A cogent work that displays some rough edges while exploring a dizzying breadth of material on lawmakers and religion.
A debut book presents a wide-ranging critique of America’s problems—and the world’s—both political and spiritual.
Luce packs an epic level of social analysis into a moderate-sized volume, taking on topics as utterly diverse as the nature of God and the trouble with the U.S. Postal Service. After serving with the military in three wars and having been excommunicated from his denomination for disagreements on doctrine, the author provides an open, honest, and studied examination of how the world can be made a better place to live. This work is divided into two parts, one covering politics and the other surveying religion. Luce is unflinching in his criticism of politicians and their parties as he seeks to inform the reader of the crises facing America and the globe. At times, he can border on the curmudgeonly as he uses mild expletives to drive home ideas and casts wide nets of blame. But in the grand scheme, he remains optimistic, calling on elected officials to embrace the “God Option” in terms of setting policy. This option would implement a number of scriptural truths, such as “live in peace,” “seek not vengeance,” “love your enemies,” etc. The author’s advice is often specific in the politics section, but also flirts with naïveté (“The solution to the Social Security problems is a no-brainer”). Luce’s tone is somewhat more subdued in the religion chapters, but no less to the point. He excoriates Christian denominations as well as Judaism and Islam for placing man-made doctrines above scriptural truths. Though committed to a belief in Jesus, Luce is clearly disillusioned with organized Christianity. His lucid commentary on positive thinking, near-death experiences, and the futility of intercessory prayer as normally understood by church dogma leads to intriguing and sometimes controversial reading.
A cogent work that displays some rough edges while exploring a dizzying breadth of material on lawmakers and religion.Pub Date: Jan. 18, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-946043-92-4
Page Count: 253
Publisher: Green Ivy Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 2, 2017
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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