Average customer rating:
- The God of Small Things
- Very powerful....
- Katie
- Exhilarating, But Not For All
- I wanted to put this book down, but finished, it was worth it.
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The God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy
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ASIN: 0060977493 |
Amazon.com
In her first novel, award-winning Indian screenwriter Arundhati Roy conjures a whoosh of wordplay that rises from the pages like a brilliant jazz improvisation. The God of Small Things is nominally the story of young twins Rahel and Estha and the rest of their family, but the book feels like a million stories spinning out indefinitely; it is the product of a genius child-mind that takes everything in and transforms it in an alchemy of poetry. The God of Small Things is at once exotic and familiar to the Western reader, written in an English that's completely new and invigorated by the Asian Indian influences of culture and language.
Book Description
The story of the tragic decline of an Indian family whose members suffer the terrible consequences of forbidden love,
The God of Small Things is set in the state of Kerala, on the southernmost tip of India. Armed only with the invincible innocence of children, the twins Rahel and Esthappen fashion a childhood for themselves in the shade of the wreck that is their family -- their lonely, lovely mother, Ammu (who loves by night the man her children love by day), their blind grandmother, Mammachi (who plays Handel on her violin), their beloved uncle Chacko (Rhodes scholar, pickle baron, radical Marxist, bottom-pincher), their enemy, Baby Kochamma (ex-nun and incumbent grandaunt), and the ghost of an imperial entomologist's moth (with unusually dense dorsal tufts).
When their English cousin and her mother arrive on a Christmas visit, the twins learn that Things Can Change in a Day. That lives can twist into new, ugly shapes, even cease forever. The brilliantly plotted story uncoils with an agonizing sense of foreboding and inevitability. Yet nothing prepares you for what lies at the heart of it.
Customer Reviews:
The God of Small Things.......2007-09-09
The God of Small Things is a work of sumptuous beauty, from the gorgeous dust jacket, to the lush prose, to its exotic metaphors, and not least to the story itself. It is a superbly written tale of childhood innocence lost in a world of jealousy and bigotry.
The setting is the author Roy's home state of Kerala, India. Most of the characters belong to the region's large and relatively prosperous Syrian Christian minority. Other characters are Roman Catholic and Hindu. Key events take place at a time when India's Communist Party was a major factor in national and local politics. And, on top of the complex matrix of religious and political beliefs, there are the social class divisions between Touchables and Untouchables.
The principal characters are Rahel and her fraternal twin brother Esta. They live with their mother Ammu, their grandmother, their great-aunt and their uncle Chacko. With great anticipation they are awaiting a visit from Chacko's ex-wife (now widowed from her second husband), and Sophie Mol, Chacko's daughter whom they have never met. Right from the start, however, we learn that Sophie Mol will die and Ammu be disgraced. How and why these tragedies happen, and their consequences, form the core of the novel.
Like a moth drawn to an open flame, the story line circles the time of Sophie Mol's death, darting years into the past at times, then into the future, but always returning ever closer to the events that will tear Rahel's family apart. Many of the chapters are told from Rahel's perspective as a child, and they are told with a child's wild and innocent imagination.
Despite its non-linear format, The God of Small Things is highly readable. Amid ever-growing suspense, Roy evokes the sights, sounds and smells of the Indian tropics. You can feel the heat and moisture amid the hum of life in this tense, sensuous and erotic story.
Very powerful...........2007-09-04
I also had a hard time getting through this book. I would read a chapter and put it down for a couple of days. I was distracted by the style of writing (very poetic) and kinda grossed out by some of the characters. I didn't even like the twins who are the main characters. There were several times when I didn't want to pick it back up to finish it.
I am so glad I did. I finished the book several days ago and am still haunted by the ending. I feel sad about Rahel and Estha but it was Velutha and Ammu's relationship which was the most powerful for me. How tragic and so beautiful. Definitely worth your time...
Katie.......2007-07-31
It's like reading beautifully dense poetry. It's a challenge at first that pays off in linguistics and intensity. It's incredible! Definitely recommend.
Exhilarating, But Not For All.......2007-07-31
As many reviewers have lamented, this is not a linear story, and it is indeed an effort and a challenge to begin and stick with, but for those who relish the rich, complex literary styles of writers like Faulkner and Morrison (think "Beloved"), The God of Small Things is an exhilarating reading experience. You will either be bothered by or adore Roy's poetic, lyrical, and often abstract, writing style. I adored it. It reminded me of the work I love by poets ee cummings and Ezra Pound. It is about feelings less than it is about facts.
I decided early on in the novel that I would let it carry me in along and that I would not get too bogged down by trying to always know what, exactly, was going on. Roy throws many threads out for the first half and then gracefully pulls them all together, skillfully weaving them into each other, until the story's moving and heartrending ending. This is a story about broken people in a broken society, about love and truth, about this insane thing we all know as our family, of happiness, sadness and loss and of the awesome, mind-boggling enormity of Life's small moments, small events, small things.
When I finished the last page, I turned back to the first and began it again. I will look forward to more works by Ms. Roy.
I wanted to put this book down, but finished, it was worth it........2007-07-24
I want to start out by saying that I never put a book down. I always finish them. This was one of those books that I thought about putting down, but decided to keep on going. It was defiantly worth finishing because I ended up enjoying it very much.
On reason why I wanted to put this book down was because I found it frustrating at first to read. I am a seasoned reader that reads quite a bit, but I thought that the author jumped around too much between stories, characters, and most importantly past and present. At first this may be confusing but after a lot of pages and you get the sense for the characters and time periods you get use to it. This was confusing at first because it would jump around from paragraph to paragraph, but after looking at the book as a whole the author did this to develop the story.
By time I got to the last 100 or so pages I could not put this story down. This is when everything starts to come together and what makes it all and all a great story. I admit it is frustrating reading the story about the secret with tons of foreshadowing that already happened. It almost makes you feel like you missed something while reading it, but once you get to those final pages everything starts to come together.
I am going to give this book, 4 stars. The reason for this is because I thought it was a great story that really came together the last 100 or so pages, but at times before that it was frustrating to read because of the authors writing style and jumping around so much early on.
All and all I would recommend this book to everyone because it poses many interesting issues and ultimately is a great story. If you feel like putting it down I would tell you to keep on reading because everything will eventually come together and make a great story.
Book Description
Machaelle Small Wright is a spiritual pioneer with the profound ability to "see" and "hear" the invisible forces of nature.
Her personal story is one of triumph, from a childhood of torment and isolation to discovery of her ability to communicate with the world of nature spirits and devas.
At "Perelandra," her 45-acre private nature research center in Virginia, Machaelle devotes her life to understanding and demonstrating a new approach to ecological balance:
* The foundation and development of co-creative gardening * The ecological effects of humans * The roles of the animal, mineral and plant kingdoms * Humankind's unrealized custodianship of Planet Earth
A book beyond theory, Behaving as if the God in ALl Life Mattered will excite the minds and capture the hearts of all who dare to dream of a dynamic world of harmony and compassionate living.
Customer Reviews:
OPENED MY EYES.......2007-05-12
ALL OF LIFE IF LIFE. I FIND ANYTHING THIS AUTHOR WRITES IS EASY TO READ. EASY BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT'S PRESENTED. I ENJOY HER SENSE OF HUMOR. THE CONTENT GIVES ONE MUCH TO PONDER. THE BOOK MADE ME AWARE OF HOW LITTLE, STILL, MOST HUMANS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF WHAT THE PLANET HAS TO OFFER. ALL THE POWER, HELP &HEALING THERE IS AVAILABLE IF ONLY WE LISTEN; LOOK.
Review.......2006-11-06
This book was delivered within one week and it was in great condition.
Thank you.
worth every penny, what ever the cost..!!!!!! Phenominal.......2006-08-30
We come to things in our lives on the path to enlightenment & greater understanding..at exactly the correct time for learning it, If we listen things will jump out at us to purchase ,learn, dig a little deeper for information vital to our own search... This is one increadable piece of that small amount of phenominal information out there for us to learn & understand..gain a greater knowledge of, there is so much to everything around us in everyday, in every place we are, we can only keep trying to strive to be better, listen harder, be quieter, feel the energy..pure raw energy of all life around us, that we are absolutly connected to... This book is by far one of the best Ive read & strongly recommend to any & all on a path of greater understanding of enlightenment & love...
Another Step In the Right direction.......2006-02-23
I expected another great book about nature's ability to communicate with life forms in more ways than we expect. Instead I got MORE! Influencing each other in ways once couldn't imagine, this book builds past the works of even Michael Roads (author of great works like Journey Into Nature). It is almost too advanced for me just now, but a book I will definitely go back to again and again.
Reads like a story (because it is) then builds. Another one to put in my top 10 best books, which I'll have to extend to top 20 soon!
When you're ready, it's a journey you cannot miss!.......2005-10-06
A down-to-earth and simplistic account of valuable insights shed on the relationship between humans and nature and how humans can interact with nature and/or the spiritual realms to bring about profound changes to the quality of human life. What a blessing life can be just so much easier if only we're willing to make it so!
I have to say though this isn't a book for everyone, I definitely did not feel ready until having worked with MAP after reading her other book "MAP: Co-creative white brotherhood..". Nonetheless, I would not say this for others. But as Machaelle says, if you're drawn to the book then there must be some part of your soul that will find wonders with it.
Customer Reviews:
Good Study.......2007-06-13
We have the video to go with this book and our Sunday School class of middle age adults have enjoyed it so far.
Experiencing Transforming Power of Prayer in Mississippi!.......2007-05-21
Just completed facilitating a six week Bible study using this cirruculum along with the DVD (which is sold separately) and it was a transforming time. The study is easily assimilated and the study is written for one to do immediate application of each lesson. Pastor Cymbala explains things in a very comprehensible manner. The prayer stories based on real-life people that are members at Brooklyn Tabernacle are heart touching stories that lead you to the throne of God and know without the shadow of doubt the transforming power of God through prayer. I highly recommend this study for small study groups and as on ongoing study to be offered in the church that wants to start a prayer ministry or who wants to renew and re-ignite their current prayer ministry.
Awesome Bible Study on Prayer!!!.......2007-03-05
I attended Brooklyn Tabernacle for a few years during college. The prayer ministry there is amazing. We'd wait 2 hours on line outside just to get into the prayer meeting. To this day those meetings are some of the most worshipful and powerful times in prayer - go to the church if you can. I've seen God work in miraculous ways and His presence is so powerful in that Church because of the prayerfulness of the people. They have a 24-hour prayer ministry in and out of the church. Awesome how God responds when His people pray.
We're using this study in our Sunday school class (I'm a pastor). The DVD is done very well - professional, great graphics, engaging, etc (not that this matters so much, but it's nice to see that there is excellence in the production). I don't see the DVD on sale here but the Zondervan site tells where you can buy it. We bought it from CBD. The content is Biblical and has been inspiring us and challenging us. The discussion questions and Bible exploration portions in the guide are very good. There's also a good section on prayer promises in the participant's guide.
Pastor Cymbala's heart for God through prayer is contagious. The testimonies from each person in each session is evidence of God's amazing grace and His power and sovereignty (DVD). The testimonies will bring tears, and open you up to a whole new attitude towards prayer. Hearing such powerful examples of answers to prayers and the privilege of prayer challenges us to rethink why we don't pray more. "...God is rich in mercy to all who call upon Him" (Ps. 86:5). The last session is also really great for learning how to begin a prayer ministry in your church.
It's definitely worth using the participant's guide with the DVD. There are 6 sessions but you could easily break them up to have the study last for 12 sessions. No church should be without this curriculum. If you want a teaching series that will spark prayer by God's grace, this is it. I can't recommend both the DVD and the guide enough.
Customer Reviews:
Good resource for counseling & personal growth.......2007-09-17
This book has a solid thesis: many of the problems we have with peer pressure, the fear of man, controlling or being controlled by others, and the like all have to do with fearing man rather than fearing God. I found the way Welch unpacks this idea a little tedious; each chapter seemed to restate the main idea and apply it with little difference.
The second half of the book is more helpful. Welch gives several positive biblical examples of what the fear of the Lord looks like, and why we should strive to have it replace the fear of man in our hearts. His continuum of terror to worship shows the different forms our fear of God should take as we grow in our knowledge of him--the fear is never removed, but it matures into a healthy, reverential fear of the holy God who has befriended us in Christ. His paradigm of loving people rather than needing them, of seeking to serve others rather than having them serve our own purposes, is a good corrective to the self-centered pop psychology we are inundated with in the West.
Welch's book is a good biblical antidote to peer pressure, codependency and the fear of man. With a proper understanding of who God is and the resulting fear of him, we have no need to fear men. Instead we can love and serve them the way God intends. This book is a great resource both for personal growth and as a reference for counseling.
A must-own.......2007-09-06
Do you fear people? Do you control your actions based on what others have done or may do to you, or may think of you? Do you respond either in terror (major or minor) or great affection? If you answered yes, you're an idolater. "Our problem is that we need [others] (for ourselves) more than we love them (for the glory of God)." (p. 19)
In this book about the consequences of big people and a small God, there are answers. Because the fear of man doesn't manifest itself in the same way for everyone, Welch writes about the different symptoms we may experience. Among them, a push for self-esteem, shame, compromise, neediness, worldliness, and a feelings-oriented worldview.
But, as promised, there are answers. Or, rather, there is an Answer. The point of counseling philosophy - secular or sacred - is to offer a diagnostic system of redemption. "Here's your problem...here's how the problem can be resolved/fixed/cured/healed...Please go and live in happiness now." What Welch offer is not a system of redemption, but rather our Redeemer.
"If you have ever walked about giant redwoods, you will never be overwhelmed by the size of a dogwood tree. Or if you have been through a hurricane, a spring rain is nothing to fear. If you have been in the presence of the almighty God, everything that once controlled you suddenly has less power." (119)
The answer? Know God, and grow in the fear of Him. As we see God for who He really is, we will see ourselves (and other people) for who we all are: "someone completely dependent on Him." "Self-serving needs are not meant to be satisfied; they are meant to be put to death...We love not because people have psychological deficits; we love because God first loved us. The image of God in us is not about psychological need..." (163)
Welch compassionately reveals the depths and subtleties of our sin, but he doesn't leave us hanging. He provides us with a beautiful picture of the only Answer we need: Know your God. Always be growing in your knowledge of Him. He is a redwood not among dogwoods, but among blades of grass, and when once you understand that in Christ, His gaze is not one of wrath or condemnation, but of love and grace, you will realize that "this is the gaze that transforms. It will expel the fear of man and be a blessing for all God's people.' (239)
A Beautiful Diagnosis to the "Fear of man.".......2007-08-10
Mr. Welch is a physician of the soul. Right from the start he says, "The most radical treatment for the fear of man is the fear of the Lord." Further he states, "Regarding other people, our problem is that we need them (for ourselves) more than we love them (for the glory of God). The task God sets for us is to need them less and love them more. Instead of looking for ways to manipulate others, we will ask God what our duty is toward them." I think he really gets to the heart of what the problem is with this statement: "The fear of man is the sinful exaggerations of a normal experience." If you take away nothing more than that statement, and apply it to your life, you will be blessed.
Take your eyes of your problems and put them on The Solution!.......2007-06-01
I'll have to admit, I was a little leery of this book from the title - peer pressure, codependency - come on, another Christian psycho-babble book? But I read it since a friend was reading it and I'll admit - I was wrong. When People Are Big is an outstanding book that has something to say about the self-centered psychology of Freud and Maslow - it's all focused on the wrong thing: man. Welch, himself a Ph.D. recipient in counseling psychology chooses to focus on God's Word as the source of truth and understanding regarding the nature of man. His basic concept is that man is created to bring glory to God and in saying this notes that God has designed us with certain "needs" or "desires" that are to be fulfilled by God Himself. The problem arises, according to Welch, when we replace the proverbial God-shaped vacuum in our lives with temporal things of this world that are not only unable to satisfy our longings, but in fact prohibit God from being able to! As man turns to self for "actualitization," he finds that his highest purpose doesn't really supply meaning or significance. Only in a proper relationship with God through the sanctifying work of Christ on the cross can man truly understand his true nature and true self.
Ultimately, Welch argues, the problem with man is low esteem for his Creator. If we truly lived before an Audience of One, Welch believes that many of our daily "problems" would be solved with a proper perspective - we would see ourselves in a proper light and we would see that we are not the source of that light, but created to be the reflectors of it to others. One of the great paradoxes of the Christian life is truly understanding ourselves - totally depraved and unworthy of salvation, yet by the grace of God we are made into heirs to the throne clothed with the righteousness of Christ Himself! The key, Welch states, is our ability to realize that this transformation from rags to riches is not based upon who we are or what we can accomplish, but rather on the work of a Holy and Merciful God.
This is a great book for every Christian today - we all have problems and trials we face, we all have people that we give too much power over our lives, we all need a greater appreciation for and understanding of the majesty of God. Welch concludes that if we could just understand what Scripture is seeking to show us, that our lives would be radically transformed - not only a saving grace would be ours, but a sanctifying grace that would overflow into the lives of those around us - even those we despise and dislike! Francis Schaeffer wrote a classic little book titled The Mark of a Christian and in it claims that the world will know we are Christians by our love for each other - Welch agrees with this sentiment and helps us understand why we haven't arrived at this place yet!
Life changing if you practice it.......2007-05-09
The book's cover and first few chapters could give a person the wrong idea, but go ahead, buy this book and hang in there. In my opinion, any book that amplifies biblical principles is well worth the time and money and this one excells at that. Dr. Welch masterfully builds his case throughout each chapter resulting in a solid case for revering Almighty God and Him alone. The previous reviews below detail this out for you. If you already practice 'the fear of the Lord', you can pass on this book; otherwise, buy one, read it and begin benefiting from all God has for you! After reading this book, you too will see the reoccurring theme of the 'Fear of the Lord' in almost every book in the Bible and the promises to those that do fear or respect God *above all else*.
Average customer rating:
- A great book for faithless and faithful alike!
- In which a tortoise does geometry, and a deacon hears himself
- A Philosophy Book Encapsulated in Discworld
- simply not that funny
- Discworld
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Small Gods
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: HarperTorch
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ASIN: 0061092177 |
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Discworld is an extragavanza--among much else, it has billions of gods. "They swarm as thick as herring roe," writes Terry Pratchett in Small Gods, the 13th book in the series. Where there are gods galore, there are priests, high and low, and... there are novices. Brutha is a novice with little chance to become a priest--thinking does not come easily to him, although believing does. But it is to Brutha that the great god Om manifests, in the lowly form of a tortoise. --Blaise Selby
Book Description
Lost in the chill deeps of space between the galaxies, it sails on forever, a flat, circular world carried on the back of a giant turtle—
Discworld
—a land where the unexpected can be expected. Where the strangest things happen to the nicest people. Like Brutha, a simple lad who only wants to tend his melon patch. Until one day he hears the voice of a god calling his name. A small god, to be sure. But bossy as Hell.
Customer Reviews:
A great book for faithless and faithful alike!.......2007-06-14
I've read all the Discworld books. This is something I take great pride in. I have almost all of them on my bookshelf. The ones I don't have, I'll be getting soon.
Much as I like, enjoy and frequently read the other books in the series, this is the one that remains with me the most.
I am an atheist. I don't "grok" religion, as the kids today say (or possibly not). I think it's fine for other people, more or less, but like drugs, alcohol and voting Republican, it's not something I choose to have any involvement in.
That said, I do recognize that religion, for whatever reason, plays a great role in the lives of others, so it is, therefore, something worth learning about and understanding.
This book is what you get when Terry Pratchett explores religion directly. He touches upon it in other books (notably "Thud!", "The Fifth Elephant" and "Feet of Clay"), but he tackles it head-on in this book.
"Small Gods" is in many ways a very different Discworld novel. It doesn't take palce within the main time-period the other books occupy. It doesn't take place in Ankh-Morpork or Lancre. None of the previously established characters, aside from Death, appear in the book (though Dibbler sort-of does, and the book establishes the History Monks and Lu-Tze). Really this book, more than any of the others, stands on its own.
The plot of the book is basic. Boy finds god. God turns out to be a tortise. Hilarity ensues. But the book also explores in great detail the inner-workings of faith and religion (two very different things), the consequences of what happens when zealots out for their own agrandizement rather than that of god take over a faith (Pat Robertson, I'm looking at you! Benedict 16, too! Where's the Biblical basis for a Pope, I ask?), and importantly explores what happens when the structres of religion and the church become more important than the god(s).
This is an excellent book. Highly recommended for people who enjoy Discworld, those who have never read it (great starter book), and those who like philosophy. It's a perfect book for the faithless and the faithful, for atheist and Anglican (and Eastern Orthodox, Hindu, Zoroastrian and Mormon. I know there's more than Anglican, but, well, the "a-to-a" thing scanned well. Besides, I don't think this is a good book for Scientologists. I doubt L Ron Hubbard would've appreciated a better author horning in).
Don't go any further along the road of life until you've read this book.
In which a tortoise does geometry, and a deacon hears himself.......2007-05-03
In which the hidden power of little old men with brooms is revealed, the true nature of gods is illuminated for the properly grounded, and the dangers of natural science illustrated.
Small Gods is the opening of the truly great period of the Discworld. Brutha, a friendly, but not too bright novice is chosen to hear the word of the Great God Om. Om, however, is not on form, and Brutha is not the chosen one Om would have chosen. Eventually, this takes Brutha's country to the brink of war.
A fellow smarter than me once observed that true evil always has two traits; the inability to ackowledge their mistakes, and a lack of a sense of humor. When someone will not acknowledge their own mistakes, and cannot laugh, especially at themselves, there is no hope for them. Terry Pratchett holds up a mirror to real world orthodox religions and religious leaders, and these traits come shining through in the reflection.
In short, I loved the book. A nonstop stream of pithy observations on human nature and all aspects of religion, combined with brilliant subtle jokes and puns.
Oh yes, and of course, appearances by Death.
A Philosophy Book Encapsulated in Discworld.......2006-12-26
I've been reading the Discworld books in order of publication, and this is the first one that diverged from the normal types of stories. This book was a pretty strong expression of Pratchett's religious stance, in my opinion. The humor wasn't as strong as other books, I thought it was almost more of a philosophy book, or a book of opinions on religion. I wasn't sure how to rate this as I enjoyed the views on religion, but thought they would be better written in a non-Discworld novel. For Discworld, I didn't think the storyline was very fitting. I'd probably give it 3.5 stars, but rounded up as well. If you're looking for Discworld humor, I wouldn't choose this book. If you want some views (primarily mocking) on religion, then it's good!
simply not that funny.......2006-08-29
The last line of my review comes first:
If you do not find church humor and church-esque situations (including a lot of parodying of church ideology and customs) funny, either due to inexposure (like me) or too much exposure (fundamentalism), this book is NOT for you.
And now the review:
I love Terry Pratchett - he is my favorite author of all time. And I picked up this book hoping it would become one of my favorites.
The fact is, I didn't find much in this book that was funny.
This novel moves along at a snail's pace, in terms of the plot and the humor. The chief reason for my disillusionment is that Pratchett includes a LOT of church analogies into the novel. The characters are all church characters. And the god is not so godly. Over half of this book came across as a particularly long and pointless conversation between a dullard and his favorite stuffed animal.
Overall, I wish I'd had a review that had warned me thusly:
(last line of the review)
Discworld.......2006-08-27
I've decided he's too good and too prolific for me to write a brand new review every single time I read one of his books. Discworld currently has 34 titles and every one of them will probably knock your socks off. His mind bubbles and flashes like a boiling pot of electric eels, and I simply can't get enough of his writing.
A reviewer has compared him to Geoffrey Chaucer. He reminds me more of Douglas Adams, or perhaps S Morgenstern. Great company, isn't it? He's an extremely skillful and imaginative writer, damn funny, clever and observant to boot. He's also very easy to read. A master of characterization, and if there's anything else you like about reading that I didn't mention here, assume I simply forgot. He's awesome.
Another reviewer mentioned Jonathan Swift and PG Wodehouse. Why such hallowed company? Because Pratchett belongs there! Truly, I'm enjoying my quest to read every book in the series. You should do the same, and begin your quest at the library because he's got to be there. He's awesome!
Yet another reviewer said Jerome K Jerome meets Lord of the Rings. Yeah, that works too.
Why do we, as reviewers, compare authors to other authors? Because it's easier than thinking. In the case of Terry Pratchett, it's probably because we'd otherwise wind up quoting the guy. He's so unique that we just don't know how else to cope with his greatness. Even this paragraph sounds like foamy drool raving, doesn't it? That's how all readers react to Pratchett. Reviewers simply don't have the good sense to keep it to themselves.
I could call his writing fantasy, but I could likewise call what Douglas Adams wrote science fiction. In both cases, I wouldn't be wrong, but I'd be neglecting so much and just totally missing the point. A rare few authors transcend a genre to such a degree that you know they're shouting out, loud and proud, a big fat "Bite me!"
I love Terry Pratchett's writing, and I completely understand why some folks refer to him as their favorite author. Or favourite, I should say, since we're being British. He's one of those authors that makes you want to grab whoever's in hearing range and start reading passages aloud. I'm simply thrilled that there's such an extremely talented and prolific author who's been working for years without me being aware of him. Now I have much catching up to do, and I will love it.
Book Description
The story of the Bible is the story of God’s desire to be with his people. God is extending himself, stretching out to reach us and to fill our lives with his presence. Every moment of your life is like a page in a Where’s Waldo book. God is there, the Scriptures tell us, but the ease with which he may be found varies from one page to the next. God is closer than you think! A six-session guide to be used with the DVD curriculum.
Customer Reviews:
God Is Closer Than You Think Participant's Guide:.......2007-08-08
The product was great, I just ordered the wrong thing. Complete error on my part otherwise item was shipped in a timely matter.
I guess I am a below average Christian.......2007-05-04
Comments from commenter #2 crack me up. I have heard many folks refer to John Ortberg as "Dallas Willard Lite" or "Dallas for dummies." I have had the opportunity to spend time with both the author and his wife, and I find both his speaking and writing to be very refreshing to my mind, spirit and life. I find John's writing simple and practical. Is it Dallas Willard deep? No. However, it's more like a great message that you hear in a weekend service. One that you can see clearly how applicable it is. Also, for you to get the most out of this book, you need to have a sense of your own brokenness and fallenness. Otherwise, you will find it simple and for average or below average people.........which, if I recall, is the same peeps that Jesus TOTALLY hung out with and loved deeply. In fact, some of their names were Peter, James, John, Andrew, Thomas..............
Excellent Small Group Bible Study.......2007-01-06
Not sure what the other reviewers are talking about. I have been a Christian for years and am finding this study quite interesting. Ortberg is the moderator and is excellent at word pictures that stick with you. The study makes you dig into the Bible which is what you want in a small group. Studying on your own in between group meetings requires quite a bit of scripture look up and reading. There are great discussion questions. This study has definitely strengthened my walk with the Lord. Our entire small group really enjoys the DVD part and is getting alot out of the study. I highly recommend this for small group study.
Nothing but fun reading .......2006-10-06
This book is okay for fun reading. The observations offered by the author are slightly entertaining, and may be even quite insightful to the very easily-impressed and motivated readers. For example, using conductor and resistor as analogy is misrepresenting the physics and meaning of the scientific terms. The counterpart of conductor is insulator. Actually a resistor in an electrical circuit is the part that does all the work - that makes the light bulbs or pickle glow, for instance.
Using surfing as an example of overcoming failure is okay. However sidetracking to muse about sharks and dolphins is juvenile and distracting.
I suppose this book is targeted for the average person and below for marketing purpose
God Is Closer Than You Think.......2005-10-08
I believe I was mislead. I ordered the material. The description described that I would get the DVD, the Participant's guide and the hardcover book for the price of the item. When just the DVD arrived I felt disappointed.
Average customer rating:
- Good reading
- very satisfied
- James Herriot
- Animal Magic Lives.
- I adored these charming stories...
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The Lord God Made Them All (All Creatures Great & Small)
James Herriot
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Similar Items:
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All Things Wise and Wonderful
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All Things Bright and Beautiful
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All Creatures Great and Small
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Every Living Thing
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James Herriot's Dog Stories: Warm And Wonderful Stories About The Animals Herriot Loves Best
ASIN: 0312966202 |
Book Description
With each book more embraceable than the last, James Herriot once again brings us the magical beauty of Yorkshire through his heartwarming experiences as a country veterinarian. These new stories provide a grand finale to the wonderful books that began with all Creatures Great and Small.
It is just after World War II, and James has returned from the R.A.F. to do battle with the diseases and injuries that befall the farm animals and pets of Skeldale and the surrounding moors. Four-year-old Jimmy Herriot, Humphrey Cobb and his little beagle Myrtle, Norman the book-loving veterinary assistant, and many more new faces join old favorites among the green hills of Yorkshire, as James takes an unforgettable voyage to Russia on a freighter with 383 pedigreed sheep. Touching our hearts with laughter and wisdom, lifting our spirits with compassion and goodness, James Herriot never fails to delight.
Customer Reviews:
Good reading.......2007-05-07
I read his books as a teen and loved them. Bought the whole set for my grandsons, [teens]. They laughed until they cried. [so did I].
very satisfied.......2007-01-16
I was verey satisfied with the whole process of ordering
on-line and I will continue buying books this way.
James Herriot.......2006-11-06
As an animal lover, if I were to be restricted to a single author on my bookshelves, it would be James Herriot, hands down. All four books by James Herriot, The English Country Veterinarian, comprise a collection of stories that remain unsurpassed in all animal literature.
Animal Magic Lives........2006-08-10
In this fourth edition you will have everything you are use to in a James Herriot book. Eccentric pet owners, nutty business partners, fun loving animals, and the author who reveals his heartfelt love and admiration for the animals he cares so deeply for. Only the souless few won't be touched by these humorous stories of animal and human interactions. Mr. Herriot shows just how much better the world is because of the animals who inhabit our daily lives.
I adored these charming stories..........2005-11-09
LOVED it. I've seen his books all over- bookstores, libraries, friends' houses, and yet I always resisted reading him. Why? I'm not sure. I didn't care for the cover (), and I usually REALLY hate stories about animals. A few years back, I read of a homeschooling family reading his work out loud, and when I came upon this book at a yard sale, I stuffed it in my sack to buy- I had an idea of my son and me reading it outloud in the distant future. I picked it up the other night because I was bored, needed something to read, and felt that I 'should' read this. After about two or three chapters, I was hooked. His stories are simple but charming, detailing the daily life of a country veterinarian. He was able to make me visualize riding along as his passenger as he drove from farm to farm, treating cows, pigs, sheep and domesticated pets. So many of his stories have funny endings. I really truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the first one, "All Things Bright And Beautiful."
Book Description
In Your God Is Too Small, J. B. Phillips explains that the trouble facing many of us today is that we have not found a God big enough for our modern needs. In a world where our experience of life has grown in myriad directions, and our mental horizons have been expanded to the point of bewilderment by world events and scientific discoveries, our ideas of God have remained largely static. It is nearly impossible, Phillips argues, for an adult to worship the conception of God that exists in the mind of a child of Sunday-school age, the "God-in-a-box" notion, limiting God to such inadequate conceptions as "Resident Policeman," "Grand Old Man," "Meek-and-Mild," and "Managing Director." As a result of these insufficient ideas of God, many people live with an inner dissatisfaction, without any faith at all.
Your God Is Too Small explores the ways in which we can find a truly meaningful and constructive God for ourselves, big enough to account for our current experience of life and big enough to command our highest admiration and respect.
Customer Reviews:
A Christian "Classic".......2007-08-04
This is one of those books that is worth reading and re-reading. What a difference it makes to see God as He really IS instead of the "micro" version of our own making.
HIS God is too small as well, alas..........2007-07-25
I picked up this book (I confess, induced by a fire sale price), hoping to see some of the truly disturbing attitudes among contemporary Christian addressed. Too bad, it turned out to be a light-weight attack on simple, modest, I should say, "God reductions". It's OK, but it's hardly bold. All in all, it's plainly written, and it's feather light.
It's also obnoxiously pretentious, as when affirming, without fear of ridicule, that (I am paraphrasing, but I'm not distorting) kind, good, compassionate behavior is only to be found among peoples of Christian tradition... Oh, me, oh my! Too bad that the same could be said (with a little stretch of the truth, but less than Phillips's) of barbaric, murderous, butchering intolerant behavior... (yes, horrendous massacres have been perpetrated by men from all religions and places, but let's keep the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Persecutions, the massacres of the natives in all colonial enterprises, as well as the pogroms, the Holocaust, and what not very, very firmly in fromt of us when daring to talk about "Chrisianity" and "human compassion" in the same sentence).
Honestly, I was hoping for a lesson in humility, as in realizing that a "God" that takes sides in wars, or has (you put in your preferred blessed nationality or group) as "His" only trusts, or who is so small that it's easy for you to tell what "He wants" (??!!) is a concoction with dubious goals. Yes, even one who would have only white western people be decent and humane looks exceedingly minute.
For new ideas, read an old book........2007-07-15
Originally published in 1952, this book is as up to date as tomorrow. For many years, I have observed the truth of the statement that we create God in our own image, resulting in an anemic deity no more wise or powerful than we are, and certainly incapable of creation, maintenance, or salvation. Phillips clearly identifies the source of the powerless god that we humans produce when we make the mistake of beginning with ourselves as a paradigm for holiness.
An opinion ..........2007-02-21
J.B.Phillips his brave reflection : Your God Is Too Small - is a refreshing attempt to " update thinking " Compare it with a spiritual Penetrene/ or an RP7 to loosen fixed views and open stuck windows of our mind.. I felt very rewarded with his Guide for all sorts of minds.. Does our view of God measure up to J.B. Phillips his vision .. ?? You be the final judge ...
M. Paetzold
Australia
A Classic, good read for the novice or the 'experienced' Christian.......2006-07-16
This book was recommended to me by a couple of folks and once I began reading I understood why: it's simple, pithy and a thoughtful read. I read it slowly so I could ponder each point of interest. I can truly say my God got bigger by the time I finished reading this book. And that's a Good Thing.
Product Description
Discusses methods of multiplying disciples through life transformation groups.
Customer Reviews:
Fuels Missional Transformation.......2007-04-17
Neil Cole presents a straightforward approach for multiplying disciples that anyone can do anywhere. "The Life Transformation Group (LTG) system is a grass roots tool for growth. Through this simple system the most essential elements of vital spiritual ministry are released to common Christians without the need for specialized training. It taps the disciple's internal motivation and provides the support needed to grow in the essentials of a spiritual life. The LTG empowers the common Christian to do the uncommon work of reproductive discipling." (p. 63)
Here is a simple overview of what an LTG is: (p. 70)
1. LTGs meet once a week for approximately an hour.
2. LTGs are groups of two or there (the 4th person is the beginning of the second group and multiplication is imminent).
3. The groups are not co-ed, but gender specific.
4. There is no curriculum, workbook or training involved.
5. There is no leader needed in the group.
6. Only three tasks are to be accomplished:
a. Sin is confessed to one another in mutual accountability.
b. Scripture is read repetitively, in entire context and in community.
c. Souls are prayed for strategically, specifically and continuously.
Cole believes in the raising of leaders from the harvest for the harvest. His practical and reproducible approach is a great strategy for church planters who are seeking to start new churches by reaching non-Christians instead of attracting Christians.
Here are some of the strengths of utilizing Life Transformation Groups in a local church (p. 49-51):
1. LTGs build Community - Life change doesn't happen in a vacuum; it happens in relationship with others. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
2. LTGs foster Accountability - Few things would get done in life without some degree of accountability. (Matthew 18:15-17)
3. LTGs maintain Confidentiality - It is easier to maintain confidentiality in a group of two or three rather than a larger group of ten or twelve. (Proverbs. 25:9-10)
4. LTGs provide Flexibility - It is much easier to coordinate the calendars of only two or three than a typical small group of fifteen. (Matthew 18:20)
5. LTGs model Reproducibility - It is easier to reproduce a smaller, simpler group than a larger and more complex entity. (2 Timothy 2:2)
I definitely recommend this book! Neil Cole does an excellent job of presenting a simple, reproducible strategy for disciplemaking. His personal passion for reaching the lost is contagious.
(If you haven't read his book "Organic Church," I recommend it, too!)
Simple, powerful tool for disciple-making.......2005-02-14
This book introduces Life Transformation Groups (LTGs), groups of two or three people who get together once a week for an hour, perhaps over a meal, for mutual accountability (using predefined accountability questions), to reflect on the Scripture they've been reading during the week, and to pray strategically for their unbelieving friends. Probably the simplest and most easily replicable approach to disciple-making we have come across.
Customer Reviews:
All creatures great & small + All things bright & beautiful.......2002-05-14
The seller sent me one book with first 2 stories in it. It was supposed to be four books. I accept that change without being asked. But the seller never sent the second book. I have emailed several times without any response at all. I will never buy from this seller again.
All Emotions Great and Small.......2000-02-22
Since I want to become a vet, I thought that this would be a great book to read. From the first sentence to the last I was enthralled. The words James Herriot uses in his books make you feel like you are standing right beside him when he is talking. This book will make you literally laugh out loud and also will make you cry. The story in this book is not one easily forgotten.
the best ever`.......2000-01-10
these books are the best i ever read. you can see the places described by herriot in your mind. i've read every book several times, and will read them all several more.
A book I remember years later..........1999-12-07
I had a dear aunt give me a copy of "All Things Great and Small" as a kid. I began to read it out of boredom as it was summer and school was out. I remember how each chapter was it's own story--some sad and some quite humorous and in my mind James Herriot allowed me a accompany him on each vetinarian visit. Trully a wonderful book series. Now as a parent I can see how this book might make for a great bed-time story book for children.
Great account of the life of an English country Vet!.......1999-11-17
I've read the whole series several times over, and it really brings to life images of English country farms. Cold frosty mornings, gruff country farmers, the rolling hills and dales of the countryside are all beautifully illustrated through Jame's Harriot's wonderful prose. It evokes thoughts of simpler times and whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. A bonus if you love animals, but not necessary to enjoy these books!
Books:
- The Haj
- The Language of Literature: British Literature (Language of Literature)
- The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (Prima Official Game Guide)
- The Maltese Falcon
- The Marriage Game: A Novel
- The Master Cleanser
- The Nanny Diaries: A Novel
- The Patience of the Spider (Inspector Montalbano Mysteries)
- The Power of Focus: How to Hit Your Business, Personal and Financial Targets with Absolute Certainty
- The Rapture: In the Twinkling of an Eye--Countdown to the Earth's Last Days (Before They Were Left Behind, Book 3)
Books Index
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