Surprised By Oxford, A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Surprised by Oxford, A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Coming from a dysfunctional and disadvantaged background, Carolyn Weber is awarded a scholarship for graduate study in England.  In her memoir, Surprised by Oxford, Weber describes her experiences as an American girl privileged to study her beloved literature in the prestigious, austere center of higher learning, Oxford University.  I found the book compelling, although certain areas of the book were distressing.

Entering as an agnostic, Carolyn revels in the lecture halls, dorm rooms, and community of this famous institution. But she also explores her own beliefs and comes face to face with a compassionate and calling Christ.  The author’s creative use of phrasing and diction make this a skillfully written piece. She begins each chapter with a literary quotation. She creates suspense by introducing a character (i.e. “TDH”) and then waiting a few chapters to bring him up again as her spiritual mentor. The writing is excellent.

 I appreciate the fact that this memoir is honestly written in the voice of one who struggled spiritually; her journey may be helpful for other academics who can certainly be both classically educated and Christian.  However, the frequent references to the pub, the pint and the tipsy students disturbed me. Surely, one does not have to have all that alcohol to earn a PhD or to celebrate a baptism.

I received a complimentary, review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the writing here is my own.

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Water’s Edge by Robert Whitlow is a suspenseful legal thriller infused with spiritual truths. The main character, Tom Crane, just fired from his prestigious big city law firm, returns to his north Georgia hometown to close down his deceased father’s law office.  Tom steps right into the middle of financial fraud, a clinging old girlfriend, and too many questions about his father’s death. While sorting out the clues and conflicts, Tom learns to trust God and finds answers on his knees.

I found this plot, although cleverly woven with legal facts, easy to follow. There are plenty of ambiguous clues and characters to maintain reader interest. We meet a tobacco chewing backwoodsman and a feisty, attractive British lady. We encounter white water rafting and money laundering.   Along the way, Tom’s crime solving is intertwined with his spiritual journey.

Whitlow has crafted an amazing tale that has it all: mayhem, mystery and maybe even murder.  The author’s own legal background makes his writing accurate and credible. Water’s Edge is a thriller with all the elements of good fiction and with a positive Christian message. It was a pleasure to read, and I’ll look for more fiction by this competent author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review; the opinions expressed are my own.

Billy Graham in Quotes

Billy Graham in Quotes by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney is a wonderful, concise sampling of the famous preacher’s words of spiritual wisdom.  On “Life,” Dr. Graham shares “We must learn to live triumphantly amid the traumas and pressures we face daily.” (214)  Concerning “The World,” he advises “The world judges the Christian by his life, not by his belief.” (374)

The book is arranged in topical sections including “Abortion,” Christianity,” “Marriage,” “Morals,” “Sin,” and many more. This makes it easy and quick to find Dr. Graham’s comments on a particular subject or problem.  End numbers refer the reader to a “Notes” section which lists the date and occasion of each quotation.

This world can never hear enough from Billy Graham. His strong testimony has been a beacon to world leaders and corporate CEOs, as well as to millions who, for many years, have filed into large arenas and football stadiums to hear his Biblical wisdom.  His ministry continues now in Billy Graham in Quotes. This is a volume fit for private meditation, sermon preparation and reference. But it is mostly a volume to be treasured as words fitly spoken by a true man of God. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from publisher Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are my own; I was not required to write a positive analysis.

Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me: A memoir...of sorts by Ian Morgan Cron

In a touching but perhaps superficial biographical memoir, Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A memoir… of sorts, Episcopal priest Ian Morgan Cron relates the story of his childhood growing up with an alcoholic father. Although his father was indeed a CIA agent for brief periods, this is not so much a part of his story (albeit its place in the title).  What does come through is the intense pain of a young man who blames himself for his father’s drinking and then spends his adolescence seeking his own relief in drugs and alcohol.  Ultimately emerging as an alcoholic himself, Ian finally finds relief and release in the church.

Ian Cron’s relationship with his dad which ranges from approval -seeking to hatred to forgiveness is recounted in this book.  The author speaks with the honesty of one who wanted to be “struck by lightning rather than having to go home”(71) to his abusive father. Continuing his biography, Ian carries his story into the present day and introduces us to his wife and three children. He writes in an artistic vein sometimes flashing back to earlier experiences, and I easily became engrossed in his story.  Although this memoir is beautifully written, I would have liked to know more specific details about Ian’s growth in the Lord.   His spiritual journey is not totally explained; but perhaps that is part of the metaphor.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review.  I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions given here are my own.

MacArthur:America's General by Mitchell Yockelson is a readable biography of one of America's premier military heroes.  Writing in a clear and focused style, Yockelson traces the military influences in Douglas MacArthur's life beginning with his grandfather who served in the Civil War. Douglas' father, Lt. General Arthur MacArthur and mother "Pinky," reared their family on military posts around the world.  Douglas attended West Point and went on to serve as an officer in World War I, World War II, and Korea.
Yockelson enumerates specific battles, dates and personnel involved in MacArthur's numerous military conflicts. These wartime reports will surely please the history buff. But the author also includes the personal side of the General: his two marriages, his shopping habits, and "A Father's Prayer," written for his son. MacArthur's often acerbic relations with his Washington superiors are related with gently biased candor.
Although I first expected a dull, historical rendition of wars, I found this biography quite interesting. MacArthur's story is told with unabashed admiration which I found myself sharing.   I recommend this book for readers who want to learn and appreciate this General's contribution to American history--and to learn more about the man who will not "fade away."
As a technical editorial point, note that the incident and caption on page77 is also repeated on page 168.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read but was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Beyond Talent by John C. Maxwell

 In Beyond Talent: Become Someone Who Gets Extraordinary Results, John C. Maxwell’s usual wise insight appears to take a back seat to the inclusion of redundant, albeit encouraging, supporting material. Maxwell states that we really can reach our full potential, even if we think we can’t.  Stating that “Talent is never enough,” Maxwell advises  the reader to “…build upon the foundation of your abilities, and live your life to its fullest potential.” However, readers of previous Maxwell books and/or other self-help volumes may find this book more of the same. The idea of reaching your full potential has been overworked in many self-help volumes. Moreover, Maxwell’s use of abundant lists and quotes makes the book a collection of aphorisms. I would have preferred more original comments from this wise and intrepid author.

Referring to such successful people as Joe Namath, Winston Churchill, Charles Schulz and many more, Maxwell shares stories of success.    Maxwell’s advice includes focusing, persevering, and showing  initiative; frequent lists and poems reiterate Maxwell’s points. The format makes the book easy to read; text and the supporting material (lists and stories) are well placed on the page—easy to locate; easy on the eyes. Application Exercises which encourage the reader to apply the techniques follow each chapter.

As it is classic Maxwell, and he remains the ultimate motivator, the book may be useful for business seminars and individual professional development. However, there is not a lot of new information here.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and I have expressed my own opinions.