Famous Last Words: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. XI

SEVEN LAST WORDS: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus
James Martin, SJ

New York Times bestselling author James Martin, SJ, offers a vivid and compelling portrait of Jesus based on the Messiah's dramatic last words on the cross. Father Martin shows how deeply Jesus understands our struggles and why we can turn to him completely  -  in mind, heart, and soul. Based on Martin's homilies at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral on Good Friday 2015, each meditation reflects on one of the seven traditional sayings with the warmth, wisdom, and grace that infuse all of his writings.

For quite a while, I have had in the back of my mind the idea that it would make sense to preach a series of sermons about the seven statements of Jesus from the cross during the seven Sundays of Lent. Then, I saw this book on the library's shelves and inwardly exclaimed, "Bingo!"

Martin takes each phrase (e.g., "I am thirsty," or "It is finished") and uses it to show that Jesus understands us deeply. It's a good framework and serves its stated purpose well. I don't necessarily come down on the same plot of ground as the author in terms of "How much did Jesus know about what was going to happen on Easter?", but I still appreciated the discussion.

I still think the sermon series is a good idea, and I think this book could serve as an excellent resource for it.

Fun Fact...I didn't know until a third of the way through this wasn't the first time I'd read a book by James Martin, SJ.

First Line: When I mentioned to a friend that I had been invited to preach the "Seven Last Words" at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, her reaction was not surprising: "The seven last what?"

Page 56 / Line 5: Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: So when you struggle in the spiritual life, when you wonder where God is, when you pray in doubt and darkness, and even when you are close to despair, you are praying to someone who is fully human and fully divine, to someone who understands you fully.

Last Line: He becomes someone with whom we can enter more deeply into relationship. Which is what Jesus thirsts for.

It All Started With a Mouse: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. X

 

DISNEY'S LAND: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World
Richard Snow

One day in the early 1950s, Walt Disney stood looking over 240 acres of farmland in Anaheim, California, and imagined building a park where people "could live among Mickey Mouse and Snow White in a world still powered by steam and fire for a day or a week or (if the visitor is slightly mad) forever." Despite his wealth and fame, exactly no one wanted Disney to build such a park. Not his brother Roy, who ran the company's finances; not the bankers; and not his wife, Lillian. Amusement parks at that time, such as Coney Island, were a generally despised business, sagging and sordid remnants of bygone days. Disney was told that he would only be heading toward financial ruin.

But Walt persevered.

I had seen multiple quotes from this book posted on Facebook. They interested me enough that I availed myself of the wonder called the Public Library and quickly found a copy to devour. And it was tasty indeed! Because of Snow's personal interest in amusement parks, he took the time to do the research that ended up filling his book with behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes, enough to satisfy the most die-hard fans.

I've long appreciated how Disney imagined great things and then worked hard to turn them into reality, even at the risk of his own personal financial stability. And the world has been blessed beyond measure to drink from the well of his creativity. Say what you will about corporate greed, Disney himself was more motivated by his values and ideals than any desire for profit. This book tells THAT story, too.

First Line: Walt Disney had been prowling about his park for hours looking for something to do.

Page 56 / Line 5: So Dear to My Heart is about a spunky midwestern lad named Jeremiah Kincaid and his mischievous black lamb, who together carry a plot wispy to the point of nonexistence.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The reaction was unanimous: Disneyland would not work.

Last Line: But I knew what Walt Disney understood and had brought about: that another engine  -  perhaps even a better one  -  was just a stop or two down the line.

Jack's 8th, My 1st: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IX

 

THE ENEMY: A Jack Reacher Novel
Lee Child

Jack Reacher: Hero. Loner. Soldier. Soldier's son. An elite military cop, he was one of the army's brightest stars. But in every cop's life there is one case that changes everything. For Jack Reacher, this is that case...

New Year's Day, 1990. In a North Carolina motel, a two-star general is found dead. His briefcase is missing. Nobody knows what was in it. Within minutes Jack Reacher has his orders: Control the situation. Within hours the general's wife is murdered. Then the dominoes really start to fall...

I have had a collection of Jack Reacher short stories on my to-be-read list at the library for a while...because I liked the two Jack Reacher movies starring Tom Cruise...but I had no intention of reading any of the novels. Then I saw this paperback in my local Little Free Library and decided it was a good one-off to read while on vacation. And now, as witnessed by the addition of a Jack Reacher label for this blog, I'm thinking I need to back up from this 8th book and start at the beginning (like I did with Alex Cross). I'm going to need to pick up the pace if I'm going to get everything read before I show up in an obituary someplace.

I did have one hang‑up as I read: I kept having to swap out the movie version of Jack Reacher in my head. Tom Cruise’s build is nowhere near the Jack Reacher described in these pages. John Cena was a workable recast.

First Line: As serious as a heart attack. Maybe those were Ken Kramer's last words, like a final explosion of panic in his mind as he stopped breathing and dropped into the abyss.

Page 56 / Line 5: Her eyes looked like a fifty-year-old's.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle [Usually, this is a single sentence, but this is too good to stick to that "rule". A mother is talking to her two sons about how it feels to know that she is dying soon...]: It's like being made to walk out of a movie that you're really enjoying. That's what worried me about it. I would never know what happened to you boys in the end, with your lives. I hated that part. But then I realized, obviously I'll walk out of the movie sooner or later. I mean, nobody lives forever. I'll never know how it turns out for you. I'll never know what happens with your lives. Not in the end. Not even under the best of circumstances. I realized that. Then it didn't seem to matter so much. It will always be an arbitrary date. It will always leave me wanting more.

Last Line: I was in the army, and I was always where someone else told me to be.

True Tales from Up North: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. XIII

 

MAKING A STAKE: A Redneck Love Story
Lynn Tormondson Lindstrom

1964. America was grieving the death of JFK, celebrating  -  or protesting  -  the Civil Rights Act, and idolizing a new British rock group called The Beatles. The largest earthquake in North America, 9.2 on the Richter scale, had devastated a large portion of Alaska, but it barely made the list of iconic events for the year. A small band of men in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it town of Tofte in northern Minnesota paid attention, rallied together, and decided to offer their services to their broken counterparts in Anchorage. Charlie left his wife and four small children behind to see what kind of investment could be made for their future.

Based on Charlie's actual letters home to Junie, you will have a front row seat to life after the earthquake, both in Alaska and on the North Shore of Minnesota. You will discover how the Tormondson family dealt with WWII, the Avon lady, UFOs, and commercial fishing on Lake Superior.

This book was written by one of my nothing-in-laws: The mother of my only daughter-in-law. I confess that, upon reading the first two chapters, I was kind of surprised at how well-written it is. What could have been a dull recitation of facts and events from the real-life ancestry of the author is actually rich in imagery and nuance; a true pleasure to read. And what a gift to Lynn's children to read of their North Shore heritage!

First Line: June watched as the dusty, old Ford pickup bounced down the dirt driveway, gravel crunching beneath the tires, rear brake lights pumping red as the truck approached its turn onto Highway 61.

Page 56 / Line 5: Wish I was with you all.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: What could compare to the beauty of a mountain, especially on an evening like this, as the sun stopped to kiss its lovely friend goodnight?

Last Line: And it looked nothing like riches, but it looked a lot like love.

Longmire Dispenses Justice AND Takes Revenge: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. XII

 

DEPTH OF WINTER: A Longmire Mystery
Craig Johnson

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and these times certainly are desperate. Sheriff Walt Longmire and Tomas Bidarte, the head of one of the most vicious drug cartels in Mexico, have been circling each other in a deadly cat-and-mouse game for more than a year. Now, Bidarte has kidnapped Walt's beloved daughter, Cady. The American government is of limited help and the Mexican one even less so. Armed with only his trusty Colt .45, a father's intuition, and the keen instinct on which he's staked his reputation and his life more than once, Walt must head into the 110-degree heat of the desert alone, one man against an army.

I don't usually return to Longmire so quickly, but with The Western Star having ended with the cliffhanger of Cady's abduction, I had to press on bravely. This episode in Longmire's saga stands out in that his normal small group of sidekicks/helpers are not by his side. Johnson's skill at making me physically feel every challenge Walt rises to is impressive, to say the least. The movie in my mind that happens whenever I read a book of fiction is well-lit and expertly directed when Johnson writes the script. The other standout with this book is that you're not sure how it's going to turn out until the very last page...and even that leaves us in the midst of an action-packed getaway.

First Line: I turned my water glass in the slick circle of condensation on the smooth, red lacquer of the table between us and studied the man across from me.

Page 56 / Line 5: He turned and looked at me.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: "There are so many things worth living and dying for, but only a few things worth killing for, and maybe the two are intertwined  -  I don't know."

Last Line: "The bull, he sometimes wins."

Got Hope? Need It?: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. XI

 

DESPERATE FOR HOPE: Hanging on and Finding God During Life's Hardest Times
Bruce W. Martin

With sincere sympathy and ready encouragement, Bruce W. Martin takes hurting readers through a grieving process that helps them reconcile their deep suffering with their beliefs about a good God. He helps them find deep meaning in the midst of tragedy so that they can enjoy a deeper intimacy with God and others.

A unique and compassionate take on the age-old questioning of suffering, this book is perfect for readers who have experienced life-shattering pain, such as divorce, the loss of loved ones, bankruptcy, cancer, addiction, and even violent crimes, giving them real answers to their toughest questions and helping them move forward in life after tragedy.

I met the author at a conference we both attended  -  he gave two keynotes and led two breakout sessions, all of which I happily soaked up before eagerly buying his book. Bottom line is, I'm glad I did. This is a well-told tale, combining lessons from the story of Job with the author's own experience of pain, loss, and grief. I came away forewarned that "in this world, you will have trouble," but also encouraged that "God is always up to something good, because he is good."

First Line: I still remember the phone call five days before Christmas 2002.

Page 56 / Line 5: So far, so good.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: God is far more intent on perfecting our faith through trouble than on protecting us from trouble.

Last Line: Jesus is with you.

Two Stories, One Sheriff: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. X

 

THE WESTERN STAR: A Longmire Mystery
Craig Johnson

Sheriff Walt Longmire is enjoying a celebratory beer after renewing his weapons certification when a younger sheriff shows him a photograph of a group of armed men standing in front of a large steam locomotive. It transports him back to when, fresh from the battlefields of Vietnam, then-deputy Longmire accompanied his new boss to the annual meeting of the Wyoming Sheriffs' Association, held on a vintage excursion train known as The Western Star. The young Walt did not anticipate being thrust into the center of a mystery himself, as the train bearing 24 veteran sheriffs chugged across his home state, from Cheyenne to Evanston and back.

     But the sheriff isn't in town for the certification alone. He's on his way to the capital for the parole hearing of one of the most dangerous men he has encountered in a lifetime of law enforcement.

This is an exceptionally fine read, even though I had a little bit of trouble knowing which of the two storylines I was in at the beginning of each chapter, and during jumps in the midst of chapters. Johnson does a good job of hiding a major twist at the end that finally connects the two. Obviously, I really enjoy the Longmire series of books, otherwise I wouldn't be reading through all of them, right? A major difference in this one is that it ends with a cliffhanger. (Bring on Depth of Winter!)

First Line: I pressed in on the knurled end of my Colt 1911A1 with my thumb at the same time rotating the barrel bushing a quarter turn clockwise to free the plug and recoil assembly, my hands working from rote.

Page 56 / Line 5: Feeling someone approaching from behind, I whirled with a snarling anger that caused Lucian to step back, whereupon he stumbled and almost fell, catching himself on the railing.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The Belvedere wasn't my idea of a dream car, but it had a heater, and beggars should avoid being choosers on I-80 in the winter.

Last Line: "Business."

Life Lessons for the Overachiever I Never Was: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IX

 

WHAT I LEARNED WHEN I ALMOST DIED: How a Maniac TV Producer Put Down His Blackberry and Started to Live His Life
Chris Licht

"Chris Licht had always been ambitious. When he was only nine years old, he tracked down an NBC correspondent while on vacation to solicit advice for a career in television. By the time he was thirty-five, he landed his dream job: a fast-paced, demanding spot at the helm of MSNBC's Morning Joe  -  one of the most popular shows on cable TV. He felt invincible. Then one day Chris heard a pop in his head, followed by a whoosh of blood and crippling pain . . . .

Another one of those "4 for a Dollar" library finds, this one seemed like it might have some significant life lessons that I could learn vicariously, and yes, I guess it did. The majority of the book told Licht's story, and it was an interesting read. The "lessons learned" mostly resided in the last couple chapters, and they were significant for the author's Type-A personality and driven nature. For me...I was pretty much already there just because of my temperament and upbringing. It feels noteworthy that Licht was encouraged by a friend to write the book before he even had a sense of having learned anything through his experience: He even came up with the title at that lunch, knowing fully that I didn't yet have the answer to the question. Still, it was a worthwhile read. 4 out of 5 stars.

First Line: Lately, if I happen to be looking through my address book for a phone number, I'm apt to stop when I come across the name of someone I haven't been in touch with for a while.

Page 56 / Line 5: Cerebral aneurysms are balloonlike bulges in the walls of arteries, which are the high-pressure freeways that deliver blood from the heart throughout the body, as opposed to veins, which return blood to the heart at lower pressure.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: To sit passively and bemoan bad luck solves nothing.

Last Line: What a great evening.

One Surprise After Another: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VIII

 

JACK & JILL
James Patterson

"In the middle of the night, a controversial U.S. senator is found murdered in bed in his Georgetown pied-a-terre. The police turn up only one clue: a mysterious rhyme signed 'Jack and Jill' promising that this is just the beginning. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. homicide detective Alex Cross is called to a murder scene only blocks from his house, far from the corridors of power where he spends his days. The victim: a beautiful little girl, savagely beaten  -  and deposited in front of the elementary school Cross's son attends.

"Could there be a connection between the two murders?"

My answer to this question? Well, duh. But then I read the book and  -  spoiler alert  -  the only connection is that Alex Cross worked both of them. I will say that my well-of-course response wasn't the last time my plot expectations were wrong. Patterson knows how to write a twisty tale, to be sure. I especially appreciate that the longest chapters were still only 4 or 5 pages. Even if several chapters in a row were part of the same "scene", he breaks everything down into digestible beats. Probably what made it so easy to turn the first two Alex Cross thrillers into movies. Fair Warning: There seemed to be a bit more R-rated language in this third installment, but at least it was character-driven and believable...not just for the sake of making it "grittier."

First Line: Sam Harrison swung his agile body out of the silver blue Ford Aerostar, which he had parked on Q Street in the Georgetown section of Washington.

Page 56 / Line 5: I kept seeing her brutalized face.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Always appear to belong, to fit in, and soon you will .

Last Line: Until next time.

Surprise Treat on the Title Page: This library find was autographed by the author!

"For Penny-- Hope this keeps you guessing, J Patterson"

Hey, Dewey, What'd You Read for Lent?: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VII

 

HEAR THE SAVIOR: Readings for Lent and Easter Based on the Words of Jesus
Kristin Saatzer

"Famous last words are important as they draw our attention to the heart and soul of the speaker. What could be more important at Easter than being drawn into the heart of Jesus through his own words? In this devotional journey to Calvary, you will prepare your heart for Easter by examining the last words of Jesus, as well as his first recorded words in ministry, and crucial ones in between."

I bought this while attending The Well Conference for Christian Creatives last year and have been looking forward to February 18, 2026, through Easter ever since. Saatzer doesn't only focus on the final words of Jesus (i.e., the sayings spoken from the cross), but several key phrases from throughout his earthly ministry. There's a page or so of personal commentary, a quotable quote relevant to her take on what Jesus said, and a couple questions or further Scriptures to think/journal about. Not a bad way to walk through the 40 days leading to Easter at all.

I admit to having a personal shortcoming when it comes to reading plans like this. I seldom slow down and savor any of the thoughts presented. I squeeze in the day's reading so I can feel like I lived up to a commitment. That is solely MY fault, and I am a lesser man for treating this book that way.

First Line: I began the year 2020 with plans to start and finish my second book.

Page 56 / Line 5: One that required a Savior.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: But the unpredictable Savior did not play the brutish game of bigotry.

Last Line: I thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit living in me and that You will be with me always.

 

Timely and Terrific: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. VI

 

BETTER TOGETHER: Making Church Mergers Work
Jim Tomberlin and Warren Bird

"Mergers today work best not with two struggling churches but with a vital, momentum-filled lead church partnering with a joining church. This much-needed resource provides a complete, practical, hands-on guide for leaders of both struggling and vibrant churches, so they can understand the issues, develop strategies, and execute mergers for church expansion and renewal. No matter what your motivation for merging your church with another  -  to begin a new church life cycle, reach more people for Christ, multiply your church's impact, or better serve your community  -  Better Together will give you the tools you need to create a thriving new entity."

You can put a checkmark beside each of the possible motivations for merger just mentioned and that would apply to what seems to be on the near horizon for Valley Christian Church and a new "church plant" happening in Lakeville, Anchor Community Church (pre-launch website under construction). There are still T's to be crossed and I's to be dotted, but it certainly seems like God is leading the leadership of both these churches to join forces to have an impact on Lakeville, Minnesota that neither could have on their own. And that's why I read this book. And it is so very, very good: A solid 5 stars.

First Line: 2% of congregations each year vote (or are required) to close, a number likely to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of them could instead restart as a merger.

Page 56 / Line 5: The multisite factor was only on Healing Place's side.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Successful mergers are vehicles of change, not preservers of the status quo.

Last Line: Is there a church merger on your horizon?

The Audible and the Angry: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. V

 

THE SOUND AND THE FURY: The Complete, Definitive Edition
William Faulkner

"The tragedy of the Compson family features some of the most memorable characters in literature. Their lyrical voices mesh to create one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century."

My beloved Wyoming niece gifted me this book, I think, because she could barely believe I had never read a piece of classic literature that she almost loves. And I admit that having to admit I had never read ANYthing by Faulkner was, admittedly, a sad omission in my educational journey. But I've got to say, I could barely force myself past the opening section that was written in the voice of a 33-year-old person of little intellect and zero sentence structure. Yee-ikes. I spent the whole time trying to guess who was related to whom, how old they were, and what color their skin was. It was a jumble of names with precious little biographical info to put with them. The second section was only slightly more coherent, whoever's viewpoint it represented. Part three gained a bit more sentence structure, but very little actual exposition or plot. Part four was finally written from what seems to be an omniscient narrator's point of view, but by then, I was so thoroughly used to not knowing who anyone was and nothing making sense placed up next to anything else, it still just felt like someone took a newspaper, cut it up into sentences and phrases, threw it in the air and then pasted it together however the pieces landed.

And then, in 1946, Faulkner included an Appendix for any reprints, purporting to be the key to the whole book. Well, he did indeed explain who all the main characters were and their relationships to each other and spelled out some events that were merely hinted at or reacted to in the main text, but man . . . slogging through 321 pages of gobbledygook to get there? I'm sorry, literary experts, but this is most definitely NOT "one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century." But that's just my opinion.

First Line: Through the fence, between the curling flower spaces, I could see them hitting.

Page 56 / Line 5: What you want to get her started for, Dilsey said.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The part ran up into the bald spot, like a drained swamp in December.

Last Line: The broken flower drooped over Ben's fist and his eyes were empty and blue and serene again as cornice and facade flowed smoothly once more from left to right, post and tree, window and doorway and signboard each in its ordered place.

 

Meanwhile, Back in 1985: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IV

 

FUTURE BOY: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum
Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry

"Fox's nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the backlot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex's bravado, Marty's flair, and Fox's comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time  -  a slice of entertainment history that's never been told. Featuring new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, this book is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon."

I bought this book using a Target gift card I had been given. Sure, I could have purchased a supply of socks or underwear instead, but where's the joy in that? The Back to the Future trilogy was our first DVD purchase, and attending a 40th Anniversary screening with Curtis and Dustin was a highlight of 2025...how could I not own this book full of behind-the-scenes anecdotes? It's like a several-hour special feature in book form...just my cup of Tab.

First Line: The concept of the space-time continuum was first introduced by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of gravity and the nature of the universe.

Page 56 / Line 5: I had a work visa, granted because producers were able to make the case that I was special and unique in America: old enough to work the long hours of an adult, but with a look that allowed me to play a much younger character.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: I worked harder on the "Johnny B. Goode" scene than any other portion of the movie.

Last Line: It's a reminder that some of the best parts of our future can come from the past. One more gift from the year 1985.

 

Wisdom from an Empath: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. III

EGO AT THE HELM: The Hidden Cost of Narcissism in Leadership
Robert A. Damon

In [this book, the author] pulls back the curtain on an extraordinarily painful season he endured, and shares lessons learned. He paints a compelling and disturbing picture of a narcissist who wounded countless people, including his own family. Robert's description of the events will leave you a little breathless, but the story is not just about identifying the danger but also dealing with the destructive aftermath. To all who have been pushed out by a narcissist, or who are trying to outlast a narcissist, there are vital nuggets of encouragement, hope, and wisdom throughout this book. Read through these insights thoughtfully and prayerfully and integrate these principles into your life (~Dr. David Timms, from the Foreword).

I bought this book because I know the author; used to be his co-worker during my final youth ministry gig. We even shared an office. What he writes about took place in the church he went to after leaving where we were, and I confess to being grateful I didn't have to go through it with him. It sounds absolutely horrible, and yet he not only lived through it, but grew because of it and became a major pathfinder toward the church's healing.

Bob has always been an empathetic pastor, and he demonstrates both aspects of that two-word phrase throughout the pages of this book. He doesn't just recount his experiences under narcissistic leadership; he provides wise counsel and practical resources to help others in a similar boat.

First Line: Narcissism is a growing issue for organizations, especially when leadership roles require visible trust and interaction with the community to achieve mission success.

Page 56 / Line 5: Personally, I have come to realize that while there are many causes for discouragement in all this, I have several major disappointments that will require time and effort to overcome.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Narcissism is not the same as being self-centered or selfish; there is a fine distinction here.

Last Line: May that never be true when talking about faith-based leadership, and may our informed leadership be a benchmark for others coming behind us to face successes and challenges with humor, grace, and tact.

 

Soundtrack to a Life: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. II

 

SING IT OUT
Ryan Weaver

Some people journal. Some people run. I’ve always had songs. Music cuts through the noise. Sometimes, it cuts right through you. It goes straight to your heart before your head even has a chance to catch up. A single lyric can say what you’ve been trying to put into words for months. A melody can calm you down, or get you hyped up, depending on the day.

These chapters are stories from my life, each one connected to a song that helped me get through something, or helped me understand who I’m becoming. It’s part memoir, part mixtape, and 100% real.

This book hasn't been published yet. I got to read it as I was formatting and editing it... preparing it so the author can self-publish. Ryan is the son of a couple Beloved and I were in a Sunday School class with back at our Home church in Markle, Indiana.

I think the concept for the book is really interesting, and Ryan does a great job at weaving the story of his life around the songs he listened to and was influenced by through the years. He also proves he has the heart of a pastor by having a strong life lesson as part of each chapter so it all goes far beyond just "strolling through the park and reminiscing." (Not that he quotes that song. The boy ain't that old.)

4 out of 5 stars. Look for it on Amazon later this year.

First Line: Life's a journey.

Page 56 / Line 5: And I hope that, as I continue on this journey of faith, I can give others the same gift of accountability, honesty, and grace that I received in that D Group.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The seats were piled with empty fast food bags, the air smelled like a mixture of gasoline and freedom, and we always had enough space for one more person.

Last Line: And He always will be.

Well, When You Look at It THAT Way: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. I

 

STAR WARS FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: 40 Stories Celebrating 40 Years
Various Authors

On May 25, 1977, the world was introduced to Han, Luke, Leia, a pair of droids, a Wookie, an old wizard, a villain in black, and a galaxy full of possibilities. Forty years on, Star Wars remains an unparalleled cultural phenomenon, having inspired and influenced generations of fans and creators. Decades of rich storytelling were sparked by one film, in part because the Star Wars galaxy feels alive. Strange and wonderful characters fill the edges of the screen and make us wonder: What are their stories? This unique anthology celebrates that legacy, as more than 40 contributors lend their vision to this retelling of the original film. Each of the 40 short stories reimagines a moment from the film through the eyes of a supporting character.

I stumbled onto the sequel to this volume, based on The Empire Strikes Back, while browsing the library shelves and thoroughly enjoyed it. (Read about that by clicking here.) I vowed to back up and read this as well ... and well ... here I am.

This collection does a much better job than the first book I read (which is the second book in the series, blah blah blah...) of revealing the thoughts and off-screen activities of characters you actually remember seeing. It tells the tales of a member of Jabba the Hutt's house band, the stormtrooper whose mind was tricked by Obi-Wan ("These are not the droids you're looking for"), Greedo, and even the creature in the trash compactor that nearly drowns Luke. If you're a fan of the movie, I think you'll end up enjoying these short stories, too.

First Line: "What is it they've sent us?"

Page 56 / Line 5: She cast about until she found a long, heavy bar with a notch at the end.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: It is strange, still, to think of death as only the beginning of wisdom.

Last Line: Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plan that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy.

Cramming Two Months' Worth of Study Into 52 Weeks: Books I Read in 2025, Vol. XVIII

 

EXPERIENCING THE HEART OF JESUS FOR 52 WEEKS: A Year-Long Bible Study
Max Lucado

Jesus' name is familiar and his story is universal, but few of us could really call him a close friend. Just as over time we learn the familiar expressions of our closest friends, so we can come to know the personality of our Savior. This book is about really knowing him. In this study, Max Lucado invites you to step closer to Jesus.

I started this workbook in January, aiming to complete one of its 52 chapters each week as designed—and for the first time in a long time, I actually met that goal! I suppose I was successful partly because the "work" part of each week consisted of 6-8 content-oriented questions about two short Scripture passages...certainly not a week's worth of reading or contemplation. (When I say "content-oriented," I mean that the questions asked to follow up each reading had very little to do with considering how the truth I had just read might influence my attitudes and behaviors, and an awful lot to do with testing whether I actually read the verses, e.g., Having read a statement about Jesus similar to "I have come that you may have life and have it to the full," the workbook would then ask, "What did Jesus say he came to accomplish?").

In terms of a good collection of Lucado stories and analogies, I give it 5 stars. In terms of a Bible study resource, 2.5. There is more Scripture in Beloved's 9-week study, Blue Tassels, than in this 52-week "study."

First Line: When I was young, we used to take our family vacations in Colorado.

Page 56 / Line 5: We come to Christ as is  -  or we cannot come to him at all.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: We say our prayers as casually as we would order a burger at the drive-through: "I'll have one solved problem and two blessings, cut the hassles, please."

Last Line: What especially stands out to you about what you have learned?

A Good Read that Needs to be Proofread: Books I Read in 2025, Vol. XVII

 

THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE: A Brit in the FBI Thriller
Catherine Coulter and J. T. Ellison

FBI Special Agents Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine are the government's Covert Eyes  -  leading a top-notch handpicked team of agents to tackle crimes and criminals both international and deadly. But their first case threatens their fledgling team when the enigmatic and dangerous thief known as the Fox calls from Venice asking for help.

Fourth in the series, this adventure brings back a villain from the first book: the aforementioned "Fox." It's a quick-moving story, and I was three-quarters of the way through it before I knew it. On an unrelated note, I just about had a cardiac incident when I read the following un-proofread "sentence" on page 350: Ajax tooks her hand, squezed her fingers."

First Line: The light was dying, and so was Da Vinci.

Page 56 / Line 5: They took up nearly all the wall space, and he sat in the center in front of them at his solitary command post, his comfortable chair on wheels so he could easily scoot across to any of the screens he wished.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Ten minutes later, Cassandra sat at her cypress desk, shining with the rubbed-in oil the housekeepers used that smelled of sweet oranges. [I will leave it up to you to decide whether it was Cassandra or her desk that was shining!]

Last Line: And she nodded at his small son.

Good Author, Bad Theologian: Books I Read in 2025, Vol. XVI

 

THE LIFE OF OUR LORD: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849
Charles Dickens

In this charming, simple retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, adapted from the Gospel of St. Luke, Dickens hoped to teach his young children about religion and faith. Since he wrote it exclusively for his children, Dickens refused to allow publication. When Dickens died in 1870, the manuscript was left to his sister-in-law, Georgina Hogarth. From there it fell to Dickens's son, Sir Henry Fielding Dickens, with the admonition that it should not be published while any child of Dickens lived.

Just before the 1933 holidays, Sir Henry died, leaving his father's manuscript to his wife and children. He also bequeathed to them the right to make the decision to publish. By majority vote, they decided to publish the book in London. In 1934, Simon & Schuster published the first American edition, which became one the year's biggest bestsellers.

I confess I was not aware of the existence of this book until I saw it while browsing the library shelves. I immediately took it home, having great expectations for my reading experience. (See what I did there?) While the general story certainly was Dickensian, there were a few factual errors that went beyond narrative license. For instance: Mr. D. said that Herodias was Herod’s daughter instead of his wife and he had a centurian asking Jesus to raise his dead daughter back to life (while what really happened was the soldier asking Jesus to heal his sick daughter, but then she died while they were on the way there). But the biggest disappointment of all was this line, placed in the mouth of the herald angel speaking to the shepherds: "There is a child born today in the city of Bethlehem near here, who will grow up to be so good that God will love Him as His own Son." Wow...so Jesus earned his spot as God's Son because of how he lived? Sorry, Charlie, but that's just plain wrong. And truth be told, there's an awful lot of works-based salvation scattered throughout the book. Maybe it was an attempt to get his children to behave, but it's bad theology.

First Line: My Dear Children, I am very anxious that you should know something about the History of Jesus Christ.

Page 56 / Line 5: "Hear ye Him!"

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: [Speaking of camels] At all events, they are brought over here, sometimes; and if you would like to see one, I will show you one.

Last Line: And pray God to bless and preserve us all, this night, and forevermore, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Devils Tower & the Sturgis Bike Rally: Books I Read in 2025, Vol. XV

 

AN OBVIOUS FACT: A Longmire Mystery
Craig Johnson

In the twelfth novel in the New York Times bestselling Longmire series, Walt, Henry, and Vic discover much more than they bargained for when they are called in to investigate a hit-and-run accident involving a young motorcyclist near Devils Tower.

I can hardly believe there have been eleven Longmire novels before this one. And yet, counting a collection of short stories and two novellas, this marks the fifteenth time I’ve written about the Wyoming lawman. That alone should testify to how much I enjoy Craig Johnson’s work. If I haven’t convinced anyone to read about Longmire by now, maybe it’s time I stopped trying. Still, Johnson’s vivid descriptions of place, action, and character make his books a non-guilty pleasure I’m always happy to recommend  -  but with a fair warning: while not overflowing with profanity, there’s enough to give it an R rating if filmed word for word. 

First Line: I tried to think how many times I'd kneeled down on asphalt to read the signs, but I knew this was the first time I'd done it in Hulett.

Page 56 / Line 5: "Wow."

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: I swear you’re like this detective for the disenfranchised.

Last Line: She had no resort but to let the shiny chrome molding of the windshield slip from her grasp as we pulled away, and I wasn't tempted to look into the rearview mirror, not even once.