Books I Read in 2016, Vol. III

 

BRADY BRADY BRADY: The Complete Story of The Brady Bunch as Told by the Father/Son Team Who Really Know
Sherwood Schwartz & Lloyd J. Schwartz

From the publisher: "There have been many books and documentaries about The Brady Bunch, but this is the first ever by the father/son team who created and produced the show, and who can truly say, ‘Here’s the story...’.”

From me: A quick, enjoyable read...short chapters...kinda like episodes of a sitcom...hmmm. Plenty of “never heard that before” moments that make the hype of the cover blurb come true.

Page 56/Sentence 5: Logically, Mrs. Brady should be in her mid-thirties in order to have children approximately 7, 10, and 13.

ANDY & DON: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show
Daniel de Vise'

"Captures the talent of these men  -  and the magic between them  -  as well as the struggles each faced in his personal life. Written by Don Knott's brother-in-law and featuring extensive unpublished interviews with those closest to both men, this book is the definitive account of...the two men who captured America's heart as they rocked lazily on the front porch, meditating about the simple pleasure of a bottle of pop."

This is a well-crafted book; thoroughly enjoyable and informative. Each "character" is introduced at just the right time in the over-arching narrative of one of Hollywood's great friendships.

56/5: Dick and Andy started work together on January 4.

THE NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE
Watchman Nee

"This Christian classic traces in clear practical language the steps along the pathway of faith, presenting the eternal purpose of God in simple terms."

I first read this back in my college-age, wish-I-had-actually-been-part-of-the-Jesus-Movement, hey-let’s-open-a-Christian-coffeehouse days. I was looking for something to recharge my batteries, and the author had been brought back to my attention through a couple different channels, so it seemed like I should re-read it. (You can read a few blog-posts in which I quote this book here: http://deweytruth.blogspot.com/search/label/Watchman%20Nee) It’s actually a compilation of in-person Bible studies Nee led, so the style is somewhat conversational and very understandable. It did the job of reminding me what an awesome thing it is to have the creator of the cosmos living within me. Do not confuse “normal” with “ho-hum”.

56/5: Because it opens the way for God to take a hand in our lives and to work the thing out in us.

IS TINY DANCER REALLY ELTON’S LITTLE JOHN?  Music’s Most Enduring Mysteries, Myths, and Rumors Revealed
Gavin Edwards

"If you are a music fan, you may be aware of some of music’s most enduring mysteries. Where did Pearl Jam get their name? Did Mama Cass really die from choking on a ham sandwich? Gavin Edwards has heard just about every strange question, racy rumor, and legend of the music world. As the writer of Rolling Stone’s “Rolling Stone Knows” column, he proved himself as a one-man encyclopedia of music trivia. Now he shares all of his knowledge with you."

I found this book in the library while looking for something else and it, obviously, caught my attention. My disappointment with it lies in how it made clear to me that my knowledge of The Music World stopped at about 1981 with Billy Joel’s album, The Stranger. This book is full of questions and answers that I really could not possibly care less about, but Edwards DOES have a light, humorous style and there were enough pre-80’s tidbits scattered throughout that kept me reading.

56/5: Sometimes I’ll see an import release by one of my favorite bands in my local record store with two or more extra songs on it.

WHAT’S SO FUNNY? My Hilarious Life
Tim Conway with Jane Scovell

"Six-time Emmy Award-winning funnyman Tim Conway, best known for his characters on The Carol Burnett Show, offers a straight-shooting and hilarious memoir about his life on stage and off as an actor and comedian."

This book is a lot like Tim Conway’s comedy career: Generally funny, rarely flamboyant, mostly low-key, patently unoffensive, with scattered moments of brilliance. I bet he’s got at least two more books’ worth of stories that he could tell, and I wouldn’t mind reading them in the least.

56/5: Bless her, she stood over me and made me write, and read, and recite, and, in so doing, saved me from total humiliation and ensured my future success. 

Roth Family Christmas Epistle 2016

 

Yahoo Yippity!

As you might be able to guess from this photo, Kelly Jo and Dustin Haug bought a house this year (making Gramma Debbie and Grampa Dewey very happy; roots are being placed)! In other news: Kelly Jo took the first steps of doula certification, has launched a website (www.uffdadoula.com), and has been blessed to serve six families. Dustin started his 9th year of teaching at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and performed in several dance productions, including in the Fringe Festival. Anawynn, AKA SweetCheeks, turned 3 at a Princess Party, where all the guests got to be royalty.

Study Break and Impromptu Meet-Up with Daddy Roth at the MOA

Curtis and Abbey Roth are halfway through their 2nd year at Crown College, in St. Bonifacius, MN, where they are majoring in international studies (with emphases on cross-cultural ministry and humanities, and minors in pastoral leadership and worship, respectively). If you would like to make a financial investment in the life of ministry these two are preparing for, please consider participating in their GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/curtisabbeyfund). Curtis continues his youth and worship work at a small church in town, while Abbey is making the best coffee in Chanhassen. They are already looking forward to the fall semester of 2017 when they plan to be both studying and serving in the Dominican Republic!

Shonda and Johnathan Hall had two major changes in their lives this year. They moved from Arkansas to Travis Air Force Base in Northern California, and then, just a few weeks later, on September 28th, they were blessed with the birth of their healthy, cute-as-all-get-out son, Maverick Ethan! Gramma Debbie was able to fly out for a 10-day visit...just long enough to fall in love and make it terribly hard to go back to the Sacramento airport for the flight home. Another treat was having Shonda in Minnesota over Memorial Day weekend for a baby shower and much-longed-for visit with siblings.

In the backyard, Jesse gives life a thumbs up

Angel and Phillip Stanley, having moved to Elko in 2015, had a less-eventful calendar year. Jesse started attending an interesting preschool this fall, where they spend the majority of their time outdoors, and then he turned five on December 4th. Thomas (turning three in a month-and-a-half: February 15) has really amped up his verbal skills and has gotten used to being in daycare without his big brother. While Phil is still teaching art at Rosemount High School, there has been one big change: after 12 years of teaching first grade, Angel accepted a position of Reading Specialist at her school, so now, instead of riding herd over a classroom all day, she is spending time with a series of small groups of students as they come to her for her Master’s-degree-level help.

Not sure what Marco is worried about, but Dewey is obviously happy to have married above his paygrade

In April, Dewey went from being on a 9-month contract to Permanent Big Shot Employee with Ricoh...very grateful for the steady income! Also in April (maybe in March...I don’t remember) Giant Step Theatre’s founding director, writer, and Life Force, Pete Martin, let us know he was retiring and that February 2016’s production of Wizard of Oz was his last. We still don’t know whether there’s any future for Giant Step...it would take 3 or 4 people to take Pete’s place, even IF we could find someone with the needed skill sets...but the free time in September and October felt kind of nice, to be honest. We even took a trip together in October out to Debbie’s siblings in Wyoming...first time in 3 years! Debbie went to the speaker’s training conference in Grand Rapids, MI again (and has already signed up for 2017, but in the writer’s track), and I was able to “work from home” at Mom’s house. What a pair of blessings. Debbie continues to seek (and accept) speaking and singing opportunities. Please suggest her to anyone planning a women’s retreat or event (http://www.restinhimministry.com). Dewey continues to write a pair of blogs, one inspirational, one humorous. Please suggest them to anyone who knows how to read (http://www.almostthetruth.com).

Be well. Be at peace. BeYOUtiful. May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be filled with the love of Christ and family.

Doctor Strange Certainly Is

 

Right off the bat, I must say “Thank you!” to Marvel Studios for giving me 115 minutes in which I didn’t have a single thought about elections or protests or Facebook rants. That was my main objective in going to the movie theater, and it was successfully accomplished. I gleefully escaped this earthly toil.

The Ancient One packs a wallop

 But in addition to that, the movie had a lot going for it:

• Benedict Cumberbatch. Need I say more?
• Tilda Swinton knocks it out of the park with her normal brand of otherworldliness, but this time, her Ancient One is not only mysterious and a heck of a fighter, but seems to also have an inner core of joy that actually spills out in the form of a lovely smile or two.
• The folks at Industrial Light and Magic took Inception-like visuals and multiplied their complexity and speed by 10. This is a movie you really should see on a huge screen in 3D.
• Just the right dash of humor, always at the right moment.

Sure, Stan Lee’s obligatory cameo was pointless other than being another reason for him to stop doing it, and sometimes the astral-projection/spiritual-realm-you-know-nothing-about/power-of-the-mind stuff gets to sound a little bit like “blah, blah, blah”...but it’s a comic book movie, okay?

There’s even a short conversation in the movie that covers that base. As Doctor Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is first learning about all the mystical powers that he will soon be unleashing, he says “This doesn’t make any sense.”

The Ancient One’s response? “Not everything does. Not everything has to.”

Books I Read in 2016, Vol. II

 

THE SACRED ROMANCE: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God
Brent Curtis & John Eldredge

From the publishers: "If you long for something more, even if you don’t know what that something is, then open this profound book. Before long you will find yourself eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. The Sacred Romance is the story of our lives; it is God’s story. It is His invitation to experience His unfathomable love for us."

From me: I must admit that the back-cover blurb quoted above remains an unfulfilled prophecy in my case. For whatever reason  -  maybe I just don’t struggle with the existential angst the authors seem to wallow in  -  it was a struggle for me to finish this book. For me, it was not a page-turner at all. In fact, I only skimmed the last few chapters. However, for the person who wonders about their place in this world and what-the-sam-hill-is-God-up-to...they could do worse than be reminded of God’s desire for their ultimate good as this book relates it.

Page 56/Sentence 5: Indeed, they learn they are to actually rule with Aslan from Cair Paravel itself, Aslan’s royal city.

FLIP: The Inside Story of TV’s First Black Superstar
Kevin Cook

"How did Clerow Wilson, a motherless Jersey City grade-school dropout, become a national celebrity? Drawing on interviews with family, friends, and celebrities, Kevin Cook offers an inspiring account of a complex man who broke the prime-time color barrier, blazing a trail for generations of entertainers to come."

Now THIS was a page-turner. With some kind of newsflash or entertainment history touchstone on almost every page, this biography reads like a novel, with quotes from a tape-recorded journal by Flip Wilson himself and deeply personal revelations from family members and co-workers. Fair warning: the author accurately recreates the vulgar language of backstage drug users, but if you ever enjoyed watching Flip tell a hilarious story or don a wig and miniskirt to become the sassy Geraldine Jones, you’ll learn a lot about all the pain behind the laughs.

56/5: Partly because “Snickers” was a funny word, Flip thought, and partly because it was less predictable.

A LONG OBEDIENCE IN THE SAME DIRECTION: Discipleship in an Instant Society
Eugene H. Peterson

"Peterson not only instructs us in his considerable wisdom about authentic discipleship, he helps us see the passion and excitement of living lives fully devoted to Jesus." (Richard J. Foster)

We’ve been using this book as an aid in preparing lessons on the Psalms of Ascent for our Sunday morning adult Bible study (formerly known as Sunday School class). In 1980, it was the catalyst for Peterson’s translation/paraphrase, The Message. Some good explanations and illustrative stories really helped me see some clear and present applications for these poetic and ancient texts.

56/5: Hostile outsiders, keep your distance!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

 

Wow! 

I didn’t get much reading done May-August this year, did I? Too much Netflix and Facebook. Here’s to a better final third of the calendar!

Oh Yeah...I Forgot

 

Funny how one little thing can change your whole day.

While my Dr Pepper was heating up in the company microwave this morning, I was browsing through a copy of Sports Illustrated that was on a break-room table. The cover story was about the Chicago Cubs having the hottest winning streak since 1907. I thought about how my dad was a long-time Cubbies fan and that I should call him up and get his take on the phenomenon.

And then I remembered that Dad died almost two years ago.

Funny how one little thing can change your whole day.

Books I Read in 2016, Vol. I

 

DREAM TREADERS
Wayne Thomas Batson

"Fourteen-year-old Archer Keaton is a dreamtreader, one of three people in the entire world destined to defeat evil forces lurking in the Dream. The dreamtreaders’ mission is to stop the Nightmare Lord, who terrorizes the dreams of innocent people all over the world. However, Archers fellow dreamtreaders have gone missing, so he’s all alone in his fight.."

Reading that description from the back cover, it’s kind of surprising I actually read this thing, but it was in a pile of free stuff offered to employees at LifeWay (there are printing defects on several pages) and I thought it was about time to see just how Christian the Christian Youth Fiction books we stock really are. Bottom line answer is Not Very. If by “Christian” you mean “no vulgar language or explicit sexuality,” then fine, but as far as any actual spiritual or scriptural content that empowers or encourages...even in the form of allegory...don’t look for it in these pages. That being said, it’s only fair as a piece of fantasy. The attempt at establishing an alternate reality of lucid dreaming falls flat. I could write more, but I’ve already given this more words than it’s worth.

Page 56/Sentence 5: After mussing his flop of wavy brown hair, he continued on.

THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY ANSWER BOOK
Lee Strobel

"[This book] provides simple, understandable answers to questions you’ve probably asked - or heard - about Christianity. Bestselling author Lee Strobel, a former atheist, uses his investigative journalism skills to dig deep into science, history, and the Bible to find the truth. Then he offers what he has learned in an approachable question-and-answer format."

Truth be told, this book probably works better as an extended ad for all of Strobel’s “The Case for...” books than an actual apologetic go-to resource. Almost every answer here is a quote from, or condensation of, a much more complete answer in one of Strobel’s other books. Also, I found it interesting that the author goes beyond evidence for the reliability of Scripture and the historicity of the resurrection and enters into the territory of explaining theological concepts like the trilogy and faith. I thought that a little strange until I realized that some people object to Christianity based on a misunderstanding of what it really is.

56/5: And this was true among very diverse congregations scattered over a wide area.

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY
Robert Ludlum

"Reenter the shadowy world of Jason Bourne, an expert assassin still plagued by the splintered nightmares of his former life. This time the stakes are higher than ever. For someone else has taken on the Bourne identity—a ruthless killer who must be stopped or the world will pay a devastating price ."

No need to discuss “Which is better; the book or the movie?” The only similarity between the two is the title. I’m not kidding, there is not a scrap of plot in the movie that can be found in this book. And that’s just fine. I think books and movies should be enjoyed or evaluated on their own merits and not compared to each other at all. Bottom line, Ludlum knows how to give just enough description to give you a sense of place but not enough to drag the story down to the level of a travelogue. The action and suspense felt real and carried me through the 474 pages quite nicely.

56/5: He had survived the brutal training and become Delta.

LEAD HIS CHURCH
Jim Estep, David Roadcup, Gary Johnson

"The world at its worst needs the Church at her best. A practical resource for the equipping of congregational leaders who serve as elders of the Church"

This is the third book in the series my fellow-elders and I are reading as an exercise in growth and self-betterment (though it’s the second one I’ve read...when you’re sharing a couple sets, you don’t always have the luxury of reading them in order). Like the first, it gives plenty for us to discuss and gain from. The chapter on strategic planning struck me as a little heavy on man’s participation and light on “if the Lord wills”, but the author had a point to make.

56/5: When an effective, long-term minister retires or resigns from the local church, the congregation can flounder.

AS YOU WISH: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
Cary Elwes

"From Cary Elwes, who played the dashing hero Westley in The Princess Bride, comes the first-ever behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film. Filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with the film’s cast and crew, As You Wish captures the enchanting experience of being on the set three decades ago, and is sure to delight all fans of this treasured film."

An enjoyable and enlightening read indeed. Be warned, this really is intended for fans of the movie, if you’ve never watched The Princess Bride, don’t bother with this tome. But if you have, you’ll find a treasure trove of inside stories and humble gratitude from the author and interview subjects.

56/5: It wasn’t just that he wanted the film to be successful; I think he was actually fearful it might fail.

RUTHLESS TRUST: The Ragamuffin’s Path to God
Brennan Manning

"Brennan Manning does a masterful job of blowing the dust off shopworn theology and allowing God’s grace to do what only God’s grace can do: amaze."  -  Max Lucado

As I was ending my period of employment at LifeWay Bookstore, I bought a copy of every Brennan Manning book on the shelves (that I didn’t already have). I hadn’t heard of it before, but it turns out to be one of his later works, copyright 2000. I’ve highlighted so much of it, it might have used less ink if I had just crossed out the parts I didn’t want to read again.

56/5: A tangible spirit of silent wonder, radical amazement, and affectionate awe filled the warehouse that served as a holy place.

THE MAKING OF STAR WARS: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film
J. W. Rinzler

"Using his unprecedented access to the Lucasfilm Archives and its trove of never-before-published interviews, photos, production notes, factoids, and anecdotes, [the author] hurtles readers back in time for a one-of-a-kind behind-the-scenes look at the nearly decade-long quest of George Lucas and his key collaborators to make the ‘little’ movie that became a phenomenon."

I started reading this coffee table book a few YEARS ago, and just recently picked it up again. (And by “coffee table book”, I mean if you put legs on this monster, you could use it as a coffee table.)  Its 300+ pages are stuffed full of inside info, candid photos, and fairly significant revelations. And for the record, any time Lucas ever told interviewers that he always knew Darth Vader was Luke’s father...he was lying.

56/5: We called the sound department and we asked Ken Miura, who is a friend of ours, ‘Who’s the next Walter Murch?’ and they sent us Ben Burtt.

Roth Family Christmas Epistle 2015

 

KELLY JO continues to nanny, but has added a new life goal: becoming a doula; providing physical and emotional support during and after childbirth. Husband DUSTIN, while still teaching dance with Zenon Dance Company, is back to teaching Chemistry, etc. at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, this time as fully-licensed staff. Our only granddaughter, ANAWYNN, turned two in April and is just the most-adorable free spirit in Saint Paul.

CURTIS and ABBEY tied the knot in May, toured the western half of the U.S. on their honeymoon, moved in with us for a few months, and then began their joint educational adventure at Crown College, in St. Bonifacius, MN. They are excelling in their classes and keenly aware of their dependence on God for their living expenses. Abbey is a barista at a Starbucks in Chanhassen, and Curtis is providing youth ministry and worship leadership at a small church in town while also doing a few hours of PCA work a week. If you would like to make a financial investment in the life of ministry these two are preparing for, please consider participating in their GoFundMe campaign (now closed).

No major changes with SHONDA and JOHN. They are still living in Cabot, Arkansas, serving in the Air Force and working in child care. We were thrilled with their surprise attendance at Curtis and Abbey’s wedding, and are glad they had the opportunity to visit family and friends in Cincinnati over the Christmas holiday, in preparation for John’s forthcoming deployment the first of the year.

ANGEL and PHIL and JESSE (turned four December 4th) and THOMAS (turned one February 15) had a mini-adventure this year. They sold their house in Farmington and bought a beautiful, gee-now-we-have-room-to-grow place in Elko. It’s a shorter commute for Angel and a longer one for Phil, but the most exciting thing (for Jesse) is how close they are to the raceway! The whole gang got through a few weeks living with Phil’s parents with flying colors and are happily settling in.

36th Anniversary

DEWEY is now gainfully employed full-time, after 10 months of searching. God was surely chuckling under His breath as He arranged for the quickest hiring process in history during the final week of unemployment benefits. Not kidding...it went from a recruiter saying “may I put you in for this position?” to the manager saying “I’d like to offer you this job” in three days. Three days! It’s a contract position that ends in April, but there have been a couple interviews about a full-time position that’s being created. DEBBIE went to a speaker’s training conference in Grand Rapids, MI this summer and was extremely encouraged by the critiques received and contacts made. She is newly revived in spirit and ready for opportunities to speak or sing or both. Please suggest her to anyone planning a women’s retreat or event (http://www.restinhimministry.com).

THESE WISHES may be late, but they are sincere...may the comfort and joy that Jesus brought on the first Christmas be yours throughout the year!