Geoff Benge

I first came across a mention of Louis Zamperini’s name in a devotional I frequently read. The brief, one-paragraph snippet of his life intrigued me, and later on, I checked our bookshelves to see if we had a biography about him. To my delight, the Benges (some of my top favorite biography writers of all time) wrote the story of his life, and as soon as I picked up the book, I was sucked into Louis’ story.

From leading a wild, partying life in his young teens, to eventually competing in show more the Olympics, to serving as a bombardier during World War II, to his imprisonment as a POW by the Japanese, Louis lived a life of danger and adventure. I don’t know what inspired me more—his brother Pete’s constant encouragement and wisdom, the fortitude he showed when drifting on the Pacific Ocean for weeks on end, unsure if he’d survive or not, or his courage when tortured by the Japanese. I loved the upbeat perspective Louis tried to keep through it all, and loved that he pushed himself even when he didn’t feel like it. I also loved the hope that came near the end of the book.

As far as the writing style is concerned, this reads like a novel. This story gripped me, and I had a hard time pulling myself away. I’d love to read this aloud to my family, although I’m not sure if/when I can make that happen. With the many different adventures and situations Louis found himself in, I’m sure my brothers would love this book. Highly recommended! show less

Quite a few years ago, Mom read Gifted Hands to our family. It was an excellent book, but I always wondered what happened after the book ended. I assumed Mr. Carson went on and did more successful separation surgeries, but since I didn’t have access to any of his later works, I didn’t know for sure. Until this book. This was our most recent audiobook for traveling as a family, and I found it to be another gripping story—even though I was already fairly familiar with a lot of the show more events.

The Benges write with a passion and ability that I admire. They don’t just spit facts and dates out on the page; they take you along to the individual’s life to watch things play out, as you see sometimes in a novel. As far as I can tell, this is a factual account of a good portion of Ben Carson’s life, but it’s written in a very engaging manner.

As far as Mr. Carson himself, it was inspiring to see how he chose the difficult path of learning and choosing obedience to his mother over his own wishes. Her influence changed the course of his life, and watching him struggle and learn—and learn to rely on God—was quite a blessing. If you enjoy biographies about Christians who choose to take God at His word and do their best to live in obedience to Him, this would be an excellent choice—even if you already know something of Ben Carson’s story! show less

Betty’s desire to be a pilot blossomed at the very young age of 8 years old, and that dream never diminished. Her mother pushed her into enrolling in nursing school, but after two years she dropped out. All she wanted to do was fly! In 1940 she was visiting a 70 year old neighbor, and poured out her frustrations about what to do with her life. The wise old woman asked her what she loved doing the most and Betty’s answers were flying and helping with the youth group at church. Her show more neighbor pointed out she could do both by helping by flying for Christian missions. Once she got home she prayed and told God that although she had never heard of anyone flying to spread the gospel, if it was what He wanted her to do, He would work it out. Just a few weeks after her prayer, she heard of a civilian pilot training. She enrolled and was accepted. From that point on God continued to move with opportunity after opportunity in training and experience. Being an eager student Betty excelled in everything she did. She flew for Women’s Airforce Service in World War 2. She is honored with the title of the first woman to fly over the Andes and also to be allowed to fly over Sudan (women pilots were not allowed at that time). With 3 other men she helped found and Christian Airmen's Missionary Fellowship. Now the Mission Aviation Fellowship. Her adventures were incredible; flying to isolated jungle areas, staying with missionaries, hiking through the jungle, and repairing planes in remote areas. She even coordinated and flew missions across many continents which was no easy feat with numerous stops for fueling plus time to rest, all in different countries! I found all she did mind boggling, but the planning and knowledge it took to accomplish this was incredible. She had so many close calls, emergency situations, illness and just downright scary circumstances. Betty loved every minute of it and never wavered. I won’t even travel to another state alone in a car! What I found most impressive was all of this was done with her intense devotion to God and desire to serve Him. One amazing lady!
Thank you to YWAM Publishing for a providing this book for me to review. The opinions stated are my own. show less

Interesting story about George Muller. It's decently written; simple. Anyone could read it.

George Muller lives a hedonistic lifestyle, using people and proud of it. He parties and drinks. I should mention he was born in 1805. His father was rich, so George didn't lack for anything. They did not get along because of George's lifestyle. His father wanted him to get his education, get a respectable job, and be rich. A strange things happens one day. He's in school for religious reasons (no, show more he's not religious; it was a means to an end). George is invited to a evening with a christian who will read the Bible and talk about it. George COMPLETELY changes.

George becomes a complete believer and dedicates his life to God. He vows to rely only on God and forego material goods and wealth. He struggles to find his path, but he becomes a well known pastor, preaching many places. He finally realizes that he doesn't need to travel to another country; he sees orphans in the town he lives: Bristol, England. He opens up an orphanage that provides care to thousands and thousands of orphans for decades.

I think my issue was the idea that God is at your prayer call. George prays and it happens. He does say, "If God wills" and he "listens" to God. I am a christian, but I still had trouble with this view that God will provide under all circumstances. Maybe my faith isn't strong enough. I admire George's dedication and sheer energy to change so many lives. show less