Editor’s Note: While in grad school, my reading has taken a hiatus.  As such, this page is frozen in time.  Much like the city of Macon.

This page is devoted to books that I’ve read recently and my impressions of them. (The most recent will be at the top.) It takes a while to add links and descriptions, so it will probably take me a few weeks to get this page to a point where I think it’s complete enough.

I’ll also openly admit that my little descriptions can’t do these books justice, so feel free to question or comment in the space below. Also, feel free to give your own recommendations.

Finished it Off

Flags of our Fathers - James Bradley, 2000 - As the son of one of the men involved in the most iconic picture in our nation’s military history, James Bradley traces the lives of six boys as they lead up to that event. He then details the war on Iwo Jima in such a matter that you feel a touch of the horror, anticipation, sadness, fear, and anticipation that erupted within the soldiers during those 36 days. His closing chapters then show the impact of the battle not only on the flagraisers, but on numerous soldiers that returned home to a country that would never fully understand their sacrifice.  He also pays tribute to those soldiers who gave what was asked of them and never returned home. Recommended for: anyone who is willing to pick it up
The Convention: A Parable - Will D. Campbell, 1988 - Those familiar with Baptist life, especially in the south, realize that while there is a difference between tradition, ministry and politics, these items aren’t always addressed separately. Mr. Campbell tells a fictional tale that helps us to ask which of those three is the most important. Recommended for: Those who wonder what it would be like if someone ignored all tradition and politics in pursuit of ministry.
Soul Survivor - Philip Yancey, 2001 - Yancey is much better known for his book The Jesus I Never Knew. This takes an in-depth look at 13 people who helped shaped Mr. Yancey’s faith. Some of the sculptors are expected, but there are a few unexpected surprises. One of the most revealing passages deals with Mr. Yancey’s time just outside of Atlanta during the civil rights movement. Recommended for: Those who enjoy finding inspiration in unexpected places and unconventional people.
Growing Pains: Learning to Love my Father’s Faith - Randall Balmer
The Myth of Certainty - Daniel Taylor
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith - Anne Lamott
Searching for God Knows What - Donald Miller
Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
The Five People you Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom

Currently Reading

The Christian Agnostic - Leslie D. Weatherhead, 1965 - In my past, preachers constantly talked about the decay of America. The cause, of course being the lack of participation of the locals in that particular church. Mr. Weatherhead recognizes that there’s a large population that still respects the Gospel, but has grown weary to the constant berating by the church. This is an approach to faith without all the “christianese” that is commonly spoken in most churches.

Up Next

Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy, 2007 - He only has one more Superbowl ring than I do. We’ll not discuss the millions of dollars…
Omnivore’s Dilemma - Honest, Alana…I’m going to read it eventually….most likely.