Builder's Book Shelf

What Builds:

These are book that have inspired and helped my faith to grow. Some are Christian while others are fiction. In some way the Author has spoken to me. This shelf is for their works.

Ender’s Game:

The Why: The struggle of loneliness that Ender Wiggins goes through has reached me countless times through out my life. That is to say I have reread this book many times.

Summary: Intense is the word for Ender's Game. Aliens have attacked Earth twice and almost destroyed the human species. To make sure humans win the next encounter, the world government has taken to breeding military geniuses -- and then training them in the arts of war... The early t`raining, not surprisingly, takes the form of 'games'... Ender Wiggin is a genius among geniuses…He is smart enough to know that time is running out. But is he smart enough to save the planet? (by: Amazon.com)

Starship Troopers:

The Why: First this book exceeds the move in all leaves. The Author is ahead of his time when it comes to technology, tactics and battle scenes. Many of today’s actual soldier equipment are based off of things found in here. While games like Halo and Warhammer 40k have roots in this fiction. Still the finer things I find in this book are the socio-political argument and answers addressed by the text.

Summary: Juan Rico signed up with the Federal Service on a lark, but despite the hardships and rigorous training, he finds himself determined to make it as a cap trooper. In boot camp he will learn how to become a soldier, but when he graduates and war comes (as it always does for soldiers), he will learn why he is a soldier. Many consider this Hugo Award winner to be Robert Heinlein's finest work, and with good reason. Forget the battle scenes and high-tech weapons (though this novel has them)--this is Heinlein at the top of his game talking people and politics. (by: Amazon.com)

The Traveler’s Gift:

The Why: Filled with wisdom and knowledge garnered from the lives of many successful people Andy Andrews brings together seven strong decision that can effect your life. Filled with wondrous imagery, great discussions and chalk full of adventure this book’s precepts are something I am trying to enact in my life everyday.

Summary: Comedian and motivational speaker Andrews has crafted a breezy little fantasy reminiscent of It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. Our hero, the likable David Ponder, finds himself at a midlife crossroads: events beyond his control have deprived him of money and his job. With a wife and daughter to support, he becomes seriously distraught and contemplates suicide. A car crash precipitates the imaginary (or is it real?) journey that forms the bulk of the book-individual visits with seven historical notables. Each offers our titular "traveler" gifts in the form of written "Decisions for Success," which he then absorbs. For example, Anne Frank's "gift" vividly demonstrates that happiness is a choice. At book's end, there is a strong element of faith, but Andrews uses a light touch. (Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

The Final Summit:

The Why: A follow up to the Traveler’s Gift this book support the first. The story is great romp through time with famous men and women. Filled with more wisdom and great lesson. This book reminds up that nothing changes until we do something.

Summary: David Ponder is back-and this time, the fate of mankind may be in his hands. This is humanity's last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent mankind hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship-and that answer is only two words. With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history's best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to solve the ominous challenge. Readers first encountered David Ponder in the New York Times bestseller The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don't know what to do. (Amazon.com)

The Noticer:

The Why: Change your perception change you mind. This book is based on the life of the author and is filled with great stories, challenges and a whole different way to look at life. Though it is reminiscent of his other works The Noticer is a worthy read with a lesson all its own.

Summary:  Orange Beach, Alabama, is a simple town filled with simple people.  But like all humans on the planet, the good folks of Orange Beach have their share of problems-marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, as well as the many other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses.Fortunately, when things look the darkest, a mysterious man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up.  An elderly man with white hair, of indiscriminate age and race, wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and leather flip flops carrying a battered old suitcase, Jones is a unique soul.  Communicating what he calls "a little perspective," he explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss.  "Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely," he says.  "Don't squander your words or your thoughts. Consider even the simplest action you take, for your lives matter beyond measure…and they matter forever." Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what we can do about it. The Noticer is a unique narrative blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration in which gifted storyteller Andy Andrews helps us see how becoming a "noticer" just might change a person's life forever.  (Amazon.com)