

In this book she candidly shares her life-talking of the love and support of her mother, her son, her late husband, of friends and strangers-as well as the Gombe chimpanzees she introduced to the world nearly forty years ago. And she gives us convincing reasons why we can and must open ourselves to the saints within each of us.

At one with nature and challenged by the man-made dangers of environmental destruction, inequality, materialism, and genocide, Dr. Goodall offers insight into her perceptions of these threats and celebrates the people who are working for earth's renewal. Here, indeed, is REASON FOR HOPE. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Rich and Rewarding, Highly Recommended
In this rich and rewarding autobiographical journey - from infant to wizened woman in her sixth decade - Jane Goodall shares her life-defining experiences including her mentorship by Louis Leakey, the observations of chimpanzees that made her famous, and her significant relationships. The reader is right there with her through learning experiences and personal struggles and may be surprised to know about the difficulties and sacrifices even the lucky, gifted and famous have to make. Jane Goodall frequently calls on her grandmother's favorite scripture for comfort in inclement times, "as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Goodall's accounts and insightful realizations give courage and perspective for dealing with the hardship and obstacles in our own lives.

One of the things I value most about this book is that Goodall addresses ethical and spiritual dimensions of science and conservation. Most scientists do not publicly discuss these larger ethical dilemmas or they sometimes engage in them but lose perspective in balancing human needs with those of other living creatures. Jane Goodall is not only willing and able to discuss these complex dimensions, but the outcome is helpful and thought-provoking.

If I were a professor in any of the sciences (esp. biology, genetics, and environmental studies) or ethics, I would leap at the opportunity to make this required reading. In her broad and clear way, Jane Goodall touches on many of the key issues and interrelations that scientists (budding or established) need to be aware of but will not find in a science textbook. We, as students and concerned individuals, need to know about the Jane Goodalls, Rosalind Franklins, and Einsteins in addition to the Watsons and Cricks so we can visualize the full range of options for how we live and the kind of science we do.

Some people have been lucky enough to know all along that they can have both their science and their religion (in some religions, the harmony of science and religion are explicit, such as in the Baha'i Faith), their compassion and a keen desire for intellectual investigation, scientific research and problem solving. Goodall is one of these people, and it is wonderful to have a respected thinker like her showing that the two seemingly dichotomous realities can blend harmoniously and that it is not always inappropriate for a scientist to also be civically active. Of course, some level of detachment and impartiality must be maintained in scientific research, but this other element of human compassion and civic responsibility needs to be increasingly recognized, emphasized, and cultivated.

While Goodall's periodic discussions of spirituality and ethics may seem unusual subject matter for many traditional science environments, scientists and students will appreciate the opportunity this book offers to broach these subjects in a planned and meaningful way. There is something unthreatening and inclusive in the way Goodall finds value in religious traditions beyond her own, and this feature makes "Reason for Hope" an especially good candidate for required reading in academia. In contrast to books like "The Double Helix," Goodall's sensitivity and same-era research into another genetics-related area provide a needed counterpoint to the attitudes of competition and exclusion that characterized the discovery of DNA. Different models of scientific exploration, different kinds of scientist. Both will be encountered, and both are important to know about.

Readers of all ages can find a hero and a role model in Jane Goodall. Her books for young adults and children have inspired me even as a 23 year old, and I have since given copies of "My Life with the Chimpanzees" as gifts to children as young as 9. Jane Goodall is a remarkable human being with heart, compassion, strong communication skills, and unflagging commitment to chimp research, improving the lot of humans, animals, and all of the life on our planet. The vision and persistence she lends to those tasks are making a wide impact, not only on Westerners, but also on African children and communities at multiple socio-economic levels. People who are working to make a difference are among Goodall's "reasons for hope," the sincere, caring and visionary Yous and Mes of all countries and backgrounds.

Goodall's fresh perspectives illumine things I already knew about and reveal many things I did not know before. Her beautiful command of the English language, vivid descriptions and compelling viewpoints will appeal to the artist, nature-lover, and poet and her sincere spirit speaks poignantly to further engage and delight the rest of us. Female scientists and concerned citizens will be among the most appreciative audience.

I read "Reason for Hope" in one long sitting -- only interrupted by dinner on this Thanksgiving eve. It felt as though Jane Goodall had taken the time to have a powerful, absorbing, and stimulating conversation with me the reader. I say conversation because going with her on her life's journey caused me to reflect simultaneously on my own. She realized her most cherished childhood dreams. Can we all? For Jane Goodall's gift of time and energy, I feel honored and grateful. She has this effect, and because of this valuable "conversation," I feel more dedicated to my own path of service to humanity. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

By the way ... don't miss the breathtaking color photograph on the inside front cover!

A soul-searching book.
"So here we are, the human ape, half sinner, half saint, with two
opposing tendencies inherited from our ancient past pulling us now
toward violence, now toward compassion and love," 65-year-old
Jane Goodall writes in her soul-searching memoir (p. 143). When faced
with a world of environmental destruction, human suffering,
overpopulation, over consumption, pollution, deforestation, poverty,
famine, cruelty, hatred, greed, violence, and war (pp. 230-31), she
observes "it is these undeniable qualities of human love and
compassion and self-sacrifice that give me hope for the future"
{p. 148).

Goodall's journey through life has been an adventure.
"I have tried to write my story honestly," she says in her
book's introduction (p. xv). We meet Jane as a child dreaming
"about nature, animals, and the magic of far-off wild and remote
places" {p. 11}. Her parents divorced when she was twelve
{p. 17}, and it was on her trip to Africa at age 23 when her life was
forever changed upon meeting famed paleontologist/anthropologist, Louis
Leaky (p. 49). Jane then spent her twenties studying chimpanzees in
the solitude of Gombe before marrying National Geographic
photographer, Hugo van Lawick, in 1964 (pp. 83-84), and having a son
(affectionately nicknamed "Grub") in 1967. Reflecting upon
her divorce from van Lawick, Goodall writes, "I experienced, as
have many others, the bitterness of a close and joyful relationship
with a spouse slowly changing and souring, and the intense emotional
pain that this generates. And the sense of failure and guilt"
(p. 83). In approximately 1974, Jane married Derek Bryceson after the
two survived a plane crash, only to lose him to cancer roughly five
years later.

Although insightful, Goodall is not a great writer; but
her prose is simple and easy to follow. In addition to studying
chimpanzees in Gombe, she has been studying us "human apes,"
and her findings deserve our attention. The message, really, of her
book is "a very simple one: Each one of us matters, has a role to
play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility
for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living
things around us, especially each other. Together we must reestablish
our connections with the natural world and with the Spiritual Power
that is around us" (p. 267).

G. Merritt

Very uplifting, insightful, and inspirational
Jane Goodall writes openly and honestly about her awesome and inspiring life. Jane Goodall tells us about her amazing travels-- from a young ambitious girl growing up in the birches of England to a brillant woman documenting apes' behavior in the forests of Africa to bravely fighting for environmental change around the world.

In this book, Jane Goodall pours from the deep corners of her heart. By sharing her personal experiences, Jane Goodall is a witness to the true innate goodness of all human beings, the triumph of the human spirit, and the great God in which we all live, move, and have our being.

Jane Goodall ponders the greatest of human questions throughout her book. Is God real and present in our world, even with all of the modern discoveries of science? Can human beings achieve greater levels of moral, intellectual, and spiritual growth and overcome the great obstacles that they face? Jane Goodall makes sense of these questions and helps the reader to come to a better understanding of how to live in the world.

I read this book for an assurance that science only adds to the wonder and mystery of existence, and that science can help us come closer to God. My favorite part was when Jane Goodall went to the forest after the death of her second husband, and felt a connection to the "great spiritual energy of life itself." She reaffirmed her conviction by discovering how science was only a part of the human pursuit of understanding and knowledge, not the complete and final truth.

At the end of the book, Goodall asks a significant question as she reaches the autumn of her life, "And when I reach the end, it will be the beginning?" I recommend this book to all who want to remember that the journey of growth, understanding, and knowledge we are all on is always just beginning.

Simply... remarkable. Utterly inspiring.
Jane is a remarkable woman, who's story of struggle as a young and inexperienced scientist with what were thought to be absurd ideals and methods of study, received much flack from the scientific community of her time. Still, many scientists under go the rigors of the scientific community's lateral and blinkered thinking. Reason for Hope, serves more than to encourage individuals into believing that each is capable of achieving their ideals and dreams, but that the simpler, intangible qualities like motivation, tenacity, courage and love, can triumph in the end with belief and resilience.
Jane made an amazing and commendable effort to be honest and humble with her readers, sharing her deepest and seemingly most private thoughts, which all have played a part in shaping her life and character. anyone will appreciate this book, be they from a scientific, animal welfare, spiritual or casual background. because jane's work relates to of all of us in the simplest of ways - we all have ambitions we wish to fulfill, depending on what they are we're often hard challenged and many of us have been defeated, yet we hold true to our beliefs and jane reminds us all, that that is which matters most - that is which will pull through to the end. that that, could only be, our reason for hope.

A True Inspiration
I got this book as a present and knew hardly anything about this incredible woman, Jane Goodall before reading her book. Thankfully, because it is her autobiography this book tells her story in her own words. Jane Goodall is a true inspiration for all. Anybody, whether they are young or old, in the science field or just the average person, could relate to the themes represented in this book. This book shows Ms. Goodalls' true good nature and humanity towards apes as well as showing the courage, determination, sensitivity and passion that she had for life. Ms. Goodall is truly a woman with class and is an inspiration to all people. ... Read more

Book Description

British author Joseph Pearce has firmly established himself as the premier literary biographer of our time, especially in interpreting the spiritual depths of the Catholic literary tradition. In this new book, Pearce examines a plethora of authors, taking the reader through a dazzling tour of the creative landscape of Catholic prose and poetry. Literary Giants, Literary Catholics covers the vast terrain from Dante to Tolkien, from Shakespeare to Waugh.

Focusing on the literary revival of the 20th century, Joseph Pearce touches on well-known authors like G.K. Chesterton and J.R.R. Tolkien, but also introduces readers to lesser-known writers like Roy Campell, Maurice Baring, and Owen Barfield. Anyone who appreciates English literature will be entranced by the wealth and depth of this new masterpiece. ... Read more

Book Description

Soon after September 11, the news media stepped up its coverage of the plight of Martin and Gracia Burnham, the missionary couple captured and held hostage in the Philippine jungle by terrorists with ties to Osama Bin Laden. After a year of captivity, and a violent rescue that resulted in Martin's death, the world watched Gracia Burnham return home in June 2002 with a bullet wound in the leg and amazing composure.

In this riveting personal account, Burnham tells the real story behind the news about their harrowing ordeal, about how it affected their relationship with each other and with God, about the terrorists who held them, about the actions of the U.S. and Philippine governments, and about how they were affected by the prayers of thousands of Christians throughout the world. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

You Have Got To Read This Book
During their long struggle in the Phillipine jungles, an entire nation was praying for the Burnhams. I followed their plight and even put their picture on my computer desktop at work to remind me to pray for them.

However, this book was absolutely refreshing--first to hear the real story behind the account. (It's amazing how poor our news media is at getting the story right!). Secondly, Gracia writes in a moving, human way that inspires all Christians to love and serve God with all their heart.

Gracia is a human being who echoes what all of us would feel were we put in the same position. Furthermore, she doesn't edit out her frustrations and doubts--her internal wrestling matches with God. I'm glad for that.

Unlike most books of its type, the editing on the book is superb. Dean Merril manages to tell a compelling story in Gracia's voice. You'll enjoy her sense of humor in difficult times. There are moments where I was tickled to death and moments I was in tears.

Gracia also pays a loving tribute to her husband, Martin throughout the book. She really doesn't take any credit for herself, pointing only to God and to her husband. And after reading it, I think all Christian men will aspire to live like Martin--selfless, caring, and devoted to Christ and family.

I would strongly suggest picking up this book, especially if you've grown depressed, doubtful, or weary of your calling. You can't help but be thankful for what God has given you and you can't help but grow more committed to His calling.

Incredible
This is an incredible account of two people who found themselves held against their will for over a year. Not only were they held against their will, but also they were mistreated and lied to on a consistent basis. The story was truly amazing, a demonstration of how love and kindness can be shown in the most adverse of circumstances. Yet the most interesting part of the book was the contrast of the captors' view of God (Allah) and the Burnhams' view of God.

I found it absolutely terrifying at how the Abu Sayyaf captors viewed and responded to their concept of God. At the same time, I was amazed at how Martin and Gracia Burnham responded to their concept of God. In the jungles of the Philippines, theory and debate about abstract terms were not important. These two groups of people lived their day-by-day lives based on their views of God. This story is an amazing apologetic for and attestation to the Christian view of God. Every Muslim should read this book and face the questions that the story so obviously brings to the forefront.

I read the book in two days. I could not put it down. But I found the last chapter the most remarkable. If nothing else, read this chapter.

An Unforgettable Story Full of Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness
IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES is the true account of the horrendous ordeal that missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham endured after they were kidnapped by terrorists while celebrating their anniversary in May 2001. Held captive for a full year, the couple were within minutes of rescue when Martin was killed by "friendly fire" --- gu