Book Reviews

[Phillip Gross]

I heard Rush Limbaugh talk about his new children's book titled "Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims" on his radio show, so I bought a copy. We've been trying to do more and more family activities like playing board games and reading books in the evening instead of being couch potatoes just watching TV.

We're only a few chapters into the book, but we really like it so far. It has a good combination of historical accuracy and modern day humor because it's about a time travelling, talking horse. The kids beg me to keep on reading even when it's time to stop for bed time. So far I've got to give this book two thumbs up. I'll let you know how it goes...

[RRCmdrBennett]

Sounds good. Reading books excites the imagination. TV even though its a tool that can be used well for good doesn't compare to allowing your mind to imagine what the author is describing. Each reader's or listener's experience with a book is different though the words are exactly the same!

[Phillip Gross]

My formative years were spent without a TV in the house at all, or any heat and air other than a wood stove, windows and fans. We played with real toys instead of staring at a TV and at night would listen enthusiastically as dad read books aloud to us. I have great childhood memories!

[joecool]

For the last two years, my "secular" reading has been limited to the classics. Getting them free on an I-Pad is great. Huge difference between them and most of today's literary fare, which resembles TV shallowness. Currently enjoying Robinson Crusoe.

[Phillip Gross]

Definitely a great classic!

[RRCmdrBennett]

Less tv and more reading=more creativity. All in balance!

[joecool]

On the verge of cancelling my DirecTV and going to Netflix only. It truly is a wasteland.

[RRCmdrBennett]

I like buying or renting what I watch better and its cheaper plus easier to control. I think I would do that through my xbox 360 if everyone else agreed to drop Directv.

[Phillip Gross]

All we do is Netflix and network TV. I personally cannot justify the cost of cable or satellite. I'm a spender by nature, but TV is one area I've been able to reject easily. Of course it helps that I have so many irons in the fire that there's not room for much else in my schedule!

[joecool]

When it happens, my satellite savings will go to missions.

[Phillip Gross]

I've happened upon a wonderful app called "Audible"! It's perfect for me because of how much time I spend driving and performing other tasks that prevent me from actually reading (which I do enjoy). So I've been burning through several books in the past month now that I can simply listen to them!

I bought the Bible (of course), so that I can keep the Word pumping into me. I also went back through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People which is a useful reminder every now and then. Also Man's Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl... Wow. A man who at one time subscribed to more of a Freudian mentality who survives the Holocaust and realizes life is much different than what Sigmund proposed. 

Then I dove into a couple fiction books, or as GB refers to them, faction books. I listened to both The Overtone Window and the sequel Eye of Moloch. 

I've enjoyed them as a welcome break to music and talk radio.

[RRCmdrBennett]

Is Moloch by Glenn Beck?

[Phillip Gross]

Yes it is too. I had read some negative reviews prior to listening to it, so I had some apprehension about it, but ended up liking it regardless.

[RRCmdrBennett]

What were the negative points?

[RRCmdrBennett]

I have been reading Dave Ramsey's book, "Total Money Makeover" its really good. He has his haters and critics too. They're bash him for having a $5 million home in TN he paid cash from $ he earned but don't ya say nothing about megachurch pastors pumping out books to support a $10 million home...

[Phillip Gross]

What were the negative points?

Oh just things like that they felt the story line was unrealistic, or that the characters were unrealistic, or that the story line was disjointed. Things like that. But of course the general public is going to think that it's all unrealistic. If they had their eyes open we might not be in such a mess.

[Phillip Gross]

I have been reading Dave Ramsey's book, "Total Money Makeover" its really good. He has his haters and critics too. They're bash him for having a $5 million home in TN he paid cash from $ he earned but don't ya say nothing about megachurch pastors pumping out books to support a $10 million home...

Awesome book! That was the catalyst that got me on the right track to get out of debt. I wish that I could say we're 100% debt free, but I can say we're in a lot better shape than we were back then. We still owe on our mortgage and my wife's car. No other debt though.

[RRCmdrBennett]

Thats great man!

[RRCmdrBennett]

Not to get personal did you get a 15 yr mortgage?  Ramsey recommends 15 yrs. 

I really like his debt snowball where you pay off the cheapest bill first. Instead of spending what you paid on bill #1 you apply it to bill #2. Pay that off and add 1 and 2 to #3.

[Phillip Gross]

We're on a 30yr fixed...

Yes, the positive snowball is key! It was hard to get rolling, but definitely fun once it got going and things started getting paid off. It was like being on a mission!

[RRCmdrBennett]

It becomes fun. IIRC he mentions Mary Poppins telling Mr Banks kids that there is fun in every job. Find the fun and its a SNAP!

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