September

1. My God and I, by my former Fuller prof, Lewis Smedes.
This is a delightful theological memoir from a fascinating man. He died shortly after he finished this work.

2. The Complete Poems of Stephen Crane
Crane was a creative genius, but his writings reveal a dark cynicism. His daddy was a Methodist preacher -- but somehow, it didn't all get translated right into Stephen's heart. Nevertheless, a good writer who makes one think.

3. Double Tap, by Steve Martini
Since Grisham isn't cranking them out fast enough, I've resorted to second-tier crime novelists. Martini keeps things moving along, but I felt like I'd wasted my time. Sort of like eating Fritos, when Thanksgiving Dinner is in the oven.

4. Power Motivation, by my good friend, Timothy Johnson (president of MCMA)
This is a witty and inspiring collection of essays on ministry and Christian leadership.

5. The 360 Degree Leader, by John Maxwell
Classic Maxwell. When finished, I felt like taking on the whole world! I thank God for this man who has taught me so much about effective leadership.

6. La Pointe: Village Outpost on Madeline Island, by Hamilton Nelson Ross
A fairly well-written history of this historic village. I read it looking for information on a couple of missional heroes of the 19th Century: Rev. Leonard Hemenway Wheeler and Father Frederic Baraga. I was not disappointed.

7. Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
Actually, I'm only half way through -- and I started in July. It's a slow read, as I often stop after a paragraph or two. Thoreau was a bit mixed up theologically -- but he sure knew how to draw meaning from nature.