Book Description
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close has been one of the most discussed, acclaimed, and debated novels in recent memory. And with good reasonas the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted, "Jonathan Safran Foer has done something both masterful and absolutely necessary: he has written the first great novel about September 11." Foer confronts a subject few writers have dared approach, and what he discovers is solace in that most human quality, imagination. Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is on a mission to find the lock that matches a mysterious key belonging to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11. An inspired innocent, Oskar is alternately endearing, exasperating, and hilarious as he careens from Central Park to Coney Island to Harlem on his search. As he roams the five boroughs, Oskar encounters a motley assortment of people who are all survivors in their own way. His journey concludes in an emotional climax of truth, beauty, and heartbreak. In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Foer once again demonstrates his ability to evoke and unravel the most personal and complex matters of the heart.
Customer Reviews:
Extremely Incredible.......2007-10-02
This book is truly unique in every sense of that word. I have read this book twice. First, shoutly after it's release in 2005 and again just this last month, September 11th 2007. I almost never read books twice unless they are exceptional. The first reading I went through it, fast as I could not wait to turn each page. At the end I cried. This time I read it slower and found a richness that was deeper. I cried again at the end. In memory of those who lost so much.
Jonathan Safran Foer has created a true classic. Something that will be read and re-read for years to come.
extremely loud and incredibly close.......2007-10-01
I loved this book. The author is another generation just coming up. It is inventive, poignant, and brilliant almost like minimalist music. The voice is a 9 year old precocious boy. His father died on 9/11. It is one of the first books about that time period. Survival and coping with this tragedy is what this story is all about-- those left behind. The story is interwoven with his grandparent's life experiences in Europe with its devastation during WWII. Read it and enjoy!
Slow down, Jonathan..........2007-08-28
Since I suppose it is possible to dislike a book or movie for the same reasons as to adore another, I shall not contradict myself when I say that I LOVED "Everything is illuminated", so much in fact that I felt too humble to review it, while this follow-up was getting on my nerves. Everything that unfavorable reviewers stated about JSF's first book--attention-hogging, unorthodox narrative approach for gimmick's sake, too-clever by half-- made me defensive on his behalf, but I have to agree with them on this one. The techniques that worked so effectively in the debut have been pushed too far too soon here. Foer's recurring themes-- preternaturally mature children, fascinating geriatrics, doomed lovers, generational build-up--tumble their way through the novel, leaving the reader thinking "what the?" (just like the aptly named first chapter) more often than is good or fun. Not that I'd expect it from a book openly dealing with 9/11, but since the description announced hilarity, I missed the sly humor and the deft hand that Foer is obviously capable of. Instead the words obviously, extremely and incredibly were incredibly overabundant and extremely inflated, even for intended shrillness or a 9-year old smarty pants' jargon. The protagonist, that Oscar kid, although *obviously* symbolic, remained just that: two-dimensional and without flesh and blood.
But, because I don't give three stars for nothing, the depiction of heartache, suppressed emotions, numbness in grief, healing and forgiveness was very well done and reconciled the shortcomings considerably. The author has a wonderful gift for illustrating tenderness amidst the greatest horrors, and should leave no one completely unmoved. Also, he did manage the most difficult task: to write a book about 9/11 and to keep just the right balance between talking about it and talking about something else.
Extremely Lovable and Incredibly Creative.......2007-08-27
Jonathan has created a captivating novel and main character. I fell in love with Oskar and felt like I was there throughout his entire journey. His emotions are tragic as they are beautifully imaginative! Jonathan Safran Foer is one gifted novelist!
Profound insights from a mythical nine year old........2007-08-19
"Just because you're an atheist, that doesn't mean you wouldn't love for things to have reasons for why they are."
That's just one of many very profound lines in this amazing book, penned by its fictional protaganist and narrator-- a nine year old boy named Oskar.
And that's what the entire book is: An attempt to explain why things are the way they are. Whether you're an atheist or not, the results are moving.
Oskar Schell has found a key, inside an envelope, inside a vase, squirreled away by his father, Thomas Schell, who died in the 9/11 disaster at the World Trade Center. The boy knows that the key must fit a lock somewhere, and sets out to find it. The quest takes months, and has a surprising fulfillment. Along the way, Oskar discovers just what it is that gives him 'heavy boots' and finds a way to make them lighter, not just for himself, but for us as well.
There's a major subplot involving Oskar's grandfather, also named Thomas Schell, as well as his wife, Oskar's grandmother. It's important that both men are named Thomas, and it's significant that the last name is Schell. The whole book is a sort of shell game, with the nature of truth playing a hide and seek game beneath the cups.
Are there flaws? Yes, there are, but they're minor. For one thing, the boy is just too good to be true, but then I suspect we're not supposed to find him realistic anyway. He's a symbol as well as a character.
For another thing, some of the gimmicks other reviewers have mentioned: the stock photos, the blank pages, etc., are a little too 'cute.'
But that is mere nitpicking. On the whole, the book is powerful, beautiful, and amazingly well done.
We all lost something that sad day. Nothing will ever bring all of it back, but if you'll let him, Oskar will help you find as much of it as you're ever likely to.
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Tan Fuerte, Tan Cerca / Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Jonathan Safran Foer
Manufacturer: Lumen Espana
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ASIN: 8426415164 |
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Kinderkampf.(Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close)(Book Review) : An article from: New Criterion
Stefan Beck
Manufacturer: Foundation for Cultural Review
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
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ASIN: B000ALU41Y
Release Date: 2005-07-25 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from New Criterion, published by Foundation for Cultural Review on June 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1638 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Kinderkampf.(Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close)(Book Review)
Author: Stefan Beck
Publication:
New Criterion (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2005
Publisher: Foundation for Cultural Review
Volume: 23
Issue: 10
Page: 92(4)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Jonathan Safran Foer
Manufacturer: Recorded Books Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
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ASIN: 1419338900 |
Product Description
8 cassettes, unabridged.
Book Description
When the body of a wealthy woman is discovered in an alley near Frankie Smith's diner, Frankie realizes she's one of Chief Jack West's prime suspects. The truth is, Jack's attraction to the sexy proprietor of All U Can Eat is all-consuming-though he knows hauling her into custody isn't going to improve his chances with her.
What neither of them realizes is that the town of Six Palms is full of secrets that would shock even the raciest residents. Determined to clear her name-and to get to know the police chief better-Frankie joins Jack on a rollercoaster ride of an investigation. And soon, letting go of their inhibitions seems like the most natural thing in the world.
Customer Reviews:
Smoking hot!.......2007-05-21
I'm a great Emma Holly fan, having read and loved Menage, Strange Attractions, Personal Assets and Cooking Up a Storm (and enjoyed them from most to least in that order). This is one hot story. I loved Frankie, she's one of my favorite heroines, and Jack West is mouthwateringly sexy but vulnerable at the same time...how can you resist! There are two things I didn't like about All U Can Eat: the Team Boys characters were not as fleshed out as I'd like, and as mentioned elsewhere, the mystery is kind of lame. That's not enough to knock off a star though, and the scene with Frankie and Jack in her garden made me need a cold shower! A definite re-re-re read, and please Emma, let's have a sequel featuring Mike the sexy Marine finding the love he deserves!
Sizzling erotica from the queen of steam... but lackluster suspense.......2007-02-02
After a torrid bedtime romp, Frankie's lover Troy tells her he's leaving. Dumped, the diner owner comes face to face (or rather face to engagement ring) with the gal that he left her for. Rather than cry, she beds the stranger she's hired as a cook and manages to come across a dead body in the alley behind her diner, becoming a suspect in the murder when the weapon is found in her storeroom. Chief of Police Jack West has lusted for her for quite awhile and wants to clear her as a suspect before pursuing her. Faster than you can say Miranda rights, she's back in bed with new cook Michael, and then with the local bi-sexual tag team who have bedded (and videotaped) numerous local women. You'd think with all that action in a matter of days that the Chief would be turned off... But no. In between viewing homemade porn and couplings with Frankie, Chief West solves the crime that most readers guessed by chapter 3.
Holly can always be counted on to provide a good, dirty read. She falters when she attempts to add suspense, since that's just not her strong suit, resulting in predictable mysteries. While this one is very titillating, I found the voyage into role playing both cringe-worthy and laughable. Okay, maybe I did like the frisking... Other great Holly reads to check out are "Personal Assets" and "Cooking Up a Storm."
Not the author's fault..........2007-01-12
I ordered this book twice. Each time it came missing about 30pages and a reprint of another section instead. I'm still waiting on Amazon to contact me regarding this as they were going to contact their warehouse about it and get back to me in two days. It's been atleast four days now and I still haven't heard anything about it. So make sure you check your copy for missing pages, I believe around page 120.
Good but predictable .......2007-01-09
I enjoyed this erotic book for the first half but after that, the plot became a little predictable and the main character's escapades became a little unbelievable. If anything, this book was a good escape from the norm.
A buffet of erotic delights! (4 1/2 stars).......2006-08-27
I have always been an Emma Holly fan since I picked up and loved Menage. I enjoyed the last two Holly books I read (The Demon's Daughter and Strange Attractions), but they hadn't enthralled me the way her earlier books had, which is probably why I hadn't read her newer releases... until now. All U Can Eat is a buffet of the most explicit, albeit delicious sex scenes out there. The sex is mingled with colorful characters and a wonderful plot to boot. Frankie Smith is the owner of a popular diner in a small California town. She has it all, a successful small business, wonderful friends and a gorgeous boyfriend. But her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her right after they have sex. Things get worse when she discovers a few days later that he is engaged to someone else. But to make matters worse, a dead body is found in the back of her diner, and Frankie is one of the suspects. The only thing that could help her cope with these events is the sexy young man who shows up out of nowhere looking for work and a home and Jack West, the gorgeous police chief who has been lusting after Frankie for as long as he could remember. However, he will have to put his reawakened libido aside when questioning Frankie about the murder. There are some twists in the novel.
This is one of the most explicit novels I have read and I love it! I enjoyed it almost as much as Beyond Seduction and Personal Assets, my favorite Holly novels. The scenes with Frankie and Mike, the young stray looking for a job, are scorching. The scenes with Pete and Dave are also hot. They remind me of the stuff Holly wrote in Menage and Strange Attractions. She seems to enjoy writing male-with-male scenes in her books and often makes her heroes either bisexual or as having bisexual tendencies. This doesn't bother me, for I've enjoyed Holly's male swingers scenes, but I know this sort of thing goes beyond some people's comfort level. So, if you're the sort of reader who's put off with males who are comfortable in their sexuality to do things with men as well as with women, then you should steer clear from this one. It is only fair for the reader to know what he or she is getting themselves into. Anyway, the characters are rather interesting here and the sex scenes are well blended with the overall plot. The mystery aspect is kind of predictable and this is something Holly should work on if writing mysteries is something she plans to do more of in the future. Jack West is my favorite character. It is clear from the beginning that he is not just Frankie's potential sex partner but also her love interest. I enjoyed the development of this character and the sexual tension between him and Frankie is classic Holly writing. All U Can Eat is one H-O-T read! This is a book you should take to read on the beach. Just be sure to head for the ocean and splash about in cold water if you don't have a partner handy while reading this. This novel has reawakened my love for Holly's writing and I look forward to reading her future books.
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All U Can Eat
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000FRU0SK |
Customer Reviews:
Hot story!.......2006-05-23
This wasn't your typical romance story but it was one of the better erotica stories that I've read. I would definitely buy more of this author's books.
Average customer rating:
- Great cook book
- A little credit, please...
- Humor feels forced
- Great cookbook for beginners-explains everything+ delicious
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All U Can Eat : Make It Fast!, Make It Cheap!, Make It Delicious! (Princeton Review Series)
Lela Nargi
Manufacturer: Princeton Review
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0679769072
Release Date: 1996-08-06 |
Book Description
Cooking is fun! Not convinced? Check out All U Can Eat and overcome your kitchen-fear forever. All U Can Eat covers everything from making coffee to poaching a fish in a dishwasher. Yes, a dishwasher. This cookbook has it all. There are easy recipes for those who don't want to think about cooking but have to because Pizza Hut every night is starting to affect your midsection in a bad way, medium difficulty recipes for those who are having trouble making the leap from fried egg sandwiches to baked lasagna, and difficult recipes for everything from funky fritata to banana bread that you'll go ape for.
All U Can Eat also includes:
-- Twenty toppings for your spaghetti
-- How to feed and water a party
-- How to eat like a prince on a pauper's budget
-- Salads you'll actually eat (no more decomposed lettuce in your crisper)
Besides recipes, All U Can Eat tells you what you need in a well-equipped kitchen (frying pan, saucepot) and what you don't (lemon zester). It tells you how to shop for the week, how to store things for maximum shelflife, and how to avoid nasty food-related illnesses (three words: wash your hands). All U Can Eat even tells you what music to listen to when you're kitchen-bound. We're here to help.
So grab a spatula, turn the burner to medium-high, and get cookin'.
Customer Reviews:
Great cook book.......2006-08-26
I've had this book for years and still use it regularly. It's easy and fun to use.
A little credit, please..........2000-05-25
I bought this book for a friend when we graduated from college. This was for a person who couldn't cook a chicken breast, scramble an egg, or fry bacon. Anything involving more than a freezer and a microwave was out of his realm of capabilities. This book was too elementary for him. I understand that there are people who have hardly stepped foot in a kitchen, but do they really not even understand that you shouldn't buy your fruit bruised, or need a schematic diagram of a blender? It's probably my own fault for misunderstanding the meaning of the word "Beginner," but this book seems geared more for a 12-year-old than a college graduate.
Humor feels forced.......2000-01-08
There is some good information for beginning cooks in this book, but the snappy sidebars are too much. The humor feels forced---and dated, considering that this book seems calculated to appeal to recent graduates.
Great cookbook for beginners-explains everything+ delicious.......1997-11-25
A cookbook that explains how to set up a simple kitchen, cook for one or for a party. Lots of recipes varying in complexity (and expense). Includes humorous sidebars and suggestions as to what music might be appropriate to cook to. Ideal for recent graduates who finally have to fend for themselves- EVERYTHING they need to know.
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All U Can Eat
Emma Holly
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0739467956 |
Product Description
Erotic Fiction
Book Description
Will you ride the fantasy conjured up by the golden-spired Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom? Forward-march to the jungles and savanna of Disney's Animal Kingdom? Or will you soar beyond Disney's worlds to the thrills and themes of Universal Studios, SeaWorld or Busch Gardens? Provisioned with snacks and water bottles and armed with park maps and this guide, you'll be ready to outmaneuver all the other pixie-dusted travelers who share your mission.
The San Francisco Chronicle sums it up best: "Fodor's Gold Guides are saturated with information."
- New two-color interiors make it easier to find the information you need.
- Fodor's Choice ratings tell what not to miss.
- Hotel and restaurant reviews cover all budgets.
- New ¢ sign category flags the best budget options.
- Multi-day itineraries help readers build the right trip for them.
- Smart Travel Tips, a complete chapter packed with contacts and great advice.
Customer Reviews:
Good..........2004-03-13
...but could include more trip planning information (before you go). Other than that, it is a very complete guide on how to enjoy a vacation in the Orlando/Central Florida area.
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All U Can Eat
Lela Nargi
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 051728300X
Release Date: 1998-11-17 |
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Komarr (Miles Vorkosigan Adventures)
Lois McMaster Bujold
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Memory (Miles Vorkosigan Adventures)
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A Civil Campaign
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Miles, Mystery & Mayhem
ASIN: 0671578081 |
Amazon.com
Lois McMaster Bujold comes through again with another sharp Miles Vorkosigan novel. Komarr can be read as a standalone, though it is part of a whole series. (Komarr brings the total to 16 books!) Miles is a hugely popular character with fans--and they won't be disappointed with his latest adventure.
The planet Komarr is undergoing centuries-long terraforming when one of the orbiting mirrors crucial to the effort is smashed by an off-course ship. Miles Vorkosigan is sent to Komarr to investigate the incident; once there, he becomes embroiled in political and scientific battles. To make matters worse, the name Vorkosigan is anathema on Komarr. But our intrepid hero can't be put down easily. While trying to save Komarr, he manages... maybe... to find true love at last! Bujold's original and intelligent blend of politics, science, and cliffhanging-good space opera makes this book a satisfying adventure and a charming romance. --Therese Littleton
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Komarr
Lois Mcmaster Bujold
Manufacturer: Baen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S9KLFM |
Product Description
Nine books containing The Miles Vorkosigan/Naismith Series, including both the Novels and the Short Stories: Falling Free, Cordelia's Honor (Shards of Honor & Barrayar); Young Miles (The Warrior's Apprentice, "The Mountains of Mourning", and The Vor Game); Miles, Mystery & Mayhem (Cetaganda, Ethan of Athos, & "Labyrinth") Miles Errant ("The Borders of Infinity", Brothers in Arms, & Mirror Dance); Memory; Komarr; A Civil Contract; and Irresistible Forces ("Winterfair Gifts")
Customer Reviews:
Becoming anchored in the TRUTH.......2007-07-24
Having been, by God's grace, regenerated 34 years ago, I happily attended church, read the Word, prayed, taught women's Bible study - and believed that I (did you read that?) chose to 'ask Jesus into my heart' and save me!
I have, during these 34 years, believed the doctrines of: free-will, dispensationalism, semi-works salvation (Baptist style). THEN, Reformation theology was presented to me. I balked, fought against it, considered it a lie. Next, I read 'The Five Points of Calvinism' and God revealed His truth through it. I have read many, many books on Reformation theology since, and NOW it is ALL so clear...God's eternal plan, why the five 'solas' described in this book are the basis for understanding God's character, His master plan. I have a two-word suggestion for you: BUY IT!
Excellent Scripture References.......2007-05-09
This book is a great introduction to the main points of Calvinism. The author provides an easy-to-follow outline that provides relevant scripture for each point.
Great reference..........2007-01-09
Does the title give it away? This book is an update from the highly acclaimed book from Steele and Thomas and is great primer on what exactly Calvinism is. It is not exhaustive and was not meant to be but seems to be more a "dictionary" of sorts for reference on the 5 points. For each section it gives the defense and expalantion of the point, then gives you reference material for more reading.
This book is great to keep on your book shelf to reference verses in the Bible for the different doctrines, but if you are looking for a complete defense of the doctrines of Grace you will be disapointed.
The works that I especially found interesting was the appendix which went of a lot of tough questions that are posed to Calvinist based on Scripture and also those questions that are asked outside of the camp of Calvinism.
In my humble opinion if you know very little on these doctrines pick up this book alongside "A Journey in Grace" and you will at least be introduced to where you should go next.
Calvinism Succinct and Concise.......2006-08-25
This little book's title says it all, The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, Documented. [This review refers to an earlier version.] For the sake of disclosure, I do not hold to even one point of Calvinism. I reject Calvinism in whole and in every part. Nevertheless, this book easily gets five stars. It's my favorite reference on Calvinism.
This is the ultimate starting point if one desires to learn about Calvinism. The book is in three parts. Each part is succinct and concise. This is the Cliff's Notes of Calvinism.
Part one compares and contrasts the five points of Arminianism with the five points of Calvinism along with some brief historical information. Whether Arminianism is presented fairly or not is of little relevance, since this book is about Calvinism, not Arminianism. This is an excellent overview of the five points of Calvinism, and it serves to quickly lay the foundation for the rest of the book.
Part two presents the five points of Calvinism in a slightly expanded form with each point and sub-point supported by numerous Scriptures. This is the meatof the book as promised in the title. There are not a lot of philosophical arguments here, just statements of Calvinist doctrine, and Bible texts to support those statements with key words of the texts in italics. The is the best, most concise, presentation of Calvinism one is likely to find anywhere. I find it my most often used reference for Calvinist verses.
Part three is a listing of works on Calvinism for further study. There are references to general works, works concerning the particular points of Calvinism, and even pamphlets about Calvinism. This is an excellent compendium of Calvinist sources.
The appendix presents the Calvinist view of foreknowledge as found in Romans 8:29. The newer version has considerably more material.
When it comes to learning about Calvinism, there is no better starting place than this book. And, not only is this book the very best starting point, but the multitude of references will supply an ongoing source of Calvinist doctrine for those who wish to study further.
The 5 points.......2005-12-28
I received this book the day after Christmas and completed it the following day. It's definitely not an exhaustive book on the topic of Calvinism. However, the author makes it clear that wasn't his intention. If you are examining the topic for the first time this may be a good place to start. The book starts out by examining the 5 points of Arminianism next to the 5 points of Calvinism. Preceding the historical interdiction there is a short explanation for each of the 5 points following a string of scriptures. In the middle of the book is an exhaustive list of recommended books for further study. My favorite section of the whole book was the appendix. Out of the 8 sections of the appendix I most liked the section that answered the meaning of the word "Foreknew" in Romans 8:29...Another book outside of this one that conveys the Reformed stereological position is RC Sproul's book "Chosen by God" Sproul goes more into the philosophical questions that often arise with this topic.
Customer Reviews:
An Introductory Survey.......2007-02-27
Though now over forty years old, this book remains a perfect starting point for an introduction to Calvinism. Though hardly an indepth study, authors David Steele and Curtis Thomas present exactly what the title states; THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM: DEFINED, DEFENDED, DOCUMENTED. It's as simple as that.
One could fill a sizable library on the various treatises defining, defending and documenting Calvinism, but for a brief and concise examination, this is the perfect starting point. Calvinism is hardly limited to five points, but is often referred as Five Point Calvinism as a result of the comparison to the five points of Arminianism at the Synod of Dort. The book is broken into three parts. Part One gives a side by side comparison of the Five Points of Arminianism in contrast to the Five Points of Calvinism, as well as a brief history of each system of thought.
Part Two presents Biblical Support of the Five Points of Calvinism. Here the authors present depravity, election, atonement, efficacious grace and perseverance and each point is clearly defended with scripture. This is hardly an exhaustive Biblical study, but there is enough irrefutable evidence presented to definitively support the case for Calvinism.
Up to this point, the book has introduced and supported the subject on a basic and easily discernable level, making this volume an incomparable introduction, but Part Three extends that introduction into the realm of further study. Here the authors examine previous caseworks on the study of Calvinism, which will guide the reader to verify the claims of Calvinism. The books outlined are somewhat dated, but nonetheless critical to a more seminal understanding of the subject.
This all sounds like an incredible amount of work for a tiny booklet of only ninety-five pages, and it is, but this book doesn't stop there. In fact, I believe some of the most illuminating writing is to be found in the Appendix where the authors delve into an exegesis of the meaning of "foreknew" as found in Romans 8:29. The work here presents perhaps, the most substantial argument in support of Calvinism.
In summary, if you are seeking a basic introduction to Calvinism, for whatever reason, I believe this is one of the finest sources available. Not the most definitive by any means, but for a brief concise narrative that will shock you with how much information is to be gleaned from such a small volume, do not pass on this book.
Pastor Monty Rainey
Books:
- Fifty Great Short Stories
- Flaubert's Parrot
- Gilead: A Novel
- Goodnight Nobody: A Novel
- Hannah Coulter: A Novel
- Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World: A Novel (Vintage International)
- Headlong: A Novel
- House of Many Gods: A Novel
- In Lucia's Eyes
- In the Province of Saints: A Novel
Books Index
Books Home
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- A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush
- The Real Minerva
- The Landscape Lighting Book
- The Secret
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