Thomas L. Maier
In this novel a man appears in Israel who acts like - indeed, seems to be - Jesus Christ. The plot is intriguing, but the disappointing ending, one dimensional characters, and ridiculous dialog (too many exclamation points!) detract from the story. Still, it’s a compelling read that prompts you to consider the nature of faith.
Paul L. Maier
An archaeologist finds Christ’s bones. Is it a hoax? The plot would make this novel a page tuner if only the characters were a little more believable or the author a little more skilled. It lacks the serious religious themes that made the similar “On the Third Day” more than a thriller.
Tim Powers
The intriguing premise of this novel is that the Cold War was, in part, fought with spiritual weapons. Specifically, fallen angels, the genii of Middle Eastern legend. More substantial than most “secret histories”, it’s Stephen King meets John LeCarre’. Powers says he never changes an historical event, which makes his ability fabricate the “true story” behind those events even more impressive. Reading this is an much fun as reading the early Robert Ludlum thrillers.
Eric Weiner chose a travel itinerary based on how happy citizens of countries report themselves to be. He went to Iceland (happy), to Moldova (unhappy), and to several other countries. A self-proclaimed “grump”, he seems sincerely interested in the nature and causes of happiness and this curiosity makes the book not only a good travelogue but an interesting reflection on human nature.
Joseph J. Ellis
George Washington is an enigma, the essential founding father who seems to lack a personality. Joseph Ellis rectifies that in “His Excellency: George Washington”, revealing Washington’s character in this brief biography. Ellis portrays Washington as an ambitious man whose ambition was firmly under control and as a man more motivated, even in his support for revolution, by regard for his station and legacy than by intellectually arrived at conclusions. The book is short, so it lacks detail, but it succeeds in what it sets out to do.
David McCullough
David McCullough’s books are exceptionally enjoyable, and this one is no exception. It brings John Adams, his wife Abigail, and their sometime friend Thomas Jefferson to life. The portrait of Adams is fully drawn. His intellectual life, his family life, his self-image, and his struggles are all vividly presented. The only problem with the book is that it leaves the reader thinking that today’s politicians are ignorant pygmies by comparison.
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