Average customer rating:
- Good, Easy Reading
- Sugar is back, and gets what she wants
- Tied all of the pieces together
- what a good follow up
- WORTHY OF BEING A SEQUEL
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This Bitter Earth
Bernice L. McFadden
Manufacturer: Plume
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Binding: Paperback
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Sugar
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The Warmest December
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Nowhere Is a Place
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Loving Donovan
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Camilla's Roses
ASIN: 0452283817 |
Book Description
This Bitter Earth picks up where Sugar left off-on the dirt road leading to Sugar's childhood home in Short Junction, Arkansas. Here, Sugar hears a shocking revelation about unrequited love, and about one man's hatred-and the black magic that has cursed generations. Her travels take Sugar to St. Louis, where the bonds of an old friendship test the limits of her courage and compassion-and the sacrifices she will make for another young woman in desperate need of a caring friend.
Filled with the lyrical language, haunting imagery, and compelling voice that imbued Sugar with its power and grace, This Bitter Earth is a novel about the inexorable power the past exerts over us and our ability to triumph over adversity and sorrow. Earthy and richly evocative, it is a testament to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.
Customer Reviews:
Good, Easy Reading.......2007-05-18
This book is enticing, exciting and sad, all on one page. Usually when a book is a sequel, it is necessary to have read the first book in order to fully enjoy it. That's not the case with this novel. The author has succeeded in giving you just enough insight to the previous book that you don't feel lost if you haven't read it, without reiterating everything in case you have. Bernice McFadden is quickly becoming one of my favorite novelists
Sugar is back, and gets what she wants.......2007-03-28
Wow, What a book and I was thinking sugar was good, they are both good reads.Sugar comes back to bigelow for a reason, and now we know why.Jude send her back in her dreams to let her know what happen to her, and bring the family together with the true who sugar dad is.I see why mercy was put in her life the way she was to see that lappy have done to alot of people in that town.This was a great book IM sorry it taking so long to read it.
Tied all of the pieces together.......2006-06-06
The group felt many of the unanswered questions from McFadden's novel "Sugar" were answered in "This Bitter Earth."
Overall the group felt that each character kept too many secrets. Everyone felt that the secrets were the source of the problems. Joe kept secrets about being Sugar's father and learning the details of Jude's murder. The Lacey sisters held secrets about Sugar's family including Shirley being her great-grandmother. Sugar's life would have been drastically different, if most of these secrets had been revealed earlier.
what a good follow up .......2006-05-02
I just love this author work, her books are so heart felt. thank you bernice mcfadden.
WORTHY OF BEING A SEQUEL.......2006-02-12
YES, A SEQUEL THAT CAN STAND UP TO THE FIRST BOOK. THIS BITTER EARTH WAS JUST AS GOOD AS SUGAR. SHE MADE SURE SHE KEPT US IN THE BOOK AND IN THE MIND OF ALL THE CHARACTERS. MANY OF TIMES I HAD TO SAY "COCOA, YOU ARE NOT SUGAR, COME BACK TO REALITY" I FELT THAT CHARACTER LIKE I FEEL THE MY HEART BEATING INSIDE OF ME. ONCE AGAIN A WELL WRITTEN NOVEL BY BERNICE MCFADDEN
Average customer rating:
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This Bitter Earth: The Depression Era
Ola Whatley
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 141342189X |
Book Description
During the Civil War, Wolf worked as a Southern spy-and fell in love with a Union General's daughter. When they meet accidentally after the war, sparks fly once again.
Customer Reviews:
A Timeless Love Story. . . Grade: A.......2005-02-19
Jodi Thomas is an author who launches her stories by using soothing enticement. Immediately, this writer pulls the reader into her plot. Regrettably, in the past, I found her stories generally limp to the finish line. However, in TWILIGHT IN TEXAS the author leaves 'limp' behind and finishes with a winner.
The American Civil War rages - North against the South, brother against brother, father against son. In a crowded Philadelphia train station two strangers spontaneously embrace and kiss, a moment in time, but a moment so powerful it would carry them through the horrors of war. Call it fate, call it love, or call it survival, but neither party would ever forget. Two strangers touched by love's whisper, two strangers from opposite sides. Benjamin "Wolf" Hayward is a Confederate spy and Mollie Donivan is the daughter of a Union general.
Eight years later, both still live with that cherished memory. Once again, two strangers meet, but in a different time and place. Now Wolf Hayward is a captain in the Texas Rangers; he has a full beard, long hair, and fifty more pounds. Mollie Donivan is a struggling pharmacist/doctor. Wolf immediately recognizes Molly as the vision from his past. Molly regrettably fails to recognize Wolf as her fantasy soldier.
So Thomas begins her love story and this is gentle, soft romance at its finest. Although Wolf is delighted to find his Molly again, he is terrified to reveal who he really is. He is afraid because they once dwelled as enemies; he is afraid because Molly knows nothing of his wartime spying and betrayals. But amazingly, with Thomas' magic, what could have been unreasonably ridiculous turns into spellbinding fascination.
Adding further delight, the author builds her story around exceptional secondary characters. From the adorable child known as Callie Anne, to the gruff old veteran who acts as Molly's protector, Thomas weaves them warmly into her reader's heart.
In the past, I have always liked Jodi Thomas as an author. She has a simple direct style, a tender quality, and great homelike characters. So what made TWILIGHT IN TEXAS a better book? Because this time, Thomas wrote an entire book strongly, not just a few chapters.
Grade: A
MaryGrace Meloche
Reviewer for: Romance Designs
Another great one!.......2001-03-08
It's perfect that Jodi would write about Wolf Hayward, the big hairy lovable beast who was in her trilogy about the McLain brothers! Jodi became one of my favorite authors after reading the other three books, which, by the way, you should read first before reading this one. Not that this one doesn't stand well on it's own, absolutely the contrary, but you'll understand some of the references about the McLains better this way. The story did have plenty of subplots, but never too many distract you from the main one, just enough to enhance it. The other thing that Jodi does is to leave at least one "unattached" person in her story, that you hope she will write about next. I didn't want to give too much of just a "synopsis" of the book, It's great, and I'll let you find that out on your own. Well, that's my review, my first actually. I hope it helps.
The queen of Texas romances.......2001-02-18
During the Civil War, their eyes meet and remain locked though the train station is crowded. Benjamin admits that he now believes in love at first sight. Molly Donovan is a true believer too. He vows to find her after the war and seals his pledge with a kiss. However, afterwards reality returns with a vengeance and he realizes she is a Union general's daughter and he is actually Wolf Hayward, confederate spy.
Eight years later in Austin, Texas Ranger Wolf is hurt by a falling sign. Dr. Molly Donovan tends to his injuries. He immediately recognizes the woman who has haunted his dreams, but she fails to know he is the soldier that stole her heart. Wolf cannot help but court Molly, who is fascinated by his attention, but struggles to keep her promise to remain loyal to Benjamin. As they fall in love, Wolf worries how Molly reacts to the fact that he and Benjamin is the same person.
Jodie "Texas" Thomas provides her audience with a powerful Lone Star romance that brings to life the decade after the Civil War. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and loaded with tender passion that will entice readers to search out the author's previous novels. The lead characters are a delightful duo whose motivations ring true. Ms. Thomas has written another exciting tale that sub-genre fans will relish for a long time to come.
Harriet Klausner
Product Description
He was a southern spy behind enemy lines. She was a Union General's daughter. And it was love at first sight. War kept them apart for 8 years - until Wofl Hayward lands on Molly's door step.
Customer Reviews:
Twilight in Texas by Jodi Thomas (Large Print).......2006-12-15
Description from the book dust jacket:
"I have to board. This is my train." He smiled down at her, memorizing her face. "But I must have your name before I go. I'll carry it with me until this war is over. Then I'll find you. I swear, I'll find you." ... "Molly," she whispered, then shouted above the crowd. "Molly Donivan." "Molly," he whispered ... "Do you believe in love at first sight?" "I'm starting to," she answered ... He was a Southern spy behind enemy lines. She was a Union General's daughter. And it was love at first sight, sealed with one passionate kiss. War kept them apart for eight long years - until Wolf Hayward, now a Texas Ranger, lands on Molly's doostep, wounded. Molly doesn't recognize him, but finds herself attracted to his kindness. When she discovers the truth, can they find the love they thought was lost?
Average customer rating:
- Outstanding!
- I am the Author of this book
- the dark side of twilight
- The Dark Side of Twilight
- A good book! Hard to put down!! Well written!!
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The Dark Side of Twilight : A True Story of Murder and Texas Justice
Jean Lasell
Manufacturer: Sundown Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0965153606 |
Book Description
On the evening of August 7, 1988, in a rural South Texas town, Patricia Crocker presumably disappeared while walking to a local grocery store. One week later, upon learning of Patricia's disappearance, her two sisters set out to find her. This book is the gripping true story of their investigation: the lies, rumors and deceit that confronted them and the ultimate horror of the final discovery. It's also a story of their continued investigation until the truth was finally revealed in a courtroom.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding!.......2006-10-27
Excellent reading. Once I got started, I couldn't put it down. This story is VERY well told. The special bond sisters have is definitely seen in this book.
I am the Author of this book.......2004-01-04
First of all,I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has bought this book.
It is indeed a true story. I lived it, I wrote it, and I published it.
Writing the story was a very painful experience, and there were times when I wondered whether I could relive the horror all over again to write it. But I knew that somewhere, perhaps closer than we realize, another woman was destined to die at the hands of a crazed animal she once loved. I wrote the story as a warning to all women, and men. I wanted the story to make them stop and think of the consequences of abusive relationships. I wanted to save them. Murder is never confined to only two people. It destroys entire families. Nothing is ever the same, again. And families are left to carry the hurt forever.
However, to those who have read my book, I offer an update on the story. Lewis Crocker served twelve years in the Texas State Prison. I learned that it was a rough twelve years. No, he was not paroled. In March 2000, he died while still an Inmate in prison. A death I think he deserved.
Thanks again for reading: "The Dark Side of Twilight" A True Story of Murder and Texas Justice. Author: Jean Lasell
Best Regards,
Jean Lasell
the dark side of twilight.......2000-09-25
i am a little prejudiced about the author and the victim of this book...jean is my cousin and pat the victim was too...of course whenever i read this book it brought me to tears...i think anyone who reads it will cringe at the violence that was heaped upon this woman....and hopefully after reading it, you will take every opportunity you get to stop violence against women....as you read it, you will feel the heartache and pain of this family that such a thing could happen to someone they loved ....you will see even though our justice system and law enforcement agencies are not perfect, they are indeed the best in the world.. you too will see the bad guys don't win...it's a shocking, sad and sickening story but you will be glad you read it...i promise
The Dark Side of Twilight.......1999-12-16
I know the author of this book personally and what she went through to write it. She is a wonderful person and a great author. The book is very vivid in detail. The Dark Side of Twilight should be read by every woman and man. I have loaned my own personal copy to several friends and family members. In turn, they bought a copy. It is a must read. We should all give great thanks to women like Jean, who actually experienced this and did tell the story. Thank you, Jean.
A good book! Hard to put down!! Well written!!.......1999-08-04
From beginning to end, the author captivated my attention
Average customer rating:
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Texas Twilight
V. Vaughn
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0821722417 |
Average customer rating:
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Twilight in Texas
Jodi Thomas
Manufacturer: Jove Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000NTXE1A |
Customer Reviews:
Ho Hum.......1999-05-15
I looked forward to reading this book. I've never read any of Ms. Chambers' work before. In reading the blurb on the back cover, this book sounded like a great "western" tale, Lee Parker "of the Parker Ranch", and Karen Latham the niece of an antique shop owner in the small town of Twilight. Karen inherits the antique shop upon her aunt's passing and returns to the town. It seems that she spent many happy summers there with her aunt.
Her connection to the Parker family (who by the way ranches near the area, but doesn't frequent the town) was that seven years ago she was jilted literally at the altar by Alex, the younger Parker brother. Lee, who was to serve as best man, has always had Karen in the back of his mind, these past years. Lee doesn't even live on the ranch, but rather is a producer of sorts for some kind of Americana travelogue.
So for seven years she carries around this venomous hatred of all things Parker. The main plot of this story seems to focus on some implausible premise of a big movie production company using the little near-deserted town for a press premiere of their latest movie. There is more writing devoted to this than the actual relationship (such as it is) between the two main characters. Lee is in town to film a story about the premiere for his tv travel series. In the midst of her trip to Twilight, she has a serious suitor 'back home' who is pressuring her to marry him. It almost seems as if her attitude is to keep him around until something better comes along.
For the first 100 pages or so, the heroine doesn't even talk to the hero, other than to spew invective when she couldn't avoid him altogether. There is a brief kiss exchanged in the 120 page range, then back to the droning saga of the movie people. Then suddenly near the 200 page mark, Lee's great aunt Mae appears and has a brief conversation with Karen, and everything is (unbelievably) fine. All these bad feelings she'd harboured are negated overnight and she makes a 180 degree change in her attitude. All without any interaction at all with the hero.
Of course there's a big misunderstanding, and she's back to hating the Parkers. This see-sawing almost drove me nuts to read it. There is some controversy about a legend regarding the town and Lee's team uncovers it. The movie people were interested in the town based on the existence of this legend as historical fact. For many more pages than I care to count, this was the plot and setting.
The story dragged on and on and I found when I had finally plodded through it all, I was very disappointed and unsatisfied.
Average customer rating:
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TWILIGHT, TEXAS
Manufacturer: Harlequin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GQA5BW |
Average customer rating:
- Do Not Start the Series Here
- Decent, old-fashioned page turner
- Ho-Hum
- These books are turning into the X-Files
- Fosters worst book so far
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Reunion: A Pip and Flinx novel
Alan Dean Foster
Manufacturer: Del Rey
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Flinx's Folly (Adventures of Pip and Flinx)
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ASIN: 0345418689
Release Date: 2002-02-26 |
Amazon.com
After a long wait, fans of the adventures of Flinx of the Commonwealth finally get to rejoin the hero and his poisonous minidrag, Pip. In Reunion, Flinx travels from earth to AAnn space trying to unlock the secrets of his past.
Flinx is on earth to hunt down classified information about the Meliorare Society, the sect of renegade eugenicists responsible for his telepathic gifts. To get into a top-secret installation, he uses his powers to charm one of the key security people so he can gain access to their AI program. However, the file with the information he's looking for has been taken, and he barely escapes.
In an effort to hunt down the file, Flinx and Pip end up on a dangerous trek across the galaxy into the heart of AAnn space. When their shuttle crashes on a desert planet, Flinx and the minidrag soon find themselves up against native dangers and a nest of reptilian AAnn soldiers. But that's only the beginning for Flinx, because before it's over he will discover an ancient mystery and face an old foe who may turn out to be his most dangerous enemy yet.
Reunion is the eighth novel in the series and it is less a complete book than a continuation of the story. It's clear that Foster has bigger things in mind for Flinx and Pip. The novel is a page-turner, with lots of action to keep things moving. Fans of the series will find revelations in the book that make Reunion a must-read. However, those new to the series will wonder why they would want to read about a hero who seems, at best, morally questionable based on his first actions in Reunion. A bigger problem still is that the entire book seems to be just a teaser for the ninth novel, and if it takes another five years to arrive, that's a long tease. --Kathie Huddleston
Book Description
At last, New York Times bestselling author Alan Dean Foster returns to his acclaimed Humanx universe, where a young human orphan called Flinx seeks to unlock the dangerous secrets of his past–and the uncertain prospects of his future with the aid of the formidable minidrag known as Pip. This is the most mind-bending Pip and Flinx adventure yet–a roller-coaster ride into the unknown, filled with wonder and humor, and a host of deadly adversaries.
Using his enhanced empathic abilities, Flinx finesses his way into a top-secret security installation on Earth. Once there, he bamboozles a sophisticated AI program into releasing classified information about the Meliorare Society, the sect of renegade eugenicists whose experiments with human beings had horrified the civilized universe more than twenty years ago. After all, as one of the few Meliorare experiments to survive, Flinx has a right to know about his past. Especially since his telepathic powers seem to be evolving. The question is, evolving into what? The excruciating headaches afflicting Flinx with increasing frequency make him wonder if he will be alive to find out. . . .
FIRST TIME IN PAPERBACK
Download Description
Using his enhanced empathic abilities, Flinx finesses his way into a top-secret security installation on Earth.
Once there, he bamboozles a sophisticated AI program into releasing classified information about the Meliorare Society, the sect of renegade eugenicists whose experiments with human beings had horrified the civilized universe more than twenty years ago. After all, as one of the few Meliorare experiments to survive, Flinx has a right to know about his past. Especially since his telepathic powers seem to be evolving.
The question is, evolving into what? The excruciating headaches afflicting Flinx with increasing frequency make him wonder if he will be alive to find out....
Customer Reviews:
Do Not Start the Series Here.......2004-06-16
As big a fan of Alan Dean Foster that I am, I have yet to read any of the Pip (a mini-dragon) and Flinx books. I think I actually have at least one more of the series in a box somewhere, but have yet to read it because I wanted to get the whole series before I started. I would have been better off starting at the beginning.
The story is quite good. I found myself zipping through the story from the beginning to the end. However, without the background of the previous books, I know I was missing a lot. Why was Flinx digging through computers on Earth? Why was his background unknown to him? I know, it was a big mistake to start a series with the last book, but many authors try to make their series books stand on their own enough that you lose little by not having read the previous books. Forget about that premise here. You need to read the previous books in the series to know what is going on. I did appreciate the references to stories I have read, such as "Cachalot" and "Midworld." I enjoyed both novels and would recommend them.
I did enjoy the ending of this novel (which was awesome and excellent, and made me want to read about the alien ship - which is one of the best features of this book), but it left a lot of questions unanswered. I also realized that the ending of the story is but a prelude to the next Pip and Flinx story because the chase is still on at the end of the book.
For now my rating is three stars, but only because of the hanging ending. The story is well-written and fast-paced, but leaving the story for two years without a sequel seems like bad planning. I should point out that the next Pip and Flinx book, "Sliding Scales," is expected to be out later this year. A well-written follow up to this book could easily change my rating to at least four stars and possibly five.
Decent, old-fashioned page turner.......2003-05-17
Why have I aged from a twelve year old kid when I first read Tar-Aiym Krang to thirty-seven while Flinx is only six years older? It doesn't seem fair... But anyhow, this continuing adventure of Pip and Flinx is typical old school sci-fi page turner stuff. The inside cover sites a Locus review that states that this book "make(s) for a good read". That's not exactly earth-shattering high praise, but it's fair and accurate. If Alan Dean Foster's writing didn't have a special nostalgic place in my heart, I would probably trash this book, but come on, it's Pip and Flinx - what's not to love?
Ho-Hum.......2003-05-07
I agree with most of the other reviews. This book while it does start true to the original Flix/Pip forumla nothing of real content is divalged. It is good for what it is but nothing comes of it.
My impression-I liked this book, but like I said nothing really happened. You should read it if you are a big fan of this serise however.
These books are turning into the X-Files.......2003-02-10
Another Pip and Flinx novel. In Reunion Flinx is essentially grown up and is still searching for the reason for his existence (and understanding of his powers). He returns to Earth a using his powers befriends and tricks a woman so he can gain access to information about the Meliorare society who genetically enhanced him. Just as he is about to get the information he is looking for, it is stolen and he is forced to chase the thief across the galaxy. In the very surprising conclusion, a Tar Aim artifact is found as is Flinx's sister. Overall, I am getting pretty bored with Pip and Flinx. Come on Foster, throw us a bone here and let something actually happen. These books are turning into the X-Files, all hints at big things with no substance.
Fosters worst book so far.......2002-10-07
The Flinx-novels are fun but the latest is very uninspired.There is nothing new to be learned about our hero.the whole action seems very coincidental.it reads like a first draft for a book.the ideas are not worked out and the writing is rather poor.
Book Description
This comparative study shows that Protestants and Catholics are not as separated theologically as they may think. An excellent reference tool or textbook.
Customer Reviews:
Worth studying.......2007-01-30
Catholics will likely find the second section of this book too critical, while Evangelicals will likely find the third section far too liberal. Imagine Catholicism is a house, and Dr.Geisler is an expert building inspector. He examines the house and concludes the foundation is sinking, the walls are infested with terminites, the water pipes leak, the roof is full of gaping holes, the wiring is exposed, the windows are broken, the sewer line is full of roots, and there's a gas leak. In fact the house is so dilapidated you might be safer in a cave or a tree house. He strongly warns, but still approves the permit and allows the house to be occupied---apparently on the theory that most people 500 years ago or more lived in lousy housing---so somehow it's acceptable today.
To understand Dr. Geisler's view, it might help to read his Systematic Theology, Vol. 3 on the fourteen explicit and implicit conditions to believe to be saved. For example, he states that one need not (explicitly or implicitly) believe in Christ's bodily ascension,
his present session (intercession), or his bodily second coming in order to be saved. Of the other conditions, he states one need not explicitly believe in Christ's virgin birth, his sinlessness, his humanity, or the Trinity, so long as one doesn't actually deny them. He affirms one must explicitly belive in the necessity of grace and faith, but denies one
must believe in their sufficiency---which explains how he ends up approving the house permit.
In other words, a bare minimal gospel, which both sides would likely find insufficient allows him to include believing Catholics. Essentially, he denies the necessity of belief in faith alone by grace alone in Christ alone (forensic justification), while absolutely believing this to be correct. He believes this is the way God actually saves whomever he
saves whether they believe it or not. If faith alone by grace alone in Christ alone is an essential part of the gospel as he admits, then how can belief in this be neither explicitly nor implicitly necessary to be saved? If it is absolutely true and essential, then how can anyone who explicitly denies it be saved? Logically it seems Dr. Geisler should acknowledge that forensic justification must implicitly be believed to be saved, or at an absolute minimum not be denied. Catholicism neither explicitly nor implicitly believes this but explicitly denied it at Trent, thus meriting it the title of an apostate church in the eyes of the Reformers.
Disappointment .......2006-11-23
For at least twenty five years, I have become increasingly aware of the damage to Christ's body due to the often bitter infighting between Catholics and Evangelicals. Although Christ cannot be crucified again, this has not stopped various Christian factions from drawing and quartering His body, the church.
Upon discovering this book in a local book store I was intrigued by the title. My interest was further piqued by the forward written by Howard Brown. Brown stated something I have known to be true for some time, namely, that orthodox Roman Catholics and conservative Evangelicals have more in common with each other than they have with their modernists, revisionists components within their own groups. He went further to point out that Catholics and Evangelicals often find themselves standing together fighting common enemies. Reading further into the introduction the authors state their purpose, "to examine some of our common spiritual roots and see if we have any theological or moral bridges upon which we can both travel." What a grand endeavor! I purchased the book and started to read it from cover to cover. My initial delight, however, was soon replaced with grief and sorrow.
My first hint that something was amiss can be found toward the end of the introduction, where the authors instruct Evangelicals to read through the whole book but they recommended that Catholic readers should skip the middle third of the book. This struck me as odd, since the implied purpose was to find common ground which implies a desire for open and frank discussion. I was later to discover why.
The first part of the book outlines very well areas of agreement between Catholics and Evangelicals. In this part are some very fundamental doctrines on faith and morals that are shared between Catholics and Evangelicals.
The second part is an entirely different matter. Instead of a balanced outline of the differences between Evangelicals and Roman Catholics it is a one-sided attack on various Catholic dogmas. Upon finishing this part of the book, I was convinced the whole purpose of the book was a veiled attempt to sugar coat a one-sided attack on Catholicism. This was no better than a highly polished version of the same anti-catholic comic books published by various Evangelical groups containing slanderous material. The authors entice Catholics who desire a union with other denominations to share a conversation with them, and then start shoveling upon them a pile of anti-catholic spite. I felt very much like an innocent child being invited into a car by dirty old man with promises of candy.
I expected instead a presentation of both sides of the issues to be placed in juxtaposition so that readers could understand the differences, in an even handed fashion. What I found instead were statements of Catholic dogma taken mostly out of a book by Dr. Ludwig Ott titled "The fundamentals of Catholic Dogma". Although a very good reference book, this is certainly not a current book of choice containing detailed explanations of various Catholic dogmas (it was first published in 1955). Nor is it the most complete source of `proof-text' from Scripture or Tradition. A more current and far better resource would be the most recent Catechism of the Catholic Church (first published in the USA in English in 1994). The most recent catechism was written not so much as a denial of other denominations nor as a defense of the Catholic beliefs, but instead provides a better description of what Catholics do believe. The principle task entrusted to those who wrote this book was `...not first of all to condemn the errors of the times, but above all to strive calmly to show the strength and beauty of the doctrine of faith..." (from the introduction by John Paul II).
The Catholic statements were followed by lengthy and often repetitious arguments against the Catholic viewpoint. (Does one really need to repeat for each examined dogma the sola scriptura argument, ignoring the fact that Catholics do not ascribe to this viewpoint, having a counter viewpoint of prima scriptura?) Many Catholic references attempt to discuss these matters with non-Catholics on their terms--by using scripture alone; this is done as a courtesy to find common grounds of discussion. The authors focus into Ott's book because it was one of the few attempts at the time to be more inclusive of writings of early church Fathers in a single book.
My main concern with this section is that there appears to be no real attempt to understand the Catholic viewpoint. If this section were a live conversation between the authors and a Catholic scholar, it would come across as if the authors have already formed a response to the Catholic's statement before even hearing him out. This is amazing since they obviously studied Ott's book in detail. The authors do not acknowledge that many honest, God-fearing, Catholics ascribe consciously to the Catholic faith. I shudder to think of the conversations had with one author's Catholic daughter-in-law. Statements like "we have examined carefully the catholic arguments...and found them all wanting" belie the authors stated attempt to `not be rancorous in spirit'. The authors would do well to ponder Paul's words: "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4).
The third section of the book does provide a more positive end to the book, outlining where both Catholics and Evangelicals can cooperate on a more personal and social level. However I'm not so sure the first and last sections prevail over the rancor of the middle section.
Pretends to be ecumenical, but..........2006-03-16
...fails remarkably. Can two Protestants actually have an honest discussion of Roman Catholicism? Not, apparently, when they're Norman Geisler and Ralph MacKenzie. This book would be less offensive if it did not purport to be a fair dialogue between the opposing sides.
While I have some appreciation for the book's ultimate argument, that Christians must learn to set aside our differences in order to work towards our common goal, Geisler and MacKenzie could have, and should have, made that point without pretending to actually examine the issues which separate us.
The other reviews on this page deal well with the gaping holes in their discussion, but it is the nature of the discussion itself that is maddening. Geisler and MacKenzie present a bare-bones outline of a Catholic position, devoting the remainder of each chapter to refuting it. They never allow for a rebuttal, nor do they ever deal particularly adeptly or thoroughly with the Catholic position. Rather, they hang straw men and gleefully burn them, assuming the Protestant doctrines of sola scriptura and sola fide all the way.
As an evangelical Protestant, I read the book and knew it was often illogical and overwhelmingly unfair. I remember guiltily presenting its anti-Catholic arguments, aware that I was not offering good historical analysis and that the answers I gave, lifted straight from this book (it is probably best used as an apology for Protestantism), were incomplete.
Having come face-to-face with Sacred Scripture (particularly the verses Geisler and MacKenzie blithely ignore), historical fact, and the actualy beliefs of the Early Church, I converted to Catholicism. The sections of this book that used to cause guilt now stir up irritation, as I know they will be used to further the anti-authority, anti-Catholicism, under-informed attitude so prevalent in America.
Yes, the book has been recommended by prominent Catholics -- so long as it's read with the Catechism in the other hand. You'll need it, if you want to know what the Catholic Church actually believes, and why.
Take this book for what it is: a defense of modern American Protestantism. Look elsewhere, if you really desire ecumenical dialogue.
Scholarly, fair, excellent ground for an honest interdenominational discussion.......2005-11-21
Before I state my opinion about the book, allow me to swiftly present my background: I was born of an Eastern Orthodox father (thus I am officially an Orthodox), raised as a Catholic by my mother and my school, and I've recently getting quite acquainted with the Protestant doctrines. So I can safely say I am not blindly biased toward any of those three main Christian lines of thoughts, as I cherish them all and think each has a good reason why it exists.
As for this book, it was written by two highly respected "moderate" evangelicals in an effort to present the Catholic faith along side the Protestant one and compare them.
In the first part, the areas of doctrinal agreements are presented. This was a much needed part as people nowadays tend to only concentrate on the differences making the two faith seems like at a bitter war, neglecting the deep agreements on THE most essential doctrines such as the revelation of the bible, the notion of God and his character, the fall of mankind, Christ and his God-Man central place in our salvation, the role of the church, ethics, and the general thought about the last days. Plus it underlines their common heritage and common stand in our society. It was a pure pleasure to read this part, as it shows you that the foundation and basis of our Christian faith is ONE! I was even amazed at how much alike their doctrine of justification is, knowing that this is one of the crucial topics where the debate rages between Catholics and Evangelicals.
In the second part comes the area of doctrinal differences. Here the authors discuss the apocrypha (is it sound to include the apocrypha as canon of the old testament?), the scripture (what should dictate our doctrines: scripture alone or scripture plus tradition?), the infallibility of the Pope (is he the earthly head of the church with infallible decisions?), the doctrine of justification (are we saved by our faith alone, or by faith and works?), the sacraments (did Christ establish seven or two sacraments, and are they means of receiving grace or simply symbols of grace?), the system of the church (does the new testament establish priesthood or does it teach that all believers are priests and thus can approach God directly?) , Mariology (Is Mary our mediatrix, co-redemptrix, queen of heaven? Is it biblical to pray to her, to saints, to venerate relics?), and finally the purgatory (Heaven/Hell, or Heaven/Purgatory/Hell?). Each topic is first presented from the Catholic point of view with the corresponding scriptures to back their doctrine and the tradition and literature of some of the early church fathers as support. Then the authors present their refutation of each of the points then go to build a positive case for their evangelical doctrine. The presentation was honest and most importantly extremely gentlemanly; the authors talk with a sincere and appropriate language, avoiding any bashing or fanatic sarcasm. Although the book is biased (it's impossible for such a book to be neutral), it is really hard not to agree with the authors on many points. I am afraid a lot of the catholic doctrines have simply drifted from the scriptural truth and have been reshaped a lot along history especially with the accumulation of so called infallible decisions. Catholic doctrines do suffer a lot when faced with scripture. And also, contrary to what many people believe, many highly respected early church fathers taught contrary to the current catholic doctrines and were more along the evangelical line of thought.
The last part of the book deals with the areas of practical cooperation. Being divided along many areas shouldn't let us forget the many agreements and the single stand of both faiths: proclaiming the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. Social action, educational goals, spiritual heritage and evangelism are but few of the points where both can work hand in hand.
At the end of the book, there is also many minor appendixes dealing with some subjects such as the churches of the east, liberalism, reformation,.....
This book deserves a 5 star for being so complete in its approach, so scholarly in its presentation and most importantly for being truly well spirited. It is such books that should be the basis of debating and discussion, not like many others that picture the other side as an ugly devil. The Christian faith is ONE with different toppings :).
Honest and moderate Author.......2001-07-12
As a Theologian myself, I see this book very moderate and good to read. .... But for those deeper, more serious, and for schoolar readers, I suggest these most briliant books listed below ...:
1. Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating 2. What Catholic really believe by Karl Keating 3. Catholic for a reason by Scott Hahn 4. Refuting the Attack on Mary by Mateo
....
Books:
- To Cut a Long Story Short
- Trespassing: A Novel
- Tripmaster Monkey: His Fake Book
- Trumpet: A Novel
- Tuff: A Novel
- Understood Betsy
- Unframed Originals: Recollections
- What You Owe Me
- Wonder When You'll Miss Me: A Novel
- A Hole in Texas: A Novel
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