Phil Lemons

The doorway for me on this book are the ideas. It’s amazing to me how relevant these ideas are to today, even though we haven’t advanced in ways Asimov imagined for our year.

The greater point is that people have not advanced since this writing. We still distrust our own creations. We’re don’t understand how our creations (algorithms and AI) work. Is it because we cannot control them? Or do we fears they will reflect our own short comings in the end?

I don't know that Manga speaks to me personally as a format. I did want to know the story as part of the overall High Republic arc. This one was okay. I don't know that I will come back to it again like other installments in the series. 

I did not know anything about Bonhoeffer before trading this biography. The passion and quality of this man's life amazes me. In some ways, this book reads like a thriller as it gets closer to the end. If not for the statements that reveal his fate throughout the book, I would've been on the edge of my seat hoping and rooting for him to make it through jail and camps alive so he could marry the woman he loved and live his life happily ever after. That was not to be and he goes to his death realizing that death in this world was the gateway to life in the next.

This was a very long read for me. I read the Kindle version and did not realize this was over 500 pages when I started. In some places, Metaxes uses academic language that had me going for the dictionary. Sometimes I wished he would use common language instead, however, in retrospect it does seem to fit with Bonhoeffer's life and personality.

In the end, this was an exciting yet thought provoking read. That this man really lived and was not a work of someone's imagination engages me, challenging me in how I am choosing to live. Especially in my relationship with God.

The edition I read appears to be one that was sold along with The Bible Stories book set. Published by Seventh-day Adventist publisher, it seems to me the target audience is not a Seventh-day Adventist, but is interested in learning more about the Bible.

What I liked:
- The artwork throughout this edition helped keep my interest in reading.
- Maxwell has a solid grasp on Bible history. He shares the history of the text and how English translations have come about without falling into conspiracy and the idea of a perfect translation.
- Lots of Bible references to support his conclusions.

What I didn't like:
- Maxwell tells the reader what he or she thinks too much. He also falls into assumptions on what the majority thinks.
- Too much proof texting. Sometimes the text of a verse sounds like it supports a position, but context doesn't.
- Maxwell tries to address too many topics. He also tries to make the Bible give answers I don't believe it does at times. That being said, the points were mainstream SDA belief at that time.

Overall, this is a solid introduction to SDA beliefs for most people. It isn't too scholarly to leave most people behind and doesn't delve so deep that the reader gets tired. Those who want to dig deeper can find a deeper resource.

Maxwell presents a very balanced view of God's love and grace with a call to obey Him. This is a challenging thing to do and no two people seem to agree where the balance is. I came away with the message that God desires my company and wants to save me.

I did have to choose to finish this book. Perhaps because it felt a bit elementary to me, but also because of the voice and writing style at times. This the reason for a three star though the subject matter would get a four star rating, even considering my disagreements.

I don't have a deep love of the mirror universe, but wanted to see how a Star Trek comic would stand up to Star Wars. Overall, I think the story was stronger, but it feels weird to see all the characters have muscular bodies. 

The story is a rather typical mirror universe story. Having just finished, I can't say that I remember all the storylines, but I had fun reading them. 

I found this a fun revisit of the first four episodes of The Mandalorian. Is it necessary or needed? Unlike other Star Wars graphic novels, this doesn't tell a new story. I think life without it was good, but enjoyed taking time to read this one. This gets an extra star just because I like the story so much. 

I gave this book a shot knowing nothing about the author than the fact that he is an actor in Crazy Rich Asians, which I have not seen. But, the story of someone who came to the US from another country interested me.

I listened to the audiobook read by the author. It flowed well and felt like sitting and listening to someone tell their story in person. Big thumbs up for that as it's not something many can do.

I found that identified with Yang in his twenties, although I made different choices and chose different priorities. Yang's underlying motivation was to pursue his dream of being a comedian. He was willing to make big sacrifices to achieve the dream. I look back on some of the ideas I had that I let go because I didn't want to pay the price. Some of those I'm glad I didn't pursue–mainly because I was immature and had immature ideas. But there are some over the years I wish I had been willing to work harder and sacrifice more. Yang's book bring these up in my mind.

Yang shares his struggle to fit in and find a place of belonging in his new country. I believe many face this struggle in our home country. Still, Yang's story gives a voice to the struggle.

With all of this are some things I struggled with. The amount of profanity in the book is forefront. This would probably not be a surprise to those familiar with his work. Secondly, the easy acceptance of promiscuity and drug use were subjects I found uncomfortable. These topics are reflected in my rating.

I'm glad I listened and had a chance to see life from another person's perspective. While I have different values, I've come to see Yang as a real person with talents and struggles. It reminds me that there is no way to totally understand another.

What I liked:
- I liked most of the stories. Including a Borg like series.

What I didn't like:
- The repeating nature of newspaper comics. Several lines get repeated and it feels like it takes forever to get through a short story.
- The art didn't add much to the story for me.

Overall, it was entertaining, but I would prefer these stories as short stories without the art. A good library borrow, but not worth the $50 price tag to me.

Darth Vader has disappointed the Emperor with the loss of the Death Star. Vader goes to work behind the scenes to regain that trust to find the unexpected. 

It is interesting to see a more nuanced view of Vader's internal struggles. Doctor Aphra is an interesting character, reminding me of a role a fan of Star Wars and Darth Vader inserted into the universe without force ability might look like. 

This is a children's book set in the Circle universe. The theme of the book goes hand in hand (in hand?) with the message in The Forgotten Way and The 49th Mystic books.

I got these books with the idea of sharing them with my boy, and I decided to read them to know when he'd be ready for them. I have to admit that starting this book, I didn't get drawn in right away. Part of it is that this feels like the third time he's written this story. It's a good story, don't get me wrong. And there are clear differences to Thomas' and Rachelle's stories.

What I like best is that Dekker is penning this message for kids. I am still working through the ideas of the five seals and what they mean, but they put into words thoughts and ideas that I have come to in my time with God. Just as importantly the idea that there are times we will forget, but that God doesn't damn us for that, but is right there ready to help us remember.

I read this entire book in just under a week. I did not expect that to happen as I tend to be a slow reader. The combination of Lee's flowing prose and a story that would not let me go became a formula to keep me glued. Even when I would read at 1:00 AM to help myself wind back down to go back to sleep, I found myself reading for a couple of hours!

Lee illustrates so well how a person can be hurt and broken when someone uses religion as a weapon. While most of us haven't grown up in a cult, many of us can identify with being on the receiving end of someone's weaponized religion. 

One of the main themes of the Bible is love for another they don't deserve or cannot repay. Lee illustrates this nicely, as well. I like that this comes from people who aren't doing these things for the reward. 

This isn't to say that religious people are all abusive and non religious people loving. Broad strokes don't represent entire populations. Simply put, religion without a relationship based on love and respect for God and others is simply a lifestyle.

This is a fantastic book. I didn't know for sure what I was getting into, but I'm glad I did. The segments before each chapter written from her perspective resonated with me more than the quotes from famous people.

In any case, this is a superb book that exceeded my expectations. Reading this next to The Forgotten Way by Ted Dekker made for a powerful combination.

Our heroes face off against the Nihil once again in a different way. This adds to the overall narrative of The High Republic for those who have been reading. I found I enjoyed the second half much more than the first. That may be timing or just that the second half caught my attention more. In the end, I like learning more about Vernestra and Imri and I'm curious as to what will happen to them next. 

I enjoy the graphic novel as a format to read when I'm mentally worn and focusing on regular reading is tough. Still, I find some of the stories to be shallow and drawn out. R2-D2 reading C-3PO worked as a simple story drawn out a bit, as well as the Sandpeople story. Another thing I like about graphic novels is to enjoy the artistry. I don't like the art where people's faces look like photos rather than art. It feels out of place when the rest of the panel doesn't look photorealistic.

I took two months to read this. That by itself shows that the stories didn't pull me back to it. Fortunately, the fact that each story was self contained made coming back and reading one here and there worked just fine. In the end, it was fun but I don't think these stories will stick with me long.

This book addresses points I've wrestled with over the years. It's easy to have a quick answer, to quote a scripture, and to presume to know God's opinion on so many things and people. Most of us want to be in the know and have control over it all. Most of us would not have the character of Job to trust God when we don't understand. I don't say that to shame us, only to speak the truth of where we are. Most of us want to be rescued if we do right, pray right, or believe right.

I needed to be reminded that is exactly where I need to be. To let go and trust God to be in control while I look for ways to simply be with Him. To speak honest truth about my thoughts and feelings. To stop and listen. To invite Him to be part of every part of the day.

This is a book I can see myself coming back to more than once. Thank you, Skye Jethani for reminding me that life with God is the greatest treasure in the universe.

While there are a number of aspects I would change about this book, it gets me thinking about things that are true. Not just fact and fiction, but about being true to one's self and being true with others. One can be trite to another without giving all factual information. These are ideas and thoughts that I need to sirens more time with. Goodkind's illustration gives these ideas a fun vehicle for the experience. Though the story doesn't have the same emotional impact as when I read it twenty years ago, it was still well worth the read to me.

There are some disturbing scenes in this book, however. They vividly paint the distinction of these natures of the characters in the story. I struggle with this part of the book. It accomplishes the task of showing character and evil, however it is disturbing to read. Not unlike reading the news these days. Readers who do not want graphic violence and evil will not appreciate several scenes in this story.

The story has a number of elements commonly found in fantasy literature, but I found I greatly looked or disliked most of the characters. There story without all the thought provoking ideas would still be enjoyable but would not achieve the five stars that are reserved for books that impact me personally and challenge my thinking.

I truly didn't know what to expect going into this book. What I found was an enjoyable story with a character who aspires to make friends of enemies without compromising to evil. The characters in the book are strong and unique. Their interactions are often amusing. This story kept the third grader plugged in for evening story time for the entire 300+ pages. While Narnia continues to reign as my favorite children's story world, Redwall is a great addition to our story times together.

I usually get swallowed up in a Ted Dekker book from page one. This was not the case for me in Outlaw. I struggled to identify with the main character and did not expect a Dekker book to take its time building a foreign world. Once I got to part two of the book, I saw that slow build in part one was necessary to get where he was going.

Dekker is more direct with his message in this book than most. It is easy to focus on one aspect of the message rather than trying to see the bigger picture. The overarching message is that sons and daughters of God have nothing to fear in this world. That is what I love about the story and how the characters struggle with this in reality versus in belief. I do see some of the details differently than Dekker, and that is why it is important to keep the major theme in kind foremost. The secondary theme them became more clear to me: when we see people and the world from God's perspective, we become free of fear and free to forgive.

This book is half Barr's story, half history book. This puts the context of the topic into both personal and through the scope of history, which I think is a brilliant combination. I have the to not be subjugated to the short end of the patriarchy stick. I do continue to face it in my personal life among family and fellow Christians who seem to be amazed that my wife and I do not fall into these expected roles headship theology (referred to as complimentarianism in this book).

I learned a ton of history in this book, both and New Testament. When put in context with ideologies pushed in over the last century, Barr shows just how glaringly unChristlike this theology is and how much men have continued to find ways to maintain power and authority under different guises. 

It would be irresponsible to point out the importance of the personal narrative woven through this book. This isn't just a debate over a topic that has no current day impact on our lives like pre, mid, or post tribulation debates. This has a real world impact that hurts people here and now while also bearing witness about Jesus Christ and taking name in. 

I recommend this book to all who want to understand more about this theology and why it is so toxic to both men and women. I also recommend this book to those who believe this theology does not reflect God and need a well thought, historically researched treatise showing this is the case.

Who is this book for?
- I like a parable that provides concepts for living life.
- I am looking for an ideology that will help me find balance and peace in my life.
- I enjoy philosophies and hearing how others view the world. Especially people from other cultures than mine.

Who is this book not for?
- I hate allegories, parables, or any other method of making a certain point in story form rather than coming out and saying it clearly.
- I don't like self improvement books or people telling me how to live my life.
- I am looking for good fiction of a master archer in Asia from years past.

My thoughts.
- Coelho lays out what I believe are great principles for navigating life using this analogy of archery. I especially appreciate an emphasis on accepting that mistakes are part of learning.
- I rather liked the simplicity of the presentation. He could have created a whole plot line to draw out these concepts over two or three hundred pages. That might be a C fun book, too. In this case, I think Coelho communicates good ideas clearly without details of a novel getting in the way of the message.
- This is a book that I would absorb more from by reading it rather than listening to the audio. A number of the concepts deserve time thinking on them and the audio moves on, ready or not. I find myself backing up a few times

Overall, I think this book has good, practical advice. Definitely worth thinking though and understanding the basis these concepts developed from. A great library borrow.

Unexpectedly touching

Bell caught me off guard with this one. This story brings to life that deed done as a kid or teenager that is never forgotten. That action we wish we could go back and change.

What I liked:
- The message of the story.
- The character development. This is not a cardboard poster boy, but so person with nuances and the ability to grow.
- The open ending that invites the reader to think rather than giving a stock answer.

What I didn't like:
- Nothing comes to mind.

Five star ratings are saved for favorites that I would read several times. I really liked this story, but it doesn't make the favorite list.

Hardy Boys books were one of the I started reading on my own when I was in elementary school. I liked the adventure and mystery. Now I'm reading them with boy and they seem to be formulaic and not nearly as interesting to me. I suppose that is how growing up goes. Some of the things from childhood get left behind. It's okay, but I wouldn't come back to this story. 

The story continues to unfold. I like my Star Trek with a bit more depth to the story (not all ST stories speak to us all). It has the elements of a number of Trek stories, moving much more quickly than an episode. As a result, I feel the development of the mystery and the discovery phases moved to fast to satisfy. I say this recognizing that is s super hard thing to do in three 30 page installments. 

It's not often a fiction book puts me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing and my mind lost in excited wonder. This book did just that. I picked up the book wanting to learn more about this plane, expecting a textbook experience. To my delight, that expectation was not met.

While the book touches on technical aspects, it is reachable and understandable for those of us who are not engineers or well schooled in the jargon surrounding military flight. While the first two chapters lay the groundwork for how the Blackbird program came to be, having that groundwork made the rest of the story stronger.

I also like that the author represented the perspectives of agencies, groups, and people who had influence on the program and how those perspectives helped shape what became the Blackbird. That being said, the target audience is those of us who are enchanted by these planes, and the author writes to our affections.

This is a thumb nail sketch of the evolution of Seventh-day Adventist theology beginning with its roots in the Millerite movement in the 1830s and 1840s. Knight shows how the denomination wrestled with its theology in ways that were not always shining examples of Christianity. That being said, Knight writes with respect for all, regardless of where they stood in light of the theological stand the denomination took.

I found it fascinating how certain perspectives, theologies and questions continue to surface within the denomination. I suspect this is in large part due to some Adventists who do not agree theologically with the denomination's interpretation of Scripture.

I recommend this book to Adventists who don't know much about the denomination's history and to those who are curious about the Seventh-day Adventist church and how it has developed theologically. As with any church, it is important to remember that it is made up of imperfect people who don't always walk the talk. I hope that the SdA church continues to grow in truth and understanding of the Bible as was the spirit of those who founded the church.