Review: These Strange Ashes
These Strange Ashes by Elisabeth Elliot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t think this is the Elisabeth Elliot book to start with. If you are already familiar with some of her story, you appreciate this much more. This is the account of her days among the Colorado Indians before she married Jim Elliot and before the account in "Through Gates of Splendor."
I love how she captures the everyday things in the cultures she lives in. She presents an honest look at life, including some of her frustrations and disappointments. We did this as a family read-aloud and everyone loved it. I recommend it.
Review: How to Do What You Want to Do: The Art of Self-Discipline
How to Do What You Want to Do: The Art of Self-Discipline by Paul A. Hauck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just plain common sense. Though, I suppose, it is not quite as common as it ought to be. Nevertheless, this book is understandable straight talk about getting things done. It is particularly helpful to those who have problems with perfectionism. If you are so worried about doing things perfectly and completely that you end up not doing them at all, Hauck has some words for you. I am reminded of what G. K. Chesterton said, "If a thing’s worth doing, it is worth doing badly." I realize the application here takes him out of context, which is the way most people use, or misuse, this quote.
I picked up several pointers and I am glad to have read it. I recommend it.
Review: Peace Child
Peace Child by Don Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Missionary biography and powerful story. The title comes a cultural practice within tribes in Papua New Guinea that provides a redemptive analogy to communicate the Gospel to these people. Missionary biographies open our minds to different times, places, and peoples. This is a good thing for Christians in particular who are to be concerned about the Glory of God to the uttermost parts of the earth.
We did this as a family read-aloud. Missionary biographies form a crucial part of our family reading. I recommend this book and that parents use discernment in whatever filtering might be necessary and appropriate for your family.
Review: Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide Eyed Wonder in God’s Spoken World
Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide Eyed Wonder in God’s Spoken World by N.D. Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Outstanding. It is a shame we don’t have more books of this sort published today. Wilson has his own voice that probably doesn’t appeal to everyone. He doesn’t give the impression that he is trying to impress. Rather, he writes it like he sees it and, for a while, you want to see through those eyes as well. Again, probably not appealing to everyone, but I recommend it.
Review: A Token For Mourners: Or The Advice Of Christ To A Distressed Mother, Bewailing The Death Of Her Dear And Only Son
A Token For Mourners: Or The Advice Of Christ To A Distressed Mother, Bewailing The Death Of Her Dear And Only Son by John Flavel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sound biblical counsel on working through grief. It is a difficult thing to deal with one who is grieving, but Flavel does it well. It’s probably not what many want to hear, but it is truth from God’s Word and soothes the soul. I recommend it highly.
