So, uhh, like... what are you reading?
Garrick made a comment about wanting the down low on books before investing considerable energy in reading them––and the opportunity cost of an alternative selection otherwise foregone. I figured it'd be a good time to take a snapshot of what the Cacophonites are reading right now. So:
• what are you reading?
• give us your take on its merits (but don't spoil it)
• who do you think would dig it?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Calling ye bibliophiles
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11 comments:
So, yep, I got a wee stack going at the moment that I'm hoping to diminish over my lazy down south weekend away. Not all, but some of:
Velvet Elvis
I feel a little sheepish that I'm reading this for the first time because most people read it just after Noah hit dry land again. It also seems a bit clichéd to talk it up but anyway...I'm half way though and I'm loving it. Rob Bell has a succinct way of reframing stuff that is cogent, clarifying and connected (probably lots of other 'c' words as well). Many people put Velvet Elvis and Blue Like Jazz in the same basket. I've loved both books but see them differently. Perhaps the common denominator is tone. But yeah, VE is tracking between 7-8 at the moment.
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
I've talked about this one a few posts back. I bought it at the Newsagency in Perth International Airport back in July but I've only recently started heading towards the back intentionally. It's sitting on a 6 right now and gives some interesting insights into journey, psyche and the human condition from a predominantly secular point of view.
A Generous Orthodoxy
I've stalled on this one. It was annoying me. McLaren took so long introducing and disclaiming himself from everything...essentially saying he was about to offend lots of folk so we should buckle up - I started thinking he should just get on with the offending. Anyway, I'll persist a bit longer but right now it's dormant and sitting on about a 4.
The Brothers Karamazov
I've started this about 32 years ago and progress lately has been minimal...but I'm keen. I have a bold plan to complete this classic before I'm 70. Until then, I'm waiting for Keiren to pony up with a review for our mutual edification. It was a while back, but I think it was just warming up when I let it simmer.
This Beautiful Mess
Another book I've talked about. I intend to open it for the first time this weekend.
That's all I got.
(For thought on 'Revolution' and 'Confessions' - recent reads - see the 'Confessions' post. For thoughts on 'In a pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day', take a look at the reviews section)
Can I also quietly say that I'd love to know what the regular Cacophonist who visits from people.net.au / swiftel is reading? Go on!
I am reading a couple of Nicky Cruz books at the moment. I just finished his autobiography called Run Baby Run and it is an amazing account of what God can do with our lives when we lay them totally before Him. He was a gang leader in New York quite a few years ago, until God chased him down. The other one I am reading is Holy Fire, also by Nicky Cruz and it is a story about what God has taught him about the Holy Spirit and the importance of being obedient - great read, highly recommended if you like to be encouraged and yet challenged about spiritual matters.
Nice one Simone. If you're enjoying 'Run Baby Run', you might want to read David Wilkerson's 'Cross and the Switchblade' - I'm sure it's referenced in Run Baby Run.
You've probably already read it...
Do you know that both of them are at Time Square Church in NYC? I heard Nicky speak when I went there. It's a sweet church.
www.peopleformachines.blogspot.com
stop the madness
yeah read the Cross and the Switchblade first, great book - thanks for the recommendation though! Another one while I am thinking about it is Exceedingly Growing Faith by Kenneth Hagin, just finished reading it for the second time - written a long time ago but very relevant with the message it brings about faith. If you want a refresher in faith, this one should hit the spot.
Dear Enemy – Jean Webster
Classic chick-lit from the 1910s that I return to semi-regularly. It’s sweet and funny and nice – like milk arrowroots with icing faces. Lovely.
For Women Only – Shaunti Feldhahn
I od’ed on the Men Are From Puppy Dogs’ Tails, Women Can’t Read Spaghetti genre a couple of years ago, but this one was actually...good. If you prefer your gender generalizations backed up with both Bible and science...
The PAPA Prayer – Larry Crabb
He opens by admitting that for the 50 years he’s been a Christian, his prayer life has been dry and crisis driven. Then he says that God’s been teaching him new ways to pray that are truly relational. Open, practical and I love hearing from people who’ve been walking this path a while.
Unnamed Literary Novel
I mentioned this one in the mediated texts post. I finished it. But by the end, I actively disliked both the protagonist and the writer
Velvet Elvis – Rob Bell
Hey, me too, Simon! It’s early days on this one, but to be honest, I’m not yet convinced. Although I can say with certainty that if you can’t stand fluorescent peach, this book is not for you...
hey,
reading quite a few books at the same time....
The Revolutionary communicator-Jedd Medefind/ Erik Lokkesmoe
seven principles Jesus lived to impact , connect and lead. great book truly recommend it
'La puissance d'exister' ( the power of existance) Michel Onfray
well Known french philosopher pro atheist.It is pretty full on but It's always good to know what other people think about God.
The difference maker - John Maxwell
Great book on leadership link to your attitude
The confident Woman - Joyce Meyer
Girls only...
How to read the Bible for all its Worth - Gordon D.Fee/Douglas Stuart
Great practical approach to Bible study in an easy-to-understand style (Bookstore Journal)
Voila
Good reading!
what are you reading, brad?
well, anonymous, i'm not reading as much as i have at other times––preferring to watch episodes of COPS when the opportunity arises––but here's my tepid list:
Economics (5th edn.): McTaggart et. al.
Jaunty little number takes a balanced look at macro & micro economics. Graphs break up all the words. Pairs well with spreadsheet mains (medium rare) drizzled with an abacus jus.
Pensees: Blaise Pascal
Interesting to read the thoughts of this brilliant thinker. Sums up human paradox brilliantly: The grandeur of man is great in that he knows himself to be miserable. A perfect accompaniment to sober self-assesment and holy wonder.
The New Yorker
A great friend gave me a subscription to this magazine and it has become staple evening fodder. A tasty and at times delectable buffet of contemporary politics, arts, commentary and reviews there's always something engaging to be found.
Invisible Lines of Connection - I broke my Koorong boycot for this little delight. Apparently no-one else wanted to order in from "Jewish Lights Publisher". Weird.
Rabbi Kushner offers stories. Real stories. Simple stories. Stories of the everyday and shows the sacred within - hence the 'invisible line of connection'. It's such a simple, beautiful book. Humble but glorious, in its own way.
Basically, this is the book I wanted to write, but didn't have the life experience, talent and mastery that R. Kushner does.
So I'll start small and maybe, when I have a few decades under my (proverbial) belt, I'll write something other than introductions to theological thought and praxis.
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