Thought-provoking read...
586787
In a word AWESOME! A truly enjoyable book with well-fleshed out characters. I was shocked at the mom-in-law's decision; while I respect that it was her decision to make, I believe it sends a horrible message to victims of abuse and their offspring. Her son emulated his father's behavior because his mom condoned it for years, then when his father got ill she moved right back into her "wife" roll in his house even though he had another woman.  I understand abuse, especially verbal and mental, can have long-lasting effects; I wanted mom-in-law to get some therapy! Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this thought-provoking read.
1101276
An enjoyable, thought-provoking book. Consider reading this one even if you do not normally read sci-fi/military books. Nagata created a good mix of characterization with the underlying commentary and themes of free-will vs. Artificial Intelligence, media manipulation, and the military-industrial complex. The book is well-paced and avoids a deus ex machina resolution.
4321619
Very interesting story concept, well-written and well carried out..  I enjoyed this book and also found it thought-provoking!  I can't help wondering who I would write good-bye letters to myself, and what the results would be if I then had to face the recipients...
4828350
I really enjoyed this book.  Of course philosophy books will always get you to think - whether you agree or not with some of the ideas being presented.  I found I agree with many of the ideas in this book but also the author presented other angles of viewing a topic that are refreshing and thought provoking.  I think this is a book anyone regardless of background (i.e religion, political views etc) would enjoy reading as its purpose is to get you to think about your own ideas.  Its good to stop and re think the foundation you live by because we get so busy it often becomes 'automated'.  the book isn't written to upset or poke at those with differing opinions. It is written to get you to think about your own path and those around you.
Although I finished the book I am still thinking about it,  a lot of the ideas in it stay with you whether you choose to adopt them or not, and that's a sign of a great book for me!
3824636
Five stars... Yes, this indeed is a thought-provoking book, at least for those who are not so threatened and frightened by his ideas and interpretations that their minds [and perhaps their hearts too] snap shut. From lifes experiences it does seem to me that in order to gain spiritual strength and consistency, the depths of ones personal faith-system needs to be explored openly at all levels  apparently there can be no hidden dark places where one dares not enter  and Kushner does seem to honor that in this writing, at least within his own framework of belief and faith. To address one common thread that seems to be part of many of these appraisals here, I make the following [personal-only] comment. Being the sole survivor of my own beloved family-of-origin, I honestly find much broader and comforting solace in Kushners ideas about God and Reality and Humanity than in pondering the [to me] very dusty empty path of why such profound pain, loss, and frustration was Gods fate for them and all the Good Honest Loving People who have suffered painful catastrophic terminal events in their lives.
4100469
Thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. While some of his stories were somewhat miraculous in nature and required a suspension of disbelief, his obvious devotion to learning how to live with the land (not "off" the land) earned my respect and definitely made me think.
335060
A good read if you like highly personal spiritual journeys, with a tour of the Holy Land as the narrative. I appreciated the way she framed her experiences in terms of questions, rather than answers.  Also, as someone who has passed through Methodist, Fundamentalist Presbyterian, and Baptist environments, I enjoyed the references to the doctrinal differences in the Christian community that, at least to some, are very important.  It might have been more interesting if they were traveling with an "ecumenical" group of the Abrahamic faiths--I can only imagine the dinner-table discussions between Muslims, Jews, and Christians! But even as written it was a thought-provoking read.
2758761
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy reading and one wonders  how different the world might have been had the young man decided not to do what he did.  It is a thought provoking read, and it makes you realize how, what we think is an insignificant decision can affect world events.
55837
Excellent read. For those potentially scares off by the title, it is not an "Anti-American" book. Quite the contrary. Rather it illustrates through the main characters viewpoint the struggle of living in a society that no longer even remotely lives up to its purported founding ideals.  A thought-provoking commentary (especially in today's political and economic climate!) on both the current state of the world and how insidious the devolution of a society can be. Touches on themes of societal accountability, autonomy, and conflict between generations.
1085575
Enjoyed this book a lot.  It is well written and thoughtful.  Not only worth the read, it presents a lot of thoughts worth mulling over.
2524356
Very thought provoking.... It has really made me start and think.  We ended up purchasing 7 copies for family members.
3365786
A thought provoking read!  It's one of those books that you will continue to think about and come back to over and over.
735263
This book is eye-opening and thought-provoking. Even if you don't agree with every thought the author has, you have to come away from this book with a broader world view - and a realistic view of the future.
3595676
An enjoyable and thought-provoking read with an intentionally provocative title. The author approaches weighty material in a forthright, head-on style and has some very interesting takes and thoughts on serious subjects. Some fun pop culture references thrown in for good measure, for example, "[When Moses] came back with the first set of tablets, he found the Israelites partying like it was 1999 BC . . . [h]e went bridezilla and broke the tablets and had the Israelites kill 3000 of their brethren." I found this book to be high energy, well-intentioned and engaging. The author is clearly a widely-read individual.
4167217
Dr. Dychtwald has written a thoughtful book that truly makes me think about how I view the purpose of my own life and the way I have and will spend my time.  With the economic turmoil we are experiencing, the message to take a look at what is really important and significant in one's life is not only relevant but incredibly important.  This is a well written, enlightening read that is sure to make you think.
2679925
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - in fact, I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. While I am not a Millennial (far from it), I know many and found it a fascinating insight into their world and the challenges they face. From employment to love, a fun but thought-provoking read. Look forward to the next book!
2901742
Being a U.S. citizen whose exposure to war is limited, A Psalm for the Battle gave me pause to think about my Christian faith from a different perspective.  I enjoy books that are worth pondering, challenging me to question what I believe. As things in the world become more unstable,  the ethical and moral questions presented in this book are worth exploring.  Freedom is not without cost and how we reconcile our faith with our calling to protect that freedom should be a priority for all of us.  I am challenged to pursue further reflection on what this means to me personally. A great thought provoking book.