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Robert's reviews
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Robert posted a review at 2010-09-18 04:12:16 for Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People.
(Language: English)
 
Full disclosure: I am not a big fan of Chick-fil-A. There is way too much sugar and carbohydrate content in most of their offerings to satisfy my dietary needs. However, I was working out of town and their restaurant was the closest option for lunch. They displayed this book on their counter, and I am a sucker for a good success story and this certainly is one.This book, 200 pages, including several pages of photographs in the back, is the autobiographical account of S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A restaurants. From exceedingly difficult and humble beginnings in rural Georgia during the Depression, to billionaire corporate leader and philanthropist today, the book tells the story about how hard work, consistency, and generosity, supported by strong and unwavering Christian values created the opportunity for growth and success over the past 60-some years of his career. The one value I take away from the book is that long term planning and goal setting, supposedly keys in 21st century business, are not as important as knowing and stating your mission, knowing and living your values, and then being prepared to accept the opportunities that God delivers to you along the way. While clearly Mr. Cathy's success is born of diligent hard work and strong business management, most of the factors that led to his biggest success came from recognizing opportunities to help somebody else, and then following through "all the way." If you are in business, especially as an entrepreneur, you should read this book. If you are a Christian, or are wondering about how real Christians think and behave, there is much to be gained by reading this book. 
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Robert posted a review at 2010-09-06 12:51:46 for The Dogs of Divorce: The Journey Out of a Dark Marriage.
(Language: English)
From my perspective, good autobiographical literature does three fundamentally important things: 1) It lets you experience someone else's life, including their pain, and pleasures; 2)It makes you examine your own life and determine if adjustments/changes might be warranted; 3)It provides life lessons bought by someone else that you can choose, or choose not, to apply to your own life. From all three, The Dogs of Divorce: The Journey Out of a Dark Marriage by William Kenly is a magnificent book, the first book of this author, who also happens to be a personal friend of mine, which made the reading particularly difficult, but all the more worthwhile. For me it was about a 4 hour read, cover to cover, 198 pages plus prologue and acknowledgments. Do not skip a single word, and be sure to allow time to examine the unique, wonderful but chilling artwork offered by illustrator Elizabeth S. McClain. The book tells the story of a 40-something year old man with three teenage children who is suddenly and unexpectedly driven into a particularly nasty and difficult divorce from his wife of 24 years. The author conjectures about whether he should have seen it coming. He describes his pre-divorce life as one of "picking his battles" and though he does not say so explicitly it is easy to conclude there must have been many. He shares how he was hanging on until the kids were out of the house, and tolerating what had clearly been a difficult situation for a long time. With unbelievable vulnerability he shares the processes of his grieving, his unpreparedness for the emotional and legal war he was drawn into, and his ongoing almost impossible quest to maintain his relationship with and shelter, to the extent possible, his children, and at the same time find the strength and ability to move on with his life. The title of the book, significantly, refers to an Indian legend about an old chief who explains to his grandson about two dogs that are perpetually fighting in his belly. One is the dog of anger, jealousy and revenge; the other is the dog of acceptance, love and giving. "But Grandfather, which dog will win?" "Whichever...dog...I...feed." At different times during his nine year struggle, Mr. Kenly fed different dogs, and sometimes both at the same time. You will have to read and judge for yourself which dog is the winner. One of the most difficult aspects about reading this book was my recognition of my own personal faults, and coming to terms with my own naivete. I think of myself as a person who would never knowingly and deliberately hurt another person, especially the person with whom I made covenant vows before God and many assembled witnesses. I know that I am a sinner, and I have hurt people in my path, but I never deliberately set out to do so. It grieves me to learn and finally acknowledge that there are people in the world, both men and women, who intentionally lie, cheat, steal, and manipulate people for their own apparent pleasure. Kenly's ex is clearly one such person. It causes me to wonder: Does she realize or care about the damage she has done to her family and to herself? And, what could cause the darkness of heart to make the choices that have caused so much pain? There are a lot of other questions too, but for now that's enough. Any person,especially guys, who struggle with marriage should read this book. Kenly tells us when you search Amazon for "divorce advice" + women you get 233 hits; the same + men 87. And, at least from his perspective (and I believe him) the divorce business is heavily stacked in the woman's favor. And she won't be the gentle princess that held your hand while you walked in the park, or the vision of loveliness that floated down the aisle on the day you pledged to love, honor, and cherish. You may barely recognize the person she has become. It is, and was, an unimaginably expensive mistake, both emotionally and financially, to believe otherwise. In our youth we lived by the Boy Scout Motto, Be Prepared. In some ways, without being the cynical, conniving bastard she will claim you to be, preparation is not fully possible. But, through the strength of foresight and taking responsibility for your own emotional well being, you can choose to feed the right dog.
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Robert posted a review at 2010-02-27 07:46:36 for The ESV Study Bible.
(Language: English)
I purchased this version of the Bible at the beginning of 2010 and have been using it in worship and Sunday School, along with my home congregation, since. When I first got it, I turned immediately to the 23rd Psalm to sort of try it on for size. It fit. The rich poetry I had memorized as a 6 year old reverberated through my brain. I knew I was at home. There are many options to choose from in this translation of the Bible. I chose this one because I like to get the full historical and geographical context, as well as the translator's explanatory notes, potential alternative translations and abundant cross reference resources to get full meaning and value out of the scripture. If you are on a budget, there are cheaper editions of this text. If you are a Christian, you MUST read the Bible every day, like eating or bathing. Not optional. This would be a very good choice by which to find the sustenance you need.
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Robert posted a review at 2010-01-31 12:13:31 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith.
(Language: English)
As a church, our whole congregation, Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Newark, DE is reading this book and participating in a several week study program on it. I "cheated" and read the whole book this morning. It's only 135 pages including Introduction and Acknowledgments, so it should have taken me about two hours to read it, but it took considerably longer because I had to keep stopping to wipe tears from my eyes, tears of joy and sorrow mixed, but mostly of gratitude. And also to keep pausing to reflect on the many blessings in my own life and the deeply convicting messages this book instilled in me.I feel compelled to share a little personal context before I tell you more about the book itself. We all have in us, I think, stories of God's redemptive grace, if we are honest with ourselves, and I think this might be the right venue to give you a part of mine, so you'll understand my take on this book. In June of 1981, when I was living in New York City, actually Brooklyn, and enjoying almost every minute of it, a la the younger brother, I participated in a "life training" program called Lifespring. Over the course of about 4 or 5 days, I went to these lengthy training sessions, designed through a series of fairly invasive psychological exercises and a little sleep deprivation thrown into the mix to "strip away the onion" of your life to reveal your "diamond". Well, to make a long story short, it made me profoundly sick. The best thing they did for me was call a psychiatrist who had the good sense to call my brother, who along with my father and mother, drove the six hours from my hometown to get me, and then drove back, literally half the day and most of the night, to save me from a potentially hostile and self destructive situation. I received, mainly at my father's expense, he bartered podiatry services with my Christian psychiatrist, the care I needed and I got better. I went back to work in New York about 6 weeks later, but though recovered, in some ways my life has never since been the "before" picture that I had enjoyed so much. The point of this story is that I have a real life earthly older brother, and had an earthly father who loved me in the same context of this well known parable. It would be my prayer, that none of you reading this would ever have to find out whether you do or not, but just for the record, I did, and I do. More tears, joy, sorrow and gratitude. All good. Now the book. The author's basic message is that our sentimental treatment of what is commonly known as the parable of the prodigal son and the way most of us, at least in the church I was brought up in, are taught to focus on the sins and the redemption of the younger brother misses the point of Jesus story, perhaps entirely. While the message we have carried away may not be a bad one, it is not the message that was brought by this parable. There were two brothers. The younger one, audaciously asked the morally repugnant request that his father give him his share of the family estate right now, so he could do whatever he wanted without regard for the father, the society, the law or anything else that might constrain him. We know his story, some of us, me for instance, have lived at least part of it. We know that ultimately he comes to his senses, and in an act of unheard of redemptive love, his father receives and welcomes him back. For most of us, at least for me a lot of the time, that's where the story seems to end. But that's not true. There is the older brother. He is on his way back from the fields (or the office, or wherever you might work) and he hears music and dancing. "What's going on here?" he asks. When he finds out, boy is he angry. He was a good boy. Stayed at home. Worked hard. Obeyed all the rules. And now this. Well, if you want the rest of the story, you're going to have to read the book. I've probably already given too much away. If you are a believer (a Christian that is) certainly you need to read this book. If you are a non believer, you need to read this book. If you think all this religion stuff is just a bunch of horse shit (sorry Bruce and others this offends) let me know, and I will personally make sure you get a copy of this book (although I can't force you to read it) you can lead a horse to water...oh never mind, you get the idea. I don't know if this book will change your mind, your heart, or your perspective, but at least for right now, it has changed mine. Regardless, you will enjoy this book, and if you don't have as much baggage to carry as me, it probably won't take you very long either. Feast on it.
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Robert posted a review at 2010-01-25 01:16:26 for Have a Little Faith: A True Story of a Last Request.
(Language: English)
This book was recommended to me by my mother. As many of you who know me are aware, I am an Evangelical Christian. By this, I believe there is one, and only one, doorway to salvation (heaven) and that leads through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. This book caused me to pause and think a little deeper about that belief, which I still hold, but perhaps with a more gentle grasp. Have a Little Faith, a True Story, is a biographical/autobiographical book by Mitch Albom, author, playwright, journalist and screenwriter who, according to the notes inside the book, has written five other books. This is the first one I have read. My recollection of Mitch Albom was as a radio talk show host, who mainly I didn't particularly care for a few years ago. On that basis, I have not read any of his previous books. Maybe I have misjudged. Have a Little Faith shares with us the personal and spiritual journey of three men that begins in essence when Mitch's Rabbi, his only Rabbi from youth to the Rabbi's passing, asks Mitch, after hearing him at a speaking engagement, to give his eulogy. Mitch agrees but only on the condition that he be permitted to get to know the Rabbi in a more personal way. That's the beginning in a sense, but in a larger sense the beginning may be as old as time itself. What is a man's relationship with God? What does this relationship require? Who does it affect? And how are we, believers and non believers, to relate to one another? Albom does not focus on any kind of philosophical discussion of these questions, but through actions, conversations, events in the lives of the men he recounts, he touches on all of them. He shares his own journey, that of his Rabbi, and one other man whom he encounters during the process of confronting and finding his own faith. The book, a series of conversations with some personal memories, flashbacks and critical events recounted between those conversations, is written in an easy tone. It is not preachy and does not scold people who have left their faith behind, or continue to struggle with the day-to-day issues their particular faiths require them to embrace. Although several faiths, mine chief amongst them, require their followers to share and convert others, it is clear that any thoughts of doing so upon the pains of violence or death are misguided, regardless of the particular faith one might hold. It took, me about four hours to read this book. Two sittings, but only because I started it later in the evening than I otherwise would have. It woke me up in the middle of the night though to finish it Tuesday morning, because I wanted to complete it before I went to work that day. You will enjoy this book if you have any belief in God whatsoever. And if you don't, it might cause you to rethink that proposition. If you're looking for some deep seated theological argument, look elsewhere. I enjoyed this book.
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Robert posted a review at 2010-01-20 09:02:57 for Back RX: A 15-Minute-a-Day Yoga- and Pilates-Based Program to End Low Back Pain.
(Language: English)
As many of you may know, I have been on a personal fitness journey since July 2009. In that time I have lost about 40 lbs, and am continuing to reduce down to an equilibrium weight of probably in the 175 lb range. I was about 270 when I started. I also have reacquainted myself with my golf clubs, playing several times in December 2009, while on a work assignment in Puerto Rico, and on January 18, 2010 in Daytona Beach Florida. As is often the case with poorly conditionned out of shape people, I probably overdid it a little in Puerto Rico, and came home to the snow storm of the decade in late December, and aggravated my back so much that I was living on Extra Strength Tylenol, and applying disposable heat packs virtually around the clock for several days to relieve the pain.Determined not to let this happen again, I ordered 3 books after Christmas: Golf After 50 Playing Without Pain; Golf Rx a 15-minute-a-day Program for More Yards and Less Pain (by the same author as the subject book) and the book featured, Back Rx a 15-minute-a-day Yoga & Pilates-based Program to End Low Back Pain by Vijay Vad, M.D., and Hilary Hinzmann. I was about half way through Golf After 50, when I hit the links at the LPGA International in Daytona Beach. I had taken a lesson there, and had requested that the pro teach me how to stretch and warm up, specifically so I would not hurt my back again. He showed me several good stretches for the back and hamstrings, as well as for the wrist and shoulder joints, all highly susceptible to injury, even in the most conditionned and trained athletic golfers, which I am not. At least not yet. Before my round on January 18, 2010, I was careful to implement those stretches, and warmed up very well on the range before playing. But despite my diligence, after my round I realized that the Back Rx book required my more immediate attention. I began reading it last night 1/18/2010 and just finished it a few minutes ago. It was a fairly easy read, but dealt in fairly good detail about the structure of the back, the stress the typical American sedentary lifestyle places on it, and provides some excellent applications for immediate pain relief as well as longer term rehabilitative strengthening and conditioning. In the introduction, the first sentence of the second paragraph tells readers that if they are experiencing back pain right now, to turn to the appropriate page in the book immediately, and to follow the prescription to get relief. I didn't need to apply all of the procedures to gain relief from my sore back, but I was glad that I had stopped at the pharmacy on the way back from the golf course. The book is full of practical advice for the relief of back pain, routine care of the back, and lots of simple things, for example wearing shoes that properly support your feet, so that your walking gait doesn't place additional avoidable stress to the back. It makes the great point in many ways as to how virtually all parts of your anatomy, and daily activities affect the health of your back. It deals extensively with the treatments that are available for back pain both acute and chronic, and most importantly provides three progressively more strenuous exercise routines based on yoga and pilates movements that will rehab and strengthen your back. Now obviously, having read the book so quickly, I can't personally attest to the value of the three exercise programs. However, I have started Series A and have found the exercises easy to do, and almost immediately effective in reducing the low level of pain in my lower back. On the back of the book Robert C.J. Krasner, M.D., F.A.C.P. states that "[the book] should be in the library of all back-pain sufferers." I couldn't agree more.
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Robert posted a review at 2010-01-19 06:35:01 for 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life.
(Language: English)
My mother, 80-something years old, recommended this book to me, and loaned/gave me her copy. I read it yesterday (Sunday January 17, 2010)in one long sitting. It is the compelling, true story of how a man 38 years old with his "whole life" ahead of him was in a horrendous traffic accident, died, was dead for 90 minutes, went to heaven, and through the power of prayer was returned to earthly life. It is the account of many miracles, tragedy and overcoming. It is the account of the intense pain, suffering, and depression of recovery, and the story of Christian witness and service of unimaginable proportions. I read most of this book with tears in my eyes, and at more than one point with them streaming down my face. The account of the indescribable bliss of heaven provides a sharp contrast to the unimaginably excruciating pain of recovery. The story of recovery in itself would be a strong enough witness to the power of God, but the intoxicating glimpse of heaven provides a measure of the glory that awaits the believer. For believers, this is a call to action. Everyone needs to hear this message. For the nonbeliever, this is something you all need to pay attention to. I recommend this book to all. Note there seem to be a lot of versions of this book noted on this site. I don't know if there is any actual difference. Mine was published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group and has the ISBN 978-0-8007-5949-0. Hope this helps you find the right one.
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Robert posted a review at 2010-01-11 01:24:47 for French Women Don't Get Fat.
(Language: English)
As many of you who know me personally are aware, I have lost since July 2009, about 40 lbs. following the Belly Fat Cure program by Jorge Cruise. I recommend that program, but was also interested in this book, primarily because my wife has not had similar experience on BFC. Also, I am aware that generally speaking, it seems for difficult for women to lose weight than men, and wanted to see if this book has any insight about that. Also, having begun to learn French at the age of 9 in elementary school, I am still somewhat of a francophile, especially when it comes to wine, food, and pleasure. I read this book in two sittings, one long and one short, because I wanted to finish it quickly so I would not interfere with my wife's "getting on with it". The author, Mirielle Guiliano, former CEO of Clicquot, Inc.(LVMH)recounts her personal story about how as an adolescent came to look like a "sack of potatoes" in the eyes of her father. She takes us through the thoughtful and kind prescription of her "Dr. Miracle" who helped her gain control of herself, recognize her "petits demons" and take charge over her eating, her pleasures, and her life. I found the book to be an enjoyable read with sound advice for men and women of all ages and nationalities. Guiliano speaks of an approach based in self awareness, understanding foods, wine, and "offenders" and what makes the needle move for you. She does not advocate dieting as Americans understand it (deprivation for a limited period of time with short term dubious results) or excessive exercise (three hour gym poundings on machines that resemble weaponry; but instead promotes a systematic, incremental approach to reducing and eliminating the foods that cause weight gain, and adding regular walking, water, and self dicipline to your routine. At the same time, she favors allowing yourself the basic pleasures of food and wine (including champagne, of course) with the awareness that indulgence today will have a cost of reducing or abstaining tomorrow. The version of the book I read is chocked full of recipes to assist people in converting themselves from fattening, unfulfilling junk food eaters into conneiseurs of what is best for you: real, good food properly prepared. With the exception of the fact that her recipes and approach likely contains a little too much sugar for those who are serious about losing weight regularly, I found this book to be basically sound and consisten with the principles that have enabled me to successfully lose weight. I would still recommend the Belly Fat Cure by Jorge Cruise over this book, if you were to buy only one. That said, I think this book is a good supplement to the BFC program and especially offers a woman's perspective that many (men and women) will find useful. Enjoy this book.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:52:33 for Da Vinci Code.
(Language: English)
I actually listened to this book on CD and thought the story was pretty compelling, but the basic premise is false, and it is really a piece of shit.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:44:54 for Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.
(Language: English)
Read this in high school too. Classic story. Many movie adaptations. Everyone should read this too.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:43:29 for Peter Pan.
(Language: English)
This little story has made more money for the children's hospital it is dedicated to than any other similar philanthropy in history. Great classic tale and play. Have seen it on Broadway with Sandy Duncan. On TV with Mary Martin back in the 1960's and I still clap when asked if I believe in fairies. The first time, I remember believing it was truly a matter of life and death for Tinkerbelle. Everyone should read the original once.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:38:49 for Moby-Dick: Or, the Whale: or, the Whale (Penguin Classics).
(Language: English)
Read this in 11th grade. Loved it. Love the movie with Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab. A great novel that everyone should read.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:36:46 for The Communist Manifesto.
(Language: English)
Everyone should read this, just to know what you are talking about. I read it in 7th or 8th grade, on my own because I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. My parents were horrified. Never understood why. It's premises have apparently failed, and continue to fail every time they are tried in real life. Read it. The forget it.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:33:06 for Don Quixote The Ingenious Hidalgo De LA Mancha.
(Language: English)
Love this book and also the musical "Man of La Mancha" based on it.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:31:48 for The Three Musketeers (Dover Thrift Editions).
(Language: English)
This is another of those great classics that I read in French. Have also read it in English. Doesn't lose much in the translation. Great action/adventure story.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:29:12 for The Foot Book Dr. Seuss's Wacky Book of Opposites.
(Language: English)
This is one of two Dr. Seuss children's books that was in my dad's waiting room. (Dad was a podiatrist.) Read it many times, and still love it, and think of my father (now deceased) whenever I see it.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:26:27 for Old Man and the Sea.
(Language: English)
Probably my favorite Hemingway novel. And it is a quick read, very short. I also loved the classic movie with Spencer Tracy in the main role. You will like it too.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:24:34 for The Sun Also Rises.
(Language: English)
Never knew about the running of the bulls in Pamplona until I read this book. Again, a great story, extremely well told. Another classic Hemingway novel.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:22:37 for East of Eden.
(Language: English)
Loved this book. Read it as an adult, not a an English Lit assignment. Also enjoyed the teleplay/miniseries that had Jane Seymour in it several years ago.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:20:23 for For Whom the Bell Tolls.
(Language: English)
Great book. Enjoyed it immensely when I read it, many years ago. Again a book all Americans should be conversant in.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:17:24 for A Farewell to Arms.
(Language: English)
Read an abridged edition of this in 8th grade, and then the real thing when I was an adult. I was on a Hemingway kick in the late 70's, read a lot of his stuff. If you are an American, you should be at least conversant in Hemingway. Good stories, well told. You will like this book.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:12:22 for Signet Classics Treasure Island.
(Language: English)
A book all young people should read. If possible, get one with the famous N.C. Wyeth illustrations.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:09:54 for Julius Caesar (The New Folger Library Shakespeare).
(Language: English)
Read this in 10th grade. Have never seen it performed. Probably should check the Stratford schedule and plan a trip to Canada. Another book that all people of well rounded education should read because there are so many social references "The Ides of March" for example.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 07:06:52 for The Odyssey (Penguin Classics).
(Language: English)
Maybe not this edition, but read this in 9th grade. Liked it. Wouldn't read it again though. Stick to the Cliff Notes unless you're a fan of Greek myths and legends.
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Robert posted a review at 2009-12-21 06:59:54 for The Crucible.
(Language: English)
This is my favorite contemporary play and is a must read. There are still witch hunts of all ilks going on and this is about one of the best.
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