...my schedule over the past several months has not been conducive to my normal reading habits. nonetheless, i have been able to read some books, and a few great ones at that. here are five recommendations (in no particular order).
1) The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of business and Transformed Our Culture first of all, this book is very well written and tells what could be a boring story in a very interesting and compelling way (i.e. Malcolm Gladwell books). second, you will learn things about how a service (internet search) that you probably use every day, multiple times, actually works. i had no idea how google works and makes its bazillion dollars until i read this book. third, you will also learn some interesting theories on what the not too distant future may hold for you as a consumer (the section on grocery shopping will blow your mind). finally, the book raises the obligatory questions of how much power one company could or should have, as well as pointing out the inevitable compromises that come from doing business in the global economy. fascinating stuff.
top five favorite novels:
...number 2 is now the fortress of solitude. lethem wanders in a couple of points, but otherwise weaves a masterful coming of age story that deals with race, superheroes, growing up in the city, and is ultimately a beautiful story of friendship. one of those books that you hate to see end and are somewhat sad that you will never get to read again for the first time.
3) A Community Called Atonement a short book but in no way a light read. each chapter is about 5-8 pages long, but i could only read it a chapter at a time because i had to put it down and think about what i'd just read. this book was fun for me to read because it reminded me of being in seminary. beyond that it is one of the most well-thought out and scholarly efforts to articulate an emerging theology. and mcknight is more than up to the task. he is brilliant but earthy and clearly in touch with "real world" issues beyond the walls of academia (although extremely well versed and well read). this one is going on the shelf of the indispensables and is highly recommended to anyone who wants something intellectually stimulating to read.
4) Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile in some ways a great counterpoint to mcknight. not in topic/thesis, but in approach. the genius of rob bell is his ability to take somewhat esoteric theology, or at least stuff that you only hear about in seminary and theological articles, and make it accessible to anyone. his books are easy to read both in the language and the way they are laid out. i have not finished the book so i have yet to formulate a final opinion. but i am enjoying where he is going with it. (in case you are wondering the book is essentially a defense of New Exodus theology).
5) Wide Awake bottom line, don't read mcmanus when you are in the midst of a major life transition. you just might end up in southwest colorado, or africa, or something like that. erwin examines eight "paths" that lead you to live the life of your dreams. one thing i appreciate about him is that he never sugarcoats anything in a "do these three things and you will be healthy, wealthy, and wise." rather, each path seems to lead through hard times in a process of character formation. exciting, i know, but when he writes about you want to go do great things to change the world. not as impactful on my thinking as some other things he's written, but eerily perfect for this stage of my life.
coming attractions: Tell It Slant by Eugene Peterson...the latest in a series of practical theology books that have been excellent. i can't wait to start it this week.
happy reading!
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