The Founders' Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It

http://www.amazon.com/The-Founders-Key-Declaration-Constitution/dp/1595554726

In The Founders’ Key, Larry P. Arnn reinforces the connections and continuity between the two quintessential American documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  The book is a response to progressives who Arnn claims hold up the Declaration as justification for circumventing the Constitution either through purposeful misinterpretation of the documents or naïveté of their origins.

What Arnn had to say was valid, and his point is quite accurate. But his style is dry and hard to take. Much of what he says has been written in other places, and his bibliography is full of other excellent resources containing similar discussions. But Arnn has alienated much of his audience with his dry prose. While I agree with most of what he says, I could barely make it though the way he said it.

This is one of those books that all voting-age Americans should read if you can get beyond the academic language. So much of our country’s health and well-being rests with proper execution of these documents. We, the voting public, must ensure that ALL of our elected officials and those who are appointed by our officials (all of whom swear to uphold these documents), strive to uphold the truths set forth in the Declaration and the US Constitution.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Realms Thereunder, by Ross Lawhead

The Realms Thereunder, by Ross Lawhead (Thomas Nelson, 2011)The Realms Thereunder is a fun ride but one filled with ups and downs as far as plot progression goes. I am a huge Stephen Lawhead lover and have read every one of his books, so when I saw his son had written a book I was very excited to read it. The premise is that two students in England find their way beneath the streets of Oxford into a hidden city filled with Old English mythology and folklore. On a visit to an old church, Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds awaken two ancient knights from a centuries-old slumber. They are kidnapped and taken to an underground city that stands in peril.

Fast forward eight years. Daniel, now homeless, still wages what he believes to be a righteous war against those he judges to be evil. Freya has tried to put the past behind her and concentrate on getting an education, a job, and a life. When they reconnect in Oxford, unseen forces begin to ally against them. Daniel is pulled through a portal and into another world. Overall the book is pretty good for a first time novelist. I found that the booked ebbed and flowed between being very good to being mediocre. However, I do expect Ross Lawhead to become a very good author of many other tales, and I look forward to watching him grow.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Washington: A Legacy of Leadership (The Generals) - Paul Vickery

I came across Washington by Dr. Paul Vickery while scanning the list of available books on BookSneeze, of which I am a member. However, it was not only the book title, but the author that caught my interest. I knew him as one of my professors in college and one of my favorites. His love for history in general was so apparent, but more specifically it was the American revolutionary period that he seemed to have a lot of passion about. As a student, it was contagious. I knew I had to get this book.

I’ve started several books about Washington, but could never finish them because the authors seemed more interested in impressing the reader than educating them. From the first page, Washington was approachable. Some biographers have a novelistic style, others overly academic. Vickery’s style draws the reader into the world he is painting by using language and style that brings the character, event and time to vivid life while simultaneously teaching you the facts.

There were several points of fact that I had not learned before, or remembered from college; to which I humbly apologize, professor. One was that it was the actions of Washington that precipitated the start of the French and Indian War (Seven Years War). Another was how hard on himself he was about the conduct of the war and how he was personally overwhelmed at times. I was not aware of the near mutinous actions of some of his senior general staff during the course of the war. Lastly, I was happy to see a mention of Thomas Paine and the impact his series of writings, The Crisis, had on lagging American support for the revolution. I had written my senior thesis on Paine. The nod to one of my favourite revolutionaries of the period was met with much enthusiasm.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning about Washington’s life and actions during the war years of the American Revolution to read this book. I found it to be easy to read and very informative. Thank you, Dr. Vickery, for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power, and Deception in American History by Andrew Napolitano

Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power, and Deception in American History

Judge Andrew Napolitano has created a great book with Lies The Government Told You.  He is a Libertarian commentator that debates politics, history and what he considers to be the unconstitutional behavior of both the Bush and Obama administrations, with consumer advocate and four-time presidential candidate Ralph Nader. No one is safe from criticism; right or left.

He has put into writing what many of us have long suspected…our government has been lying to us for years about almost everything it has ever done. You will really open your eyes to how broken our government is, not just because it’s virtually bankrupt, but because it fails to uphold the constitution and protect the very citizens that fund it. You will learn much, both of the ways of our government, and perhaps, insight into your own thinking when you read this book.

I enjoyed reading Judge Napolitano's views on the government. They feel they are above the law and can twist the constitution to fit the current situation. After reading the book, I wouldn’t say I was shocked. Nothing does that anymore. However, frustration rose at each page; irritation at every chapter.  We can band together and vote but even that doesn’t seem to be enough. I still recommend this book for anyone who really wants to investigate and understand why people are so frustrated with their government.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

One Hand, Two Hands, by Max Lucado

Max Lucado, the author of so many wonderful books has written a masterful children’s book based on service with our hands. Throughout the story, “One Hand, Two Hands”, you are treated with all the things that can be done with our hands; cleaning rooms, hugging grandma, cooking with your mom, etc. At the end of the story there are several categories of service and what we can do to serve others in those areas.

I have kids aged seven, five (almost 6), and two years old. I was very interested in receiving this book because it looked, by the illustrations that my two year old girl would love it. Ever since we received it in the mail, she has wanted to read it every night before bed. The illustrations are perfect for children. Active, colorful and engaging, my toddler can keep her hands off the book. She absolutely loves it. Even my five year old enjoys it. It’s also a great story book for him to read while he is just now learning. My wife and I love it because it provides a helpful tool for engaging our children in the topic of helping others and doing good to others; that is to say, living the Christian life. I heartily recommend this book to anyone wishing to pass along a heritage of service to the next generation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

100 Prayers God Loves to Hear, 100 Praise Songs

I was very interested as well as excited when we found 100 Prayers God Loves to Hear: 100 Praise Songs in our mailbox. From cover to cover this book emphasizes prayer and encourages kids to know that there is a real God who loves them and wants to hear their prayers to Him. It's full of colorful illustrations that keep kids attention and the CD's that are included are packed with 100 songs. Each set of two pages has the prayer on the left side and also has information about the type of prayer, how we can use the prayer and anything else including information about different Bible stories.


My kids really enjoyed this book. I would catch my seven year reading it. His favorite was when he would notice a particular quote from a historical figure that he recognized like Abraham Lincoln. It’s a great way for parents to introduce prayer to their children in a way that teaches them “how” to do it. I have no problem recommending this book to any parent who loves communicating to God in prayer and wants to pass love on to their kids. This is a great way to get your children in the habit of spending time with God by reading His Word, praying, and praising Him through song.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Book Reviews

We will primarily be doing book reviews. I've been feeling the itch to write again and read again, for that matter. This should be a fun adventure and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on what I've read.