Liberty and Tyranny

Mark Levin's popular book, Liberty and Tyranny: a conservative manifesto is a highly readable overview of the conservative mindset. By drawing a contrast between the conservative that wishes to see the individual exercise freedom and the statist who believes that government should regulate and "help" individuals to make right decisions, Mark Levin effectively dissects a number of the issues facing our nation.

As a recent book, the illustrations of the debates are those that are currently dominating our national news. Whether or not you agree with his conclusions, the debate is very articulate and enlightening.

Florence of Arabia

Florence is as timely a read as when it hit the library shelves in 2004. Christopher Buckley writes about serious Arab American issues in a wonderfully funny way. This comedy is stoked with international intrigue, sprinkled with romance and droll dialogue and I couldn't put it down. Our heroin Florence Farfaletti , U.S. Foreign Service takes on the super difficult task of creating TV Matar to cater to Arab women and incite them to become independent. It is a delicate walk on a tight rope for Florence, negotiating between U.S. ineptitude and Arab intolerance. The lineup on TV Matar includes The Thousand and One Mornings; an addictive soap opera strangely resembling the royal family; and a sitcom about inept religious police. Her crackerjack staff include a CIA killer, a snappy PR man, and a brilliant but frustrated bureaucrat who are diligent to the point of risking their lives for one another. This satirical novel is successful in paying homage to Fern Holland, a real life Florence of Arabia, assassinated in Iraq, March 9, 2004, age thirty-three. Smart, funny and sharp as a scimitar.

When the Game is Over ...

The latest book by John Ortberg, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box" is a stirring reminder of the brevity of life and of the importance of those intangibles that make life meaningful. Using the analogy of games, Ortberg reminds us of the importance of playing by the rules, playing to win, understanding that defeat is temporary, and many other practical lessons for living the Christian life. In particular, we all must remember that our time on earth is limited and "when the game is over, it all goes back in the box."

Visit the Zondervan website for a preview of the book -
Link

Campy Children's Mystery

The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen is an extremely campy and fun children's book. Written for 10-12 year olds, the book pokes obvious fun at the older "series" books. The main characters are all stars of their own book series, many of which fall into the trap of cliche and stock writing. Regardless of your age, if you enjoyed reading Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, you will enjoy this modern spoof of a mystery.

P.S. Nobody really dies in this book - but many series are murdered by satire.

Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory

Continuing my Tudor England kick, I just finished the Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory. This story is about a young Jewish woman, Hannah Verde, who gets pulled in the court of Edward, Henry VIII's son, by Lord Robert Dudley and his father. The Dudleys are intrigued by Hannah because she has the Sight- an ability to see future events.

Hannah's position becomes precarious as loyalties in the court shift and sway between Edward, Lady Jane Grey, Mary and Elizabeth as well as between Catholicism and Protestantism. Hannah must navigate all this while negotiating the demands of her Jewish heritage and her betrothed.

The Queen's Fool shows another side to the English court - that of an insider who has no stake in how the conspiracies spin.

Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich

Pistol Pete Maravich was not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time; his style of playing influenced an entire generation. Pete was a true superstar - but how did he get there and what made him tick? This fascinating biography traces the life and career of Pistol Pete Maravich, but more importantly, it traces the relationship between Pete and Press Maravich - Pete's father and coach. Following his short pro career, Pete became an evangelical Christian and that experience transformed him. Yet, the same qualities that made him a superstar on the court also transferred to his post-game life. Tragically, he died of a heart attack at an early age, but as the author points out - father and son shared so much through the years that it is not surprising they died within a few months of each other!

If you like sports - this is a fun biography to read about an unconventional player and his coach - his father.

Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir

Innocent Traitor is the story of Lady Jane Grey, who reigned as the Queen of England for only 9 days.

Her claims to the throne were distant but due to the turmoil surrounding Henry VIII and his 6 wives and the various religious affiliations of his heirs, the Duke of Northumberland sought to place her on the throne. He sold this plan to Edward VI and his councilors by emphazing Lady Jane's strong protestant beliefs. Lady Jane's supported the plan, believing that with Jane's ascention to the throne, they would be power behind the throne.

Unfortunately, they did not gain the support of the populace and Lady Jane was dethroned by Mary, Henry VIII's oldest daughter.

This novel shows the intrigues of the royal court and how innocent people can be pulled into schemes without any intentions of their own.