The star of Parks and Recreation and author of the New York Times bestseller Paddle Your Own Canoe returns with a second book that humorously highlights twenty-one figures from our nation’s history; from her inception to present day—Nick’s personal pantheon of “great Americans.†To millions of people; Nick Offerman is America. Both Nick and his character; Ron Swanson; are known for their humor and patriotism in equal measure. After the great success of his autobiography; Paddle Your Own Canoe; Offerman now focuses on the lives of those who inspired him. From George Washington to Willie Nelson; he describes twenty-one heroic figures and why they inspire in him such great meaning. He combines both serious history with lighthearted humor—comparing; say; Benjamin Franklin’s abstinence from daytime drinking to Nick’s own sage refusal to join his construction crew in getting plastered on the way to work. The subject matter also allows Offerman to expound upon his favorite topics; which readers love to hear—areas such as religion; politics; woodworking and handcrafting; agriculture; creativity; philosophy; fashion; and; of course; meat. The book also features heroic yet humorous portraits by illustrator Ethan Nicolle; literally illuminating the twenty-one august figures.
#550359 in Books FaithWords/Hachette Book Group 2011-04-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .50 x 5.25l; .40 #File Name: 0446584762208 pagesUnderstanding Jesus Cultural Insights into the Words and Deeds of Christ
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Understanding JesusBy sammyI purchased "Understanding Jesus" as the result of an interview that I heard on our local; Christian radio station with author Joe Amaral. Evidently; Joe is a scholar of Jewish traditions and antiquities; particularly those influences on current understanding of ancient Bible texts. If correct and legitimate; many of these ancient customs and traditions that he has written about do indeed change the way one looks at some Bible writings. Taken to their extreme; in cases where other non-Bible writings are offered on the same level as those of the Bible itself; alternative conclusions and definitions challenge divine writings given to us as God's own Word. This then makes some of the author's writings suspect to those believing on the infallability of the Word. The author himself asks that in some cases; that the reader not shoot the messenger but consider the text on its own merit.To a strict; complete and total believer in the written Word; the Bible as inspired by God; he/she needs to consider everything that lies within the covers of "Understanding Jesus" as wonderful stories if they are indeed true and otherwise dismiss them. The final determinant in this decision must be in fact; the Bible itself. One example is where the author states how common raising the dead was during pre-Jesus times: a feat performed by Temple Priests 'on a regular basis'. His suggestion is that they could only perform that 'miracle' on those dead only one to two days old. This is reminisent of many of the medieval times who drank alcholic grog from pewter vessels and fell "dead" but whose true 'illness' was no more than a feign of death that wore off after 24 - 48 hours when normal heart beat; breathing rate and pulse were regained. It may have been no more than a mis-diagnosis originally; anyway.Bottom line: interesting reading but don't lose your hold on what is true and sacred about the Holy Word.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must read for Christians who want to put Jesus in contextBy C. TubbOne of the most amazing pieces of Christian Literature I have ever read. I cannot say enough about how special I think this book is except to say I have ordered more copies and am giving them to very learned Christian teachers and pastors because I think they will be surprised by things in the book - things they did not learn in the best seminaries in this country. I plan to order more copies.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very helpfulBy Tennessee trackerI really enjoyed reading this book. The points are well reasoned and abundant scriptures are provided. I highly recommend this book and author.
