Praise and Critique the Books!


For The Temple

By G.A. Henty

For The Temple, written by G. A. Henty, gives a accurate account of the fall of Jerusalem’s temple in 70 A.D. G. A. Henty, who lived 1837-1901, writes a very accurate account of history though the eyes of a fictional character. This book tells the story of John, a Jewish young man living on the sea of Galilee who becomes part of the bodyguard of Josephus, governor of Galilee. After a near miraculous escape from death in the walled city of Jotapata when the Romans attacked and destroyed it, John gathered bands of young men like himself to harass the Roman camps and army. Through his ventures he becomes famous throughout the country and even to Roman officials. During this time he finds himself in a desperate situation with Titus, the son of the Roman general, Vespasian. When the Romans made preparation for the conquest of Jerusalem, John and his men entered the city to defend with their lives the temple. But when the temple has fallen, John and his hand-full of men remaining escape through an underground passage that leads to the conduit of King Hezekiah. Then John and his adopted brother, Jonas, find themselves as slaves in Egypt. Following that, John is appointed to be procurator of some lands bordering the Lake of Galilee. In the end, John is happily married and wisely governing. Also, he and his family became converts to Christianity.
In order to fill in the missing information not mentioned in this overview, read the book! Our family found the book interesting and exciting. We also learned a lot as well. This book many be enjoyed by youth and adults alike. I appreciate the author’s view of the different people involved. He brought out the positive in different perceived-to-be-evil characters, yet he tells the events as they are.
Mr. Henty has written other historical fiction as well. Dad has only read us two so far, but I think we will end up going through them all! If you would like to obtain some of these books we suggest that you write or call the publisher and ask for a list and description of Mr. Henty’s books. These books are quality bound and printed on acid-free paper. They range in price from $18 to $20 dollars. Write to: Preston/Speed Publications / RR #4, Box 705 / Mill Hall, PA, 17751 / OR call: (717) 726-7844
-Rebekka Guyer, Sumas, WA

Courtship
Connection Catalog

My family and I have been blessed by Alan and Kathie Morrissey’s catalog, the Courtship Connection. As you can guess from the title of this catalog, courtship/betrothal is the main focus of this catalog, and Morrissey’s offer a wealth of resources on courtship! They “connect” you with some of the best courtship information from many speakers and writers (as the front cover of their catalog states). They carry books and tapes from such writers/speakers as: S.M. Davis (who has had articles in Young Women Stepping Heavenward), Jonathan Lindvall (one of my family’s favorite!), Gregg & Josh Harris, Richard “Little Bear” Wheeler, and Jeff Barth, plus materials from many others. Also offered are “Elsie Dinsmore” books, child training books, and miscellaneous items that are helpful for Christian homes. A catalog is free- just write to: Courtship Connection, 3731 Cecelia, Toledo, OH 43608.
- Amy Zander, Bardwell, KY

A Chance to Die
by Elisabeth Elliot

This inspiring book is about Amy Carmichael, the missionary to India. Mrs. Elliot shows great understanding of Amy’s life as she writes of her early years, her dreams and disappointments, and how God led her to save girls from the heathen temples. I found it amazing to see how Amy gave up her wish for marriage to do the will of God. Though I highly recommend it, I have heard comments from some girls that Amy had views of women leading the churches instead of men. Please use your discretion if this book would go against your family’s standards. You can purchase A Chance to Die through The Elijah Company / Rt. 2, Box 100-B / Crossville, TN 38555 for about $15.00.
- Jana Baldridge, Richland Center, WI

Daily Strength
for Daily Needs
and Joy and Strength
by Mary Wilder Tileston

These are some of the best devotional books I have seen; they are small and each reading is short, but comforting, deep, and something to “chew on”. Chock-full of quotes from great Christians of the centuries, these books have been a great blessing to me. “Every duty, even the least duty, involves the whole principle of obedience. And little duties make the will dutiful, that is, supple and prompt to obey. Little obediences lead into great. The daily round of duty is full of probation and of discipline; it trains the will, heart, and conscience. We need not to be prophets or apostles. The commonest life may be full of perfection. The duties of home are a discipline for the ministries of heaven.” -H.E. Manning, from “Daily Strength for Daily Needs”
-Becky Schmaltz, Sackachewan, Canada



We would like to congratulate the Sister who mistakenly sent her book report to be printed in "Praise and Critique the Books"!! It isn't a mistake anymore, though, because we liked her title so much better than the old one of "Praise and Criticize the Books"! As you can see, we have now changed it. =)
Girls, keep those book reports coming! You girls really answered our request (from the last issue) for more book reports... As a result, we still have a few book reports left that we don't have room to print here, but you should see them in the next issue or two. Thanks so much! - Ed.


YWSH Main Page