Dr. Heisler gives an excellent, yet simple, buttressing of the Holy Spirit’s work in preaching.  While I have several comments/questions/critical thoughts written throughout the pages of my copy, I would not hesitate to recommend this work to a preacher who desires to understand where the power in a sermon originates.  There are some cheesy stories, emotional appeals, and “sound byte” comments that have no biblical base to them, but overall, this is a very good book.

This book is one that aids a writer in research.  Unless you are forced to read it as you enter a PhD program (as I am), then you can certainly find something else to read.  If, however, you are preparing to write a dissertation, then it is worth the price.  3.5 out of 5.

Lott, John R. More guns, less crime: understanding crime and gun-control laws. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010.

This is one of the best books on the subject of guns in the United States.  Lott is a senior law professor at Yale University, so you can be certain that his research is worthy.  You will be astounded to read how the media and the government misleads the public when it comes to guns and statistics.  Lott covers every single county in the US and offers some amazing research!  I can promise you this, after you read this book with a fair eye, then you will not be for tighter gun laws. 5 out of 5.

Mann, Thomas. The Oxford guide to library research. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

Yes, this is another research book that I am reading for my PhD course, Graduate Research Seminar.  I am not so dull that I would pick this work off of a shelf and go through it without proper provocation.  This book is just as exciting as the title declares it to be.  If you need to read something to help your research efforts, then do youself, and your spouse, if you talk in your sleep, a favor and go in a different direction.  Not only is this a 293 page book, but the print is extra small and the material tedious and repetitive.  On the bright side, I will sleep much better.  On the down side, because this book puts me to sleep, I might not ever finish it!

Belcher, Wendy Laura. Writing your journal article in 12 weeks: a guide to academic publishing success. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2009.

This book is designed to aid the PhD student or junior faculty member revise his/her previous writing for publication.  This work is split into 12 chapters (one chapter per week, of course) with specific tasks and assignments all aimed toward publication.  This book is not recommended for one who does not have aspirations of academic publication.

Williams, Joseph M. Style: the basics of clarity and grace. Third ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2009.

This book is another work for my PhD course in Graduate Research Seminar.  It is an easy read that aids the student in becoming a better writer.  Essentially, Williams reminds the writer of the basics in style.  This is a good read and should be considered before one returns to school after some time away from study.

Banner, Michael C. Christian ethics: a brief history. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009.

This work is a concise history of Christian ethics.

Boa, Kenneth, and Robert M. Bowman. Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith. Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2005.

This basic work is one that equips the Christian with the tools to defend one’s faith.  It is a great read if you are interested in really digging into the subject of apologetics. Remember, this work is designed to be a basic level to introduce you to the subject.  3.5 out of 5.