MacArthur: America's General

Another off-topic book review. I received a free e-book copy free from Thomas Nelson Publishing but am under no obligation to provide positive or negative reviews because of that.

Yockelson, Mitchell and Stephen Mansfield. MacArthur: America's General. Thomas Nelson, 2011. ISBN 978-1595552921. 240 Pages.

This book is a brief biography of General Douglas MacArthur. It begins with his grandfather and father. It tells about many aspects of MacArthur's life, not just his military career. It is probably best described as a short introduction to the history of this famous General.

I have not read any books about MacArthur before so this was an excellent starting point for me. I learned many things I never heard before (such as his mother accompanying him to West Point). The book gives a glimpse behind the public image to give us a better idea of Douglas MacArthur the person.

While the book does discuss his military career, it does so mostly in general. Those who are looking for a detailed account of his battles will not find it here. At times, it is difficult to keep track of what time period is being discussed. I would have preferred a little more historical information.

However, I chose this book because I wanted a quick read and hoped for an introduction to this great man's history. I got exactly that. The story moves smoothly, not bogging down in details. The writers did not attempt to excuse MacArthur's quirks nor did they attack his character. It appears to be quite truthful and direct.

I enjoyed reading this book and would get others in this series. This made for an enjoyable morning's reading. I came away with the good feeling of learning a bit more of our nation's history.


MacArthur: America's General (The Generals)

If you want to read this book on the Kindle, as I did, click here!

New Matthew Bible Update

News on the New Matthew Bible:

The book of 1 Corinthians has been posted. An updated Romans has been posted. Also, a minor revision of the editor's notes on Romans has been posted. You can find the files for downloading here.

Discount in Bible Museum Store

Lulu.com is offering a discount of 20% (all the Bible Reader's Museum Store items are print-on-demand from Lulu.com). This discount is good till April 26th. Visit the Bible Reader's Museum Store and save a bunch on Bibles! Use the code HOP when you check out.

The Take Action Bible

The Take Action Bible. Nashville, etc: Thomas Nelson, 2011. ISBN 978-1418546496.

As study Bibles go, this is a simple Bible. It does not have extensive notes. The pages with Bible text are just that - the New King James version with minimal footnotes. I read and enjoy the New King James Version. I find it a good balance between the poetry of the King James and the accuracy of more recent translations.

There are six additional sections, printed on thicker, glossy paper. The sections are "Go," "Serve," "Give," "Heal," "Teach," and "52 Action Ideas." Given the theme of this Bible, "Take Action," it makes sense that is not for long periods of study.

Each section has Scripture verses, then personal, inspirational stories along with questions to help focus the reader on putting knowledge into action. The stories are good, but very short. I would like to have heard more about the people and what God does in their lives.

The six additional sections seem (literally) to be just stuck into the Bible text. I expected some additional materials throughout the text itself. Adding more notes to help the reader put Scripture into action would make this much more useful.

My final opinion? This is a small, thin paperback Bible. It would make a great giveaway Bible to use with a youth group or other group looking to put faith into action. An additional leader's guide with more extensive materials would make this a great tool. I would would feel comfortable giving this Bible through my ministry.

I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their "BookSneeze" program. The receipt of this gift did not affect my review in any way.


Take Action Bible, NKJV

The King's Version

In September (this year) N. T. Wright will have a new translation of the New Testament published by Harper Collins. One blogger (link below) suggests this may be the translation included in his series of books "For Everyone" on the New Testament. The new translation is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

(thanks to Timothy at Catholic Bibles for this information!)

Up to $4.99 shipping free at the Bible Reader's Museum Store

Lulu.com is offering up to $4.99 free on shipping through April 30th. Just use the code APRILMAIL305 when checking out at the Bible Reader's Museum Store.

"Mini" King James Bible Facsimile

Zondervan, in conjunction with the Bible Museum in Goodyear, Arizona has produced a facsimile of the Holy Bible published in 1611. I called it a "mini" facsimile since it is only 8.1 x 5.7 x 3 inches. Thanks to a tip - I picked one up at Wal-Mart for just $4.99. It is an actual photographic facsimile of the original though they made the decision to leave out the apocryphal books (these were included in the original 1611 Bible). It is also available at Amazon.com though it is more expensive there. It is readable, though it wouldn't be my recommendation for those that want to study the original 1611. But, for the price, it is a wonderful reminder of the 400 years of the Authorised Bible.
(Thanks to Mark Girard for the tip on this Bible)

Free Bibles for the Kindle

I recently received a Kindle e-book reader as a Birthday present. The first thing I wanted to know was "what Bibles can I get for it?" Some I found are free on Amazon.com: Holman Christian Standard Bible, American Bible Union New Testament, English Standard Version, World English Bible, Sawyer's New Testament, Thomas Haweis' New Testament and the NIV (2011) Gospel of John with devotional notes,

Common English Bible

The Common English Bible Old Testament is finished. It is due to be published in August. You can read more about it at the CEB Website.

New Bible Translation

I discovered a translation in progress of the New Testament. It is by Josh James. He has finished Galatians through Revelation so far. You can read his work at his website.