Willful Blindness by Margaret Heffernan

We tend to watch the TV channel, read the books and newspapers we agree with. It feels comfortable and safe. Neurologically, “...in its endless search for matches, our brain rejects information that might broaden our outlook, widen our gaze, or make us just a little less certain.” (19) We just don't “see” what the brain doesn't like. (20) If we make daily decisions that affirm the brain actions, we take the first steps to willful blindness. Heffernan says, “And what's most frightening about this process is that as we see less and less, we feel more comfortable and greater security.” (21)
Our brain puts us on the path to willful blindness. Neurological studies show, “...when we find the things we agree with...we feel the same kind of euphoria and reassurance that an addict feels when reunited with his drug of choice...” (45) Studies have shown how hard it is for people to disbelieve a long and deeply held belief, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. She uses Greenspan as an example with his deep belief in free market blinding him to regulating derivatives.
Heffernan writes about the effects of lack of sleep, just how much simultaneous information our brains can receive, and ostrich behavior (not seeing because we don't want to see) – out of sight, out of mind.
Her section on structural blindness in government and the corporate world is enlightening. She also speaks to the influence of money on blindness and how hard it is for whistle blowers to change the minds of those in authority.
Heffernan notes that we do not have to be willfully blind. We can see better and she describes programs helping people broaden their view. Even speaking up at a meeting helps others be more objective. Studies have shown, “just knowing there is a dissenting voice is enough to induce different cognitive processes that yield better judgment.” (233)

“When we are willfully blind, it is in the presence of information that we could know, and should know, but don't know because it makes us feel better not to know.” (246) Heffernan concludes, “As all wisdom does, seeing starts with simple questions: What could I know, should I know, that I don't know? Just what am I missing here?” (247)
 
Walker & Company, 247 pages.

Cherry Beach Express by R. D. Cain

Every once and a while I like to read a good police mystery and this one fit the bill.

Det. Nastos has been arrested for the brutal murder of a dentist who specialized in child pornography. Nastos has been known for his rough treatment of suspects while on the Sexual Assault unit. And Nastos took his own daughter to this dentist. He saw the video. It seems like a clear case of a cop bent on personal revenge.
Nastos has a recovering alcoholic for a lawyer. The prosecuting attorney is a woman with whom he previously had a relationship. There is a rogue cop who is out to nail Nastos, using just about any means to see the accused detective put away. It doesn't look good.
Out on bail, Nastos tries to find the real murderer. The situation becomes tense as the offices of both lawyers are invaded and Nastos' wife is attacked. The prosecuting attorney had the dentist's full client list and now it has been stolen. What was she hiding? Who is on that list?

This is a well written murder mystery for a first time author (from what I can tell). The characters are well developed, the plot is very reasonable, and the action is great. And the murderer? At the end of the book I said, “Of course! I should have seen that coming.”
If you like the hard boiled police mystery, you'll like this book.

I received an advanced reading egalley from ECW Press for the purpose of this review.

Publisher information.

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

The New York Stewarts have fallen on hard times. News recently came to the prominent family that Mr. Stewart was killed in a diamond mine collapse. Her husband's business partner, Mr. Bennett, says the mine is not producing well. The only way out of financial difficulty is a union of the Stewart and Bennett families.
There was to have been a marriage between Eleanor Stewart and Bennett's son, Harrison, out in California. But now Eleanor is dead under suspicious circumstances. Mrs. Stewart presses Olivia to take her sister's place in the arranged marriage.
Olivia agrees to go to Mercy Falls, CA but uses her titled name, Lady Devonworth. She plans to investigate her sister's death before she reveals her true identity.
There is an attempt on her life before she even reaches the town. She is rescued by Harrison Bennett whom she believes was involved in her sister's death. As she attempts to find out what really happened to her sister she begins to fall for Harrison, and he for her. The situation is complicated as he does not know her true identity. She is dismayed when she hears him say he would never marry a Stewart.
Harrison loves to fly his new aeroplane and Olivia goes for a ride with him. The plane has been sabotaged and it crashes. While the two survive relatively unharmed, it becomes apparent that someone is out to kill Olivia. Is Harrison at the root of all the trouble?
This is a great historical romance and mystery. I was kept wondering until the very end. While this is the third in a series, characters from the earlier books are only minor in this story so this book easily stands on its own. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

I received an egalley of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of this review.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 304 pages

The Hidden Gifts of Helping by Stephen G. Post

Rx: help others, Post says. It has healing powers. It will make you healthier. It will help you survive and thrive despite life's troubles.

Post uses his own experience of being uprooted in the midst of his career as an example. He also add inspiring stories, supporting scientific research, and spiritual understanding.
Post has been involved in research on spirituality and health for two decades. He has found that “centering on others rather than on self provides the altruistic orientation to life that is genuinely healthy.” (17)
Post gives many examples and testimonies of people who have found value and fulfillment in serving others. People who know the pain of life share their lives with others going through difficulties. He helps readers find our own hidden gifts and gives ideas on how to find the needful group wanting our creative abilities. Whether it is tutoring, serving in a soup kitchen, knitting caps for cancer patients – each of us has a place where we can share our passions and our skills.
Post shares his formula for deep happiness. He also suggests we be open to God winks, those “coincidences” when God provides a touch of His care and love for us. Post ends his book with the role of hope in our well being.
“Hardships do not have to mean the end of hope, but rather can mean the beginning, especially if we can discover the power of self-giving as a way of defying despair.” (164)
Post is a Christian but his use of insights from other spiritual traditions may make some evangelical Christians uncomfortable. This is a hardcover book and is overpriced.

I received a copy of this book from The B & B Media Group on behalf of the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Jossey-Bass, 224 pages, $19.95.

www.stephengpost.com/hiddengifts/

Stephen Post is Professor of Preventive Medicine, Head of the Division of Medicine in Society, and Director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University.

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn

Summer Finley has just received the disturbing news that there is an abnormality in her recent mammogram.  Her thoughts go to her mother who died of breast cancer.  Needing a diversion from her worry, she decides to spend a week with her pen pal from childhood. 
Noelle had been raised in the U. S. but after high school went to Europe, married a Dutchman, and now lives in The Netherlands. 
While the two had never met before, they had formed a meaningful bond through the years.  Often their letters contained thoughts not shared with anyone else.
Summer has a great time as Noelle takes her to The Hague, Amsterdam, and Delft.  They see paintings by the masters, wander tulip fields, and visit the ten Boom clock shop.
Over the days the two women begin to share even deeper parts of their lives.  Both experience spiritual renewal and a need to deal with issues from which they are hiding.
I wanted to read this Sisterchick novel because I have Dutch roots.  I recognized lots of the words was was familiar with the typical Dutch behavior.  Perhaps for that reason, this novel did not capture me as have some of the other Sisterchick books.  One does get a flavor of The Netherlands and how the Dutch live.  The gals did have some funny adventures but I never really laughed as I did with the visit to Finland.  The story line just did not seem "natural" to me.  There is a reader's discussion guide at the back of the book.

I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for the purpose of this review.

Multnomah Publishers, 276 pages.

Bonhoeffer by Eric Mataxas

Metaxas has done a superb job in presenting the life of Bonhoeffer. I appreciated the section on the German church as Hitler became more powerful. We were partakers of the theological struggle as Bonhoeffer tried to maintain theological integrity.
Metaxas tries to keep Bonhoeffer's theology intact. Concerning the letters the imprisoned Bonhoeffer wrote to Bethge, “The strange theological climate after World War II and the interest in the martyred Bonhoeffer were such that the few bone fragments in these private letters were set upon as by famished kites and the less noble birds, many of whose descendants gnaw them still. All of which has led to a terrific misunderstanding of Bonhoeffer's theology and which lamentable washed backward over his earlier thinking and writing.” (466)
Metaxas speaks to the “ethical impossibilities” of the time. “In light of the monstrous evils being committed all around, what could one do and what should one do?” (470) I am not sure I understand why Bonhoeffer made the choices he did. Metaxas did a very good job, however, of explaining Bonhoeffer's actions and the consequences.
It is heartbreaking to know that he was hung only a couple of weeks before the places was liberated. The Germans knew they were losing the war, knew it was over, yet still executed Bonhoeffer.
Metaxas' biography will certainly be known as the definitive work on Bonhoeffer.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 542 pages.

Jolt! by Phil Cooke

Cooke wants his readers to stay ahead in this constantly changing world. Our lives have been invaded by technology that is continually changing. We live in a culture of disruption. “...[W]e're living in the midst of the greatest shift in our culture since the invention of the printing press.” Cooke believes we can take control of the change, make it work for us, and not lose our soul.
Cooke says, “This book is about one central theme: how to live your life successfully against the backdrop of dramatic change and disruption.”
Cooke's first jolt was being fired. Such an event is good as taking that first step of needed change is the hardest. Being forced to change gets you moving. He gives four keys to the process.
Knowing your goal is essential. Cooke helps the reader at goal setting: dream, write, narrow your focus, then think about goals in the light of your gifts and abilities.
Determine your priorities by deciding what is important to you and then manage your time. Cooke gives great tips on making good choices.
He encourages his readers to define their boundaries. He advocates focus – doing one task at a time and doing it well. He has a good section on breaking bad habits and forming new ones.
Personal growth is not an option. One must keep learning. Cooke identifies the attitudes that inhibit creativity and explains how to brainstorm.
He argues that we can get more out of life by being generous. He explains self-confidence and how to overcome security.
He has great suggestions about how we perceive and how perception can be used as a tool. He covers the importance of our thoughts and how to direct them to our advantage. He speaks about the importance of faith. He encourages his readers to have a legacy, leaving the world a better place because we were in it.
Cooke has added a great review at the end of each major section.
This is a good book for anyone needing encouragement for living a meaningful life in this time of change.

I received an egalley of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of this review.

Nelson product information and a video.

Phil Cooke website.

Love Wins by Rob Bell

Bell wonders who will go to be with God when they die. Traditionally Christians say “people go to be with God if they have said or done or believed the 'right' things.” (4) Bell says this raises a number of questions – and he raises them all.
Talking about heaven, Bell says much of the confusion about heaven, “...comes from the idea that in the blink of an eye we will automatically become totally different people... But our heart, our character, our desires, our longings – those things take time.” (51) We are to be growing, progressing, “...so that as these take over our lives we are taking part more and more and more in life in the age to come, now.” (51) “According to Jesus, then, heaven is as far away as that day when heaven and earth become one again and as close as a few hours.” (55) Heaven is present as well as the age to come.” (58-59)
It is almost like Bell is deliberately vague when he writes. For example, on pages 154-155, Bell first speaks to the exclusivity of Jesus, “Jesus is the only way.” “Then, there is inclusivity.” Bell concludes, I think (it is hard to tell if this is a conclusion or not, the way he writes),
“What Jesus does is declare that he,
and he alone,
is saving everybody.
And then he leaves the door way, way open. Creating all sorts of possibilities. He is as narrow as himself and as wide as the universe.”
Bell admits Jesus is the only way but then adds that Jesus is big and wide. (156)
Bell notes, “People come to Jesus in all sorts of ways.” (158)
“Sometimes people use his name;
other times they don't.” (159)
On heaven and hell, Bell uses the story of the prodigal son. He concludes that, rather than thinking of heaven and hell as separate places, he says of this story,
“It's not an image of separation,
but one of integration.
In this story, heaven and hell are within each other, intertwined, interwoven, bumping up against each other.” (170)
Bell says,
“There is hell now,
and there is hell later,
and Jesus teaches us to take both seriously.” (79)
The word hell, Bell says, is a very good word “to describe the very real consequences we experience when we reject the good and true and beautiful life God has for us. ...[T]he massive, society-wide collapse and chaos that comes when we fail to live in God's world God's way.” (93)
He defines hell, “Hell is refusing to trust God's retelling of our story.” (170) (We are to believe God's version of our story.) Elsewhere he says rejecting and resisting the love God has for us “...creates what we call hell.” (177)
Bell notes that God wants all to be saved (1 Tim. 2) and asks, “Does God get what God wants?” He says the "writers of the scriptures consistently affirm that we're all part of the same family.” (99) “The insistence that God will be united and reconciled with all people is a theme the writers and prophets return to again and again.” (100) Bell says, “There is a long tradition of Christians who believe that God will ultimately restore everything and everybody...” (107) The idea is, “Restoration brings God glory; eternal torment doesn't.” (108)
“At the center of the Christian tradition since the first church have been a number who insist that history is not tragic, hell is not forever, and love, in the end, wins and all will be reconciled to God.” (109)
That loving, fatherly God would “punish people forever in a conscious torment in hell,” means that God “would, in the blink of an eye, become a cruel, mean, vicious tormenter...” (173) That's why so many Christians do not love God, Bell says. “That kind of God is simply devastating.” (176)

After reading Bell's book, I am really confused as to what he is actually advocating. Sometimes he sounds so orthodox. Then his next statement is so unorthodox. And his writing style is so confusing. He makes a statement and then his next statement is practically the opposite. (I think much is tongue in cheek or sarcastic. It's hard to tell in print, however.)
And then there are all the questions. (There are 91 questions in the first chapter of 19 pages.) He does something like, Could a loving God do this? Is that kind of God the God we could believe in? On and on and pretty soon he's made his point by asking questions. No, he didn't actually make a statement, as such. He can always say, hey, I was just asking questions! But he has cleverly drawn the reader to make a conclusion, nonetheless.
And then there is this strange behavior of giving the biblical book and chapter only when quoting a verse, not the verse number. What is with this? Why give the book and chapter but not the verse?

So, does Bell believe that all will be saved? Does Bell teach that hell is only for a limited time and those temporarily in hell eventually are overwhelmed by God's love for them? Does Bell declare that heaven and hell are now? Is Bell convinced that we create our own hell? Does Bell believe that a loving God could not possibly eternally punish anyone?

Welcome to the writing style and non-theology of Rob Bell.

HarperOne, 198 pages.