Here is a listing and slight overview of the books that I have finished:
July 2008
14. A Divine Light: The Spiritual Leadership of Jonathan Edwards / David Vaughan - Thankful for Edwards.
June 2008
13. Dare to Lead: Proven Principles of Effective Leadership / Byrd Baggett - Oops. I judged a book by it’s cover. Not a total loss, but I advise you away from this book. 45 minutes I could have used otherwise.
12. Luther and His Katie: The Influence of Luther’s Wife on His Ministry / Dolina MacCuish - Presented the warm joy in husbandry and fatherhood of this stellar man.
11. Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, A Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt - David McCullough (Audiobook, Abridged) - Good read, but expect the book to start winding down right as Teddy starts taking public offices…at least the audiobook version.
10. Forgotten Founding Father: The Heroic Legacy of George Whitefield / Steven Mansfield - I had forgotten about him being a founding father of America. Now I see it. I love biographies.
9. Stop Dating the Church: Fall in Love with the Family of God / Joshua Harris - I thought this wasn’t a needful book for me…for a few pages. Compelling truth. Needful.
March/April 2008
8. FairTax: The Truth / Neal Boortz - Enormous repercussions. Let’s get America back! Stellar and winsome idea.
February 2008
7. What is a Healthy Church / Mark Dever - This book was gifted to me and really helped me to understand some important matters.
6. The God-Centered Life: Insights from Jonathan Edwards for Today / Josh Moody - Very pleased that the author did what he said he wanted to do with the book. Very helpful to me.
5. John Adams / David McCullough (Audiobook, Abridged) - McCullough does not disappoint. Enjoyable and insightful.
4. The Case for Classical Christian Education / Douglas Wilson - Reread. Still as important; much more real.
January 2008
3. The Last Battle / C.S. Lewis - “Further up and further in.” May I never put this series down.
2. Real Men: Ten Courageous Americans to Know and Admire / R. Cort Kirkwood - Stellar idea. Good content. Poor style.
1. Vital Friends: The People You Can’t Afford to Live Without / Tom Rath - This book was sitting around the place I was sitting around today. It was an interesting compilation of studies that tried to demonstrate how important real friendships are to productivity and satisfaction in the workplaces. I noted many bibilical principles being uncovered. Ponderous.
December 2007
32. The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure / Ken Blanchard and Truett Cathy - Helpful again.
31. Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People / S. Truett Cathy - A welcome and helpful book. I couldn’t wait to read this and found it very simple but important. I’ve only been to Chick-fil-A once or twice but am so pleased to be introduced to this wonderful man and organization. Perfect timing.
30. Managing the Nonprofit Organization: Principles and Practices / Peter Drucker - This book stretched me some and made me think about some essential cogs in the workings. Helpful.
29. Logos School Development Basics / Ed Van Nuland - Essential for me.
28. Putting Feet on the Trivium: A Handbook for Administrator’s of Classical Christian Schools / Tom Garfield - You don’t give a rip, but this book was immensely helpful to me and goes on the 4′ bookshelf for ready reference. So many things that seem like starting from scratch don’t have to be. Indispensable.
27. The Silver Chair / C.S. Lewis - Brilliant and breathtaking.
November 2007
26. God Gave Wine: What the Bible Says About Alcohol / Kenneth Gentry - Hot potato!
25. Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt / Jean Fritz - A good light reader giving a simple overview of this President about whom I knew little. He was a stellar example of bravery, industry, fortitude and gumption. I look forward to my boys learning more of him. Fun.
24. Jonathan Edwards: A Life / George Marsden - It was a profitable two months in these 505 pages. A substantive biography that offers a good amount of setting and mindset to the doings of this man. This biography offered me the opportunity to learn about the man beside the narrow bit I knew of JE as the preacher of the Sinners sermon. It was weighty as it dealt with the heavy issues of a heavy man; it was personal as it gave me a better understanding of his relationships; it was useful as it showed me the effectiveness of a man with whom I share some similar personality quirks. Magisterial.
23. Your Reactions Are Showing / J. Allan Petersen - It’s not enough to do right; we should also respond right. We know who we are best by the way that we deal with the sudden moments and pressure moments of life. What is inside will spill out. Telling.
October 2007
22. Tyranny of the Urgent / Charles E. Hummel - Great booklet, much needed…don’t have time to explain it…work to do. Needed.
21. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader / C.S. Lewis - Wow!
September 2007
20. Your Home: A Place of Grace / Susan Hunt — Well done book mostly discussing the important and overriding doctrines of the home.
19. A Family Well-Ordered / Cotton Mather — Originally printed in 1699, this is a fearsome reminder of our duties as parents (part one), the duties of children (part two) and a very small section of great import on the education of children. The Puritans know how to get your attention. Fearsome.
August 2007
18. Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family / Steve Farrar — I didn’t love his style (would love more God-centeredness), but the content is really important and some issues are rarely dealt with elsewhere (including an excellent treatment of talking to your children about sex). Patriarchal.
17. The Brethren / John Gresham — Makes me want to read more novels. Suspenstasticul.
16. Worldly Saints / Leland Ryken — I was born in the wrong era, or at least I thought so after the first fifty pages made me long to be a part of that movement. Even so, at the end, I sigh…”oh, to have been a puritan.” Includes a good treatment of how they were wrong. The book left me wondering how to incorporate the puritan mindset into 2007. One of the most important books on my shelf. Gold.
July 2007
15. Creating Classrooms Where Teachers Love to Teach: And Students Love to Learn / Bob Sorenson — I wish I were better able to tell the good from the bad here. There are some good interaction tips for kids, but some of the motivations aren’t rooted in biblical notions. I see some behaviorism in the philosophies, but can be read discerningly. Kinda good I sorta guess.
14. Hints for Parents / Gardiner Spring — This little book is a reprint of advice from Pastor Spring published originally in the 1830s. It is right on and as applicable as ever. The comments by Tripp are worth the price alone and the excellent little admonition to formally catechize (last chapter by Archibald Alexander 1837) is a well-needed argument. Basic but helpful.
13. Sketches of Home / Suzanne Clark — A beautiful collection.
12. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything / Levitt and Dubner - A collection of unique perspectives on a wide variety of theories backed by lots and lots of numbers. Interesting.
11. For Kirk and Covenant: The Stalwart Courage of John Knox / Wilson - My first introduction to this early church hero. Unique and pleasing organization of the biography. Heroic.
June 2007
10. Prince Caspian / Lewis - Gooder and gooder.
9. Wisdom and Eloquence / Littlejohn and Evans - An intriguing book asking me to resettle some ideas I’ve come to hold dear. The fact that I would have loved some more pragmatic bits from this book speaks volume as to why I needed this book and why it’s important to be preparing my sons and students for a life of Wisdom and Eloquence (the ends of learning). Startlingly-important.
8. A Son of Old Ironsides (1931) / John Stuart Barrows - I don’t know when the last time I read historical fiction was, but I guess there probably wasn’t much fiction in here. This is a great book that summarizes the exciting escapades and adventures of the great American ship U.S.S. Consititution. The story is set mildly around the life of a young sailor. Lots of technical nautical and shipping terms were the only parts that made it feel like wading. It’s good to read books that are not new and shiny but frayed and stained so as to combat our chronological snobbery. Fun.
February - May 2007
7. The Abolition of Man / C.S. Lewis - So, yes, I finally got around to this book, and, uh, I guess I’m going to need to read it again…not because I wasn’t trying, but I really don’t know what he was trying to say, yet. Conundrum-inducing.
Wow. Life has been bogging me down. I haven’t been faithful to sitting down and plowing through anything except the four books (or at least these are the four that I’ve read completely) listed below over these several months…
6. The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century / Thomas Friedman - I’ve never read a book of this genre before: economics, history, technology, politics all rolled into one. There were points that were a bit tedious to me but generally an excellent read and well worth my attention. I believe the world is flat, and I am wondering how Christians can take advantage of it. If you can find a decent review [because this won't be it] and are inspired to buy this book, make sure you buy the revised and expanded edition (it was updated a year after it was published).
5. The Horse and His Boy / C.S. Lewis - Contains some of the most important writing Lewis ever wrote. This link is to the actual version of the series that we read from. It has decent illustrations.
4. William Bradford: Plymouth’s Faithful Pilgrim / Gary Schmidt - A reread. The story of one of my heroes.
3. 1776 / David McCullough - A reread. Excellent history of the American Revolution. It really reinforced to me the events and the geography of the early part of the war.
January 2007
2. Cure for the Common Life / Max Lucado — Lucado isn’t the deepest writer on the block, but I am drawn to his analogies and storytelling gifts — Jesus told stories to teach truth too. While I am always wary of fluff when I read him, I was really pleased with this book. We have a need to use the gifts God gave us, to know our propensities, to use them for His glory. At the same time, I was glad he exhorted his readers in the last chapter to, “Every day do something you don’t want to do.” Revel in His gifts for you. Encouraging.
1. Financial Peace: Revisited / Dave Ramsey — There are different reasons for being popular. I think Ramsey is popular because he has a program that will work, and he packages it so neatly. If you will only read one of his books, read the Total Money Makeover.
DECEMBER 2006
23. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe / C.S. Lewis — Heavy heapings of goodness.
22. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War / Nathaniel Philbrick — I read very few bestsellers, but this topic and era are fast becoming treasured to me. Though I finished it yesterday, my thinking about the book is still no settled. It was very helpful to learn of the history that occurred after Plimoth Plantation was settled, especially pertaining to King Philip’s War. The first half of the book was written around the character of William Bradford. The second half centered on the doings of Benjamin Church. I was sorry to see Bradford die in the middle of the book (I wasn’t surprised by his passing, I just enjoy that part of the story). The second part of the book started to bog me down in Indian names, but I got them mostly arranged and proceeded to read the rest of the story. I’m still processing what biases I was fed or perhaps I was finally learning the truth (that Squanto was helping the settlers to promote his own power trip? among other things). It was helpful to the geography of the book in that I have passed through these regions twice in the past two years. I recommend this book to all who wish to be a pilgrim.
NOVEMBER 2006
21. The Magician’s Nephew / C.S. Lewis — I will never call the Chronicles of Narnia children’s literature. Lewis said that whatever was worth reading at age 8 should be equally worth reading at age 80. While my boys were enthralled with Aslan, Digory, Strawberry/Fledge, the newly created world of Narnia and Jadis, my jaw was open equally wide. The fifteen chapters taught me much about God, good, and evil (and, yes, I know that Lewis didn’t call this a metaphor) through obvious inference. Tightly-Treasured.
20. Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens / Paul David Tripp — I don’t have any teenagers in my house, but I’ve been practicing on 30 or 40 of them per year for the last 9 years. This book would be an asset in every Christian home. Few writers today have such a God-besought way. Sterling.
19. The Complete Calvin and Hobbes – Volume 1 (of 3) / Bill Watterson — Six pounds of really, really good belly laughs. Indispensable.
OCTOBER 2006
18. A Father’s Stew: The Biblical Integration of Family, Work and Ministry / Stephen Beck — My first book by Beck might be my last. It was a good book with good principles and I recommend the ideas, but he did a lot of sidetracking and a lot of informal promotion of other ministries [I like Douglas Wilson's writings a lot, too, but I didn't want to be reminded so many times that I should like them as well as Beck likes them or be told to "buy Pearl's book today!"] [The fact that he referred on Pearl so much was a little unnerving. I've read some Pearl but not enough to criticize him--though I admit he makes me nervous.] On content: the radical call to do something very important was well done. On style: parts of it were too chatty for my preferences. Mixed feelings.
17. It’s Not About Me: Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy / Max Lucado — A truly excellent topic that speaks to all of us, seeking to draw us away from our self-absorbed lives. Superb.
16. The Case for Classical Christian Education / Douglas Wilson — A reread. There is no good reason why there were three years since my last reading of this excellent text.
SEPTEMBER 2006
15. A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness / Gene Edwards — I heard this book casually recommended this summer. I am so glad I picked it up. I look forward to reading more by Edwards. Very good!
14. Everyday Talk: Talking freely and naturally about God with your children / John Younts — The big idea is good and important, there are some helpful bits, but I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I was hoping.
13. Shepherding a Child’s Heart / Tedd Tripp — A reread. This is for every parent and adult who works with children. Superb!
AUGUST 2006
12. Reluctant Disciplinarian: Advice on classroom management from a softy who became (eventually) a successful teacher / Gary Rubinstein — I am not a reluctant disciplinarian, but I know those who are. Classroom management is in some ways a lot like sanctification in that we can always be improving. Though he was coming from another world, Rubinstein is hilarious and his stories are insightful. I need to reflect on the implications of some his advice, though, as he seemed to be advocating being an actor in front of the kids instead of being yourself and a good classroom manager at the same time. Good.
11. Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change / Paul David Tripp — One of the most important and necessary books I’ve ever read. Basically, I learned that I learned very little from my four year degree in counseling (or at least didn’t learn enough). This is not the sort of book that you can really every finish. While you can read all the words, its truths must be constantly revisited and can never be fully mastered. It is God-centered in its objectives and avoids the common attempts to cure problems by throwing spiritual grenades at them or plastering on spiritual band-aids. There are fistfuls of gems on nearly every page. It is a call to live a daily ministry lifestyle that is rooted in God’s Word. Tripp does an exceptional job finding words and spirit to delve into those problems about which I could barely even recognize or even utter a grunt. I found this book to be exceptional.
10. Godless: The Church of Liberalism / Ann Coulter — This is my second Coulter book (Slander). It’s a book to love and hate. It’s chock full of important truths about our times, especially how the heavy-handed liberals are distorting and supressing truth and writing history for their own aims/agendas. Among other things, the book touches government scandals, racism, evolution, science, and education. A lot of people will be put off by Coulter’s severe writing style. While the truths are solidly Reaganian, the style is rife with harsh sarcasm and includes some crudeness…though the cloak of wit may be the most becoming garb. On content–excellent. On style–the tender should avoid.
9. The Total Money Makeover / Dave Ramsey — Every family should read at least one financial book per year. This book lays out an excellent, doable, long-term game plan and does so in a very readable and understandable way. There is some good biblical groundwork laid all along the way. This plan has helped tens of thousands of families free themselves from the bondage of debt. Whether you are in debt or not, you know lots of people who are, and you can help them to a very great extent by recommending this book to them. Excellent.
JUNE/JULY 2006
[I can't remember what I read in early June right now. These are since June 15th or so. Certainly, since we've been in Greenville for 3 weeks so far, I've read a ton of education articles and parts of books. Also, I only list the best kid's books I read...though I am reading to the boys when I am able, and I don't count those books toward my total.]
1. The Time of Your Life: Finding God’s Rest in Your Busy Schedule / Susie Davis — Very good. This is from Chrissy’s pile. I read it in a day and then bought one for each of my female staff members for summer reading. Very God-centered.
2. Treasuring God in Our Traditions / Noel Piper — Again, this is from Chrissy’s pile. I’m almost all the way through and will finish it soon. Very good.
3. Sex and the Supremacy of Christ / John Piper, et al. — Edited by Piper. These are lectures from the 2004 Conference of the same title. Excellent.
4. Being a Successful Principal: Riding the Wave of Change Without Drowning / Schumaker — Practical but generally unrecommendable.
5. They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership for the 21st Century / Lynn Anderson — I read this for class and gave a 25 minute book report. Interesting concept, but heavy eisegesis and lots of stretching and a little bit shallow. The guy’s church leadership structure confuses me. The first chapter is good, but otherwise poor.
6. Sex, Romance and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know / CJ Mahaney — This is an expanded version of one of the best chapters in Piper book above and by the same author as the chapter author. Very good.
7. George Washington: A Photographic Story of a Life / Hort — A good summary of Washington’s life for teen readers. It’s a big slanted and makes sure to note the woman GW really loved for his whole life (even though he never married her because she was already married to one of his friends). Good.
8. Humility: True Greatness / CJ Mahaney — This is a little book but it really slapped me around with its really important theme. It did a good job addressing the humility/greatness paradox, offering thoughtful suggestions, addressing heart-issues (as opposed to offering steps or lists to get rid of pride). There were several topics that made it unique including a chapter on accepting the gift of sleep and identifying evidences of grace that gave me some fresh ideas. This is my second Mahaney book, and I find him very readable, personable and God-centered. Very good.
Kids Books
Fox in Socks — I had never read this Suess book. It’s a fantastic feat and a tongue-splitting treat; I thought it neat. 6/06
Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes/Jackson — Each of the 15 subjects gets 4 short chapters to explain a major character trait he possessed. Includes…Muller, Tyndale, Wesley, Carmichael, Booth, Luther, Moody and more. I believe this is the first in a series of four books. Each chapter has review questions at the end. Kar and Had give four thumbs up though I need to reword most of the questions to their level. 7/06
Squids Will be Squids: Fresh Morals and Beastly Fables/Sciesczka — I bought this book on a recommendation and have enjoyed it. It has a secular bent and some minor unnecessaries, but I love the wacky tone and underlying humor. Great full-page illustrations. The boys like it too. We laugh pretty hard together when we read it. [Thanks, Doug!] 7/06
