The Rosie Project

The Rosie Project

Graeme Simsion                                                                     

Simon and Schuster 2013

295 pp

The dead-pan voice of middle-aged Don Tillman who narrates this story creates a deceptive simplicity to this tale. A socially challenged genetics professor, Don is sure he will never find romance. On the few occasions when he does get a date, it is sure to end in disaster.

However, after being told he would make a good husband, he embarks on the Wife Project with the same meticulous care with which he approaches all of life. When almost at the end of his tether, into his life bursts Rosie. She is looking for the father she has never known and has been told the professor should be able to help.

Now he applies his usual methodology to the Father Project, and the Wife Project is put aside. The hilarious search for the elusive father takes Don and Rosie on a wild ride. Because Rosie is everything that Don doesn’t want in a wife, he never sees her as a candidate for his own project.

Of course everyone else can see the obvious long before he does himself. Time and again Don jeopardises his own chance for love, and you want to shout at him to open his eyes to what is right before his eyes. The story eventually comes to a satisfying conclusion and we can breathe a sigh of relief.

Rubble to Resurrection - Canterbury Earthquakes

Rubble to Resurrection (Churches Respond in the Canterbury Quakes)

Melissa Parsons

Daystar Books 2014

ISBN 978-0-9922552-9-9

In the midst of all the earthquake books recently published, Christchurch writer, Melissa Parsons, saw a gap. No one was telling the story of the experience of the churches or their involvement in the emergency response and community care. As she searched for someone to tell the story, the realisation dawned that she must do it herself.

With personal experience of the quakes as a resident and young mother, and her husband, Daryl’s position as a counsellor and Workplace Support manager, Parsons was well-placed for the task. She set about digging deep to find the story. She contacted 300 churches in the city, received responses from 95 of those, and interviewed 56 people. These included emergency responders, chaplains, ministers, church administrators and others able to talk about the experience of their own church.

This is not the story of any one denomination or church group. It is a combined story and is well organised in three sections: the Church Responds, the Church Grieves, and the Church Rebuilds. Told with sensitivity and compassion and written with skill the result is a readable account of a terrible time.

Some of the Canterbury earthquake stories are well known. For some of the hidden gems from people who do not seek publicity, I highly recommend this book.

Check out the website: 

www.rubbletoresurrection.org

Empress Dowager Cixi

Empress Dowager Cixi

Jung Chang

Great Britain, Jonathan Cape, Random House.

2013 436 pp RRP $40

ISBN 9780224087445 (trade paperback edition)

As number six Concubine of Emperor Xianfeng of China, Cixi should have had no influence in the court. However, the first concubine, Empress Zhen, had no children. When Cixi (Si-Shee) gave birth to the Emperor’s son, her status was elevated to mother of the future Emperor. Throughout the following decades, she became a woman of enormous influence and has been credited with bringing China into the modern world.

The author, Jung Chang, is well known for her popular first book, Wild Swans, (1991), a sweeping tale of three generations of Chinese women, and her second book, Mao the Unknown Story, (2005).

Jung Chang knows the intrigues of the country of her birth. For Empress Dowager Cixi she was able to access ‘newly available, mostly Chinese, historical documents such as court records, official and private correspondence, diaries and eye-witness accounts’ of the events recorded. From these she was able to construct a fast-paced and gripping drama and an intimate portrait of an extraordinary woman.

Empress Dowager Cixi managed to overcome her powerlessness as a woman by knowing how to manipulate the men and systems around her. At the time of Cixi’s story, 1835 to 1908, the throne was firmly in the grasp of the Manchu minority, known as the Qing dynasty. In 1852, the sixteen-year-old girl from a prominent family was among several chosen as concubines for Emperor Xianfeng and was brought into the court.

Her husband was about 30 when he died in 1861 while in exile from Beijing. His five-year-old son by Cixi was now named the new Emperor Tongzhi, with power in the hands of a Board of Regents. Cixi and the Empress staged a coup and seized the title from the Regents. Thus began Cixi’s long hold on power, conducted from behind her silk screen. Out of the forty-seven years of her Regency, from 1861 until her death in 1908, she effectively ruled for thirty-six years (her son for two and her adopted son for nine).

 When he reached the marriageable age of seventeen, Tongzhi became Emperor and Cixi had to retreat to the harem and keep out of politics.

He died two years later. Cixi quickly adopted her sister’s three-year-old son and named him the new Emperor, Guangxu, with his father, Prince Chun, (her brother-in-law) as guardian. Cixi regained control.

When the new Emperor reached late teens he married and took power, relegating Cixi once again to the harem.

The new Emperor allowed many of Cixi’s reforms to lapse.  He hated Westerners and would have nothing to do with them. He let the navy and army shrink so much that when Japan attacked they got an easy victory. After seeing his country almost overrun by foreign powers he reluctantly let Cixi share power and for many years they ruled together.

The court had to flee Beijing when it was besieged by the Japanese in 1898. She made disastrous decisions about the Boxers who brought incredible destruction on the population and countryside. Later, Cixi apologised profusely and brought in several measures in an effort to make amends.

Before her death great changes were coming over China and the Han Chinese were agitating to wrest control from the thousand-year-old Manchu dynasty. The weak Emperor was ready to hand the country over to the Japanese who were waiting to pounce. Forward-looking as always, Cixi put in place measures to ensure the survival of China as an independent country, and the survival of her Manchu people.

The Emperor died on 14 November 1908 and Cixi died the following day.

Cixi had been working towards changing the governance of China into a Constitutional Monarchy. On her death-bed she appointed her two-year-old great-nephew, Puyi, as the next Emperor. When Emperor Puyi was five years old, the people staged a coup and the country became a Republic. That story is told in the movie The Last Emperor.

Jung Chang’s lively writing gives extraordinary insight into this fascinating era. For those with an interest in China, or those wanting an exciting tale of a strong and remarkable woman who was ahead of her time, this book is highly recommended.

A Blonde in the Bazaar

A Blonde in the Bazaar

Jill Worrall

New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd. 2003

Jill Worrall loves Pakistan. In her four visits over the years as a travel writer and tour guide she has got to know the local people and landscape. Her enthusiasm shows as she shares the country with us.

Our perceptions of Pakistan are coloured by the way the country is portrayed in the media for all the wrong reasons. In this book we get a different view as we are introduced to the local people, fragrant bazaars, soaring mountain ranges and dangerous roads. We go with Jill on a camel ride through the dusty desert, a boat trip down the Indus River, and we visit temples and mosques, local homes, and ancient hotels.

Worrall is an accomplished writer who takes us confidently along on her travels. From her home in Timaru, New Zealand to the exotic vastness of Pakistan, and with years of travel writing behind her, Worrall makes the country come alive as if we are there with her.

I loved her recent book about Iran, Two Wings of a Nightingale, and this earlier book about Pakistan doesn’t disappoint.

The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden

This is another wide-ranging, improbable tale from Jonas Jonasson, author of The 100-year-old Man Who climbed out of The Window and Disappeared.

From desperate conditions in Soweto, South Africa, to being imprisoned in a nuclear facility, and eventually to Sweden, the story follows the unlikely fortunes and misfortunes of heroine, Nombeko, and the people she meets along the way.

In true Jonasson tradition historical facts are mixed with fantasy in such a way that you are reaching for the history books to check out the true story.

Monarchies and Republics, atomic bombs and spies, the young, old and eccentric come together in a delightful mix that has you laughing out loud.

Jonasson brings the story alive with fun characters, fast-paced narrative, real historical leaders, and realistic descriptions of real and imaginary places.

I thought the 100-year-old man was more believable, but this is still a great yarn and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Highly recommended.

The Secret Life of Kim Dotcom

The Secret Life of Kim Dotcom

David Fisher

Paul Little Books Auckland, 2013

ISBN 9780-473-259-433

224 pp RRP $30

With the subtitle Spies, Lies and the War for the Internet you would expect intriguing revelations and David Fisher doesn’t disappoint. We are all mixed-up human beings, but none more so than Kim Dotcom. Here the many sides of this complex character are presented, with fascinating details of his fortunes and misfortunes.

Fisher is a senior reporter for the Auckland Herald, New Zealand, and he makes it clear that this is not an authorised biography. It is, however, based on many personal interviews with the subject, as well as extensive research.

The saga uncovers Kim’s early life (born Kim Schmitz) as a lonely child in Germany, his early forays into the internet, his extraordinary knowledge, his close friends and associates – all brilliant computer whizzes – the story of why he came to New Zealand and the police raids on his home on January 20 2012. It follows the subsequent court cases and fall out with politicians and people in high places.

Fisher has been accused of giving undue reverence to a criminal. Dotcom is a flawed character and he is shown here in many guises, both good and bad. I think Fisher has done a great job of trying to present the story as he sees it, and he has tried to depict all sides of the story.

It is a tale of much more than the life of one man. We have politicians, the New Zealand Government, the American FBI and more. It shows cracks in the systems, why the FBI were involved in the raids, and much, much more.

Our opinions are often shaped by the media and the outcome is a very shallow view of events. This book is trying to give a rounded story to fill in the gaps. If you are interested in knowing more about the workings of Governments and men in high places, reading this book might give you more than you bargained for.

Two Wings of a Nightingale

Two Wings of a Nightingale

by Jill Worrall

Exisle Publishing Limited 2011

ISBN 978-1-921497-84-1

264 pp RRP $35

What is your perception of Iran? I bet it doesn’t tie in with the view of experienced New Zealand travel writer, Jill Worrall, as presented here.

Worrall has a deep love for the middle-eastern countries of which we know so little. In Two Wings of a Nightingale, she and expert local guide, Reza Mirkhalaf, set out across Iran to follow the ancient route of the Silk Road, staying where possible in the old caravanserais which were used by the original travelers.

Reza’s knowledge of Iran’s history, culture and religion gives color and depth to the story. The places they visit and people they meet along the away are brought to life. Reza B. their driver provides insight with his perceptive comments.

Jill’s lively writing informs and entertains. We learn of the people and culture of Iran, without political overtones. We share tales of customs and frustrations, find joy and delight in ordinary every day events.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it opened my eyes to daily life in this fascinating country.

Steppe by Step by Hugh Kemp

Steppe By Step

Hugh Kemp (OMF Publishing)

Monarch Books 2000

ISBN 1 85424 484 1

543 pp

For those who think missionary work in Mongolia has happened only recently, this book by Hugh Kemp will delight and enlighten.

Kemp has a strong background in missions, having grown up in India and worked in Mongolia in church planting and Theological Education by Extension. He and his family went to Mongolia in 1992 with Interserve, and have done several repeat visits.

A skilled researcher, Kemp would like us to know the true history of God’s work in Mongolia. He takes us on a sweeping ride through the centuries, through wars and conquests, boundary realignments and major social changes. He highlights the role of many of the Christian wives and concubines of Mongolia’s rulers who exerted subtle influence on the policies of their times. In an easy to read narrative, Kemp tells us of mission work done by the Moravians, London Missionary Society, Catholic Mission, and various evangelism efforts in the twentieth century.

The work of western missionaries in more recent years has often been hard going. Seldom did they have good news stories of conversions to send back home, and at times they feared their intercessors would weary of praying. But step by step and with persistence and prayer, the forces of darkness are being replaced with the light of the Gospel. Today in the capital city, Ulaanbataar, Christian churches have been planted strategically throughout the city.

The information is easy to follow, being well served by liberal quotes from various sources with end notes and a comprehensive Bibliography. In his forward Tony Lambert writes: ‘Hugh Kemp has unearthed many significant facts which are not easily obtained elsewhere. First-class research is presented in an enjoyable form.’

Hugh Kemp was urged by Mongolian Christians to write their story. Anyone interested in knowing what God is doing in the world today will enjoy this fascinating account of Mongolian Christians from ancient roots to vibrant young church.

Who's Your Father by Robert Bernecker

Who’s Your Father?

Robert Bernecker

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

North Charleston, South Carolina. 2013

227 pp RRP $2.86 Kindle edition

Is your God really GOD? Or is he a god made in your own image, a tame god who jumps to do your bidding?

These and other questions are posed in Robert Bernecker’s book, Who’s Your Father.

Bernecker freely admits he is a non-theological lay-person dealing with weighty topics. As such, however, he relates well to the common person and every point he makes is backed up by Scripture, with the pages littered with Scripture references, and extensive quotes from eminent Christian scholars.

Much of the teaching in the church today is shown to be false by the clear teaching of Scripture. There are many ways in which we attempt to bring God down to our own size or make him in our own image.

 Bernecker opens his discussion with the illustration of the sparrows that Jesus used (Matthew 10:29). Here he challenges us to a right view of God’s sovereignty and his minute involvement in our lives.

If God had all power but did not love us, or loved us but did not have all power, what confidence could we have in him? ‘Jesus, however, showed us that our God gives to us the perfect combination of unlimited love and unbounded sovereignty,’ he writes. ‘We can, therefore, have a real and living faith.’

 Following chapters discuss the erroneous concept of a ‘Gentleman God’ and the role of faith because with our finite minds we CANNOT understand God’s ways. Is God unfair? Are we puppets or robots? Does God override our free will?

The book would be easier to read if it had shorter chapters and paragraphs and less unnecessary repetition. At times I struggled, but these are deep truths and it takes concentration to grasp the message. Prayer and an open Bible to check out the Scripture passages are vital.

Bernecker’s goal is to draw us closer to our God who is with us not only in our past and future, but also in each moment of the present.

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice. (Psalm 97:1) Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. (Psalm 135:6)

This is our God, the God who wants an intimate relationship with us and in whom we can have total confidence.

      

Realising a Vision Through Faith - book review

Realising a Vision Through Faith

by Colleen Redit with Peggy Loh

Published by Christian Ministries Charitable Trust, Chennai, India. 2013

In 1964 a keen young girl left New Zealand shores and sailed to India. Colleen Redit is still there, but much has changed. This autobiography tells the story of Colleen’s life and Ministry in Chennai in the intervening years.

I found this book inspirational. I have long known of Colleen and attended some of her meetings when on furlough in New Zealand. But the scope of the story in this book is much greater than I knew before.

From early beginnings in a small garage when she was finding her way in a foreign culture, through much social change, to a multi-faceted ministry today, Colleen’s faith remains strong. Her reason for being there is the same – to bring glory to her Lord and Master through helping the poor and outcasts and bringing people to faith in Christ.

Today Christian Ministries Charitable Trust has 25 ministries with over 400 staff. Over 3000 people are helped daily with various needs. Ministries include an orphanage, schools, handicraft workshops, medical work, and soup kitchens.

A faith ministry, trusting God to meet their needs each day, miracles are seen every day. Many lives have been transformed through CMCT, transformed by God himself, and through the faithfulness of Colleen and her workers.

I recommend this book to everyone to give a marvelous insight into what God is doing in a small corner of India.

Heaven is for Real

Heaven is for Real

by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent 2010

Thomas Nelson

“There are no old people in heaven, Dad, and no one wears glasses,” said Colton Burpo when shown a photo of his grandfather, known as Pop. This photo of an old man had no relevance to the Pop Colton said he had met in heaven.

Heaven is for Real tells the story of Colton Burpo’s experiences while he was under anaesthetic during a shocking medical event which almost took his life. Happening just before his fourth birthday, Colton revealed snippets to his parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo, over the next few months. Related very matter-of-factly, surprising details emerged of what he had seen and heard.

His parents were astonished when he told them things there was no earthly way he could have known. He talked about his two sisters.

“But you have only one sister, Cassie” his mother replied.

Heaven is for Real

by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent 2010

Thomas Nelson

“There are no old people in heaven, Dad, and no one wears glasses,” said Colton Burpo when shown a photo of his grandfather, known as Pop. This photo of an old man had no relevance to the Pop Colton said he had met in heaven.

Heaven is for Real tells the story of Colton Burpo’s experiences while he was under anaesthetic during a shocking medical event which almost took his life. Happening just before his fourth birthday, Colton revealed snippets to his parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo, over the next few months. Related very matter-of-factly, surprising details emerged of what he had seen and heard.

His parents were astonished when he told them things there was no earthly way he could have known. He talked about his two sisters.

“But you have only one sister, Cassie” his mother replied.

“No, no,” he said. “I met my other sister in heaven.”

“What is her name?” His mother was testing him.

“She has no name,” he replied. “She said you didn’t give her one.”

Sonja was astounded. She had never told Colton about her miscarriage. And it was true they hadn’t named the baby; they had not known her gender.

Todd and Sonja Burpo were wary at first of sharing Colton’s remarkable story, but eventually they were persuaded to go public. This book was published when Colton was about 10 years old, and it has proved an inspiration to many people.

I know there is an explosion of stories and books about visits to heaven and near death experiences. There is also discussion on whether they are real or not. God knows, but for me this story rings true and is a real page-turner. It excited and thrilled me and made me feel so much closer to heaven.

To find out the rest of story about Colton’s Pop you will have to read the book. Thank you Todd for sharing your family’s story.

“No, no,” he said. “I met my other sister in heaven.”

“What is her name?” His mother was testing him.

“She has no name,” he replied. “She said you didn’t give her one.”

Sonja was astounded. She had never told Colton about her miscarriage. And it was true they hadn’t named the baby; they had not known her gender.

Todd and Sonja Burpo were wary at first of sharing Colton’s remarkable story, but eventually they were persuaded to go public. This book was published when Colton was about 10 years old, and it has proved an inspiration to many people.

I know there is an explosion of stories and books about visits to heaven and near death experiences. There is also discussion on whether they are real or not. God knows, but for me this story rings true and is a real page-turner. It excited and thrilled me and made me feel so much closer to heaven.

To find out the rest of story about Colton’s Pop you will have to read the book. Thank you Todd for sharing your family’s story.