Book List

If you want to know what I’ve been reading, here’s a list of the last 15 books I’ve read.  The Format is Title (author) synopsis [score from 1-10]                                      

The Ministry of Intercession (Andrew Murray) [8] Redundant…redundant…and exactly what I needed to read.  Also, one chapter was a little too “works-righteousness” sounding but this is definitely a book on prayer that I need to read at this time in my journey. 

 

The Human Voice (Anne  Karpf) [4] My rating is based only on my disappointment in what I was lead to believe this book was really about based on the cover jacket.  If you want a thorough history of the human voice, why it’s changing, when pre-natal infants can hear it, etc., then you’ll enjoy the book. 

 

Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs  (Bill Hybels)  [7]  Hybels has been an icon of mine for a while.  And his book doesn’t disappoint.  Every leader should read it.  But it wasn’t worthy enough to garner more than 7 out of 10 because some of the proverbs are so obvious and Hybels didn’t add to their discussion.

 

Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Woman’s Place in Church and Family (Gilbert Bilezikian) [9]  I have always struggled with this issue theologically because it seems that the Scriptures contradict themselves.  Fortunately Bilezikian does an outstanding job of clearing the debris to see the new covenant ethic that Jesus and Paul taught was normative for the new community CHURCH, the Body of Christ.  It’s refreshing to see an argument for women in ministry and mutual submission in marriage based on BIBLICAL arguments and not mere cultural ones. 

 

The Secret Speech (Tom Rob Smith) [8]  In this sequel to the most excellent “CHILD 44″ Tom Rob Smith continues the story of a KGB agent “gone good” who has to live with his past mistakes.  This story keeps moving and while not as character-driven as CHILD 44, Smith’s eclectic style of short sentences keeps me engrossed as he moves the plot quickly without eliminating enough detail to put you into the story. 

In Times of Crisis and Sorrow – A Minister’s Manual Resource Guide (Carol Noren) [6]  Great book for a new pastor or seminarian.  The first 100 pages give a theological background and tips to caring for the dying and caregivers, etc.  The best part are the funeral suggestions and ideas.  Can never have enough good ideas….

 Hello Goodbye: A Novel (Emily Chenoweth)  [9]  If you’re looking for a feel-good plot-driven book, don’t bother reading Hello Goodbye.  But if you want to get into the minds and thoughts and memories of a family facing the death of a mother by cancer then this is a must-read.  I really didn’t want to read this book because my mom died from cancer.  But I decided to start it and had a hard time putting it down.  So often throughout the book Chenoweth gave me words to what I had gone through and what I imagined my mother and father had too. 

When March Went Mad: The Game That Transformed Basketball (Seth Davis) [8] Well-written account of the game “that changed college basketball” between Michigan State (and Magic Johnson) and Indiana State (and Larry Bird).  Actually it is more than about “just the game,” but all the events at both schools and both players that led to that historical moment. 

 How Do You Know You’re Not Wrong?: Responding to Objections That Leave Christians Speechless (Paul Copan) [7] Copan does a fine job of answering the “tough questions” but sometimes does it in a way that is “too heady.”  Maybe I’m just not that smart, but there were some parts in the book that were over my head.  If that’s the case, how can we answer objections if those listening don’t understand?

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman (John Krakauer) [6]  Haven’t read a JK book since his brilliantly haunting true story “Into Thin Air.”  That book was a 10!  However well Krakauer can write, it doesn’t make a non-fiction story line grabbing enough.  Enjoyed reading Pat Tillman’s story but not immensely. 

The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins) [9]  This is great YA lit!  Loved it much more than Twilight but I am a guy so what would you expect.  However, the protagonist is a teen girl who lives in the not so distant future of Panem, a post-apocalyptic America that is broken into 12 districts.  Each year a teen male and teen female “tribute” is randomly selected from each district to participate in the “Hunger Games,” a nationally-televised “Survival of the Fittest” competition where the winner is the one who survives.  Looking forward to the next 2 books in the trilogy.

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith (Timothy Keller) [10]  Dr. Keller does an amazing job of uncovering the true intent of Jesus’ parable of the so-called “Prodigal Son,” moving the focus from the younger son to the elder son and challenging us to compare our motivations and moralities to that of the elder son.   This short book is as intensely convicting as it was enjoyable; a definete must-read no matter where you are in your spiritual journey!

Beat the Reaper: A Novel (Josh Bazell) [5] Creative!  But unsatisfying.  Bazell crafted a great “idea” and the writing wasn’t bad.  But it never “took off” for me.

Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry (Robert Welch) [5] This book would be ideal for the seminary student or new pastor but most of what is being taught has been implemented in the churches that I’ve pastored prior to me coming so it wasn’t THAT helpful.

The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith (Marcus Borg) [4] Borg’s chapter on “faith” was excellent…but after that Borg trivialized his “emerging” position when he makes matter-of-fact statements that aren’t matters of fact.  So theologically I had a difficult time with most of this.  But when he was right…I could give a hearty amen.  It’s just that he wasn’t right very often.

What’s a good book that you’ve read lately and recommend?