This book was a great book that I really got into and lost track of time when I would read it. The Outsiders is a great book that I would recommend to anyone over the ages of 12.

We had to read The Outsiders in my reading class,and the teacher said we should buy our own copies so we could do some highlighting in the book. I ended up reading the hole book over the weekend & couldent wait to start it agin.(THE OUTSIDERS ROCKS)I finished the book in 1 day & I kept loozing track of time.

I LOVED this book!! It rulz!!

I had to read it for a class when I was in 8th grade, and I was expecting it to be just another boring ol' book, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!! I finished the whole book in 5 days.

It has an interesing story line to it. Something is always happeneing to keep your attention. The narrator of the story, Ponyboy, seemed to be a very relatable and understandable person. The first time I read this book, I was 14. So, because it was written from a 14 year old's perspective, it was easy to understand why he did what he did and how he handled things the way he did.

But I think that no matter how old you are, you'll think this book RULZ, to!! :-)

This was a myth-busters book, at least for me. I thought American individualism, and the emphasis on personal choice, undermined the strength of churches. After all, if people don't like what their getting, they can just hop over to another church. Smith says no: because people in modern America choose their communities, they tend to be more committed to them.

I thought corporate and bureaucratic, mass culture, which trains people to be distant and driven, undermined their ability to be in community. Not so, says Smith. It only makes people more hungry for personalized, intimate, community like the church.

I thought, a la Dean Kelly's classic _Why Conservative Churches Are Growing_, that evangelicalism thrived because it gave people an alternative world to live in. No way, says Smith:

"American evangelicalism ... is strong not because it is shielded against, but because it is--or at least perceives itself to be--embattled with forces that seem to oppose or threaten it. Indeed, evangelicalism ... thrives on distinction, engagement, conflict and threat. Without these, evangelicalism would lose its identity and purpose and grow languid and aimless. Thus ... the evangelical's movement's vitality is not a product of its protected isolation from, but of its vigorous engagement with pluralistic modernity."

As in the beginning, Smith argues, mainliners are engaged in society but do not see themselves as distinct from it, and fundamentalists know they're distinct, but they never meaningfully engage culture. Evangelicals thrive in the in between place: embattled AND thriving.

Smith offers many more insights on evangelicalism today. (One more I though fascinating: in abandoning its strictures on card playing and going to movies evangelicalism hasn't been co-opted by culture, as some critics argue. Instead, new evangelical boundaries have been drawn that help define the "real" evangelical--listening to Christian rock, not observing Halloween, and the like).

There's enough to argue with, as well. Smith, for example, doesn't think the dominant evangelical social strategy (changed lives will change society) is very effective. I agree that many people are called to do more than change individual lives. But I'm not sure a sociologist can measure the impact of this strategy one way or another. And anecdotes to the contrary abound: the preacher who converted Billy Graham made a huge impact on American culture.

Quibbles aside, Smith is to be credited with getting this historian to do something I steadfastly avoid: commit sociology. If you want to get fresh insights into modern evangelicalism, you may want to do the same.

--Mark Galli, editor, Christian History

Chris Smith's book challenges the stereotypes that many people hold about Christians, particularly evangelical Protestants. I was, frankly, surprised by the sheer ambivalence of evangelicals that Dr. Smith interviewed; these people are clearly not the tyrannical demagogues that many believe them to be! Journalists, academics, people who are truly committed to tolerance and open-mindedness, and serious religious thinkers should read it--period--just to have a deeper understanding of a vast segment of the American population. Dr. Smith presents an information-packed, refreshingly nuanced picture of American evangelicals. It is a book that deserves attention, particularly for those who are interested in religious anthropological questions, but also for those who are serious about having their stereotypes challenged. Mine were.

I have found this book a great comfort and encouragement in my situation as I am married to an unbelieving husband. The book has shown me that despite our problems we can and will stay together and be happily married. One of the great things is to read of other people in the same situation and see that they stayed together, as you know of many divorces caused by this different view on religion.

Despite the book's many strong points I occasionally found its view quite "traditional" (wife at home etc.) and it is indeed written quite a few years ago. The culture here in Scandinavia is somewhat different but many things are of course the same despite the time or geography.

I would like to recommend the book for everyone in a marriage with an unbelieving partner!

If you feel like the title "Caught in the Middle" of your husband and God, this is the book for you. I cannot tell you the insight it has given me. It is a true blessing, helps you learn to balance our walks with God and our commitment to our husbands. I very much think it is a must for all those out there dealing with this.

Charles de Foucauld grew up a pampered, rich playboy who had little care for others, or God for that matter. Antier's effort to chronicle the life of this man who became so holy through a pure love of Christ is admirable.

I delighted in the story of the spoiled aristocrat and flunky cavalry officer. Antier writes it so well. And then, something changed with De Foucauld through the example of his cousin, Marie.

Throughout this life, a life devoted to God, is the theme of restlessness. Charles de Foucauld simply could not settle down. He wanted to sacrifice all for Christ. And his sacrifice was severe. I, like his spiritual director and his bishop, couldn't help but notice that Charles' desire to mortify himself was taken to extremes. He slept little so he could love God. He ate little so he could give food to the poor and thereby love God. He was the least in all things so that he could love God.

Charles wanted to live the "hidden life of Jesus at Nazareth" amongst the poorest of the poor. So he went to the desert and he served the muslims there. This marabout, or holy man, was widely respected by the muslims, and he made no converts.

Sadly, the book ends with the death of the "White Marabout." But what appears to be an end to us in this book was only the beginning and the perfection of love for Charles. Obedience is love. Charles died a martyr in the desert. Simply put, that is what he wanted. Read the book and learn of a man who truly loved Christ.

Antier's task with this book is an admirably ambitious one. The story of Charles de Foucauld, or Charles of Jesus, is as intricate and intimidating as it is powerful and inspiring, and because it is a story of redemption, compassion and hope taking place within a bleak era for both Christianity and the world (the early 20th century), it is of immeasurable value. Antier manages well to trace Charles' steps, from his unfortunate childhood to his gluttonous life as an mediocre military officer, enraptured in all the distractions of the world, to his radical conversion to a living Christian faith that would take him down a most Christ-like path of sacrifice and singular devotion. The biggest challenge for the author in this case is simply not to lose focus of the substance of Charles' wandering and awakening, and Antier succeeds on that point. As a kind of antithesis of the Rich Young Man, the transformed Charles wanted his life to reveal to others Christ's presence among them, and Antier justly allows that driving passion to shape the course of the book. The intent here is earnestly hagiographical; the main point is the severe holiness that would be Charles' gift to the world, to both the Christian church and to his non-Christian neighbors. True, the way Charles sought to live out his love for Christ, as a Christian ascetical hermit among the Muslim nomads of the Sahara desert, is too severe for most Christians, yet it is a story that should told and heard. As Christianity grows more aware of its place a global, pluralistic culture, and especially with its relations with Islam or other religions, it will need the lessons which only a life like Charles' can teach. Moreover, it is a reminder to all Christians, in a time of indifference and apathy, of the centrality of the call to holiness and sacrifice for the authentic Christian life.

Antier is very capable writer, and his book, even in translation, is exceptionally readable. He himself is undoubtedly inspired by Charles' life, which comes through in his enthusiastic prose. Yet by keeping to its clear and simple aim, this book does not sensationalize Charles' life; all Antier needs to do to keep the reader's interest is to offer up this remarkable story. Even so, you cannot help but feel the storyteller's joy coming off the pages, and that only makes it all the more attractive.

This book is set in rural England in the 30's and 40's. It gives a moving portrait of an autistic boy. He is very low functioning in many ways, but is still portrayed with love and dignity, in a way that should enable most "normal" children to relate to him in a positive way.

The approach is emotional, rather than cognitive, and the author has put in a bit of magic to make things more interesting, but I think this is much better than the textbook approach for "explaining" autsm to other children.

Also available in audio tape form.

The beauty of this story is in its simplicity. It is a tale of a mentally handicapped foundling, raised by a couple of farmers in the England of WWII. The plot is simple and slow, but the characterisation is captivating. The book sneaks up on you, so by the end you are emotionally attached to the characters, quite by accident. My nine year old son read this to me as his school reader and we were astionished to find ourselves weeping together at the end (OK, so we're a sentimental family). Well done, MR King-Smith.

This book has changed by life, especially my way of eating.

Full of sound nutrition advice I will use again and again....I do get a little tired of the author's tooting her own horn, but her knowledge is fact-based and solid.

This was one of the few books by blackmen that had good storys that reflect on black culture and done from a spiritual tone. It also reflected the ability of American Baptist to step out and pull something like this together. This is the kind of work that should be done on a yearly bases.

Relevent stories for African-American men. Definitely not fiction.

In this sequel to "Oh, Be Careful Little Ears," Smith further impales the heart of contemporary Christian music, then twists the stake. In a broader crusade against the worldly appeal of Christian rock and other "carnal" music, she makes this observation: churches that embrace contemporary music are far more likely to develop casual attitudes about God and worship. Accordingly in such churches, a worship service is no different from "hanging out" at the local mall, where slovenly dressed people can meet with friends to have some "laughs" and hear some "tunes" (emphases mine).

The book's subtitle provides much pause for thought: "If They Took Away the Music...Would You Still Follow Jesus?" It implies that upbeat contemporary music is the principal factor (perhaps the only factor) which keeps people, especially teenagers, in today's "cool" churches. But to Smith, "'Cool' is not a fruit of the [Holy] Spirit."

Smith devotes a large segment of the book (71 pages) to crushing some 50 additional excuses which proponents of contemporary music have offered in defense.

This book, together with "Oh, Be Careful Little Ears," should more than sufficiently convince discerning Christians to reclaim biblically sound music for their worship services. This includes opposing many forms of contemporary music, most especially rock music.

These two books should be mandatory reading for Sunday school programs and youth groups.

We recommend this to Christian parents who have any doubts, no matter how small, about the CCM industry and the place of rock music in our lives. With three teens of our own who sometimes 'push the envelope' of music styles, we appreciated Kim's plain-spoken message and her warnings. The information about music she shares was easily understood by us and our teens.

Heartwarming romance stories. All are uplifting as each person renews their love for Jesus. I also enjoyed the innovative marriage proposals.

I like reading books like this with short stories, and this was my favorite one yet. All the stories are great!

Reconciliation is a key theme in Craig Smith's "Whiteman's Gospel." Pay particular attention to Chapter 3, "Christianity & Indian History." I was so moved by this chapter several years ago that it inspired me to write my own book. Very little is written about what the Church has done to Indian people. When we think of atrocities that were experienced by Native Americans, we tend to think that it was primarily the U.S. government that was responsible.

Such was not the case, for in many instances, the Church has been responsible for genocide, sexual abuse, and kidnapping. We must face up to these facts before reconciliation can begin, and Mr. Smith's book accomplishes just that.

I speak not as an outsider but as a fellow minister to Native Americans. For three years I have worked among the Omaha and Winnebago Tribes and I can tell you that "Whiteman's Gospel" is very factual, relevant, and much needed. Indian people rank at the bottom in academics, their young people commit suicide at rates 5 times higher than the general population, and medical facilites are either non-existent, or in disrepair. Clearly, these people are in distress and only the Church can meet many of their needs. Craig Smith's book makes those needs known.

If you don't know anything about Native American ministry, then "Whiteman's Gospel" is a book that you must read.

I am not Native American. I am a Christian. This is the best book I have read that deals with problems in the dominant culture's church as well as the specific issues in the Native American church.

I was convicted and moved deeply. Pastor Smith gives a messege of hope and a future that most today reject. Even though the dominant white (Anglo) church has made many grievous errors in it's past, there is till hope for the people that has been hurt, oh so deeply, by the unbiblical ways of my own forefathers.

Every non-native needs to read this book to see just how wrong the church has historically been and every Native American needs to read this book to see that there is still hope after all the damage had been done.

We can not undo the damage done. But, we can move forward as the Lord would have intended in the first place. Reader, beware. Your cultural biases will be challenged and your belief systems will change dramatically. Praise God for men like Pastor Smith. In these last days many more like him are needed if any sanity is to come out of the horrors of the past.

This is an absolute must read for ALL Christians.