"From Peanuts to the Pressbox" by Eli Gold

"From Peanuts to the Pressbox," is a true story of Gold's ambition to become a Sports Reporter. Not only does he strive to become a Sports Reporter/Commentator, but he goes beyond by working his way to the top. First his ambitions take him on his journey as a young man, listening to sports broadcasts on the radio, as he attempts to bring about his own style of reporting while listening to the games via radio. Eli Gold tells the story of his rise from an inspired young man who knows what he wants to do with his life to a top-notch commentator. This story is interwoven with stories of Gold's trials to get what he wants through the dedication to his chosen profession. He will do anything involving sports including, quite literally, selling Peanuts at sporting events in Madison Square Garden. Along the way Gold allows the reader into his life and journey, from being an audio engineer, in a small radio station, eventually doing work with the likes of Howard Cosell and he even talks about coming up through the ranks with Bob Costas, just to name two well known Sports reporting/commentating figures. Gold himself made quite a name for himself, but you couldn't tell from the way he has written his story here. He is a very down to earth person. You will find yourself caught up in the world of both radio and television sports right along side Gold. He tells his story, sometimes in all seriousness, but you will also find many sections of the book filled with humorous anecdotes. You may ask what can be learned from a book like Eli Gold's? Gold shows that through a overwhelming desire, long and hard work, and a willingness to give up a lot to reach his goal, you can make it. I may not agree with the way he did this, but I do admire his ambition and steadfast work ethic. Eli Gold knew what he wanted, and through hard work, he attained his goal. Along the way he gained knowledge and acceptance, and in the world of sports, he has proven himself to be one of the top in the field.

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The Postmistress - A Captivating Story

"The Postmistress", by Sarah Blake, is a wonderfully captivating story which winds it's way into your thoughts. The characters are so vivid and real that you have to step back and make sure you yourself are not right there. Ms. Blake's writing style keeps you on the edge of your seat, by painting a picture through her story. This novel based on World War II prior to the United States entrance brings the war home as well as another story of the people of Franklin, Massachusetts and a War Correspondent, Frankie Bard, who is connected to Franklin, quite by accident, after she meets Will Fitch, a doctor from Franklin as he attempts to help in London, England during the Blitz. Sarah Blake as a bright future as an author, and you can expect to find her on the Best Seller List in the near future. Bravo!!!

"Called to Worship" by Vernon M. Whaley

“Called To Worship”, by Vernon M. Whaley, is an essential for any Christian Library. This wonderfully scripted inspirational book is the inspirational book for all inspirational books. Whaley, take Scripture and uses it to explain worship. He breaks down the Bible into easy to understand terms, allowing the reader to understand and gain understanding through God’s Word. God wants us to worship Him through true worship. Whaley uses this knowledge of the Bible to help the reader learn how to effectively and affectively worship.
This book is broken down into three parts: Old Testament Principle of Worship, where we learn from those who lived and loved God with blind faith. We see the errors in our ways through these stories from the Bible, so that we can hopefully not make the same mistakes. We also learn that many in the Bible even seeing the miracles God showed, took Him for granted and fell victim to false worship. God shows that He loves us and wants us to worship Him with all our hearts.
Part II deals with New Testament Principles of Worship, where we see how the Gospels are used to teach us and keep us faithful in our worship. Finally Part III deals with Worship in Heaven, the perfect worship.
As I opened this book and started reading the Forward, I felt a connection and ever holding feeling come over me. I felt this book was going to be somehow different. Called To Worship does just that . It calls us to worship God in its truest form. Only by our use of the Bible can we gain a better understanding of exactly how to worship correctly. His Word is there for us to read and learn from, so let’s make it a point to worship correctly. Whaley uses his experiences along with scripture to captivate the reader and acknowledges that each of us needs to find his or her own personal way to worship fully and wholeheartedly. This book keeps the reader captivated throughout.
I highly recommend this book for inclusion in every library. It’s a wonderful study guide and can and should be used in conjunction with the Bible for any study of worship.

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"Fearless" by Max Lucado

"Fearless", by Max Lucado, grabs the reader right from the start. He utilizes Scripture along with common sense to guide the reader through everyday fears. This study guide allows the reader to face their fears head on knowing that God is there to protect and remove all fears. As the book cover states, " Imagine Your Life Without Fear." Each chapter and section is written with specific fears or circumstances which are confronted each and every day. "Fearless" allows the reader to look to God and recognize that our fears are nothing to be afraid of.
As I read each section I tried to picture myself in each scenario facing the situation and allowing the Scripture passages to sink in and calm the internal storms of my fears. Lucado, uses his literary expertise to its fullest. Not every one can use Biblical Scripture and the disciples in what could have been some rather interesting and maybe comical circumstances, as they followed and learned from Christ. They learned first hand yet as the book shows, they had their fears as well.
What I learned from the book, is that fear is within everyone, and once you realize it, you can then turn those fears into seas of calmness. How many times have each of us gone into a situation which we felt we could not or were not able to control. Our fears overtake us, and we freeze up or completely break down. "Fearless" is that guide which allows us to face our fears in any situation. It breaks down the fear into easily understandable passages and Lucado uses the Bible to illustrate those fears. Further, this book has taught me that anything and everything is possible once we give ourselves over completely the God. God is our salvation and in Him I will rest. Faith conquers all fear
"Fearless" is a wonderful study guide and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt fear and anyone who is looking for guidance direction in their lives.

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Gripping Tale - Under This Unbroken Sky, Shandi Mitchell

Posted 08/30/09: Under This Unbroken Sky, by Shandi Mitchell, is a gripping story about a family from Ukrainia that has migrated to Canada. This family goes through terrible times, first because Teodore goes to prison for stealing his own grain. Maria, Teodore's wife and the mother of his children holds the family together and also keeps Teodore's sister, Anna from collapsing emotionally. I found this story spell binding, but at the same time felt some of the descriptions exceptionally long and graphic. Overall, Shandi is a wonderful documentarian, and she definitely has done her research while compiling and writing this story. She also knows how to keep the reader interested and waiting to see what is going to happen to this family next. A good read for those who enjoy history.

"Everyday Greatness" by Stephen Covey

This is a wonderfully compiled book of stories with inspiration and everyday development, which borders on, if not compels us, to think about our paths in life. “Everyday Greatness” is that collection of awe-inspiring stories, some from some famous people, but for the most part, they are the stories of the common person like me. Stephen Covey, has done a wonderful job of bring the best together and putting it out there for everyone to have the opportunity to read.
This is not the type of book that you will want to pick up and read all the way through, without stopping. It is a collection of stories, some heart rendering, but always inspiring. A reflection section and some simple questions the reader should ask themselves follow each section. These reflections give the reader the opportunity to look within himself or herself, to evaluate and correct ways in which he or she thinks and acts.
While reading these wonderfully inspiring stories, I found myself stopping and thinking about the ways I look at things and life. It made me think about how I look at life and the little things that I can do, to help or give a person a boost in their and my everyday life’s hurdles.
I highly recommend this collection to any and everyone. You will not be sorry and possibly, you too can make a difference in someone’s life and most certainly your life as well.

Superdove

Superdove: How the Pigeon Took Manhattan ... And the World by Courtney Humphries


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have just finished the unique story about pigeons. This lighthearted study of this bird gives the reader a new way to look at the pigeon and how it has impacted our lives.
Ms Humphries gives us her own personal look as she expresses her study of these birds, while keeping it light, she fills us with knowledge and the unexpected look at the value of these birds. If you are looking for something strangely interesting, this could be the book to pick up and read.

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