Book Review: “December 1941″ By Craig Shirley
March 10, 2012 at 6:28 pm | Posted in Books | Leave a commentTags: Book Review, Non-Fiction
Craig Shirley in his new book, “
December 1941″ published by Thomas Nelson gives us insight into the 31 Days that Changed America and Saved the World.
From the inside jacket sleeve: The month that changed America and the world.
In the days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, eyes in America were focused on the war in Europe or distracted by the elevated mood sweeping the country in the final days of the Great Depression. But when planes dropped out of a clear blue sky and bombed the American naval base and aerial targets in Hawaii, all of that changed. December 1941 takes readers into the moment-by-moment ordeal of a nation waking to war.
Best-selling author Craig Shirley celebrates the American spirit while reconstructing the events that called it to shine with rare and piercing light. By turns nostalgic and critical, he puts readers on the ground in the stir and the thick of the action. Relying on daily news reports from around the country and recently declassified government papers, Shirley sheds light on the crucial diplomatic exchanges leading up to the attack, the policies on internment of Japanese living in the U.S. after the assault, and the near-total overhaul of the U.S. economy for war.
Shirley paints a compelling portrait of pre-war American culture: the fashion, the celebrities, the pastimes. And his portrait of America at war is just as vivid: heroism, self-sacrifice, mass military enlistments, national unity and resolve, and the prodigious talents of Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley aimed at the Axis Powers, as well as the more troubling price-controls and rationing, federal economic takeover, and censorship.
Featuring colorful personalities such as Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull, and General Douglas MacArthur, December 1941 highlights a period of profound change in American government, foreign and domestic policy, law, economics, and business, chronicling the developments day by day through that singular and momentous month.
December 1941 features surprising revelations, amusing anecdotes, and heart-wrenching stories, and also explores the unique religious and spiritual dimension of a culture under assault on the eve of Christmas. Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the closest thing to war for the Americans was uncoordinated, mediocre war games in South Carolina. Less than thirty days later, by the end of December 1941, the nation was involved in a pitched battle for the preservation of its very way of life, a battle that would forever change the nation and the world.
31 days out of 365. One month out of twelve. Considering how minute it is in comparison with the rest of the year you would not think it possible that such a minority could have such an effect yet that is exactly the case here. I like history which is why I got this book and, actually, this book delivers in presenting what was going on in America and the world. Now, are there mistakes? Yes, I am sorry to say and they do detract from the presentation. I, personally, do not think they are a showstopper I am just pointing out that they are there. Reading the newspaper accounts and finding out what the political, national and economic climate was at that time was incredible. I recommend this book highly for everyone who enjoys a slice of history.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Book Review: “Sarai” By Jill Eileen Smith
March 10, 2012 at 6:36 am | Posted in Books | Leave a commentTags: Book Review, Christian Fiction, Jill Eileen Smith, Romance Fiction
Jill Eileen Smith in her new book, “
Sarai” Book One in her Wives of the Patriarchs series published by Revell gives us a fictional account of what might have happened with her life and that of Abraham.
From the Back Cover: He promised her his heart. She promised him a son. But how long must they wait?
When Abram finally requests the hand of his beautiful half sister Sarai, she asks one thing–that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even Sarai’s father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if she makes a promise in return–to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees.
But as the years stretch on and Sarai’s womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain, lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram’s patience last?
Combining in-depth research and vivid storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the beautiful and inscrutable Sarai in this remarkable story of love, jealousy, and undaunted faith.
I like “Sarai” by Jill Eileen Smith because of the depth of research that was put into the writing and the fact that everything that is in The Bible is in Ms. Smith’s story but with much more detail, emotion and back story that The Bible leaves out. The Bible tells us the story from Abraham’s viewpoint. Ms. Smith tells us the exact same story from Sarai’s viewpoint and it lends a new flavor to the telling. Now we see her faith in action and the reasons behind her lack of faith and the terrible consequences that still plague the Middle East today. Ms. Smith makes Sarai and Abraham come alive and we get a chance to walk with them and share their adventures intimately. We see what they see, we feel what they feel simply because Ms. Smith is such a great storyteller.
If you missed the interview for “Abigail” book two in the Wives of King David series a different series from Jill Eileen Smith, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Book Review: “More Beauty, Less Beast” By Debora M. Coty
March 10, 2012 at 12:07 am | Posted in Books | Leave a commentTags: Book Review, Non-Fiction
Debora M. Coty in her new book, “
More Beauty, Less Beast” published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. gives advice to women on Transforming Your Inner Ogre.
From the back cover: Is your self-esteem “soul”ed out? Are you tempted by the Dark Side? (Talkin’ chocolate here, girlfriend!) Maybe it’s time for a healthy dose of truth gift-wrapped in humor.
With her own brand of offbeat wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner ogre that threatens to destroy the beautiful princess hidden within. Whether jaded by emotional wounds, unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, these laugh-out-loud, girlfriend-to-girlfriend tips will help women transform their destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant to be.
In four sections, “Outer Beauty”, “Inner Beauty”, “Undergarments by Fruit Of The Spirit (Not the Loom!)”and “Beautifying My World” Ms. Coty provides a reminder on how beautiful women all are and how they can sometimes look in the mirror and forget to be merciful to themselves. In insightful wisdom within each short chapter Ms. Coty explores how to look at yourself. Each chapter ends with a “Taming the Beast” set of questions that let the reader ponder the answers and apply them to themselves.
Transform Your Inner Ogre with a $150 Visa Cash Card from @DeboraCoty!
Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor, Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in More Beauty, Less Beast. Celebrate with Debora by entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!
One “beautiful” winner will receive:
- A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
- A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
- Chocolate (Every good things begins with chocolate!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be announced at Debora’s “Divine Beauty” Facebook Party on 3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement – bring your friends! She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)
So grab your copy of More Beauty, Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.
 |
 |
 |
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
