This audiobook edition is narrated by Tavia Gilbert.

Can your child handle life? Honestly? Do you give up authority to your child? Do you hover or overpraise? Coddle? Is it possible that making your kid’s life easier now stunts their maturity growth? Kay Wills Wyma explores these questions, and more, in her one-year experiment on removing the entitlement disease from her offspring.

Entitlement is surely a disease. After all, it is not in G-d’s plan for us, and destroys us, leading us down a path of prideful sin. We believe that we deserve everything, and should work for nothing. Where does this come from? My my RealMarriage series, a study off the “Real Marriage” book by Mark & Grace Driscoll, this selfishness gene seems to sprout from childhood, when we coddle them the most. And Wyma seems to agree with this.

It is counter culture, but we need to change. We need to treat our children as if they are inherently strong, not inherently weak. We need to believe in them, and not constantly be there to catch them. Essentially, we need to challenge them to grow up. When we do, they will. When we fail, the won’t. It’s really that simple.

Gilbert’s narration is on par with her voice talent. It’s a great listen, as she always provides. Speaking with a medium-fast pace, she performs with excellent intonation and clearly understood dictation. Gilbert delivers dialect and accent change based off the characters (mom, son, etc.), to make the listener engaged. I recommend this audiobook based off her talent alone.

While content is fours stars, the narration is superb. This audiobook is recommended for parents of all ages, including dads.

This audiobook is narrated by Paul Michael.

Eric Blehm did his research for this book. He traveled across the United States to interview Navy Seal Team 6, the team responsible for killing Osama bin Laden. This book isn’t about bin Laden, though. Rather, it is about Chief Special Warfare Operator Adam Brown and the events that surrounded his death in Afghanistan on March 17.

Blehm worked hard to tell of Brown’s life mission, utilizing transcripts of interviews combined with retold flashbacks of events prior to his death. Putting together a picture of Brown, Blehm tells the story and accurately shares the important message that needed to be shared.

Michael gives the audio a staunch, gruff narration, sounding like the stereotypical armed forces voice. Slow to medium pace, and slightly monotone, Michael speaks with an organic, smooth flow. Overall, the narration is a good attempt, but unimpressive. The quality of the narration, and work behind this book, is much deserved and appreciated, but this work only scores three stars on the scale. This book, while scoring three stars as well, is better as a print message, not meant for audio retelling.

This audiobook edition is narrated by the authors. This review focuses primarily on Covey’s narration.

Chris McChesney. Sean Covey. Jim Huling. These three are well-known for their books in the marketplace, primarily on business and success. This audiobook brings not just these three famed authors together for an adventure, but also their voice talents.

When I listened to Covey, I was less than impressed. I found his narration to be bland, monotonous, and overall boring. I suppose that I couldn’t expect much in a business book, but nevertheless, I had hoped for more. It sounded like I was attending a university lecture, where the classroom was stadium seating, overfilled, with an underpaid and overworked instruction low on coffee. His slight intonation kept me from drifting off too often. Luckily, his medium-paced reading prevented me from losing too much information.

Overall, Covey’s work on the book was uninteresting. It was a clear, but strained dictation, not smooth or eloquent in the least. I would give Covey a measly two stars in performance, though his text could easily earn more. One great thing about this audiobook, though, is that all three speak. This is beneficial in the way that once I was more than tired of Covey, another voice would pick up and keep me going. The transition between narrators gives this audio hope, but not much. Overall, I would give a three star rating for performance. The audio felt unimpressive and overworked. The voice talent simply lacked talent.

Those who like Covey, Huling, and McChesney will most likely bear the brunt of the monotony. Otherwise, perhaps a print book is a better prescription? Let’s see…

This book is about the most actionable and impactful insights to produce extraordinary results. The authors give the assurance that this book will provide the results of what one puts into it. Very heavy of self-praise from their other works, the authors have tied this book based off prior writings. Regardless of knowledge of their other works, however, this book addresses a business problem with specific treatment: what is the problem with execution? In the end, it takes their four disciples of execution, which doesn’t involve multitasking by any means, and produces a business plan that many today need. Content mature, this book has a content rating of four stars.

This theological treatise on simple spiritual living is both simple and brief.

Not being familiar with the teacher of these doctrines, I came to reading this with a fair amount of skepticism ready. There are parts of the book that to me, are questionable in theological content. For the e-book edition, there are only 401 parts to the “location” set that the Kindle provides. In part 136, there is reference of G-d that I find concerning and worth further investigation:

[T]o believe in Jesus means to believe in the intimate, full, total communion between the Father and the Son, that seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, touching Jesus is touching [G-d], [G-d] who is father, mother brother sister.

Reading this section makes be wonder if the writer has a concept of the doctrine of the Trinity. Best defined, the Trinity is found as echad in the Hebraic text of Scripture, which is recognized as of the same substance. The Trinity is Father, Son, and Spirit as one substance yet different statures and duties. The Spirit is submissive to the Son, and the Son to the Father. While we can learn to know the Father through the Son, we can only truly know the Father by knowing the Father. The Son gives us access to the Father, and the Father is well defined in the Torah.

While I appreciate the simplicity that the author provides in this theological explanation, my gut tells me that something is off-kilter here. Being guided by the Holy Spirit, I need to trust this feeling and respond appropriately. This doesn’t match to the Creator G-d I worship, YHWH. It’s close, but by comparing G-d to mother and sister, it grossly misinterprets the true nature of G-d. With that in consideration, I cannot recommend this book to the average reader. SG does not recommend this book for acquisition and spiritual reading.

If you feel that I’ve gotten this wrong, please comment on this blog post. I’d love to enter discussion on this, and if I’m incorrect in my reading, I would also appreciate to know the author’s intent and actual theological beliefs on this one.

This book is not just the average Christian fiction book, but one full of suspense.

Jack Kendrick loses his father as a boy. An anthropologist/archeologist, Kendrick Sr. disappears. No one could find a trace of him, not even the FBI. At least that was the case. As Jack is cleaning out the estate to pay for his schooling for anthropology, he discovers a hidden, cryptic symbol – one that points to a small Indian reservation in Wyoming. But would could the town contain. Can Jack locate his father, or at least what he was looking in to? As Jack grows closer, he meets other people on their own quests, which brought them to the town as well. And as Jack continues, a secret is waiting to be discovered…but is it is evil or good?

Pawlik writes in a simple fashion that educates the reader and allows them to follow, regardless of their reading skill, but also keeps much hidden. Not being able to know more than the characters that Pawlik follows, readers are kept in suspense to the very end. Authentic and realistic, this is a treasure of a text – one that captures the intrigue of a movie in book format. Enjoyable and not short on suspense, this book is perfect for fiction enthusiasts. Is there a miracle waiting, or a demonic presence, or imagination run rampant?

Like me, you’ll be forced to read the book if you want to know…so, welcome to Beckon. You’re not here by chance.

This audiobook is narrated by the author. 

Is Christ a step-in savior for you? Van Norman admits such for herself in this book. Intentionally placed on the cover is her hand with a wrist tattoo, which says redeemed. Despite the controversy behind tattoos, she donned this tattoo as an eternal reminder of who she truly is, and needs to be.

We have all been redeemed by G-d, Van Norman declares. We are born named by G-d, but tend to forget this along the way. Nevertheless, our call is this: to live named by G-d, redeemed, as who we are in Christ. We must find our identity in Him.

Van Norman has a good premise for her book, and her narration has an uncanny authenticity to it. Speaking eloquently at a medium to fast pace, Van Norman is innovative in her narration – remind me of speakers at a convention center. The audio carries an echo that reminds me of a lecture in an empty hallways. Her reading is very much so a performance in this regard. Clear dictation, smooth transitions, and an overall presentation that is easy to listen to, the only downside is it is also easy to be distracted from. Four out of five for skill and content.

This audiobook is narrated by Grover Gardner.

Dallas Willard, famed author and theologian, discusses the concept of G-d speaking to us. How do we hear from G-d? Is it a still, small voice? Is it a voice at all? In fact, these questions have been asked by everyone through the ages. What does it look like to communicate with the divine? It seems that no one has the answer, yet almost every Christian not only expects that they can hear from G-d, but believe that G-d has told them things in the past.

Willard looks as what this means, and how Christians can hear from G-d, but points out a clear fact that many overlook: hearing G-d only works when we are living in obedience with G-d. Examining Scripture and reviewing the facts logically, Willard presents the equation for what it is, and what it means, to hear from G-d.

Gardner’s narration of this text is performed at a faster pace, requiring the listener to “keep up” with his quick speech. With clear dictation, Gardner reads in what can only be described as a “weasel-like” voice, not out of a character flaw, but out of an actual sound. This made it hard to listen to, and near impossible to enjoy, what Willard’s text provides. Nevertheless, based off my encounters with Willard, it would seem that Gardner’s narration is only on-par with a simulation of the writer.

I give the content a 4 out of 5, and narration 3.5 out of 5. Definitely not an audiobook I can finish, I don’t believe many will find this one worth it’s length in minutes.

I love reading Andy Stanley’s works. 

Stanley writes excellently. This book is no exception. His prose is crystal and simple, yet profound, allowing readers from all paths of life not just understand, but transform as a result from, the text. Books that can accomplish this are crucially important to society, and this book is one of them. Essentially, Stanley points out that there is a balance between work and family that needs to be kept in balance, or it will result in an imbalance of cheating. When one dedicates too much to work, he cheats his family. When one dedicates too much to family, he cheats his work. What is the balance supposed to be? How is it maintained? Is it even possible to have a balance?

These are great questions that Stanley addresses. Using Scripture, he clarifies that work is not a result from the fall. It existed prior to sin. The struggles of work and fighting with family over it, however, are a result of the fall. How he addresses this is amazing. He even points out that it just isn’t possible to be a family man and a work man. Success in dreams and business often mean cheating the family. We need to set our priorities straight and stick to them.

This book is a compelling read. It is a manifesto of sorts, one that I recommend everyone reads. We need to recognize the place for work, and the place for family. There is a balance, and we need both in our lives to be more complete. Stanley does an excellent job holding attention, and fiction readers will find Stanley’s brilliance with script a convincing reason to give this nonfiction read a shot. Conveying biblical truth in not just a biblical, but life-relevant, manner, Stanley teaches the readers simple yet necessary life truths. An essential read for everyone.

Brendan Foley narrates his own work in this audiobook edition.

This book is about success. More specifically, it is about the elements of success. Foley argues that through his years of study and experience, he believes he has narrowed the object of success down to five measurable states of being. For the purposes of this review, here is a brief snapshot of what Foley posits:

1. Insight. Insight is clarity, which is in turn creativity. Insight is represented by the head of the body, or the elemental air.
2. Connection. Connection is empathy, which is in turn building with others. Connection is represented by the heart of the body, or the elemental water.
3. Certainty. Certainty is conviction, which is in turn proceeding. Certainty is represented by the gut of the body, or the elemental earth.
4. Vitality. Vitality is action, which is in turn creation. Vitality is represented by he health of the body, or the elemental fire.
5. Spirit. Spirit is purpose, which is in turn leadership. Spirit is represented by the life or soul of the body, or the elemental ether.

Foley explains these five states of being in detail, and teaches readers how to effectively use these states in everday life. Foley is so confident of his studies that he gives a guarantee of success.

Being the narrator as well, Foley obviously narrates the way the author intended. He carries a medium rate of pace, and has a definite British accent. His clear dictation and defined speech, however, combat that difficulties of understanding a foreign accent, and thus make it easy to understand his voice and narration. Not presented in a monotone fashion, Foley’s narration is remniscent of a video lecture from recent filming, on a “how to” instructional era. His presentation is superb and delivers what the text deserves and inspires.

David Cochran Heath narrates this audiobook edition. 

Where is the Gospel? Many that grew up in the church seem to have just recently accepted the Gospel, it seems. Why is that? Chandler, in his curiosity, decided to explore the query and see if it’s a simple misunderstanding, or a core problem in church today. His findings were typical at first – the sermon notes reveal a clear presentation of the Gospel and the Messiah. However, upon further research past the sample size, he realized that only a few heard the Gospel but weren’t ready for it…a majority, however, never heard the Gospel at all.

The sermon notes revealed traditional teaching, known as Christian moralistic therapeutic deism, on how to live a moral life and do good works. The transformation that Christ called us to has been exchanged for a conformation to being good people. If we tie our shoes right and fluff the tie a bit, we are spiritual in our presentation. That’s all that matters, right? Wrong.

Chandler asserts that adding to or removing from the cross is robbing G-d. In his own definition, this book uses the biblical narrative and meta-narrative of the Bible to define the explicit gospel, which is precisely what should be taught all the time.

Heath does a great job in his narration. Smooth and eloquent, his changes in his pitch and voice match the author’s intent for narration, as well as define clear Scripture passages. His rate is medium to fast, but clear and concise, making it easy to follow and great to keep attention with. The only downside to his narration is the partial monotone in his voice, which reflects not so much a reality or performance, but more so a prepared work of art.

The narration scored a four out of five on the SG rubric, while content scored five out of five, giving this audiobook 4.5 out of 5 – highly recommended for audiobook material and spiritual growth.

The 13th Tribe is a thrilling fiction book about a group of Israelites that were punished for their sin of idolatry by roaming the earth as endless wanderers.

Believing that they need to atone for their sin by the execution of sinners, following their graphic experience at Mount Sinai, this Tribe is ready to redeem themselves through their eternal existence. Familiar with every event that has occurred since the massacre and revelation of the two tablets of the Torah, the Tribe has a knowledge and experience that has permitted them to form, and steal, the most advanced technologies known to man.

Liparulo’s style of writing permits both skilled and casual readers to experience the tales of the Tribe and their opponents. Hearing the thoughts, seeing the action, and knowing the intent for all the characters, Liparulo displays his effort, and why so many authors give such high praise of his work. Suspenseful, action-packed, and bending the concepts of both Jewish and Christian theology, Liparulo’s work is an excellent piece of fiction to be enjoyed by all.

I recommend this book as a perfect afternoon escape. Check it out in the SG Store.

This audiobook edition is narrated by Lloyd James.

Andy Stanley grew up knowing the concept of tithing. It was part of his routine, his ritual. He was a tither. To him, it was simply a life truth. To him, it was just part of our process. He gave a dime off every dollar he made, especially when he was a kid and it wasn’t his own. Then he started to grow up.

He got a job. He made money. And despite it only being a dime off each dollar, those dollars added up, and his tithe started to look like a couple hundred bucks each paycheck. It was easier to give when the number was smaller, despite making more each time. Nevertheless, he never gave in. There are many others that do, however.

Stanley challenges this issue. It starts with questioning. What if I need this money? What if a medical bill comes through, or I can’t pay rent? What if? The what if query is only a fearful giver. We choose to be afraid. And the funny thing, Stanley points out, is that it shows us losing confidence in G-d. We start to no longer believe that He will provide, which isn’t really funny at all.

When cheerful giving transforms into fearful giving, what happens to our needs? Is G-d really there for us? Stanley writes this book to shout a resounding “yes” to the readers. G-d is there, and He will provide, and we need to tithe – cheerfully. His message is timely and convicting.

James’ narration is not as charismatic as Stanley’s personality is, which is unfortunate for this text. The audio would do much better with a more lively narration, keeping readers engaged instead of offended. His voice is presented as an instructional audio, using a slow to medium pace and thoughtful pauses to encourage reflection and self-examination. Slightly monotone, James’ does a good job making the text easy to understand, but at the sacrifice of flair and performance.

The narration is an average quality, scoring three out of five stars. The content does a better job with four stars, utilizing intrigue and meaning to keep the reader/listener engaged.

We reap what we sow. If we stop sowing, we stop reaping, and it locks G-d out of providing for us (simply because we refuse to let Him). So what can we do? We need to get rid of the fear, and Stanley shows us how by sharing parables along the way…

This audiobook edition is narrated by Ray Porter.

This book is about, well, the road to the resurrection. This road to the resurrection is considered by Laurie to be the heart of Easter, and thus, this book then being about the miracle of Easter. There is much discussion over the importance of Easter being a Christian holiday honoring the resurrection of Y’shua, and not about chocolate bunnies and plastic Easter eggs.

So what is Easter about? Does Y’shua represent Easter, or is Easter a Catholic cover up for the Spring pagan rituals? What if Y’shua is really about the completion and fulfillment of Passover, and it isn’t about Easter at all? There are so many questions to ask, but Laurie maintains a standard Christian mindset and interpretation through it all.

Porter’s narration style for this text is quite persuasive, with a defined tone to convince the reader of Easter’s importance, as Laurie would desire. His inflection aligns with Laurie’s intent for the text, matching the narrator and author up for this work perfectly. The textual intention is not just obvious by the reading, but reassured through Porter’s performance, utilizing his deep mellow voice and medium to fast pace to replicate the author as much as possible. This truly is a magnificent work of narration.

While not a performed audio but more of a classic retelling, this narration nevertheless scores a five out of five, the content more of a three, giving a final score of four out of five.

This audio book is narrated by Sean Runnette.

This book is about the last words, and last hours, of Y’shua. It goes from the Last Supper to the resurrection. The last words of Christ can also be considered the last statements, and even that in themselves, the last sermons, of Christ. From the Pesach dinner to the six debilitating hours on the Cross, Hamilton presents fictional tales to account for the impact of Christ’s journey into death, and the reaction of those who experienced His final words. These fictional accounts help the reader understand, and in this case, the listener experience, the twenty-four hours covered in this book.

The narration Runnette provides is well-paced and strategic, as he presents an authoritative voice to the executive text. His clear tone and imminent presence, combined with the defined regalia and dictation, make this audiobook prestigious in feeling. The medium deep voice that accompanies the words only helps the listener become engulfed by the tales, and more fully experience the effect Hamilton has intended be bestowed.

This audiobook received four out of five stars, both for narration and content. An excellent choice for devotional content listeners, this listen isn’t the first selection for the fiction enthusiast.

Remember the days of the old radio broadcasts?

I’m not talking about modern music or talk radio, but how radio used to be…the way that Radio Archives captures it. The actors. The action. The twist. Most of all, the gripping of the sides of the afternoon chair while caught up in the plot. That is what I mean by old radio broadcast.

Radio Archives presents Box 13, a listen about a journalist turned fiction writer looking for motivational excitement, who gets more than he bargained for when someone answers his ad for adventure. The plot is intense, and the story gripping. This archive, for sure, is bound to keep your ears listening long after the finale.

Featuring sound effects by a professional crew, a detective-style male lead voice, as well as various actors to play the many characters that appear, this audiobook has it all. The theatrical presentation is bar to none, except maybe Sherlock Holmes, previously reviewed here as well.

Told from the events as they play out, while hearing the thoughts of the protagonist, the story meets the mark of what one would look for in an audio adventure. Five stars across, this listen is not to be missed. Looking for adventure? Excitement? The time of your life? Then be sure to place a response to Holliday, at Box Thirteen…

This audio book edition is narrated by Kirsten Potter.

A tragic car accident. A daughter in a coma. The doctors don’t have high hopes, due to the brain damage. Much isn’t expected. Five weeks later, Jen wakes up…praying to G-d. She remembers her memory verses, who Y’shua is, and the role of G-d in her life. What doesn’t she remember? Everything else. Her parents. Her brother. Her middle name. Her life. Then her mom starts to pray for her.

This true tale follows the lives of the Barrick family, written by her mother, Linda. It is a moving, gripping tale of faith and hope, passion and prayer. This review, however, isn’t about the book, but rather the narration for the audio.

Potter’s inflection is proper and well-placed, but overall quite dull. The tale is by the mother, regarding the daughter, but the narration doesn’t give to the passion that the mother must have felt. Inauthentic, this audio is not a tale to be engrossed in, nor a naturally-spoken flow that imitates a small group setting. It even doesn’t feel like a prepared speech. Definitely feeling as if it were read from a page by an uninvolved party, this audio carries the stereotypical expected sound of an audiobook, or a lengthy eulogy given at a church.

In all, the audio is unimpressive, and warrants a meager 3 out of 5 for worth listening to, only partially saved by the content the narrator represents. I give a solid recommendation to read instead of listen to this one.

Find this audiobook in the SG Store today…

This audiobook is narrated by Cassandra Campbell.

The Pennsylvania Dutch…or rather, the Mennonites and the Amish. Two family groups, similar in nature, separated by angst. Much like the story of the Montagues and Capulets (Romeo & Juliet), these two are pitted against each other, until love enters the picture. Can love be enough, or will families stand against each other?

The narration is read well, the pace good and vocal presentation solid. Compared to the book content, the narration receives a fair score, but overall straining to listen to for more than a few minutes at a time. Campbell’s voice almost sounds like a whining at times, which makes the listening difficult and unenjoyable. The dragging or slow movement between words doesn’t help, but rather causes a loss of interest.

I would give the narration a three – there is effort but it just isn’t it. As far as book content, it’s better not to ask me. After all, in my guy manner, I’m not one for women Christian fiction. But hey, plenty of people are, which makes this book a worthy read for them.

What is the mission of the church? What does it mean to be a church, compared to being a small group of believers or a large association of Christians? Is there a mission for the church? Where, in all of this, are we going? Why?

These are the questions we should be asking ourselves today. What is it all about? As a church, do we have a mission? What do we do about global injustices and world peace? What do we do about a world that doesn’t know a personal and real Savior? The answer seems simpler than it is, or perhaps it really is that simple. As an individual, we are called to missions, to love, to life. We are called to be the hands and feet for Christ. So what of the church? Is it an enabler for individuals, or is it a larger foot?

Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert tackle these questions head-on, trying to make sense of not just the Great Commission, but also what Shalom truly is today, as well as social justice. DeYoung and Gilbert write their work with ease, creating a style that is easy for beginning readers to follow, and intriguing for theologians as well. This book is ultimately meant for Christians, from new life to veteran believer.

They address the book in a logical, well-decided approach. Combined with their ease of reading, this book is excellent to read, enjoyable in its design, but most importantly: crucial for Christians, and the Church as a whole, to encounter and grow from.

While I have not yet finished my reading of it, I can tell from the authors, the style of writing, and the content I have gone through so far, this is a five-star reading to keep on the shelf, minus the dust.

Dylan Ratigan, from the Dylan Ratigan show, narrates his own book in this audio edition.

A man is broke. He is working hard labor to keep up with his bills, but just barely. His job provides minimal pay with no healthcare. He can’t get a white collar job, thanks to the economy and his unimpressive resume. He hurts his back, and he can’t get the physical therapy to fix it, nor can he afford it. Since he can’t get his back repaired, he can’t work anymore either.

Enough is enough. The man goes to the bank, with a hand-written note. His asking? A dollar bill and free healthcare. His answer? A court date to honor the latter request. The prison system provides warmth, a bed, food, and healthcare at no cost, while blue collar workers on the outside sweat for such hopes of avoiding HMOs and make sure their kids have a full stomach at night.

A 2011 CEO survey indicated that the median pay increase from 2010 to 2011 was around 23%. That’s not dimes and nickels, but millions of greenbacks. This wage increase, however, was only for CEOs.

Ratigan’s point is clear – the American system is ran by greedy bastards. But what is a greedy bastard? It’s not about being rich, because that’s the American dream. Rather, it’s about violating the American dream – making money by rigging the system and not creating value for others. It’s all about getting richer and providing less in return.

So what to do? Ratigan intends to answer that in this audiobook. And his narration is on par for his attempt – sounding very much like a shouting rioter in a megaphone at an occupy protest. His yelling demeanor, through the tone of his voice, will scare many away. But his content is sincere and pointed – there is a problem. Speaking with a medium pace, clear in word structure and understanding, Ratigan has pulled out all the stops to make this audiobook a splitting byte of his financial talk show.

Intense, challenging, and infuriating, listeners are frustrated to the point of either giving up or taking action. So, which are you?

SG finds this book audio overwhelmingly captivating, but also offensive to some audiences. Listen at your own risk.

Melody Carlson has become synonymous with authentic Christian fiction.

In her most recent book, River’s Call, she proves why. Book two in her Inn at Shining Water series, River’s Call explores the complex family relationships of mother-in-law, daughter, and granddaughter. Carlson’s writing experience, dating since 1995, is immense, and readily visible in her style. Reading through River’s Call, it is transparent that Carlson has an ease and skill that rivals the best in the Christian fiction genre.

Following Lauren, Anna’s daughter, the reader is transported back to the 1960′s to a pregnant and emotionally damaged girl. Due to her age and the associated immaturity, this challenge makes the selfish Lauren only more distraught and confused. It is at this point that Grandma Eunice enters the scene, a master manipulator from a different generation. Relationships are strained and tested between Eunice, Anna, and Lauren. Will Lauren ever grow up? Can mother and daughter reconcile (in both daughter cases)? Only by reading the story of love and strife is one able to see this family face their struggles, especially so as Lauren deals with herself, in her all-to-fast teenager’s life. But are the risks of different generations comparable? Could a new risk put the family in danger?

Carlson’s voice carries the reader through the next in an elegant manner, guiding the audience to not just keep attention to the moments at hand, but also feel the love and pain each character feels. Anna’s struggles become the reader’s struggles. This type of excellence is not easily found in fiction, especially Christian fiction, and is welcomed wholeheartedly.

If a negative of this book were to be found, I may be the one to find it. Not out of critical reasoning, but simply because I am a man. The downside of this book? It won’t be something men will enjoy. But perhaps that’s okay, because after all, should men really understand how a woman thinks and what a woman wants? I suspect that is a mystery that G-d intends to keep hidden for some time to come…

You can find this book in the SG Store today…

How can you get the most out of every interaction? How can you improve skills that you already possess, and spark those that you never knew? Joshua Weiss would lead you to believe in a simple term: negotiation. In his Negotiator in You series, Weiss desires, through brief audio CDs (about a half hour each), to teach you the artful skill of negotiation.

What can one learn? For starters, negotiation is the interaction between two or more people by agreement. It is not sacrifice/compromise. Rather, it is finding mutually beneficial terms for both parties to get what they want. And if that isn’t possible, then the parties mutually agree to find better solutions elsewhere. That is negotiation, and I learned it from just five minutes of Weiss’ audio CD.

Weiss promises to teach listeners the fundamental skills of negotiation in life. He has been teaching courses and counseling (holding a Ph.D) for some time, and has recently explored sharing his work via the digital and electronic age. Narrating his own research, Weiss’ narration bears the uncanny resemblance of a primary care physician, reminding me of sitting in a doctor’s office learning about a condition.

His passion for negotiation is key, but his excitement gets him talking too fast at times. It sounds as if he spoke rapidly into an audio recorder, slowed it down on the computer, and hit “publish.” This premature quality is balanced with a smooth inflection and an easier text to listen to and follow. It seems like I should be watching an 80s instructional video, however, and my distracted mind isn’t able to give Weiss’ work the attention he says it deserves.

I would give this audio book three stars, average, for both content and quality.

It’s okay to be joyful. Go ahead – you have permission. Just remember, though, that joy is a decision. It’s not an emotion. In fact, happiness is an emotion, so let it take your smiles. But joy, let it lead your life. This is Kay Warren’s idea in her book, and she makes the most authentic narrator you could find for the audio edition of her work, too.

How does joy fit in with grief? Can a grieving widow be joyful? Is it a sin to think such is permissible? Warren turns the concepts backwards, over, and upside-down and challenges the stigma in our culture that rejects joy. We can choose to be joyful. It’s not about creating joy, or imitating it. Rather, it is choosing not to doubt it. Joy is already there, and it is our duty to embrace it. In fact, when we don’t choose joy, we doubt G-d and His word. How so, you ask? Read (or better yet, listen to) the book, I challenge.

Warren’s narration is spot-on, being her own imitator, bringing the text to life with a lighter tone with smooth inflection, much like the easy listening to jazz. Her intriguing speaking style and mark to make a captive audience commands that those interested in this work select audio instead of print.

Her writing evokes a response, while her narration evokes much more…the raw emotion that triggers a decisive response. Unfortunately speaking at a medium to fast pace, some listeners will have to “keep up” to not get lost in her material. Nevertheless, her art as a speaker is very similar to the star performer at a women’s conference – calling those who can hear to listen.

This audio edition is an easy four stars, and may have been five if I were able to keep up.

Is business good or evil? What about profit? Money?

It seems, generally speaking, that Christians forget that the loveof money is evil, and wrongly assume money itself is the mark of damnation. Profit is the “p” word, and business is the act of evil itself. So, is business morally good? The popular answer would be no, and that answer would be incorrect. Could business ever glorify G-d? The answer must be, of course, a solid yes.

Wayne Grudem takes on this challenge to not just justify business, but show the exemplary nature it can take on. In his book, he discusses business, but for the glory of G-d. Maurice England narrates the audio edition of this work.

This audiobook addresses the concern of business to the Christian, and shows how it is not just singularly morally good, but also brings glory to G-d. It isn’t business that’s bad, just who practices it.

England’s narration of this audio edition is superb. With a solid, consistent voice, his enunciation is clear and he speaks at an even pace. Using a deep echo, his voice is quite similar to the traditional pastoral voice for an older-fashioned church. His excellent inflection gives this book and easy four stars for talent and bringing the text to life.

While this book’s topic isn’t my cup of tea, I appreciate Grudem’s effort to redeem business, and honor England’s signature work of art.

This audiobook edition is narrated by Jay Payleitner, the author.

Payleitner asserts that we all have a list of chores to accomplish. They break into different categories, being (i) his, (ii) hers, (iii) both, and (iv) whomever is available. In this, marriage is not a 50/50 effort by husband and wife, but rather a 100/100 effort by husband and wife. The math doesn’t add up, but according to Payleitner, the effort sure does.

While husbands do the hard labor and be the breadwinners, statistically and theologically, the wives handle the tedious tasks in the house, doing “more” work instead of more “work.” Tracking who does more, or who works harder, will not lead to any happiness in marriage. There’s no tit for tat in life, so there’s none in marriage either.

Payleitner’s writing style is slow, and as a result, his narration feels dragging. There is an authentic feel, thanks to the ability to narrate his own work. The audio feels much like a marital counseling session, which works well for those needing guidance.

While I only mentioned what Payleitner discusses about marriage, it is the platform for his book. In his book, he covers what the title says: 52 things that husbands need to accomplish for their wives. It’s obvious that wives work more tediously, and given their delicate (like ceramic) nature, us, as men, need to tend to their needs. We need to kiss them. We need to write letters to them. We need to buy them flowers (or pick them). We need to love them. That’s what it is about…

Joe Geoffrey narrates Wiersbe’s audio book edition.

In this book, Wiersbe writes about spiritual warfare. He declares that this book is not for the average consumer, but rather for those engaged or to be engaged in spiritual warfare. This book is, in essence, the “field manual” for such individuals.

This book is about Satan and, well, his strategy. In this book, readers (or in this case, listeners) will learn how the devil works and his schemes, and how to defend themselves and others. This book is not a devotion in any manner, but the typical war book that troops would use in battle. It includes the fundamentals of spiritual warfare.

Attitudes are important for health and success in the mind.

In essence, Wiersbe argues that the steps to fall out of G-d’s design are to first remove His word, then add to it, then change it, then view the part of Scripture that’s been edited apart form G-d’s word. G-d is about truth, unedited. Satan is about lies, filtered and censored.

Geoffrey’s voice is authentic in nature, emulating the author’s intended voice. Deep and gruff, as well as clearly read, the audio is easy to listen to and understand. It is a good, solid narration, and I was very pleased listening to his work.

While this book is for a niche group by written design, the narration opens this book up to a wider audience, but challenges Wiersbe’s warning on the front page: he asks readers and listeners to not be distracted while learning what he has to say, and attributes distractions to the enemy. Heavy on charismatic beliefs, light on humor, Wiersbe’s work is for the dedicated Christian who is not interested in entertainment.

Leonard Sweet writes this new book on Christian leadership, I Am a Follower.

Sweet starts the book with an older church tradition of viewing the Trinity as a “cosmic” dance of sorts, calling Y’shua the “Lord of the Dance,” and encouraging believers to initially view the Christian life as a new sort of dance. This dance is different and challenging – requiring one to sacrifice it all, including their own image, to participate. The idea is that one who is different, Y’shua, begins the dance. Gradually, followers will join in until it is a mass dance effort, a new dance, that borne of G-d Himself. One is not fully immersed in the dance until they lose themselves in the dance, and no longer know how long, or how hard, they have been moving to the groovin’.

Sweet’s book is designed off the concept of “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” He begins with vece, or the place. Discussing leadership myths and chosenness, Sweet graduates to the first concept: via, or the way. The Law doesn’t save us, yada yada yada. Moving on to verita, or the truth, as the second concept, Sweet introduces relational living, changes in thinking errors over leadership, and how to be weaker for Christ. Part three then commences, as vita, or the life. It discusses discipleship, a spirit of trust (in ways of sometimes abandoning the strategic planning model), and being imprinted by Christ and imprinting onto others.

In all, Sweet calls us to live our story as Christ’s story, and to become the music by which we dance.

This book seems like it can be useful, that is if you need to rely on Sweet’s books to grow in your relationship with Christ, or if you are from a traditional church model that hates dancing and servanthood leadership. Otherwise, only those of the Sweet tribe (or “Len’s Legions,” for alliteration) will easily subscribe and enjoy his writing. But for myself, I found this book to be tedious and overworked, straining to teach uncommon principles that are surprisingly common in the secular field today. Sweet’s writing is unenjoyable to read at best, and clunky at worst.

I don’t consider myself and excellent writer by any means, of which I’m satisfied with. However, given Sweet’s extensive publishing history, and followers of his tribe, a better and more cohesive writing style is necessary for him at this juncture. I also found his material unappealing to the modern and post modern generation, saving his efforts to please the more theologically and chronologically advanced.

In all, I (SG), do not recommend this book for common reading. If you are a follower of Sweet, you will no doubt enjoy this book. However, if you are not, or are on the fence about this book (as I was), may I suggest to keep on looking? If you’re convinced, however, you can find the book in the SG store today.

Callaway is a Christian comedian. Callaway wrote this book because his editor suggested it as the perfect topic for him: a Christian comedian keeping a journal of being completely honest for one year. Great idea, right?

I was skeptical to start with, until I read the first [digital] page. Callaway did as promised: this book is a journal (not entirely day by day) of being completely honest for one whole year, and it seems like he learned a lot in the process.

This book is witty, honest (of course), smart, and insightful. Callaway didn’t just avoid lies – he examined every part of his daily routine. He criticized himself on how he believes he should be as a Christian, and what a biblical model to follow is. Essentially, Callwaway brought a new definition to the word “honest.” It’s on a whole new level now, revealing not only how dishonest we are with one another, but also how we lie to ourselves and to G-d every day.

This book was a convicting read, and I’m not close to being done yet. His jests about honesty are stabs in the gut, making me realize my own shortcomings and dishonesty. This book is excellent at comedy, but if you only read it for the humor, then you will miss out on what Callaway is offering: an opportunity to be real, introspective, and confrontational with others and ourselves, and to G-d. For example, we sing songs we don’t believe, or don’t intend to practice.

“I lift my hands” while I’m sitting down in church.

“Better is one day in Your courts” but I’d rather be playing golf than going to church.

Are you honest with others? With yourself? With G-d? Read this book and find out…

PS – support SG and get a good deal too, buy it in the Store today!

This book is definitely designed for youth. It is a traditional softback book with a glossy cover, and has designs to attract the parents to the book, such as the Indiana Jones theme throughout that youth today are generationally separate from. Each chapter has a title of the chapter and a summary of what the child will learn in that chapter (each chapter is only two pages long as well). Then the Scripture for that Bible lesson is presented, in chronological order, in New Living Translation, which is a heavy paraphrase excellent for children to learn from.

After the Scripture portion is presented, there is a “key” with a key verse for the child to learn or take away from the material. On the right side (page two) there is a picture with a caption, as well as an action point.

While it overall sounds great for kids, to me it is propaganda by the author. I’m thrilled to see a child’s Bible study book and hope that my son would be interested, but I’m afraid that it is just too opinionated and disrespectful. I am all for humor, but changing the actual events of the Bible is just not right. It’s called revisionism, and is dangerous to society. This book, priced at $12.99 retail (seems it should be better priced at $4.99), is taking advantage of consumerism for kids and marketing a slanted point of view, providing political/consumer opinions in the comics, as well as mocking certain biblical events and including irreverent humor.

SG does not recommend this book at this time. If a revised edition appeared with less manipulative material, then I would be all for giving it five stars. However, at this time, even though the revisionism is minor, I cannot in good ethics recommend a book with said material. It is setting children up for the mass media of pro-abortion, anti-religion, and disrespect to elders.

You can find this book in the SG Store if you still wish to acquire it, but I am not impressed. At three it is a fair age to use, but once children understand the material presented, perhaps a better, more biblical, model is necessary…

I have written this book review in addition to launching a weekly series here at SG. Please consider joining this series with me as we look at the book in-depth for the eleven weeks.

This book is for anyone. If this is your first relationship, if you are dating, married, in sin, divorced, or not in a relationship at all. If it’s for your kids or grandkids, perhaps parents, or those you counsel. Driscoll has written this book with the intention of reaching to you. If you are reading this series here on SG, or just the review for the book, this book is for you. This book is written to serve you and your need. After all, you wouldn’t have looked at this book, or even this post by me regarding it, unless your interest was piqued somehow. That interest, that curiosity, is precisely the reason you need to not just read the book, but join me in studying it each week for the next eleven weeks.

In this book, the Driscolls intend to be honest. Honest about failures. Honest about mistakes. Honest about sins. Honest about grief. And honest about love. I will make the same pledge, and ask that you do as well. We’re not talking about a Bible study commitment or planning to quit your job – we’re talking about marriage, a covenant between man and woman, a covenant between people and G-d.

Driscoll starts the book with this pledge of honesty, and leads to telling a bit of context of their relationship. I don’t intend to write the details, so to learn of this, you’ll have to buy the book and follow with me. So let’s cut to later in their relationship…

We are now closer than ever and have a very healthy sex life. We work together as one. We repent and forgive quickly and well by [G-d's] grace. We are blessed to have been faithful to each other for the entirety of our marriage. Through it all, we’ve learned a lot. On a scale of 1 to 10, we’d say our marriage is somewhere around an 8+ or 9, where in years past it was a 3 or 4.

Driscoll states the rest of this book, and our studies, will include date night tips, how to fix a broken marriage, how to set up a marriage, and more. They’ll even answer the “can we do that” sex questions…

I recommend the book. Like I said, I’m doing a weekly study on it, so I hope it’d be worth recommending…start with week one here.

Did you know that the Qur’an, a religious book, is the foundation of Islam?

All laws, practices, home life, etc., religious and non-religious, come from this book. There are 114 suras to this book, which is considered to be holy, delivered miraculously straight from the gods, and not to be challenged or opposed in any way. Those of the Muslim faith adhere to this book, both conservative and radical, non-practicing to jihadist. So, what does the Qur’an say? Is it the interpretation of a reader about whether to practice secretly or be a terrorist, or does the Qur’an clearly state the position that a Muslim, or one of the Islamist faith, should do?

For a long time, there hasn’t been much information, easily accessible, to the public. Now, a group of former Muslims (who are now solid Christians), have launched an investigation to accurately interpret and translate this text for English readers, both Muslim and non-Muslim. This book is called The Qur’an Dilemma.

Examining the whole of Islamic history and classical commentaries, The Qur’an Dilemma is considered an objective, investigative effort of research, all concerning unearthing the truth about Islam. Many Muslim researchers participated in this team effort, as well as scholars, writers, and specialists in the field. This team approach allows an unbiased approach. Using critical methods of research and study, volume one of The Qur’an Dilemma is now released.

Thanks to Glass Road Public Relations, I had the opportunity to take an advanced look at this first volume. The first volume concerns itself with only the first nine suras, or chapters, of the Qur’an, and is further broken into three sections.

The first section introduces the reader to Islamic history and background, as well has how to use the book and study from it. It also covers the compilation of the Qur’an, the chronological order, and subjects such as women in Islam and how to treat nonbelievers.

The second section is a critical analysis of the first nine suras, by way of systematic investigation. What historical difficulties surround the Qur’an? What is factual? What linguistic issues arise for the reader? There are also annulled verses to Sharia law that are still found in the Qur’an. What variant readings exist, and which are most accurate?

Part three provides maps, endnotes, index, works cited, and a slew of useful resources that are essential for anyone wanting to complete further research.

While many in today’s pluralistic and “diverse” society believe that Sharia law and Muslim beliefs should be embraced and pose no danger, there is a real danger out there. There are two main camps: moderates (reformers) and supremacists (radicals). Both believe in the Qur’an. So what does the Qur’an say? Does it say to embrace everyone, or to kill infidels? Is the Qur’an a threat to America, or an over-popularized scapegoat for a few twisted terrorists?

The Qur’an Dilemma investigates these issues and questions in depth. For example, the Qur’an teaches the Doctrine of Abrogation, which invalidates peaceful verses and instead adopts later verses, such as killing apostates (Q16:106) and murdering nonbelievers (Q9:29). But are these verses in context, or out of context? That’s why we need this book.

I haven’t read the entire book, and truth be told, The Qur’an Dilemma is intense and quite a bit to absorb, very doctoral and comprehensive in its research and content. My first impressions, however, is that this book is a nice addition to the library of the average person, but a critical text to anyone wishing to more fully understand the Islamic faith. This published first volume is a hardback edition, ornate in design and a high quality production.

Based off my initial research of the book, the press release issued to me, and my first impressions examining the book, this book is a steal at $39.95. I’ve seen similar books of high quality, not nearly as in-depth, for quite a bit more. SG endorses this book and recommends it.

The audiobook edition of Ancient Rising, by JC De La Torre, is narrated by Joe Bevilacqua.

I enjoy reviewing books and their audio counterpart. When it comes to audio books, I have come to learn that they are not just an edition to the print text, but often times a performance. With Ancient Rising, the narration is a step above – complete with surround sound effects. The sound effects, provided by Bevilacqua as part of the production, enhance the experience. While the narration would be sufficient without the music, etc. (being like other audiobooks), Bevilacqua created a work of art that, at times, could be considered more audio drama than audio book.

Music, creaks, sirens, knocks, rings, shouts – it’s all there as part of the experience. During times of non-action (such as the character caught in thought), appropriate music guides the listener through to more gripping scenes. Bevilacqua’s narration, in and of itself, is also superb, providing not just proper inflection, dramatic pause, and artistic narration, but a performance worthy of pairing to the sound effects. Thus, a consistent and appropriately-timed sound effect did not cover the narration, but complemented it to great a truly astounding audio experience for the listener. Listeners, such as myself, will find themselves so caught up in the experience that time will pass by with this emotionally gripping tale of love and loss.

Ancient Rising provides a tale of a writer – a great apocalyptic writer – who loses everything of importance but is unwilling to accept death himself, caught up in an Atlantis uprising of Greek gods who demonically rule of humans, partially due to the writer’s investigatory efforts for his books.

After listening for some time, this is an audio tale that will continue to entertain me in the future, for certain. The only negative part isn’t due to the narration, but rather to the author – this book is extremely detailed. While generally helpful for the reader/listener to understand the setting, it is, at times, distracting and detrimental to keeping the reader experiencing and engaged in the text.

This audiobook edition is narrated by John Haag. 

This book is not about Bridges’ experiences in life. It is designed to be a devotional. Yet, listening to his devotions, they are all anecdotes, that is, tales from his life. But we are not supposed to hinge ourselves on his tales, but on the truths we can learn from them. Thus, while listening to this audio edition of the book, listeners will find themselves learning more about Bridges as he pours himself into the pages and empties his heart for everyone to glean from.

Bridges even wrote the book like a journal. During the early stages of writing, he hand-wrote the pages for the book and hired a typist to transfer the calligraphic ink into legible print for a digital, paper, and audio medium. This book, style and timeline of publish, is designed like a handwritten devotional to help us meet with G-d, and let Him write on our hearts.

According to Bridges, this book is not written for the Christians who have had extreme circumstances of strife. It is written for the mainstream Christians who have suffered basic hardship: loss of job, termination of pregnancy, unfair professor scoring exams, inability to pay bills. In other words, there is something in your life that this book can tackle.

“There are no easy answers.”

Haag, narrating this book, produces an audio that echoes off the walls, much like an android of sorts. Haag provides enough inflection to help the listener discern sentence structure and follow the text, but it nevertheless feels like a strained reading. This is not a presentation. This is not a performance. Rather, Haag’s efforts, while sincere and appreciated, feel more like a student reading aloud in hopes to gain perspective and wisdom through the auditory – yet forgetting to let it feel natural and authentic.

I do not recommend the audio edition for this book.

This audiobook is narrated by Susan Denaker. 

My iPhone has excellent voice command. While Siri does not sound as impressive as the fancier text to speech modules once can purchase for the Android, I am floored by how advanced technology has gotten and how well a phone can recite emails and texts to me.

While I believe my phone to sound amazing, it is not the same voice I would want to listen to a story, or audio book, from. I don’t know if Susan Denaker is the official Siri voice or not, and I’m pretty sure that she isn’t, but her narration of Moore’s spiritual book reminds me of electronic dictation. In a monotone reading, Denaker does provide a slight inflection that permits listeners to recognize separate sentences (and their structure) and questions, but not good enough to be convincing. In short, the text is read aloud, not performed or inspired, and to me, does not emulate the author.

Moore excels in the women’s inspirational section for Christian living. This book is on par with her other works. The purpose? To help readers get over their pasts, surpass their dreams, and break free in the process. To Moore, it’s all about total surrender to G-d, and allowing the Holy Spirit to break free the chains that prevent us from living totally for Him.

Great concept. Great book material. Inadequate narration. While many may find this narration satisfactory, I couldn’t get myself to listen past the book’s introduction.

This audiobook is narrated by Tavia Gilbert.

Children need to “get” the Gospel. In parenting, we are often about obedience and rules, avoiding the dangers that grace carries. As a result, we instruct our children in a strict set of rules called moralism, in which the child behaves because they are taught to behave, then abandons because they never knew why. At least this is what the authors want you to believe and understand.

Based off this precept, Fitzpatrick and Thompson encourage you to get rid of the moralism, the rules, and the obedience, and replace it with a reason: the person of Christ and what He did. Introduce your children to grace, and let them learn what it means to be good.

“The Law guides but it does not give.”

The authors use biblical concepts and Scripture to point that rules have a place and purpose, but only when guided by the reason to do good. Without the death of Christ, we would have no hope to adhere to the Law. In this same concept, raising children is supposed to take similarity.

I’m not convinced just yet, but I’m willing to give it a final listen. Perhaps they are correct. Since the audiobook is fairly brief, I won’t be risking much to give it time.

“While the Law directs us, only the Gospel can drive us.”

Ah, but that’s the content. Why choose the audiobook? Often I find that I’m not fond of narration, but this book is quite different. While the book takes the untamed nature of the Gospel seriously, and teaches through grace alone, through faith alone, and through Christ alone, it’s colorful writing, geared toward moms, is unmatched – except by Gilbert’s solid narration. Her inflection matches the author’s style excellently. Sitting back and listening, it seems as if it were a women’s small group meeting being led at a medium to fast pace. The intimate, yet performed, reading takes this narration beyond simple vocal reproduction and into storytelling at its finest.

Overall, through both writing and narration, this book points out that our parenting is not Christian in nature. We are Christian parents, but not teaching in a Christian manner, and we should be.

One of the most riveting and connecting parenting books ever, the narration only enhances the experience. I recommend this for the dads too – after all, I just want to keep on listening.

This audiobook edition is narrated by Lloyd James.

James’ narration, overall, came across with a flat intonation, offset by a smooth and calm attitude. Listening to the audiobook play, it felt much like an English Literature instructor at a college lecture, or even similar to a traditional Southern Baptist pastor preaching without emotion. Sadly, this audiobook was not charismatic enough to maintain my interest.

Essentially, the book is about the twenty-four hours up to the death of Y’shua, focusing on the Gospel of Mark, with Matthew and Luke providing more depth. The goal of the book is to explain the theological significance of those twenty-four hours, while providing a historical understanding in regards to life and culture of the times. The author, Hamilton, desires readers to place themselves in the story of the death and resurrection, and allow themselves to be transformed by an emotional yet knowledge-filled experience. James, in his best intentions, desires the same of listeners. Yet, despite his best efforts and dedication to the pursuit, I left feeling like the book was read aloud more so than brought to life.

The flashback begins at the Pesach (Passover) dinner, and ends at the last breath of Y’shua (Jesus). At the end, there is a final chapter dedicated to the resurrection event. In the introduction to this book, Hamilton mentions videos that are designed to accompany each chapter. These did not come with the audio download that I have obtained, so I have no review or comment on them, and my review here is not impact by them, except for my recommendation at the end.

While James did not keep me entranced for long, if at all, many listeners will find his slight effort at pace and intonation enough to power through the audio edition. However, these efforts don’t power the narration much further than an advanced monotone speech.

The writing style of Hamilton is theological and reflective in nature, seeming to be a combination of Sunday morning  small group lecture and personal journaling during the week. Based off this, James narrated the text faithfully, giving his best for how limiting the material truly was.

SG does not recommend the audio edition of this book. Rather, the print edition may make for a fine solution, given that videos could enhance the experience. This book is designed for small group reading and personal faith journeys.

Simon and Schuster sent me this CD as part of the Solid Gold Reviewers Program at Audiobook Jukebox. This epic narration is seven hours in unabridged length.

While initially the length seemed insurmountable to listen and acquire knowledge from, I found myself through five hours with hardly a notice. The ease at with Robert Petkoff narrates and brings the text to life, combined with Carnegie’s excellence at teaching through the written word, makes this audiobook the perfect companion for the audiophile. Plug in a pair of earbuds and the daily commute is transformed instantaneously into a personalized communication workshop.

After listening, quite enjoyably, to the audio, I learned much about:

• Leadership
• Smiling
• Communication
• Friendship
• Gaining followers
• Self-introspection

Revised for the digital age with the classic writing style that initially popularized Carnegie’s book, the prose harnesses the power of social networking, combined with traditional telephone conferences, interviews, and meetings.

This audiobook has informed me on how I can better improve my communication and brand, not just as an individual, but as a family man and also in the blogging arena. With lessons about value, content, and worth, Carnegie’s concepts are timeless. For example, an early study on smiling showed those that smiled in pictures often had at least one additional close friend, when compared to the national average of six. As Facebook and other communication techologies have gained popularity, this statistic has not changed.

Petkoff’s narration is par for the course, an uncanny mimicry of Carnegie’s written voice. Coming from my own opinion of how well-versed, dictated, and smoothly read this audio book is, it is a rare occassion that I can recommend the audio book edition without hesitation over the print edition. This audio is the cherry to top the sundae, providing a verbal instruction we all need in this topic. Petkoff has miraculously overcome the temptation to read aloud and became the voice of the text itself. Five stars and high applause.

Support SG and get the lowest price: find this audio book in the SG Store today.

This audio edition of the book is written by Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, and Mike Yorkey. It is narrated by Dean Gallagher. 

“What matters is what you are willing to do now and what you choose to do.” Stephen Arterburn

Editor’s Note: this audiobook is explicit in content, geared toward real solutions for real problems. It is designed for me to read or listen to, and interact with. Female listeners, and all children, are discouraged. This audiobook is about exposing the life story of the sexual interior to a Christian exterior.

Gallagher’s narration is clean and clear, providing an educational yet intimate feel. Informative in many regards, this audio book is defintely personal in nature. It is honest and bare, a true tool. For men struggling with sexual temptation, this book is highly recommended. The audio book is narrated in such a way that those who prefer to listen instead of read will find this a great alternative, but I believe more knowledge could be gained from reading the text.

This audiobook has been reviewed for christianaudio.com. To read more reviews like this, please view the ChristianAudio category at scriptedgenius.com.

Christmas time has passed, and if you visited christianaudio.com during December, you no doubt found the opportunity for a free copy of the audio book edition of one of Charles Dickens’ classics: A Christmas Carol. If you didn’t, then this review will give you the opportunity to see if it’s up your alley, and the exclusive chance to buy it on CD at the lowest available offer, while minorly supporting SG in the process (check out the SG store for more opportunities today).

This audio book is narrated by Simon Vance. Vance is known for his regal feel as a narrator, and replicates his performance for A Christmas Carol brilliantly, providing a slow, British accent to properly place the work of art. His narration gives the feeling of upper class.

I have watched different interpretations of this classic period on the big screen. From ancient versions to the most recent production featuring Jim Carrey. This audiobook, by far, is superior to these eye-candy interpretations. Thus far, this is the best work I’ve heard from Simon Vance.

The text itself, both illustrative and alliterative, gives the reader excellent opportunity for both reading and listening. Dickens’ tale of life and morality follows Ebenezer Scrooge, and elderly grump in need of a bump in the rear. Through the visitation of three ghosts, Scrooge is given the chance to celebrate life and Christmas, removing the chains of selfishness he placed on himself over so many years.

A classic not only by genre, but excellent storytelling, SG recommends this audio edition for your personal listening library.

This audio book has been reviewed for christianaudio.com. Visit scriptedgenius.com to see other CA reviews today!

Mark Mynheir brings forth a fifth book to his writing collection of Christian fiction. Did you know Mynheir works a detective for a living? It’s true – working the field, he can give books the greatest, and most accurate detail. In fact, I experienced this while reading The Corruptible. Mynheir’s writing is simple for readings, permitting the imagination to take over. His detailed imagery gives an excellent sense of the scene, as we follow Ray Quinn and his personal inflections, along with how he views the world.

This Ray Quinn mystery challenges readers at every twist in the plot, and is an excellent and entertaining read for sure. Fans of mystery and suspense will enjoy this book, similar to the big writings of James Patterson and Richard Castle (only much cleaner).

Check out this book in the SG Store today.

I have started to love reading fiction. As part of being a book reviewer, you may have expected this up-front. Truthfully, I was more into the non-fiction. This past year, however, has really shown me. One of the books that had wonderfully aided me along this epic trek is Wayward Son, by Tom Pollack with Jim Alves and John Loftus.

I have not finished this tale yet, and like any good piece of fiction, I’m not about to give it away, either. Here is an excerpt of what the authors have to say about their book (let’s pretend it’s the back cover, shall we?):

Buried near Italy’s Mount Vesuvius is a fortified observatory containing priceless artifacts dating to the earliest record of human events. Only one person—the Getty Museum’s Amanda James—can unlock the mysterious doors that guard the chamber.

But once inside, Amanda is shocked to discover evidence left behind by a notorious Biblical killer—who long ago wandered off the pages of history.

When a strange relic unveils the miraculous truth about this villain, Amanda must confront sinister forces intent on suppressing her stunning revelation—before it alters the destiny of millions! (Waywardsonnovel.com).

This book is written with a magnificent prose. Easy to follow and illuminating, Pollack’s literary genius has captured my imagination, taking me places I have only dreamed of (which does happen to involve a Californian beach). I’m impressed by his well-formed skill and am excited to see how it is unleashed in the rest of his planned series.

Pollack writes in such a fashion that I look for with audiobook narrators: easy to understand, hooking for the audience, guiding visitors upon a journey, and selling the tale with a certain believability to it. Pollack seems sure of his efforts, too, as they have the first part of the book available online to “test drive” the novel.

Glass Road Public Relations was kind enought to include me on this blog tour, and I was grateful to receive an advanced digital reading copy from them for this purpose. This is one of those books that I’m glad to have my Kindle for – with how in-tune I am to the character and hurrying to the next page, my button mashing could have easily been a paper cut instead.

If you love fiction, adventure, and a bit of history, SG highly recommends this book for your personal reading library. Not to collect dust, like some books do (and should), but to be read. Maybe more than once. Find Wayward Son in the SG Store today…

(Click the book image to view the promotional video by Tyndale).

I see monsters. The problem is, though, in order for me to see monsters, I have to be one myself.

I have a friend that I compare to being a zombie. He wants to eat your brains in the name of Jesus. Another friend of mine is like Frankenstein, freakishly muscular and an amateur gamer of all graphics. I know plenty of zombies. There are churches full of them. I even know vampires. They suck your life out of you and leave you smelly and undead. Heck, I’m pretty sure that I’m a werewolf. It’s my tendency to anger that gives that one away. Curious what monster you may be? Keep on reading for a chance to find out for free!

So where did this come from, this obsession with monsters? It’s not Halloween. I’m not a horror buff. In fact, I’m terrified of things that go bump in the night. So, the source? I’d like to blame (and honor) Matt Mikalatos. Matt just recently published Night of the Living Dead Christian, a semi-fictional tale of humor and wit that calls attention to the monster inside each of us. Subtitled as one man’s ferociously funny quest to discover what it means to be truly transformed, Matt has managed to transform my life in his quirky humor that breaks my dread of monsters and evolutes it to a realization that we are our own monsters.

I definitely enjoyed this book. A fan of fiction, and good Christian fiction (which to me is often times hard to come by), I was able to find a fondness of Matt’s writing that will motivate me to read his other work, Imaginary Jesus. Matt’s simple and entrancing comedy is the answer to the dilemma I have personally encountered: the monster side of me, and us all, whether it be zombie, vampire, or werewolf, and how to overcome it by the power of the risen Christ.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who have sin in their lives (I believe that does cover everyone, just to be sure). I recommend this to friends, family, strangers, and churchgoers. Christians, non-Christians, Pagans, and Atheists. It’s a great comedy by a funny author who happens to live in Portland, Oregon (just mere hours away from my humble abode).

This is not a horror tale. This is not a thriller. And heaven’s no, this is not a mockery of the Gospel or an insult to G-d in any way. I know people who I feel need to read this book, and understand that they may not, because of the offense of speaking of monsters. Is getting offended really worth not getting the needed message, however?

Here’s the exciting part of this post…the book giveaway. I have a certificate for a free copy of Night of the Living Dead Christian to give away here on the Scripted Genius. To enter, please comment below, answering the prompt I am about to provide. I will randomly select a winner by name draw from a hat, not by content or “writing talent.” If you’d like an extra entry into the drawing, please post the below tweet on your Twitter handle. That means if you comment, you get one entry, and if you tweet the phrase, you get another entry. Sorry, but tweeters with no comment don’t get an entry. The deadline to comment and tweet is 11:59 PM, Friday, December 23, 2011, Pacific Standard Time. The winner will be announced on Saturday, December 24, 2011.

Tweet this:

@ScriptedGenius has a “Night of the Living Dead” #giveaway! Enter to win at http://wp.me/p1Gr8Y-q8 before 11/23.

Comment Prompt:

If you were a monster, what monster would you be? Why would you be that monster? Are these traits that you wish to have, or currently possess (for bad and good)? Finally, what does it mean to be a Christian, in your own words?

 

If you missed the deadline to enter for a free copy, don’t worry, you can still get it on the SG Store for the cheapest price around…

Karen White reads in a higher-pitched voice that borders on grinding one’s ears. Ling’s tale is a good one: freeing the women of children. However, the audio edition does it no justice.

White’s attempt resulted in a grating narration, reminding listeners of a whine found in young toddlers. Add an odd inflection that seems more like a elementary school teacher emphasizing the difficult and/or descriptive words, and listeners will find their patience unfortunately tested. After critical thought, it seems as if White spoke primarily Chinese, then read the Chinese aloud in English. Lastly, the inappropriate pace for audiobook narration asserts this thought of the translation being performed during the recording.

I was unable to finish listening to the audio, as my ears were tested to their limits by this narration. The content of the book seems to be an excellent choice for those interested in China and feminism in China, and Ling’s story of encouragement and hope would call out to readers, but the narration simply makes this audio edition better passed on for the written word.

Find the print edition of this work in the SG store today…

Catt covers some basic points in his book:

• Decline in masculinity
• Increase in drug use and gangs

While those are not the definite points, Catt’s conclusion is that the ignoring of being masculine does result in increase crime rate. We need to be men of the Bible, and act like it. We need to represent a courage that we seem to miss. Don’t look to the corporate office of manhood. Instead, look to the Bible for courageous examples to emulate. Stand up and show our growing boys what it means to be a man of G-d.

Be willing to sacrifice career success for courage. Encourage future generations to stand correct, not tolerant. Live courageously every day. Man up. Dare to take a stand. Do it now.

Catt’s voice, by England, is clear and concise. Using a reflection of motivational speaking with the intonation of a husky “man’s man,” England’s narration complements this call to action and manhood. Also, with a medium to quick pace, the narration demands listeners keep up.

“Christ followers who are risk takers for the Gospel.”

In essence, Catt’s call is simple, Biblical, and solid. Either readers will love the book or hate it. In the same sense, England’s emulation will offer the same call: if you loved the book, you’ll love this audio edition…

Life under G-d.
Life over G-d.
LIfe from G-d.
Life for G-d.
Life With G-d.

Jethani discusses how practically every Christian lives life either under, over, for, or from G-d. We don’t live life with G-d. This causes us to lose hope and tenacity – we lack the illumination that used to inspire us. Feeling dry and worn out, we change churches, sometimes quit church altogether, and hunt for where we last felt home and rested in the arms of Christ.

“I’m not sure what G-d wants me to do.”

When we live life from G-d, we do not trust in G-d, but in His blessings.
When we live life over G-d, the mystery of G-d is abandoned for proven business formulas and a guaranteed controllable outcome of success.
When we live life for G-d, we try to decide how we can best serve G-d, and our sole purpose is to redeem ourselves to Him, instead of live with the desires and talents He gave us.
When we live life under G-d, it is all about rules and traditions, dos and don’ts. Freedom is crucified for the security of salvation by action or membership.

The West, post-Christian, is life over G-d. Mostly unconcerned, uncaring about spiritual matters. Paychecks. Tolerance. Politically correct.
Rituals or superstitions is life under G-d. It’s the Torah without the hope of Christ.
Prosperity Gospel is life from G-d.
Christian activism is life for G-d.

The purpose of church is to move is from over to under, from to for. But is this the right solution? Does this truly satisfy? Is declaring wine as nonalcoholic grape juice a worthy sacrifice to remove beer from the alcoholic?

Life for G-d is Full Time Christian Ministry.

The truth is this: we teach youth not to have sex instead of how to pray. We teach them life under G-d instead of life with G-d, life for G-d instead of life with G-d.

Jethani presents a certifiable and compelling argument. We are lost. We need life with G-d, as John 1:1 gives example. This book is about the ultimate communion.

SG gives this book the mark of approval. Get it in our store today, and discover life how it is truly meant to be: a relationship with the Creator, not a servitude or prison yoke.

Briggs’ tale of a foreign land – the crisis of another world caught up in a sweeping epic journey – is one of personal dedication to his four sons. That is to be admired, for start.

Readers will find the style of writing a twist between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, with the complication of the sentence structure much closer to the latter. Briggs’ writing carries the mystic feel of a fantasy land full of adventure, similar to the atmosphere that The Hobbit. 

Personally, I found the experience bittersweet. I am sure that part of it is my stepping into part three of the tale, and I would be best acquianted with the characters and plot at the starting point. However, there are parts of easy reading and parts of greater difficulty, which reminds me of Tolkien’s complex style.

In the end, I feel that Briggs did a fine job with his book. It’s certainly not my preferred reading, but I am glad to have been honored with the opportunity nonetheless. I do recommend the book, at the starting point, for those interested in fantasy series. If you liked Narnia or Lord of the Rings, you’re certain to love this series. So, if you’re in the market for book three, check out the SG Store for a deal.

If you haven’t read yet, might I direct your attention to a sweet contest? Check out the attached pdf below for the details of this contest, but be sure to enter by December 1, 2011.

Release: Briggs Contest

Have you read the book? Love it? Hate it? Share your comments…

PS – thanks to Glass Road PR for a complimentary review copy of the book.

I must preface this review by stating, that in regards to the audio edition, there is not an “assigned” narrator. The audio lists Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway as coauthors, and Cristofer Jean, Jeannie Park, and Grover Gardner as co-narrators. This book contains excellent tales. It revolves around the life of Brother Yun, from childhood to adulthood, and his missionary efforts in his homeland of China. The tales that readers find in the book are simply unbelievable. Unbelievable, that is, if you don’t have an open mind to the power of G-d and His active involvement in our lives today. If you don’t, you won’t enjoy the book, nor this audio narration of it, so feel free to move on. But if you do, then I solidly recommend the print edition over the audio edition.

While three narrators gave it an excellent attempt, I have read most of the book before, and found that the narration did not give the text the life of the supernatural words that bind this work. After listening to all three narrators, I am quite convinced that they all sound quite mechanical in their intonation, matching the text-to-speech function from early computer models. Even Siri’s voice is much improved over this. Overall, this is an audio book that I’m glad I have the print edition to. The material is worth it, but the narration is not.

The Score:
+4 for missionary inspiration
+3 for truthfulness
+2 for China (they need all the points they can get)
-5 for monotone/computerized reading
= +4.

SG recommends the print, not audio, edition. Find both of them in the SG Store today…

Tom Parks narrates this audio edition. Contracted through Tyndale Publishers, the published title is When the Bottom Drops Out: Finding Grace in the Depths of Disappointment. 

Bugh enters with a simple statement: everyone experiences disappointment. These may be different types, from red lights to the Cubs not winning. And then there are the major life events. Bugh, a pastor and theologian, discusses the importance of a theology on handling disappointment. How do we calculate G-d in death of a loved one, or major disasters? Bugh shares from personal experience, of losing his best friend, and his wife shortly thereafter (in addition to enhanced church stress).

Parks gives Bugh’s text an authentic voice, permitting listeners to feel as though the author has come to speak at a Sunday church sermon. Read slightly mechanically, Parks’ ability to give a natural pace outweighs the robotic reflective pauses.

The Score:
+3 for important discussion
+2 for smooth narration
-1 for quick loss of interest
= +4.

This book is honest and packed with helpful information for those who suffer from disappointment. Not the minor stuff, per se, but the larger than life events.

Divorce?
Death?
Catastrophe?
Depression?

This book is designed with those readers (or listeners) in mind. Check it out in the SG Store today…

Like Stories for the Heart, published by Jacobson, or the Chicken Soupseries,G-d Makes Lemonade takes the same approach: find a heartwarming or heart-wrenching tale, publish many of them together, with an overall theme that encompasses the tales. In this case, these tales of woe (lemons) combine to make a sweet hereafter (lemonade).

Readers will find this book full of hope and inspiration, regardless of their religious stance or theological beliefs. Each tale, honest from the person who experienced it, told of a starting point, a loss, and a recovery strengthened by G-d. The Christian elements are appropriately placed – not shouting the Gospel but sharing how G-d helped these individuals overcome.

A broken marriage…healed.
A family…provided for.
An adopted child…reuniting with their birth family.

This book will be cherished by readers of all ages. While complied primarily for women, there are also some tales by men. This book is full of hope, inspiration, and love. Every CHristian, and person in general, has trial sand tribulations. Each and every tales in this book shows that you are not alone. It also shows that G-d truly does turn lemons into lemonade.

Buy two copies of this book. I’ve even placed it in the SG Store for your convenience, and linked it here. Seriously…buy two copies. One for your family (trust me – once you’ve read this, you’ll have your family read it as well), and one for someone you know that needs a little hope. It is life changing. After all, I’m a man (husband and father of two), and I nearly cried, as well as found rejoice in the resolution to these true tales. I came to this book apprehensive, believing I wouldn’t connect, and found myself turning page after page.

Thanks to the Tyndale Bloggers Network, I had the pleasure to take a look at an advanced reading copy of this book, and join their blogging tour schedule. They’ve set up the tour for fifty bloggers to each have their own date in the schedule. This review features a limited time chance to get the book at about 1/2 off, as well as a Q&A session with the author, after the jump.

Click here to download a Tehran Initiative Interview with Joel C. Rosenberg [Flash] or here to view it on the Tyndale site. There are also more features on Rosenberg’s site as well…

Joel C. Rosenberg, former communications advisor for a number of U.S. and Israeli leaders, has successfully made it to the New York Times bestseller list for several novels, including this particular series.

The second novel, its predecessor being The Twelfth Imam, The Tehran Initiative opens just seconds afterward, with the same cast. I did not have the benefit of reading the first in the series, but Rosenberg’s writing permitted me to jump right in. His use of character point-of-view, based off the scenario, coupled with the character’s internal dialogue and memories attached to the dialogue, permits the reader to “catch up” easily in a fashion that is readable and enjoyable, not detracting from the present, but rather enhancing the complexity of the Middle East crisis.

Rosenberg has an excellent hook to the story, opening with a CIA operative and mark running from the Iranian police force. He doesn’t lose momentum, but rather builds on the crisis, executing literary excellence with political tensions and religious eschatology. Readers of all walks will greatly enjoy this book, but is recommended for the adult fiction category.

Rosenberg’s writing is simple enough for teenage or inept readers to keep up, while at the same time he maintains all the classic writing elements that mark success for more advanced readers. Overall, this book is quite enjoyable, and the Kindle price is under $10, making this a great investment for fictional reading. I definitely want to check out his other works as a result of reading this book.

Rosenberg has participated in several different efforts to spread the Christian message, and his writing of the Middle East shows his expertise and concern over the events that are unfolding in real-day scenarios. He discusses this in the featured Q&A after the jump.

There’s currently a deal for the hardback as well, at $15, in the SG Store, but only for a limited time…

Question & Answer Session with Joel C. Rosenberg

This is the second book with CIA operative David Shirazi. Where does the story pick up from your previous bestseller The Twelfth Imam?

The Tehran Initiative begins about sixty seconds after The Twelfth Imam leaves off. I’ve tried to create a near seamless connection between the two. And there’s another book coming, The Damascus Countdown.

 

You started writing The Tehran Initiative when the Arab Spring began earlier this year. Did events impact your writing or the storyline?

Actually, I was well into writing The Tehran Initiative when the “Arab Spring” began and it was a little eerie because the novel opens with the assassination of the President Egypt and Egypt descending into chaos after the leader’s fall. Fortunately, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak wasn’t killed, but he certainly fell quickly and somewhat unexpectedly and Egypt is still reeling from the aftermath. The novel really focuses a great deal on the intense desire amongst many Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa to build a global Islamic empire, or a “caliphate.” And that’s certainly a growing theme among the Islamists in the region this year.

Perhaps what struck me most curious since the publication of The Twelfth Imam and while I was researching and writing The Tehran Initiative is that the so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has began speaking more publicly about the coming of the Twelfth Imam. He used to be silent, or nearly so, on this subject. He let President Ahmadinejad do all the public talking about Shia End Times theology. But Khamenei has become more bold over the past year or so. He has told people that he has met personally with the Twelfth Imam, though we don’t know what he meant. Did he meet with a flesh and blood person? Did he see a dream? Or a vision? We don’t know. But Khamenei has also asserted that he is the personal representative on earth of the Twelfth Imam, as well as the so-called Prophet Muhammad. These developments – along with his support for Iran’s aggressive nuclear development program – suggest Khamenei senses the time is very short before some claiming to be the Twelfth Imam emerges publicly. In part, that’s why the Iranian government released the pseudo-documentary film in early 2011 called, “The Coming Is Near,” about all the geopolitical signs that they believe are indicators that the Mahdi’s arrival is increasingly close at hand. Whether it will really happen or not remains to be seen. But the Iranian leadership is certainly convinced. Most of them, anyway. And, of course, the Bible tells us in Matthew chapter twenty-four to expect false prophets and false messiahs in the last days. So we can’t rule out the possibility that we’ll actually as false messiah emerge from the Shia world.

 

You’ve earned a reputation of writing stories that seemed ripped from tomorrow’s headlines. What is going on in The Tehran Initiative that we can see unfolding in the news?

I think the biggest parallel between The Tehran Initiative and current events is the growing sense amongst Shia Muslim leaders – particularly in Iran – that the Twelfth Imam is coming any moment, coupled with Iran’s feverish efforts to build nuclear weapons, and the Israelis’ growing isolation in the world and feeling that they may have to hit Iran all by themselves.

Did you see Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s apocalyptic address at the U.N. in September, or read the full text? You should. It’s instructive. Ahmadinejad is not a world leader worthy of the world stage. He is the evil leader of an Iranian death cult. A recent U.N. report indicates he is making progress in building nuclear weapons. He is calling for the arrival of the Twelfth Imam and wiping Israel “off the map.” He aspires to be a mass murderer beyond the scale of Adolf Hitler. He deserves to be in prison, or an insane asylum. His U.N. speech was further proof, if more was needed.
Like Hitler’s speeches in Germany in the 1920s and 1930s, Ahmadinejad isn’t hiding what he believes. He’s pretty clear. He denied the Holocaust. He blasted the U.S. for bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice. He blamed the terrorist attacks 9/11 on the U.S. government. He insisted that his so-called messiah known as “Imam al-Mahdi” or the Twelfth Imam is coming soon. He insisted Jesus Christ will come with the Mahdi to take over the world. He called for a one-world government when he called for “the shared and collective management of the world.”
Consider these excerpts: “This movement is certainly on its rightful path of creation, ensuring a promising future for humanity. A future that will be built when humanity initiates to trend the path of the divine prophets and the righteous under the leadership of Imam al-Mahdi, the Ultimate Savior of mankind and the inheritor to all divine messengers and leaders and to the pure generation of our great Prophet. The creation of a supreme and ideal society with the arrival of a perfect human being who is a true and sincere lover of all human beings, is the guaranteed promise of Allah. He will come alongside with Jesus Christ to lead the freedom and justice lovers to eradicate tyranny and discrimination, and promote knowledge, peace, justice freedom and love across the world. He will present to every single individual all the beauties of the world and all good things which bring happiness for humankind.”
Though most world leaders do not appear to understand what Ahmadinejad is really saying, students of Shia Islamic eschatology or End Times theology do. The Iranian leader believes the end of the world as we have known it is increasingly close at hand. He believes the time for establishing an Islamic caliphate or global government ruled by the Mahdi is rapidly approaching. What’s more, he believes that the way to hasten the coming of the Twelfth Imam is to acquire nuclear weapons and use them to annihilate the United States, which he calls the “Great Satan” and Israel, which he calls the “Little Satan.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu understands what Ahmadinejad means. So do some of his top military advisors. That’s why they believe Iran is in the eye of a gathering storm in the Middle East, and that the chance of a major war is growing.
“Iran has not abandoned its nuclear program. The opposite is true; it continues full steam ahead,” warned Israeli Defense Forces Home Front Command Chief Major General Eyal Eisenberg in a speech earlier this month. Also noting recent uprisings in the Arab world and growing tensions with Turkey, Eisenberg said, “This leads us to the conclusion that…the likelihood of an all-out war is increasingly growing.”
To me, all this feels ripped from the pages of The Tehran Initiative. Unfortunately, it’s all true.

 

Readers seem to get very attached to your characters. What goes into creating the characters in your novels?

It’s the Colonel’s secret recipe of seven herbs and spices. I could tell you, but then I’d have to….well, never mind….no comment to that one.

 

What experiences in your real life do you draw from to piece together these novels that incorporate geo-politics, espionage, romance, and Bible prophecy?

Someone once told me, “Write where you live in your head.” For some reason, that advice resonated with me and stuck. I’m fascinated with politics, prophecy and the Middle East. Living in Washington, D.C. and working in and around the political world for the past two decades has certainly helped provide context for me to write political thrillers. I think traveling extensively throughout the Middle East and North Africa has been helpful, too. Somehow, it’s all worked together in a way some people find as interesting as I do.

 

You often incorporate Old Testament prophecy in your books. What scriptures do you draw from for this book and why?

There’s no question that I am absolutely intrigued by Bible prophecy, and I like to start with an End Times prophecy – or a group of last days prophecies – and ask, “What if these were to happen in my lifetime? What would it look like? What would it feel like? How might such prophecies realistically be set into motion, and what might be the implications of their fulfillment?” That’s how I approach writing these books. But I don’t think of it like writing a fantasy novel or science fiction. I’m genuinely trying to imagine how it could really play out? I’m not saying these prophecies will necessarily come to pass the way I envision them, but they are interest to war game and see what happens. And given what’s happening in the real world today, I think readers are as curious as I am, and somehow my plots don’t feel that far-fetched.

 

You’ve been successful with your non-fiction books Epicenter and Inside the Revolution and you have a large following reading your analysis of Middle East events on your blog and e-newsletter “Flash Traffic.” Why do you continue to choose writing novels about the Middle East?

What could be more interesting? Presidents and presidential candidates constantly focus on the Middle East. Prime Ministers do. Kings do. Generals do. The media does. The economists do. The fact is, the eyes of the nations are riveted on Israel and her neighbors, the epicenter of the momentous events that are shaking our world and shaping our future. The stakes are very high. There is lots of uncertainty. It’s mysterious and dangerous and complex – it has all the elements of riveting political thrillers. And the Bible says the Middle East will become even more dramatic until the very return of Jesus Christ. Why write about anything else?

His recent addiction is Suzanna, a black woman that he accomplished, and fell into a love that he would never admit to her. She departs from the downward spiral of nude painting and sex with him in hopes to restore her relationship with G-d, and he pursues her to her home in the Bronx, that is, until he is distracted by his obsession of artistic inspiration – which has a greater hold on him that any drug or girl.

His actions have not gone unnoticed, however, as Ridley made enemies along his path of self-indulgence. As a result, he was followed along his journey, and his life met the lights of a speeding vehicle, which he stepped in front of, causing his body to seem weightless and drifting into the air for a few seconds, until gravity returned and sent him into the abyssal river that lay underneath the bridge he traveled.

He awakes not to confusion, addiction, or anger, but to what is no less than Glory. So strong is the pull that he leaves his life and seeks the glory, leaving many to assume he is dead. It is several years later that his existence is discovered, and two people begin the search for him: his daughter he never knew existed, and his attempted murderer.

Dickson’s writing is detailed, capturing the essence of New York, his characters, and the rest of the world. It is obvious by his vivid imagery that Dickson did in-depth research for this fictional tale. His efforts pay off, permitting the reader to see events from the character’s point of view, which can change at any time, never revealing too much, resulting in a page-turner. From beginning to end, readers will enjoy Dickson’s style as he writes concerning the pursuit of art and G-d, even to the point where the reader experiences, in part, Dickson’s recollection of his own spiritual pursuit.

Gritty at parts, and definitely adult-themed, this novel contains enough imagery to acquire a second-guess by many religious readers. Exploring various religions in a pursuit of Jesus, yet giving validity to said religions, this book better fits the mindset of secular/spiritual fiction, not Christian literature. SG recommends this engaging adventure only to mature audiences. Buy it today…

This review is brought to you thanks to the Solid Gold Reviewer Program and Radio Archives.

Mystery.
Suspense.
Authentic radio broadcast.

Sherlock Holmes is narrated with excellence by an all-star cast of voice talents like Tom Conway and Nigel Bruce, from the Radio Archives. This collection emanates the older stye of Sherlock Holmes, not the recent blockbuster hits.

Complete with musical transition, multiple actors with background sounds, and excellent story-play, Sherlock Holmes has everything the audiobook enthusiast seeks. Holmes addicts, or just those looking for a quick suspenseful mystery, will greatly enjoy this audio broadcast. The radio guide takes the listeners to Watson’s retirement home in California, where we listen to Watson reminisce of the “good ‘ole days,” and we are dreamily taken to to these memories as a present experience, with Holmes speaking for himself, and the clients, as well as suspects, making their customary appearances.

This audio selection is perfect for those who want to enjoy the original Holmes, sans image, or find themselves on a vehicle trek in need of background storytelling at its finest.

SG highly recommends this audio archive, but is not able to provide it in the SG store. So, head on over to Radio Archive and get your copy today!

SG Reviews have been doing well with Booksneeze, Christian Audio, Waterbrook Press, Tyndale Publishers, Audiofile Magazine, and our new partner for an upcoming guest post and three reviews: Glass Road PR.

Please keep your eyes out for the following from Glass Road (tagged Glass Road):

• G-d Makes Lemonade
• The Opposite of Art
• The Song of Unmaking
• Guest Post on 10/20/11 by Melody Carlson

While you’re at it, keep your eyes peeled for SG’s review of The Tehran Initiative, set to post 10/26/11!

Want to see another partnership added? Let us know!

PS – Audiobook Jukebox has been kind to post links to our audio book reviews. We have joined their reviews team, and will be posting an exclusive on Sherlock Holmes soon!

Andy Stanley writes this excellent non-fiction Christian inspiriation/self-help book for everyone.

In this book, Stanley suggests that there are issues in the core of our hearts. Our actions need rectification, but behavior modification only covers up the issue at hand – our hearts are hurt, and need repair. Stanley uses life experiences, as well as medical discussion, to keep the issue alive, and cause a steady flow of interest for the reader. In the end, without getting the healing our hearts need, we will never experience the joy G-d calls us to. Imagine if you were tainted by divorce, left by a parent, or lost a child. Stanley navigates these emotional stressors, and helps readers become the person they need to be, not one of pain, but one of healing.

Andy Stanley is an excellent writer. This text has no real sticking points, and kept my attention throughout. I definitely recommend this book for everyone who has experienced life – it will help you grow and love more.

Davis, the author and reader of this audio book, is laugh-out-loud hilarious.

I have never laughed so hard from listening to an inspiring and true tale of weight loss. I’d say as humorous as Jon Acuff and “Stuff Christians Like,” listeners will find this audio book to be quite the catch, and a worthy one at that. Davis reads the text with ownership, in a fluent and excellent manner. Not grandiose or too plain, the text seems to be an excellent offer, only outdone by the beauty that is this audiobook.

The Score:
+5 for humor
+3 for narrated by author
+4 for not wanting to stop listening
= +12

SG highly recommends this audio book edition of the text for all readers.

Lawhead’s exciting addition to the Dragon King Trilogy follows… Quentin on a medieval quest to save his kingdom from evil and witchcraft, and return it to the rightful ruler. Tim Gregory narrates this epic adventure as Quentin encounters knights, maidens, mythical creatures, and more.

Read the rest of the review here…

Frank Viola presents another inspirational book on Christian living, this one a collection of essays. Focusing on the personal spiritual walk of believers, Viola suggests that each person has a script to follow in the grand play of life. Click here to read the rest…

This is one of the few female-written books that Scripted Genius has reviewed. It is also one of the few paperbacks that we’ve looked at in recent months.

That said, it should be noted that the entire book has not been read for this review. We are commenting not on the tale, but on the author’s ability and writing style.

Gina Holmes presents Dry as Rain rather well, with the tale of a husband and wife. Then the possibility of divorce. And the accident. Now, the husband, Eric, has the opportunity to win back his wife, due to the amnesia she incurred from the accident. The question is, though: will love prevail? Can he win her heart from their issues before she remembers, if she ever does? And will his guilt of his own treacherous shortcomings overtake him?

Holmes writes in a simple, easy-to-read manner that all authors should strive for. The text is enjoyable, but awkward. Following Eric and his thoughts, a female writer determining a man’s thoughts is just about as successful as a male writer determining a female’s thoughts: questionable at best. While my wife found the text to sound like a man, I did not, which indicates that Holmes wrote this with a primarily female audience in mind, and did so quite brilliantly. But to me, it just doesn’t sound like a guy, but more like a female guessing what a guy would think.

Nevertheless, Christian messages pop up throughout the text, including the very beginning. It’s an enjoyable read, but most likely one that I’ll leave to the missus to complete. Simple enough for silent or auditory reading, I’d expect an audiobook edition to find its way into the arena shortly.And released today, why not check it out…

SG recommends this book for Christian fiction enjoyment.

There must be something about the Lawhead family, releasing book after book in the Christian fiction genre. While Stephen’s writing is overly complex and difficult for the average reader, Ross manages to hit the nail just right in his new fantasy Ancient Earth series. 

Based heavily on British lore, this tale of adventure is designed for the teenage reader, but written in a fashion that engages the adult bibliophile as well. Travelling underground, the reader joins a boy and girl (Daniel and Freya) on a journey to protect Britain from evil forces. Weaving Christian concepts in the background, Lawhead doesn’t overtly express any theological solidarity.

A great adventure for readers of all ages, this tale does feature otherworldly violence, which may frighten younger audiences.

SG recommends this book for the fiction enthusiast.

Randall Wallace write this fictional novella concerning Andrew Jones, a surgeon seemingly gifted by G-d himself. Losing his fiancé in an accident, being unable to save her, Jones casts his skill to the side, avoiding the medical field. Later, newer tech arrives that needs Jones to help troubleshoot it. Forced to face himself, his past, and the nightmares the prevent him from utilizing G-d’s gift, this book encourages readers to trust G-d, and let G-d be G-d. 

Paul Michael narrates the audio edition of this book. Michael provides a solid tone for listeners to grasp on to, but struggles with the feminine voices. Mechanical, in a way, Michael almost has “the voice” to complement the text, but falls short, allowing listeners to identify with an almost-computerized voice.

The Score:
+4 for cover art
+3 for storyline
-3 for mechanical narration
-2 for concerning feminine voice
= +2

SG does not recommend the audio edition of this book, but readers may find the printed edition fanciful.

Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson present this book about conflict, narrated by Maurice England for the audio edition. England reads in a firm tone, allowing his confidence to seep from the lines of this audio art. Sounding much like a Texan during the Dust Bowl, the man of man accents carries this book more as a command than instruction.

The Score:
+4 for potential
-3 for Texan style
+2 for series effort
= +3

SG does not recommend the audio edition of this book. The print edition, however, may be worth investigating.

Packer writes this book not as a treatise on G-d, but his own admission, even though its length greatly suggests such. Packer considers this to be a series of small studies concerning G-d, as separate messages, but provided a whole in this audio book edition, narrated by Simon Vance.

Vance provides a husky voice, presented in a discussion format. Vance does an excellent job at proper intonation, inflection, and authentic reading. Small groups will identify will with the narration, but find struggle keeping up with the material. In truth, this book, in itself, is evidence that audio books will never replace traditional format books (to be read, that is, not necessarily printed). Greatly complex, this book is not suited well for audio, despite the narrator’s best attempts.

The Score:
+4 for talented narration
+4 for popular reading
-3 for complexity found in narration
= +5

SG recommends the print edition, for sure, but not the audio, unless one has a doctorate in Theology.

Andy Stanley presents this revision of “It Came from Within,” titled “Enemies of the Heart.” This audio edition is narrated by Lloyd James. Stanley writes about guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. Using Scripture, personal anecdotes, and dry humor, Stanley discusses how to set oneself free from these poisons of the heart. James speaks in a confident tone, providing proper inflection with the text, as if he himself wrote it. His narration efforts provide an excellent audio addition to this book.

The Score:
+5 for solid narration
-2 for Andy Stanley
+3 for biblical truth
-2 for slow treatise
= +4

SG recommends the audio edition over the print edition, but perhaps no edition at all…

John Bevere, author of “The Bait of Satan,” revises his classic, Extraordinary.

Bevere is well-known in charismatic and protestant circles, particular the Assemblies of G-d. In this book, he discusses our desire for superhero, but willingness to accept mediocre, and the issue at hand with this discord.

“I don’t want the same thing to happen for you with the message of this book. It’s a progressive revelation that has the potential to ruin you forever for the ordinary. I speak from experience, because as I sought [G-d], researched, wrote, and prayed over this book, I was changed forever!”

Bevere, from beginning to end, challenges and persuades readers to stick through the whole script, and discover how easy it is to escape from the ordinary and join in on G-d’s great adventure that He has in store for us. In the beginning, he uses and example that is better suited for Scripture: walking in at the end of a movie, witnessing the protagonist’s death, and not understanding the complexity and importance behind it. The same is with Christ – if we go straight to the Gospel of John without first reading Leviticus, how are we supposed to understand?

Chock full of anecdotes, advise, and persuasive writing, this printed material could do well to suit many a subscriber. As for myself, however, I believe in Rick Warren’s statement many years ago: “self help is no help at all.” There are some books that have changed my life, and this one isn’t on that list, nor even on the “completely read” list. While it may be excellent for many, Bevere’s style can be distracting and unentertaining to many.

Stephen Lawhead writes “The Bone House,” the second edition in the Skin Map series. Kit Livingstone finds himself in a race against time and parallel universes, as he seeks out the map his distant relative Cosimo instructed him about. Facing opposition by a deadly and evil enemy, Kit’s adventure could very well determine the future for every universe.

Written in a complex style, Lawhead’s use of the English language will leave readers mostly confused and lost. Much his overall style, all of Lawhead’s writings are equally difficult to read, and not recommended for the pubescent reader.

For being published by Thomas Nelson, readers have a right to expect high quality and solid adherence to biblical standards. However, this book is just another disappointment. Apart from the inability to read at an enjoyable pace, the protagonists in this tale use witchcraft to accomplish their means – using ley lines for travel between dimensions. Taking wicca and combining it with fiction makes this book no different than Harry Potter - not worth it’s existence.

Written by Davis Bunn, Paul Boehmer narrates “Lion of Babylon.” This tale of Christian fiction follows Marc Royce, disposed CIA operative of the “Glass Castle,” called back to action to investigate disappearances in Iraq, while other forces are at play – those that change national ties, alter religious affiliations, and force the supernatural to take place.

Boehmer reads the text with a mechanical stiffness. His effort to illustrate the words into audio art is evident, but is lost in dreary monotone presentation. While the book and topic catch the reader’s attention, the audio edition doesn’t share this passion.

The Score:
+4 for cover art
+3 for intriguing mystery/thriller
-5 for monotone reading
-3 for lost attention during reading
= -1

SG recommends the print, not audio, edition of this book.

Read by Adam Verner, Frank Viola’s newest book, “Revise Us Again,” focuses on how to live according to the Christian script, as if we are all part of the great drama of life, like Shakespeare once suggested. Viola’s text encourages readers to continually compare their lives with Scripture, and revise our paths, as necessary, to stay on track with where G-d wants us. Verner narrates with a smooth confidence, yet is shy on proper intonation.

The Score

+5 for renowned theologian author
+3 for content of book
+2 for dictation of narrator
-4 for monotone presentation
= +6

SG recommends the book and audio edition as well.

The Score

+5 for Jerry Jenkins
+3 for cover art
+2 for recognizable narrator
-6 for monotone
= +4

SG recommends the book, but not the audio. Best for seasoned listeners, not an amateur.

Written by Warren Wiersbe, this audio version of the book features narration by Maurice England. England speaks firmly and clearly, with a Texan and matter-of-fact accent, guiding listeners plainly through the text. Encouraging listeners to find their connection to Christ, following the “I AM” statements of Christ, in comparison to the “I was” that everyone else could provide.

The Score:

+6 for excellent narration
+4 for sweet cover art
+2 for theologian recognition
-2 for complexity
= +10

SG recommends this book for listening, but not necessarily reading.

Well-known theologian John MacArthur writes this encouraging book on how to find Christian purpose and the direction G-d wants in your life. Narrated by John Haag, this audio edition sounds how one would expect MacArthur to speak at a small conference or private study. Haag reads clearly and concisely, permitting the listener to not get caught up on the details of the writing, but capture the message as a whole. The book seems a bit complex for an afternoon listen, but might fit well for excerpts to be played at a small group Bible study.

The Score:

+5 for author
+3 for affordability
+3 for solid narration
-7 for unsure fit as audio book in general
= +4

SG recommends this book to all readers, the audio only to the focused and committed listeners.

It Couldn’t Just Happen, by Lawrence Richards, examines the natural wonders of our world and universe that point to an ultimate truth: it was created by G-d. The book is a basic introduction to apologetics for young Christians, presenting basic arguments for the existence of G-d by utilizing the evidences found in our world. 

Time is a man-made concept, or philosophy, if you will. If we did not have the solar and lunar rotations, we would have no measurable method to monitor our existence. Outside of our created, or G-d inspired, concept, there is no “time.” To believe that everything has always existed, and so forth, is part of our human condition.

Richards starts the book with addressing that there was a beginning to the universe, using scientific truth to prove the point. Once the concept of a beginning is established, the only logical conclusion, as the book presents, is G-d. The reader is then guided through the rest of the evidence for our Creator.

A basic read for teenagers and young adults, this book is an excellent transition in to collegiate courses in apologetics, or the defense of the Cross. The information is fresh and challenging, inspiring readers to investigate further. Appealing and cohesive, this book on scientific evidence weaves in biblical history and truth for a complete Christian worldview.

SG recommends this book for all readers, to challenge the intellect. Buy this book in the SG store today.

Paul Michael narrates Jim Stovall’s third installment of the Ultimate Gift series, The Ultimate Journey, with a smooth voice that replicates the essence of Red Stevens, much like the performance James Garner provides in the movie presentation of the first book. Michael guides the reader through the interactions of Jason and his bride, Red on his DVDs, and the chauffeur that served them both. Skillfully and artistically weaving different inflections and intonations that each character carries in their character, Michael permits the reader to stop listening to an audio book and become part of the story itself, allowing images of the scenes to dance before the listener’s eyes. One has to admit, however, that despite Michael’s talent, his imitation of Alexia, Jason’s bride, sounds more like an effamenant man that a female voice.

The score:

+5 for excellent storytelling
-3 for concerning female imitation
+4 great audio selection for narration

= 6 points – recommended by SG for listening enjoyment.

Charlie West returns in the Homelanders series. In prison and facing death around every corner, Charlie finds himself wishing that the events that have passed since that fateful night he went to sleep as a kid and woke up wanted by the police never came. Missing family and friends, he knows that the Homelanders are there, in prison, with him, waiting to strike at any moment. Then it happens. Charlie has another vision – of a plot set to cause mass destruction. How can he intervene in time, trapped behind bars?

Andrew Klavan writes with excellence, spinning a tale that captures the most critical of readers. Regardless of age, this novel presents the ultimate chance for the thrill, featuring the protagonist as a Christian, managing to keep his faith despite hard times. As the cover suggests, this book is about action as well, providing a character development that allows readers to identify with Charlie within the first page of reading.

Klavan pulls off suspenseful action well, maintaining a thrilling experience that will bring readers to the edge of their seats. It is also great for those that desire to keep faithful to G-d yet crave a piece of action – showing that with G-d, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Enjoyable from beginning to end, this book has it all.

John Trent presents a revision of his joint effort with Gary Smalley with the republication of “The Blessing.” Containing new commentary and tales, Trent explains what the Blessing is, and the responsibility of every Christian and every parent in regards to it. As he provides Scripture to support his statement, he asserts that even a lack of a blessing is considered a curse.

In full consideration, Trent presents a convincing argument. He is accurate in his explanation of Christian duties and parental responsibilities, but misuses the Scripture regarding the “tale of two brothers.” Failing to take a Jewish lens to a Jewish culture and Jewish writing, Trent abuses the verse with amateur interpretation. Nevertheless, the message is true, and biblical, even though the main tale provided is incorrectly applied.

This book is recommended for all parents and parents-to-be, as well as ministry leaders. But, in regards to all things, research what is read, and take everything with a grain of salt.

This book is a work of fiction, and this must be clearly understood. This is not an accurate portrayal of End Times theology. For recognition of the work of fiction, there will be no spoilers. Much like Da Vinci Code, this artistic endeavor takes off with incorrect theology for the purpose of the thrill and entertainment, but these beliefs should not be respected for any serious consideration. Additionally, the written art of this is reflective of DCV in consideration of poor structure. The reader will get lost at parts, and left in confusion as the tale jumps around without any well-formed fiction writing.

Johnny Heller narrates this audio book format of “Vintage Church,” by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. Heller presents the text in an awkwardly raspy voice, maintaining a clear dictation and smooth transitions within the punctuation. He maintains a honest presentation of the text that Driscoll and Breshears worked earnestly to present. One can question, however, why a mainstream and active preacher like Driscoll was unable to provide the narration. After careful consideration, Driscoll must simply not have the time, nor would one want to listen to his voice (lacking his body-exaggerated movements) for the length at which Heller speaks.

Great for reflective study, many listeners may find this audio to be too complex to focus on during a normal car trip, but an excellent refresher during the afternoon break time.

Suspenseful and thrilling, Downs excellently presents a novel of good taste. With an ending that lets the reader finish their own personal story, a provision of hope permits creativity that opens for a sequel. The character development was excellent. While dialogue was slightly complex at times, it enhanced the setting. For a Christian novel, however, a redefinition of Christian is necessary. While a pastor appears at times, this character does not provide any solid scriptural advice, instead relying on personal experience. Several elements existed that would challenge more traditional Christian viewpoint: presence of alcohol in scenes, murder investigations (blood spatter, bugs, etc.), and more prominently: the marrying of a Christian to a non-Christian. This element in itself promises struggle, and at one point, the protagonist (Polchak) comes to a point where he questions what lies beyond, but the moment is so brief and underdeveloped that we are quickly swept away from it, as if the writer feared inclusion of religious elements might cause a loss in readership. Instead of including Christian elements to a mystery/thriller, Downs instead removed traditional negative elements to murder mystery, primarily sex and adult language.

Being Jewish in nation and Messianic in mission, I found instant attraction to the potential to this book. However, most the traditions addressed in this text are in reference to an earlyChristian church, not Jewish one. Overall, I felt a Catholic overtone with empty value in the book. I’m still holding out for some of the sections, however, but still find my Shabbat service deeper in meaning and more full of spiritual practice than this book could hope to accomplish.

Unlike his previous works, Lucado managed to keep concise (a relative term here), occupying only a couple of pages per question, in hopes to completely answer the query. It was a success. Not bringing much of a challenge or inspiration, but more of an enlightenment or learning opportunity, this book offers a great resource to those asking, or just wanting to help those asking. In all, though, everyone asks at some point. Cohesive, appealing enough to keep reading (but not necessarily finishing), Lucado conveyed an absolute biblical truth of a Christian worldview.

For me, being a Messianic Jew, I’m curious as to what he feels he’s discovered on the road of practicing the lost art of ritual. I’m working very slowly through this one, caught up with some other reviews and a solid focus on some schoolwork (my final year, I hope), so I plan to have this one posted soon…just not as soon as I would have liked. Stay tuned!

Andrews manages to write enjoyable fiction, even if he gets unnecessarily lost in the descriptive details. The entire book, however, was quite predictable. Andrews incidentally foreshadowed each step to come, using classic literary errors. Only one twist appeared, of which there is gratitude for that twist itself. Overall, this book is not suspenseful, and in many ways, not entertaining. The overall plot was quite dramatic, basing destruction of humanity off business perspectives, and self-effort, instead of faith. For being a heavenly scene, there is quite a lot incorrect theologically. Understanding creative license comes with fiction, Andrews nevertheless overperformed in being theologically incorrect, portraying G-d as more destructive than loving, impatient (as well as Gabriel), and determining whether humanity should survive or not based off their own efforts. The message, “do something,” is not enough. It never will be. Andrews fell below the mark on this book, and displayed concerns over potential belief in false doctrines.

My first paid reviews have been officially published in the web version of AudioFile Magazine. For these, they are contractually agreed to copyright by AudioFile Magazine, with reprint permission for Scripted Genius as long as copyright is attributed to AF and a permalink is provided to the review found on the AF site.