Review of Donkeys are not the Problem - Who are the riders?

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any non-fiction books such as autobiographies or political commentary books.
Post Reply
User avatar
Kibet Hillary
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 4306
Joined: 26 Jul 2017, 01:48
Currently Reading: Anticipation Day
Bookshelf Size: 3543
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kibet-hillary.html
Latest Review: Sooner Secrets by Shelley L. Levisay

Re: Review of Donkeys are not the Problem - Who are the riders?

Post by Kibet Hillary »

It is amazing to read that the author has integrated the Bible verses well into the rest of the narrative. However, the fact that the book's complexity somehow affects the delivery and comprehensibility of its content means one might have to struggle a bit. Still, I am adding this to to-read shelf.
Many thanks for the amazing review, @Caroline Anne Richmond.
:tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat:
“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
- Dr. Larry Crabb
Yaa Agyekum 1
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 20
Joined: 14 Aug 2024, 14:22
Currently Reading: Running Between Trees
Bookshelf Size: 11
2025 Reading Goal: 20
2025 Goal Completion: 0%

Post by Yaa Agyekum 1 »

Adam gave them names at the naming ceremony in the Garden of Eden. God approved the list of names that Adam gave to the creatures. God wants humans to be fruitful and multiply. In the Bible, an ass is a synonym for donkey.
Deuteronomy 22:10
Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together. An ox and a donkey are two different animals and have different personality. An ox is a hard worker. A donkey is lazy and doesn't put that much effort into the work.
Atieno Magero
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1360
Joined: 09 Nov 2020, 13:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 168
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-atieno-magero.html
Latest Review: 3000 Orgasms by Rebecca Ferguson

Post by Atieno Magero »

This book is perfect for Christians who want to learn more about the meaning of biblical stories. The author primarily focuses on the stories with donkeys in them. This seems like a great book that'll give readers a different perspective on Bible stories.
Bhimlendra Kumar 1
Posts: 40
Joined: 27 Nov 2024, 07:24
Currently Reading: The Cello Maker and Other Stories of Creative People
Bookshelf Size: 18

Post by Bhimlendra Kumar 1 »

Good informative review!

"Donkeys are not the Problem - Who are the Riders?" is authored by Kemas Lift. This book highlights the importance of donkeys in the Bible. The donkey is also used as a metaphor for living a purposeful life. Those who have read the Bible or are Christians will find this book worth reading and understanding better. Congratulations on being declared 'BOTD'!
User avatar
Anayda Idrees
Posts: 1
Joined: 07 Feb 2025, 00:54
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Anayda Idrees »

This book comprises a large amount of Bible scripture and explanations of Bible stories. The scripture will appeal to Christian readers, but I found it a little heavy. I think the author expects the reader to be reasonably proficient in Bible knowledge, and this knowledge would certainly help the reader understand the book.

The concept of the book is also a challenge to understand. The author speaks in literal and metaphorical terms. The author states the donkey’s high status in the Bible and their attributes and suggests people should have the same qualities. The word, donkey, is used to symbolise goals and desires, such as chasing donkeys. The metaphors are confusing, as are some of the author’s concepts. The author writes intelligently but with complexity that does not always flow.

The author has clear and unwavering religious views and advocates purposefully living a life in service to God, the same way a loyal donkey does. Although the themes are complex, this seems to be the main message.

The book is edited well, and the Bible scripture is integrated well within the text. I liked the comparisons between the Bible stories and modern life. I didn’t enjoy the complicated text and some of the metaphors, which made the book hard to follow. I also thought the Bible scripture content was too heavy. I found the book educational and learnt more about some Bible stories. For these reasons, I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars.
User avatar
James Namale
Posts: 1
Joined: 12 Apr 2024, 01:53
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by James Namale »

Donkeys Are Not the Problem is an engaging read that prompts self-reflection and a deeper understanding of the complex issues within society. It’s a call to action for both the "donkeys" and the "riders" to recognize their roles in shaping a better world.
Asario Fox
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 63
Joined: 19 May 2024, 00:39
Currently Reading: A Wildflower in the Dark
Bookshelf Size: 12

Post by Asario Fox »

Thank you for your thoughtful and balanced review, Caroline! You’ve highlighted both the strengths and challenges of the book clearly, especially the depth of scripture and metaphorical complexity. Your perspective on how prior biblical knowledge might enhance a reader’s experience is insightful, and it’s great to hear the modern parallels resonated with you. This review will surely help others gauge whether the book aligns with their spiritual or literary preferences. Well done!
User avatar
Tars
Posts: 2131
Joined: 14 Feb 2018, 12:14
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 392

Post by Tars »

"The author has clear and unwavering religious views and advocates purposefully living a life in service to God, the same way a loyal donkey does"— I really don't appreciate the comparison! And considering I am not religious to take it personally; it says a lot, because no matter my views, the devout people deserve more respect for their choice to use God's greatest gift to humanity — free will.
Jelani Trotter
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 160
Joined: 18 Jan 2025, 02:23
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 26
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jelani-trotter.html
Latest Review: Forgiveness and reconciliation detangled by isoken ogbeide

Post by Jelani Trotter »

I love books that connect biblical stories to modern life! The perspective on donkeys and their riders sounds really unique and thought-provoking.
User avatar
Quentin Russel
Posts: 87
Joined: 11 Oct 2024, 18:44
Currently Reading: Fireproof Happiness
Bookshelf Size: 17

Post by Quentin Russel »

The idea that donkeys symbolise loyalty, service, and perseverance offers an interesting parallel to how individuals navigate their spiritual journeys. I appreciate the depth of the metaphor, even if its complexity might not be for everyone.
User avatar
Quentin Russel
Posts: 87
Joined: 11 Oct 2024, 18:44
Currently Reading: Fireproof Happiness
Bookshelf Size: 17

Post by Quentin Russel »

Jelani Trotter wrote: 07 Feb 2025, 02:14 I love books that connect biblical stories to modern life! The perspective on donkeys and their riders sounds really unique and thought-provoking.
I agree! It's always fascinating to see how biblical narratives can be interpreted in ways that resonate with modern life. The symbolism of donkeys and their riders adds a fresh layer of meaning, making us reflect on our own roles and responsibilities.
User avatar
mrlefty0706
In It Together VIP
Posts: 2303
Joined: 06 Aug 2020, 00:45
Favorite Author: Jack Winnick
Favorite Book: Where, Right Matters
Currently Reading: This Is Your Last Warning
Bookshelf Size: 1264
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 77547
2025 Reading Goal: 150
2025 Goal Completion: 109%

Post by mrlefty0706 »

"Donkeys are not the Problem - Who are the riders?" by Kemas Lift is an adult Christian book that studies the donkey in the Bible and their riders. The book then uses this information relating to modern life. Donkeys existed in the Garden of Eden and were named by Adam and whatever Adam named an animal has remained for all time since God created man and woman. Donkeys follow orders from men and they are very loyal. They have been used to guard sheep and goats from many predators. The author tells the story of Balaam who cursed the Israelites even though God told him not to do so. While riding his donkey Balaam saw angels appear three times to try and stop him. His donkey knew to stop, but Balaam beat the donkey to keep going. Having read the Bible twice I look forward to reading the Bible scriptures again and reviewing the explanations given in this book to explain the scriptures. The author speaks in literal and metaphorical terms and he believes the word donkey is used to symbolize goals and desires. This is a definition I have not seen before. The metaphors are confusing as are some of Lift’s concepts. He believes that humans should live their lives in service to God, a goal I have seen before. The official reviewer gave this book 3 out of 5-stars because some of the concepts are confusing and do not flow very well. Lift found the book educational and liked the comparisons between the Bible stories and modern life. I know there was significance in Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem before his trial, conviction and crucifixion, so I will first re-read this part of the New Testament. I will need to read this entire book before I understand and accept the importance of donkeys in scripture.
User avatar
Lene Lena
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 468
Joined: 18 Jun 2017, 04:57
Currently Reading: The Visible Subconscious
Bookshelf Size: 85
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lene-lena.html
Latest Review: The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve by Lee Cherry
2025 Reading Goal: 36
2025 Goal Completion: 25%

Post by Lene Lena »

The review of “Donkeys are not the Problem - Who are the Riders?” highlights an intriguing perspective on biblical narratives. It emphasizes the significance of donkeys as loyal companions and their role in conveying deeper moral lessons about responsibility and purpose, particularly through the story of Balaam. This connection to modern life is thought-provoking.
User avatar
Quentin Russel
Posts: 87
Joined: 11 Oct 2024, 18:44
Currently Reading: Fireproof Happiness
Bookshelf Size: 17

Post by Quentin Russel »

Tars wrote: 07 Feb 2025, 01:29 "The author has clear and unwavering religious views and advocates purposefully living a life in service to God, the same way a loyal donkey does"— I really don't appreciate the comparison! And considering I am not religious to take it personally; it says a lot, because no matter my views, the devout people deserve more respect for their choice to use God's greatest gift to humanity — free will.
I see where you're coming from! The comparison might not resonate with everyone, depending on how one interprets the metaphor. I think the author's intent was to highlight qualities like loyalty and perseverance rather than diminish human free will.
User avatar
Abiodunakinola
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 617
Joined: 24 Mar 2022, 17:02
Favorite Book:
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 79
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-abiodunakinola.html
Latest Review: EMA by Aian D. Grey

Post by Abiodunakinola »

This book presents an intriguing blend of biblical analysis and metaphorical interpretation, urging readers to reflect on their own purpose and service to God. However, the complexity of the metaphors and the assumption of prior biblical knowledge may make it challenging for some readers to fully grasp the author’s message. Nice review.
Latest Review: EMA by Aian D. Grey
Post Reply

Return to “Non-Fiction Books”