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Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age is a very comprehensive and well-researched book, yet is also very readable and practical. Author, Mae Elise Cannon, is no stranger to social justice topics, having written numerous books since publishing The Social Justice Handbook in 2009 and serves as Executive Director of the Churches for Middle East Peace. Cannon begins by outlining why social justice should be important to Christians and that salvation and justice are both necessary components of the Gospel of Christ. Reading this section brought to mind James 2:16 and reminds readers that you can't preach the Gospel if people are cold, hungry, impoverished, or oppressed. Specifically Christians needs to be involved in "prophetic advocacy" and set aside the "need to be right" in order to build bridges with others. After setting this foundation, Cannon goes on to provide details about specific justice issues include poverty, race, gender, and twenty-first century divides. Within each chapter, a multitude of references are provided as well as numerous stories of first hand experiences with these topics. However, Cannon does not simply inform the reader but goes on to provide information on specific opportunities to get involved fighting against these issues and suggested readings to learn more. Each chapter also ends with discussion questions which make this a perfect book for a small group study.

While reading Beyond Hashtag Activism, I frequently found myself sitting in prayer and lament over the gross injustices and tragedies described. Then to see these issue being played out on a national stage and to be reminded of the privileged position I have in society was sobering. To think how unknowingly my purchasing habits may contribute to global poverty and then be reminded that so much of "the good we do" such as providing food to the poor is only a temporary fix rather than a sustainable long-term solution. I was also reminded that even though many individuals say people are made in the image of God, too often we sure don't act like it. Page after page provided food for thought and steps to take. As such this is a book that readers will want to own and refer to often. Readers may not agree with all of Cannon's suggestions, but each chapter is a springboard to learning more about a topic.

Beyond Hashtag Activism is highly recommended for anyone whose heart is torn regarding the current events of our country and our world and wonders what they can possibly do to help. I highly encourage individuals to find a group of people to read and discuss this important book together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Beyond Hashtag Activism from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Prisoner's Wife

Recent reading has returned to World War II but with a definite twist! Typical World War II novels, generally focus on the horrors of concentration camps and more recently the resistance movement. The new book The Prisoner's Wife by Maggie Brookes briefly mentions the resistance but focuses instead of a different type of camp experience--German POW camp. However, this is not the only twist in this intriguing title. As you note this book is not titled The Prisoner, it's The Prisoner's Wife!

When reading this book, it is important to keep in mind that it is based on a true story! This truly is one of those cases where the story is so wild, it must be true. I don't want to go into too many details here as it would give away the plot, but know that Brookes writes an absorbing book that peeks first into the lives of civilians left at home and then peels back the curtain on life in POW camps and particularly the Long March in 1945. Along the way there are many times where you wonder if the characters will survive.A highly recommended, wonderful book that provides a new look at the travesties of World War II. My only wish is that we knew more about what happens to this couple after the war ended.

A complementary copy of this book was provided via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

Of Literature and Lattes

The title of Katherine Reay's newest book screamed "Read me!" since a good chunk of my life is comprised Of Literature and Lattes. After reading the description and noting that the book was also set in Illinois where I live, I was sold.

Of Literature and Lattes is a light and enjoyable read. One of the interesting aspects of the book it that there are three main story lines that occur simultaneously. You have the new coffee shop owner and his relationship with his ex-wife and the bankrupt adult woman who moves back to her childhood home, but is dealing with the fairly recent divorce of her parents and a rocky relationship with her mom. And of course,the story line between coffee shop owner and the adult woman. While it does have a happy ending and all three story lines are resolved by the end as well as several minor stories as well, the characters are flawed and real which adds to the books enjoyment factor. These characters are not perfect but are trying to do better.

Since the book was published by Thomas Nelson there are some Christian references. For example, some of the characters attend a men's accountability group that involves the ministers and men of different churches meeting together. There are also some veiled references to prayer, but the book isn't preachy. It's more along the lines of small town America where going to church is embedded into the community structure. Overall, Of Literature and Lattes was just the fun, lighthearted read needed for an enjoyable evening.

I received a complementary copy from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.