Book Review: One of the Few: A Marine Fighter Pilot's Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview

I like books about aviation but not much military topics. So when I was approached by the author to review his book "One of the Few: A Marine Fighter Pilot's Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview," I told myself maybe this would spark my curiosity. And I took that as an honor.  My interest was piqued and I just had to find out what the novel was about.

Jason B. Ladd is a Christian apologist,  a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, a war veteran, a father, a husband, a brother, and a son.

The first few parts of the novel was light and nostalgic in a child-like manner as the author recounts his growing up days being a son of a military man.  His story about years spent in Japan and how he met his wife was a testament of the kind of person the author is - loving, respectful, gentleman, and loyal, not only to his family but also to his partner, and most especially, to his country.

The novel is split in 3 parts:

Part 1 - Seek and you shall find
As stated by the author, it is a look into his childhood in a military family.  It chronicles his journey as a spiritual seeker, his journey in the Marine Training, his constant battle with seeking his spiritual place whilst knowing what is right or wrong.

Part 2 - Be not deceived
In this part, the author is more descriptive of the worldview on spirituality, the right and wrong, the morals and values, Science versus Faith, and how worldview affects every facet of life.

Part 3 - Always be ready
This is the final part of the book where the author presented all his knowledge and experience on warfare and peace, and how to ready yourself with your own spiritual warfare.


As the story progressed, I got more hooked on how he went through with his adulthood, how he faced life in college, how his spirituality fizzled, how he wanted to have his own family, and how to complete his training as a US Marine to be a service man. I really enjoyed reading the time when he was training to be a Marine because as an ordinary citizen, I have no iota of a clue of how rigorous the trainings were and that how those training would push you to the very edge until you snap (or be molded as a stronger and better person). I had a clearer realisation of what goes on in a Marine's life, how those training shaped their strength and will power. So, my hats off to them!

I like that even if there were moments that he had to relay his experience in the military, and about flying, he explained them as clear and specific as possible that I felt I was there, witnessing and feeling them all. And later on, I felt his inner battle when he was serving the military as a Marine versus to what being a Christian would do when faced with imminent danger or eye-to-eye with death.

The struggles of the author with his spirituality pulled a string in my heart as I grope with my own struggles about my faith.  And to read a book that somehow resonates a deep sense of "seeking" for the truth in terms of my spirituality, really strikes a chord.

The book is engaging while being technical and specific, strict and yet tender when it comes to the people he loves and the country he serves, and serious when it comes to seeking the truth about his faith. I love the book. I somehow see a part of myself in the author's spiritual struggles. I like how the author would break each chapter with various quotes and bible verses that left me reflecting.

I feel that the book is really written well and is a very good read. It's a long read, yes, but a very good one, even young readers can read it especially those who are dreaming to serve in the military. And for those who have been questioning their own spiritual "disconnection" (like myself...), I highly recommend this book to you. It gives you a deeper meaning on the complexity of your desire to acknowledge a Higher Being and abandoning that pride that keeps you away from reaching that spiritual breakthrough.

And to end this review, I just want to share this quote from the book:

"I found love twice on the Nishiki River. The first was my love for Karry. The second was God's love for me."

You will enjoy reading this book... I have.

Publisher: Boone Shepherd

Genre: Christian non-fiction

Page count: 318

Publish Date: November 2015

The book has endorsements from John Njoroge of RZIM, Frank Turek of CrossExamined.org, Michael Licona, and Melissa Cain Travis of HBU, Steven Garofalo of Reason For Truth, and LtCol (ret.) Karl Johnson of the C.S. Lewis Institute.

www.OneoftheFewBook.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016X0HL84/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26253930-one-of-the-few

*Disclosure*

I was given a free e-book by the author, Jason B. Ladd, in exchange of my honest/unbiased review.

Book Review - Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

The title of the book is very captivating. So, I ordered a paper-back copy of this wonderful book of and I am amazed by how beautiful and effortlessly funny the author delivered his story from the eyes of a young boy until his adult years. 

The author’s rendition of his life with an alcoholic father and the discoveries he had about him and his very own spirituality is very poignant. I was deeply moved by the drama of his life that I felt his sadness when he related his yearning for his father’s affection and approval. I felt his confusion about the emotional detachment he got from his own father and for a young boy. That was a breaking point in his growing years. I cried with him in all his miseries and emotional turmoil only to know that in the end, he never knew how his father felt about him. I was moved by how his relationship with Christ went to oblivion because of his own fears and hurts. And I am elated to know that in the end, his life came in full circle – filling the huge gap in his heart with the love of Christ.

Ian has captured my heart with his honest and vulnerable emotions coping with an alcoholic father and fighting his own destructive self. I like how he puts his feelings in every word written on this book to share to his readers. I definitely recommend this to everyone. It is a great enlightenment to one’s inner spirituality and beliefs.


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.”

Book Review: A Conversation with God

A Conversation with God

If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It Be?

by Alton Gansky

I received this complimentary book from Thomas Nelson publication, courtesy of Booksneeze.com. My head was brimming with questions and if I would find the answers in the book. I had to find that out.

This is a question and answer book about the many aspects of one's spirituality and God. It dabbles on God, the bible, the future, our pain and sufferings, Jesus, the Kingdom of God, heaven and hell, humanity, Christian living and the world as we know in the present times.

The questions asked in the book are quite common. I am sure that some of you may have questions which you never dare to ask your priest nor minister but if you get a hold of this book, you may just find the answers to your questions. I, at one point, have even encountered some of them but never quite knew the answers. So, this book presented me with possible answers which I thought I would never come to know. Sample of questions in the book which gave light to my curiosity are:

* God, who are You? What are You?
* Are we living in the end times now?
* Why are some people rich and others poor?
* God, do you truly care for everyone?
* Why does sin still plague us?

The "conversations" in the book is like having a nice chit-chat with God over a cup of coffee as "He" answers our questions in the context of the scripture. It is like when you pray in silence and you hear Him speak to you only this time, you read them.

The author, Mr. Alton Gansky, has succeeded on his undertaking to "not confine" this wonderful book for the enjoyment of theologians but even for the common Joe and Jane. Each chapters were designed to be short so readers can read as many or as few as he/she wants in single seating. Also, the author ensured that proper scriptural reference is noted at the back of the book to allow readers to check out the Bible verses on their own.

The book is printed in high-quality and glossy paper and has 304 pages in total. I consider this book as revealing and yet gives you something to reflect on regardless of your spiritual orientation. I really enjoyed reading this book.

The book can be read in any order unlike other typical books where you have to start from the cover up to the very end. I like it that the author presented the book in that manner so when you have a nagging curiosity to check out the other chapters of the book, you may do so without feeling the guilt of jumping conclusions because there are none. The only conclusion in this book is that when you "ask, it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

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