Book Description
She charmed America with her smart, likable, down-to-earth personality as she campaigned for her husband, then vice-presidential candidate John Edwards. She inspired millions as she valiantly fought advanced breast cancer after being diagnosed only days before the 2004 election. She touched hundreds of similarly grieving families when her own son, Wade, died tragically at age sixteen in 1996. Now she shares her experiences in Saving Graces, an incandescent memoir of Edwards’ trials, tragedies, and triumphs, and of how various communities celebrated her joys and lent her steady strength and quiet hope in darker times.
Edwards writes about growing up in a military family, where she learned how to make friends easily in dozens of new schools and neighborhoods around the world and came to appreciate the unstinting help and comfort naval families shared. Edwards’ reminiscences of her years as a mother focus on the support she and other parents offered one another, from everyday favors to the ultimate test of her own community’s strength—their compassionate response to the death of the Edwards’ teenage son, Wade, in 1996. Her descriptions of her husband’s campaigns for Senate, president, and vice president offer a fascinating perspective on the groups, great and small, that sustain our democracy. Her fight with breast cancer, which stirred an outpouring of support from women across the country, has once again affirmed Edwards’ belief in the power of community to make our lives better and richer.
Customer Reviews:
saving graces.......2007-09-24
Felt this book artfully expressed loss. It included the gammet of feelings and expressions one might endure while experiencing loss of any type. Hopefully she also found solace in teaching us as well as finding herself. Would recommend to anyone because at some point, we all experience loss. Hopefully not as Elizabeth Edwards did.
My honor to read this life journey of E. Edwards.......2007-09-19
The book is a gift of her use of the English language. The use of words, the integrity of the writer shines through. She uses her gift to share her pain, pain many of us have felt but could not have put into words with the artistry that is just part of her. It is rare for a person to be able to put their soul in paper, but she has. Thank you, Elizabeth. Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers
Saving Graces.......2007-09-17
Great book, well written. It makes you realize you can overcome any obstacle in life with family and support from friends.
Excellent........2007-09-14
Eliabeth Edwards writes with painful honesty and hope. She is an extrordinary woman and this glimpse into her soul is a wonderful read.
Wonderful book!.......2007-09-13
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I got a whole new insight into the Edwards family. Elizabeth didn't shy away from the pain caused by the untimely death of their wonderful son, Wade, or her initial experience of her breast cancer treatment. There is also an additional chapter in this paperback book regarding the return of her cancer. Her humor cracked me up several times, and I was so inspired by the whole family. They are certainly a strong family, both Elizabeth and John come from strong stock, and it shows. I for one, given the chance, will vote for John Edwards for President. I think he's the one we need to lead this country ahead and away from our current administration's boggling.
Average customer rating:
- Sweet typical results from Julie
- *Yawn*
- Cheesy, but enjoyable
- Good but not great
- It just doesn't get any better than this.
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Saving Grace
Julie Garwood
Manufacturer: Pocket
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ASIN: 0671870114 |
Book Description
In this splendid New York Times bestseller, Julie Garwood brilliantly crafts the majestic story of a young Englishwoman determined to fight for her freedom...a woman whose life would be transformed by the rare, unexpected gift of love.
When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, already she possessed a strength of will that impressed all who looked past her golden-haired beauty. Yet when King John demanded that she remarry -- and selected a bridegroom for her -- it seemed she must acquiesce, until her beloved foster brother suggested she wed his friend, the handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain.
At first Johanna was shy, but as Gabriel tenderly revealed the splendid pleasures they would share, she came to suspect that she was falling in love with her gruff new husband. And it was soon apparent to the entire Highlands clan that their brusque, gallant laird had surrendered his heart completely. But now a desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side -- and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed!
Customer Reviews:
Sweet typical results from Julie.......2007-07-04
This book reminded me of Ransom but with a little more drama. It was intriguing, a bit presumptuous (huge Julie Garwood fan) yet sweet and undeniably a weepy romance novel. Oh and don't forget toxic humor that can have you appear to be mentally insane to others while commuting from work. I loved it, in fact I am going to read it again and again just like Ransom. I was literally lost and totally compelled to be lady Johanna. I would recommend this book to anyone.
*Yawn*.......2007-06-13
I honestly don't understand the high ratings. Normally I love historical romances, but not this one.
I know this is a historical book but I felt that Gabriel's extremely demanding attitude was too much for me. It got really old really quick. The "wife" and "husband" title the two constantly used with each other got quite annoying. These two just felt overall cold with maybe a few moments of actual warmth. No chemistry.
Another thing. All of the characters were idiots. No one knew what was anyone was saying. Garwood had all of her characters repeat what they said with an explanation and all Gabriel cared about was that Johanna "pleased" him.
Things were dragged out far too long that you can very easily skim pages and still understand what was going on. I just got too bored with it myself and skimmed the last few chapters.
Even though Gabriel, apparently, redeems himself it is too little too late for this reader. He is one of the worst male leads (I won't call him a hero) I have ever read.
Maybe I'm just too independent for if I was Johanna my knee would have connected with that man's crotch on many occasions.
The best part about this book was Gabriel's dog.
Cheesy, but enjoyable.......2007-05-29
My favorite Garwood book. No, it wasn't Shakespeare, but I like reading romance novels for fun, and this certainly delivered. The sex was hot, the characters sympathetic, and the storyline intriguing. It was sweet, sappy, and fun reading. (Who reads romance novels expecting Tolstoy, anyways?)
I enjoyed seeing Gabriel thawing from a solitary, rather intimidating man to a loving and devoted husband. And I liked seeing Johanna coming out of her shell after years of abuse, and ultimately uniting the bickering clans.
So, if you're looking for fun, frivolous entertainment, I highly recommend this one.
Good but not great.......2007-01-20
This was an enjoyable read, but I had two minor problems with it. The characters were simple and predictable. Johanna was too syrupy, sweet and perfect. She recommended that the Scots not rob other Scots, but barter instead. She was good with bow and arrow. When she told stories to children, she had the female be the hero/rescuer. Also, one historical inaccuracy bothered me. She told people to use salve on cuts to avoid infection, yet germs and infections were not discovered until the 1900's. Aside from that, it was worth reading, but not great.
It just doesn't get any better than this........2006-09-20
This book was more than amazing. Every page was a delight to read and I never wanted it to end. I do hope Ms. Garwood writes a sequel. If not, I'll sorely miss Gabriel and Johanna.
Amazon.com
Unlike the Graces of Greek mythology, the ones in Patricia Gaffney's feel-good novel, The Saving Graces, are not in the business of dispensing charm and beauty. Though they possess some measure of good looks, Gaffney's Graces are more focused on the less ethereal problems of life: men, careers, babies, death. And there are four, rather than three, of them (Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel), who have been getting together for regular dinners in their Washington, D.C., homes for 10 years.
The narration of The Saving Graces rotates among the four women and gets right to the heart of each Grace--the stories they tell stick close to the territory of their emotional lives. This intimate directness makes Gaffney's women seem, well, womanly. Serene Isabel, who has always been "the best champion, the kindest friend" to all the other Graces, is dying of breast cancer. Rudy needs to leave her ultra-controlling husband. Lee, usually the rational one, is possessed by her desire to have a baby. Ironic Emma wants to write a novel and has a hard crush on a married man. This group feels messy and real: they keep secrets from each other, grate on one another's nerves, and analyze each other. But ultimately, all four know that they've lucked into a very good thing. Not just because they share the sweetness and silliness that comes with friendship, but also because they are willing to act as soldiers for each other. When Rudy finally gets up the nerve to leave her husband, for example, she doesn't do it alone: "Isabel stood on my right, Lee on my left. Emma had taken a seat on the bed--an escalation of the offense, usurping more enemy territory." In Gaffney's universe, women armed with grace, humor, and a couple of good girlfriends can transcend even the most painful events in their lives. --Katherine Anderson
Book Description
Meet the Saving Graces, four of the best friends a woman could ever have.
For ten years, Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel have shared a deep affection that has helped them deal with the ebb and flow of expectations and disappointments common to us all. Calling themselves the Saving Graces, the quartet is united by understanding, honesty, and acceptance -- a connection that has grown stronger as the years go by.
Though these sisters of the heart and soul have seen it all, talked through it all, they are not prepared for the crisis of astounding proportions that will put their love and courage to the ultimate test.
Customer Reviews:
Isabel, Rudy, Emma and Lee are on my mind.......2006-08-02
I always have one criteria for judging whether I think a book or a movie deserves top ratings: if I'm still thinking about the story 24 hours after I've seen/read it, then it was worth my time. It's been over 24 hours since I finished "The Saving Graces" and I can't stop thinking about these four amazing women and their stories.
Sure, all of us have female friends. But how many of us have girlfriends that we consider sisters? If you're one of those lucky few, take the time to read this book. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And, most important of all, it will make you thank God for the blessing of those special women in your life. Long live Isabel, Rudy, Emma and Lee in all of us!
Wish I had some saving graces like these.......2006-03-22
I have not read Gaffney before but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are strong and the best part of the novel is that each woman is able to tell her story in her own words.
strial -carpeted Rudy's battle with depression and a controlling husband and the way she believes she needs to be saved is a lesson for many of us. The graces "save" her by letting her know she can "save" herself and does not need to be enveloped by a husband who diminishes her. Isabel has the strongest voice in her stoicism in her pain. She describes the diagnostic cancer ward as "I've discovered purgatory. Not hell--it's too boring. Purgatory is low--lit and industrial--carpeted, mauve-walled, library-quiet...It's called the Diagnostic Imaging Center." this is an example of the descriptive words Gaffney uses to paint a picture of Isabel's outlook on her malady.
"Life's a circle, not a straight line, the longer the better. The circle never ends, it only widens." This may be a "chick lit" book; however, I think some of the insightful words like those above reflect the struggles and triumphs of each woman. Gaffney's book ranks higher on the chain of the "beach reads."
Good girlfriend beach read.......2006-03-09
This is a good beach read, but it's not always light, so keep that in mind. On the plus side, this might be a good starter book for a book club as it's easy to read, keeps the reader's interest and provides some discussion points that won't ruffle any feathers. It's not too heavy but still thought provoking. On the down side, some of the characters actions didn't ring true, and some were too stereotypical and one dimensional. That being said, if you love the "small group of female friends who bond together in a crisis" genre, then you'll like this book.
The most realistic portrayal of friendship between women..........2006-02-13
This book was recommended to me by my best girlfriend, and it was incredible. Every woman should read this book. It is incredibly realistic and truly captures the ups and downs of friendships between women. It's a heart warming and touching story that I highly recommend.
Excellent, emotional - a book almost any woman could relate to.......2006-01-31
This was the book chosen by my book club - and, as with most books my book club picks, it's not really my type of book. Despite this, I truly enjoyed this book. I, too, have 3 "best" friends. Unfortunately, we don't all live close enough to have dinner together regularly, but I could relate to so many of the incidents in the book.
Ms. Gaffney has a great casual writing style without being colloquial or too conversational. Her characters were well fashioned and consistent, particularly Lee - who despite going through some major changes remained a consistent character, and one which I could find believable. It was a bit difficult in the first 5-7 chapters to keep the characters straight and I became a bit frustrated, but it is very much worth that bit of frustration to get to the rest of the book. Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of one of the "Graces" and until I could keep them straight I had to keep flipping back to the last chapter with that character. Eventually, the storylines converge more directly and that problem disappears.
My only criticism would be the ending to Emma's storyline. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but there is a quote from When Harry Met Sally that would be very appropriate to the situation. I didn't find the conclusion of her story arc to be very believable or realistic, in contradiction to the rest of the stories. Despite this small problem, I would recommend this book - particularly for a book club.
Average customer rating:
- Great Read!
- Wonderful
- A GOOD PICK !
- JESUS KNOWS ALL AND SEE ALL
- Loved It, Loved It, Loved It
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Saving Grace
Ryan Phillips
Manufacturer: Destiny Image Publishers
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ASIN: 0768422043 |
Book Description
As the only daughter of a successful businesswoman, Grace grew up with nothing but the best. Sheltered by her single mother and educated in an exclusive private school in Detroit, Grace was not ready for the harsh realities of an unforgiving world.
Grace's naivete coupled with her desire to experience life on her own terms leads her down a path of emotional devastation and physical abuse. Through a chance encounter Grace meets Mike, a successful design artist who introduces her to a relationship very different from her usual one-night-stands and affairs with married men.
Things take a turn for the worst however when Grace's roommate walks in on her and her married personal trainer in their apartment. This betrayal tears apart Mike and Grace's romance and shatters the trust and friendship between Grace and Trina.
In the midst of torn relationships, Grace's mother dies in a tragic plane crash leaving Grace with no one left to turn to except the God she thought had long since abandoned her.
Customer Reviews:
Great Read!.......2007-09-17
I read this book about 2 years ago and was really impressed with it. So, when I found out that she had a follow-up to the book I quickly purchased it again to familiarize myself with the characters. It's a real tear-jerker. Ryan Phillips does a great job of capturing the the inner emotional conflict of Grace and the story is very relatable. I was surprised that Ms. Phillips was so young because she writes like a seasoned veteran. It was a really great read and I eagerly anticipated finishing the follow-up Fall from Grace.
Wonderful.......2007-07-03
I couldn't put this book down. A great read if you are looking for an exciting wonderful love story without all the sleeziness. I really enjoyed the characters. I am waiting for this author to write something else.
A GOOD PICK !.......2007-05-17
I thought I was alone, but it seems that everyone that read this book had the same admiration! This is definately a "can't put it down" book.
I would start reading at 10p only to look up see that midnight has come
and gone. Great Job! I am off to get the sequel as soon as I'm done with this one!
JESUS KNOWS ALL AND SEE ALL.......2007-02-03
I was in Walmart looking for a new book to read. I pick up Ryan Phillips book and could not but it down. For this to be her 1st book she did an excellent job. I look forward to reading more of your books. My little sister finish the book in 1 day. I told a couple of my girlfriends about this book also. "MY HATS OFF TO YOU"
Loved It, Loved It, Loved It.......2007-01-27
I couldn't put this book down. The characters all came to life. I became so engrossed in the book it had me responding out loud. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Book Description
"LUCID IN EXECUTION, BREATHTAKING IN SCOPE AND HEART-RENDING IN EFFECT--A REDEMPTIVE WORK OF ART. . . . Lee Smith has done more than write another novel about the South. She has broken through the grotesque surface to the underground spring, the music of Scrabble Creek, and the effect is stunning--a beguiling, gentle prose formed by an honesty so severe we are brought to our knees. . . . This novel has a grand and singular purpose, to clothe the spirit with flesh. In this, Lee Smith succeeds."
--The Washington Post Book World
"A compelling journey into all matters southern and spiritual . . . . Set in North Carolina and Tennessee, we follow young Grace Shepherd from a cabin in the bucolic poverty of Scrabble Creek to independence as a single woman. Stops along the way include seduction by a half-brother, a failed marriage, motherhood, the loss of her son, residence in the aptly-named Creekside apartments in Knoxville and a job waitressing. . . . While Grace's path may be a journey many of us would not choose to undertake, we have to raise a small fist of jubilance to Grace for having survived."
--The Boston Sunday Globe
"Ms. Smith possesses a fine talent for creating narrative voices, whether the ungrammatical eloquence of a hill-country healer or the educated affectations of a Richmond gentleman."
--The New York Times Book Review
"Lee Smith patiently woos us into double vision. . . . As her fans know, [she] has one of the truest ears for the speech in her part of the world."
--Los Angeles Times Book Review
Customer Reviews:
Finding independent identity.......2007-06-08
This book was a good light read, but I must say that I was disappointed that the protagonist never did seem to find an independent identity. She moved from life in reference to father immediately to life in reference to husband to life in reference to male companion. The ending, if meant to be a break from that succession was not convincing, or well developed enough. Poor Florida Grace did not seem to find her saving grace.
Riviting tale about a bizarre Southern subculture........2006-06-13
Saving Grace by Lee Smith is the tale of Grace Shepherd, a woman whose life is largely defined by two Southern primitive Christian ministers--Virgil Shepherd, her egomaniacal, sociopath philandering father and Travis Word, her pious, inflexible, straight-laced, repressed husband.
Brought up in abject poverty by her neglectful father Grace has no life outside her immediate family and the charismatic, serpent handling congregation of her fathers in rural North Carolina. Her life is her father and his religion--though Grace does not truly or successfully fit into either world. As her life's journey her fathers abuse and negligence will cause most of her siblings to abandon the family and her beloved mother to commit suicide. Eventually her father will totally abandon her and she will turn to--and marry--her rescuer, Travis Word. A noble man in many ways, Travi's considerable advantage in years and near total sexual repression will lead Grace to stray--to disastrous effect.
In spite of all this, Grace manages to find some bearings, raise two successful daughters and develop enough courage to go back "home" and confront her roots and personal demons.
This is a riveting book in many ways. Grace's personal story is as captivating as it is unsettling. The insights into the strange Southern primitive Christian world are mesmerizing. The cast of characters--and it is quite a cast of characters--that populate the novel are enormously engaging. The writing is exquisite.
Some of the other reviews alluded to this being among Lee's less successful novels. If this is here bad stuff--an assessment I find ludicrous--I can hardly wait to get to the good stuff.
A really great novel on many levels.
Brilliant and well-researched.......2006-01-07
A brilliant and refreshingly unusual read... Much darker than her other works with characters that are well-developed and believable. Some sections so accurately described (the Randy years) that you would swear Ms. Smith has lived another life. Very accurate with regard to fundmentalist Christianity in the 40's and 50's. Great read for a long weekend!
Very Well Written.......2004-07-21
This story is not for everyone, but the book is well written and admirable. If you have a taste for southern literature then you must spend some time with Lee Smith and I cant think of a better place to start. Read the first two pages and if you are not pulled in by the fine writing then this probably isn't for you. If you're uncomfortable with poor rural snake handling "Christians" then you might pass on this as well.
Sorry to the author.......2004-05-08
Lee Smith is my all-time favorite writer. I have read all of her books except for her newest novel. This is my least favorite by a long shot.
Book Description
As if the jolt of becoming a single mom to her two sons wasn't enough, Natalie Coombs is facing new stresses as the director of the crisis pregnancy center. A teenager who comes in for testing brings back memories of another pregnant girl whose life tragically ended in suicide. Desperate to reach out to this client, Natalie crosses professional boundaries and incurs the wrath of a mysterious assailant. Even within her family, all is not well as her relationship with her sister becomes increasingly tense. Natalie is compelled to carefully count the cost of following her heart and her convictions amid betrayal, physical danger, and strained family relationships. Filled with human drama, readers will be easily drawn in as national issues become highly personal in this gripping tale of conflict and commitment.
Customer Reviews:
Saving Grace...Literally!!.......2007-06-05
Name: Purple Pioneers
Title: Saving Grace
Author: Denise Hunter
Publisher: Howard Publishing Co. Inc.
Copyright Date: 2005
Total Number of Pages: 296
"The girl's eyes fixed on the test. Natalie could see the moment she understood. Her eyes widened for just a moment before they closed. When the opened them, her gaze swung to Natalie's, her eyes filled with desperation. `I'm pregnant."'
Natalie Coombs owns Jackson Hole Hope Center, a free health clinic for girls who become pregnant and either don't have enough money to have the baby or they don't know if they want to keep it or are just too scared to know what to do. Just like most other girls that come in, Natalie feels a strong need to help Linn. But, unlike the other girls that come in, she feels the need to become friends with Linn and to invite her into her home. When Linn finally figures out what she wants to do with her baby, Natalie isn't quite sure if she want to go through with it, even though she feels like she has almost no choice. Linn wants Natalie to adopt her baby, but she knows that if Natalie knew who she really was, she wouldn't want to do it any more.
My favorite part of the book is when Linn goes in to have an ultrasound done on her baby. I like this part because it talks about how the ultrasound shows the hands and feet and even the beating heart of the baby. I just think that is amazing that at only eight weeks into the pregnancy, you can already see the little fingers and toes and heart of the baby. It was also really cool that Linn decided to not have an abortion after she was shown the ultrasound.
Throughout this book, both Natalie and Paula struggle with judging people. When Natalie finds out who Linn really is, she has a really hard time even considering adopting Linn's baby. After thinking about it, she realizes that you can't judge a person by what they have done before. Even if we want to judge someone at all, it is not our job to be doing the judging. We especially can't change our minds about someone when we figure out what they have done before. If we can become friends with someone without knowing their past, then it shouldn't matter what their past is because we didn't become friends with them because of their past, we became friends with them because of who they are now.
Denise Hunter does a really good job in being able to keep the reader reading. When I read this book I had a really hard time putting the book down because it was so good. I think that teenage Christian girls would like this book because it was written by a Christian author, so it has a Christian theme to it. Also, it was written more for girls in the fact that it talks about love and getting pregnant and why not to have an abortion. Denise Hunter does a really good job of talking about these things without actually going out and saying, "Don't have an abortion" or "Just because you think you love someone doesn't mean that you have to get pregnant with them." She says these things in a way that make the book enjoyable to read and you don't even realize that she is saying those things, but they stick in your head because of the way that she writes the book.
enjoyable reading.......2005-06-10
this book kept up pace until the end. Natalie a crisis pregnancy director becomes close to one of the teenagers that comes into the clinic seeking help. Linn, the pregnant teenager wants Natalie to adopt her baby. An interesting turn of events and a new man in Natalies life all make this book an enjoyable one. this is the second book in this series and i think the better of the two. Mending Places is book one. I look forward to #3 soon. Denise keep up the good work!!!
Book Description
Nine months into her pregnancy, Sarah Brady receives a phone call out of the blue from another expectant mother named "Sarah Brody." The woman informs her they have both signed up for the same gift registry, and due to their similar names gifts meant for Brady have mistakenly been sent to Brody's address. What seems to be an amusing mix-up is, in fact, a deadly trap. When Brady stops by the woman's apartment to retrieve the gifts, she is instead confronted by a knife-wielding Kate Smith. Brady instinctively fights back, and the struggle for the knife becomes a fight to the death — leaving police to determine whether the attack was an act of self-defense or murder.
One of only three people in the United States to survive an attempted fetus theft, Sarah Brady tells her incredible story for the first time in Saving Grace.
Customer Reviews:
Unbelievable.......2007-09-05
The world is full of sick people, but this takes it to a new level.
Thinking somebody really planned this, it's unbelievable.
It made me feel that I can overcome anything and everything.
Thanks
Wow, who published this??.......2007-04-20
In the third person, an exhausive explanation of gift registries, and typos...my goodness, if I hadn't had it for a book club selection, I wouldn't have gotten past the first couple of chapters!
Horrible--could not even read the entire book........2007-03-22
This book is so poorly written and contains many typos, formatting issues,
inaccuracies, and misinformation throughout that I hate to give it even one star.
Words in the middle of sentences are separated by hyphens on many pages.
On Page 267, it mistakenly refers to Sarah (the victim) as Katie (the
perpetrator) when referring to Katie's family's belief that Katie had made several payments to Sarah to adopt her child.
On Page 293, the authors cite a similar case of Lisa Montgomery, who in 2003 murdered a young expectant mother and performed a crude C-section to kidnap her baby. The authors incorrectly state the baby was a boy. This case received massive publicity, yet the authors couldn't even get the baby's gender correct.
Sarah grew up in a trailer park. This fact is pointed out over and over to the point of redundancy. Then to insult our intelligence, one of the authors admonishes the reader with the following homily: "The words "trailer park" trash are part of our common language. In reality, it is unfair to stigmatize anyone who must or chooses to live in a trailer or trailer park. The labeling is cruel and unfair." Duh!!!
These are just a few examples.
The flow of the story is so bad that I have to wonder: Did each of the
authors write a portion of the book in the course of a day or two and then compile it all together with one another to create this mess?
My heart goes out to Sarah. I cannot imagine the ordeal she has suffered,
but I think her story could have been condensed into a feature story in a
good magazine with a decent editor instead of dragged on for over 300
pages.
Great Story, Horrible Writing...........2007-01-17
I chose this book for my reading group based on the summary. The book sounded like it would be a great read and I thought so much could be discussed about this topic.
The book was very hard to find...but once I got it I dug in right away. To my utter dismay the writing was horrid! The book reads like a multi-part newspaper story. There are a lot of typos and sometimes the chapters seem to lose their flow. It hardly seems cohesive at points and it was a real task for me to get through to the end.
It is a shame to see such a powerful story squandered by disorganized and poor writing. In purchasing this book, please know up front that the story is amazing but the writing just isn't...
Book Description
With increasing frequency, mainline Christians are challenged--by televangelists as well as by neighbors, friends, and coworkers--with the question: "Are you saved?" Not only are they stumped for an answer, but they may be unsure of exactly what salvation means.
This book examines the concept of salvation in the Hebrew Scriptures and in the New Testament, showing readers that salvation, rather than simply the attainment of a faraway heaven in the afterlife, is also accomplished in the here-and-now through the Gospel of Jesus. In everyday language and an accessible, conversational tone, Saving Salvation helps Christians reach a deeper, more nuanced understanding of salvation than that provided by the dominant religious culture of our day. More than a heavenly reward for "good behavior" or "right belief," Smith says, salvation is also the gift of God's abundant grace—through the love of family and friends, prayer, and service—in a Kingdom experienced here on earth.
With its thorough grounding in Scripture, along with reflection questions posted on the Morehouse website, Saving Salvation will serve as an excellent resource for both individual, small group, and parish study.
Customer Reviews:
Understanding God.......2006-02-01
As a cradle Epsicopalian, I had issues with the fundamentalists views, but I also had doubts about my own faith because of the fundamentalists outspoken views and judgements. This book helped me by explaining the history of the views of the church and the where the church may have strayed. Also, it helped me realize that I don't have to believe the fundamentalist's point of view so I can go to heaven (or be saved). It also helped me with my acceptance and love of the Episcopal faith because the Episcopal church allows people to come to their own conclusions and not be told what to believe.
I hope to get my non-Christian friends to read this so they can have a better understanding of Christianity and God's love. This book has renewed a fire in me to search for answers, come to my own conclusions and try not to complicate things. Because it all comes down to the fact that you are loved by God.
Readable and reasonable.......2005-12-11
An excellent book in the same vein as Marcus Borg's "Heart of Christianity." This short book explains how salvation is something we experience in this life, not just in the afterlife. It offers a readable and reasonable contrast to the oversimplified and relatively modern view of "salvation" associated with fundamentalist Christianity. This text would make an great choice for an adult Christian Education class.
Finally, intelligent discourse!.......2005-05-14
Saving Salvation gives the reader an essay on the topic of salvation in an intelligent, biblically based presentation. Far from revisionist, this treatment of the sotieriology has its foundation in scripture. Anglican spirituality includes reason/experience and tradition/history in its consideration of the God and God's relationship to creation. Because Smith is an Episcopal priest, this spirituality is evident in his presentation. Saving Salvation gets back to the fundamentals of salvation history, and lifts up the loving God who created and continues to create this universe. This book would be a great choice for adult forums or high school groups.
Realized Escatology vs. Revisionist Escatology.......2005-03-30
Corruption of Realized Eschatology into Revisionist Escatology
"Realized Escatology" is what distinguishes Christianity from Judaism, as well as from the anti-materialism of the Greeks, as well as the various Gnostic heresies (such as Manichaeism) that grew out from it. To put it simply - Jesus is in fact THE Messiah and He DID in fact bring the Messianic age into the world of time and space. Thus the Old Testament understanding of salvation through sacrifice and deed to attain righteousness was forever changed into a salvation of grace through the attoning sacrifice of Jesus for sin.
However, "Realized Eschatology" - or rather the grace brought into the world through Christ - DOES NOT allow the denial of the need for repentance and conversion. Indeed the revisionist theology of the modern Episcopal Church and "Jesus Seminar" seem bent on removing any notion of sin, repentance and conversion from the theological equation - calling such notions "exclusionary" or "fundamentalist." Smith's mischaracterization of Christ's realized escatology - summed up in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" is typical of revisionist arguement. Smith calls it "right belief," whereas its a choice on our parts to either accept our state of falleness and the redemptive power of Christ's love, or deny our sins. Unlike God's eternal truth, revsionist theology such as espoused here can be manipulated to justify sin though concepts such as "evolving truths" - a favorite pat expression of ECUSA. What they mean is changing "truth" to fit a given cultural view. Indeed the book's introduction may reveal this truth, as it is an apologetic for same-sex relationsips as "good" in the sight of God.
Average customer rating:
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Saving Grace
Celia Gittelson
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Customer Reviews:
These are writings Mrs. Wilder did for an adult audience........1997-10-31
Uplifting, challenging, charming, these original writings
of Mrs. Wilder celebrate her positive approach to life
and her faith in God. Published as advice to women,
these writings predate her famous series of children's
books. In fact, they are part of the only writing Mrs. Wilder
ever did for adults.
Readers are brought face to face with the fact that the
problems and the solution to problems haven't changed
from the early part of this century until now. The strong
balance of family love, faith in God, and common sense
principles will see the weary pilgrim through the journey
of life.
Mrs. Wilder wrote from experience, and her words ring
true. This year marks the 130th anniversary of her birth.
Books:
- Second Chance: Three Presidents and the Crisis of American Superpower
- Second Sunday: A Novel
- So, What Did You Dream Last Night?
- Stealing Time : Steve Case, Jerry Levin, and the Collapse of AOL Time Warner
- StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths
- The Condition of Postmodernity: An Enquiry into the Origins of Cultural Change
- The Dark River (Fourth Realm Trilogy, Book 2)
- The Discipline of Market Leaders: Choose Your Customers, Narrow Your Focus, Dominate Your Market
- The Fertile Female: How the Power of Longing for a Child Can Save Your Life and Change the World
- The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 8)
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