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leswag97's reviews
233 reviews
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
3.0
It is easy to see why “A Farewell To Arms” is one of Ernest Hemingway’s most well-known and beloved works of fiction. It is a real and honest story of two lovers in the midst of the torrential World War I, and it is exciting and heartbreaking.
It took me a while to get into the story, and even as I finished reading the last sentence of the book—and even while enjoying the ending of the book quite a bit, and being engrossed in the storyline—I was and still am not confident that I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole. I both love and hate Hemingway’s writing style. There are moments where he says things so poignantly and perfectly that I’m impressed, and his quick-paced prose style is entertaining, to say the least.
Yet, at many moments throughout both “A Farewell To Arms” and his first novel, “The Sun Also Rises,” I realized that I was bored, or daydreaming, or simply lost. This may simply be a critique of my understanding and reading abilities, but may also point to my preferences in writing styles, as well. I also am not the most impressed always with his characters. Throughout much of the story, I found his characters—even the main ones—quite flat and bland. Perhaps, this was intentional on Hemingway’s part, or I am simply missing something, but I would have liked to see more intriguing and entertaining characters.
Hemingway may not be my favorite author, and I probably would not read “A Farewell To Arms” again, but I would recommend it to friends, even if just for the ending. He leads his readers well, and he gives them an ending worth waiting for.
It took me a while to get into the story, and even as I finished reading the last sentence of the book—and even while enjoying the ending of the book quite a bit, and being engrossed in the storyline—I was and still am not confident that I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole. I both love and hate Hemingway’s writing style. There are moments where he says things so poignantly and perfectly that I’m impressed, and his quick-paced prose style is entertaining, to say the least.
Yet, at many moments throughout both “A Farewell To Arms” and his first novel, “The Sun Also Rises,” I realized that I was bored, or daydreaming, or simply lost. This may simply be a critique of my understanding and reading abilities, but may also point to my preferences in writing styles, as well. I also am not the most impressed always with his characters. Throughout much of the story, I found his characters—even the main ones—quite flat and bland. Perhaps, this was intentional on Hemingway’s part, or I am simply missing something, but I would have liked to see more intriguing and entertaining characters.
Hemingway may not be my favorite author, and I probably would not read “A Farewell To Arms” again, but I would recommend it to friends, even if just for the ending. He leads his readers well, and he gives them an ending worth waiting for.
Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L'Engle
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I have never read one of Madeleine L’Engle’s works of fiction, but still I felt as though as soon as I began to turn the first few pages of “Walking On Water” that I knew L’Engle, and I could see her heart.
She shares much insight into the intersection of faith and art—an intersection that most definitely exists, and sometimes in places that we may be surprised to find it. In a manner of writing akin to a “stream of consciousness,” L’Engle questions our pre-conceived notions of “Christian” art, and encourages all readers—saints and artists alike—to “feed the lake,” as she put it; a helpful metaphor pointing to the important work that each and every one of us have been called to do, and how whatever work we do helps in creating something far bigger than ourselves.
She shares much insight into the intersection of faith and art—an intersection that most definitely exists, and sometimes in places that we may be surprised to find it. In a manner of writing akin to a “stream of consciousness,” L’Engle questions our pre-conceived notions of “Christian” art, and encourages all readers—saints and artists alike—to “feed the lake,” as she put it; a helpful metaphor pointing to the important work that each and every one of us have been called to do, and how whatever work we do helps in creating something far bigger than ourselves.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
4.0
This book was far more interesting than I originally imagined it would be. I have not read much contemporary or modern fiction recently, but after “Station Eleven” was recommended and given to me by a friend, I decided to give it a shot and I was pleasantly surprised.
Naturally, this book would be interesting and captivating to anyone who is a fan of post-apocalyptic works, as it takes place years after a flu epidemic which wipes out much of the world’s population. The characters of Mandel’s post-apocalyptic world are not the characters one would expect from such a bleak future. There are still characters who love, who act, who hate to kill, who create, and who look forward to a world where perhaps life could return back to normal. The characters are deeply human.
The storyline itself is interesting, as the timeline and perspective are constantly on the move. At times, Mandel writes from the perspective of the paparazzi, years before the end of the world, and at other times, she writes from the viewpoint of a child actor grown up in the bleak world after the epidemic. This parallelism in her writing helps in creating an ironic look at current life—life that is focused far too much on tabloids, on undercutting each other, on taking far too many things for granted.
All in all, this is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone—even those that are not naturally predisposed to taking interest in a post-apocalyptic work of fiction.
Naturally, this book would be interesting and captivating to anyone who is a fan of post-apocalyptic works, as it takes place years after a flu epidemic which wipes out much of the world’s population. The characters of Mandel’s post-apocalyptic world are not the characters one would expect from such a bleak future. There are still characters who love, who act, who hate to kill, who create, and who look forward to a world where perhaps life could return back to normal. The characters are deeply human.
The storyline itself is interesting, as the timeline and perspective are constantly on the move. At times, Mandel writes from the perspective of the paparazzi, years before the end of the world, and at other times, she writes from the viewpoint of a child actor grown up in the bleak world after the epidemic. This parallelism in her writing helps in creating an ironic look at current life—life that is focused far too much on tabloids, on undercutting each other, on taking far too many things for granted.
All in all, this is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone—even those that are not naturally predisposed to taking interest in a post-apocalyptic work of fiction.
The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
4.0
“The Illustrated Man” is an exciting journey through the mind of Ray Bradbury, as best represented and told in the form of short stories. They are poignant, powerful, and thought-provoking. They ask questions about the future, while criticizing or taking inventory of the present.
These short stories, for the most part, focus on space travel and technological innovation, from which abound ethical concerns and problems. The stuff of science fiction is not an end in and of itself for Bradbury; rather, these stories of the future, of time travel, of Martians, and of alien invasions take a look at humanity and the world at the time of Bradbury’s writing. Considering the Cold War, the space race between the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R., and much more of the culture of the mid-20th century, Bradbury’s stories are meaningful, and they continue to be meaningful today as the Western world continues to progress, as well as with the growing interest in space travel.
These short stories, for the most part, focus on space travel and technological innovation, from which abound ethical concerns and problems. The stuff of science fiction is not an end in and of itself for Bradbury; rather, these stories of the future, of time travel, of Martians, and of alien invasions take a look at humanity and the world at the time of Bradbury’s writing. Considering the Cold War, the space race between the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R., and much more of the culture of the mid-20th century, Bradbury’s stories are meaningful, and they continue to be meaningful today as the Western world continues to progress, as well as with the growing interest in space travel.
People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue by Wesley Hill, Wesley Hill, Preston M. Sprinkle
4.0
In his book “People To Be Loved”, Preston Sprinkle takes his readers—whether they be affirming readers or non-affirming readers—on a journey through the discussion revolving around the LGBTQ+ community, same-sex orientation, same-sex attraction, and same-sex activity. As a biblical scholar, Sprinkle filters this conversation through the lens of Scripture, hearing arguments from both the left and the right, but ultimately seeking to find, as best any of us can through the help of the Holy Spirit, what the Bible, and more importantly what the God of the Bible, has to say about not only the topic or the “issue” of homosexuality, but the people that have been caught in the throes of this debate within Christianity.
I appreciate Sprinkle’s handling of the topic, and his transparency throughout the book. I applaud his thorough research not only of the biblical text(s), but also of the people that have been most affected by these texts—whether for good or for evil. One can tell simply by reading the first few pages that Sprinkle does not have simple or easy answers to these hard and difficult questions, because all of these answers will in one way or another impact the lives of many, many people—including individuals who he considers to be close friends and colleagues. Sprinkle succeeds in being both scholarly and pastoral as he exegete Scripture and examines his fellow brothers and sisters.
This book is meant for Christians, who are interested in such a discussion concerning homosexuality, and who hold to a high view of Scripture (i.e. in some form or fashion, the Bible is authoritative for how Christians behave and believe). It touches on a plethora of topics and discussions that were most definitely “out of my league”, and yet the way in which Sprinkle explains, dissects, and unfolds these complexities of the conversation is incredibly helpful, and allows for any sort of interested reader to glean from his writings. He does not shy away from competing arguments, but rather tackles them head on—pointing out both strong and weak aspects of any specific argument—and ultimately, Sprinkle has challenging words for both affirming and non-affirming Christians.
I would highly recommend this book to my fellow Christian brothers and sisters, who are wondering about the topic of homosexuality, but more than anything, who are willing and ready to befriend, love, defend, and care for all people, all neighbors, whether gay or straight.
I appreciate Sprinkle’s handling of the topic, and his transparency throughout the book. I applaud his thorough research not only of the biblical text(s), but also of the people that have been most affected by these texts—whether for good or for evil. One can tell simply by reading the first few pages that Sprinkle does not have simple or easy answers to these hard and difficult questions, because all of these answers will in one way or another impact the lives of many, many people—including individuals who he considers to be close friends and colleagues. Sprinkle succeeds in being both scholarly and pastoral as he exegete Scripture and examines his fellow brothers and sisters.
This book is meant for Christians, who are interested in such a discussion concerning homosexuality, and who hold to a high view of Scripture (i.e. in some form or fashion, the Bible is authoritative for how Christians behave and believe). It touches on a plethora of topics and discussions that were most definitely “out of my league”, and yet the way in which Sprinkle explains, dissects, and unfolds these complexities of the conversation is incredibly helpful, and allows for any sort of interested reader to glean from his writings. He does not shy away from competing arguments, but rather tackles them head on—pointing out both strong and weak aspects of any specific argument—and ultimately, Sprinkle has challenging words for both affirming and non-affirming Christians.
I would highly recommend this book to my fellow Christian brothers and sisters, who are wondering about the topic of homosexuality, but more than anything, who are willing and ready to befriend, love, defend, and care for all people, all neighbors, whether gay or straight.
Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just by Timothy Keller
4.0
Dr. Tim Keller is both a pastor and a committed student of the Scriptures, which allows for him to promote true biblical literacy, while at the same time explains and unpacking the biblical text well, thoughtfully, and thoroughly. In “Generous Justice”, Keller does exactly that, and more, for he also studies, explains, and critiques culture and the way in which the world would view justice, as well as the world’s many forms of injustice.
This short book is a phenomenal beginner’s guide to the topic of biblical justice, and how it plays out in the practical lives of Christ’s followers. By approaching the topic in a bipartisan fashion, Keller is able to critique both the “left” and the “right”, as well as agree with both sides where they reflect the heart of God as revealed through Scripture. While I would most likely disagree with some of the conclusion Keller draws from his studies, for the most part, he has done a great job of showing God’s care for the poor and the powerless.
He emphasizes what it means to “do justice” in the biblical sense—which inherently calls the powerful and privileged to disadvantage themselves and to sacrifice for the sake of those in need. He promotes hand-in-hand work with secular society in the fight for justice and against wrongdoing, while at the same time, acknowledging that the world’s views on justice may and will differ at points with God’s views and in these situations, we must be both humble and provocative in our dealings with the world!
I would have appreciated if Keller pointed out the importance and relevance of the atonement theory known as “Christus Victor” and its implications for Christians when it comes to the world, its broken systems, and our relationship to the world and power structures in general. If Christ’s death not only freed us from sin and death, but also proclaimed Christ as King, rather than the “ruler of this world” as king, then that dramatically changes the ways in which we relate to this world that is under the power of the evil one. Christ’s Kingdom, although not of this world, has important implications for this world, and it does not operate neatly within the borders and lines of parties, democracies, authoritarian and totalitarian dictatorships, monarchies, etc. When Christ ushered in his Kingdom via his death on the cross, he was showing his followers a new way of relating to the world, and a new way of living in the world—not as power-hungry monarchs lording authority over their subjects, but as self-sacrificial servants, who are slowly and subversively bringing the justice of Christ into the world.
Ultimately, even though the focus is not on “Christus Victor” per se, Keller draws his readers back to the cross, to the grace of God poured out to us through His own sacrifice, and Keller makes it quite clear that any attempts of justice on our part must not be out of a desire for acceptance, pride, a pat on the back, or anything of the sort, but must be the result of recognizing God’s grace to each of us.
This short book is a phenomenal beginner’s guide to the topic of biblical justice, and how it plays out in the practical lives of Christ’s followers. By approaching the topic in a bipartisan fashion, Keller is able to critique both the “left” and the “right”, as well as agree with both sides where they reflect the heart of God as revealed through Scripture. While I would most likely disagree with some of the conclusion Keller draws from his studies, for the most part, he has done a great job of showing God’s care for the poor and the powerless.
He emphasizes what it means to “do justice” in the biblical sense—which inherently calls the powerful and privileged to disadvantage themselves and to sacrifice for the sake of those in need. He promotes hand-in-hand work with secular society in the fight for justice and against wrongdoing, while at the same time, acknowledging that the world’s views on justice may and will differ at points with God’s views and in these situations, we must be both humble and provocative in our dealings with the world!
I would have appreciated if Keller pointed out the importance and relevance of the atonement theory known as “Christus Victor” and its implications for Christians when it comes to the world, its broken systems, and our relationship to the world and power structures in general. If Christ’s death not only freed us from sin and death, but also proclaimed Christ as King, rather than the “ruler of this world” as king, then that dramatically changes the ways in which we relate to this world that is under the power of the evil one. Christ’s Kingdom, although not of this world, has important implications for this world, and it does not operate neatly within the borders and lines of parties, democracies, authoritarian and totalitarian dictatorships, monarchies, etc. When Christ ushered in his Kingdom via his death on the cross, he was showing his followers a new way of relating to the world, and a new way of living in the world—not as power-hungry monarchs lording authority over their subjects, but as self-sacrificial servants, who are slowly and subversively bringing the justice of Christ into the world.
Ultimately, even though the focus is not on “Christus Victor” per se, Keller draws his readers back to the cross, to the grace of God poured out to us through His own sacrifice, and Keller makes it quite clear that any attempts of justice on our part must not be out of a desire for acceptance, pride, a pat on the back, or anything of the sort, but must be the result of recognizing God’s grace to each of us.
Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-Chan Rah
4.0
Soong-Chan Rah’s work “Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times” is a work that is steeped in biblical insight and depth, as well as cultural and societal understanding. In the midst of a harsh reality, Rah points to the oft-forgotten or overlooked book of Lamentations. In its 5 chapters, the ancient book of Lamentations offers a lament in the midst of great suffering. Rah views the theology of suffering and lament in Lamentations as being relevant and needed today, as America grapples with many injustices and sufferings of its own.
To put it simply, Rah seeks to correct the American triumphalism that he sees in many evangelical churches around the country, by offering in tandem with a theology of celebration, one of suffering and lament. As he writes in his Conclusion, “To counter these trends [of triumphalism and exceptionalism], the practice of lament must be purposely reintroduced to the church” (p. 198). It is because of an overemphasis on celebration and triumphant narratives—predominantly espoused by those in power in America—that many problems of injustice still remain, some which as strong as ever before.
Rah views lament as a way of adequately responding to suffering; rather than viewing it simply as a speed bump on the way to victory, he offers that lament be allowed to run its due course, and that it would actually allow us to view injustice and the “other” differently. As someone who has firsthand experience in urban ministry and urban church planting, Rah has seen many good efforts fail, and even end in more harm than good, because of a mindset of triumphalism in those planting churches in urban centers. Rather than seeing individuals in urban areas as a co-laborers for the kingdom of God or as brothers and sisters in Christ, it is very easy for us to slip into a mindset of coming in as the heroes and saviors of these people. Rah even speaks bluntly as a man of color himself when he says, “Just reach a hand across. Let’s be equals and partners. I don’t need you to rescue me.... My rescuer is a Jewish carpenter. I want to be a colaborer in Christ with you, not your reclamation project” (p. 196).
Amid many other helpful and impactful points that Rah makes, he adequately shows the importance of lament in our worship, our ecclesiology, and in our incarnational living with others. At this stage in history, the church in America has done a poor job at lamenting, primarily because suffering for many of us has been pushed to the margins; let us actively bring lament back into our churches, in an attempt to join with those who are suffering, and to help us out of our sin and and our shortcomings.
To put it simply, Rah seeks to correct the American triumphalism that he sees in many evangelical churches around the country, by offering in tandem with a theology of celebration, one of suffering and lament. As he writes in his Conclusion, “To counter these trends [of triumphalism and exceptionalism], the practice of lament must be purposely reintroduced to the church” (p. 198). It is because of an overemphasis on celebration and triumphant narratives—predominantly espoused by those in power in America—that many problems of injustice still remain, some which as strong as ever before.
Rah views lament as a way of adequately responding to suffering; rather than viewing it simply as a speed bump on the way to victory, he offers that lament be allowed to run its due course, and that it would actually allow us to view injustice and the “other” differently. As someone who has firsthand experience in urban ministry and urban church planting, Rah has seen many good efforts fail, and even end in more harm than good, because of a mindset of triumphalism in those planting churches in urban centers. Rather than seeing individuals in urban areas as a co-laborers for the kingdom of God or as brothers and sisters in Christ, it is very easy for us to slip into a mindset of coming in as the heroes and saviors of these people. Rah even speaks bluntly as a man of color himself when he says, “Just reach a hand across. Let’s be equals and partners. I don’t need you to rescue me.... My rescuer is a Jewish carpenter. I want to be a colaborer in Christ with you, not your reclamation project” (p. 196).
Amid many other helpful and impactful points that Rah makes, he adequately shows the importance of lament in our worship, our ecclesiology, and in our incarnational living with others. At this stage in history, the church in America has done a poor job at lamenting, primarily because suffering for many of us has been pushed to the margins; let us actively bring lament back into our churches, in an attempt to join with those who are suffering, and to help us out of our sin and and our shortcomings.
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
4.0
“The Magician’s Nephew” is a classic tale, and one of my favorite books in “The Chronicles of Narnia” saga! Although not written first, it is the first of the seven books in chronological order, and details the beginnings of the Land of Narnia, serving as a prequel to the beloved “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.
Essentially, “The Magician’s Nephew” is a creation narrative that parallels the creation narrative of the Christian Bible. Some might call it an allegory, of sorts, and yet, the world that C.S. Lewis fashioned is in and of itself self-contained, and although parallel or similar to Christian narratives, and definitely inspired by them, as well, it also has its own histories, its own mythology, and its own past, present, and future. As far as “The Magician’s Nephew” is concerned, Narnia is not imaginary, but truly a different reality or dimension; it is not a planet we can travel to by means of science, but a world reachable only by the use of magic. Humans are referred to as sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, respectively, pointing to a recognition of Earth’s history, and of Christian tradition, but also making a distinction between Narnia and London.
In amazing fashion, Lewis creates a children’s book that is not superficial or shallow, but both to the point and deep. And as his story comes to a close, the stage is set perfectly for many more adventures to come in the Land of Narnia!
Essentially, “The Magician’s Nephew” is a creation narrative that parallels the creation narrative of the Christian Bible. Some might call it an allegory, of sorts, and yet, the world that C.S. Lewis fashioned is in and of itself self-contained, and although parallel or similar to Christian narratives, and definitely inspired by them, as well, it also has its own histories, its own mythology, and its own past, present, and future. As far as “The Magician’s Nephew” is concerned, Narnia is not imaginary, but truly a different reality or dimension; it is not a planet we can travel to by means of science, but a world reachable only by the use of magic. Humans are referred to as sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, respectively, pointing to a recognition of Earth’s history, and of Christian tradition, but also making a distinction between Narnia and London.
In amazing fashion, Lewis creates a children’s book that is not superficial or shallow, but both to the point and deep. And as his story comes to a close, the stage is set perfectly for many more adventures to come in the Land of Narnia!