BOOK REVIEW: A Walk in the Woods

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill Bryson, taps into something that probably lurks deep in the hearts of most people. At some level, there is, I believe, something in each of us that wants to walk away from the crazy cacophony of life for awhile and connect with the simplicity of nature. Bryson did just that, and because of the adventures he records we are able to connect as well.

This book combines detailed information on each section of the Appalachian Trail, such as plant and animal life, historical background, and interesting anecdotes, with Bryson's personal experiences while hiking it. His overweight friend and co-hiker, Stephen Katz, offers comic relief as he struggles to keep up. Together the two of them meet some remarkable characters; in fact, one is so remarkable they may or may not have ditched her along the way. The constant threat of a bear attack lends background suspense. And although Bryson does not hike the trail through from one end to the other, he samples enough of it to give readers a thorough overview. 

Bryson's dry humor had me chuckling many times. His quirky perspective on the adventures he encountered on the AT was refreshing, and it made the wilderness come alive. If you've ever wanted to get out in the open and away from it all but can't quite quit your job and leave your living room, you will enjoy A Walk in the Woods. 

For more on the book, go here. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for a fair review. 

BOOK REVIEW: God and Churchill

Having recently homeschool-journeyed through World War 2 with my preteen, this book was a perfectly timed read. I have always been struck by Winston Churchill's strength, as evidenced in his courageous leadership during the war, and welcomed the chance to get to know him better through this book. "God and Churchill: How the Great Leader's Sense of Divine Destiny Changed His Troubled World and Offers Hope for Ours," by Jonathan Sandys (the great leader's great-grandson) and Wallace Henley, was not what I expected...but it was a valuable book nonetheless, and I do understand his life more for having read it.

Two caveats. First, I did not find detailed information about God and Churchill, in the sense I expected from the title. Coming from an evangelical point of view, I thought I'd hear more testimonial about his Christian life, faith struggles, prayers for others, etc. What I found, rather, were the author's assurances that God was foremost in Churchill's life and in the background of all his decisions, quietly and stolidly--and quotes from Churchill to that evidence. Second, I also didn't find detailed accounts of battle strategies, pivotal political decisions, or even life events after he came to the office of Prime Minister. This book is not a biography, per se.

This book reviews Churchill's early life and how he came to the position of Prime Minister. It then contrasts, in detail, his worldview with that of Adolf Hitler's, highlighting Churchill's reasons for stepping up to the fight against the Nazis and never backing down. The final section of the book examines how Churchill "kept calm and carried on" to victory--again, not with detailed accounts of events, but rather by describing the personality qualities he possessed. It concludes with what we need in this day and age to do the same, against perhaps even more formidable foes.

I found most amazing about Churchill's life the fact that he had prophetic understanding, from a young age, that he was destined to save Britain from a terrible enemy. He also knew that God would be his help, and that assurance never seemed to flicker even through the darkest times. He was stalwart and steady, and I admire him more for having read about him in this book.

For more information, go here.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an impartial review.