Hoffman, a leader of Men on the Edge Ministry, a support group that encourages spiritual leadership in troubled marriages, offers specific advice on how to mend a relationship on the rocks.
Putting God in the center of one’s life, applying his word (as read in the Bible) in daily life and bringing Christian marriage principles into one’s relationship are at the heart of this guide to knitting up the raveled sleeve of a marriage—and must be applied to any marriage, in Hoffman’s estimation, if it is to prosper. Though God remains the guiding force throughout—and there are biblical quotations aplenty to serve as guideposts if readers are to take that path—readers who don’t subscribe to any religion may still find lots to learn from the author’s insights. Much of what he says is deeply inclusive in nature, and the modes to deploy his words are many. Consider what Hoffman has to say about listening: “God gave us two ears and one mouth. Maybe he wants us to listen twice as much as we speak.” The author advises that when listening to one’s wife, one should face her squarely, lean in, relax his body language and make eye contact, and her partner should try to understand and value her feelings: “This is called empathy and women love it!” His delineation of bad behavior—manipulative, controlling, demanding and resentful behavior; conditional love and inappropriate anger; revenge and placing the blame on others—is raw, instructive and will likely hit plenty of familiar notes with readers. The discussions of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control all have spiritual tones, but even nonreligious readers will see the value in these qualities. Hoffman’s moral foundation finds all these behaviors to be necessary by any rubric, and the author’s understanding of pain and suffering also offers solace to imponderable grievances. He cuts no corners and tenders no easy answers, explaining that healing a marital rift will take courage, humility, forgiveness and understanding. Hoffman has chosen a Christian path to mending marriages, but his toolbox is open to all comers.
Pub Date: Dec. 4, 2010
ISBN: 978-0984542109
Page Count: 152
Publisher: Gary\Hoffman
Review Posted Online: Aug. 22, 2011
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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