The Luckiest Man by John R. Paine

Subtitled, “How a Seven-Year Battle with ALS Led me to Intimacy with God”, this book provides a narration of the life of a successful Texas businessman who was diagnosed at age 47 with Lou Gehrig’s disease. At the time of writing, the author was likely close to the end of his life. The narrative rotates around the time when a documentary of the author’s life is released, and a fair chunk of the book is devoted to talking about the premiere of that movie, from John being readied for the event, going to the event, and participating in it. A second aspect of the book looks back over John’s life, beginning in childhood. The third aspect involves John’s internal journey. The book is 187 pages long, and the first 100 pages does not address what the subtitle mentions: intimacy with God. So it takes a while for the foundation to be laid, by which time the reader may lose interest, thinking the book will talk about John’s growing relationship with God. Toward the end, John intensifies his emphasis on walking with God through the disease, and there are some very challenging and worthwhile perspectives he offers. One of the best is one he was offered from a friend, which is to learn to say goodbye as the inexorable flow of losses continue—with a last time for everything as his body loses its abilities, from his last hug, to the last time he was able to feed himself, to the last time he was able to pull the bedcovers over himself. John R. Paine clearly grows in his insights and understanding, which was clearly demonstrated as he walked himself through the process of coming to terms with everyday frustrations and was able to put himself in his wife’s shoes when she was frustrated. John was deliberate, thoughtful and responsive in a way we all wish we might be, but only after he took a timeout and carefully walked himself through his own emotions. The author’s thoughts about and understanding of how God views him and encourages him were worth the read. His own shift from self-perspective to God’s perspective was something I wished received more words and pages in this book. So much of the narrative was devoted to John’s physical situation that the book felt uneven, with the spiritual journey receiving short shrift in the narrative. One literary device that I found annoying was the very frequent use of a series of rhetorical questions, which had the effect on me of feeling badgered. For example, on page 74, in typical fashion, the author asks, “Hadn’t I served God as best I knew how? Didn’t God promise to provide for those who loved him, for those who did the right things in faith? Hadn’t I done all the right things? Hadn’t I outworked everyone? So, where was he? Did he see me? If he did, then why the failure of my businesses, of my marriage? Why wouldn’t he intervene in Hillary’s life; why wouldn’t he make her eat? Shouldn’t I reap the rewards? After all, without some reward, what good is rigorous dedication? What good is all of this faith? Even more, what of his promised comfort and closeness?” On balance, the book is worth reading for its message, but it was not as smooth a read as it might have been. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program.

Better Together by Warren Photographic

On each page of this small book on friendship is either an outstanding photos of two animals interacting or a thought or verse on friendship. The authors of these thoughts range from the Bible to Priscilla Shirer to Vincent van Gogh. I found it to be a heartwarming and encouraging book, just a little light reading when one wants to reflect on friendship and what it can mean. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to consider their friendships and their importance in your life. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program.

Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins This small book gives the history and background of 26 aspects of our Christmas celebrations, from the meaning of “Advent” to the history and use of “Yule Logs”. The author is thorough, sometimes overly so, in presenting the origins and practices concerning each of the traditions. I found some of the chapters, such as “Handel’s Messiah”, “The Nutcracker Ballet” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” interesting and educational. Others, such as “Holly”, “Lights”, “Mistletoe” and “Xmas” felt belabored. All in all, this book tells you all you’d want to know about the Christmas traditions you and others around you practice. It will likely deepen the reader’s appreciation of the celebration we call Christmas. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program.