Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s): Our Christmas Tree

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November 28, 2006

Our Christmas Tree

Our first Christmas in Kenya was unique in that for the first 3 weeks after Thanksgiving we had a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree with homemade ornaments. It was not ideal but it certainly made a memory. This weekend we set up our "real" (well artificial) tree and as we put up the ornaments I was reminded of more memories.

Setting up our tree is a special time. We have so many ornaments that invoke pleasant memories from the past. We have received special ornaments or picked them up in a special place. We have collected some from ornament swaps. And we have collected some with special themes. Some are unique and some are weird. Below is a list of some of the special ornaments we have on our tree.

1. Oldest Ornament - A 37 year old "bunny rabbit" ornament that I received when I was just one month old.

2. Most Unique ornament - a painted camel dung ornament sold in Kenya (now that is recycling!!)

3. Places Visited Ornament - ornaments from Williamsburg, Charleston, Mt. Vernon (George Washington's home), Victoria BC, Newberry.

4. International Places Visited Ornaments - Russia, Holland, UK, Kenya

5. Themed Ornaments - We have 9 St. Louis Cardinal ornaments on the tree (guess I need to get another to match the number of World Series Championships they have won!). We also have another 3 baseball themed ornaments. We have 7 Ballerinas, 4 Pineapples, and 17 Snowmen.

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2009 Book List

Robert van Gulik: The Chinese Lake Murders (Judge Dee Mysteries)
I continue to read through the Chinese mystery books written by van Gulik. This story was a bit more complicated to keep straight but had a very fascinating ending. I do enjoy this series. (***)
C. S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters: Complete and Unabridged
C.S. Lewis is the man! This book was yet another example of why I never tire of reading his thought provoking and heart changing writing. (*****)
Robert Van Gulik: The Chinese Gold Murders: A Judge Dee Detective Story (Judge Dee Mysteries)
Another aspect I like about these stories is the insight they provide to ancient Chinese culture. (****)
Robert Van Gulik: The Chinese Bell Murders: A Judge Dee Detective Story
These Judge Dee books are a lot of fun to read. They are interesting plots with enough twists and turns to keep it exciting, yet not too many to make it ridiculous. This author has another 10 or so in this series. I look forward to making my way through them. (****)
pearl buck: Imperial Woman
I read this book while we were in China. I enjoyed reading this historical novel as it gave me background information on the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. The story was pretty interesting as well. (***)
Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee (Dee Goong An) (Detective Stories)
This is a pretty good Chinese detective story written in the 18th century and translated into English in the 20th century. (****)
Yiyun Li: The Vagrants: A Novel
This story is set in the 1970's and tells the tragic story about a town involved in the Democratic Wall Movement, a pre-Tiananmen Square political movement. The author paints a very real, sobering picture of life in China during this volatile time. Although it doesn't directly discuss one child policies, it helps provide insight to the recent challenges of life in China that lead to international adoption. (*****)
Robert van Gulik: The Chinese Maze Murders: A Judge Dee Mystery (Gulik, Robert Hans, Judge Dee Mystery.)
This mystery novel is set in 1800 China. The book is a gem. Besides being a good read, it provides some historical insight to Imperial China. I look forward to reading more by this author. (****)
Pearl S. Buck: The Good Earth (Enriched Classics)
As we get close to leaving for China, I have decided to read a few fictional works about China. My first was the old classic The Good Earth. I read it sometime in high school but realized that I didn't remember much about it. Anyway, the book was very revealing about pre-Revolutionary Chinese thought and reliance on agriculture. I understand better why it is considered a classic. (****)
Ken Follett: World Without End
This 1000 page tome was worth the time it took to read it. This was the "sequel" of sorts to Pillars of the Earth. I would not have imagined I could be so engrossed by the lives of English peasants and nobility from the 14th century. (****)
Russell D. Moore: Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches
A Must Read for anyone interested in adoption, believes in adoption, wants to support adoption, or has been adopted (physically or spiritually). The author explains our adoption in Christ, and then makes a case for why the church needs to see adoption as missional. (*****)
Dava Sobel: Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
A very interesting true story about how longitude was discovered. Particularly interesting after reading all the Hornblower books. (***)
C.S. Forester: Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies (Hornblower Saga)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Lord Hornblower (Hornblower Saga)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Commodore Hornblower (Hornblower, 9)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Flying Colours (Hornblower Saga)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Hornblower and the Atropos (Hornblower Saga)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Ship of the Line (Hornblower Saga)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Hornblower : Beat to Quarters
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Hornblower During the Crisis (Hornblower Saga)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Hornblower and the "Hotspur" (Hornblower Series)
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Lieutenant Hornblower
(*****)
C.S. Forester: Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (Hornblower Saga)
The Hornblower books were recommended to me in February. I read all 11 books in the span of 4 months. Much like the Patrick O'Brian novels, but also much different. I loved going "back to sea again." (*****)
Andrew Klavan: Empire of Lies (Otto Penzler Book)
The 2nd Klavan mystery I have read. A much better plot. The author is a believer. The protagonist is a believer. The plot shows the raw reality of living out your faith...temptation, failure, victory, and everything in between. (****)
Dave Eggers: What Is the What (Vintage)
An incredible story about one man's journey across and out of Sudan. Having lived in Kenya there was much that I could understand about his confusions of not knowing where to call home (the old village, the refugee camp, America?). (*****)
Andrew Klavan: Damnation Street (Weiss and Bishop Novels)
Interesting story. A bit krass at times, but good for mystery novels.
Charles Dickens: A Tale of Two Cities (Penguin Classics)
Another great tale by Dickens! (****)
Mary Shelley: Frankenstein: Or The Modern Prometheus (Puffin Classics)
The novel is so much better than any of the movies or cartoons. But isn't that true of most books. (****)
Charles Dickens: David Copperfield (Signet Classics)
One of my favorite Dickens stories. It started "slow" but grew on me quick. Was sad to finish it. (****)

VISITOR GUESTBOOK

2008 Book List

Ken Follett: The Pillars of the Earth (Deluxe Edition) (Oprah's Book Club)
A great historical novel. Compelling, engaging, and inspiring. A reminder that hard things are time-consuming, but worth doing. (*****)
Timothy Keller: The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism
An incredible book answering the skeptic's questions. Very thought provoking. More importantly, very gracious. (*****)
Stephan Talty: Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan's Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe That Ended the Outlaws' Bloody Reign
A very cool read about Captain Morgan. Aaarrrggh! (****)
Bill Willingham: Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile
Very interesting but not for young eyes...PG-13/R. (***)
Marjane Satrapi: Chicken with Plums
Another great graphic novel. (****)
Brian K. Vaughan: Pride of Baghdad
Great Graphic Novel. Incredible allegory for the people of Baghdad. Based on a true story. (*****)
Ngugi Wa'Thiong'O: Wizard of the Crow: A novel
A tremendous novel that reveals incredible insight to the African mind. A "fictional" country with a "fictional" tyrant and the havoc his reign brings to this country. A full analysis is forthcoming. A must-read if you want to better understand why Africans think the way they do. (*****)
Shaun Tan: The Arrival
A Phenonimal graphic novel. Not a single printed word, but oh the story this book tells. See my long analysis from June 4, 2008 for more details. (*****)
Bill Bryson: The Mother Tongue
A much different book by Bill Bryson, but still very funny and very informative. The author takes the reader on a very interesting journey back in time to explain the origins of the English language. He points out the many quirks and beauties of the language. An interesting book. (***)
Ceridwen Dovey: Blood Kin: A Novel
This new novel is extremely well written. It tells the story of a President who is overthrown in a coup. It follows the story of his barber, his painter, and his chef. It shows how pervasive and insidious corruption poisons not only those in power, but those around those in power. It is an intense portrayal of how we all desire power, wealth, and flesh. What makes the story even more interesting is that none of the character's are named, nor is the country. You realize that it makes the story applicable to every person and place. Scary! Well worth the read. (*****)
Leo Tolstoy: Master and Man and Other Stories (Penguin Classics)
I really enjoyed this book of three short stories by Leo Tolstoy. The first two stories, Father Sergius and Master and Man, clearly show man's fallenness and his attempts at self-redemption (and the subsequent failure in these attempts). They are very thought provoking. I look forward to reading more Tolstoy in the future. (****)
Bill Bryson: Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe
Another funny travel book by Bryson. Again filled with a bunch of LOL antedotes. It was especially funny and relevant since we travelled Europe last year. I wonder how this author got his job..."hey, let me travel all over the world, eat and drink at your expense, and then write about my insights and misadventures." Sign me up! A few "R" rated pages. (****)
Jeff Shaara: Gone for Soldiers: A Novel of the Mexican War
This historical novel is about the Mexican War and introduces the reader to a bunch of names that will be intertwined in the Civil War. I have enjoyed Jeff Shaara's previous historical novels but this one took over 50 pages to warm up to...far too many. The dialogue and "inside thoughts" were too predictable. Nonetheless, I did enjoy reading about a subject I knew little about. (***)
Bill Bryson: Notes from a Small Island
Another hilarious offering from Bill Bryson. This books continues the theme of my reading so far this year..."books set in a different country than America." The author pokes fun at his adopted country with such subtlety that the English could only agree with his observations. It is hard to read Bill Bryson when Marti is trying to laugh...muffled laughs are louder than I think. (****)
John Grisham: Playing For Pizza: A Novel
This book is a short novel by John Grisham and much different than most of Grisham's novels. It is set in Italy and is about a washed up 3rd string NFL quarterback who rediscovers the joy of playing football when he gets the "opportunity" to be a starting quarterback in an Italian Football League. Nonetheless, it was a joy to read especially since we so enjoyed our time in Italy. (****)
Khaled Hosseini: The Kite Runner
A very intense read. A moving and dark story about friendship, betrayal, and redemption. The main characters are Afghani and takes place first in pre-Soviet occupation Afghanistan, then the United States, and then in Taliban controlled Afghan. It is an incredible read. (*****)
Bill Bryson: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
Another hilarious Bill Bryson offering. He details his experiences of walking the Applachian Trail with his sidekick Steve Katz. You can imagine the trials and tribulations (real and made up) that he faces as well as the triumphs of "making it." The "everyday man" climbs Mt. Everest (er...walks the AT!). Funny, but a few "R" rated pages. (***)
Bill Bryson: I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away
This is clearly one of the funniest books I have read. The author had lived in Great Britain for over 20 years and returns back to the U.S. with his family. He writes about his "adventures" with reverse culture shock. His observations are "spot on." My face and sides still hurt (from smiling and laughing so hard). Importantly for me personally, he validates a lot of what I was experiencing coming back "home" after living abroad for period. He is one of my new favorite authors. (*****)

2012 Book List

Ken Follett: Winter of the World: Book Two of the Century Trilogy
Fantastic. Great historical novel. Great characters. Too bad it will be another year or so before I can read the last in this trilogy. (*****)
Solomon Jones: The Gravedigger's Ball: A Coletti Novel (Coletti Novels)
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I really enjoy the plots, the action, and once again the pace. Could use some deeper character development. (****)
Corban Addison: A Walk Across the Sun
A riveting story. Believable. Incredibly sad yet hopeful. Deals with orphans and sex trafficking. Not for the queasy. (*****)
John M. Frame: Salvation Belongs to the Lord: An Introduction to Systematic Theology
A very well done Systematic Theology book. Easily understood but very insightful. (*****)
Randy Alcorn: Deadline
Interesting story and good twists and turns, but the author took forever to get through the story. Probably too many subplots. (***)
Alan Bradley: A Red Herring Without Mustard: A Flavia de Luce Novel (Flavia de Luce Mysteries)
This is the third in a series. The first two were intriguing with the heroine being a 12 year old girl. However, I have grown weary of her spineless father and spiteful sisters. Probably won't read any more in this series. (***)
Daniel Silva: Portrait of a Spy
One of my favorite authors. A spy thriller. Again, I love the pace of these reads. (****)
Daniel Silva: The Rembrandt Affair (Gabriel Allon)
Solid story telling. Intrigue. Good character development. Great pace. (*****)
Solomon Jones: The Last Confession
A murder mystery. Good pace. Interesting characters. Gritty. Doesn't leave out the spiritual realm of life. (*****)
Marvin Olasky: Echoes of Eden
Interesting graphic novel. Good story about International Justice Mission and sex trafficking. Sometimes the story is choppy but overall, a good read. (***)
John Grisham: Calico Joe
Interesting short story by John Grisham. A story of secrets and the need for repentance. (****)
J. Mark Bertrand: Nothing to Hide (A Roland March Mystery)
Great thriller. This author is becoming a favorite of mine. (*****)
Richard Platt: As One Devil to Another: A Fiendish Correspondence in the Tradition of C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters
So, so good. Written in the style of The Screwtape Letters. I thought it was C.S. Lewis writing this. (*****)
Randy Alcorn: Safely Home
Great story based in China. Discusses issues of church persecution, spiritual warfare, heaven, sacrifice, prayer. Very encouraging. (*****)
Milton Vincent: A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love
A great little book that encourages me to "preach the gospel to myself daily." I plan to read it over and over. (*****)
Douglas F. Kelly: The Westminster Confession of Faith: An Authentic Modern Version, Fourth Edition
A good succinct reminder of what I believe. (****)
Bob Thune: The Gospel Centered Life (Leader's Guide)
Very encouraging small group book. Focuses on learning to live out the gospel of grace on a daily basis. (****)
Paul Miller: A Praying Life: Connecting With God In A Distracting World
Probably the best book on prayer I've ever written. It makes me want to pray. To know God. Definitely worth reading. (*****)
J. Mark Bertrand: Pattern of Wounds (A Roland March Mystery)
Good follow up book. (****)
J. Mark Bertrand: Back on Murder (A Roland March Mystery)
A good mystery novel. Good development of characters and plot. Written by a believer but the book is not predictably evangelical. (****)
Brennan Manning: The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus
Great insight about Grace from one of my favorite authors. (****)
Jimmy Breslin: Branch Rickey (Penguin Lives)
A great sports figure. A great story. But a terrible read. This author couldn't help but insert himself in to the story. Couldn't wait to finish. (**)
Ken Follett: Fall of Giants: Book One of the Century Trilogy
I just love this author's ability of writing a compelling, page turning, far-reaching epic historical novel. Too much detail to even give a short plot summary. But so worth reading. (*****)
David Aikman: Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Is Transforming China And Changing the Global Balance of Power
A pretty encouraging book about the history of Christianity in China. The church is strong and growing there despite (probably as a result of) the persecution there. It is a reminder of how God is sovereign over all. (****)
Daniel Silva: The Defector (Gabriel Allon Novels)
Part Two of the story that Moscow Rules starts. Pretty brutal depiction of the Russian Mafia. Hope the country really isn't that corrupt, but it probably is. (****)
Daniel Silva: Moscow Rules (Gabriel Allon)
A very intense spy thriller by one of my new favorite authors Daniel Silva. Hard to put down. (****)
Adrian Tinniswood: Pirates of Barbary: Corsairs, Conquests and Captivity in the Seventeenth-Century Mediterranean
A slightly different take on how Pirates on the Barbary Coast (North Africa) impacted world history for a time. Interesting to say the least. (***)
Brad Thor: Full Black: A Thriller
Another fun thriller by Thor. Enough said. (****)
Laura Hillenbrand: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
A well told story of one man's survival at sea followed by his torture as a WWII POW. God's grace at work. (****)
Joel C. Rosenberg: The Tehran Initiative
Gripping story. Part Two of a Trilogy. We need to be awake and aware of the true dangers Iran poses to our security. (*****)
Timothy Keller: The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God
One of the best books on the true meaning of marriage. Not so much a "self help" book as a true theological and biblical discussion of why God created marriage. Great job Timothy Keller. (*****)
Eric Metaxas: Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
A great biography about a great man. Must reading to learn about the power of prayer and perseverance. Plus it shows how important it is for Christians to be part of public policy. (*****)

2011 Book List

Demetri Martin: This Is a Book
I bought this thinking it might be interesting. I read a good review from Malcolm Gladwell (of Outliers fame). Malcolm is a better writer than a critique. This book was mostly sophomoric. (*)
Daniel Silva: The Messenger (Gabriel Allon Novels)
I read this author on the recommendation of Marvin Olasky (in World Magazine). It started a bit slow but I liked it by the end. It is another spy thriller type book (life must not be interesting enough for me in the Emergency Department). (****)
Joel C. Rosenberg: The Twelfth Imam
I liked this book. I know it is fiction, but it seems so realistic. We need to pay attention to what Iran is doing with their nuclear program. (****)
Brad Thor: Foreign Influence: A Thriller (Scot Harvath)
Very intense. The plot moved quickly. I'm not in the spy business but this storyline seems very plausible. And scary. (****)
Robert van Gulik: The Phantom of the Temple: A Judge Dee Mystery (Judge Dee Mystery Series)
I enjoyed this one better than the last one. A bit more gruesome at times but a better plotline. (***)
Robert van Gulik: The Willow Pattern: A Judge Dee Mystery (Judge Dee Mystery Series)
Another Judge Dee mystery. A bit harder to follow than his previous works but maybe the problem was me. (**)
Brad Thor: The Athena Project
Another good spy novel from my favorite thriller author. Main character sidelined a bit in this book, but still a fun read. (***)
Eric Metaxas: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
An incredible biography about an incredible figure. One of my all-time favorite biographical reads. Get it! (*****)
Eugene H. Peterson: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction [Deluxe Edition] 20th Anniversary Edition edition
An incredibly good book on what the Christian walk is all about. This was a real encouragement to me. I highly recommend it if your walk seems slow, in a rut, or even in the wrong direction. (*****)
Pat Conroy: South of Broad: A Novel
Very good book about friendships - the good, the bad, the ugly. I really enjoyed it at the beach because the setting is Charleston, SC. Conroy is a great author who obviously knows Charleston, its charms and its warts. (****)
Brother Yun: Yun: The Illustrated Story of the Heavenly Man
A very encouraging biography of a Chinese Christian in graphic novel form. A reminder that God is at work in Red China. (****)
Dinesh D'Souza: Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader
A very insightful and intriguing book on one of my favorite Presidents. The book was written in the late 90's by the current president of The King's College. I'd be interested in knowing if he has any new insights or conclusions to make in our current political and economic times. (*****)
Alan Bradley: The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag: A Flavia de Luce Novel
Another fun read in this series of mysteries. (****)
Bill Bryson: At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Bryson remains one of my favorite authors. In this work he takes us on a tour of his 19th century home and while doing so introduces us to the stories and history of things to do with home; how toilets and light bulbs and telephones and gardens and lawn mowers and so on were developed and invented. (*****)
G K Chesterton: The Innocence of Father Brown Volume 1 (Complete Classics) (v. 1)
Very interesting stories by a great Christian author. Witty, surprising, and intriguing. (****)
C. S. Lewis: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia)
A Classic. I'm reading the Chronicles of Narnia again. This time out loud to Sam. I simply love the series. I'll never grow weary of reading them. (*****)
Franklin Foer: How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization
A very interesting book. The author "travels" the globe explaining the history of some of the world's great soccer teams and how there can be lessons about globalization in those histories. I didn't think the "theories" of globalization were strong, but the histories of each chapter were interesting to me as a sports fan. (***)
Alan Bradley: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie: A Flavia de Luce Mystery
A new mystery series that I have started. The chief "detective" is an eleven year old girl who loves chemistry and poisons. It is pretty interesting how the author can tell the story through this character and still appeal to adults. I look forward to the next installment. (****)
Joe Sacco: Footnotes in Gaza: A Graphic Novel
An extremely well done graphic novel telling the Palestinian story. It is balanced and doesn't come across heavy handed. It tells how the Gaza Strip has become such a complicated story. This book reminds us that there are always two sides to a story (and that the truth probably lays somewhere in the middle). (*****)
Winston T. Smith: Marriage Matters: Extraordinary Change Through Ordinary Moments
One of the better books on marriage that I have read. Its constant theme is that we are all sinners and it is grace that sets us free. If we remember that God gave us our spouse to sanctify us and grow us, we should be a bit slower to be disappointed when they "let us down." Our marriages grow when we grow in grace. (****)
AHA: Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course Guide and PALS Provider Manual: Provider Manual
Not necessarily my favorite book I've read, but definitely worth-while. I read this in preparation for my PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) re-certification. It helps systematically review how to care for a child who comes to the Emergency Department with a life-threatening illness. (***)
Michael Gerson: City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era
A good primer on the need for changing how we approach politics in today's nasty political environment. The authors give a brief history of the growth and impact of the "Religious Right" but point out the need for a more civil tone. They do not advocate watering down the message, but to be better thinkers and communicators for the conservative message. (****)

2010 Book List

Carl R. Trueman: Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative
One of the better books I've read about how Christians should think about politics. Insightful, poignant, challenging. Read it. (*****)
Sally Lloyd-Jones: The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
Although this is written for children, the story is so well written that I found it an encouragement and blessing to read. It presented the story of the gospel in a clear compelling way. I used it as a devotional over the past several weeks as each "story" reminded me of the simple overarching message of the gospel...Jesus has an Never-Ending Love for his children. (*****)
Doug Tennapel: Monster Zoo
I've read a few of this authors graphic novels and have enjoyed them. However, this one was a bit disappointing. The plot was too simple and predictable. It was even a little forced at times. Save your time and forget this one. (**)
Dinesh D'Souza: The Roots of Obama's Rage
A very different book. The author tries to make the case that Obama is not the socialist villain that he often made out to be by the Right but rather a man trying to please his absent African father. At times the case seems believable, at others not so much. The best chapters are at the beginning of the book and the end of the book. Read it and draw your own conclusions. (***)
Robert van Gulik: The Lacquer Screen: A Chinese Detective Story (A Judge Dee Mystery)
Not as good as the other Judge Dee stories, but a fun read nonetheless. (***)
Brad Thor: The Apostle: A Thriller
Another great yarn by Thor. I guess I am totally a sucker for espionage thrillers...especially in the day of counter-terrorism. Can't wait to read the next two books in this series. (*****)
Brad Thor: The Last Patriot: A Thriller
I am really enjoying these thrillers by Brad Thor. Crisp stories. Good detail. Believable. (*****)
Brad Thor: The First Commandment: A Thriller
I quickly read through this book. Again fast paced anti-terrorist thriller. Very interesting insights to terrorism and the counter-terrorist fight. A bit of a stretch in some parts of the book, but still good. I'm already reading his next book in this series. (****)
Brad Thor: Takedown: A Thriller
A very interesting read. Quick, sharp paced thriller. Mostly believable characters. Brad Thor is Tom Clancy taking on terrorists. This book takes place in NYC. (****)
J. Maarten Troost: Lost on Planet China: One Man's Attempt to Understand the World's Most Mystifying Nation
A witty travelogue about China. I laughed out loud several times. His observations over a long trip to China were very similar to mine during our 16 day visit last year. Occasional swear words, but overall worth the read. (*****)
Arthur C. Brooks: The Battle: How the Fight between Free Enterprise and Big Government Will Shape America's Future
Very timely and well-written. I don't do much posting about politics, but this should serve as a wake-up call for all that has happened in the past 18 or so months. (****)
Tim Kurkjian: Is This a Great Game, or What?: From A-Rod's Heart to Zim's Head---My 25 Years in Baseball
Not exactly a literary "tour de force" but a fun read nonetheless. Lots of good inside stories about baseball which is why I wanted to read it. A good summertime read. (***)
Timothy Keller: The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Incredibly challenging yet refreshing. I don't want to be the younger brother or the older brother. I am in need of Jesus who restores me to my Father. (****)
Robert van Gulik: The Emperor's Pearl: A Judge Dee Mystery
Another good story by RvG. This one was a bit more violent than usual but still a good plot. (****)
-Joshua Harris-: Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters [Audiobook][Unabridged] (Audio CD)
I listened to this unabridged audiobook on my travels this week. It was an incredibly good book. It was basically a book on how sound doctrine can help us grow deeper in our faith. Josh Harris is a great teacher who helps make complicated things simple without watering down the real meat of the matter. Highly recommended. (*****)
Robert Van Gulik: The Red Pavillion
This was the most interesting Judge Dee story by Van Gulik. For whatever reason, I am really enjoying these mysteries set in Ancient China. (*****)
Gary A. Haugen: Terrify No More: Young Girls Held Captive and the Daring Undercover Operation to Win Their Freedom
This compelling book tells both the story of International Justice Mission (IJM.org) and their work in freeing underage sex slaves in Cambodia. Gripping stuff. Modern slavery is real and evil, but folks like IJM are doing some incredible stuff setting people free. Read the book. Pray for their ministry. (****)
Ernest Hemingway: The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories (Scribner Library, SL32)
It has been a long time since I read Hemingway. No doubt he is a great writer. His writing is gritty and sometimes dark. Not easy beach reading but still worthwhile. (***)
Donald Miller: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life
This was my favorite read of the whole year so far! Donald Miller makes me laugh out loud all the time when I read him. The kids thought I was crazy when I sat on the beach reading this book. The whole main point of the book is that God is writing a story in our lives...are we going to be good characters who leave behind a good story, or are we going to be bad characters who miss out on the good story? Check the book out. (*****)
Bill Bryson: Shakespeare: The World as Stage
Bill Bryson is one of my favorite non-fiction writers. I have usually read his travel books. I was not disappointed in this book. It was a great introduction to the "Bard". Highly recommended. (****)
G. K. Chesterton: The Man Who Was Thursday
This was a very interesting read, part mystery, part suspense novel. This was the first fictional work I have read by this author and I loved it. I will have to check out his other works. (*****)
Robert van Gulik: The Haunted Monastery: A Judge Dee Mystery (Judge Dee Mystery/Robert Van Gulik)
I enjoyed getting back to one of my favorite characters and genres, Judge Dee and Ancient Chinese mysteries. However, I didn't really think this particular story was all that good. Better luck next time. (**)
Tom Davis: Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World
I really liked this novel as it combined two topics near to my heart: Africa and Adoption. It was a compelling story of a photojournalist and a young African orphan girl and how their lives intersect and change one another. I thought most of the depictions of life in Africa were pretty realistic but there were a few scenes that were less than believable. Nonetheless, I recommend this book. (****)
Flannery O'Connor: The Violent Bear It Away
I know this is supposed to be an American classic but I found it dark and gloomy. The writer was certainly pitting good against evil but when "good" won it was because of some "evil." Not for the faint of heart. (***)
Timothy Keller: Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters
Another powerful and challenging book by one of my favorite authors. This book posits that all sin in one way or another is caused by idolatry - putting something or someone in front of our love for God. (****)
Richard Doster: Crossing the Lines: A Novel
This the sequel to the book Safe At Home. I enjoyed this story just as much. The protagonist in the story, Jack Hall, is a reporter who is in the right place at the right time. This book tells the story of the developing Civil Rights movement in the late 50s, early 60s from the reporters point of view. Very insightful. (*****)
Richard Doster: Safe at Home: A Novel
I really enjoyed this novel. It is set in the rural South in the 1950's. It is about how the first black baseball player to play for a minor league team in the South turned life upside down. It explores the changes for both white and black. A neat story to show the internal and external struggles each person dealt with during the Civil Rights period. (****)
Steven D. Levitt: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (P.S.)
This was definitely a different kind of "economics" book. This author challenges conventional wisdom in a big way. He strings together some very interesting theories. He also gives insight to real estate agents, sumo wrestlers, drug dealers, school teachers, parents, and criminals. (****)
Malcolm Gladwell: Outliers: The Story of Success
Another fascinating book from the author of two of my favorite books The Tipping Point and Blink. Gladwell makes some fascinating observations and insights to success. He challenges the conventional wisdom about success. A good read that will make you say, "Huh, I hadn't thought of that." (*****)
Khaled Hosseini: A Thousand Splendid Suns
This is the second novel I have read by this author. Another stirring account of life in Afghanistan. It was incredibly appealing while at the same time appalling. A definite good read. (****)