book it
December always brings lists; Time magazine just released an entire issue devoted to the “top 10 everything of 2008″ and many other magazine and blog authors create their own best-of lists this time of year. These always sell well—with the incredible amount of information available to us, it’s helpful to sort out the events, people, movies, music or activities worth our time.
We also enjoy these lists because they provide new insights into our culture. (This year the top two Yahoo! Searches, ahead of any presidential candidate or news story, were Britney Spears and wrestling league WWE. No wonder the rest of the world hates us.)
If you haven’t already, you need to check out Christian Standard’s recent list of books that made a difference to our contributing editors this year. They include history, theology, business leadership and current events and I’ve added several to my own must-reads list for 2009. N.T. Wright’s books, of course, were already there, but some others—including Nancy Karpenske’s mention of God Talk: Cautions for Those Who Hear God’s Voice and Doug Priest’s recommendation of Saving God’s Green Earth—are books I will benefit from and wouldn’t have found on my own.
Check out the list here, and let me know what books influenced you this year. But if they involve Britney or professional wrestling, keep it to yourself.
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Jennifer Taylor
My Other Sites
Twittering @seejenwrite- seejenwrite: Looking forward to hearing @susanisaacs and @donmilleris tonite. Flexing my fingers in preparation for copious note-taking.
- seejenwrite: Buying tix for trip to Orlando in January!
- seejenwrite: Here are my thoughts about the Twilight craze, from earlier this year: http://ow.ly/E3Vc
- seejenwrite: @FlowerDust See you there!
Just finished Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” — could not stop reading it. Also thoroughly enjoyed “Crazy Love” from Francis Chan.
One of the most moving books I’ve read is “The Shack.” This one really spoke to my heart. The way God is portrayed can be written only by a person who’s heart has been broken and put back together piece by piece by God, Himself.
Also, “Glittering Images,” a book that’s been around for awhile, written by Susan Howatch. Her characterization is amazing and speaks directly to the heart as well.
“No More Jellyfish, Chickens, or Wimps” by Paul Coughlin is the best parenting book I have read. It teaches parents how to instill courage in their children, how to teach their children to deal with bullies, and how to protect their children from adult predators. Every parent should read this book.
Also, “Just Courage” by Gary Haugen addresses the problem of boredom among Christians. He suggests that the remedy may be to take risks to pursue justice in our world. Mr. Haugen is the president of International Justice Mission, an organization that fights injustices like slavery around the world. It’s a small book, but it contains great information and encouragement to make a difference in our world.
Britney and WWE…nice.
Best book this year for me? The Epic of Eden by Sandra Richter (OT prof. at Asbury Seminary). Her class was amazing, so is this book. More than worth every dollar it cost.
Currently reading Simply Christian (N.T. Wright) and have on deck Faith & Doubt (Ortberg) and Eat This Book (Peterson).
Merry Christmas!