Michael Neale
"Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River...but something holds him back - the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old.... In this compelling story, Gabriel learns that letting go of the past means giving himself totally to The River - heart, mind, body, and soul."
I read this novel over the course of many lunch breaks at Lifeway Christian Bookstore (where I work part-time). It was a pleasant read, but nowhere near "compelling". And I spent the whole book waiting to discover why it's considered a "Christian" book. Okay...there is no foul language or sex, but that doesn't make it "Christian", just suitable for all audiences. There are a couple paragraphs that might be trying to make the whole story an allegory about turning one's life over to God, but the connections are so few and so weak, it just doesn't get there.
Page 56/Sentence 5: After they pulled out of the parking lot, Miss Vonda made an observation.
Ravi Zacharias
"Is the Jesus mass-marketed by the spirituality gurus of today the real Jesus? And why should it matter? In WHY JESUS?, apologetics scholar Ravi Zacharias brings into focus the ever-changing shape of popular spirituality."
Got this for free from the Christian bookstore I work at part-time. Glad I didn't spend any money on it. I remember appreciating Mr. Z's earlier work, Jesus Among Other Gods, but I couldn't actually finish this one. Only made it through 9 of the 14 chapters. I know, I'm over halfway there, I ought to keep trying, but I'm all awash in his rambling on about different Hindu gurus...he has barely talked about Jesus at all so far. Maybe in the future I'll pick this up again and just read the final couple chapters where I assume he'll finally come to the point, but for now, I need something a little more mindless...just to clear out all the rubble that's collecting on the floor of my brain from chiseling away on this.
56/5: He believed I had betrayed my culture by becoming a Christian and somehow made the assumption that the purpose in my meeting him was to convert him to Christianity.
Hank Hanegraaf
"My friend has given us another powerful exposition - a highly readable but insightful look at prayer, the first of the spiritual disciplines. You'll find this timely and richly rewarding." (Charles Colson)
This book was obviously written as a response to, and probably an attempt to capitalize on, the wildly successful book by Bruce Wilkerson, The Prayer of Jabez. The author reminds us that prayer is not all about getting things we want but about our relationship with God. He walks through "The Lord's Prayer" (Our Father, who art in heaven...) in short chapters that don't so much pack a whollop as they just kind of say what you'd expect to be said. Not a life-changer, by any means. But again, maybe that's because this isn't the FIRST book I've read based on that bit-o-Scripture. Maybe somebody coming to it for the first time would be more impressed/affected.
56/5: Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
Tim Dowling
"With the sharp wit that has made his Guardian columns a must-read, Dowling explores what it means to be a good husband in the 21st century. The bar has been raised dramatically in the last few decades; back in the day, every time you went out for cigarettes, it was simply expected that you came back. Now, every time you're sent out for espresso and tampons, it is expected that you come back with the right sort."
I stumbled upon this on the library's "Browse" shelf and am glad I did. Every page made me smile, and I actually enjoyed a hearty laugh every couple. So...not accurate to call it "riotously funny," but certainly a witty, self-deprecating work of value. Fair warning, Dowling goes just a hair beyond PG-13 with his word choice from time to time, but he also comes up with gems like "By getting married I opened myself to a pretty comprehensive exploration of my capacity to disappoint," and "It's still dark when the phone I have placed halfway up the stairs to our attic bedroom - as far as its cord will reach - starts ringing. I have forgotten about this arrangement and trip over it on my way down. I end up on all fours on the landing feeling around for the loose receiver. 'Is that Mr. Dowling?' says a voice, in response to the crash and muffled swearing I have substituted for 'hello'."
56/5: When you begin to lose interest in an argument either because you're hungry or bored or you've simply run out of steam, scan your brain for ways in which you could be wrong.
Bill Watterson
"[This book] is the catalogue for the exhibition of Bill Watterson's comic strip art at The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, The Ohio State University Libraries. Includes new interview with Bill Watterson."
Such a low-key back cover for such a momentous publication. Cartoonist Bill Watterson is not only the creator of the best comic strip of all time (IMHO), but has famously avoided interviews and media attention his whole career. The 35-page interview with Jenny Robb and Watterson's comments accompanying the reproductions of his original artwork will educate and thrill any fan of C & H and any student of the comic art form.
56/5: That way, I could rule the panels for both strips at the same time without setting up a new sheet and remeasuring.
Ray Johnston
"Using seven years of research, powerful biblical illustrations, and compelling human-interest stories, Ray Johnston explains how seven essential factors will support, sustain, and strengthen your hope. And when consciously built into your life, how they will unleash hope in your marriage, your kids, your career, your church, your community, and the world."
This started out feeling like the author was over-selling his point. It was like he took a sermon on the importance of Jesus and just substituted the word "hope". The good news is, Mr. J redeemed himself in the subsequent chapters and turned the book into an encouraging collection of real-life examples and sage wisdom. Consider this Oswald Chambers quote, featured in the chapter called "Refocus on the Future": "Beware of spending too much time looking back at what you once were when God wants you to become something you have never been."
56/5: My own faith and expectations were challenged like nothing I've ever experienced when I read the 2011 authorized biography of Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson.
Jonathan Acuff
"Sometimes, you fall in love on mission trips even though you know you'll break up as soon as you get back. Sometimes, you have to shot block a friend's prayer because she's asking God to bless an obviously bad dating relationship. Sometimes, you think, 'I wish I had a T-shirt that said, "I direct deposit my tithe" so people sitting near me at church wouldn't judge me.' Sometimes, the stuff that comes with faith is funny. This is that stuff."
Not sure if I actually laughed out loud at more than ten or twenty of the...um...lots of pieces in this book, but I certainly smiled so much that my cheeks got sore. This is truly a work of satire as most of the barbs are not only slightly exaggerated but well-aimed. And where else can you read about "Judging Fundamentalists for Being Judgmental" and "Trying to Say Something Christiany Without Looking Like a Snake Handler"?
56/5: I didn't formally include the Encore-ist on the list because even God can't stand that person.
Carl Reiner
"For over half a century, millions have appreciated Carl Reiner's work as a comedian, actor, director, TV writer, and author. Winner of numerous accolades, including 12 Emmy wins and one Grammy award, CR once again brandishes his literary talents to tell the story of his life....an American tapestry of colorful tales...bringing us up to date with the mature insight of a man whose remarkable trajectory has sent him to the top of Hollywood's elite and sparked the careers of dozens of household-name entertainers."
Having thoroughly enjoyed his previous memoir, My Anectodal Life, I had high expectations for this tome...and wasn't disappointed. Reiner's obvious enjoyment at having his readers grin and laugh at some of the crazy events of his life made it feel as if I was sitting at his dinner table while he spun tales like "The Search for the World's Funniest Number" (from which comes the following Page 56/Sentence 5 quote).
56/5: The candidates were: fourteen, twenty-five, seventy-one, eighty-eight, sixteen, twelve, one, double zero, the ever-popular sixty-nine.
