Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Lutheran Bible Companion Vol 1

Edward A. Engelbrecht, General Editor

Ah, what to write? This one's a reference book, a guide to the Old Testament--or Hebrew Scriptures, or Tanakh, or however you prefer to title it--with a conservative Lutheran bent. It's more in depth than Halley's Bible Handbook and a lot slicker with more charts and pictures. However, that added content also makes it a lot bigger. It definitely wasn't designed to be snatched off the shelf for a quick consultation while you have three other volumes sitting open on your desk. (I wonder if that description qualifies me for membership in the Society for Creative Anachronism...)

It's on my shelf!
LibraryThing link

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Hornblower and the "Atropos"

by C. S. Forester

Volume Five of the Hornblower series sees Horatio Hornblower in command of first a funeral barge on the Thames and then a small sloop in the Mediterranean. There seemed to be less military action in this tale than in some of the other volumes. What action there was served to highlight Captain Hornblower as a strategist, making due with a small ship and limited resources. It was an enjoyable read and made me eager to grab the next volume off the shelf.

(And, of course, put this volume on my shelf.)
LibraryThing link

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Monday, January 18, 2016

Transit Maps of the World

by Mark Ovenden

I love maps. I'm also quite fond of public transit. So when I heard of this book, billed as the "World's First Collection of Every Urban Train Map on Earth", I naturally had to borrow and read it. But I was unfortunately left with a frustrated desire to pack a bag, grab my passport and go traveling.

As a coffee table book, I'm sure most people would find it pleasant waiting room material. But I would say, "check it out".
LibraryThing link

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Sunday, January 10, 2016

The Bible: God's Rescue Plan for the Human Race

by Daniel R. Bloomquist

So when I heard Dan was writing a book, I was eager to read it. I was not as eager to review it, however. What if I didn't like it? What if I had issues with the book? What would I write here? Would I write anything here?

I'm happy to report that it wasn't a problem.

Dr. Bloomquist's book is a survey of the entire Bible, with an emphasis on missions. (or a rescue plan, as the title states) He shows that "make disciples of all nations" is not a 1st Century innovation, but rather fits into the earliest chapters of the Bible. Starting at that time when God's chosen people and all the people of the Earth were one and the same, Dan follows the rescue plan throughout the Bible, either briefly or in depth as the text warrants.

The joy in reading this book was the opportunity to consider familiar tales and passages in a new light. Or maybe not so new. I mean, I was sold on the idea of missions being a major thread in the tapestry of scripture before I read the book. But this was the first time I sat down and followed that thread from Genesis to Revelation. And there were sections that did grant me new insights. I'll be referring back to the chapters on Job and Romans the next time those books come around in my daily scripture readings.

So, in the interest of honesty, was there something I didn't like about the book? To be honest, my biggest problem was the typesetting. My typesetter's eye was offended by the amount of bolded type that was used. However, knowing Dan, I soon discovered that the bold text was simply the cue for the reader to slow down, raise your voice slightly and speak each word as distinctly. as. you. can. Like it says in the Foreword, " you can hear Dan speaking through these pages."

In the end, I have to say that Dan Bloomquist is worth listening to. If you don't have the blessing to hear him in person, then by all means grab God's Rescue Plan and have a read.

It's on my shelf!
LibraryThing link

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