Peaceful lives will not deliver freedom fighting we know

For many years, I have enjoyed the leadership books that explore an individual’s life and discuss leadership lessons that can be learned from him or her. Books have been written about everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Walt Disney and Michael Jordan, discussing how we can lead just as they did. It is no surprise, then, that I would be attracted to Geoff Loftus’ new book, “Lead Like Ike.”
Loftus tells the story of what is arguably the greatest military leadership feat in recent history, the retaking of Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany, Interspersed among the details of plans for battle, invasions, fighting, and overcoming challenges are lessons in business leadership that can be used today.
I enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, it is a quick read. Loftus was thorough, but didn’t get bogged down in details that are best left to history books. Second, I am a history buff, and I learned some things while reading the book. Third, Loftus explored the interpersonal relations between the principals among Allied leaders. This, after all, was where Eisenhower truly showed his leadership skills. Fourth, Loftus made effective use of sidebars to give modern business illustrations that correspond to what Eisenhower dealt with. This was a very effective teaching tool. Finally, at the end of each chapter, he summarized the main learning points. This will make it easy to return to the book and find significant points of interest to me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical leadership.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Forgiveness, even if you don't love me

Andy Andrews is a phenomenal storyteller. I have heard him in person and have read several of his books, so I already had high expectations when I picked up this book. The Heart Mender exceeded my expectations. Andy said that this book is his favorite and I understand why.
The Heart Mender is a story within a story. It begins when Andy unearths a can with Nazi military mementos and tries to discover why they would be buried on the coast of Alabama. His investigation segues into a heart wrenching story of a young war widow who is angry with the world. As she walks along the beach late one night, she discovers the body of a nearly drowned German sailor. Something he says touches her heart and she decides to take him in and care for him. As the sailor's physical wounds heal, the woman and the sailor both begin the psychic and spiritual healing process as well, with the insightful help of a man with Down's syndrome.
I thought that the jacket notes gave away the ending, but I was wrong. There are some plot twists that left me breathless.
I enjoyed this book on several levels. First, Andy revealed a part of American history that was new to me. I was not aware that u-boats had patrolled our waters and sunk our merchant ships. I had thought of the war as something more distant.
Second, I found the book hard to put down. Andy Andrews is a master storyteller. He explores human emotions without becoming obscene or lurid, and that is all too rare in the literary world today. I was drawn in to the story and felt the anger and heartaches of the protagonists.
Third, I appreciated the reader's guide at the end. The discussion questions gave an added insight into the author's purposes.
Fourth, the Where Are They Now? section was a great addition, since the book is based on actual events.
Fifth, there is an element of romance to the book, but not enough to turn off most male readers.
Finally, and most important, the book teaches the principle of forgiveness in a unique and powerful way. Andy did this in a very genuine way: it did not seem contrived or preachy.
I highly recommend The Heart Mender.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.