Wednesday, June 13, 2007

April/May 2007

1. The Audacity of Hope by Barak Obama
An inspiring read, and I love his spirit. If I wasn't such a Republican, I'd be tempted to vote for him.

2. Rascal by Sterling North
I read this delightful tale aloud to the kids, and they were absolutely enthralled. We topped off the reading by a visit to the Sterling North childhood home in Edgerton, Wisconsin.

3. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
Another fabulous read that the kids and I shared together. We had the privilege of visiting the site where Caddie was raised in the mid-19th century. We explored the entire area, and collected some agates to boot.

4. Forgotten Saints by Anna Talbot McPherson
Short biographies of several unsung heroes of the faith. Some were interesting -- some were not.

5. Everybody's Buddie by Ruby Robinson Wise
The biography of the famous early 20th century Nazarene evangelist, Buddie Robinson. He kept his humor to the end -- even when his wife switched churches and became Pilgrim Holiness against his will (that little tidbit wasn't in the book, but I think it's worth a mention anyway.)

6. O Shepherd, Where Art Thou? by Calvin Miller
A delightful little book which reminds us of the importance of pastoral care in a world of CEO ministers. It's a funny parable with a powerful message, including a haunting by Richard Baxter's ghost.

7. Morning Poems by Robert Bly
Wrote a poem each morning for a while, and then published them. Some are very good. Others are puzzling and downright bizarre. I wonder if maybe he should have had a cup of coffee first to clear out the cobwebs.

8. The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren
A refreshing look at what Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is Here!" Vintage McLaren.