30 book reviews this time around, over five days of posts. as always, i allow myself two sentences (unless otherwise noted):
– the first sentence is a summary of the book.
– the second sentence is my opinion of the book (complimented by the star rating).
my opinion:
– just because “Leaders are Readers” is a cliche doesn’t make it untrue.
– and, people who want to grow choose to read widely.
in this current series:
YA Fiction and Fiction (6 books, monday)
Illustrated Books and Graphic Novels (7 books, tuesday)
General Nonfiction (6 books, wednesday)
Ministry and Theology (7 books, thursday)
Christian Nonfiction and Parenting (4 books, today)
Christian Nonfiction
The Wired Soul: Finding Spiritual Balance in a Hyperconnected Age, by Tricia Rhodes)
4 stars
[note: this book releases July 1. this is my official endorsement provided to the publisher.]
Like so many others, I long for a more contemplative life. I know it’s in my best interest. Yet my desire and my experience, born out of my choices, don’t often seem to be on the friendliest of terms. Rhodes offers a practical (yes!), fascinating and insightful set of explanations, encouragement, and tools. This is a useful book, very much worth digesting.
Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life, by Beth Allen Slevcove
5 stars
[note: this book releases April 4. this is my official endorsement provided to the publisher.]
I don’t normally think of Grief and Beauty cozying up with one another. But that’s the indelible impression this gorgeous book imprinted on my heart and mind. Slevcove–with sometimes startling vulnerability and relentless authenticity–opens up her journey into and through grief, shining a light on something far, far better than simple platitudes or greeting card perk pills: this book reveals truth. And it’s the best kind of truth, messy and heart-wrenching and full of the potency of new life.
Parenting
Pass It On: Building a Legacy of Faith for Your Children through Practical and Memorable Experiences, by Jim Burns and Jeremy Lee
4 stars
[note: this is my official endorsement provided to the publisher.]
I’ve always been a huge fan of intentional Rites of Passage (as opposed to the non-intentional cultural rites that most of our children and teens stumble through). This book, like none I’ve ever seen, provides practical and actionable Rites, along with amazing insight, for every year of elementary, middle school, and high school. It’s an absolute wealth, a treasure trove, of hope and spiritual parenting. I will be recommending this books to lots of parents!
Your Teenager’s Not Crazy: Understanding Your Teen’s Brain Can Make You a Better Parent, by Jerusha and Jeramy Clark
5 stars
[note: this book releases April 4. this is my official endorsement provided to the publisher.]
The depth of insight and reams of practical ideas in this book are the second best things about it. The best thing–what really sets this book apart from other parenting books–is this: the vast majority of parenting books use fear, guilt, and hyperbole to promote a “teenagers are broken, and a problem to be solved” perspective. I find this perspective theologically unsound, destructive, and unhelpful. But the Clarks offer us, instead, a book that embraces a “teenagers are a wonder to behold” viewpoint. And that makes all the difference in the world, and is–i would suggest–the most important perspective needed for effective parenting.