Brad R Elledge

Fascinating

Reviewed: 07-27-24

The lesson is it takes a village to help people become the best version of themselves, and as in JD Vance’s case, even a rough and dysfunctional village can help when there some one who provides security, love. and direction.

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Became a fan with the Masters series: this continues my fandom!

Reviewed: 09-26-23

Helen knows how to tell a story with many threads, loaded with technological and detective details, that never loses momentum. Another total page turner with Spider games. Keep it coming Helen!!

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He read my mail

Reviewed: 07-03-23

I came to Christ at age 28. From age 31 to 65 I was a first hand witness to the Sovereign Grace ministries saga. The refusal to accept an outside, independent investigation on the issues the ministry faced was the last straw. Our Frisco, TX church pulled out of Sovereign Grace. I’d witnessed an absolute lack of grace when it came evaluating pastoral performance so the mere where numerous pastors I liked and respected that were suddenly gone. I spent years pushing aside my suspicions of leadership abuse on CJ’s part, being suspicious of my own long time problems with authority figures. I’m grateful to Jon Ward for writing this book, for the details I didn’t know that he provided,for the 20,000 foot perspective on the broader trends and errors in the evangelical movement, and for his advice to be a people that thinks deeply, and doesn’t follow leaders blindly, whether in the church or in the secular realm. If we are truly to be salt and light, we have to engage the world thoughtfully.

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1 person found this helpful

A must listen for Christians

Reviewed: 05-27-23

I always love it when the author reads their own story, so I’m pretty forgiving if it’s not to the standard of pro readers. As a Christian, I found it an astonishing story of transformation. But it helped me become less judgmental of and empathetic towards the gay community. We are all sinners. As a former home school dad, I cringed at some of her stories about certain cloistered and judgmental home school families. Been there, seen that. As an adoptive family ourselves , loved the courage she and her husband demonstrated towards Orphan’s and those in foster care. In the end it’s a wonderful story of loving like Jesus, forgiving people who unlike Jesus, inevitably fail and/or betray you, and being faithful to the mission God gives you in life. Well crafted and well told. A must listen.

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A must read book for those planning their futures or big life changes.

Reviewed: 12-04-22

I teach a career readiness class for high schoolers. I’ve spent decades accumulating resources to help young people discern their talents and callings. This book is my new go-to for that effort. It frees people up for the traps of “I need to find my passion” and “there some one perfect way for me out there.” This book is a gift to humanity and their search for a life of meaning, balance, and joy.

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1 person found this helpful

An important book for a particularly acrimonious season

Reviewed: 09-05-20

As a Christian, this book clearly lays out why we have no reason to be part of the current vitriol, and that it is our duty to demonstrate patience and kindness regardless of the spite coming our way. Well worth the time.

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Nice short history of the culture and changes in Japan

Reviewed: 12-15-19

Exactly what I hoped for: historical background that shaped who the Japanese are, what shaped their institutions, their successes and challenges going into the future. Concisely told. Great briefing before our first trip there.

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What a ride!

Reviewed: 03-23-18

I’m a dedicated non-fiction guy, rarely a novel do I read. Haven’t read one since doing the whole Lonesome Dove series five years ago. Having met Helen recently, I decided why not take a break from business, history, and economics and try one of her books? I was joyously rewarded for my detour. Clever character development, tech world credibility, gripping plot lines, the immediacy of current events....I was hooked and charged through the thee book series in two weeks. Truly a thrilling ride through high tech, espionage, and the labyrinth of Washington’s National security/intelligence/crime bureaucracies. Looking forward to more trips to imagination station with Helen in her other books.

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9 people found this helpful

A remarkable perspective

Reviewed: 02-11-18

I got the book because my son had just finished a class with Professor Rodrik at Harvard. I teach an intro ECON class for high schoolers so have a few opinions on the topic. He provides a sweeping view of economic history and insights into current economic trends that I hadn’t heard before...he’s like that clear contrary voice wafting our of the cacophony of economic opinion. And he provides reasoned solution options for the world economic order to move forward. Actually gives you hope we could narrow the gap and bring the least advantages nations along.

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2 people found this helpful

Think like a business person not a sales person

Reviewed: 08-10-17

Jill hits the nail on the head about crazy busy prospects. Great book to help you start thinking differently and more productively. Especially like her personal accounts of sales failures & successes.

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