Hidden Figures: A Review

In early 2017, I was searching to see what movies were showing in the IMAX Theater at the Smithsonian in Washington DC and found a new movie “Hidden Figures” was being shown at the theater. Reading about the movie, I saw that part of the story being told was about John Glenn and his travel into space.

Well, John Glenn was a distant cousin of mine so that immediately grabbed my interest to see the movie so much such that my wife and I decided to go see the movie in Columbia, Maryland. We were extremely impressed with the movie and discovered that there was a lot more to the story then just John Glenn.

For example, after doing some research soon after watching the movie, I discovered that the movie was inspired by a recent #1 New York Times Bestseller by the same title, Hidden Figures.  The book’s author is Margot Lee Shetterly. I have just finished reading this inspiring book.  The book is about a group of 4 female mathematicians who were known as “human computers.”  Calculations by these women were instrumental in advancing some of America’s greatest achievements in space.

What’s even more unique and refreshing about this story is the fact these women were African American deeply involved in a field where women in general and African American men or women did not have a presence or were not allowed to be involved, to say the least.

The author specifically follows the interwoven account of these 4 African American women—Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden who participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes.

The book chronicles the careers of these African American women over nearly three decades as they faced challenges, forged alliances, and used their intellect to change both their own lives and their country’s future.  These women were some of the “human computers” who using pencils, slide rules and adding machines to calculate the numbers that would launch rockets, and astronauts into space.

When it was time for astronaut John Glenn to fly into space, NASA had capable computers churning the numbers using IBM computers but, John Glenn still had more trust in Katherine Johnson’s calculations than what the computers showed. Glenn said, “Get the girl to check the numbers and if she says the numbers are good, I’m ready to go.”

This not only showed the confidence Glenn had with the African American woman mathematician, the confidence paved the way for not just these 4 African American women to excel in math and science but they in turn paved the way for other women to enter and excel in the field as well regardless of race.

I would like to encourage you to read this book as well as the see the movie Hidden Figures. You will be inspired.  (The movie has just been released this month on DVD).

Thoughts From Mount of Blessing: A Review

Since I retired I have been reading the “Sermon on the Mount” Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 almost every day. I am planning to keep this up for a while using various translations. It is a really inspiring part of the Bible.

I have also been reading the book “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings” by Ellen G White which is based on the Sermon on the Mount. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this book:

“The Sermon on the Mount is heaven’s benediction to the world-a voice from the throne of God. It was given to mankind to be to them the law of duty and the light of heaven, their hope and consolation in despondency, their joy and comfort in all the vicissitudes and walks of life. Here the Prince of preachers, the Master teacher, utters the words that the Father gave Him to Speak.”

“Throughout all time the words that Christ spoke from the mount of Beatitudes will retain their power. Every sentence is a jewel from the treasure house of truth. The principles enunciated in this discourse are for all ages and for all classes of men.”

“Happiness drawn from earthly sources is as changeable as varying circumstances can make it; but the peace of Christ is a constant and abiding peace.”

“Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it.”

“God is Himself the source of all mercy. His name is ’merciful and gracious.’ He does not treat us according to our desert. He does not ask if we are worthy of His love, but He pours upon us the riches of His love, to make us worthy.”

“The merciful are ‘partakers of the divine nature,’ and in them the compassionate love of God finds expression.”

“While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He has promised that which is far better. He has said, ‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be.”

“My grace is sufficient for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

“…Jesus did not bid the disciples, ’Strive to make your light shine;’ He said, ‘Let it shine.’ If Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence.”

“Christ has given us no promise of help in bearing today the burdens of tomorrow. He has said, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee’ but like the manna in the wilderness, His grace is bestowed daily, for the day’s need. Like the hosts of Israel in their pilgrim life, we may find morning by morning the bread of heaven for the day’s supply.”

I highly recommend this book as well as the Chapters from the Bible upon which It is based.

Beyond Defeat; A Review

This Blog is about one of my very favorite autobiographies “BEYOND DEFEAT-The Johnny Johnson Story.” This is the provocative autobiography of an American patriot who used the weapon of love to conquer hate and live...Beyond Defeat.  Dr. James E Johnson, who was known as “Johnny” was an African American  who joined the Marines during the 2^nd World War where he served 20 plus years and later was Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy.

Johnny fought discrimination with love and forgiveness and some of the stories he tells are so remarkable how that with love and forgiveness barriers were broken down.  Dr J as I often called him during the 20 years or so I had the privilege of knowing him believed that  discrimination was wrong and that the problem needed to be addressed with love—and he did so!

This is an excellent book to read and learn about how one man made a tremendous difference in the United States and around the world in helping to bring understanding and cooperation between people of different races and backgrounds.

In the introduction to this book, Chuck Colson wrote: “Johnny Johnson (is) a patriot, fiercely loyal to his country and his ideals, a remarkably gifted public servant, and a deeply committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I hope as you travel through the pages of BEYOND DEFEAT you will meet the One who changed Johnny’s life and then mine. If you know Him already, sharing Johnny’s experiences can only bring you closer.”

This very inspirational book is currently out of print- however some stores may still have copies or you may be able to order copies from Amazon or other on line sources.   This book is well worth reading; it’s so good I have read and reread it numerous times.

Little Tyke; A Review

My first Blog posted on March 23 was about a book which was one of the first books I read after beginning my work in the book world.  This 2^nd book is about the first book I remember buying when I was about 6 or 7 years old.  The title of the book is “LITTLE TYKE”—the true story of the gentle lioness who won America’s heart, which was featured in motion pictures, television, and public appearances.

This is an amazing story about a lion cub that was rejected by her mother and Gorges H Westbeau, the curator of the Zoo, brought her home to be raised at he and his wife’s Hidden Valley Ranch.  The couple raised the cub on a vegetarian diet. She was also very gentle with people and animals which are characteristics you would not expect from a lion offspring.

The cub appeared on several television shows, including the Art Baker’s Hollywood show “YOU ASKED FOR IT,” where she appeared in 1955.

Public response to the program showed that she was one of the best liked performers to appear on the show that year.

The cover of the book shows the cub with a lamb, which is a foretaste of heaven and the new earth where all God’s creatures, animals and humans alike will live in peace with each other.

This fascinating book which was originally published in 1956 has been reprinted and is available for purchase at book stores. To order by phone call 1-800-765-6955

I purchased this book during camp meeting where a Book and Bible house was set up for selling books like this but that nearly never happened because I recall finding myself short of money to pay for the book! A doctor who was a friend of our family happened to be in the store and gave me the 25 cents that I needed to purchase the book.

That may seem like not much but it was a lot of money back then.

Indeed, so much so that my mother sternly instructed me when I got back to her that we did not let people give us money but she did not make me give the money back or to return the book to the store.

Little Tykes story is one that can inspire us to live peaceably together on this earth and also to look forward to the new heaven and the new earth where we will always all harmoniously live with each as the little cub did despite all odds.

Life Is Tremendous A Review

For some of you reading this you probably know or have met me before; for those who have not, my name is Paul. I have been in the book publishing industry for more than 45 years and recently retired only to ask myself, what next? Well, what next is starting this blog to share my love of books and knowledge gained in the book publishing industry all these decades.

As my maiden blog, I would like to share my thoughts on a book by Charlie "Tremendous" Jones titled "Life Is Tremendous" which is one of the earliest books I ever read but is still in print.

Charlie has since passed on but I am happy to have a copy of the book he autographed for me which is in part my inspiration to start this blog.

To quote Charlie, "Do you want to be productive, healthy and secure? Enthusiasm makes the difference!" This, in essence, is the theme in Charlie's book.

I love several things he says and another quote I would like to share from this book is; " You will be the same in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read." I highly recommend this very readable book by  Charlie "Tremendous" Jones.