WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BY HENRIETTA C. MEARS

Greetings O Ye Bible Lovers.

QUESTION: What do people like Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) , Luis Evans Jr., Dawson Trotman (founder of The Navigators), Billy Graham, Richard Halverson, and thousands upon thousands of people have in common?

ANSWER: Henrietta C. Mears

Ms Mears...according to the blurb on her book WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK ..."(1890-1963) was one of the great Bible teachers of the 20th century. While Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, she built one of the largest Sunday Schools in the world and wrote curriculum that was in such high demand that to publish it, she founded Gospel Light in 1933. Billy Graham said of Dr. Mears, Here enthusiasm for the Lord Jesus Christ was contagious."


WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK is one of my tools in my SPIRITUAL TOOL BOX that I use to study of the Word of God. When I want a clear, concise overview of a book of the Bible...or I want some unique insight into the events taking place within the Word....my first choice of resource is Ms Mears' "User-Friendly Bible Handbook".

According to the back cover..."Everyone who has a Bible should have a copy of WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK."

I agree. Wherever you read the word...you should have close at hand this handbook. It is not large book...but oh how large it is in depth of insight. "It gives you an excellent overview and understanding of every book in the Bible--and makes it come alive as never before..."

Of course when you read these blurbs on the jacket/covers of books, they tend to be bias...to build up the book...to make you want to buy the book...but for my money...it is not just HYPE but FACT.

Here are some of the features that make it a worthwhile purchase (and I get no money or kickbacks for this review):

1. Shows the Bible is one book, one history, one story
2. Provides a complete overview of the Scriptures
3. Introduces the key people in the Bible
4. Gives historical background on every key event in the
Bible
5. Explains how Jesus is revealed in the Old and New
Testaments
6. Underscores the main themes in the Bible
7. Contains reading plans, maps and other study helps
8. Glossary with clear definitions of Bible Words
9. Reading plans, maps, commentary and other study
helps.

FINAL WORD...FINALLY

Billy Graham has described Henrietta C. Mears as..."One of the greatest Christians I have ever known." I know for a fact...that I have never met this lady...but she has impacted my life greatly, because she points me to the Word of God...for me to study for myself...and position myself for God to speak to me. She has another book called WHAT JESUS IS ALL ABOUT.

NOTE: As of this writing...you can buy WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK at Sam's in the book section.

I give this book 5 out of 5 MOO-MOOS.

Love and Classic Best-Seller Kisses
Rodney "What Is The Bible All About" Boyd

7 HABIT OF UNCOMMON ACHEIVERS by KATE MCVEIGH

Greetings O Ye Uncommon Achievers....how's your habitual life?

A habit is defined as "a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance; an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary; a way of acting fixed through repetition." (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition) "In other words, a habit is doing the same thing consistently so that eventually you do it without thinking." (Kate McVeigh)

As believers in the D.B.R. (Death, Burial, Resurrection of Jesus the Anointed One)...we are called not to just be conquerors and victorious...but we are called to be MORE than conquerors and have SURPASSING victory.

"Yet amid all these things we are MORE than CONQUERORS and gain SURPASSING VICTORY through Him Who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

So it is with ACHIEVERS. There are many...many...many...many.. did I say many...books written about positive mental attitude (PMA)...and just as many if not more people who preach the gospel of success. Of course nothing is new under the sun (unless you are under THE SON). There are a plethora of books about positive thinking and success that forged the thinkers, movers and shakers, entrepreneurs of the day including people like J. Clemont Stone, Napoleon Hill, Norman Vincent Hill, Dale Carnegie, Anthony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Stephen Covey, The Chicken Soup Books, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren...and the list just keeps going on and on. One common thread throughout these books and writers...positive mental attitude...and Biblical principles. The problem is...while there are Biblical principles (that work for the Christian and non-Christian alike)...sometimes (not always) there is a missing component of submitting to the Lordship of Jesus.

Of course you will always have the debate of success versus poverty and who is more spiritual... and this is review is not meant to prove one or the other...but it is a review of a book...that to me...has the best of both worlds of positive thinking and the Lordship of Jesus.

7 HABITS OF UNCOMMON ACHIEVERS...by Kate McVeigh is a positive, encouraging, challenging, convicting book about how habits determines your future. "Kate McVeigh graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in 1987. She is a respected evangelist and teacher of the Gospel who emphasizes healing the sick and winning the lost. Through her down-to-earth and often humorous teaching of the Word, many people have been saved, healed, and encouraged to attain God's highest for their lives." (Bio from book jacket)

"Did you know that what you do DAILY determines what you become PERMANENTLY? Your DAILY HABITS are creating your FUTURE. You are a result TODAY of YESTERDAY'S HABITS...GOOD or BAD." This is true in every area of life. " (Kate McVeigh)

As I read this statement...it rings so true in my life. Choices that I have made in my past...affected my future. Oh for sure God can...did...and continues to redeem my sins and mistakes and choices...and causes good to come out of the good, bad, ugly things in my life... but there are things in my life that I DID NOT HAVE TO ENDURE...simply because of DAILY CHOICES.

I truly believe that God's heartbeat is PROSPERITY and SUCCESS...but not as the world views prosperity and success.

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth...but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to DO according to all that is written in it...for then you will MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS... and then you will HAVE GOOD SUCCESS." (Joshua 1:8)

True Biblical prosperity is having enough to meet your needs and an overflow to meet the needs of others...and Biblical success is accomplishing God's purposes and directives in your life....and it is hinged on your response to the Word of God as you take your faith and combine it with corresponding actions. Of course...you can be spiritually wealthy...and financially decreased...as long as you know the SECRET found in Philippians chapter 4...of BEING CONTENT in whatever STATE you are in...having plenty and having nothing. This will position you to be able to say...My God will SUPPLY all my NEEDS (not your greeds) according to His riches in glory IN CHRIST JESUS." (Philippians 4:19)

Well...as you are on your journey with the Lord...I believe that this book will help you along the way. Here are the HABITS listed:

Habit #1 Write The Vision
Habit #2 Develop a Prayer Habit
Habit #3 Create a Strong Spirit
Habit #4 Practice Organization
Habit #5 Take Control of Your Thought Life
Habit #6 Cultivate the Power of Positive Confession
Habit #7 Grow in Your Love Walk

On a closer and more personal level...I attend church with a lovely couple by the names of Steve and Jill Grossman. These two are encourager's. As a matter of fact...Steve and Jill practice what they preach. Steve has started a new business venture...that will utilize his giftings in helping personal and corporations to reach their goals, maximize their potential...and to be who they were created to be. I highly recommend Steve. You can check out his website at:

www.stevegrossmanonline.com

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY...NO REALLY...FINALLY

I give this a POSITIVE ruminatin' hoofs up with 5 out of 5 moo-moos.

Love and Positive Kisses
Rodney "Uncommon Achiever Wannabe" Boyd

THE HAYFORD CONNECTION: Pointing To The Word of God

Greetings and Salutations O Ye Lovers of The Word of God. Have ya read the Word lately? If not...why not?

I am sitting in my office at home...surrounded by a plethora of books about multiple topics including: theology, martial arts, Speech Pathology, multiple versions of the Bible, Bible study aides (lexicon's, handbooks, concordances, dictionaries, MAD magazine collections, guitar, pop culture, etc. Sometimes...I am overwhelmed by words, thoughts, books.

Ever since 1970...I have been in love with The Word of God...a written expression of the heartbeat of God for mankind and a written expression of THE Word of God...Jesus. It is by hearing this Word of God...that faith comes...that I believe...that I confess...that has continually changed my life. (Romans 10:6-17) I have found that this Word of God....when I hide it in my heart that I am able to keep my way pure and I decrease my sin factor. (Psalm 119:9-11) I can apply this God breathed living document and by it I can be taught, reproved, corrected, and trained that I may be adequate for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17) I guess the question arises...IF the Bible...the Word of God...is so important...why would I waste time reading books about THE BOOK....or for that matter...why read any other book other than the 66 books collected into one volume called THE BIBLE. I said all of that...to say this....I LOVE BOOKS.

One of my favorite theological authors...that brings a practical application...to be walked out on planet earth...is Jack W. Hayford. Papa Jack...as some affectionately call him was for years Senior Pastor of Church On The Way in Van Nuys California...a Four Square Church. Mr. Hayford is known as the pastor's pastor....who is able to speak to many people in many denominations. He is Spirit-Filled...but very balanced and practical. "Dr. Jack Hayford is Founding Pastor of The Church On The Way, The President of King's Seminary (an interdenominational ministry training center), speaker at pastoral leadership conferences (speaking to an average of 20,000 leaders annually) and author of more than 30 books.

I have called this Recommended Ruminator Reading Review...THE HAYFORD CONNECTION: Pointing To The Word of God...because it is hard for me to choose just one book. I have placed a few pictures of some of my favorites...but unable to place pictures of all the pictures of the covers. Other books includes: Pastors of Promise (a book in the Pastor's Series), The Leading Edge (Keys To Sharpen Your Effectiveness As A Leader), Church On The Way (a history of this cutting edge church of servanthood), The Key To Everything, The Power and Blessing, as well as Hayford's Bible Handbook and The Spirit-Filled Life Bible.

The first book picture is the first book I read by Pastor Jack called PRAYER IS INVADING THE IMPOSSIBLE. It is a window into how prayer is more than just an intellectual exercise in futility...but is a practical exercise of how our prayers can pierce the heavenlies...and the Creator of the universe hears us.

The next book pictured is GROUNDS FOR LIVING (Sound Teaching for Sure Footing in Growth and Grace). I love this book. In this crazy mixed up thing we call life...if you don't have sure footing...it is easy to slip, stumble, and fall. It lays out a thoughtful overview of: (1) The Holy Scriptures (The Fountainhead of Truth) (2) The Eternal Godhead (The Glory of the Trinity) (3) The Fall of Man (Knowing Revealed Anthropology) (4) The Plan of Redemption (God's Restoration Program) (5) Salvation Through Grace (His Glory In Our Humanity) (6) Baptism and the Lord's Supper: Ordained Ordinances (7) The Baptism with the Holy Spirit (River of Release) (8) The Second Coming of Christ (Our Blessed Hope) (9) Heaven (The Ultimate Reward of God's Grace...Hell (The Ultimate Cost of Rejecting God (10) Tithes and Offerings (The Cycle of Abundance) (11) Divine Healing (A Covenant for Life and Strength).

As the back cover underscores..."Grounds For Living represents Jack Hayford's vision to disciple and train mature, spiritually vibrant, biblically strong, theologically balanced, Spirit empowered Christians. His desire is that all followers of Christ would be equipped to serve Him boldly and effectively."

The next book pictured is Living The Spirit Formed Life (Growing In The 10 Principles of Spirit-Filled Discipleship)

The prologue sets the tone of the purpose of the book with Galatians 4:19 "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until CHRIST IS FORMED (made solid) IN YOU."
There are 3 Disciplines covered: (1) The Spirit-Formed Disciple (2) The Disciplines of the Spirit (3) The Disciplines of Prayer. Each discipline has multiple disciplines from forgiveness, the power of baptism, feeding on the Word of God etc.

"In a world with so much competing for our attention, it's easy to neglect or lose sight of the importance of the spiritual disciplines the Lord has given us for victorious living in Christ. Jack Hayford, author of Worship His Majesty, shows new believers and mature Christians alike how to rediscover the power and blessings of such basic disciplines as prayer and fasting, daily worship and the release of repentance and forgiveness." (Blurb on back of the book)

Pastor Jack served as Editor of the New Spirit Filled Life Bible...along with multiple editors and many people to comment on Kingdom Dynamics, Word Wealth, Truth In Action, Book Introductions, Outlines, Notes with an emphasis on the Spirit Filled aspects of the believer.

At the beginning of each book there is information on Background, Occasion and Date, Purpose, Content, Personal Application, Christ Revealed and The Holy Spirit at Work. The is also the obligatory Outline of the Books and maps, concordance, etc.

It is the New King James Version (I am a New American Standard Version man)...but again...always a fresh perspective to help break the rut of our preferred translations.

I like what the front cover says..."KINGDOM EQUIPPING THROUGH THE POWER OF THE WORD."

Well...that's it for now. Many books...so little time. If you had to choose between the WORD OF GOD...or Jack Hayford's books...CHOOSE THE WORD OF GOD! However...if you use ANY book by ANYBODY...as a tool...a resource...something to point you to the Word of God...and gives you further insight of the historical, the practical, the spiritual...then it is a good thing.

I give THE HAYFORD CONNECTION review of multiple Jack Hayford books a big 5 moo-moos out of 5. Instead of thumbs up...I give a big hoofs up.

Love and Well Read Kisses
Rodney "Library Man" Boyd

THE PURPLE BOOK and ONE 2 ONE

All righty boys and girls...get out your pens and Bibles...and lets do a little Bible study.

I have been known to write a Bible study or two in my time. My particular means of study is...the inductive method of asking the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW of the surrounding context of what I am studying. Thus...when I write my workbooks...I ask a question... give you the Scripture reference where you find the answer...and then ask another question.

I recommend THE PURPLE BOOK. You may ask your self..."Self...what is the Purple Book." It is the brain child of two of the co-founders of Every Nation...Rice Broocks and Stever Murrell.

"The Purple Book is a 12-part Bible study designed to help you stand firm and grow strong in your Christian life. The Purple Book guides you into a solid understanding of the Bible."

There are 12 chapters in the Purple Book...each one chock full of lessons to mine for nuggets from the Word of God. Chapters includes:

1. Sin and Salvation
2. Lordship and Obedience
3. Repentance and Baptism
4. The Holy spirit and Spiritual Gifts
5. Spiritual Hunger and God's Word
6. Discipleship and Leadership
7. Spiritual Family and Church Life
8. Prayer and Worship
9. Faith and Hope
10. Biblical Prosperity and Generosity
11. Evangelism and World Missions
12. Resurrection and Judgment.

This is a great book for personal study, family devotions, small groups or Sunday School classes. The question is...WHY? "Because you need a FOUNDATION that no storm in life can demolish--and a heart that's shaped and guided by the knowledge of God's Word."

A great companion book is called ONE 2 ONE in the Discipleship Series...PERSONAL FOLLOW-UP AND DISCIPLESHIP by Steve Murrell.

ONE 2 ONE is a twelve-lesson follow-up and discipleship guide to help believers start right in their walk with God. Topics includes:

1. A New Start: Salvation
2. A New Master: Lordship
3. A New Direction: Repentance
4. A New Heart: Forgiveness
5. A New Standard: The Bible
6. A New Power: Prayer
7. A New Victory: Faith
8. A New Gift: The Holy Spirit
9. A New Life: Water Baptism
10. New Relationships: The Church
11. A New Mission: Evangelism
12. A New Enemy: Spritual Warfare

The idea is..."Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION: The old has gone...the new has come." (II Corinthians 5:17)

These two books gives a great start on the NEW journey.

The section called A NEW MASTER: LORDSHIP is worth the price of admission form me.

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, BOTH...LORD AND CHRIST." (Acts 2:36)

"Lordship is one of the central messages of the Bible. Jesus is referred to as "LORD" ninety-two times in the book of Acts and 747 times in the whole New Testament, while being referred to as "SAVIOUR" only twice in Acts and twenty-four times in the New Testament. The Biblical emphasis is overwhelmingly on the concept of LORDSHIP. Lord means master, the one who calls the shots, the one who makes the decisions" (excerpt from Chapter 2)

Old Ruminatin' Readin' Rod...gives these two projects...5 moo-moos.

Love and Purple...One 2 One Kisses
Rodney "Chewing The Cud" Boyd

TALK THRU THE BIBLE by Bruce Wilkenson and Kenneth Boa

Greetings and salutations ya'll...ready any good books lately.

Back in the 70's...Brenda and I attended a seminar called WALK THRU THE BIBLE. It was a weekend seminar...that took you through the Bible with and overview of the Old and New Testament with nifty little memory techniques that will help you recall the unfolding story of salvation.

I remember little things like how to remember where certain books of the Bible are located. For example...if you wanted to remember where the book of Hebrews is found...think about the preceding books that all begin with the letter /T/. The longer ones start off with the book of I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy,
II Timothy, Titus. What do you need with that /T/? Well...you need phi-LEMON. The question now is...what does God do with all of the /T/? Well...HE..BREWS it. To remember the Pauline Epistles of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians...take the first letter of each book and think about this....Gentile (Galatians) Eat (Ephesians) Pork (Philippians) Chops (Colossians). I know...it's silly...BUT...I still know where the books are found.

I first heard of Bruce Wilkenson from the monthly Walk Thru the Bible devotional guides... which lead to going to the Walk Thru the Bible Seminars. I also have Daily Devotion books called (1) Your Daily Walk [365 Daily Devotions to Read Through The Bible In a Year (2) Closer Walk [365 Daily Devotions That Nurture a Heart For God] (3) FamilyWalk [52 Weekly Devotions For Your Family].

NOTE: These are all Recommended Ruminator Reading...within the Recommended Ruminator Reading....more bang for your buck.

Of course...Mr. Wilkinson will probably be more familiar to you from THE BOOK OF JABEZ, SECRETS OF THE VINE, BEYOND JABEZ, EXPERIENCING A SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH, SET APART, and THE DREAM GIVER..and his latest book...YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS (The Seven Keys To a Life of Predictable Miracles). NOTE: No...I do not get a cut of the sales of these books.

NOW...onto TALK THRU THE BIBLE.

I have read through the Bible many times...I have taught various overviews of books of the Bible...but I still find myself wondering about the common thread...the meaning of...the purpose of...the historicity of...the 66 books that are collected into the single volume that we called THE BIBLE. Wow...66 books on one shelf in the library. (See the first book review that we did on THE BIBLE).

Bruce Wilkenson and Kenneth Boa have put together a great resource tool for any Bible lover.
On the cover of my copy it says:

"A unique reference tool to help you easily understand each book of the Bible, its historical context, and its place in Scripture as a whole."

From the introduction of the book:

"The Bible is the greatest work of literature, history, and theology ever written. In its production, preservation, proclamation, and product (changed history, changed lives), it stands as the most unique book in existence. It is a unity out of a diversity of authors, time span, an literary forms. The Old and New Testaments smoothly blend to crate a bold sweep from eternity past to eternity future, from the heights of heaven to the depths of hell. In these sixty-six books we discover our past, understand our present, and attain hope for our future."

I find this book to be theologically challenging...and easy to read...not getting lost in ecclesiastical rhetoric. This is what they call..."BIBLE BASICS AT A GLANCE." Of course...you want to READ THE BIBLE...but this is a great companion to give you insight along the way.

This book has helpful charts, diagrams, and maps along with answering basic Bible questions. Have you not ever wondered..."Who came first...Hezekiah or Samuel?" "What is the purpose of the book of Hebrews?" "Why is the Song of Solomon in the Bible?"

Some of the talking points they give for reading TALK THRU THE BIBLE includes finding:

--The meaning of its name
--Who wrote it
--The date and setting
--The theme and purpose
--It's key words, verses, and chapters
--How Christ is presented (even in the Old Testament)
--It's contribution to the Bible as a whole
--A broad summary of the events and highlights it records
--A detailed outline of the book

"Talk Thru The Bible is a Bible survey designed to give you a quick, clear overview of Scripture. Great for students, teachers, and pastors."

When I am studying the Bible I like to view it from many points of view. I like the INDUCTIVE METHOD as you read a passage and ask the who, what, when, where, why and how questions. Usually...the Bible serves as it's own commentary...but Talk Thru The Bible is a great helper... called along side to help...understand what you are reading.

I give this book 5 BIG moo-moos. I went on Ebay and there are a few copies there for the bidding.

Love and Talking Thru Kisses
Rodney "Talking and Walking...Mooing and Chewing" Boyd

NEVER QUIT by Edwin Louis Cole

Hello Quitters..."Quitters never win and winners never quit." (Unknown). Have you ever thought about quitting...giving up...running away...letting life just happen...Que Sera Sera...whatever will be will be? Hey...me too.

NOTE: There is a time when quitting is good. That would be where you quit doing your own thing and start doing things God's way. When you say yes to God and no to your flesh.

The latest Recommended Ruminator Reading Review is a book by the author of MAXIMIZED MANHOOD...Edwin Louis Cole. Maximized Manhood is another great book about how to deal with stuff that is common to man...the flesh. The quote from Ben Kinchlow on M.M. is worth the cost of the book..."Being a MALE is a matter of birth...being a MAN is a matter of choice."

NEVER QUIT...is a book not necessarily about not quitting... but a book about how to quit properly. It is a book about NEVER QUITTING...TRUSTING GOD. "Winners are NOT those who NEVER FAIL but those who NEVER QUIT." (Edwin Louise Cole)

This book is a combination of three booklets that Mr. Cole had printed...with some added information to tie them together. Those booklets are:

1. Facing the Challenge of Crisis and Change

2. When Life is Just Too Tough

3. Entering and Leaving Crisis and Change

The third booklet is the one that caught my attention a few years ago...and I had lost the booklet...and was delighted when I found this book at McKay's Bookstore (my favorite used bookstore).

The back cover has some great insights to draw you into this book. "If you ever wanted to quit, READ THIS FIRST." "Stress, Change, Crisis! Everyone know what it's like. Everyone has been tempted to walk away, forget it, give up." Crisis is normal to life....but God has a way for you to become a winner in every situation."

Continuing on with the back cover..."Facing the challenge of job loss, mid-life crisis, troubled marriage, moving, financial difficulties and general stress can become the fuel that propels you to your greatest victories and success!"

In this book you will find: (1) What to do in crisis (2) Ten steps to leave the old and enter the new (3) How to transform crisis into overwhelming success (4) What is your part, what is God's part. "When life is just TOO TOUGH...GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IS TOUGHER. Even if you're tempted to QUIT...YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH !

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is COMMON to man; but GOD IS FAITHFUL, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but WITH THE TEMPTATION will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to BEAR IT. Therefore (because of what was just said) my beloved...FLEE IDOLATRY."

(I Corinthians. 10:13-14)

NOTE: Although we are reviewing NEVER QUIT... the book MAXIMIZED MANHOOD is a great companion book to read also.

"You are either in crisis, or about to be faced with one." (Anonymous) "Such is the normal ebb and flow of life." (Edwin Louis Cole).

For me there are three central themes to NEVER QUIT...(1) Crisis is common, normal to life (2) How you leave a crisis situation...will determine how you will leave your current situation. (3) God never fails, quits, ends anything on a negative, GOD IS FAITHFUL (even when we are not).

Well...that is it...go out and find a copy...and NEVER QUIT.

I give this a 5 moo-moos out of 5 moo-moos.

Love and Never Quitting Kisses

Rodney "God Is Faithful" Boyd

THE BOOK OF SPAM

Hello fellow Mooers and Chewers on the Cud of the Word of God.

This Recommended Ruminator Reading is brought to you (unofficially) by SPAM...the unofficial canned meat of the Ruminator Sunday School Class.

I started talking about Spam and my love for Spam...as a joke...that has turned into a running gag in class. Periodically...when someone says something that is interesting, poignant, thought provoking...I will deem it as SPAM WORTHY...and pass out a can of SPAM...if I have one laying around in my bag. Spam...a delightful blend of spices and ham...the unofficial canned meat of the Ruminator Sunday School Class. Spam has even made it into the food that Chris and Tammy has brought in for the class. In reality...I eat Spam every three to four years...fried to a crisp.

When I was looking around McKay's bookstore in Nashville...I came across a book called THE BOOK OF SPAM: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World's Favorite Canned Meat. The book is by Dan Armstrong and Dustin Black published by ATRIA Books.

"Reading The Book of Spam is like getting a Ph.D in Canned Meat! (Or at lest a Master's in Awesomeness.)

This book is chock full of vital information...of the most trivial kind...that will give you hours of pleasure. I personally find that this is the perfect book to place in your bathroom library...to read in snippets...as you meditate in the privacy of your personal space.

This is no cheap book thrown together on cheap paper and fuzzy photographs. It is a top notch production with full color photos, time lines, historical facts, and just plain fun stuff.

Not only does this book touch on the history of Spam...but the history of cans and canned meats from ancient times...World War II...Old Time Radio
Monty Python's SPAMALOT Broaway musical ripped off form Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and the history of Spam advertising...and much, much more.

I listen to a lot of Old Time Radio... and heard a Spam Commercial on the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.

"The first radio jingle for SPAM is also argued to be the first radio jingle ever!" I also heard this on The Burns and Allen Show (at that time the hottest show on radio)...on Old Time Radio. It went a little something like this: " Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam...Hormel's new MIRACLE MEAT IN A CAN...Saves time, tastes fine...to eat something grand...ask for SPAM." George and Gracie even had a pet pig named SPAMMY...."Totally cute...Totally delicious."

Of course we can't overlook the HAWAII SPAM CONNECTION. When Brenda and I went to Hawaii (for our 25th Wedding Anniversary)...we stopped in to McDonalds for a quick bite...and the salads...had Spam and Pineapple on it. "Introduced to the islands during WWII, SPAM quickly became a part of Hawaiian society. Every self-respecting Hawaiian eats it. They say that SPAM is "ono" That means GOOD."

There is even a SPAM MUSEUM at 1937 Spam Boulevard, Austin, Minnesota.

For more information...check out www.spam.com


Well...that's about it. I would give this book...5 moo moos.

Love and Spammy Kisses
Rodney "A Delightful Blend of Spices and Ham" Boyd