Great story -- Lousy Movie!

We have often heard the phrase: “Leaders are not chosen, they are called.” The Least Among You, a new movie by first time director Mark Young, is inspired by the true story of Richard Kelly. Kelly was arrested in the 1965 Los Angeles Watts riots and is sentenced to serve probation at an all-white seminary. Kelly is encouraged to break racial boundaries by the seminary president Alan Beckett. Unfortunately, what Kelly discovers is that the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison initially rejects him. With a prison sentence looming, Kelly meets the gardener, and his life is forever changed.

It is a great story – unfortunately it is a lousy movie. The acting is poor, the editing is questionable at times and the whole thing just bogs down. Why is it that “Christian movies” always seemed to be a step behind the other offerings that Hollywood has? It certainly isn’t because of the story, because this one is powerful.

After watching the movie, I am inclined to go read the book, but I am not sure if one exists. I loved the story, but I cannot recommend this movie.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another Lucado book

Max Lucado's newest book, Out Live Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, is his best book in my opinion, but it doesn't fall too far from the rest of his books.  The premise of the book is just as the title suggests, that everyone can make a difference in life IF they make the choices to do so.  I love the concept and the idea --- it was the execution that bothered me.

The book is a very fast read, it can be done in a couple of sittings, and that may be part of the problem.  The issues that Lucado attempts to challenge us with are significant and deep and required more that the cursory look that he gave them.  There are many systemic problems in the world today, and while it is easy for us to, as Lucado suggests to feel overwhelmed and as a result do nothing --- there are many, many little things that we can all do to make a huge difference. 

At times, this book felt like somebody gave Lucado an idea and only a few weeks to throw a book together.  It seemed hurried and could have gone into more depth.  In Lucado's defense -- I am not his audience.  Lucado writes to an audience that does not want to dig too deep beneath the surface.  They want truths and not gray areas.  Unfortunately, I live in the gray of life and so this book is way too simplistic for me.

This book would be great for somebody who is looking for simple answers in how to move out of their comfort zone and begin living the life Jesus invited people to live.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect

Andy Andrews, much sought after speaker and NY Times best-selling author has written a short inspirational story bases on the idea that “Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the word.” The book, The Butterfly Effect, is an extremely short book telling the story about a decision that Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain made during the battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Andrews suggests that this single decision changed the outcome of the war and ultimately changed the world.

We could argue for hours about whether that statement is true (his notion is much too simple), or we could look at the bigger picture of what Andrews is suggesting. His premise is based on a hypothesis that Edward Lorenz presented in 1963 that a butterfly could flap its wings in China and start a hurricane on the other side of the planet. This theory is a part of the larger chaos theory and has some validity, but is much more complex than Andrews portrays in the book.

While saying all of this, the book was wonderful. Regardless of whether we all can have an impact in changing the world, Andrews reminds us that we can make a difference, which is something that we all need to hear. Our lives, individually and collectively do matter and we should all be seeking to leave a lasting legacy.

My biggest complaint with the book has to do with its size relative to the price. At $14.95 you are paying a lot for each word that Andrews writes. This is a book that you can read in 10 or 15 minutes, and is not one that I would ever see myself purchasing. Now that I have a copy, I am sure that I will share it with some people.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee is many things to many different people, often determined by where you happen to live in the United States. But to anybody who has studied the Civil War, Robert E. Lee is quite possible the greatest general to have ever lived. John Perry has written a brief history of Robert E. Lee, from his childhood to his greatest moments as general of the Confederate Army, to his last years as President of Washington University.

Lee: A Life of Virtue is a part of Thomas Nelson’s The Generals series. The goal of the series is to cut through the pro or negative opinions on Lee and give an unbiased account of his life. Unfortunately, with a personality like Lee, I am not sure that is possible. Perry does an excellent job in sharing the story of Lee for somebody who does not know much about him or the Civil War. I would not recommend this for anyone who wants to dig deep into the life of Lee and his role during the Civil War. Having read Freeman’s classic four volume series on Lee, there was nothing new or surprising in this text.

As I read the book, I thought that it would be an excellent introduction to Lee for a Middle School level class. The writing style is excellent for a younger audience and the book is not filled with footnotes (which I missed!, and a more scholarly study would require). Overall, with the understanding that this book is meant for a younger reader or someone with little or no understanding of the Civil War, I would highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”