Wednesday, July 6, 2016

The Field Guide to Sports Metaphors by John Chetwynd

I love sports, and I love metaphors, so this should have been the book for me. The experience of reading it cover to cover, though, was not unlike reading a dictionary; it felt like more than I bargained for. The complimentary thing to say would be that the book is thorough and well researched; in actuality, the narration about almost every metaphor exceeded my interest, as it was filled with dates and citations that at times made it read like an encyclopedia. My opinion is that this little book is a good reference to keep on the shelf until one thinks, “I wonder how ‘no harm, no foul’ came to be part of everyday language?” That’s the time to look things up in the very handy index. But reading the book cover to cover feels like reading answers to questions not being asked, not a pleasant experience. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Young and Beardless by John Luke Robertson

While the title leaves a lot to be desired, the book itself is remarkable. Nineteen-year-old John Luke Robertson, the oldest child of Duck Dynasty’s Willie and Korie Robertson, demonstrates a well-grounded perspective and maturity. He is eminently sensible and thoughtful in his approach to life, having profited from the very apparent nurturing and guidance he has received from a host of relatives. John Luke encourages the reader to consider self and the world with a long lens, with introspection, consideration for others, courage, curiosity, and love. Woven throughout the book are excellent questions encouraging reflection as well as brief reviews of the author’s favorite books. John Luke’s love of reading is touted and reflected in his writing. The author knows the Bible and quotes it effectively throughout his writing. He takes the Word of God seriously as the basis for his life, and it shows. I highly recommend this book. It was refreshing to read and would have been outstanding no matter the author’s age. The fact that it is written by one so young whets one’s appetite for more of John Luke Robertson’s writing. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program.