James Paris

Johnny Cash truly “Walk(ed) the Line”

Reviewed: 12-24-24

In 2014, I had the opportunity and honor (as a musician) to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. At the end of the tour, I was in the lower level of the building that displayed the names of all of the country stars who had passed away. As I read the names, I had tears in my eyes because I learned how to play the guitar from these great people…and one of them was Johnny Cash. Friends, if you are looking for an extremely good book that describes the life of one of Country Music’s greatest artists, then read this book. There were many revelations in the book for me. I only knew of Johnny Cash from his music, especially “Folsom Prison Blues” which I had listened to as a child while growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Every Saturday morning, this song would magically show up on WSOO radio, and it stuck with me. In fact, the opening of the song was what I first learned on the guitar with that “chica-boom” style. This book is very revealing about the life of Johnny Cash: his early beginnings, his marriages, family, faith, and stardom. If you are searching for a compendium of Johnny Cash’s life, then you have found it. Enjoy and be ready to be spellbound as you read about one of the great entertainers of our time. A great book about a great man—God bless you Johnny and thanks for the inspiration!!!

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A brilliant memoir from someone who worked closely with the President of the United States…and the road to this achievement!

Reviewed: 12-03-24

When I first saw Jen Psaki, it was when she was at the White House as the press secretary and I was watching CNN. My initial thoughts were: “…well, she seems like a nice person who knows what she’s talking about…”. Actually, she was facing a lot of tough questions but I noticed that not only did she “know what she was talking about” but answered the questions completely and with grace. While perusing books to listen to at Audible, I saw her book and thought that I might want to give it a listen. I am not disappointed! Jen’s book in an interesting look at her life and work not only in the White House but also in the State Department with Secretary (I believe that’s what he was in the administration) John Kerry, another hallowed political figure. Jen had worked her way up and earned her way to becoming a Press Secretary to President Biden. Along the way in her book, she describes her life and family. It helps us to believe and understand her humanness in the midst of a “charged” atmosphere such as what the White House must be. We sometimes even forget that Presidents of the United States are human. At any rate, this is a very good book and whether you listen to it or read it, you will enjoy learning about Jen Psaki and her amazing life and work for the government and, ultimately us…. I hope I have the opportunity to meet her someday. She is amazing.

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A revealing and courageous work!

Reviewed: 11-24-24

The reason that I purchased the book “Unthinkable” by Congressman Jamie Raskin is because I had seen him on CNN one day and it was mentioned that he wrote a book. In this book, Congressman Raskin revealed much of the pain that he suffered as a result of his son Tommy’s untimely death. Add to this the pressures from his work in Congress and the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol (where he was at that day) and you have to admire the courage that he and the others who were there that day displayed. I recommend this book to everyone and I think that Congressman Raskin dealt quite well with all of the things that were happening in his life. I can empathize with the grief that he was feeling. As a clergy person myself, I have worked with people who have struggled with the death of their children. This is an interesting and highly recommended book from my perspective.

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It was a well researched book. I loved hearing the details about the different aspects of things being described.

Reviewed: 11-11-24

The entire book was an interesting read. I fully recommend this book. You will find that it is difficult to put down.

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1 person found this helpful

Stanley Kubrick—A most interesting Movie Director

Reviewed: 10-04-24

To be honest, I never really knew that much about Stanley Kubrick. I only saw one of his movies (“A Clockwork Orange”) and was mostly unimpressed with that. So, why did I purchase this book? Because I was intrigued about Stanley Kubrick. Learning about him was part of the reason that I wanted to find out more. While reading this book, I was even more interested in Stanley the man who was a photographer for Life magazine and who became a brilliant movie director. It was also interesting to learn about his life. I think that the reader of this work (if not already a Stanley Kubrick ‘fan’) will appreciate the director’s obvious influence and contribution and culture in general. You will find that this is a page-turner…so enjoy!

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The Most Exclusive and Necessary Club in the World!

Reviewed: 09-14-24

“The President’s Club” was a fascinating look at a unique group of individuals who are members of a “club” that is definitely not open to anyone—unless they are an ex-President of the United States. To be honest, I have an interest in the Presidency (but I do not want to be the President) and have read many books on the subject. Yet, the ones that I read were mostly about those who were in office and what their time in office was like (daily routines, successes, failures, et cetera). But I never really understood what ex-presidents do with their lives until I read this book. It was intelligently written and comprehensively researched. Reading about some of the ex-presidents gave me a new respect for them. There were the presidents who were somewhat shy, there were those who wanted to remain in the spotlight without necessarily being in the spotlight, and everyone in between. My favorite was President Lyndon Johnson—a real “down home” kind of guy. Anyway, read and enjoy. You’ll read some great stuff about our former presidents some of whom still serve with honor and dignity even though in the shadows…

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A Terrifying, yet important read…

Reviewed: 08-25-24

This is one book that will be impossible to continue to read as you get into it. The reason that I say this is because of the subject and as it develops in your reading, you will find it difficult to continue. But you must. Annie Jacobsen presents an enlightening yet troubling “scenario” of what will likely occur during and after a nuclear ‘war.’ What stood out for me was the troubling aspects of what could potentially occur in a nuclear holocaust. That’s why it is so important to read this and (if you are prone to this) pray that a nuclear war never occurs. The results would be devastating and would truly be the end of the world as we know it (perhaps forever).

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Very good commentary

Reviewed: 07-12-24

This was a good book to read. I will use it in my sermons in the future.

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The completeness of the commentary.

Reviewed: 05-13-24

There was nothing that I disliked. I enjoyed listening to this book. In fact, I purchased another Gospel commentary. This is an excellent series!

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A thought-provoking book…

Reviewed: 04-03-24

As a regular viewer of CNN, I am very familiar with the correspondent Jim Sciutto. He has done some excellent reporting for the network. But in this book, he takes us into another side of the world—a sometimes dark and foreboding side. There was much to learn from in this book. It seems like I had heard the stories on “the news”—but in this book, you get an insider’s look at what was happening with some of the people connected with these events that occurred in Ukraine, Taiwan, and many other intriguing areas around the world. It can be disturbing, but it is something we all should read. After all, at this time (April 3, 2024), there are many precarious areas in the world. There are also many volatile leaders of countries who could do some major damage and harm to us. Read this book and learn about these folks…and then…pray.

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