Average customer rating:
- Elegant and delicate, like a Cassatt painting
- didn't live up to my expectations
- perfect for a Sunday afternoon read
- An easy read if you appreciate art.
- Lydia LaBelle
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Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper: A Novel
Harriet Scott Chessman
Manufacturer: Seven Stories Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1583222723 |
Book Description
In this richly imagined fiction, Harriet Scott Chessman entices us into the world of Mary Cassatt's early Impressionist paintings. Chessman's gift for storytelling mingles with her extraordinary understanding of these beautiful and significant works of art. This literary tour de force rises out of a sustained inquiry into art's relation to the ragged world of desire and mortality.
The story is told in the absorbing and lyrical voice of Mary Cassatt's sister Lydia, as she poses for five of her sister's most unusual paintings (reproduced in this edition). Ill with Bright's disease and conscious of her approaching death, Lydia contemplates her world with courage, openness, and passion. As she addresses and comes to accept her own position as her sister's model, she asks stirring questions about love and art's capacity to remember.
Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper illuminates Cassatt's brilliant paintings even as it creates a compelling portrait of the brave and memorable model who inhabits them with such grace, and the times in which they both lived.
Customer Reviews:
Elegant and delicate, like a Cassatt painting.......2007-09-02
A lovely novel(la) that provides a glimpse into the lives of Mary Cassatt and her sister Lydia, at a period when Lydia's illness makes time fleeting and precious. The author eschews the usual narrative format in favor of a structure and style that come across as truly Impressionist--giving the reader tantalizing images without spelling out the entire story beginning to end. The reader is invited to fill in the rest. The language is rich, the details carefully chosen for maximum impact. An excellent read for lovers of Impressionist painting.
didn't live up to my expectations.......2006-10-09
Eh.
I really hate it when I get excited over a book and then it bores me senseless. That's what this one did. Bummer.
Usually, when I write a review, I say something along the lines of "it was well written but.." and usually, what I mean by that is "I didn't really like it much, but I understand what the author was trying to do.." or something to that affect.
In the case of this book, I understand that the author was writing a fictional work about the Impressionist painter, Mary Cassatt. Now, either Mary Cassatt was the most boring person in the history of existance or this author just doesn't posess the knack for storytelling.
To me, the book was not only boring, but unfocused and abrupt. It details the process of five paintings; and devles into the relationship between Mary and her model; her sister Lydia, who is very ill and dying. While the book does touch upon their relationship, it doesn't go deep enough..there are other characters that are introduced who soon disappear leaving the reader wondering "so who is this? how do they know him? oh wait, it doesn't matter, because now he's gone from the story." A total feeling of dissatisfaction.
Generally, I like the historical art fiction novels. Not so much this one. I've said it before, but if you're looking for something in this genre, pick up something by Tracy Chevalier or Susan Vreeland..they're wonderful.
perfect for a Sunday afternoon read.......2006-04-03
I loved this book and sorry I didn't know about this author sooner but happy someone told me about this title. Lydia Cassatt, is Mary Cassatt's older sister who suffers with Bright's Disease. Mary paints her sister in several paintings and each chapter brings the painting to life with story and life in the Cassatt household.
Beautiful writing and really makes me want to visit the art gallery. There are 5 plates of the paintings within the book to reinforce the image with the chapters ~ really good and short enough to read in one sitting.
An easy read if you appreciate art........2006-03-28
An easy read if you appreciate art. I liked that it tried to describe each painting and even showed them in the book. It really took me back to that time. This was a well written flowing book.
Lydia LaBelle.......2005-08-01
This review is based upon the unabridged audio CD version of this novel. I'm never clear about why an author who is not trained in expressive narration would choose to record his/her own book. In my experience, it's not very successful, and such things are best left to professionals. Lydia Cassatt is no great exception. The author's voice is childish in tone and pitch, and distracts from rather than adds to the story. That said, about halfway through this version, I came to feel that the voice rather fit Lydia's character. She was the unknown sister of an artist whose fame was increasing year by year. She was struggling to come to terms with her illness and her own mortality. That Lydia's family so loved her was undoubtedly a factor in her ability to do so. The factual accuracy of this story is less important than the opportunity to watch and listen to Lydia as she might have faced her fatal problem. Her grace, intelligence, and moral strength as depicted by Chessman are inspiring. This is a lovely work of art that stands on its own.
Book Description
Sara's terrified. She's doing the one thing she cannot afford to do: fall in love with a famous man, former pro football player Adam Black. Sara is hidden away in the witness protection program, her safety dependent on staying invisible -- and loving Adam could get her killed. Her brother, FBI agent Dave Richman (O'Malley series book one, The Negotiator), has his hands full providing her security from the man who kidnapped her and her twin sister and caused her sister's death. Soon they are caught in a chain of events that brings Sara face-to-face with terror...and with the sure knowledge that only God can set her free from the Danger in the Shadows.
Customer Reviews:
Draggy, unrealistic, boring romance, horrendous ending.......2007-09-07
I've heard that this book was written BEFORE all the others in the series, and considering how popular Dee Henderson's books seem to be, I'm pretty sure this wasn't a good place to start, I'll have to check out the other books in the series.
The story is pretty simple. A young rich woman meets a football star her age who wants something more from the women in his life. She's being pursued by a man who kidnapped her when she was a kid and killed her twin sister. She's constantly (like CONSTANTLY) under FBI surveillance in order to catch this bad guy at large. She falls in love with this football star and must decide if being with him and putting him in danger is worth it. Oh, she's really REALLY traumatized by this childhood experience to the point where it runs her life. Ok, whatever.
So what's so bad? Well, the writing drags on WAY too much once the "romance" gets started (I really don't need to know dumb little details, like that a person put down their drink), and the characters are VERY difficult for an average person to relate to. Just the fact that it seems the entire American FBI is securing this woman constantly shows how freaking rich she is, being the daughter of a wealthy ambassador I couldn't find myself relating to her pain. Oh, the pain. The pain, the pain, the CONSTANT reminders of how horrible she feels become so overused it's laughable. There are literally some chapters as to where NOTHING new happens, and I felt like so much stuff could've just been edited. Plus there were parts I had to reread because the author was obviously trying to go for the "read between the lines" style but ended up writing something that simply didn't make grammatical sense.
There isn't ANY characterization put into this bad guy who's taunting her and sending her packages, so you're simply reading just to see if there'll be some kind of a twist at the end. There isn't. And the final "confrontation" between her and mr. bad guy is SO UNBELIEVABLY CLICHED AND STUPID it makes you want to throw the book across the room. I was like "I paid 14 bucks for this?!"
This is not to also mention that the final "confrontation" is like a paragraph long. It's pathetic. Although the final note by the author makes it seem like she is SO in love with these characters. I want to ask "did you actually READ this after you wrote it?"
On top of this, the "Christian" themes feel so tacked on, they're like an afterthought, very much unlike a good Christian fiction author like Ted Dekker, who woves his Christian themes into the story and into each character very well, has good Biblical themes, makes it the basis for his stories and isn't afraid to use the word "Jesus." By the end I really knew nothing of either of these main characters even though I spent over 300 pages getting to supposedly know them.
All said and done, this really isn't a good book. In fact, I'd have to go on record and say it's one of the worst I've ever read. Still, I hold hope for this author, I'll definitely check out one of her other books. The writing in this one just doesn't GRAB you, ya know?
Romance without much suspense, for Christian readers........2007-08-25
Sara is the daughter of a diplomat, and a successful author. As a child, she and her sister were kidnapped and her sister died. One of the kidnappers is still at large and Sara lives under constant protection. One day she meets Adam Black, a retired football player. They fall in love, but Sara's lifestyle may be too much of an obstacle for their relationship to work.
"Danger in the Shadows" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. But the focus is on the romance and unfortunately, there's not really much suspense at all. The few suspense sequences are over just as soon as they begin. Henderson has created a nice character in Sara, and her story is interesting, but I would have liked there to be more suspense. Christian readers may like the religious parts of the story, but personally I found them unnecessary, but still not too distracting.
I would recommend "Danger in the Shadows" to Christian romance readers. Suspense readers (Christian or not) may want to look for something else.
K. Baggatts .......2007-05-11
This book was very interesting. The story was well told and well written, very descriptive. I was able to imagine the story as if I were watching a movie. The details made it easy to imagine and follow along. Christian fiction with action, love, suspense...
I have never read a book like this and I didn't even know christian themed books existed but now I'm hooked. I am currently reading the O'Malley series and I am enjoying it very much. The story carries on throughout several books, thereby, letting you get to know the characters. I didn't know series books existed either. Brilliant!
Love Dee Hendersen but was a little disappointed.......2007-03-14
The story is a good one. You will be captivated in the beginning of the book but after awhile it d r a g s o u t about Sara and her pain. I think explaining her pain and what she has to live out is important but I think it seemed to just fill in pages to make the story longer. Maybe it there were more flashbacks to things that happened as she grew up and how it affected her would have been more intriguing.
I read all the O'Malley books and True Honor, True Courage and love them all.
Book Review.......2007-03-10
I was very pleased with my order. The book was in excellent condition and I received the book in a timely manner. I would definately buy from this seller again.
Product Description
The award-winning prequel to the o'malley series.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring.......2007-07-13
Any of Dee Henderson's books are excellent reading. I have most of her books and enjoyed getting to know the entire family of her characters. Interesting Christian believer theme that isn't condescending.
Book Description
This vivid historical novel is set in the North Country during the wild days of Prohibition.
Customer Reviews:
"Wow! What a Book!".......2007-01-19
Having just read Mountain Shadows and being the principal of Lake Placid Middle/High School, all I have to say is "Wow! What a Book!" I look forward to having Brooks speak at a dinner meeting of our Adirondack Book Club, a group of male community leaders. In the past, we have heard from Russell Banks and Brian Mann. Brooks will also speak to several classes of history students, where Mountain Shadows is assigned reading.
Wonderful Exploration.......2006-06-27
This historically-accurate novel is a wonderful exploration of both the natural and cultural environment of the Lake Placid/Saranac Lake area of New York's Adirondacks during the 1920's. The enjoyable story of a couple that is introduced to the region by necessity also provides a glimpse into the area's rich heritage, and illustrates to those of us that live in the Adirondacks that some aspects of that time period remain the same today.
Brooks presents a well-researched description of Saranac Lake's tuberculosis cure cottages and the affluent nature of Lake Placid during prohibition, from the working-class perspective of a young man who finds himself immersed in the conflicting settings of both.
In its exploration of the cure cottages, the book provides an accurate account of this very important time period in Saranac Lake's history, and it showcases many aspects of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks in a different era. However, to those of us lucky enough to live there, it is clear that some characteristics of the mountains in the story haven't changed much.
As the main character makes his way to Lake Placid on foot after his Model T breaks down less than 100 miles away, the reader is taken to a time when the winter made what is now a short drive into an epic journey. In the book, the beautiful, yet remote wilderness is contrasted by the warmth and hospitality of the region's inhabitants.
Today's technology allows easy travel through the mountains; a great advancement from the impassable winter roadways of the prohibition era. But the residents of the region still abide by the same conventions with respect of hospitality as the welcoming rural folks in the book. Though eighty years have passed since the time in which this story is set, that remote wilderness is still there, forever wild, to be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. And, although the development of antibiotics eliminated the need for the tuberculosis cure cottages, visitors continue to travel to the region seeking a different kind of cure. Today, the High Peaks region blends a rich Olympic history, countless outdoor recreational opportunities, and the chance to get away from it all.
The historic significance of the tuberculosis cure, in the context of such a well-written, heartwarming story, would translate beautifully onscreen, allowing a much larger audience to learn about this important part of our region's past. And, the largely unchanged geographic surroundings here in the Adirondacks would make a spectacular backdrop for a project of that nature. As the President of the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to read and endorse this book as a wonderful resource that enhances our efforts to promote the heritage of our region.
Just Loved It.......2005-10-20
We just got back from a wonderful "Mom's weekend" in Lake Placid. All 12 of us had read the book for bookgroup and just loved it. Coming up to Lake Placid and Saranac Lake brought out all of the questions and interests we had had from reading the book. After all, a five hour car ride with 6 Moms per car can bring about a lot of discussion. One of our highlights of our weekend was actually discussing the book with Patricia Brooks. What an honor it was to hear about how she so thoroughly researched all the aspects for the book. Our curiosity was so high that after our discussion we actually drove around Saranac Lake and found Helen Hill and while in Lake Placid drove past where Joe worked at the Lake Placid Club. Mountain Shadows was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it. It brought about more discussion than any book we have read.
Delightful Read.......2005-08-05
"Mountain Shadows" is a delightful read. I am impressed by the sensitive and often dramatic treatment of historic detail. Even those of us who thought we knew a lot about the unique story of Saranac Lake, during the half century that we were the premier place in the Western Hemisphere for the treatment and cure of tuberculosis, found new insight and understanding in the telling of a very personal story. The reader learns of the shifting emotions of patients as they see friends improve and return home, and others pass away and leave in coffins at nightfall. We see the strains on family life when one member is sent to Saranac Lake for the cure - some families writing, visiting, sending packages, others distancing themselves from the feared contagion. The supportive and encouraging attitude of residents and caregivers in Saranac Lake toward the thousands of tuberculosis patients who stayed here comes through as well, the positive attitude that surely helped many to survive the "White Plague." "Mountain Shadows" tells a story that is relevant and inspiring today as many struggle with serious illness or strive to provide for the emotional and physical support of loved ones who are ill.
Deeply Moving!.......2004-12-15
In the beginning of this outstanding read we are confronted by a rescue of a young man stranded and half dead in the snow. Joe Devlin is on a journey, one driven by love for his wife Alice, who is suffering from tuberculosis. Joe is a simple, honest man, but also a poor man, who is now faced with the cost of the 'cure' that Alice must receive at Lake Placid, New York, if he ever hopes to have her well again.
We are taken along the journey of Alice and Joe and their struggle to play the hand that life has dealt them. Joe soon begins to do things he never thought he would, both in his work and in his personal life and Alice if faced with hard decisions of the heart. Neither life will ever be the same.
The author does an exceptional job of bringing to life the immense hardships that patients and their families endured from tuberculosis during the 1920's. Her description of Lake Placid and the era bring you directly into the storyline as your heart merges with the well defined characters of her work. This is more than a story; it is a walk into part of America's past and the people who lived it. A story that shows love indeed has no end, nor obstacles that it cannot cross. Recommended.
Great job! Great read!
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review
Book Description
This boxed set includes the introductory books to each of Dee's series, including the prequel to the O'Malley series Danger in the Shadows. Included in each set is an exclusive first chapter sampler of The Witness/ free! What a great way to get hooked on Dee Henderson and just in time for the release of her brand-new book, The Witness, in February.
Book Description
NO ONE EVER wants to lose a loved one no matter what they do or how old they are. But in any endeavor, you have to expect the unexpected. Sometimes, in a routine day's work, some men will lose their lives to the violence they so detest. WHEN A MAN gives his life for the thing that's defined him, something that he feels so strongly about that he's willing to risk his life for it, then this is the ultimate moment in his career. Just to know such a man may be the highlight of many people's own life.
Average customer rating:
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Danger in the Depths (Shadow Creek Ranch Series)
Charles Mills
Manufacturer: Review and Herald Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Christian | Fiction | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Ages 9-12 | Christianity | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Ages 9-12 | Christianity | Religions | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0828009821 |
Customer Reviews:
Mystery In The Attic.......2002-01-28
This book was fantastic. I just could not put it down. I mean that is how good it was.
Book Description
"The true test of a warrior is not without...it is within."
Sins of the past collide with hopes for the future as Martok fights for the right to lead the Klingon Empire. With the secret of his usurper exposed, the ousted chancellor and his ragtag band of followers embark on a desperate plan to retake the empire.
But while Worf, Ezri Dax, and the crew of the IKS Rotarran go in search of the Klingons' most revered icon of power, Martok is dealt the most crushing blow of all -- driving him to make his final stand on the ice-strewn cliffs of sacred Boreth. As that frozen world reverberates with the song of armies and bat'leths clashing, the mystery of Martok's past, and the future of the Klingon Empire, is revealed.
Customer Reviews:
Left Hand of Destiny - A Favorite!.......2006-10-05
The Left Hand of Destiny Book I and II have been some of my favorites of the continuing stories of DS9. I think this was the most exciting set of books so far. There were many references to the DS9 episodes, and quite a few characters were pulled in for this set of books. It's sometimes shocking yet strangely satisfying when some of the characters are killed off and "put to rest" in the relaunch. It kind of brings a finality to that part of the series and story.
The action in this LHoD was superb. I stayed up very late at night reading these books - I could not put them down.
good read.......2006-07-24
Great book and well-written characters(especjally :Worf and Martok, plus Pchar)and relationships beetwen them.I think that the writters tried to tell something more
about Martok's family,Drex and Sirella than we got to know from the tv,and make Drex a litte smarter,than he was in tv:).
I also like Alexander -It's look like he can find his own path among Klingons,althrough having still human attitudes.
solid characters and a good story.......2005-07-21
Everyone knows what has to happen in this miniseries, but the question is how will Martok get his planet back and who will have to die in the process? It was a bit surprising if not shocking who was killed in this installment. I just thought that the Star Trek authors would find some other interesting things to do with those characters. I never knew that Martok had any children, so that was interesting to read. I found the story of Pharh (the Klingon raised Faringi) rather touching and his relationship with Martok was one of the best parts of the whole book.
I don't know, but I thought that Klingons never smiled. If Kingons aren't supposed to smile, then this book isn't consistent with the Kilingon personality.
In a nutshell this was a good book, but not all that engaging or maybe I just wasn't that interested in it out of the anticipation of the next book in the series "Unity".
Klingon action!.......2003-10-05
This is the second part to the two part series. It's a great Klingon action story! BTW, I thought the spiritual aspects were just great! One of the most interesting things about the Klingons, they are like the Samurai of ancient Japan, with their spirituality and warrior culture! This story would make a great series premier for a new Star Trek TV series! The female characters get a lot of respect, unlike on the past TV series, where they are either sex maniacs or frigid housewives. Martok's wife gets a chance to show some real heroism here! As a female fan of the Klingons, I was surprised and pleased by this two part novel! Thank you, Mr. Lang and Hertzler! I recommend the book highly. I deducted a point only because in many paqrts it seems copied directly from John Ford's "The Final Reflection" and Kat Ramo's "Citizen Of The Empire."
I'll have a little Klingon mumbo-jumbo to go please.......2003-08-09
The Left Hand of Destiny: Book 2 continues almost exactly where Book 1 left off. Unfortunately, while the quality of the book is still high, it's marred by some heavy mystical content that overpowers the book and brings it almost to a standstill at times.
Martok, the new chancellor of the Klingon Empire, has been deposed and is on the run. The secret behind the usurper has been revealed to be a woman from Martok's past, a woman who Martok spurned when she tried to get him to join her and her father in their genetic manipulation schemes. Using her genetic talents, she has reincarnated the Hur'q, the bane of the Klingon existence hundreds of years ago. Now that she and the usurper have gained control of the Empire, what's next? Is there a more personal slant to all of this?
Ezri Dax goes on personal leave from space station Deep Space 9 in order to help, and finds herself caught in a the middle of a lot of Klingon claptrap that she spoke out against earlier. She does her duty to the Martok family anyway, aiding Worf and the crew of the Rotarran find an ancient Klingon weapon that will give Martok the power to wrest control of the Empire back from its thief.
Culminating in a final battle on the monastery planet Boreth, Martok's victory or defeat will result in major changes to the Empire. Martok will have to win if he wants to guide the new Empire during its first baby steps. If he doesn't, the Empire will crumble.
The writing in this book is almost better than the first book, as none of the mishaps that occurred in the first book present themselves. There are no continuity errors (whether Trek-related or internal) and the prose seems to be tightened considerably. The pacing at the start is very nice. However, when things get to Boreth, the book takes a major nosedive.
The main problem with the book is the overpowering mysticism. I do not have any problem with visions, dreams, fantasy figures, etc. There has always been a small mystic undercurrent in some Trek stories that doesn't detract from them at all. However, this time it drags the book to a screeching halt as Martok has yet more visions. I have to admit I started losing track of things at this point, and just wanted the book to get moving again. This mainly becomes a problem on Boreth, as I have no problems with the few times it happens to Martok before.
The mysticism, combined with the seemingly endless battle on the snow-clad plains makes the last third of the book a real struggle to get through. Every time it seemed like the battle was going to end, something else happened to continue it. It got very monotonous very quickly, and turned me right off. The climax was is stunning yet a little too abrupt. After the monotony of the final sequence, the climax suddenly happens and then it's over, with just a small epilogue taking place two months later. While the pacing of earlier sections of the book is fine, the pacing of the ending really stinks.
All is not lost, however. The fact that the television show is over gives Hertzler and Lang free reign with most of the characters, and some surprising fates await them. I liked the fact that, for the most part, the reader has no idea whether or not danger will be fatal for a character. It makes the book more suspenseful and it does help make the final battle a little more palatable. If none of the characters were in any danger, this sequence would have been even more boring. What's even better is that the fates of the characters are logical and believable.
The characterization is still strong and is one of the high points of the book (and its predecessor). Martok has visibly grown into his role and he slowly begins to accept that he is what the Empire needs. Kahless, the cloned Klingon emperor, also comes full circle and realizes what his place is in Klingon society. Worf, Dax, and Worf's son Alexander are also in character, and interesting characters to boot. The characterization of the villains isn't quite as good, but it's not as bad as the first book, where they were ciphers. There were a few "I'm so evil" moments, especially for the female villain, but they weren't too bad. I found the usurper extremely dull, though. He gets more face-time in the book, but in this case it's a bad thing. He rarely does anything but rant about his mother or Martok.
Pharh, though, is the breakthrough original character. He grows away from his Ferengi heritage of commerce and business to become a very well-rounded character, so much so that Martok comes to respect him as he never would any other Ferengi. Unfortunately, his is the one fate that is most predictable, but he's still interesting to read about. While one would expect Hertzler to have Martok's characterization down pat (since he played Martok on the show), it's Pharh who shows that Hertzler is a very talented writer.
It's just the pacing that needs work. If that improves, Hertzler will continue to be a fine Trek writer (assuming that's what he wants to do). Still, this opening 2-book series is a wonderful step in the right direction and shows a lot of promise. I wish I knew who was responsible for what in the book, because if it's Lang's fault, I'll apologize to Hertzler. The problems just strike me as "new-writer syndrome" that will hopefully go away in time. If you're a DS9 fan, you owe it to yourself to check out these two books. Just try not to fall asleep getting to the end of the second one.
David Roy
Book Description
Voted one of Christianity Today's 1996 Books of the Year!In his first book,
Darwin on Trial, Berkeley law professor Phillip E. Johnson took on the heavyweights of science. And he got their attention, even provoking a response from neo-Darwinist Stephen Jay Gould in the pages of
Scientific American. Now Johnson's back with a book that expands his critique from science to law, education and today's culture wars.Is God unconstitutional?Why is morality forced out of public school curriculum?Can Christians believe in God and evolution?Why aren't we getting anywhere in the debate over abortion?Will the Grand Unified Theory solve the riddle of the universe?Johnson dares to answer these and other tough, touchy questions. He reveals why naturalism (the philosophy that the material world is all there was, is and will be) has become "the established religious philosophy of America," supplanting Judeo-Christian belief. He shows how naturalism undergirds science, law, education and popular culture. And he argues that naturalism has even infiltrated the church--marginalizing opposition as irrational, and encouraging Christians to adopt a more "reasonable" stance.In
Reason in the Balance, Johnson writes energetically and persuasively--chapter by chapter zeroing in on the chinks in the argument for naturalism. He explores nearly every acre of today's cultural battlefield: God, sex education, evolution, abortion, cosmology and particle physics, what our public schools should teach, the basis of law, the meaning of reason and a few other things that matter. Armed with biblical truth, common sense and a clear understanding of his foe, he steps out like David to fell the intellectual Goliath of our day.
Customer Reviews:
This should be read w. "The trouble with Physics".......2007-07-28
In "The trouble with Physics" the author frequently slams christans as illogical and irrational while using terms like "faith on science" etc. "The trouble with Physics" is not an easy read but it is enligtening as to the humanity that science is done under. The politics, money and passions which make it less tha absolute truth.
This is the point that Philip Johnson makes as well. While these learned folks have huge bias and egos which are prejudiced automatically against certain points of view. Reason and logical rational thought that is objective overcomes these barriers in all of us.
In Praise Of Illogical, Irrational Thought From A Very Bitter Angry Old Man.......2007-05-20
For years University of California, Berkeley law professor Phillip Johnson has been on a fanatical crusade against what he perceives as the evil aspects of modern American society, placing blame primarily on the shoulders of atheistic liberal evolutionists like the late Stephen Jay Gould, Niles Eldredge and Richard Dawkins, to name but a few of the eminent scientists who have found themselves unexpected targets of his well-written, but nonetheless, quite vitriolic, and intellectually bankrupt, prose. How sad it is to read the words of a gifted writer like Johnson who truly is out of his league with respect to comprehending what science exactly is, and why evolution makes a lot of sense as both a scientific fact and a scientific theory. His harsh, dismal view of American society stands in stark contrast to the optimistic vision expressed by my friend Ken Miller, a Brown University professor of biology, in his excellent book "Finding Darwin's God", which was published originally around the same time as this vitriolic diatribe. Ken, a devout Roman Catholic Christian, has no problems reconciling his faith in God and his acceptance - based on years of excellent scientific research - of the fact of evolution, and of the Theory of Evolution via Natural Selection as the most likely explanation for the rich biological diversity which Planet Earth holds. Johnson's "Reason in the Balance: The Case Against Naturalism in Science, Law & Education" argues so strongly in favor of injecting a supernatural bias into science, law and education that it expresses a view which would be regarded by the United States Supreme Court as contrary to the original desires and hopes of the Founding Fathers responsible for drafting the United States Constitution; in plain English, they would rule that his view is unconstitutional. A view that isn't "reason in the balance", but instead, a dubious, deceitful one that praises illogical, irrational thought. Instead of wasting your time thinking of buying this book, please strongly consider instead the superb books written by Ken Miller, philosophers Richard Pennock and Philip Kitcher, paleobiologist Niles Eldredge, and anthropologist Eugenie Clark which I cite in my Listmania! List entitled "Why Evolution is Science & Creationism Isn't" (http://www.amazon.com/Why-Evolution-Is-Science-amp-Creationism-Isn-t/lm/R1288DTMHQJI13/ref=cm_lm_byauthor_title_full/103-2708890-6723846). Otherwise, by purchasing this book, you are unwittingly giving some credit - when none is due - to the inexcusable, deceitful declarations of a very bitter angry old man.
A Clear Look at the Devastating Consequences of Modernism.......2007-05-05
This is a must read for parents and those planning on attending college. I smile at the reviewer that says science is based on observable data, while omitting that much of evolution is based upon assumptions that cannot be observed, much less proven. Students beware. If you have faith in God, your faith will challenged, marginalized, scoffed at, and maybe worse when you enter college. Read Darwin on Trial and Reason in the Balance to bring you hope. Phillip Johnson is meticulous in his examination of 'scientific naturalism', 'materialism' or in his words, modernism. His point is that it is not science, but religion and it is antagonistic towards God.
Mr. Johnson does not discuss "possible" outcomes of relativism. Instead, he provides clear examples of severe problems in our schools and universities and the fervent attempts by secularists to remove religion from education. I taught school for 9 years and saw continuing examples of Arthur Leff's famous "Sez who?" Is this book easy to read? No. Is it essential to understanding the religious dogma of scientific naturalism and how to combat it? Yes.
Brilliant, insightful analysis .......2007-02-06
One of the most important books I have read. A masterful discussion of the merits of Theism and Naturalism for the claim to truth and reason. Dr Johnson gives a stunningly compelling defense of the rational merits of Theism, carefully exposing the false claims and destructive effects of Atheistic Naturalism in science, education and law. If you want to be equipped to know and win battles against the rising tide of secularism, "Reason in the Balance" is essential reading. You can make a secularists head spin exposing their absurdity, and get them thinking critically about the bankruptcy of dominant secularist presumptions in the culture today.
Excellent assesment of the perennial struggle between faith and naturalism in society.......2007-01-25
After reading Desmond Curran's ill-informed review, all I'm left to wonder is whether or not he even bothered to read the book. If he had, he might have actually addressed the purpose of the book, which was to show that basing law, education and science purely on naturalism produces very questionable results. Johnson notes that it produces societies that begin to lose their notion of acting in the common good and instead turn inward and focus on creating their own personal space and prosperity to the detriment of society as a whole. Naturalism rejects the notion of any concrete moral guideposts, and therefore people who subscribe to it feel no obligation to act on anything except their own subjective and ever-changing beliefs. It's a good and fair point he makes, and even a number of athiests over the centuries have noted that mankind would probably lose all moral sense of direction without some sort of faith in their lives.
This isn't to assume that the faith community is without flaw...it certainly has its share of skeletons in the closet. But overall, naturalism and its focus on subjective laws has brought us such horrors as Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and Mao Tse Tung (all fervent believers in "natural" law). These men were responsible for nearly 100 million deaths in the 20th century alone, and to a large degree acted that way because they had no moral absolutes to follow, only their own subjective guidelines.
Mr. Curran's comments about religion may contain a hint of truth in them, but rather than offer any evidence to support his attack, he just levels a rant at Johnson while ignoring the horrific track record of his own worldview, apparently that of naturalism. I would suggest he reread the book with an open mind, since his comments show he didn't bother to read very far. Mr. Johnson wasn't "preaching" to scientists as Mr. Curran alleges ... he simply showed that the worldview that's largely accepted by scientists (naturalism) provides a weak foundation for building a healthy society.
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Reason in the Balance: The Case Against Naturalism in Science, Law, and Education.(Brief Article): An article from: Journal of Church and State
Michael L. Peterson
Manufacturer: J.M. Dawson Studies in Church and State
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
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ASIN: B00097MZIE
Release Date: 2005-07-28 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Journal of Church and State, published by J.M. Dawson Studies in Church and State on January 1, 1997. The length of the article is 542 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: Reason in the Balance: The Case Against Naturalism in Science, Law, and Education.(Brief Article)
Author: Michael L. Peterson
Publication:
Journal of Church and State (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 1997
Publisher: J.M. Dawson Studies in Church and State
Volume: 39
Issue: n1
Page: 171-172
Article Type: Book Review, Brief Article
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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