Books I Read in 2018, Vol. III

 

DEATH WITHOUT COMPANY
Craig Johnson

From the publisher: “Johnson delivers great storytelling in an intelligent mystery packed with terrific characters and an engulfing sense of place...capturing life in a breathtaking, unyielding landscape. (The Portland Oregonian)”

From me: This is the second novel featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire, and it is just as satisfying as the first. The mystery doesn’t matter as much as the depth of the characters. While it’s impossible to read without seeing the actors from the A&E/Netflix series and hearing their voices...I’m okay with that.

Page 56/Sentence 5: For what?

THE PRODIGAL: A Ragamuffin Story
Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett

“From the inspirational author of The Ragamuffin Gospel comes a powerful contemporary retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The Prodigal illustrates the power of grace through the story of a broken man who finally saw Jesus not because he preached his greatest sermon or wrote his most powerful book, but because he failed miserably....It’s the same grace that Brennan Manning devoted his life to sharing: profound in nature and coming from a God who loves us just as we are, and not as we should be.”

This is the last book Manning ever wrote, and his first (only) novel. He didn’t even live to see it published, but it evokes the underlying theme of everything he ever said. It’s certainly an easy read, and I’m not sure if it’s a compliment or a criticism to say that the movie in my head as I was reading it probably would fit best on the Hallmark Channel.

56/5: He had worked at the store through high school, and in the summers when he was home from college.

ERASING HELL: What God Said about Eternity, and the Things We’ve Made Up
Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle

“Recent works by evangelicals on the postmortem future(s) of humanity have raised important questions and brought some sobering and uncomfortable issues to the fore. Chan and Sprinkle provide a remarkable service to the church by engaging these issues with courage, clarity, and grace. This book is a model of careful biblical scholarship, providing fresh light from the Jewish context of the New Testament. They also write as pastors seeking to provide wisdom for ministry, enabling the people of God to embody the love of God for the world.”

That description you just read might make this book sound kind of dry and scholarly, but it’s not. Whenever Sprinkle’s research and talk about Greek words threatens to turn this into a textbook, Chan the communicator slaps us awake by reminding us how important it is to get this topic right. This is a readable, accessible, understandable answer to Rob Bell’s hell-denying Love Wins.

56/5: While there’s some difference of opinion regarding the duration of hell, its existence as a place of punishment that awaits the wicked was nearly unanimously held.

JESUS ON TRIAL: A Lawyer Affirms the Truth
David Limbaugh

“In Jesus on Trial, David Limbaugh applies his lifetime of legal experience to a unique new undertaking: making a case for the gospels as hard evidence of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Limbaugh, a practicing attorney and former professor of law, approaches the canonical gospels with the same level of scrutiny he would apply to any legal document and asks all the necessary questions about the story of Jesus told through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.”

I cannot tell a lie. I didn’t finish reading this. Having had a particularly disheartening online exchange with someone who was denying that there was any evidence pointing to the possible validity of Christianity, I felt the need to seek out some logical reasoning that I hadn’t already considered. This book, however, doesn’t fit that bill. Nothing really fresh here. The first part of the book has so much stuff that was apparently compelling to the author but that wouldn’t slow down your friendly neighborhood atheist...I just wasn’t moved to invest the time it would take to read the rest of the tome. While browsing through the second half, I DID stumble on a few decent quotes, but again, nothing that made me want to read the whole thing.

RED GREEN’S BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WOMEN: (For Men Who Don’t Read Instructions)
Red Green (Steve Smith)

“Arranged in approximately chronological order, from teen dating to the last words of men (‘You know, honey, in the past couple of years you’ve really packed on the beef’), this is the essential guide to every aspect of finding a mate and then learning to deal with her growing disappointment in you.”

I was ready for some light-hearted giggles and grins, and this book certainly provided them in abundance. But wouldn’t you know it, the author casually throws in some actual words of wisdom from time to time: “You might think it’s impressive for a guy to have had 18,000 one-night stands in his life, but I think it’s a lot more significant to have one 18,000-night stand. That’s a fifty-year marriage. To the same woman.”

56/5: That’s probably a sign of inequality, but I don’t think it’s fair for women to change now that I’m long past my Don Juan phase.

ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS: The Wingfeather Saga Book One
Andrew Peterson

“A riveting tale-for-all-ages, following the Igiby children and their trusty dog, Nugget, in escape from the vicious Fangs of Dang who seek the lost jewels of Anniera. Adventure. Peril. And the fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree.”

I first heard about On the Edge... in a Facebook group about remembering Rich Mullins...because there’s a barefoot, wandering minstrel/agitator in this book who goes by the name of Armulyn. Hmmm.... It took me a little while to get interested in the tale while I slogged through the strange names but Peterson’s storytelling and wit soon won me over. It is clearly written, methinks, for the slightly pre-teen crowd (the protagonist is a 12-year-old boy), but it truly can be appreciated by readers of all ages.

56/5: I’m sure those ghastly dragons would love a few plump vittles after their silly show, don’t you think?

Books I Read in 2018, Vol. II

 

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
Robert Ludlum

From the publisher: “ The world’s two deadliest spies in the ultimate showdown....Bourne must infiltrate the Medusan group and use himself as bait to lure the cunning Jackal into a deadly trap  -  a trap from which only one of them will escape.”

From me: I shouldn’t really be writing about this, because 12 1/2 chapters into this 42-chapter book, I said, “You know what? I don’t really care about this. I’m only reading it so I can say that I finished the original Bourne trilogy. It’s not really adding to my life at all...not even entertainment.” So, I took it to my nearest Little Free Library and made a donation of it.

Page 56/Sentence 5: “I repeat,” said Jason.

DRENCHED: Only Hope in the Storm
Debbie Roth

“A downpour of childhood abuse left Debbie Roth drenched in pain and anger that hindered her relationships with others and with God. For a long time, she hid her misery, refusing to acknowledge its existence—until a fresh betrayal set change in motion. As a storm raged in her present, the dam holding back the pain of her past broke open. Try as she might, Debbie could no longer stand in the raging waters and pretend to enjoy the sun. She had to find a way to survive the flood.”

In addition to being in charge of fundraising for this self-published project, I also did the final proofreading and author consoling. I really am proud of Beloved for persevering and getting this accomplished. May it be a shining light of God’s encouragement for everyone who reads it.

56/5: That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

BETWEEN HEAVEN & THE REAL WORLD: My Story
Steven Curtis Chapman with Ken Abraham

“For decades, SCC’s music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a  life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.”

Having read his wife’s book, Choosing to See, I was interested to hear Steven’s side of the story of losing their adopted daughter to a tragic accident. I certainly got that story...well-told and emotionally wrenching...but was also treated to the story behind several of SCC’s songs and enough about his upbringing to get an idea of what makes him tick. This is recommended reading for anyone who has enjoyed Chapman’s music.

56/5: Okay, so it was actually a legitimate single followed by a multitude of overthrows and errors on the part of the opposing team that resulted in an inside-the-park home run.

DO FISH DRINK WATER?: Puzzling and Improbable Questions and Answers
Bill McLain

“Do blind people see in their dreams? Is it really true that elephants are afraid of mice? Strange questions like these were often sent to Bill McLain, the Webmaster for Xerox. Instead of ignoring them, McLain decided to answer each email he received. He soon became an online legend, attracting national attention. Now the most extraordinary questions  -  and his equally extraordinary responses  -  can be found in this irresistibly entertaining collection of weird, wacky, and wonderful trivia.”

This is one of those books that I picked up from time to time and just read a few pages of at any one sitting. It totally lives up to the publisher’s description and, even though it was published in 1999 and the author at one point even describes how to use a search engine, I found this to be really enjoyable.

56/5: They are also one half of the famous peanut butter and jelly sandwich team.

A WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD: How You Can Be More Creative
Roger von Oech

“Filled with provocative puzzles, anecdotes, exercises, metaphors, cartoons, questions, quotations, stories, and tips; this book systematically breaks through your mental blocks and unlocks your mind for creative thinking.”

The fact that the cover includes the phrase “The bestselling creativity classic  -  expanded and revised for the 1990s” might clue you in that I bought and read this when I was still a youth minister. The bad news is, I was laid off in June and thought this might be a good thing to read again as I broaden my job search. The good news is, it really is a wake-up call to think outside the box (without using that tired, old phrase).

56/5: Well, thousands of years ago, the ancients looked up, emphasized some of the stars, made some connections, and came up with the figure of a lion  -  a celestial Rorschach!

Books I Read in 2018, Vol. I

 

REES HOWELLS INTERCESSOR: The Story of a Life Lived for God
Norman Grubb

From the publisher: “How did the faith and prayers of a humble coal miner affect the course of World War II? This biography tells the story of one man who progressed in faith until his prayers even altered world events. Written with humanity and humor, this book uncovers the rich truths of the Holy Spirit.”

From me: I was given this book by a friend and gladly read this amazing story. Rees Howells certainly lived a life of faith in, and obedience to, the direct leading of God. I admit there’s a lot of can’t find-this-in-the-Bible rules and practices that Mr. Howells placed himself under because “God told him”, and I’m a little wary of that, but I’m also a little jealous of his keen sense of being lead by God...and his practices and sense of being led certainly produced amazing results.

Page 56/Sentence 5: As Rees told him of the blessing and price  -  a complete surrender of the will with no reserve  -  his uncle recognized it as the word of the Lord and the truth of the Scriptures.

LUCK BE A LADY, DON’T DIE: A Rat Pack Mystery
Robert J. Randisi

“Vegas, 1960. Gamblin’, drinkin’, and everybody’s misbehavin’. Six months ago, while they were filming Ocean’s 11, the Rat Pack needed Eddie Gianelli to track down the mug who was sending threatening letters to Dino. Now they’re back for the premiere and it’s Frank who needs Eddie’s help. Seems a babe he was planning to meet in Sin City took a powder  -  leaving behind her luggage and a stiff in the bathtub. She’s on the lam, and it’s up to Eddie to find her and figure out if she’s a victim or a killer.”

This is the 2nd of four Rat Pack Mysteries, but the 3rd one I’ve read...and the library doesn’t have any copies of the last one. So I’m stuck ending my experience of the series with the weakest one. There’s no real solution to the mystery. Imagine that the plans to the Death Star that had been placed into R2D2 didn’t reveal any design flaw. Would have been a very disappointing movie, right?

56/5: I thought he meant some of the “boys” but when I looked over my shoulder I saw he was referring to Buddy Lester and Norman Fell, who had been joined now by Henry Silva.

BROKEN ON THE BACK ROW: A Journey through Grace and Forgiveness
Sandi Patty

“Sandi Patty’s tumultuous journey from devastating sin through healing forgiveness and into God’s incredible grace began on the back row of a church balcony. This book is the heart-touching narrative of her happy childhood, her stellar career, her fall from public acclaim, and the steps she worked through with her church to find forgiveness and peace.”

This has been sitting on Beloved’s bookshelf for a few years. She told me it was very good, and I finally picked it up. I’m glad I did. It was engaging reading, even though her commitment to not dishonor her first husband in front of her children kept her from being very descriptive about the way her first marriage disintegrated. And even that is probably a good thing for those wanting her to make no excuses and just fully own her own sin. She certainly does that, but also praises God for His tenderness in the midst of her turmoil.

56/5: Just as they do today, they instantly brought laughter and love with them wherever they went.

AFTER ALL
Mary Tyler Moore

“Audiences have long adored Mary Tyler Moore for her television persona as the quintessential girl-next-door.... But not until now have they been able to witness the poignant doubts and inner strength that drive this versatile and courageous actress. After All is the candid autobiography of the girl America fell in love with and the woman she has come to be.”

This is consistently interesting enough to keep a person turning pages, though a little disappointing at how large swaths of time (say, like, the years spent working on The Dick Van Dyke Show and mary tyler moore) were skimmed over with just a few anecdotes. The biggest surprise for me was how insecure MTM was throughout her career...and really...her whole life.

56/5: I think they could see where the path would lead me.

OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET
C. S. Lewis

“The adventures of the remarkable Dr. Ransom begin in [this book] first published in 1943. As the novel opens, Ransom is abducted by a megalomaniacal physicist and his accomplice and taken via spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra. The men plan to use Ransom as a human sacrifice, but he escapes and must fight for his life, and the chance to return to Earth, while exploring a world that is enchanting in its differences from Earth and startling in its similarity.”

This is the first book in Lewis’ Space Trilogy (hence the “adventures begin” remark, above). I read these books decades ago, but had very little memory of what happens in this one. I think the reason for that is that very little DOES happen. The description I stole from the back cover makes it sound far more action-packed than it really is. And yet, the ruminations about a planet where the inhabitants never “ate the apple in the Garden” is interesting. [Side note: the cover illustration I’ve posted here doesn’t match the one on my copy of the book, but it’s way cooler.]

56/5: The creature, which was still steaming and shaking itself on the back and had obviously not seen him, opened its mouth and began to make noises.

THE FINAL DAYS OF JESUS: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived
Andreas J. Kostenberger & Justin Taylor

“Nearly 2,000 years later, the events that took place during Jesus’ last days still reverberate through the ages.... Combining a chronological arrangement of the Gospel accounts with insightful commentary, charts, and maps, this book will help you better understand what actually happened all those years ago  -  and why it matters today.”

A nice tool that walked me through what is popularly called “Holy Week”. No big ah-ha moments except the footnote that pointed out that Barabbas’ name means “son of the father,” which puts an ironic twist on the crowd’s calling for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be crucified.

56/5: And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.

WHY SHOULD THE DEVIL HAVE ALL THE GOOD MUSIC? Larry Norman and the Perils of Christian Rock
Gregory Alan Thornbury

“Billboard called Norman ‘the most important songwriter since Paul Simon,’ and his music would go on to inspire members of bands as diverse as U2, Pixies, and Guns N’ Roses. To a young generation of Christians who wanted a way to be different in the American cultural scene, Norman was a godsend....Paul McCartney himself once told Norman, ‘You could be famous if you’d just drop the God stuff.’...In [this book], [the author] draws on unparalleled access to Norman’s personal papers and archives to narrate the conflicts that defined the singer’s life, as he crisscrossed the developing fault lines between evangelicals and mainstream American culture.”

Except for a few enigmatic comments/rumors, I’ve really only known Larry Norman through his music. This book changed all that, and I’m pretty sure I’m grateful for the more well-rounded picture of him I’ve got now.

56/5: I thought it gave the overall impression of being a children’s record.

“Darkest Hour” and the Tears in My Eyes [Spoiler Alert]

 

I just got back from seeing the film, Darkest Hour, about a crucial few days in 1940 when Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of Great Britain and inspired a nation to “never give up.”

Yes, Gary Oldman disappears into his role as Churchill. Yes, there are stirring speeches and tense confrontations. But it was the scene pictured above that made my tears flow like the Mississippi. (Or rather, the Thames.)

Hitler’s army has conquered most of Western Europe and is on the brink of sealing France’s fate. 300,000 British soldiers are backed up against the sea at Dunkirk. Churchill is about to cave in to the demands of his own political party and ask for terms of surrender from Germany.

It is in that darkest of hours that Churchill ditches his governmental escort and catches a ride on the Underground  -  London’s subway. There, he talks with normal, working-class citizens instead of the Lords of Parliament and scheming politicians. The mothers, bricklayers, and students inspire him to fight the Nazis to the bitter end. They all said that a swastika must never fly over Buckingham Palace. “We’ll fight with broom handles if we have to.”

Churchill’s legend (in my mind, at least) has always painted him as a mighty, unstoppable force. To see him in this film as a human being full of doubts, in need of encouragement and support, (but who projected that strength and resolve for the good of his country) was moving beyond what my words can express.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

P.S.
When I originally posted this on Facebook, I was informed that the scene I've referred to is probably historically inaccurate...that the chances of it having actually happened are next to nil. Well, who cares? It still pierced me to the heart. As Tony Campolo used to say, "If it didn't happen exactly that way, it should have."

Roth Christmas Epistle 2017

 

Kelly Jo and Dustin Haug continue to work on their house in Saint Paul (that’s not it in the picture; that’s from their trip to the Black Hills) and are now raising chickens! Kelly Jo’s doula-ing (www.uffdadoula.com) is a blessing to families (if you or someone you know is expecting, check her out!), Dustin started his 10th year of teaching at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, and Anawynn, AKA SweetCheeks, turned 4 at an Alice in Wonderland Party and started excelling at preschool this fall. Grandpa Dewey and Grandma Debbie are so happy to be able to spend time with Anawynn almost every Thursday.

Curtis and Abbey Roth made a major change this year. After two years at Crown College, they realized the rest of the degree program they were in would not really benefit them in the ministry they have a clear sense of calling for...so, while grateful for what they learned, they stopped sinking money into college, moved in with us, and started saving money to be able to move to New York City next May. Times Square is about to benefit from a prayer and worship ministry dedicated to praising God and letting individuals know that they are loved! And to answer your questions, yes, we love having them with us again, and no, we aren’t worried about them moving to NYC. It is clearly the Lord’s call for their lives right now, and He will supply their needs. Besides, Curtis lived there for several years and knows what they’re signing up for. We also welcomed into the household the beautiful puppy you see here, Zeke, who is being trained to be a good urban citizen.

Shonda and Johnathan Hall have settled into life at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. It seems like Johnathan just keeps getting promoted, and we are proud of the service he gives through the Air Force. Shonda loves the kids she cares for at the base’s early childhood center and is the best mommy ever to one-year-old Maverick! Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Dewey were SO happy to be able to spend Maverick’s birthday with him in late September and also enjoyed a day in San Francisco for Debbie’s birthday!

Angel and Phillip Stanley, are living the dream. Jesse started kindergarten this fall at the same school where Angel is the Reading Specialist, and about-to-be-four Thomas pretends to be shy except when he and his brother are wrestling with either Phil or Grandpa Dewey. Phil is still teaching art at Rosemount High School, where the students all think he’s pretty cool.

No big news for Dewey this year, other than being happy with the opening of a Skyline Chili in Fort Wayne...30 miles closer to Mom’s place than Anderson! He’s still blogging up a storm and invites you to check it all out at www.almostthetruth.com. Debbie, however, has gone from “learning about writing at Carol Kent’s Speak Up Conference” to “The Newest Author at Redemption Press”. It’s officially self-publishing, so the publisher’s expenses (for editing and coaching and featuring Debbie in a two-page spread of the program magazine for 25,000 ladies at the Women of Joy conferences) get paid upfront, instead of coming out of book sales. This means, of course, that Rest in Him Ministry is in fundraising mode again. You can find out more about that by clicking HERE.

In the midst of the presents this year, may you also experience His presence.

  

Books I Read in 2017, Vol. III

RICH MULLINS: Home
Rich Mullins

From the publisher: “Rich Mullins was a poet and thinker who left behind a timeless legacy. As a columnist for Release magazine for nearly six years, Rich shared his musings on faith and life. With the same depth and simplicity that characterized his music, Rich transformed paper to canvas, painting the wonder and awesomeness of our God. [This book] collects these personal writings, along with some of his most memorable quotations.”

From me: I re-read this as part of noting the 20th anniversary of Rich’s death. The articles reproduced in this book are like Rich: deeply God-focused, laced with humor, visually evocative, and poetic enough to be sometimes hard to understand.

Page 56/Sentence 5: I hate restaurants where waiters have too much style and your plates have more finesse than food.

CASH: The Autobiography
Johnny Cash with Patrick Carr

“In his own words, Cash sets the record straight as he looks unsparingly at his remarkable life: from the joys of boyhood in Dyess, Arkansas to superstardom in Nashville, the road of Cash’s life has been anything but smooth.”

Had I known there was ANOTHER autobiography, titled Man in Black, that Cash wrote first, I would have read it first, but still, this book held no disappointments for me at all. There are plenty of behind the scene stories and hard-won bits of wisdom.

56/5: It was the most valuable advice I’d had in years, maybe ever.

APOLOGETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION: A Biblical & Culturally Relevant Approach to Talking About God
Sean McDowell, General Editor

“This generation’s faith is constantly under attack from the secular media, skeptical teachers, and unbelieving peers. You may wonder, How can I help? .... The truth never gets old, but people need to hear it in fresh, new ways. Find out how you can effectively share the answers to life’s big questions with a new generation.”

I bought this book because Sean McDowell’s father, Josh, wrote the definitive book on apologetics, Evidence that Demands a Verdict, back in the 70’s, and it changed my life. (Apologetics: the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of information. Early Christian writers [c. 120–220] who defended their faith against critics and recommended their faith to outsiders were called apologists.) Now, THIS book doesn’t contain a systematic outline of facts and valid arguments that help support faith. Rather, it spells out why apologetics is still important and pertinent, even in a pluralistic culture that states that “what’s true for you may not be true for me.” The fact is, facts still matter, but HOW those facts are shared, in the context of a relationship, matters more.

56/5: More churches are training and equipping people to defend their beliefs.

DAD IS FAT
Jim Gaffigan

“I know what you’re thinking: Finally, another book from a comedian! Finally, a book about parenting from a comedian. Finally, another self-congratulatory book flap obviously written by the author.”

I really like Jim Gaffigan as a stand-up comic, but this is an enjoyable book the way Doctor Strange was an enjoyable movie...the way cotton candy is an enjoyable “food.” I liked it, I laughed, and as soon as it went back to the library, it left my consciousness. Quotable quote: “For me it’s always a little sad getting out of bed. Every morning after I get up, I always gaze longingly at my bed and lament, ‘You were wonderful last night. I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see you again...’.”

56/5: Hospitals should just be renamed “houses of worry.”

Books I Read in 2017, Vol. II

 

SURPRISED BY JOY: The Shape of My Early Life
C. S. Lewis

From the publisher: “In this book, Lewis tells of his search for joy, a spiritual journey that led him from the Christianity of his early youth into atheism and then back to Christianity.”

From me: It’s hard to believe, what with my general respect and awe for everything of Lewis’ I’ve ever read, that it’s taken me this long to read this book. It’s also hard to believe the level of disappointment I felt upon completing it. Yes, it has some very quotable quotes within its covers, but there were also vast passages that were filled with Britishisms, literary references, and allusions to mythology that I was completely unfamiliar with; so much so as to make them empty of meaning for me.

Page 56/Sentence 5: [Oops! I’m recreating this mini-review after having returned the book to the library.]

BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus
John Eldredge

"Reading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off. The effect is a dry, two-dimensional person saying strange, undecipherable things. But when we discover his true character  -  this man who made the wind, music, and flying squirrels  -  suddenly all of the remarkable qualities of Jesus burst forth with color and brilliance like fireworks."

It’s not often that a book lives up to the publisher’s blurb on the dust cover, but this one does! I was absolutely refreshed and actually revived as Eldredge not only demonstrated different character traits of Jesus that usually get ignored by both scholars and critics, but gave a vision of what our lives can be like when we walk through life completely dependent on the fully-rounded person of Christ. INGEST THIS BOOK!

56/5: The wave I’m fixed upon crashes to the sand like a work of art toppling from its pedestal, but before I can feel the loss another is rushing to take its place, sweeping upward, forward, utterly mesmerizing beauty.

WE DON’T NEED ROADS: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy
Caseen Gaines

"For the first time ever, the story of how two young filmmakers struck lightning is being told by those who witnessed it. WDNR includes original interviews with Bobs Zemeckis and Gale, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Huey Lewis, and more than fifty others who contributed to one of the most popular film trilogies of all time....the ultimate read for anyone who has ever wanted to ride a hoverboard, hang from the top of a clock tower, travel through the space-time continuum, or find out what really happened to Eric Stoltz after the first six weeks of filming."

Oh look...two books in a row that deliver on the cover’s promise! For real, though, this is one of the most interesting behind-the-scenes movie bios I’ve ever read. When I finished it, I wanted to immediately watch the trilogy in one sitting.

56/5: For example, the first time the audience sees Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future is in a close-up of the actor with guitar in hand and reflective aviator sunglasses, epitomizing teenage male coolness circa 1985.

THE COLD DISH
Craig Johnson

“After 25 years as sheriff of Absaroka County, Walt Longmire’s hopes of finishing out his tenure in peace are dashed....Somebody, it would seem, is seeking vengeance, and now Longmire might be the only thing standing between the [potential victims] and a Sharps .45-70 rifle.”

Having thoroughly enjoyed watching the A & E/Netflix series based on Johnson’s Walt Longmire mysteries, and having met the author’s wife at her boutique in Wyoming, I was really looking forward to reading this, the first novel in the series. And I was not disappointed in the least. There’s a true sense of place, along with characters that are fully human and undeniably interesting. I’m looking forward to borrowing more of the books from the library.

56/5: I thought about it.