Review and News

Hey everyone,
I know I promised we would post soon, but as we all know, that didn't happen. It seems that time just goes by way too fast. I just want to let you know that Literaryink will probably be down for quite some time as we all have a lot of stuff in our schedule. Sam, Ted, and I really believe in what this blog can accomplish and hope that we can revive it sometime soon. But right now, it has to make way for some other things in our lives. Thank you for your support, and I hope we can return soon.

Meanwhile, here's a guest review by Lauren Batchelor. The only girl who keeps this blog from rusting. ;)

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Everyone knows the basic story: Nice guy scientist makes potion and unleashes his pure evil side. Eventually he cannot control the change from good to evil, and kills himself to avoid becoming Mr. Hyde forever.

Not a super long book.

But why has it become a classic? Why didn’t it die with all the other “Penny Dreadfuls” of its day? Had it simply been a thriller, it would have faded into obscurity. However, it delves into areas not always thought about, things that most people preferred to glaze over. It goes into the psychological effects sin has on a person’s character, and with a chilling conclusion.

Dr. Jekyll grows tired of behaving like a good citizen, and decides to try and split his identity into two separate parts: a good, though imperfect, man and a man that is bent on pure evil. In the beginning, his evil counterpart Mr. Hyde is small and weak from disuse. After a while though, he grows stronger and soon Dr. Jekyll cannot control his evil persona. Does this theme sound at all familiar? Looking at this from a Christian perspective, we can draw several conclusions:

1. Sin is habit forming, and the more you do it, the harder it is to resist and control
2. Sin is a temporary, an of the moment joy. The after effects are disastrous (like a candy binge)
3. Sin has consequences; unpleasant consequences not discussed in the brochure.

Using the book as a metaphor for the effects that sin as a habit has over us, Robert Louis Stevenson ends with a dreadful consequence: death.

This book is not a light read book. Read it carefully, and think well on it and compare it to what the Bible says on sin: “Jesus replied, ‘Everyone who sins is a slave to sin”.

John 8:34

Guest Review: More Than a Carpenter

Alright, alright, don't get mad. I know we haven't posted or awhile. The reason why is because we have all been busy with schoolwork, etc. Ted and Sam are both in debate which makes them extra busy, and I am in Apologetics. Anyway, we will try to post more often.
Here is a review from Lauren Batchelor:

When my mom first persuaded me to get the book, I was afraid it would be like one long lecture, full of super big words, small print and heavy theological thoughts. All in all, a very dull read. I was very wrong.

In 128 short pages, Josh McDowell answers the question, “Who Is Jesus”.

Using his personal story as an example, McDowell puts forth and answers questions and objections used to dispute the “Authenticity” of Jesus Christ.

More Than A Carpenter offers the reader proof given be lead historians, professors, lawyers and theologians, and numerous references from the Bible. A 101 crash course type book, it effectively incorporates the personal with the factual.

While some parts seemed a little too basic for a long-time Christian, the book lays a nice foundation for any who face questions like these regularly. McDowell establishes the Bibles’ authority and historical accuracy, shows how science cannot be used to prove or disprove Jesus, and what made Jesus so different from other religious leaders who preached peace, like Buddha and Confucius.

Although the book was written 25 years ago, the evidence still stands; strong proof that More Than A Carpenter is not just wishful thinking or hastily compiled quotes. McDowell brings together a case that Jesus is real, and after reading the book, I must agree.

Throughout the book, McDowell raises worthy thoughts and questions about our personal relationship with God, hitting you at just the right moment to make you say Aha! Or, if it’s thoughtful, "Ohh". Definitely worthy of numerous readings, the book is a keeper.

Buy More Than a Carpenter

The Arnold Pent Family

In the history of the world, there may never be a more unusual family then that of Arnold Pent…

Meet the Pent’s. They are a hard working, God-glorifying family who travels around the country speaking anywhere that people will take them in. Trusting in God to provide, Mr. Pent set off with his family on a crusade across America. It is a daily battle to even find the money they need to buy food and gas. The entire family studies the bible 1 hour and 30 minutes every day, averaging 22,060 hours in a lifetime. I have only one word to say. Wow. This family is truly amazing.

So, by this time, you probably have realized this family is slightly different then ones you have seen. If you happen to live among these kinds of people, please email me and I will move immediately.

One thing that separates this book from other books like "Cheaper by the Dozen", "I Remember Mamma", and "Life with Father" is that the Pent’s are a strong Christian family with strong Christian morals. The author, Arnold Pent III, makes sure that every story told in the book, every small detail, points to God and his grace. But that alone doesn’t make the book good.

Arnold III is not the greatest author of all time. Many authors aren’t even close. Give this author a boring, ordinary subject, he most likely would not succeed with his writing. What makes his book so great is that he has a totally unique story. That’s what made “Cheaper by the Dozen”. Something that most people have not heard of. Traveling a million miles, and sawing off the back of their Pierce Arrow is not an everyday event in your neighborhood.

So why do I recommend this book? It’s a great book about an amazing family. That I have already established. As for huge benefits, They don’t really exist. But it is a good relaxing book to read after some harder books. My rating for this book is four (out of five) stars.

Buy Ten Peas in a Pod

Isaac Harris

Delay: Busy-ness

There's been a gap between posts.
You are wondering.We are kind of wondering too.
Let us explain:
You all are probably trying to figure out what happened to us. Don't worry, we are all fine.
We have all been pretty busy with family stuff, summer work projects, etc. We are really sorry for the gap between posts. please rest assured that we will post as soon as we find time to do so.
Sam, who is next up to post, is re-reading the book he plans to review. If you are bored and looking for something to read we suggest The Rebelution for reading.
Right now, we are working on some small things that will make the blog look nicer.

Sorry again for the delay,

Isaac, Ted, and Sam

Oliver Twist ~ Charles Dickens

This review was written by Sam's older sister Kelly Taylor. Thank you for the contribution Kelly!
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“Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table, and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said, somewhat alarmed at his own temerity: ‘Please, sir, I want some more.’” - Pg 25, Oliver Twist

The classic tale of Oliver Twist was originally penned by Charles Dickens in 1839, a social novel written to call attention to the revolting state of England’s lowlife, the wrongs of the welfare system, and other evils such as child labor and the recruitment of children as criminals.

Young Dickens experienced a fragment of this first hand when at the age of 12, his father was imprisoned for overspending and Charles was sent to the workhouses, working 10 hours a day at Warren’s Boot Blacking factory. The reader feels Dickens reflections of childhood and his passion for public awareness as he reads this classic story revolving around an innocent orphaned boy, Oliver Twist, born into a poor house outside of London.

As the tale takes its ups and downs, Oliver finds himself with the best and the worst of London society. He encounters various people from the detestable Fagin, and his unruly gang of pickpockets to the benevolent Mr. Brownlow, who kindly offers Oliver a home. The plot thickens with the beautiful Rose Maylie, a compassionate young woman with a strangely mysterious past and uncanny resemblance to Oliver.

The story reveals the nature of man in many ways, as some are destined to be evil (see Proverbs 16:4) and others destined for good and greatness. Characters like villainous Bill Sikes and Monks show how destructive acting rashly can be on ones life. Harry Maylie teaches the value of life, and love with poverty, over riches accompanied by loneliness. The haughty Mr. Bumble unwittingly educates us on the value of humility, while Mr. Brownlow demonstrates love even through difficulty. Through Nancy we learn faithfulness, and by Noah Claypool we see the folly of trying to gain wealth by thievery and falsehood, and the benefits of prosperity gained by labor and honest hard work. Along for the ride are memorable characters such as Mr. Grimwig, a funny old man, who distrusts Oliver, but comes to love him in the end after he finally stops offering to “eat his head.” (For the reason, you will have to read the book!).

This exciting tale is interwoven with innocence and iniquity, love and hatred, joy and sorrow. I myself am an avid Dickens fan, and this book didn’t let me down in the least! Recommended as a good introduction to Dickens works, Oliver Twist is well worth your time as it shows us more than the sorrows of London’s poor in the early 1800’s and how to guard against the mistakes of the past, but also many valuable life lessons from the brilliant mind of Charles Dickens

Written by Kelly Taylor, Vancouver WA

Buy Oliver Twist