What Works by Cal Thomas

Subtitle is Common Sense Solutions for a Stronger America (Zondervan).

Have you seen the 1993 movie, Groundhog Day, in which Bill Murray's character is caught in an alternative reality? If not, you need to know that Murray is a TV weatherman who relives the same day over and over again, February 2, Groundhog Day. Nothing is new. Nothing is different---just same old same old---day after day. That's what Cal Thomas says is happening these days in our nation's capital.

Liberals want one thing. Conservatives want another. And the president is not listening to anybody. Name calling and character assassination are the order of the day. One statement the author made that struck home for me: "Imagine what might happen for America if Congress and the president awakened to the possibilities of discovering ways to repair our broken economy and culture instead of constantly competing for political advantage; of pursuing what works rather than repeating what hasn't worked and can't work" (page 292).

If you aren't familiar with author Cal Thomas, you should know that he is a conservative columnist. However, he says it's not about conservative or progressive but about common sense. Let's look at what's worked in the past and use those tried-and-true techniques to solve today's problems. It sounds simple enough, but our elected representatives seem bent on blaming the opposite side for our problems rather than working together to solve them.

The book is well-written and easy to understand. It is not a rant. It is a thoughtful, reasoned discussion of how we can restore America's strength. We don't have to be like Bill Murray, fighting the same battles over and over again. We can insist that our elected representatives do something to solve our problems, not spend all their energy on getting re-elected.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan as part of the Booklook Bloggers  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  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Gifted Hands by Ben Carson, M. D.

How does a child of a broken home from the streets of Detroit become one of the most renowned neurosurgeons in the world? Dr. Ben Carson tells how his mother, divorced and with a third-grade education, raised two boys who both became professionals. He's the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

First published in 1990, the book tells of Carson's early life, his struggle to succeed in school, and the role his faith played in the advancement of his career. He decided he want to be a doctor despite the fact that the odds were against him. Believing that God would help him find a way, Carson managed to get his education and land his dream job at Johns Hopkins.

He also shares his trail-blazing surgery techniques, giving details of some of his most challenging cases. Now that he has "made it," Carson wants to give back by encouraging kids who have no advantages and, often, no hope, either. He tells them to go for their dreams, to work hard and not give up.

I bought this book at a writers conference where the ghostwriter, Cecil Murphey, was featured speaker. I had heard about Gifted Hands, but I had not taken the time to read it. I did not know that TNT made a television movie in 2009, but, now that I know, I want to see it. This is truly an inspiring story, well-written and engaging.

Buy the book on Amazon.com or choose the video version.

Read more about Dr. Carson here.