BOOK REVIEW: Under the Cover of Light

Under the Cover of Light, by Carole Engle Avriett, is not an easy book to read. I knew that when I picked it up. However, it is an important book to read. In this age of societal entitlement and complaining, USAF COL Thomas "Jerry" Curtis tells his story of 7 1/2 years' imprisonment in Hanoi as a prisoner of war...an imprisonment that he endured, not unwaveringly, but by clinging to God and to his love for the United States of America.

Captured while rescuing a pilot who had been shot down in North Vietnam, Curtis experienced starvation, illness, injury, weather extremes, and torture. He also fought his way through loneliness, boredom, and fear. He did all of this honorably, paying a cost he knew beforehand was possible when he elected to serve in the armed forces.

Curtis takes on his memories in a way that puts the reader in his cell with him, yet without the horrific details that would cause the weak at heart to put the book down and walk away. And throughout the story's retelling we see, day after day, month after month, year after year, his ability to keep focused on the God he knows to be true, constant, and faithful. He and his fellow POWs hold church services, recite Scripture to each other, and even take "communion," all of which help them hold onto hope.

I think my favorite part of the book was the pride Curtis felt in, after all those years of desperation, falling into formation with the rest of the freed POWs, coming to attention for the first time in many years, and saluting their de facto POW commander, he of the most senior rank among them. Although they had all suffered, they also all retained their respect for the country they served.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for a fair review. For more on the author, go here.

BOOK REVIEW: As Kingfishers Catch Fire

I enjoy reading short essays/messages from noted pastors, so this new book by Eugene Peterson, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire," caught my attention. I have read one of his previous books and own a copy of The Message. His ability to take God's Word and put it into contemporary language is refreshing.

"As Kingfishers Catch Fire" is a collection of teachings on selected Bible passages, divided into seven categories based on well-known biblical figures such as Moses, Isaiah, Peter, and John. Following a brief introduction of the person to whom the section is devoted, seven teachings are presented. As per Peterson's forte, these teachings are conversational and casual, with life applications familiar to most people.

I found myself quite drawn into these messages, and one in particular hit with God's perfect timing as an answer to something I had been praying about. Further, his emphasis on simply living in community with other believers--sharing life together in a simple and natural way--is a theme I find so pertinent to these days of the church.

If you are looking for a fresh way to view the Scriptures, or a new opportunity to find application in familiar passage of the Bible, I recommend this book. Read it with pen or highlighter in hand, because you will want to mark sentences for further reflection.

You can find out more about this book here.

I received this book free of charge from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing in exchange for an impartial review.