The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

To Own a Dragon by Donald Miller

I read Blue Like Jazz three years ago and was rather unimpressed. But now I want to read Blue Like Jazz again because I think, being in such a different place now, I would appreciate it more for what it is (instead of being disappointed for what it is not.)

I feel differently about his most popular work, of course, because of the stellar job Donald Miller did with To Own A Dragon. It was easy to read, and FUN to read, packed with valuable insight for those without fathers, but for all of us... I loved what he said about work ethic (pp 163-165), and how it is about participating with God, pointing out that work is not a result of the curse, but what we were created for. I loved what he said about education, and that if we think we are coasting, we are moving downhill (177). There were a lot of things like this that he reflected on... I guess kind of showing how God had taught him these lessons in various ways, even though he hadn't had a father to teach him. Well I have a great father, but I still learned a lot from reading this book.

I appreciate the tone of this book. Miller doesn't try to take on an authoritative or persuasive air. He is simply sharing his story, in a way that is sometimes humorous, usually helpful, often vulnerable, and always honest.

Peculiar Treasures by Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn, you have done it again. You have sucked me into a non-fantastical story, taught me truth, increased my romantic ideals, and left me confused about what to expect from men. And I enjoyed every page of it.

Marley & Me by John Grogan

Each chapter was an enjoyable story. And oh, how reading books about dogs makes one love them more. I loved this entire family. I was finishing this on the plane and crying... oh my.

Seven by Jeff Cook

Reading Jeff Cook's book was almost as good as hearing him speak. I was fascinated by the juxtaposition of the seven deadly sins with the characteristics in the Beatitudes. What a contrast between death and life! I was especially captivated by Jeff Cook's way of explaining them, especially his take telling of many familiar Biblical parables and narratives. I loved what he had to say about John Eldridge and turning the other cheek, I loved what his take on why Judas did what he did, I loved his explanation of lust and gluttony and envy....... five stars for sure.

Justice in the Burbs by Will and Lisa Samson

"One of the most famous verses on this issue is Micah 6:8, which states, 'He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (NIV).

Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. These are actions, visible signs that we are following God's desires. When we focus too much on thinking right, we can forget to do right in ways that follow after God's heart. This can manifest itself in busyness of conversation, multiple Bible studies a week, and feeling so secure in our rightness that we don't naturally seek areas where we might be lacking. We contend that any notion of thinking right that does not involve acting right was anathema to Jesus. The apostle James said it succinctly: 'Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17 NIV)." (79)

"..the word religion has come to be devalued and scorned. People say things like, "I love Jesus, but I don't like religion." That's a shame, really. Followers of Jesus have always been linked by a common set of values. That is what it means to follow Jesus--to be a people held together by common values, the same values held by Christ himself. Remember what Jesus prayed for: 'I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one' (John 17:20-21)." (91-92)

"Let's suppose American Christians still owned slaves. Can you imagine the outcry from out sisters and brothers in Africa? There are now more Christians on the continent of Africa than there are people living in the United States. Do you believe the gospel would have ever taken hold in Africa if slavery were still legal in America, a nation closely associated with Christianity?" (94)

"[talking about the huge amount of corn-based products and use of petroleum-based fertilizers]... So in some weird but fairly direct way that Twinkie in aisle 12 is linked to all the struggles around obtaining oil in the Middle East.

Yikes. Let's take it down a notch and think about the people involved in the food chain. Migrant workers pick much of the food not harvested by big machines, food like lettuce and tomatoes. While no hard statistics are available, it is estimated that immigrant workers pick between 50 and 80 percent of our fruits and vegetables. So the current immigration debate in America is directly related to what you will serve for dinner tonight.

How about grocery store employees? What are they paid? Is it far? Are they carrying a heavy financial burden, perhaps living without insurance or medical care, so that you can pay ten cents less for a dozen eggs? Do you shop for groceries based solely on price, or do you consider the implications of a world where the store with the lowest price wins?

Okay, even that may be too heavy a place to start...[talks about overnutrition in the US, and cites this article... interesting.]" (can't actually find the article they cited though?)

"Let's look at the word "go" first. The word is given in a passive voice and could best be translated "as you are going." Jesus realized that his disciples would be leaving Jerusalem. he also realized that, to paraphrase the great Yogi Berra, "wherever they went, that's where they would be." So he inspired them toward missional movement, but he also let them know that in whatever location they found themselves, their involvement in the work of the kingdom was crucial." (147)

These were quotes I found redeeming and worthwhile from the book. They did make several good points. They urged a change in mindset and focus from the normal of Suburban Christian sub-culture which I appreciated. Sometimes, though, I felt they lacked decent description of Scriptural foundation. I also didn't appreciate the idea that becoming progressive and correct meant moving away from the church. Granted, the church is not perfect, and the church can be slow to change. But I agree very much with this blog post on the issue. Also, I know it shows only my own critical spirit, but this book was published by Emergent Village, and I admit I'm not sure how I feel about identifying with that movement, especially one that seems to be so against the church rather than lies themselves....... I don't know. This book was similar, but in my opinion somehow inferior, to other books I've read on the topic, so I did read it but wasn't that amazed.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

This one came so highly recommended that I expected better. An intense story. But I was left craving a more climactic finish, and clear moral lesson. Oh well. It was a fairly enjoyable read.