Rating: 
Summary: Goopy and Possibly Dangerous
Review: This could be an example of the over-wrought, hyper-dramatized love story exemplifying what Denis de Rougemont warned against in his analysis of Love in the Western World. VanAuken writes about how he and his wife insisted on reading all the same books together (out loud) and then sailing around in their sailboat, analyzing the intensity of their love. Then she becomes terminally ill and the floodgates of more lover-analysis open wider still.There is something surreal about this book, explained perhaps by vast inherited wealth on the author's side of the family. Two college students who were captivated by this book over 10 years ago faked their disappearance to run away together, and ended up slinging hash in some deli in LaJolla, California, and then had to come home again--proof of the need for a lot of cash to really live like VanAuken describes. They told the newspapers they were inspired by this book. I guess their inspiration could have been worse. So this book is a prescription for escapism, in addition to whatever else it is.
Rating: 
Summary: This book should be a movie!
Review: This is the most cinematic peice of literature ever written! I see GREAT MOVIE all over it!! I'm sure Vanauken knew when he was writing this that it would someday become a cinematic masterpiece. I can't wait to see the film!!!!!!!!!!!! HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!!!!!!!!! TWO THUMBS UP!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A definite read for young lovers
Review: Van and Davy fall in love and they follow the "Shining Barrier" until both become Christians. Davy dies tragically and Van grieves, but comes to understand her love for the Lord and her death actually saved him from one day hating God and Davy because of jealousy (her love for God was stronger and interfered with the Shining Barrier). This is a wonderful story and should be a must read for all young couples, married or not. We all strive for the "inloveness" that Davy and Van have; their relationship provides insight on how to go about it.
Rating:
Summary: Surprised by Grief
Review: What a beautifully engrossing book. I had known about the kind of book A Severe Mercy was for some years, and had (unconsciously) been avoiding it, for I knew it was a book about, and for, grieving. It is also a story about a sweet, adventurous, wide-awake marriage. But most of all, it is a message to the reader about the most pure and complete love of all, the love of God for his creation. One should read this book only if one is prepared (Christian or not) to be confronted with the awesome (and undeniable) truth of God's existense and his relentlessly loving pursuit of his children.
Rating:
Summary: Awsome
Review: What an incredible look at how God works through ALL circumstance for HIS will and to turn hearts toward HIM.
Rating:
Summary: Weeping is not a bad thing
Review: When I read this book, I wept, as the friend who loaned it to me had said I would. I looked it up today to order my own copy of it, and the sequel, UNDER THE MERCY. When I read some of the reviews I was appalled. This book is beautifully written. You can feel that you are there in the study with Sheldon and Davy and the students. You long to return there. And the love stories, for it is two stories: the story of Sheldon and Davy's love and the story of their separate love affairs with God. Some people would object to a faith relationship being described as a love affair with God, but that is precisely why we have today a society that is longing for something and searching, often in all the wrong places. I want to own a copy of each book so that I can revisit those people and learn more each time I go back. Some people may feel threatened by the beauty in the book and be afraid that they will never share such beauty. Keep listening and learning, because the beauty is there for all of us if we just ask Him/Her in.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring story of two people sharing love and faith inJesus
Review: While reading this story I was overcome with the incredible love these two people had for one another. Even more amazing than their romance is the love they find in their personal relationship to Jesus Christ and His saving grace. A particularly good read for those experiencing loss.
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