Mark Levin has crafted an outstanding summary of the heart of conservatism. Possibly the most striking approach is that he does not identify "li...moreMark Levin has crafted an outstanding summary of the heart of conservatism. Possibly the most striking approach is that he does not identify "liberals" as the antithesis of conservatives, but rather Statists. In doing so, he frames a poignant argument that provides a valuable yardstick to identifying Statists dressed in conservative clothing.
Far from simply being a summary of conservative principles, Mark Levin draws from today's national scene and compares and contrasts Conservative and Statist approaches, and looks at the hard facts of the results of each school of thought. Liberty & Tyranny proves to be a concise resource for facts and figures that illustrate how the two schools of thought function in the real world.
The only thing the books seems to be lacking is a definitive guide on how to effectively articulate the argument against the Statist agenda, and a well-described game plan for deconstructing the Statist machine that has been assembled over the past 100 years. However, this is hardly a deficiency on the part of the author. Mark Levin himself admits in the book that such a guide would be impractical to include in a book, especially in today's dynamic information environment. Still, he closes his book by charting a course, and by providing a list of ways to get started. The rest is up to us. As Mark Levin says at the end of Liberty & Tyranny: "We Conservatives need to get busy."(less)
I've only read the first sentence and it made me laugh out loud! "There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."...moreI've only read the first sentence and it made me laugh out loud! "There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."
I wish I could give half-star ratings. I would have given this one 3.5. It was good, but I think I was a bit tainted by watching the movie first. Not ...moreI wish I could give half-star ratings. I would have given this one 3.5. It was good, but I think I was a bit tainted by watching the movie first. Not that I'm a purist that believes a book and movie should line up identically, but there were some dramatic differences between the two; far more than in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This was understandable, since the book, for all of its strong points, would have made a lackluster film had it been done faithfully. The sequence, pacing, and situations just wouldn't have translated well to screen. But enough of that. On to the book itself.
It was nice to have the Pevensies together again, and Prince Caspian was well portrayed. Trumpkin was a much more likable Dwarf than in the movie (there I go again), and gave good input. It was good to see the main characters take to each other and their responsibilities in a matter-of-fact way where they understood their roles and responsibilities and stepped up to them as best they could. Not the best of the series so far, but still worth a read.
Favorite quotes:
"I know the difference between giving advice and taking orders. You've had my advice, and now it's the time for orders." (p.98)
"Aslan," said Lucy, "You're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger." (p.141)
"To know what would have happened, child?" said Aslan. "No. Nobody is ever told that... But anyone can find out what will happen." (p.142)
"But they won't believe me!" said Lucy.
"It doesn't matter," said Aslan. (p.143)
"You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve," said Aslan. "And that is both honor enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content." (p.218)(less)
A great book to follow The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Recommended reading. I wasn't sure how well I would like it until the story really got...moreA great book to follow The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Recommended reading. I wasn't sure how well I would like it until the story really got going. Not that the beginning was bad, just a slower start than I like.
One of the quotables is: "The king's under the law, for it's the law makes him a king."
There were several other good, instructive messages, but none of them as easily quoted.
My favorite chapter had to be The Unwelcome Fellow Traveler.(less)
Any detailed analysis I could do of this book would only duplicate what has already been written (you know, the parallels, the reading level, etc.)
...moreAny detailed analysis I could do of this book would only duplicate what has already been written (you know, the parallels, the reading level, etc.)
I'll just add my opinion that it's well worth the read. Good book, good story, good message, easy reading.(less)
A good lead-in to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (which I'm about to read next). It wouldn't really be fair to evaluate it alone without the co...moreA good lead-in to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (which I'm about to read next). It wouldn't really be fair to evaluate it alone without the context of the other books, since it really just lays the foundation for the rest of the stories.
Favorite quotes:
"Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed." (p.137)
"Things always work according to their nature." (p.190)
This is Robert Alan's first published book, though I couldn't tell as I read it. It is above average in quality and style, even when compared to more ...moreThis is Robert Alan's first published book, though I couldn't tell as I read it. It is above average in quality and style, even when compared to more seasoned authors. The characters are appealing and varied, as are the scenes and situations.
The story is set in a world quite different from the typical fare of fantasy / sci-fi / modern / historical fiction. This book takes place in a parallel Earth where comic book heroes are facts of life. In particular, it follows the growth of a young man thrown into a new life in a strange land as he learns to deal with his new powers and their associated responsibilities.
The book is usually easy reading and the pages go by quickly. Sometimes the dialogue was a little heavy and I had to slow down to catch it all, but that was a rare exception. As with all good fiction, there were allusions that hearkened back to current events and timeless values, though the book did not feel morality-themed or "preachy" in the least.
Overall, I recommend In Justice's Shadow. In the interest of full disclosure, Robert Alan is my brother-in-law, but those who know me also know that I wouldn't recommend the book if I thought it was lousy. :-)(less)
Touching. Recommended. Very much worth the hour or two it takes to read. There may not be any revelations in the book for you, but there are things th...moreTouching. Recommended. Very much worth the hour or two it takes to read. There may not be any revelations in the book for you, but there are things that are good to be reminded of.(less)
**spoiler alert** I'll have to do a more thorough review later. In short, this is a must-read for anyone interested in:
- Globalization / the glo...more**spoiler alert** I'll have to do a more thorough review later. In short, this is a must-read for anyone interested in:
- Globalization / the global economy
- Schools in the US
- International relations
- Competing in our fast-changing world
In short, everyone.
Yes, the book could have been shorter (and what book couldn't be?). However, the insights, stories and explanations do a great job of covering a broad range of topics that are all affected by the rapidly-changing world and what he calls the "triple convergence."
The "triple convergence" is the combination of readily-available collaboration technology, a global populace who has now learned how to harness it, and the near-simultaneous opening of major, formerly closed societies such as China, India & the former Soviet Union.(less)
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