A Higher Call by Adam Makos

Image Source: PenguinGroup.com

Full title is A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-torn Skies of World War II by Adam Makos with Larry Alexander, Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin.

This is the story Franz Stigler, a German ace fighter pilot, who, in the skies over Europe on December 20, 1943, chose NOT to shoot down yet another B-17 bomber. He not only spared the bomber, but he also escorted it past the German flak line on the coast. In making that choice, Stigler saved 9 American lives, but he put his own life in danger. If anyone in the German military had seen him do that, he would have been shot, no questions asked.

The damaged bomber barely made it back to England, and all the crew survived except for the tail gunner, who was already dead when they had their encounter with Stigler. American Charles Brown, the bomber pilot, always wondered why Stigler did not take them out.

Stigler didn't know why himself. He said, at first he didn't know what came over him. Later, he'd say it was his sense of honor, chivalry, if you will. The courageous bomber crew was still flying despite incredible damage to the plane, and they had no way to defend themselves. Years later, in the 1990s, Stigler and Brown met in person. They became friends, and Brown made it possible for Stigler to meet the other crew members whose lives he'd saved.

The book may include more detail than you want to know about the early lives of Stigler and Brown. But, looking at the WWII story from the German's point of view helps the reader understand how an honorable person (not a member of the Nazi party) could get caught working for the evil regime that had taken over his country.

It's a great read for aviation and WWII buffs, but I think anyone wanting to know more about the WWII era would enjoy it, too.

Take a look at this video about on YouTube: http://youtu.be/RkVc5o1UXAA.

Image source: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/CoverImagePopup/0,,9780425252864,00.html

Note: This book was not provided to me by the authors or the publishers

Heaven Is Real: Lessons on Earthly Joy by Don Piper & Cecil Murphey

Have you read 90 Minutes in Heaven? It’s still on the Christian Booksellers Association best-seller list today, even though it was published in 2004. This book is a sequel by Don Piper, the man who spent 90 minutes in heaven, and co-writer Cecil Murphey. And, it is not to be confused with Heaven Is for Real, another current bestseller.

Heaven Is Real chronicles lessons Piper has learned from his visit to heaven and his recovery from the accident. To his amazement, God is still using his experience to reach others. First, he briefly recalls his accident, his visit to heaven, and his difficult recovery. Then, he presents 24 specific life lessons he has dealt with since. He shares many stories of his encounters with his readers since 90 Minutes came out. Some of them are heart-warming, while others are heart-breaking.

Has something terrible happened to you? Are you having a hard time dealing with it? Piper says you have to realize that you have “crossed a bridge” and that there is no returning to your former situation. Some tragedies are the result of choices you have made. Others happen for no apparent reason. Piper’s primary lesson is that, because there is no going back, you must find a “new normal” for your life. It’s not easy, but God’s help is available for the asking.

Although Heaven Is Real was not intended to be a study book, I think it could be used that way. Each chapter is full of potential discussion topics. I recommend that you not rush as you read it. Give yourself time to absorb and reflect.

Buy it on Amazon.com. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from coauthor Cecil Murphey without any strings attached. I was not required to publish any review at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Daily Devotions Inspired by 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper & Cecil Murphey

Subtitle is 90 Readings for Hope and Healing, Berkeley Publishing Group/Penguin Books.

These devotions are based on Don Piper's experience described in his best-selling book, 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life.

Written by veteran ghost-writer Cecil Murphey,  the devotions begin with a Bible verse and end with a short prayer. The content is based on responses to 90 Minutes in Heaven that Piper received through his website, the mail, and personal contact with readers at book-signings and speaking engagements. See my review of 90 Minutes in Heaven here.

The devotional book is an easy read, inspirational and well-written. Who would ever believe that a person could get so much inspirational material out of one experience? I salute Rev. Piper for using a master writer like Cecil Murphey to help him get his message out. I don't think he could have made a better choice. And, I'm glad he gives Murphey equal billing. Many well-known people use ghost-writers but don't give them the credit they deserve.

I like this book because it's only 90 days of devotions, one for every minute Piper said he was in heaven. You get the message without having to devote a whole year to one book.

 Buy Daily Devotions on Amazon.com. Also, see Piper's website for more information on his speaking, books, and ministry.