Tag: history

A Handy Reference to the Life, Thought and Writings of C.S. Lewis

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

A-Z I was in the fourth or fifth grade when the world of Narnia was first introduced to me. My teacher began to read the chronicles to the class and I was mesmerized. She would close out each chapter and I ached to know what would happen next. Something happened in me that year and I found myself immersed in the next book of the series. I had become a C. S. Lewis fan. Years later in College I would be introduced to his other works  such as The Four Loves, God in the Dock and Mere Christianity. I can’t explain what it is about Lewis’ life and writing that I like so much, other than they have helped me make sense of the world.  You can imagine my delight when I found out that Colin Duriez produced an encyclopedia of Lewis’ life, thought and writings.

The A-Z of C S Lewis: A Complete Guide to His Life, Thoughts and Writings is without a doubt an accessible treasure chest of information about C.S. Lewis and his writing. I’ve enjoyed looking through this book and remembering key characters and passages I had almost forgotten and then finding some new ones from works I haven’t read yet (but will soon!).  It has become a second awakening for me in regards to Lewis and his writings; a reminder that I have not exhausted the joy that his reading brings to me. I think it’s a fantastic book and a great addition to any library, especially to those who would consider themselves a fan. I can’t recommend it enough.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse as part of their Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“Lead Like Ike,” By Geoff Loftus (Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, leadershipLeave a comment

To be honest, when I first saw this book I thought it would be corny.  I really enjoy history and like reading about World War II.  I also enjoy reading about leadership and business.  I was just a little uncertain on how well it would all blend in one book.  I was glad that I got passed my initial reaction and and picked up Lead Like Ike: Ten Business Strategies from the CEO of D-Day, it turned out to be one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read!

In Lead Like Ike Geoff Loftus does a masterful job at walking the reader through the leadership and  decision making process of then General Eisenhower.  He does so in such a way that reveal ten characteristics of leadership that transcend application to military service.  I really liked the break out points that Loftus makes in the book helping to illustrate how these strategies apply to leadership in the business world.  He is even careful to provide short gut check moments along the way that call the reader to reflection.

I really appreciate the skill and demeanor with which this book was written.  Loftus does a great job in painting a picture of Eisenhower and the times that he lived.  He examines Eisenhower’s shortcomings as well as successes in such a way that help you appreciate the man and the environment in which he made gut wrenching decisions.  Through it all he is able to draw ten practical leadership strategies that were forged in Eisenhower’s life that have practical value to leaders in general.

If you are looking for a great book on leadership, this book is for you.  I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in biography, military history, leadership, business.  The retail price is $24.99 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $17.99. I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”