Category Archives: Books

Book Review: “Bridge to Haven”

Posted on April 9, 2017 by David B. Smith

I’m on a roll with Francine Rivers’ books, and want to again affirm how much I appreciate her compelling expressions of muscular Christian faith. This book has a painful detour into the corruptions of Hollywood; it also contains a poetic … Continue reading →

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A Healthy Dose of Ambition

Posted on November 29, 2014 by David B. Smith

This is a readable autobiography describing Sotomayor’s improbable rise to the highest court in the land. Her descriptions of life as an immigrant child are colorful and revealing; this is a briskly-paced tale, interesting to read with a few lagging … Continue reading →

Posted in 2012 election, Barack Obama, Books, Civil Rights Movement, Courtroom Drama, First Amendment, Legal system, Politics, SCOTUS, Supreme Court | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

It’s DRAMA Obama

Posted on December 1, 2013 by David B. Smith

“The Center Holds” packs a lot of insight into one volume. Alter is a seasoned journalist who admits his own passions and biases. This election account is essentially told from the Democratic perspective, but he diligently chides Obama for the … Continue reading →

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Fifty Years Ago Today . . .

Posted on November 22, 2013 by David B. Smith

Christians should also thank God for the literary abundance of C. S. Lewis, who passed away the same day as John F. Kennedy. Two of my favorite quotes are both from “Mere Christianity.”  Regarding faith, he writes: “To trust Him … Continue reading →

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Book Review: “The Winds of War”

Posted on October 13, 2013 by David B. Smith

Herman Wouk’s tale is a huge masterpiece: sweeping in terms of plot, character, and history. His knowledge of WWII is staggering; years of research are evident in the story. He also has the rare gift of literary poetry, with imaginative … Continue reading →

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Book Review: “Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock”

Posted on September 5, 2013 by David B. Smith

  Wonderful and Wrenching   This is a gripping tale born out of an Everest of research. David Margolick chronicles the brutal, crass attack heaped upon Elizabeth, a black high school student who volunteered to help integrate Central High School … Continue reading →

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Book Review: “The Art of Fielding”

Posted on September 3, 2013 by David B. Smith

Wasted Brilliance Two things first: Harbach is an extremely good writer. This is not a boring book; the story does not “go off the rails,” as the one-star reviews complain, and the time it takes to read it is not … Continue reading →

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Book Review: “The Little Rascals”

Posted on August 28, 2013 by David B. Smith

Son of Waldo Says “Thank You” This is an absolutely awesome resource about the beloved Little Rascals. Full disclosure: “Waldo” was my dad! Back in the heyday of the Our Gang troupe, Dad was privileged to play the nerdish Waldo … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Films, Hal Roach, Little Rascals, Our Gang, Television, Waldo | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: “Little Princes”

Posted on August 28, 2013 by David B. Smith

    A Pure Triumph! This book is wondrous on two levels. The writing is just amazing: funny, touching, descriptive, poignant. The humor and pathos are both sparkling and deeply moving. But what is most inspiring is how this author … Continue reading →

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Book Review: “Child of the King”

Posted on August 28, 2013 by David B. Smith

  This is a well-crafted story; the characters are believable and the romantic interaction is quite a bit better – more realistic dialogue, believable emotions – than so much else in this genre. The e-book has a strange plethora of … Continue reading →

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