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The Bubble Boys
How Mistaken Educational Ideals and Practices are Causing A Warped Social Fabric
Jason Goetz
2011 Bronze Medal
256 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Education
Reviewed by Robert Rose for Readers' Favorite
The title, The Bubble Boys: How Mistaken Educational Ideals and Practices Are Causing A Warped Social Fabric, gives the impression that this will be another book about what we're doing wrong in education and why and how to fix it. Jason Goetz, who admits being a voracious reader, will impress anyone with his intelligence and ability to give us a historical and world view on what has been considered the roles of education.
Unfortunately, the people who need to read his analysis are not readers. They are so busy filling out papers and defending themselves and their beliefs and actions that they are emotionally exhausted. They do not want to see or admit that what they believe and are doing is more harmful than helpful. Ditto to politicians, government workers, and private individuals whose "Me first, me only" attitude and behavior Jason sees as a main cause of the present moral decline. The result is our political, ecological, and financial crises.
Enlightening are his personal experiences from elementary through graduate school. He gives very specific instances of the self-protective stance many educators and professors take regarding their beliefs and what they are willing to do those who challenge their authority. His examples of teachers and professors who were too insecure and dishonest to admit that a student could possibly know more about their area of expertise, so punished him by giving him a much lower grade than the one their own records showed he had earned. When his appeal to the professor was rejected he went to the department chair and then to the next higher level. Protection of self and school meant no justice. No surprise that injustice results when the insecure are challenged. His explanations of morality and virtues are excellent.
The title, The Bubble Boys: How Mistaken Educational Ideals and Practices Are Causing A Warped Social Fabric, gives the impression that this will be another book about what we're doing wrong in education and why and how to fix it. Jason Goetz, who admits being a voracious reader, will impress anyone with his intelligence and ability to give us a historical and world view on what has been considered the roles of education.
Unfortunately, the people who need to read his analysis are not readers. They are so busy filling out papers and defending themselves and their beliefs and actions that they are emotionally exhausted. They do not want to see or admit that what they believe and are doing is more harmful than helpful. Ditto to politicians, government workers, and private individuals whose "Me first, me only" attitude and behavior Jason sees as a main cause of the present moral decline. The result is our political, ecological, and financial crises.
Enlightening are his personal experiences from elementary through graduate school. He gives very specific instances of the self-protective stance many educators and professors take regarding their beliefs and what they are willing to do those who challenge their authority. His examples of teachers and professors who were too insecure and dishonest to admit that a student could possibly know more about their area of expertise, so punished him by giving him a much lower grade than the one their own records showed he had earned. When his appeal to the professor was rejected he went to the department chair and then to the next higher level. Protection of self and school meant no justice. No surprise that injustice results when the insecure are challenged. His explanations of morality and virtues are excellent.
Recommend this book:
Pilgrims on the Silk Road
A Muslim-Christian Encounter in Khiva
Walter Ratliff
2011 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Laurie Gray for Readers' Favorite
Pilgrims on the Silk Road: A Muslim-Christian Encounter in Khiva by Walter R. Ratliff follows the eastern trek of a small group of Mennonites into Central Asia in search of religious and social freedom. Ratliff weaves the personal letters, diaries and publications of the pilgrims themselves, together with an extensive bibliography of sources into a story well worth reading. The historical account begins in the 1840's, about the time Claus Epp, Jr., a controversial leader in the Mennonite community, was born and concludes with the devastation of the Mennonites in Ak Metchet (now part of Uzbekistan) by Stalin and the Soviet Union's collectivization policies in 1935. The epilogue describes how the author accompanied descendents of Claus Epp, Jr. on a return pilgrimage to Ak Metchet in 2007 in search of healing and forgiveness. They discover that the Muslim Uzbeks remember the Mennonites as fine craftsmen, friendly neighbors and a community devoted to peace.
Ratliff tells the tale through a broad 21st century lens that seeks to include both Christian and Muslim perspectives. For those unfamiliar with Central Asian geography and Mennonite history, the story sometimes feels a bit disjointed because the presentation is not strictly chronological. Ratliff occasionally creates dangling threads, but eventually loops back to include them securely in the overall tapestry. The book exposes the underlying tension between individual freedom and a moral society in a way that is particularly relevant today. There are still Christians who, like Claus Epp, Jr., prophesy that the End Times are near, but few uphold a tradition of nonviolence the way the Mennonites have since the 16th century. Pilgrims on a Silk Road demonstrates what can happen when Christians respond to terrorist attacks by Muslims with peaceful resistance rather than equal, exceeding or peremptory force: the Mennonites and Muslims were able to forge a mutually beneficial relationship based on respect. Ironically, it seems the deepest Mennonite wounds were inflicted not by the Muslims or Russians, but by their own internal doctrinal differences and the judgments they pronounced upon each other.
Pilgrims on the Silk Road: A Muslim-Christian Encounter in Khiva by Walter R. Ratliff follows the eastern trek of a small group of Mennonites into Central Asia in search of religious and social freedom. Ratliff weaves the personal letters, diaries and publications of the pilgrims themselves, together with an extensive bibliography of sources into a story well worth reading. The historical account begins in the 1840's, about the time Claus Epp, Jr., a controversial leader in the Mennonite community, was born and concludes with the devastation of the Mennonites in Ak Metchet (now part of Uzbekistan) by Stalin and the Soviet Union's collectivization policies in 1935. The epilogue describes how the author accompanied descendents of Claus Epp, Jr. on a return pilgrimage to Ak Metchet in 2007 in search of healing and forgiveness. They discover that the Muslim Uzbeks remember the Mennonites as fine craftsmen, friendly neighbors and a community devoted to peace.
Ratliff tells the tale through a broad 21st century lens that seeks to include both Christian and Muslim perspectives. For those unfamiliar with Central Asian geography and Mennonite history, the story sometimes feels a bit disjointed because the presentation is not strictly chronological. Ratliff occasionally creates dangling threads, but eventually loops back to include them securely in the overall tapestry. The book exposes the underlying tension between individual freedom and a moral society in a way that is particularly relevant today. There are still Christians who, like Claus Epp, Jr., prophesy that the End Times are near, but few uphold a tradition of nonviolence the way the Mennonites have since the 16th century. Pilgrims on a Silk Road demonstrates what can happen when Christians respond to terrorist attacks by Muslims with peaceful resistance rather than equal, exceeding or peremptory force: the Mennonites and Muslims were able to forge a mutually beneficial relationship based on respect. Ironically, it seems the deepest Mennonite wounds were inflicted not by the Muslims or Russians, but by their own internal doctrinal differences and the judgments they pronounced upon each other.
Recommend this book:
Betting the Earth
How we can still win the biggest gamble of all time
John Charles Kunich
2011 Bronze Medal
416 Pages
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Non-Fiction - General
Reviewed by Anna del C. Dye. for Readers' Favorite
In Betting the Earth, Professor Kunich has compiled many arguments both in favor of and against the global warming theory. He explains and dissects them for our benefit. This book is well researched, without being preachy, and it is mainly easy to follow. Kunich lets you read all his compiled charts and different examples about the earth's current status. He lets the reader not only draw his or her own conclusions, but also guides him or her to new ideas to help one's own objectivity.
The author's opinion, that we can all help, is addressed here by teaching parallels between environmental challenges and the gambling fascination many have. This is a great way to understand what is at stake in our future. Kunich looks at it from the point of view of a smoker, the association between risks and action and also the balance between cost and benefits. He adroitly does it all without the tactics of self-appointed experts. In this book you will find Climate Change, Modern Mass Extinction, the Summarized version of Blaise Pascal, the Missing Pieces of Godel's puzzle, Heisenberg's forecast and much more.
I think Professor Kunich has a well-rounded book that exposes a theme we all need to be aware of. In the concluding chapters, he addresses the best way to use this book to make a greater difference for the world's environment. It is a great theme, not only for the Save the Planet groups, but also for the rest of us who care about what our children's children will have to face in their futures. I recommend it to late teens to adults.
In Betting the Earth, Professor Kunich has compiled many arguments both in favor of and against the global warming theory. He explains and dissects them for our benefit. This book is well researched, without being preachy, and it is mainly easy to follow. Kunich lets you read all his compiled charts and different examples about the earth's current status. He lets the reader not only draw his or her own conclusions, but also guides him or her to new ideas to help one's own objectivity.
The author's opinion, that we can all help, is addressed here by teaching parallels between environmental challenges and the gambling fascination many have. This is a great way to understand what is at stake in our future. Kunich looks at it from the point of view of a smoker, the association between risks and action and also the balance between cost and benefits. He adroitly does it all without the tactics of self-appointed experts. In this book you will find Climate Change, Modern Mass Extinction, the Summarized version of Blaise Pascal, the Missing Pieces of Godel's puzzle, Heisenberg's forecast and much more.
I think Professor Kunich has a well-rounded book that exposes a theme we all need to be aware of. In the concluding chapters, he addresses the best way to use this book to make a greater difference for the world's environment. It is a great theme, not only for the Save the Planet groups, but also for the rest of us who care about what our children's children will have to face in their futures. I recommend it to late teens to adults.
Recommend this book:
The Bryant Family Chronicles
Death and Gold in Zara Zote
Eddie Hughes
2011 Bronze Medal
314 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Stefan Vucak for Readers' Favorite
Rick Bryant, an electronics wizard, gives up the corporate grind and establishes a small research company in Florida, developing sophisticated buoy sensor packages and advanced imaging software. His two precocious daughters discover an old sword on a deserted island that eventually leads them to buried Spanish treasure. Rick gets involved with the local sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Agency, where his advanced gadgets help to break up a major drug smuggling ring.
The Bryant Family Chronicles is packed with continuous action and the reader is quickly swept up with Rick and his wild adventures to corner the drug smugglers. There are enough speedboat chases, flying drones, even a yellow submarine the smugglers are using, to keep the reader interested. His two daughters offer an amusing diversion and insight into teenager life. There is minimal characterization and story depth in this book, but young readers will not find this a problem, being more interested in following the adventures that are unfolding. Although entertaining, for a serious reader, many of the underlying plot assumptions and the variety of super gadgets that Rick employs are hardly credible.
As an adventure writer for young readers, Eddie Hughes has much to offer. His easy style is entertaining and diverting, ideally suited for a teen audience.
Rick Bryant, an electronics wizard, gives up the corporate grind and establishes a small research company in Florida, developing sophisticated buoy sensor packages and advanced imaging software. His two precocious daughters discover an old sword on a deserted island that eventually leads them to buried Spanish treasure. Rick gets involved with the local sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Agency, where his advanced gadgets help to break up a major drug smuggling ring.
The Bryant Family Chronicles is packed with continuous action and the reader is quickly swept up with Rick and his wild adventures to corner the drug smugglers. There are enough speedboat chases, flying drones, even a yellow submarine the smugglers are using, to keep the reader interested. His two daughters offer an amusing diversion and insight into teenager life. There is minimal characterization and story depth in this book, but young readers will not find this a problem, being more interested in following the adventures that are unfolding. Although entertaining, for a serious reader, many of the underlying plot assumptions and the variety of super gadgets that Rick employs are hardly credible.
As an adventure writer for young readers, Eddie Hughes has much to offer. His easy style is entertaining and diverting, ideally suited for a teen audience.
Recommend this book:
The Covert Element
A James Becker Thriller (Volume 3)
John L. Betcher
2012 Silver Medal
264 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite
Former military intelligence operative, now small town lawyer James Becker, and his ex-CIA wife, Beth, have retired to Beck's hometown of Red Wing, Minnesota. Their retirement hasn't been exactly what they'd expected. Now, a new source of crime and intrigue has settled in their small community. A large Mexican drug cartel, tired of risking everything in cross-border actions, has set up shop in their county to make and sell crystal-meth. The new meth production facility is the largest in North America. But, to complicate things a little more, Becker's slightly eccentric, good friend and ex-special operations soldier, Terry "Bull" Red Feather, tells him that there may be other trouble coming their way. Bull's former comrade-in-arms is coming to Red Wing on a mission. After decades of assaults on the cartels, he is determined to finish it, once and for all, with plans to blow up the Minnesota meth plant. He wants Bull to help. The Beckers want no part of that but realize they must do something to dismantle the cartel operations before a full-blown drug war breaks out in Red Wing.
This story is very well written with interesting characters, good straight forward dialog and plenty of intrigue and action to keep the reader's attention and interest. I found it interesting that the author chose to use different points of view within the story. For the protagonist, and actions and scenes centered on him, it was first person; for the other characters, to include other major players as well as numerous flashbacks, it was third person. Although more writers are using the multiple POV format, it isn't widely done. In this case, the author managed to pull it off without any major distractions. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of this particular style of writing, but each reader can make up his/her own mind. Overall, The Covert Element is a good story with a good amount of suspense and action.
Former military intelligence operative, now small town lawyer James Becker, and his ex-CIA wife, Beth, have retired to Beck's hometown of Red Wing, Minnesota. Their retirement hasn't been exactly what they'd expected. Now, a new source of crime and intrigue has settled in their small community. A large Mexican drug cartel, tired of risking everything in cross-border actions, has set up shop in their county to make and sell crystal-meth. The new meth production facility is the largest in North America. But, to complicate things a little more, Becker's slightly eccentric, good friend and ex-special operations soldier, Terry "Bull" Red Feather, tells him that there may be other trouble coming their way. Bull's former comrade-in-arms is coming to Red Wing on a mission. After decades of assaults on the cartels, he is determined to finish it, once and for all, with plans to blow up the Minnesota meth plant. He wants Bull to help. The Beckers want no part of that but realize they must do something to dismantle the cartel operations before a full-blown drug war breaks out in Red Wing.
This story is very well written with interesting characters, good straight forward dialog and plenty of intrigue and action to keep the reader's attention and interest. I found it interesting that the author chose to use different points of view within the story. For the protagonist, and actions and scenes centered on him, it was first person; for the other characters, to include other major players as well as numerous flashbacks, it was third person. Although more writers are using the multiple POV format, it isn't widely done. In this case, the author managed to pull it off without any major distractions. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of this particular style of writing, but each reader can make up his/her own mind. Overall, The Covert Element is a good story with a good amount of suspense and action.
Recommend this book:
She's My Dad
Iolanthe Woulff
2011 Gold Medal
469 Pages
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Fiction - Intrigue
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Nick Farrington was a graduate of Windfield College. When he returned to Windfield to teach English, he was known as Nickie Farrell. Years before, Nick had an affair with Luanne Skinner, the abused wife of Jay-Bob, a state trooper. Nine months later she gave birth to her beloved son Collie, who was born with a distinct genetic trait: his eyes were two different colors. Nickie has the same genetic trait. By now the reader has guessed where this is going. Nickie was Collie's dad.
She's My Dad has a unique and interesting plot. The lead characters are Nick/Nickie, a transgender, and Collie. There are several secondary plots played out at the same time. Ambassador Eamon Douglass is dying of cancer. He wants to go out in glory knowing he has "saved" society. He plans to sacrifice himself as he takes out the Windfield College. Author Iolanthe Woulff offers readers a contemporary character-driven plot. She carefully weaves the threads of the various plots together to create a book that the most discriminating reader will enjoy. Woulff handles this topic with ease. Not all authors could draw sympathy for the characters and a tender love story. I particularly enjoyed the beginning of the tale with Nick and Luanne. Jay-Bob was a very abusive bully. Woulff successfully conveyed his anger and lack of regard for others. Most importantly, this book shows how Collie reacted when he discovered his father was a transgender.
Woulff manages to demonstrate hope and unconditional love in this tome. This book has Christian undertones; it is never preachy but gently lets its light shine.
Nick Farrington was a graduate of Windfield College. When he returned to Windfield to teach English, he was known as Nickie Farrell. Years before, Nick had an affair with Luanne Skinner, the abused wife of Jay-Bob, a state trooper. Nine months later she gave birth to her beloved son Collie, who was born with a distinct genetic trait: his eyes were two different colors. Nickie has the same genetic trait. By now the reader has guessed where this is going. Nickie was Collie's dad.
She's My Dad has a unique and interesting plot. The lead characters are Nick/Nickie, a transgender, and Collie. There are several secondary plots played out at the same time. Ambassador Eamon Douglass is dying of cancer. He wants to go out in glory knowing he has "saved" society. He plans to sacrifice himself as he takes out the Windfield College. Author Iolanthe Woulff offers readers a contemporary character-driven plot. She carefully weaves the threads of the various plots together to create a book that the most discriminating reader will enjoy. Woulff handles this topic with ease. Not all authors could draw sympathy for the characters and a tender love story. I particularly enjoyed the beginning of the tale with Nick and Luanne. Jay-Bob was a very abusive bully. Woulff successfully conveyed his anger and lack of regard for others. Most importantly, this book shows how Collie reacted when he discovered his father was a transgender.
Woulff manages to demonstrate hope and unconditional love in this tome. This book has Christian undertones; it is never preachy but gently lets its light shine.
Recommend this book:
The Hellandback Kids
Be Careful What You Wish For
LL Helland
2012 Gold Medal
304 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
After realizing a Bundlebob was in Chris’ closet, the Hellandback parents decided it was time to send their 4 children to Scotland for the summer; they would be staying with their 83 year old great-grandmother in a large building that used to be a hospital. The kids were dreading the trip that seemed to offer only boredom. Unbeknownst to them it would be anything but dull for the house had a mystical quality. During their visit each of the Hellandback children were transported to a different realm where they learned a life lesson centering on their greatest weakness and strength. They quickly learned they had to take their scenario seriously. Chris ended up in the land of the Bundlebobs and had several interesting conversations with his great grandfather. Brittany was transported to the 14th century where the Black Plague was at its worse, Trisha was transported in the 18th century where she was about to be married and Jon’s scenario placed him in a corporate jungle complete with backstabbers and sharks, it was each man for himself.
The Hellandback Kids: Be Careful What You Wish For is a great read. Laura L Helland has combined just the right amount of action, adventure, humor, paranormal characters and fantasy to keep readers not only interested but eager to continue reading. The author developed the characters personalities in the first few chapters allowing the reader to understand the importance of the scenario the character faces. Helland has included plenty twists and turns. The author has cleverly included ghosts, vampires, and some very original creatures that exist only in the mind of the author. There are several life lessons to be learned from this tale. This book is based on real people, the author’s children. I’d be remiss if I did not mention the marvelous cover; it fits in well with the plot and just begs to be read. Even the title of this book is well done and humorous. I hope the author is planning series of Hellandback books and I would love to see this tale on the silver screen. Well done MS Helland.
After realizing a Bundlebob was in Chris’ closet, the Hellandback parents decided it was time to send their 4 children to Scotland for the summer; they would be staying with their 83 year old great-grandmother in a large building that used to be a hospital. The kids were dreading the trip that seemed to offer only boredom. Unbeknownst to them it would be anything but dull for the house had a mystical quality. During their visit each of the Hellandback children were transported to a different realm where they learned a life lesson centering on their greatest weakness and strength. They quickly learned they had to take their scenario seriously. Chris ended up in the land of the Bundlebobs and had several interesting conversations with his great grandfather. Brittany was transported to the 14th century where the Black Plague was at its worse, Trisha was transported in the 18th century where she was about to be married and Jon’s scenario placed him in a corporate jungle complete with backstabbers and sharks, it was each man for himself.
The Hellandback Kids: Be Careful What You Wish For is a great read. Laura L Helland has combined just the right amount of action, adventure, humor, paranormal characters and fantasy to keep readers not only interested but eager to continue reading. The author developed the characters personalities in the first few chapters allowing the reader to understand the importance of the scenario the character faces. Helland has included plenty twists and turns. The author has cleverly included ghosts, vampires, and some very original creatures that exist only in the mind of the author. There are several life lessons to be learned from this tale. This book is based on real people, the author’s children. I’d be remiss if I did not mention the marvelous cover; it fits in well with the plot and just begs to be read. Even the title of this book is well done and humorous. I hope the author is planning series of Hellandback books and I would love to see this tale on the silver screen. Well done MS Helland.
Recommend this book:
The Cuckoo's Egg
The Story of an Extraordinary Woman
Anna Morten
2012 Finalist
456 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Elizabeth M. for Readers' Favorite
In The Cuckoo's Egg, author Anna Morten describes her childhood, and how as a young child she was told she was a cuckoo's egg. Anyone who hears this at first may not understand it; however, Anna was determined to break the mold of her circumstances...that her family could not accept her for who she was due to her looks and personality. Despite war breaking out, she prospered and triumphed through everything.
I commend her for what she did, and I greatly enjoyed her life stories. She learned not to believe everything a person said or did and learned to develop her own voice, regardless of what others thought. In the end, she became a stronger woman and was revered by those who looked up to her throughout the years. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed reading about Anna's life and was inspired by her story. I believe that anyone can benefit from her amazing book.
In The Cuckoo's Egg, author Anna Morten describes her childhood, and how as a young child she was told she was a cuckoo's egg. Anyone who hears this at first may not understand it; however, Anna was determined to break the mold of her circumstances...that her family could not accept her for who she was due to her looks and personality. Despite war breaking out, she prospered and triumphed through everything.
I commend her for what she did, and I greatly enjoyed her life stories. She learned not to believe everything a person said or did and learned to develop her own voice, regardless of what others thought. In the end, she became a stronger woman and was revered by those who looked up to her throughout the years. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed reading about Anna's life and was inspired by her story. I believe that anyone can benefit from her amazing book.
Recommend this book:
The Daddy Diaries
A Year in the Life of a Modern American Dad
Paul Kemp
2012 Finalist
272 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Parenting
Reviewed by Janet Jensen for Readers' Favorite
The Daddy Diaries by Paul Kemp chronicles a year in the life of the father of two active young boys. “What started out as a way to chronicle my sons' younger years for their later enjoyment,” he writes, “evolved into a way to vent my frustrations while I tried to overcome the mediocrity in the workplace while my employers shipped our jobs overseas, and then turned into a way for me to deal with my grief and then the emotional aftermath of my marriage.” As described, the diary is a mixture of ups and downs and anecdotes of daily work and family life. Originally a therapeutic tool, he found pleasure and importance in recording insightful Dad-son moments.
The Daddy Diaries is a touching account of fatherhood, and Kemp’s tenderness melted this reader’s heart, perhaps because my husband and I have raised three active sons. However, as it appears in the form of diary entries, there is much repetition and the pace of the storytelling is therefore somewhat slow. I found myself waiting for “the plot” or “the point” and then realized that journal entries do not rely on these literary devices. With a caveat for some adult language, I give The Daddy Diaries four stars for its honesty and the author’s ability to inject insight and love into the smallest of events in his children’s lives, savoring moments he will share with them as they grow older. All little boys should be so lucky.
The Daddy Diaries by Paul Kemp chronicles a year in the life of the father of two active young boys. “What started out as a way to chronicle my sons' younger years for their later enjoyment,” he writes, “evolved into a way to vent my frustrations while I tried to overcome the mediocrity in the workplace while my employers shipped our jobs overseas, and then turned into a way for me to deal with my grief and then the emotional aftermath of my marriage.” As described, the diary is a mixture of ups and downs and anecdotes of daily work and family life. Originally a therapeutic tool, he found pleasure and importance in recording insightful Dad-son moments.
The Daddy Diaries is a touching account of fatherhood, and Kemp’s tenderness melted this reader’s heart, perhaps because my husband and I have raised three active sons. However, as it appears in the form of diary entries, there is much repetition and the pace of the storytelling is therefore somewhat slow. I found myself waiting for “the plot” or “the point” and then realized that journal entries do not rely on these literary devices. With a caveat for some adult language, I give The Daddy Diaries four stars for its honesty and the author’s ability to inject insight and love into the smallest of events in his children’s lives, savoring moments he will share with them as they grow older. All little boys should be so lucky.
Recommend this book:
Heaven in the Midst of Hell
A Quaker Chaplain's View of the War in Iraq
Sheri Snively
2011 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Heaven In The Midst of Hell is a look at the war in Iraq from a different perspective: Author Commander Sheri Snively, D. Min., shares her experiences as a military Chaplain in Iraq. The first thing that struck me about this book was the photographs. They are magnificent and tell the story almost on their own. The photos run the gambit from a soldier with a stuffed animal hanging out of his pocket to a bucket filled with bloody bandages and clothes lying strewn on the floor soaked in blood. There is also a Santa Claus with a gun. I suspect Snively is one of those people who can see the good in anything.
Snively knew she was where she was supposed to be, where she wanted to be, with her Marines. She saw heart wrenching things such as men lose limbs and their lives; yet, she offered them hope and a smile. There is something special about relationships in the military. Despite the harshness of the battlefield, loyalty to fellow soldiers runs strong.
I'm not sure civilians understand the true role of the military chaplain. Snively successfully demonstrates that role, the need and the purpose of the chaplain. I've already mentioned the photographs, but I must mention them once more. They are exquisite, and they tell the story of the young men and women with their lives on the line. The stories she shares are heartwarming and heart-wrenching. She writes about objects in a pocket, preparing to come home, a scar on a cheek, and a photograph of a soldier's children. She attempts to put things in perspective. In the scheme of things, we feel small and seem unimportant, but to Snively and to the Lord, we are each an important piece. None of us is insignificant. When Snively asked herself "What am I doing here?" the answer was always the same: this is where I'm supposed to be, with my marines.
The text of this book is well written and tells the stories that need to be told. Snively is a courageous hero in my eyes. If I were there in the midst of battle, I'd want someone like her next to me, lending strength, courage and hope.
Heaven In The Midst of Hell is a look at the war in Iraq from a different perspective: Author Commander Sheri Snively, D. Min., shares her experiences as a military Chaplain in Iraq. The first thing that struck me about this book was the photographs. They are magnificent and tell the story almost on their own. The photos run the gambit from a soldier with a stuffed animal hanging out of his pocket to a bucket filled with bloody bandages and clothes lying strewn on the floor soaked in blood. There is also a Santa Claus with a gun. I suspect Snively is one of those people who can see the good in anything.
Snively knew she was where she was supposed to be, where she wanted to be, with her Marines. She saw heart wrenching things such as men lose limbs and their lives; yet, she offered them hope and a smile. There is something special about relationships in the military. Despite the harshness of the battlefield, loyalty to fellow soldiers runs strong.
I'm not sure civilians understand the true role of the military chaplain. Snively successfully demonstrates that role, the need and the purpose of the chaplain. I've already mentioned the photographs, but I must mention them once more. They are exquisite, and they tell the story of the young men and women with their lives on the line. The stories she shares are heartwarming and heart-wrenching. She writes about objects in a pocket, preparing to come home, a scar on a cheek, and a photograph of a soldier's children. She attempts to put things in perspective. In the scheme of things, we feel small and seem unimportant, but to Snively and to the Lord, we are each an important piece. None of us is insignificant. When Snively asked herself "What am I doing here?" the answer was always the same: this is where I'm supposed to be, with my marines.
The text of this book is well written and tells the stories that need to be told. Snively is a courageous hero in my eyes. If I were there in the midst of battle, I'd want someone like her next to me, lending strength, courage and hope.
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