John's #2 - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

In a culture filled with reality TV, Twitter, and endless sarcasm an adventure tale like the Hobbit stands out as refreshing and timeless.

I won't go into the plot here, as you have either:   - already read it - are interested and should read it for yourself - or have no interest in dragons, hairy footed little people and awesomeness.  A plot summary would serve none of those groups.

Suffice it to say that I enjoyed reading the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and company far more than I did those of his younger cousin, Frodo.  The Hobbit was much more action packed and the smaller scope allowed me to invest more in the characters.  I also appreciated the lighter diet of Middle earth songs and poetry, which in The Lord of the Rings can sometimes go on for pages.

Here's hoping that the transfer of this superior Tolkien adventure to film is as succesful as that of The Lord of the Rings.

 

 

Ron’s #9: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This book is easily one of my favorite novels to read and teach. I’ve taught this many times, and I no longer need to reread it to teach it, but I do every year because it is so good. This year was no different.

I just read the review I wrote on Gatsby before. It’s pretty good! Mark just reviewed it a few months ago here.

Take my advice: Read this book. It’s THE American novel.

Ron’s #8: When People are Big and God is Small by Edward Welch

A good friend recommended this book to address our fear of man instead of our holy fear of God. After a slew of complaining parents at school and an ever-tightening knot in my stomach, I decided that I wanted to read it. As it addresses the topic of fear, I think there was much to glean. However, it was a bit too counsel-ly for me. Some aspects reminded me of the books I had to read in a counseling class in college, and that’s not a good thing.

Welch offers important reminders that as Christians, we must not give in to becoming people pleasers, a temptation that I lean toward. God is to be the one I’m trying to “impress.”

Ron’s #7: Traveler by Ron McLarty

I loved this book, my second McLarty novel. I read his The Memory of Running a few years ago, and I loved the narrative voice of the main character Smitty in his writing. Traveler is no different. Jono Riley is a semi-failed actor on off-off-Broadway who is called home to East Providence, Rhode Island after the death of his childhood friend/first love. While there he discovers clues about several other shootings in the area from years ago, and tries to find some meaning.

The main character in this book isn’t Jono; it’s Rhode Island itself. McLarty writes RI so clearly, so powerfully, that the setting plays a main role. Jono returns to his childhood haunts around East Providence and Pawtucket, all the places that are in my childhood. As I read through, I wanted a grinder, a cabinet, and clam cakes on a trip to Rocky Point wicked bad.

If I didn’t have the roots in Rhode Island, I’m not sure that this novel would have had the impact on me that it did. By the time Jono’s mystery wraps-up (pretty hokey, in my opinion), I found that I was thinking about my childhood, my lingering history, my own demons from a small state with a tight grip.

JRF's #1 - Trusting God by Jerry Bridges

Ya, I know.  Kind of a late start.  I have no delusions that I am going to make 52 books this year.  But I find that reviewing the books I read is a good discipline and perhaps you might find something edifying as well so here we go...

 

I finally made enough 10 minute drives back and forth to work to finish this audio book version of Jerry Bridges classic.  As you may remember from last year's audio book experiment, I have book on CD issues.

That said, Trusting God was an immensely encouraging listen.  In it Bridges takes the clearly taught, yet so often misunderstood or denied,  Biblical doctrine of God's sovereignty and shows how the simple act of trusting that God is who He says He is will profoundly change your life.

Perhaps the phrase that sticks with me the most and was oft repeated in the book was, "God's will is not in competition with our good".

This book helped expand my view of God's greatness and goodness.  In addition, it helped me see how the Big God of Scripture is involved with every detail of my life, and how that knowledge can give me strength in the midst of trial and uncertainty.

Read (or listen) to this book to help your Theology inform and transform your worship of and walk with King Jesus.

 

The good that God works for in our lives is conformity to the likeness of His Son. It is not necessarily comfort or happiness but conformity to Christ in ever-increasing measure in this life and in its fullness in eternity."  p. 120.

 

God's unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God's love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son."            p. 155.