Bøger af Christopher Ian Thoma

"The stories," Reverend Thoma writes, "are never applied to the whiskies. The whiskies reveal the stories... In the process of sniffing, sipping, and finishing a dram, the story is fetched and the whisky's heart is rendered. Sometimes the story includes Darth Vader. Another time there may be a shark named Gary, or an unfortunate brawl with Santa Claus at Walmart." As it was with Volumes I and II, so goes Volume III. Thoma, with his signature style and creativity, never fails to delight nor lose pace in his effort to enlighten and entertain. Endorsements: "THE ANGELS' PORTION ISN'T YOUR TYPICAL BATCH of whisky reviews cobbled together by region. It's a compilation, a gathering of chapters, each one a humorous and colorful insight into the Reverend's life and love affair with whisky. Speaking of such romance, you can't simply neck his reviews. They are stories to caress and appreciate. So, slow down, take your time, and savor Thoma's words. They will remind you why you love whisky and all the little things in life that make stories worth retelling."-ED LEIGH & EVAN HIRSCH, Top Whiskies "FAR MORE THAN JUST A BUYER'S GUIDE-but still a great one at that-the Reverend presents his perspectives on various whiskies playfully and with refreshing frankness. Within the pages of AP III, Rev. Thoma lays bare his true and unabridged self. A true wordsmith, his lines are delightful prose, drawing you to fall for the man, his family, his parish, his state, his country, and his world. But then something even greater beckons. At last, you fall in love over and over again with the water of life called whisky, and as you do, you're reminded of creation in every sense of the word."-MARK ALAN KAUFMANN, Whisky Whistle "WHAT DO RED LOBSTER, HAIRY CHESTS, BIRD crap, and school picture day all have in common with whisky? Well, on the surface, nothing, which is why you'll be amazed when you discover how whisky is so intricately woven into the very fabric of existence itself. This is a whisky review book for those who don't particularly enjoy reading whisky reviews. But it's also for those who do. Through his imaginative storytelling, Thoma draws you into a seemingly unrelated thread, and before you even realize it has happened, you find you've gained significant insight into the whisky that inspired the tale in the first place. Much like a Glencairn glass of your favorite spirit, this is a hard book to put down."-JARROD LAPATO, Writer for BourbonAndBanter "A POIGNANT LINE: 'THE WHISKIES REVEAL THE stories.' No, you won't be reading about the history of this or that distillery and its whisky. Instead, what you'll find is a vast array of stories, each woven together with threads from experiences with family, friends, and a few fictional participants. Some are humorous. Others have an edge of seriousness. All are fun, entertaining, and brutally honest as they reveal the essence of any of the particular whiskies included-like the one that tastes of 'citrus and a shard of clove that's been piercing the hide of a glazed ham strapped to a barkless, sap-drenched pine tree stump in the middle of the woods for over week.' Good whisky, bad whisky, either way you'll be there, and you'll taste each and every one being described. And then there's something new as compared to his first two volumes-a revelation of sorts that's sure to be appreciated by those of us north of his border. The Reverend has discovered a fondness for Canadian whisky! In all, the third volume of The Angels' Portion doesn't disappoint. Although, one haunting question may remain long after you've finished reading: Why did that kid want all those golf balls?"-GERALD GLAVOTA, Senior Writer for Preferred Magazine

At just short of 700 glorious pages, the Reverend is back and better than ever in this follow up edition to the popular The Angels' Portion: A Clergyman's Whisky Narrative. Here in Volume II, Thoma mesmerizes readers once again as he carries them along in exploration of "aqua vitae" through his signature style of vivacious storytelling. And all along the way, it will be as he prophetically warns: "You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll question humanity. You'll see life differently. You'll pour another of your favorite drams and give thanks for the gifts you've been given." ENDORSEMENTS: "The Force is definitely strong with this one. Wait... wrong meeting. Either way, this is one of the most entertaining whisk(e)y books I have had the pleasure of reading, humorous and informative at the same time. Perfect for a quiet night enjoying a dram on the Death Star." BRETT FERENCZScotch Trooperscotchtrooper-blog.com "With due respect to Thoma's modesty, he proves that the clergy and drink fit hand in glove with every page. The insight he offers on a range of whiskies is approachable to all, like a well-crafted cask strength, and his comments are carried off with a storyteller's flair."RICHARD THOMASAuthor of Stonewall Goes West and Mother Earth, Bloody GroundManaging Editor for WhiskeyReviewer.com "A delightful read, not just for his thoughts on whisky, but for his brilliant observations on life. The Reverend's passion pours out through every page and paragraph."ANDREW FLATTAmateurDrammer.com "As the Scotch Test Dummies, Scott and I have a compatriot in Reverend Thoma. Star Wars, zombies, and so much more, The Angels' Portion Volume II is real whisky reviewing with a heavy dose of whimsy-just the way the Dummies like it!"BART BRUNSCHEENCo-host of The Scotch Test DummiesScotchTestDummies.com "Thoma's reviews are as delightful-and varied!-as uncorking an untried bottle and sampling a wee dram. Rich in metaphor and exuding wit, this clergyman's descriptions of his whisky wanderings will leave you as a good sermon should: blissfully content but desiring more." REV. TROY NEUJAHRSt. Peter Lutheran ChurchShaker Heights, Ohio "Reverend Thoma's skill at weaving personal stories with creative, witty descriptors of whiskies is unparalleled. He is always on point and brutally honest. A must read for all us whisky geeks." LINDA L. PETERSONAuthor of Whisky Tales: Tastings and Temptationsdramgoodwhiskylady.wordpress.com "Reverend Thoma has a way with words and whisk(e)y. From T.S. Eliot to UFOs, he eloquently and methodically tears apart the taboo of liqueur and religion. With wit, wisdom, and perfectly placed humor he carries the reader along on an unforgettable journey which is best experienced with a glass of fine Scotch." JOSHUA CASEtippleandtext.wordpress.com

Newly revised interior, including an index for easily locating content favorites! Did you know that Darth Vader prefers Lagavulin? Were you aware that Santa Claus keeps a bottle of Caol Ila on the shelf? Have you heard that Scoresby was squeezed from the very veins of the Devil himself? Emerging from the mind of a surprising whisky connoisseur, The Angels' Portion is a substantial assortment of whisky reviews like none you've ever read before. By means of storytelling, and with charming wit and vibrant style, Reverend Christopher I. Thoma shepherds the reader toward a divine insight: If you don't like whisky, it may only be because you haven't danced with the right bottle. "The Reverend Christopher I. Thoma admits that not everyone thinks whisky and the clergy go hand in hand. The Angel's Portion should satisfy those doubting Thomases. In it, he weaves theology, poetry and good conversation for a quenching narrative, whether you're thirsty for a great whisky recommendation or just some friendly companionship as you curl up with your favorite tumbler. As a pastor with an astute palate, Thoma's whisky reviews are truly divine." - Chantal Martineau, author of HOW THE GRINGOS STOLE TEQUILA, The Modern Age of Mexico's Most Traditional Spirit. "Pastor Thoma knows his spirits - from the cloud of witnesses to these mighty whiskies. The Angels' Portion is a kind of tithe - a tax we pay on the time it takes to get things right. And though I haven't had a drop in years (it got to where I spilled too much...) this whiff of those hovering uraeuses - the tongues of fire - these holy ghosts are happily haunting. Praise be!" - Thomas Lynch, author of THE SIN EATER, THE UNDERTAKING, and many others.

VOLUME 2The Cruciform Way is far more than a brief devotional rendezvous. It digs deeper than that. It requires a little more contemplation of the "self," while at the same time promising to help steady you with the same divine muscle that has steadied believers throughout the history of Man. It does this remembering that life is short, but eternity is long-timeless, in fact. And its ultimate goal: A Gospel that gives and emboldens a faith that will keep the heart and mind of the believer in Jesus Christ for and into this eternity.ENDORSEMENTS: "The Cruciform Way is a great source of encouragement for Christians today as they navigate the confusion of our culture, and Pastor Thoma does a great job with providing rich inspiration for his readers."CHARLIE KIRK, Founder and President of Turning Point USA"Another brilliant work by Reverend Thoma! Ours is a nation and world trying to push God into the margins. But God won't be pushed, and He reminds us of this through preachers like Reverend Thoma. Society's movement toward secularism is having disastrous results. It's leaving people confused and hopeless. Thankfully, Thoma is not afraid to be faithful. This devotional shows he's not afraid to stand toe-to-toe against the world's evil and give people the truth of God's Word. And he continues to do this with passion while so many of his clergy contemporaries have long since thrown in the towel and succumbed to the safety of politically correct 'wokeness.' In short, Reverend Thoma uses The Cruciform Way to come down from the pulpit, take the reader by the hand, and walk them back to the only One who gives real hope: Jesus Christ."SHERIFF (RET) DAVID CLARKE, Former Milwaukee County Sheriff and Author of Cop Under Fire: Moving Beyond Hashtags of Race, Crime & Politics for a Better America"Pastor Thoma never shies away from challenging his readers to dig more deeply into the Scriptures, and The Cruciform Way, his delightful devotional, is no exception. With his signature awareness and conversational style, his words become familiar to the reader as he moves from week to week bringing rich biblical theology to interface with the practical of 'life.' And his goal: to bring all of us closer to Jesus. Whether or not you have a trusted devotional resource, give The Cruciform Way a try. I highly recommend it."DANIELLE D'SOUZA GILL, Author of The Choice: The Abortion Divide in America"The Cruciform Way is a delightful book. Thoma's writing is excellent. He's a crafter of language, resulting in the devotions within being as far from spiritual fluff as they can get. Fitting squarely to the Word of God, and following the seasons of the Church Year, Thoma peers deeply into theological truth, and yet remains unfailing in his ability to relay these truths in a personal way. This alone leaves the reader pondering the things written long after visiting with them. This Scripture-drenched devotional is just what Christians need for facing the trials of this life faithfully-and courageously! I highly recommended it!"REVEREND PAUL CLARK, President of Lutherans for Life of Michigan and Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fowler, Michigan

Everything has its story. In this fourth installment of The Angels' Portion series, both the gentle and jagged (and almost always hilarious) rites and ceremonies of life's narratives pour once again from Reverend Thoma's pen. More than the observations of a social critic, The Angels' Portion is a plentiful collection of whisky scribblings in whimsical examination of all things human. Every sip proves itself generous and thirst quenching.ENDORSEMENTS: It's the various distilleries throughout the world that make the whiskies, but it's Reverend Thoma's eloquence that makes me want to try them. He's incredibly clever, being careful with his wit and sorting his words so that the reader can't resist the lure of his narrative style. But often in the midst of his humorism, one realizes he's not just having fun. He's teaching, too, and as he does, he reveals a friendly depth as a storyteller that's refreshing for our day. His observations in all things-literature, family, culture, theology, politics, you name it-cause one to stop and think more intently than before. By the end of each review (if that's at all what you can call each of the chapters in this delightful volume), you will have discovered something of yourself and the world in which you dwell, and you'll be better for it.DINESH D'SOUZAAuthor and FilmmakerLikely the real mind behind the incandescent light bulb, I'm betting Thoma invented the skull that goes on top of the Hurst floor shifter, too. He's a remarkable man. Chris-a glass of whiskey in one hand, a Bible in the other, AC/DC blaring at ear bleed levels-is my kind of Reverend. And I know he's armed to the teeth. I like that. If he writes something, read it. The man is all the way live and genuine, and his writing is the proof. If you're shy and don't get out much-basically introverted-make sure to read this book. It'll add new dimensions to your life you didn't even know existed. Who knows? You may even run away from home and become the leader of a pack of super models. Dig in. And dig in DEEP. Get, read, and share The Angels' Portion! You'll be more than glad you did.THAYRONE XHost of "On the Edge with Thayrone"WAAM Radio, Ann Arbor, MichiganThis is the fourth book in a must-read series of hilariously endearing stories. Some are sweet. Some are sour. All are completely relatable. Most of all, while they prove Reverend Thoma's mind is versatile, they also prove he's pretty twisted.LAHNA TURNERComedian, Actress, & SongwriterIt seems the saying that the loneliest person in the world is a man on a rainy day with nothing to read may be only half true. Add whisky to the list of miserable omissions and only then is the saying complete. Chris Thoma-a Lutheran pastor, author, family man, and humorist-demonstrates this in the fourth volume of his The Angels' Portion series. He depicts both the wisdom and joys of an angelic palate, and he gives all glory to God, the generous giver of the divine elixir. Move over Mark Twain. Thoma is vying for your crown! JIM WESTAuthor ofDrinking With Calvin and Luther: A History of Alcohol in the Church

VOLUME 1To be cruciform is to be cross-shaped. The cruciform way is the life born from and shaped by a faith lived in clear sight of Jesus Christ, the One who hung upon Calvary's cross for the magnificent rescue of a world of dreadful transgressors. A collection of weekly devotions examining various aspects of the Christian life, The Cruciform Way: A Steady Cadence of Christ for Life labors to stir the Spirit-enabled skill for receiving both joy and sorrow, leisure and struggle, all through the Gospel lens of Christ and the certainty of His victory and forgiveness.Endorsements: "This devotional is a gem: eloquent, humble, learned. There is a kind of soulcraft which comes through each of its readings, and I found them consistently nourishing, edifying, refreshing, and insightful. I hope and pray many others will be as encouraged and blessed as I am with these joyful grace-notes of wisdom and fidelity."-Timothy Goeglein, Vice President, Focus on the Family and Author of The Man in the Middle"The Cruciform Way is the most practical devotional available today. Pastor Thoma captures the issues and answers the questions that most Christians ponder while living their faith. His writing is engaging. He leaves us eager for each new reading as he enlightens with biblical insights that all will find absolutely invaluable."-Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, US Army (Ret), Former Commander of U.S. Army Special Forces & Founding Member of Delta Force"The way of the Lord is the way of the word, and one word in particular: the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. The Cruciform Way is at times a blessed walk, other times a joyful dance, but it is always a rhythmic delight in this same Christ. Thoma sets before his readers a steady feast of richness that forges the heart with both the hammer of God's law and the sweet comfort of His merciful gospel as He leads us through the many courses of the Church Year. This is the way, The Cruciform Way. There is no other. And it is very good."-Rev. Dr. Edward A. Sikora, Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, DeWitt, Michigan

Tea with the Moon tells the whimsical tale of a little girl who, when her father calls for her to come inside after a long day of play, is unwilling to go; that is, until he reminds her of the ill-minded insects that will soon be on the scene to snatch her blood and make her itch. Everyone likes to have fun. But in order to have fun again tomorrow, there are things we need to be mindful of and do today.

At just short of 700 glorious pages, the Reverend is back and better than ever in this follow up edition to the popular The Angels' Portion: A Clergyman's Whisky Narrative. Here in Volume II, Thoma mesmerizes readers once again as he carries them along in exploration of "aqua vitae" through his signature style of vivacious storytelling. And all along the way, it will be as he prophetically warns: "You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll question humanity. You'll see life differently. You'll pour another of your favorite drams and give thanks for the gifts you've been given."

It appears that something terrible, horrible—frighteningly dreadful—has invaded the quiet little home of an innocent family. Oh, what to do in the face of such terror?!A whimsical little tale, There’s a Bug on the Floor teaches that misinformation and worry have the potential for making the smallest of concerns appear enormous.Stop. Take a breath. Investigate. You may discover that your terrible “something” is really nothing at all.