Reader Views

The Science of the Quran: Proving the Existence of the Supreme Being through Profound Modern Science

Article first published as Book Review: The Science of the Quran: Proving the Existence of the Supreme Being through Profound Modern Science by Ahmad Hassan on Blogcritics.

Initially I found the idea of reading a book about the connection between science and the Quran to be intimidating, especially since it is written by an Iraqi-American electrical engineer. Having very little knowledge of the Quran and a little more of science, I was intrigued, however, still concerned that it would be written beyond my level of comprehension. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was totally incorrect. Ahmad Hassan has written “The Science of the Quran,” in a manner that can be appreciated and understood by both beginners and experts.

He begins the book by providing a basic understanding of what the Quran is about, and how it evolved historically. He also gives an in-depth discussion about the prophets of the time, especially the Last Prophet Muhammad. He allows for some comparisons between the Christian Bible and prophets, however, he does not try to change one’s beliefs, he just uses the information to strengthen the discussion. It really helped me relate my historical Christian knowledge to what was happening at the time. I felt that his discussion was respectfully neutral.

After explaining the Quran and the history behind it, Hassan then begins a basic discussion about scientific principles and how they are mentioned in the Quran. He discusses a wide variety of over thirty scientific topics and relates them to verses in the Quran. Believing the Quran to be created directly from revelations directly from God to Muhammad, over 1,400 years ago, Hassan believes that this proves that a Supreme Being exists.

Personally, I found “The Science of the Quran” to be a fascinating, well-written book. It gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of my friends who follow the teachings of the Quran. I also truly enjoyed seeing the connection between the verses presented in the Quran and the beliefs of modern science. I felt that some of the comparisons seemed to be more valid than others. Overall, I was definitely fascinated. The author does not have to rely on blind faith to know that there is a higher power.

I feel that “The Science of the Quran” by Ahmad Hassan is an excellent resource for people of various backgrounds who have an interest in understanding the Quran. The connection between the verses that were written well before we truly understood science and modern science as we know it today presents a wealth of support for a belief in a Supreme Being. Considering the political climate that we are facing today, I think it is extremely important for individuals to gain an understanding of a religion that they might know nothing about. “The Science of the Quran” is a great resource with which to begin. People who already follow the Quran will find this book very interesting and enjoy gaining a greater understanding of how science is linked to their spiritual text.


The Science of the Quran: Proving the Existence of the Supreme Being through Profound Modern Science
Ahmad Hassan
Lido Horizons Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780615499840
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/12)

The Call

Derald Hamilton’s “The Call” combines satire, humor, and spoof in this unpredictable fictional account of seminary training and the broad spectrum of individuals who have responded to the “call to ministry.” The story is presented in the first person voice of Ishmael O’Donnell. His childhood is beleaguered by the strict disciplines administered by his military father and his religious mother who accepts as her “lot” subjection to an unfaithful husband. Added to Ishmael’s dysfunctional childhood is the unexplainable supernatural indwelling or possession of the “spirit” of his long-dead twin brother Isaac.

Hamilton understands the importance of audience to the success of satire. He writes for a wide audience covering a time span of over 30 years directly impacting the veterans and families of three wars or Military conflicts who will relate to the account of Ishmael’s coming of age in the transient lifestyle of military families, the diversity of political views of U. S. involvement in these intervention actions, and the extremes of disciplines and control exercised by his military father. Another audience that will be touched by Hamilton’s observations is made up of anyone concerned about illusion versus reality in organized religion.

As Ishmael grapples with the his family’s dysfunction and the harassment of Isaac’s spirit, Hamilton focuses on another potential audience as he parodies the religious neuroses plaguing Ishmael by the inconsistency of forced church attendance by his father and the genuine religious zeal of his mother. Participation with Campus Para church ministries while attending University lead to Ishmael’s “call” to attend seminary as a means to find life fulfillment and spiritual cleansing.

Part Two of the novel deals with the three years of Ishmael’s seminary training. He is frustrated by the inconsistencies and the church politics often practiced within the established church, issues of integrity, and conduct behind the cloistered walls of the seminary. The illusions and reality of Hamilton’s observations open the door for his articulate tongue-in-cheek satiric exposition. Hamilton has cleverly recreated believable characters into caricatures which disconcertingly uncover fraudulence, impertinence, personal inconsistencies, character flaws, prejudices, and biases often found in the Christian community. Liberal, conservative, charismatic, nor ultra-fundamental escape his invective.

I became deeply involved in Hamilton’s storyline and characters. A composite development of fewer characters and a merging of the curriculum, training, and field assignments into typical content rather than detailed descriptions of the repetitive progression of each individual year of the program would have enhanced the flow and pace of the book for me.

“The Call” offers brilliant writing that is reflective, funny and provocative – a troubling look at the duplicity of influential leadership in today’s culture.


The Call
Derald Hamilton
D. Hamilton Books (2010)
ISBN 9780984619207
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/11)

The Weight of Deeds: A Collection of 14 Short Stories

Article first published as Book Review The Weight of Deeds: A Collection of 14 Short Stories by Eli Thorpe on Blogcritics.

In a recent issue of Prospect Magazine, writer Ruth Franklin asserted that “Ten years ago the American short story was in decline. Now it is once again a vital genre.” Author Eli Thorpe’s new collection of fourteen short stories, “The Weight of Deeds,” most certainly provides testimony to support Franklin’s claim.

Like other authors recently, Eli Thorpe decided to follow his well-regarded first novel, “The Valley of Ashes,” with a book of short stories rather than a second novel. For readers who appreciate short fiction, his decision was a blessing. “The Weight of Deeds” makes a strong, consistent statement that Thorpe is a marvelous, gifted writer and a first-rate storyteller. These stories are relevant, thoughtful and eclectic and truly well written.

What I like most about this collection is the breadth of subjects and the spectrum of tone. A sharp sense of irony is evident in many of the stories and nearly all of the stories are written in a plain style, even those that explore the supernatural that still manages to evoke both delicate and powerful emotions in the reader.

One story which displays the full range of Thorpe’s gifts is ‘Mountain Echoes,’ the source of the book’s title. This is the story of an unsettled soul on a road trip get-away without a map, who stumbles upon a small mountain town where he had lived and worked a short time, when he was only 21, more than thirty years before. At one point Thorpe describes the central character’s inner thoughts: “He toyed with the idea of going in, trying to imagine the scene, if everyone was there, and he made himself known…Then he laughed wryly to himself, knowing the image to be as false as any of the hopes those people had had for him. He had been an interruption in their lives, surrounded by violence and pain. However central those people were to his memories of this place, he knew he was just a bit player in their memories.” I was on strong home turf with this story and for me it echoed the work of one of my favorite short story writers, Chris Offutt.

As a person with deep connections to nature, the story ‘The Tree’ offered me a strong spiritual reading experience. The back cover notes aptly describe it as the story of a young boy who challenges himself to climb the same tree his father once climbed, and finds himself in a precarious situation-too high and with the sun about to set. The very first story that is offered, ‘Emily,’ follows the interwoven lives over the years of a man and woman who had been friends virtually their entire lives. It is a marvelous opener in every way and as a result, the reader is put on notice that they are embarking on a journey with a first-rate storyteller writing near the peak of the craft.

“The Weight of Deeds” offers fourteen beautifully crafted short stories by Eli Thorpe that will surely garner him much attention, and deservedly so. Praise to American short fiction; praise to Eli Thorpe.


The Weight of Deeds: A Collection of 14 Short Stories
Eli Thorpe
Outskirts Press (2012)
ISBN 9781432783341
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (12/11)

Antiphony

Article first published as Book Review: Antiphony by Chris Katsaropoulos on Blogcritics.

Mark Twain once said that “When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.” That succinctly stated thought is at the heart of the new Chris Katsaropoulos novel, “Antiphony.” This is a complex and challenging story that revolves around the book’s central character Theodore Reveil, “one of the leading lights in String theory physics,” a contender for the explanation for everything. Through Theodore, the author compels the reader to wonder if we are not all mad scientists whose lives are our laboratories where we experiment to find life’s meaning and a way to embrace it.

The story begins with Theodore, on his way to present his latest research to an assemblage of his colleagues from around the world, discovering that he has lost the notes for his presentation. Unbeknown to the reader is that from this point forward, Katsaropoulos is about to take them along with Theodore to uncharted, unimaginable and incomprehensible territory of the mind.

In presenting Theodore’s state of mind, Katsaropoulos’ stream-of-consciousness style and the alternation between Theodore’s seemingly clear, albeit quirky thoughts and the incoherent, often unfathomable expressions of his dissociative world, creates a powerful, excruciating portrait of an individual in the midst of a meltdown to madness. As the story progresses, visions and dreams begin to dominate Theodore’s mind. In describing one of these dreams the author writes “…Everything collapses into nothing, and everything that makes him who he thinks he is is gone completely. He is drawn within and lifted within; he is every reason and no reason at all.” Katsaropoulos’ distinctive, mesmerizing cadence further adds to the ethereal feeling of these passages.

What I found most engaging about “Antiphony” are the questions it raises. For scientists, questioning is critical to finding possible explanations. And so it is for the reader of this book. Antiphony’s greatest relevance is derived from the questions it cannot answer. For example, Theodore poses the unanswerable question “What if the universe, instead of being a giant machine, is really a giant thought?” Katsaropoulos raises many intriguing questions that offer metaphysical food for the mind.

The ultimate questions “Antiphony” poses for the reader are: What if Theodore isn’t mad? What if, indeed, we are all? Read the book! The story is fascinating and the writing is powerful and poetic.


Antiphony
Chris Katsaropoulos
Luminis Books (2011)
ISBN 9781935462330
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (1/12)

Buddy Check

Summer camp is one of the quintessential American summer traditions.  In this novel, Jenifer Brady follows the summer camp of a group of friends, seasoned campers, who volunteer at a Christian camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All of these camp counselors are high school seniors about to enter college, or, are already college students. Intertwined in her story are camp romances, arguments with the director of the camp, fear about the unknown, and happiness at being with friends for the summer again.

The first chapter of this book is very confusing and not placed in the correct order.  The information presented in the first chapter would have been better placed, if it was placed in the fourth or fifth chapter, where Kate and her friends’ adventure at camp really begin. The list of camp terminology at the beginning was very helpful and the definitions were very clear and concise.  A list of characters would have been helpful as well since there were many characters that were playing large roles, so it was a bit confusing to keep them all in order throughout the book.  The cover image of the book did not really portray what the story was about.  Gimp bracelets maybe could have captured more the spirit of the story, since it was something that was referred to repeatedly in the story. Another possible idea could be a group of girls and their counselor making gimp bracelets, especially since the title of the book is “Buddy Check.”

The tensions between the characters at the time are so much that the book was no longer compelling to read because there were too many negative emotions running through the story.  The romantic relationships that made up the storyline were interesting and added some spice to the novel, but Julie’s character and how fast she went through relationships seemed a bit out of place for a Christian novel and Christian counselors and camp.

The prayers that were included in the book helped to solidify the Christian theme and message.  Mark was mentioned a lot in this book, but it was mostly repetitive information; there was nothing new about Mark that was added each time he was mentioned.  Each time it was about how he was one of the greatest counselors and that Christian was his best friend and that it sucked to have such an amazing older sibling at camp because then no one would know your name.

This novel would be great for young adult Christians who are either in a confirmation or religious education class, but it might be too long for some students. “Buddy Check” would also be a good book for someone on a retreat to read and reflect on because there are some very interesting questions that could be asked after reading this book.  Overall, “Buddy Check” was an interesting read and I am looking forward to reading more of her novels.


Buddy Check
Jenifer Brady
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781452888033
Reviewed by Theresa La (age 17) for Reader Views (10/11)

Living Behind the Beauty Shop: An Adventuresome Novel

“Living Behind the Beauty Shop” starts with a Foreword and a Preface that remind you this book is more than just a novel, it is a philosophical book that guides you toward understanding consciousness, humanity, and diversity. I like that. As I read the book, I kept reminding myself of the words set out at the beginning by the editor, Yvonne Perry, and author H.T. Manogue. Manogue says, “As you get into the story you may tune these mystical vibrations to your frequency or you may choose not to. Either way, you can enjoy the world of the Russell family and relate to it in some form of genius.” This was a great way to start a book that stretches your imagination and pushes you to think beyond what you think you already know.

This book tells the story of the Russell’s, an extended family in Nashville. Warren and Claire run Perception Farms, an innovative approach to homelessness through a community setting. Their daughter Cindy and her partner Margie decide to have a baby and ask long-time friend Alan to be the father. Their son is Mase, the main character in the story who chooses to be born with Down Syndrome and provides a connection to the parallel universe of Ofu.

The story of Ofu is woven in and out of the narrative in a gentle way, so as not to bog down the reader with too much heavy consciousness material, but gets the point across very understandably. Mase uses poetry and art to express himself about Ofu to his family and Manogue includes original art and poetry in the book in a thoughtful way. The author is as much a poet and thinker as he is a novelist. He combines all parts with equal importance.

As someone who works in the non-profit sector with artists with disabilities, I appreciate Manogue’s concepts and ideas. His thoughts on people with Down Syndrome choosing their earthly form as it connects them to the otherworld is a great turnabout on the way people normally think about people with disabilities. I attended a Homeless Resource Fair recently and imagined what it would have been like if a place like Perception Farms existed and all of these people had the chance to show their strengths in a community setting of that sort.

“Living Behind the Beauty Shop” is not your typical novel. But why should it be? We all need to move beyond the typical and let our dreams take us to what is waiting for us, if only we could let ourselves be free.


Living Behind the Beauty Shop: An Adventuresome Novel
H.T. Manogue
Shortsleeves (2010)
ISBN 9780977813049
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (11/11)

Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God

There are not enough words to describe the incredible insight and thoughts that Jacqueline Rainey has shared in "Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God." Many readers may find, through her writing and her approach, it seems she was in their minds.

The format of this book is alternating poems (I like to call them words of wisdom) and stories in which she covers topics such as throw-away children; prostitution; drug abuse; losing one’s self to drugs and alcohol. In addition, Rainey addresses loss of spirituality and loss of being in touch with God. I loved the way she approached these various topics; inner thoughts that one might feel given any of these circumstances.

Many readers will be able to relate to these inner thoughts. As a person in recovery, my favorite story was “I Use To Be.” Many of the thoughts expressed were things I learned in recovery and I still use today. Many of us who are in recovery are often mad at God because we think He let us down; yet we never gave up hope and some of us got out of that lifestyle and found ourselves again.

Even though some of Rainey's poems and stories relate to specific high-risk behaviors, most everyone can relate. As humans, we question who we are, why we present abnormal behaviors or lifestyles and sometimes beg God to help us each day.

As a psychologist, I am thrilled “Through Whose Eyes” was written because it will help so many that are lost in their journey of life. Rainey's wisdom is non-judgmental and does not give advice; it is a reflection of living life on life’s terms.


Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God
Jacqueline Rainey
Strategic Book Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781612048550
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/11)

Journey to Virginland: Epistle 1

“Journey to Virginland” tells the tales of Dog.  As Dog moves about The Republic of Virginland which is in Dreamland, he makes observations about the people.  These observations involve a great deal of reflection and introspection on the culture, philosophy and politics of the people. As Dog makes his irreverent observations, he also makes a great deal of sense.  While some people, well actually many people, might be offended by his irreverence, especially in regards to religion, I found much of what Dog ponders happens to be true and it greatly reflects on the hypocrisy that we see, yet choose to ignore, in our own world.  This is especially true in how women are both regarded and treated in different cultures.  Or perhaps this is what stood out most to me, because I am a woman.
          
While Dog is living his dream, various historical events are mused over and his thoughts are shared with us. Once again, so many truths are revealed, especially in regards to the hypocrisy allowed by people in regards to religion and politics.  As Dog is on a journey of self-discovery, his actions do not always make him popular with others, yet he remains fairly true to himself.  His behavior might not always be appropriate, but in the end his self-reflections are pretty accurate. Above all, he admits he is just a dog.
          
I enjoyed having the opportunity to read a novel that is completely different than anything that I have ever read before.  Full of satire and dry wit, I appreciated the author’s creation of Dog.  Occasionally, I would find myself getting lost in the meaning behind what was being portrayed, and I would either have to put the book down for the night, or go back and reread a section.  “Journey to Virginland” is definitely not meant to be read when one is tired! On the other hand, when not tired, I found the novel to be very fast paced, and I would find myself having difficulty finding a stopping place when I had to put the book down.  I highly recommend this novel to readers who like thought-provoking, humorous fiction, and that are easily offended religious fanatics.


Journey to Virginland: Epistle 1
Armen Melikian
Two Harbors Press (2011)
ISBN 9781935097518
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/12)

The Soul Reader: A Novel of Suspense

Gerard D. Webster has masterfully crafted a sequel to his award winning novel “In-sight.” In “The Soul Reader” Ward McNulty and Carrie Hope reopen the investigation into the murder of Ward’s father and the suspicious deaths of three of six principals involved in a money-laundering scheme known as the North Beach Project in Jacksonville, Florida. The story picks up a year after the events of “In-Sight.”

Ward and ex-homicide detective Anton Gross join forces to reopen the investigation after Carrie signs an attractive six figure, book contract with a highly successful national publisher. Ward and Carrie become possible targets of a notorious assassin, reputed as being the most dangerous in the Western Hemisphere, Culebra. The investigation soon involves the DEA, Interpol, the FAA, as well as other local and national government agencies, covering three continents.

Webster has included all the elements of a well-paced suspense novel, including distinctive three-dimensional characters, intrigue, mystery, romance, and mounting suspense. Webster has done his research well. His accounts reflect a detailed awareness of the local of color of cities in Florida, California, Colombia, Mexico, and Italy which add authenticity to his writing, and to my personal enjoyment of his novel.

Webster’s writing is so gripping, I experienced vicariously the same adrenaline rush that Ward did when he was caught between an ambush and a police roadblock on a narrow winding road just outside of Medallion, Colombia, South America, or when face to face with Culebra the vile assassin. Unexpected plot twists with life-threatening consequences add to the fast-paced, non-stop action which leads to an amazing surprise ending.  Detailed dialog updating previous action sometimes slows down the narrative which gave me a feeling of unnecessary repetition. However, this also gives the reader a chance to match wits with the protagonists.

I was especially interested in the segments that took place in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, South America. My sister served as a Bible translator for twenty years in these mountains. She is no stranger to the impact of the drug traffickers, the guerrilla terrorists, and communism on the political instability of the country.

Various tenants and practices of the Catholic faith are skillfully woven in to the “woof and warp” of the novel. Webster’s protagonists subscribe to an inner faith, high ethical standards, and a concern for spiritual pursuits. Ward is portrayed as having a unique spiritual gift enabling him to recognizing truth when seeing directly into a man’s soul.

Anyone reading Webster’s first novel,” In-Sight,” will want to read this exciting sequel.  “The Soul Reader” establishes a fan base for Gerald D. Webster that will ensure his continued success as a highly celebrated suspense author. I am looking forward to more from Gerard D. Webster.

The Soul Reader: A Novel of Suspense
Gerard D. Webster
WestBow Press (2011)
ISBN 9781449720520
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/11)

Behind the Wall

“Behind the Wall” by Elizabeth Ann Kuhn was a rarely touching and courageous book, and one that touched me deeply. Having been raised as a Catholic, I clearly remember a visit to a nunnery with my parents. I must have been seven or eight-years-old and I was greatly impressed by two things – the Mother Superior gave us some really fancy chocolate candy and they had this absolutely wonderful library. On the drive home I told my parents that I was also going to be a nun when I grew up, but when my dad told me that nuns have to work hard and spend a lot of time in silence and prayer, my enthusiasm quickly vanished. Yet, I have never completely forgotten the incredible serenity and the feeling of peace I felt during our brief visit.

Unlike myself Ms. Kuhn, or Sister Alfred, as she was known while being a nun, felt a true vocation and she followed her heart to the home of one of the strictest and most restrictive orders in the Catholic church, the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, also known as the Trappistines, a non-speaking and extremely hard working order of nuns. Young and frail, she overcame all the hurdles to finally get accepted into the order, and she believed she found her peace and her place in the world. “Behind the Wall” offers the reader an incredibly precious and unusual glimpse into a life that, to this day, is a complete mystery to most of us. Ms. Kuhn entered the monastery in 1958, and spent seven years behind its walls, before she was brutally thrust back into the world, much against her own wishes. As she states in the Addendum, many things have changed since 1965, yet her disappointment with some of the decisions by her superiors still feels very vivid and fresh. I have to admire her resolve in trying to be charitable and understanding, and I think she's done an excellent job on not dwelling on the negative, but stressing that no matter what, she’s still a deeply spiritual as well as religious person.

I have enjoyed “Behind the Wall” enormously. The tiniest details of the monastic existence came to life in everything Ms. Kuhn wrote about. Her writing had the incredibly endearing, child-like quality to it, and I mean that in the best possible sense. It was far from being childish or immature; it just had this bright-eyed, incredibly enthusiastic approach that is most often seen in children, those who have not been told yet that things are often difficult and something even impossible to achieve. Her memories must have been very difficult to share with the world, and she’s done it with grace and elegance.

I would highly recommend this book to anybody who is open to new experiences and new points of view. “Behind the Wall” is a book unlike any I’ve ever read.

Behind the Wall
Elizabeth Ann Kuhn
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781452065632
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (5/11)