My reviews

What I Am Reading Now

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Herbert presents The Complete Apocrypha by Christopher David Richardson

There are some books you cannot pass by. Instead of reading what is already waiting in my library, I am reading this new finding. I have been in the lookout for a collection or compilation of the apocrypha in one volume. There are many to be found, however, this one seems to have a larger number of books or fragments included. Some I have read already from other sources, but the majority I have yet to read. The book presents the Ethiopian bible, one of the oldest sources for these books or manuscripts, many which did not make it into the other more modern renderings of the bible as we know today.

I started with The Book of Enoch, and it is one of the longest included here; fantastic so far. I am enjoying this book immensely and cannot wait to read more of the other apocrypha books included here. If you are looking for a source that includes many, as well as background/history on each text, this seems to be a good source. A great addition to my library for sure.

Apocryphal Gospels

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Herbert presents The Gospel of Mary and Other Apocryphal Gospels.

I have read some of the apocryphal books, but not the ones in this particular book, that is, until now. I intend to read as many as possible because I want to have a better understanding of why these books were not included in the bible as we know it today. Many of these books are considered to be of historical value, however they are deemed to not be divinely inspired, or may have questionable origins. I have read the ones which are included in the Catholic bible (but are not part of the King James and other versions) because of the historical/poetic significance and contribution to understanding the times in which these were written. I find these very interesting and full of important detail that helps me understand better other non-apocryphal books. A good example is the books of Maccabees.

I am enjoying reading this book so far and can really see why these particular gospels have not been included; however, I find these are rich in historical details and have filled some gaps in my understanding of some biblical events. I find the Gospel of Mary Magdalene questionable for sure. I enjoyed the Gospel of Peter, very rich in detail. The writing style seems simple compared to the books of Peter included in the bible. The Birth of Mary was very interesting as well, and mostly refers to her background, her parents, and her life before her marriage to Joseph. The Acts of Pontious Pilate, also known as the Gospel of Nicodemus, is also very rich in details concerning the time when Jesus was arrested and brought to him. The Gospel of Thomas is presented as a list of things that Jesus said. I found some parts a bit questionable or not clear enough; however, these are translations of old manuscripts that were unearthed much later, and in modern times. Many of these have pages/fragments missing, so these are not a complete account. Overall, these books have enriched my knowledge by offering historical perspective.

Mind and Fun

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Herbert presents The Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Collection – The Lost Cases

I was looking for some winter entertainment, specifically mind puzzles that where not the usual word games, numbers … and came across The Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Collection. This volume picked my interest, and I decided to try it. There are other books in the collection, but The Lost Cases seemed to be interesting enough for me to check it out. I have to say that I am not disappointed. This hardcover is just art in itself, with beautiful illustrations, typography, and section presentation. The overall presentation is gorgeous. The book is divided into cases (140 puzzles) that go from relatively easy to more difficult. However, the easy ones can be tricky. It is written in the voice of John Watson, Holmes’ assistant. I am enjoying this book so far and might try others in the collection. If you are looking for something a bit different to exercise your brain, this one is a good choice.

Sandstorm

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I have never been in a sandstorm, and I would never want to be caught on one; except in this one. From time to time, I write a review on a book that I enjoyed in a special way or that I find mesmerizing, unique, or out of the ordinary. I don’t write many reviews, although I enjoy many books. I compare the reading of The Star of Bethlehem by Patrick Moore to a sandstorm.

A sandstorm is made of many grains of sand and travels fast, windsweeping everything on its path. On its own, a grain of sand is not much (although I find it fascinating) but many particles of sand together at once, being carried by a wind force is significant. Well, this book is like that. It is written by an astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore. The topic is the phenomenon of the star of Bethlehem viewed and presented from the point of view of the author, a well experienced astronomer. When I got this book the topic fascinated me but because it was immersed in theories and scientific information/data I assumed I would become restless at one point while reading it, not bored just restless. I could not have been more wrong. I do not know how he manages to do this (as a writer) but he took so many grains of information related to the possible astronomical phenomena that would explain the star of Bethlehem and weaved it into an interesting, well-written, reader friendly, comfortably paced book that swept me like a sandstorm. It kept me reading. At the end, he presents his theory/opinion. The information presented dates back to records/accounts from around 7 BC-1 BC mostly, or around the possible date/period of Christ’s birth. I was pleasantly surprised that I could not put this book down. This because although I love these topics, numbers and scientific data presented hardcore might not capture my interest sometimes. I think that I was delighted by this book and very impressed by how it was written. What a great read. In it, Sir Patrick Moore presents possible candidates for the phenomenon of the star of Bethlehem – a star, planet, comet, nova, supernova … and goes back to the “records” of the time.

Although I have always viewed the topic of the star of Bethlehem from a faith point of view, and still do, I found this book very informative, interesting, and fun to read. It kept me reading, and I was pleased. A sandstorm of a book.

The Simple Life

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Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Although this book has been around for a while now (1995) it wasn’t until recently that I got to read it.  Immediately I loved it.  I have to admit that it has sat in my library for a year, maybe two; I just did not have enough time to get to it – but it kept calling me.  Finally, I listened and read it.  I did not read it as intended, one chapter a day, instead I read it until my eyes became blurry, and then came back for more day after day. 

I recommend this book to anyone that is in the path of a simple life and needs inspiration.  Its principles are even more true more than a decade later.  If you are in search of simplicity and abundance, you will enjoy this jewel.

My review of Grit for the Oyster

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Grit for the Oyster by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Debora M. Coty, Faith Tibbetts McDonald, and Joanna Bloss.

This is a must read for any aspiring author/writer.  The book is a perfect blend of inspiration, advice, pick me up, and knowledge.   Loved it.  Also a fast read.  The way it was written – in four sections divided in small themes -is perfect for picking it up at any time, to continue reading it, or for inspiration.  

Although it has a christian base, the lessons here apply to any writer pursuing the craft.  If you happen to be christian, it is a double blessing because you get a second knowledge from it.  I recommend this book to every aspiring writer.  Leave it at your work desk (for reference) after you read it one time.  Keep it next to you, I assure you that you will go back for more.

Review of RICH & HAPPY by Robert Kiyosaki

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The complete title is:  If you want to be RICH & HAPPY don’t go to school.  A work of love, this book presents Robert Kiyosaki’s view of the education system in which we grow up and get educated by.  An eye opener for most, and a sad truth, the book explains how the system prepares you for failure in the future.  It shows you how the harmful programming you received during your school years prevents and sabotages your success.  Robert says it like it is, and doesn’t sugar coat it.  He is also deeply concerned about the wrong programming that has been going on for many generations, and still continues.  While reading these truths, I got chills, and couldn’t help but feel sad for our children; tears streamed down while recognizing some of the patterns, in myself.  A must read for every parent, and teacher, but mostly, for every one of us, who has been educated in the system.

Review of RICH DAD’S SUCCESS STORIES by Robert Kiyosaki

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I loved this one. A fast read. For those who question Robert Kiyosaki’s system, this one is full of stories from people who utilized the teachings of Rich Dad to create a life of meaningful existence and the beginning of wealth. Each individual relates their story, and how they applied what they learned through Kiyosaki’s books in their lives. The story of a 13 year old, already on the road to financial success, was one of my favorites.  Another page turner.

 

My review of THE BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE HELPING PEOPLE by Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Although written for the network marketing readers, this book presents many useful tips and values that are important for any entrepreneur. Written in a clear and candid way, it presents a personal view on network marketing by the author, as well as the benefits to start a network marketing type of business. The points discussed here are valuable for any business. I personally got a lot from this book.

My review of INCREASE YOUR FINANCIAL IQ by Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Another masterpiece by Robert Kiyosaki. In this book, Mr. Kiyosaki says it like it is, in a more blunt and direct style, maybe, as a result of rubbing elbows with The Donald. By briefly tapping into this country‘s financial history (and not being boring) he takes us into the past and back to the future, while explaining how important increasing your financial IQ is to your financial success and survival in the information age. A must read for anyone who does not want to get behind or being crush by the fast-changing times.