Heaven Revealed by Paul Enns

The title of Paul Enns book,  Heaven Revealed makes a pretty bold claim.  Especially bold are the promises to inform the reader about specific aspects of Heaven such as "What it is Like?" and "What Will We Do?" as well as "11 other things you've wondered about" according to the subheading.  As far as marketing, this book will draw in many curious reader- religious and secular, alike.  Perhaps many people may feel it is best not to speculate or speak with authority with such specific details when talking about Heaven. Nevertheless, many readers, filled with curiosity- most of which probably have only  limited experience or a superficial grasp of the actual text of the bible, will find it hard to resist a book with such claims. 

The author, Paul Enns was motivated to write this book after the death of his wife of 45 years.  On page 10 he recounts some details of the last time he saw his wife, and his premonition of knowing the moment she died.  This anecdote, as well as the other anecdotes about near death experiences or supernaturally derived information where the dying individual gets a glimpse of heaven on his/ her deathbed seem to reduce the credibility of this book. It is as if private visions and sixth senses are equated with the divine revelations of the biblical prophets.   Page 44 tells an account of a death bed experience of the well known Christian speaker and author, Dwight Moody. While it is inspirational, its authenticity as being divine and biblical is questionable, nonetheless.  As Paul himself suggested in his letters, it is wise to be skeptical of private visions, and he himself never endorsed or encouraged any believer to believe any private vision or revelation.  They are of minimal value.  In a book about heaven, for the purpose of credibility and fidelity to bible, I believe any extraneous visions, dreams, experiences etc that are not divinely inspired/ biblical should have been left out of this book.

Page 13 starts out by offering false comfort to the bereaved by stating that everyone has someone in heaven.  Such as statement is misleading.   Biblically, this assertion can not be true and if one is using the authority of the bible to describe heaven that private revelations, anecdotes and other non biblical statements must be left out! In fact, the author does acknowledge later on in the book on several occasions, that Heaven is reserved for the believer.  Understandably, given the circumstances which promted him to write this book, the author focuses on human relationships and reuniting with spouses, family and loved ones in heaven.  Nevertheless, Jesus taught in heaven there are no marriages, and that we will be like the angels in this respect. Another issue is that not everyone has family or spouses with whom they will be reunited with.  The unsaved do not go to heaven, and regrettably, not all believers have a Christian net-work of friends, much less a Christian spouse.  Nevertheless, we will no longer require relationships in any form to be happy since God is really all we need.  On the other hand, the author did do his biblical research, correctly dispelling false claims of other false religions such as the ideas of purgatory and soul sleep. 

There is no mention of hell, and no sense of urgency in encouraging the believer to share the gospel message to those who are still unsaved.  This book is encouraging, yet I feel it would be  even more complete if it conveyed the sense of urgency of the need to spread the good news of the gospel.  As a blogger for Moody publishers I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review.  The views expressed are my own.

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1833188

Death is a reality that each and everyone of us must face- there are no exceptions! Everyone will die one day- and that includes me .  I don't know when it will be, but as the bible says, now is the time to believe, and today is the day of salvation- because no one is guarenteed to have even one more day- me included.  Many people fear death.  More specifically, many fear dying- leaving this temporary earthly world- and therefore will stop at nothing to prolong life through preventative healthcare, and excercise to the point where avoiding death  becomes an obsession.  The real fear should not be in dying itself. And especially so for me, because I am a sinner no better than any other.   "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both sould and body in hell." Matthew 10:28 in other words, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul." Matthew 16:26 Ironically, this has always been my favorite bible verse.  I should have taken this to heart, but I didn't.

So, just in the event of an untimely and unexpected death- and no, I am not morbid, nor am I depressed-   I am simply a realist- and I recognise that I have a moral responsability-  certain things need to be out in the open before its too late.  I have something that weighs heavily on my mind, and though I have faith that Jesus died for my sins, the pain I have caused for others weighs heavily on my mind to the point that I fear that I will be counted among those hypocrites that Jesus admonishes, when he said as a warning to the hypocrites "depart from me for I never knew you... and I desire mercy and not sacrifice so go and figure out what that means".  I find that I do not wish to die without the opportunity to confess the burden that I carry. (I wish I could do this more publically- i deserve a public humiliation- but this is the best way I could think of right now) "Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done" Proverbs 24:12  "For my inequities have gone over my head, like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.  My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness.  I am troubled and bowed down greatly.  I go mourning all the day long.  I am feeble and severly broken.  I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.  For I am ready to fall and my sorrow is continually before me". Psalm 38 

My separation and divorce that I am going through right now weighs heavily on me and its because it is my fault.  I know I bear the responsability for it and for the pain and hardship it has caused.  I can't undo anything I have done, nor the pain I knowingly have caused.  What God has created- I have torn apart. Ive been married 10 years. Because I have often claimed the moral high ground, my burden of responsability is even more greater  than my ex! I am responsible for breaking all the commandments of God, that even the non believers and non religious people dare not break. I have been no different than a pharisee or a hypocrite, caring more about external appearances.  I have presumed to be a teacher and now I will be judged more strictly. James 3:1.   I would have been better to literally take Matthew 18:6, Luke 17:2, Mark 9:42 or  Matthew 5:29-30 to heart. I accept whatever I have to go through as a well deserved punishment (even if I compain about it- which I do- when in actuality the worse it is, the better for me- I must accept)

But I believe this to be true- "Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7  For those believers or anyone else that read this and feel so inclined- do not pray for me, but rather for those who have been hurt by my actions- my (ex) husband and Rose and Samuel. 

An Anchor for the Soul by Ray Pritchard

An Anchor for the Soul: HELP for the Present HOPE for the Future- by Ray Pritchard is a pocket sized book introducing the reader to the gospel's basic message of salvation.  This book is analagous to the mini  booklets, tracts and pamphlets that are commonly distributed as an outreach program to reach non-believers and new believers. Yet, unlike booklets and tracts which commicate their message quickly and efficiently in a few simple pages, this book is too lengthy at 179 pages to be read in a single sitting.  This book is is best targeted for those who are not pressed for time- perhaps those who are shut-ins, confined to bed, or imprisoned.  Nevertheless, this book is simple to read, and Pritchard brings the gospel message to life through the use of short anecdotes and simple to understand analogies.  Interactive questions at the end of each chapter encourage deper thought.

At the end of the second chapter, on page 55, the following quote, "If you are still reading this, take heart! The worst is over.  Good news is just around the corner", seems to imply that there are at least some readers who will simply give up reading this book at or even before page 55 before the actual gospel message is communicated.  The implication that the author apparently admits is that maybe for some readers this book is a bit too wordy, and for those pressed for time, they may not even get to the point of the book to even hear the message of salvation.  This seems to point to the fact that in some circumstances, a short tract me be more effective at winning souls. The message of the gospel is too important to risk losing the reader because the book delivering the message is just simply too long.

On page 61, a subsection of Chapter 3 "Amazing Grace" has a heading with the title, Jeffery Dahmer and Mother Theresa.  At first glance, popular opinion would recognise these two individuals as polar opposites- one evil and one good! Unless you were raised by wolves, it does not even need to be stated who would be regarded as evil by popular opinion.  Even atheists (as well as Catholics and protestants) often refer to Mother Theresa as a saint.  In contrast, Jeffery Dahmer is known as among the most horrific and distasteful of all murderes among secular and religious people alike.  Yet, the author uses the analogy with the parable about the hypocritical pharisee and the "sinful" corrupt tax collector in the context of these two well known individuals.  In contrast to popular opinion- and falliable human logic, in the bible parable, the tax collector is justfied before God because of his humility to accept he is a sinner.  In contrast the self righteous tax collector is not justified and does not receieve justification because he feels he merits salvation and is better than other sinners.  In the same way, Jeffery Dahmer is mentioned in this chapter, by the author, in the context that he is a sinner, (just as we all are), and the Dahmer allegedly "professed Christ" before his death.  Why is Mother Theresa mentioned  by Pritchard in this passage? I hate to think the author asserts a similarity with the pharasee and that she is being compared to the self righteous pharisee in the bible parable while Dahmer is being compared to the sinner that repents.  Considering the fact that Pritchard is a born again believer who acknowledges that salvation is based on grace, not merit, I can only come to the conclusion that this is his intent.  In the strict biblical sense, one can not merit salvation based on good works- no matter how great and how frequent. Nevertheless, I question as to whether Dahmer's alleged confession of Christ is innocent.  Not to be pessemist, I think that the possibility must be raised that Dahmer's conversion may not have been genuine.  Did he bear fruits of the spirit after his confession? I believe one must consider that given the gravity of his crime, to claim conversion would be the politically correct thing to do even if he wasn't genuine.  After all, weren't there many infamous historical figures who claimed to be Christian- yet there actions, or lack of spiritual fruit proved otherwise.  Therefore, even though I acknowledge the point Pritchard attempted to communicate, I really wish he chose another example of conversion. 

In sum, this is a good book for any reader willing to take the time to read the gospel message.  Certainly, a more efficient and more effective way to share the gospel would be by word of mouth, or if that isn't possible, a shorter tract or booklet. As I mentioned earlier this book is is best targeted for those who have plenty of time, people confined to bed, the elderly, the institutionalized or the incarcerated.   In the end, for anyone who reads this book- the message of salvation is clear, if not a bit too wordy.  As a blogger for Moody publishers I received this book for the purpose of writing this review.  

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1833392

How Do We Know the Bible is True by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge

How Do We Know the Bible is True by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge is an easy to read, book on apologetics that addresses timely issues and controversies raised by various secular skeptics, critics and athiests.  This book is volume one, of an undisclosed number of volumes in the series, yet on its own it can be read as an independant resource.  Each chapter is an independant study or essay by various writers and authors. The issues addressed begin as the standard, general basic theological issues: Chapter 1, How Do We know the Bible is True, Chapter 2, Is the Old Testament Reliable?, Chapter 3, Is the New Testament Reliable?.  The subsequent chapters are more indepth addressing very interesting and important  theological issues such as Jesus' physical resurrection, the concept of the Trinity, if people were saved before the death of Jesus on the cross.  Issues such as miracles and the author of Genesis are discussed.  Morals and evolution are covered as well.  The Catholic Church's perception of Mary is also challanged as well as the popular secular fiction novel by Dan Brown, The Davinci Code.  This book covers a number of long standing, ancient theological issues as well as modern social and theological issues too!  The issues raised by Dan Bown's fictional work- which was turned into a movie- undermined many biblical truths and archeological evidenceses in the mind of many gulliable readers and conspiracy theorists, and this book systematically addresses those issues raised by the book.   Fact is sorted from fiction- in which Brown weaves in his own fiction and conspiracy theories with some historical facts so as to create a plausible yet flawed version of ancient "history".  This ambitious book of apolegetics and theology is broad and covers a lot of ground in one volume.  i am curious as to what the other volumes will contain.  As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I recieved a copy of this book from Masterbooks publishers for the purpose of writing this review.

Begin: A Journey Through Scriptures for Seekers and New Believers

Begin: A Journey Through Scriptures for Seekers and New Believers, published by Masterbooks is an original alternative to the concept of the mass produced outreach version of the New Testament bible.  Almost every publisher offers inespensive outreach New Testament and even complete bibles for the purpose of mass distribution.  Basically the purpose of the concept of the "outreach" bible, is to make an inexpensive bible, often with a special introduction for the reader about the basics of the bible and how to be saved.  The premise of this particular book, with its simple title, Begin, is that providing a believer with an entire Bible, or New Testament, for that matter, is too overwhelming or even complicated for someone who has never read the bible. And yes it is true that many out reach bibles are printed in such tiny font, with no sub- heading to break up the chapters, making the text difficult to read and even unappealing.  In contrast, this book sticks to what it feels are the bare bones minimum books to get someone saved: Genesis, John and Revelation. The font size is easy to read, and chapter titles make it inviting as well.  In otherwords, this version of the New Testament- specifically the ESV- a new, yet literal translation (not neccessarily the easiest version for a new bible reader to understand- the New Living version or CEV would be better), contains only three books of the 66 books of the bible.  Nevertheless, the selection is a good representative of the bible, and the commentary is helpful to the new bible reader as well.  Also included is plenty of space for personal notetaking.  The idea of this book is great- but only if it is a prelude to giving the particular recipient an entire bible!  You can't just give someone three books of the bible and leave it at that!  So hopefully, this outreach book will be used with caution- and a disclaimer to all who distribute this book.  If you do give this book away or distribute it in the hopes of saving souls, and fishing for men- in the true fashion of the early evangelists, then hopfully you will follow up by eventually giving that same individual an entire bible!!!!  But regrettably, I feel that those who decide to give this book as an outreach method to reach the masses of unsaved, will probably neglect to follow up with the distribution of  a complete bible.  As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review.  I believe this concept for a book is great, but it must be used with caution- as I believe that following up with an entire bible is essential!

Upside by Bradley R.E. Wright, PhD

Upside, by Bradley R.E. Wright, PhD is an optimistic book, that attempts to dispell the pessimism that many sketptics and doomsday predictions warn concerning timely issues conccerning the economy, morals, environment, health and politics.  Nevertheless I found this book not to be representative of the true state of many struggling Americans.  Basically, wright's pointsof view seemed to be somewhat biased in representing the upper middle class socio- economic American sector, to the exclusion of the struggling, ever growing  middle and lower socio- economic american classes.  For example, with unemployment- the statistic of 9.9 - 10% unemployment rate is totally innaccurate!  It does not reflect those individuals, who in despair, have completely given up the job search and dropped out of the job force.  A better indicator would be to use the employed to unemployed job ratio which indicates that about 40% and even more Americans aged 16 and over currently have no job!!!! Nor does his statistics or considerations include the under employed- those struggling to raise a family on minimum wage jobs and part time jobs that they must settle on do to a lack of other options.  Furthermore, because these individuals have part time jobs or low paying jobs, they do not qualify for govenment assistance, yet they can not afford private health insurance so they must go without  health insurance. To add further insult to injury is the injustice  that these struggling mid- low class workers must pay for welfare recipients to get free healthcare while they go without!. 

Therefore when he does  discuss the upper middle to the wealthy class, of course their health is better! Of course there is good news for those with suffiecient financial resources!! But as far as the silent majority- who can not affort preventative care, screening or maintanence medications- these are the ones with undiagnosed heart disease, diabetes and cancer- and these are the ones that suddenly drop dead at age 49 because they coult not afford health care! There is no good news for these individuals.  Of course, there is no doubt some Americans are prospering, but there still is a large majority that isn't.  For America to ignore this and pat itself on the back is just simply to ignore the problem and it isn't right.  This self serving book is sure to make those wealthy, carefree Americans in happy marriages to feel less guilt and to feel justified.  But there is a whole world out there that suffers and goes without its basic neccesities.  Sure, I agree wiuth Wright that the Earth most likely won't be detroyed by radiation due to a damaged ozone layer, but beyond that I feel his book is nothing more than false reassurance to make the upper classes feel justified. As a blogger I recieved this book from Bethany House publishers for the purpose of writing this review. http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1825243

The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead
The newly published fiction sequel to the The Skin Map, The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead is a unique hybrid of a detective story, history, science fiction fantasy and inspirational tale in one story. Yet if the reader has not read the first book in the series, then reading the Bone house, would be similar to starting a book at its mid-point.  The story plot is tied to the events of the Skin Map.
As with the first novel, where the author goes into extensive detail describing a fictitious, yet well woven quasi-scientific theory of ley lines and time travel- this sequel is also based on the same ideas. In fact, the same readers that actually believed Dan Brown's intricate tales of church intrigue and conspiracy theroies in the fictional novel, The Davinci Code, may be the very same gullible readers who may believe that Lawhead's stories of the theories of traveling through the spectrum of alternate universes, a.k.a the "Omniverse", are in fact real. The ideas of travel across time and place between alternate universes is well described in layman's terms, using the London transportation and bus systems as a comparison. Access to anytime anywhere is simply a ley line away, as long as you have the special gift of navigation. This story makes traveling to different "planes of existance" seem as plausible and commonplace as navigating the public bus system in downtown New York. Portals, to alternate universes, known as "leys" are found in various, convienient locations in Kit's home of London. Apparently Kit is one of the select few, endowed with the special gift of navigation through these special pathways. This special travel ability, and the fact that the characters are able to intervene in past events in order to change history for the better, raises some interesting questions about the purpose of events and how even little actions or choices may have a ripple effect for future generations. At the same time, the implication made by the author, when the characters knowingly intervene to change past events to thwart future suffering, seems to undermine the idea of God's unique role in providence as an all-knowing, omnificient, all powerful being. In essence, the heros of the story become "god"-like in the fact that they can travel anytime, anywhere and intervene to make amends or change the future
History fans will enjoy the vivid depictions of the sites, sounds and smells in the various historical time periods and various cultures that the characters travel to. Food, clothing, buildings and other hitorical details are authentically described. Interesting scenarios of alternate historical outcomes of commonly known events in history are presented as well. The book challanges commonly held sterotypes of modern society. For example Kit, the hero of the story, outwardly appears as a successful young man, yet, is described as a lonely, unfulfilled, frustrated guy, worthy of sympathy rather than envy. He is a character that all of us, at sometime in our life, can relate to. His girlfriend is vividly described in the most unflattering of terms. In contrast, Kit's aged grandfather is depicted as healthy, happy and full of vigor, having more energy that a young man. Rather than seeking wisdom and information about tcutting edge theories on science and time travel from the the modern scientists, Kit and his great grand father must travel hundreds of years into the past, into another alternate universe! Authority and enlightenment are found in the most unexpected and remote of places, years in the past.
The classic battle between good and evil is integrated into the story- whereas the lurking danger of an ancient antagonistic presence is always there trying to obstruct Kit and his great grandfather from completing their mission to obtain a valuable skin map which is the key to valuable information. This adventure story was very enjoyable. It was well written with much detail, and is sure to appeal to a varied audience. The pseudo-scientific ideas of ley line travel, mixed with historical-like scenes make the story seem almost plausible. To truly enjoy the story, having had read the first book is important since this second book is basically a continuation of the first. As a blogger for booksneeze.com, I recieved a free copy of this book for review from Thomas Nelson publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and the ideas expressed are my own.

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down is a very well written refernce book chronicling the historical details of the bible- both the Old and New Testaments.  This impressive book is a chronicle of the historical events which take place in the bible.  The historicle figures, cultures, and places mentioned in the bible, come to life in this reference work.  Through the use of archeological evidence, the author David Brown, proves the authenticity of the events recorded in the bible. This book validates, in a scholarly fashion, using scientific and ancheological evidence, the events recorded in the bible.  This reference book is not religious propaganda, as many athiests may attempt to claim, but rather an onjective historical overview covering the events mentioned in the bible. 

Not only is this book informative, but it is visually appealing- with its graphics, diagrams and photographs.  It is suitable for all age groups- students as well as adults.  Those interested in ancient history are sure to enjoy this book as well.  Personally, I found no defeciencies or gaps of information in this book.  I feel this reference work is suitible for even the most disciminating secular historian.  As a blogger for New Leaf press I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review.

The Family Illustrated Bible- New Leaf Press

The Family Illustrated Bible published by New Leaf Press, a division  of  Master Books, is a beautiful bible for children as well as their families.  With a beautiful mix of artwork, photographs and informational spreads, this work is a hybrid between a children's bible, and a bible reference book.  This full color bible contains illustrations as well as photographs which bring bible stories, bible culture and bible history to life.  The world of the bible is vividly presented through the illustrations, bible stories and commentaries.

There is a wide variety of art in this single volume- ranging from richly expressive full color art to  line illustrations that are simple, yet unique in artistic style.  Some of the stylized art is somewhat reminiscent of a teenagers doodles, while others are similar to oil paintings of the masters. Nevertheless, they compliment the bible for their originality. The inclusion of this artwork by a broad range of artists adds to the value of this bible.  The reader could spend hours just enjoying the art and photographs.  The informational side bars of information as well as the photographs are perfect to give some historical background to the world of the bible.  Nevertheless, the historical side bars are not just spiritual in nature as they offer historical and archeological background for biblical stories and events, in some cases.   The text is based on bible scripture, yet is more of a paraphrase.  Selected verses and passages are highlighted and included word-for-word. 

Overall this is one of the better, most complete bible to introduce young children and older children alike to God's word.  It is a bible to be passed down to future generations, in fact.  In the saturated market of children's bibles this one stands apart from the rest.  This bible is perfectly suitable to be read aloud by a parent, or for older children to read themselves. Not only that, this bible is the perfect study bible for young readers.  Of all the bibles on the market for children- this is among the best, quality bibles I have read.  As a blogger for New Leaf press, I received  this book for the purpose of writing this review.  NLP is a division of Master Books.  This is a bible that I feel is perfect to read to my children.

Peace Be With You By David Carlson

Peace Be With You: Monastic Wisdom For A Terror- Filled World By David Carlson, is a timely book written in the post 9-11 world.  According to the author, David Carlson, The collective American grief over 9/11 "could have become a bridge of understanding and empathy to others in the world who have known (and continue to experience) horrendous suffering.  But that has not happened.  I had yet to hear anyone ask, 'Was 9/11 something like what the Japanese experienced in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?'  Instead, 9/11 only seemed to isolate us further from the world.  To most Americans, the tragedy of 9/11 was experienced as a bubble of suffering so unique that only we could possibly feel the severity of the pain.  Our grief seemed to become our private possession." Page 45  Perhaps many of the victims and families of victims might find Carlson's position harsh and perhaps simplistic. On the otherhand, Carlson may appear to be a political liberal or pacifist.  After all, the events of 9/11 initiated a regenerated form of national pride and patriotism- and the focus on America is partly the definition of patriotism- which has distinguished our nation from all others. 

Most people do not have the luxury, the time or means to visit monestaries- and the seclusion and wisdom that can best be appreciated within the confines of a monestary.  Of course, some good points are made as well as biblical wisdom, yet peace at all costs is not a just peace.  And peace without justice is in fact meaningless.  Nevertheless, the extensive work that the author put into this book, reveals a unique and often untold perspective of those silent voices in response to 9/11.  For those readers interested in 9/11 studies, histories and writings, this book offers a good compliment to the various 9/11 works already written.

As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Let the day of my birth be erased and the night I was conceived.  Let that day be turned to darkness.  Let it be lost even to God on high, and let no light shine on it. Let the darkness and utter gloom claim that day for its own.  Let a black cloud overshadow it, and let darkness terrify it.  Let that night be blotted off the calendar never to be counted among the days of the year, never again to appear among the months.  Let that night be childless.  Let it have no joy.  Let those who are experts at cursing- whose cursing could rouse Leviathan, curse that day.  Let its morning stars remain dark. Let it hope for light, but in vain; may it never see the morning light.  Curse that day for failing to shut my mother's womb, for letting me be born to see all this trouble (and to cause all this trouble). Why wasn't I born dead? Why didn't I die as I came from the womb?  Why was I laid on my mother's lap?  Why did she nurse me at her breasts? Had I died at birth, I would now be at peace.  I would be asleep and at rest.  I would rest with the world's kings and ministers,

whose great buildings now lie in ruins.  I would rest with princes rich in gold whose palaces were filled with silver.  Why wasn't I buried like a stillborn child, like a baby who never lives to see the light?  For in death the wicked cause no trouble and the weary are at rest.  Even the captives are at ease in death, with no guards to curse them. Rich and poor are both there and the slave is free from his master.  Oh, why give light to those in misery, and life to those who are bitter?  They long for death, and it won't come.  They search more eagerly for death than hidden treasure.

 They are filled with joy when they finally die, and rejoice when they find the grave.  Why is life given to those with no future Those God has surrounded with difficuloties? I cannot eat for sighing; my groans poor out like water.  What I have always feared has happened to me.  What I dreaded has come true.  I have no peace, no quietness.  I have no rest, only trouble comes. 

Job Chapter 3

Surviving Your Serengeti By Stefan Swanepoel

Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life By Stefan Swanepoel is a unique motivational story that draws upon the reality of African wioldlife, and applies it to life in general.  Using the wilderness of the African desert as an allegory, Stefab Swanepoel pieces together an inspirational story using observations of animal interaction to apply it to human personalities and interaction.  This unique hybrid work: a blend of a fiction allegory, motivational piece, and business startegy guide, can be appreciated and enjoyed by any reader.  This simple to read book can be completed in one sitting, yet the common sense truths are far reaching. While it is true that animals do not have free will and act based on instinct, much of the world around us- such as the personalities of others and the challanges we face, are for the most part, not always within our control.  Nevertheless, within such external constraints, certain personality types, just as animals in the wild, can use certain traiths or conditions to their advantage.  In a entertaining, and easy to read format, the author teaches the reader to harness the force and will as well as perseverance of the animal kingdom and apply it to our own unique and individual lives.  As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved this book for the purpose of writing this review.  The opinions expressed are my own. Just as a side note- I recieved an email from bookszeeze informing me that booksneeze will be sutting down its blogger program and that we did not have to submit a review for our final books recieved.  I do not know if its legit, ot if its a scam on the part of a fellow, competetive blogger in an attempt to thwart the competition for the top 5 blogger spots.  So, as I post this on booksneeze, the mystery will be solved.