Books I Read in 2023, Vol. IV

 

YOU'RE NOBODY 'TIL SOMEBODY KILLS YOU: A Rat Pack Mystery
Robert J. Randisi

This time, it's not really a Rat Pack member who needs help from Eddie G., Sands Casino pit boss and friend of the Rat Pack, but an extended family member. Marilyn Monroe, still smarting from being blamed for Clark Gable's death after the filming of The Misfits, thinks she's being followed. Eddie's on the job, but when he gets word that his mother has died, Eddie goes home to Brooklyn for the first time in fourteen years and leaves his buddy, P.I. Danny Bardini, to look after Marilyn. Then Eddie hears that Danny is missing...

With the words "this time," the back-cover blurb clues you into the fact that this is one of a series of books featuring fictionalized versions of Frank Sinatra and friends. This is the third or fourth in the series that I've read. I like Randisi's style. Not a lot of foul language and also not a lot of wordy descriptive passages. He keeps the story moving, staying true to the characters he's created and the timeframe of the events. Three out of four stars.

First line: I like the Flamingo, and the Riv.

Page 56, Line 5: Of course, Tony had the lead in that movie, and had uttered the famous words, "Yonder lies the castle of my father," only with his Brooklyn accent he'd said "fadduh."

Last line: God help us.

Books I Read in 2023, Vol. III

 

BOURGEOIS BABES, BOSSY WIVES, AND BOBBY HAIRCUTS: A Case for Gender Equality in Ministry
Michael F. Bird

Author and New Testament scholar Michael Bird was formerly in favor of distinct gender roles in ministry, a viewpoint commonly called "complementarianism." But inconsistencies in practice and careful biblical study convinced him to rethink his position. [This book] offers an engaging, incisive perspective on biblical gender equality and the egalitarian view  -  a preference for allowing women to hold teaching and leadership positions in ministry. While Bird is now egalitarian, he strikes a respectful tone toward those in his previous camp, seeking to craft a perspective that both values women and upholds biblical differences between the sexes. Humorous and hard-hitting, Bird will challenge readers on both sides of the gender-issue divide.

For the past two years, the elders at Valley Christian Church have been studying and discussing the questions at the center of this book. As part of that study, they all read this book...while I was on a year-long sabbatical (so I just now caught up by reading it myself). It's not very long, but it does a great job of explaining why the author changed his position and does it with personal humility and respect for all concerned.

First line: Many years ago, the Baptist fundamentalist john R. Rice published a polemical booklet called Bobbed Hair, Boddy Wives, and Women Preachers, written to censure women for rebellious acts like cutting their hair.

Page 56/Line 5: If I had time, I would love to document the work of indigenous women in Africa, Asia, and South America, who have faithfully served God in positions of leadership and as proclaimers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Last line: When both sides concede as much, then perhaps the gender war will be over.

Books I Read in 2023, Vol. II

 

HOW (NOT) TO READ THE BIBLE: Making Sense of the Anti-Women, Anti-Science, Pro-Violence, Pro-Slavery and Other Crazy Sounding Parts of Scripture
Dan Kimball

For centuries, the Bible was called "the Good Book," a moral and religious text that guides us into a relationship with God and shows us the right way to live. Today, however, some people argue the Bible is outdated and harmful, with many Christians unaware of some of the odd and disturbing things the Bible says. Whether you are a Christian, a doubter, or someone exploring the Bible for the first time, Dan Kimball guides you step-by-step in how to make sense of these difficult and disturbing Bible passages. Filled with stories, visual illustrations, and memes reflecting popular cultural objections, [this book] is a lifeline for individuals who are confused or discouraged with questions about the Bible.

I read this book because it was the basis of the Valley Christian Church adult study group on Wednesday nights in January and February. Soooooooooooo glad I did! The book is easy to understand, yet doesn't just gloss over the real and sincere objections people have about some parts of the Bible that seem to say some objectionable things. Does it bother you when people say the Bible is in favor of slavery, but you don't know how to intelligently say that it isn't? This book can help. Do you love Jesus but have a hard time accepting that the earth is only a few thousand years old? This book shows us how Christianity and Science don't have to be in conflict. If you want to know why in the world the author would tell us to "never read a Bible verse," then read this book!

First line: Sitting on my desk is a printed email from a university student who, after growing up in a Christian family and being active in his church, is no longer a Christian.

Page 56/Line 5: We just need to remember that the whole storyline points to him.

Last line: May we love and cling to the Spirit-inspired Bible that Jesus so loved, that tells his story and the way to know him, that gives us his teachings and shows us how to grow, to be changed, and to become more like him until the day we are finally with him.