Reading the Times

When I first picked up Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News by Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro, I expected to learn how to better engage with the news which surrounds us via our social media feeds and constant access to the internet. What I found was that this recently published book from InterVarsity Press provided so much more.

After an introduction on "Reading the News in Order to Love Our Neighbors," which is worth the price of the price of the book, Dr. Bilbro, an English professor, focuses on the concepts of attention, time, and community and how they related to our new consumption. Each part contains three chapters which describe the concept, how it relates to our news consumption, and then addresses how to incorporate these new habits into our lives in chapters titled "Liturgies of" the concept. This pattern allows Bilbro, and his readers, the opportunity to dive deep into the concept and then determine how the concept can be implemented in their life. The thesis throughout the book is that Christians should interact with the news seeking to discover how should we love our neighbors and how should we live faithfully in light of eternity. Approaching news with this mindset, allows us to focus on what truly matters but also requires us to reconsider who is our neighbor and where or what is our community. While not anti-technology or social media, Bilbro reminds readers that too often community is formed based on what news media you consume and devolves into taking sides rather than being based on where you live, who are your neighbors, and how can you show Christ's love to them.

Bilbro draws from a variety of interdisciplinary subjects including philosophy and history as well as literature and theology to explore attention, time, and community. He pulls in examples from history and current events and his research is well-documented via extensive footnotes. As such, this book could be used as a textbook or supplementary reading in a variety of courses. Beyond the classroom, Reading the Times is highly recommended to any Christian who wishes to read the news, and the times, from a theological point of view.

I received a complementary copy of Reading the Times from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

The Girl Behind the Wall

For many years, the Berlin Wall separated East and West Berlin, dividing not only the city but in some cases entire families as well. That is exactly the situation in The Girl Behind the Wall by Mandy Robotham. Imagine waking up one morning to find that your twin sister is stuck on the other side of the wall. Using all available resources, they try to reunite but without success for most of the book.

Robotham, well know for her World War II novels, takes on a similar but different topic in this work. The focus is not on which side was right or wrong--although the portrayal of the East German Stasi was chilling, but instead how the wall impacted this particular family. The bonds unique to twins as well as families in general, and the tension between family and love are displayed. Robotham provides background information on how decisions made during World War II impacted the main characters in the Cold War era. Robotham portrays characters in the Communinst East Berlin who are kind, caring and compassionate as well as characters in the West who look out only for themselves and vice versa. While today, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 seems like it was some time ago and World War II way before then, this story was a great reminder that these events are still recent history and impacted real people.

The Girl Behind the Wall is an excellent look at a part of history that is often over-looked.

I received a complementary copy from NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

Dear White Peacemakers

Before seeing the description for the recently published book Dear White Peacemakers, I wasn't familiar with Osheta Moore. After finishing this book, I am definitely more familiar with her as she addresses her readers as friend. As her writing comes from her heart and her experiences, she definitely wries as one frend to another and frequently mentions the drinks or food she would serve if we were at her table. I have followed her on social media and encourage you do so too!

Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace has so many "WOW!" moments throughout the book. I was reading an e-copy, and my notes option was being used frequently. I would often stop to read a section out loud to my husband or other family members. Moore does a wonderful job of meshing her own experiences, current events, and some research. As she lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, she had a front row seat to George Floyd's tragic and untimely death and draws upon that as well as other racially fueled deaths and instances over the last few years. This experience combined with her own experiences and leading an anti-racism study tour provides numerous resources for her to draw upon.

I don't want to give away all of Moore's best content, but I do want to provide a taste of what you will learn. A key concept Moore emphasizes, as you can tell by the title, is the importance of peacemaking rather than peacekeeping. Moore explains that peacekeeping is status quo while peacemaking is "partnering with God to create shalom." She also emphasizes throughout the book that an importance part of peacemaking is to refrain from dehumanizing other people. Moore indicates that White Supremacy has dehumanized others and that as peacemakers we much remember that everyone is a human created in the image of God and that we must reclaim humanity for all people. Throughout Dear White Peacemakers, Moore references the Sermon on the Mount frequently as well as other scripture passages.

As a librarian who teaches information literacy and evaluation of information, several sections of Dear White Peacemakers stood out specifically. In one section, Moore notes that white supremacy emphasizes researched information that has been written and published over lived experiences. This was a great reminder of how publishing and information in general privileges certain populations and disadvantages others and the importance of seeking out diverse opinions and viewpoints. Moore also cautions individuals who may wish to express solidarity with individuals of other ethnic backgrounds by appropriating holidays, celebrations, and symbols. Moore emphasizes a difference between appreciating other cultures and appropriating it into your own. She encourages individuals to "cite their sources" by naming the specific person or place from where it comes.

Each chapter begins with a scripture passage and a letter from Moore to Dear White Peacemakers where she shares personally an introduction to the chapter's content. Likewise, each chapter ends with a scripture and a breath prayer based on the scripture passage. My one regret while reading the book is that I didn't stop to write each of the breath prayers down for later use. Dear White Peacemakers is not a book you read quickly but is a book you need to sit with for a while. I feel it is a book I will return to frequently.

The Librarian of Saint-Malo

World War II--Check!

A librarian?--Check!

I was sold on The Librarian of Saint-Malo before I even opened the book as it combines one of my favorite time periods for historical fiction and it's about a librarian! Beyond those characteristics, it was written by Mario Escobar whose other books I have enjoyed. However, the story of Jocelyn Ferrec is unique among the glutted World War II genre. While involved to some extent in the French resistance movement and definitely doing her part against the Nazi invaders, Jocelyn's efforts focus on saving the literature and the history of the world through her town's library. We often forget the censorship that occurred during this time period and the numerous works that have been lost or were for a time period unavailable. Jocelyn's efforts to save the books causes her to interact with numerous individuals and those encounters may surprise you. In addition to a moving World War II novel, The Librarian of Saint-Malo reminds readers of the illnesses and other life difficulties that people of this time period faced. These issues are difficult by themselves, but when combined with an invading army and life being turned totally upside down become completely overwhelming. This book will cause you to wonder if you would have the strength and will to survive these trials.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Lead Like It Matters

Recently I had the opportunity to read the new book Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World. In this slim book, Richard Stearns who is best known for his role as president of World Vision, presents "17 values to transform your leadership." While published by InterVarsity Press and definitely from a Christian point of view, the primary audience is anyone who is a leader in secular or Christian organizations. Stearns emphasizes that no matter your place of service, anyone who is a Christ-follower is called to be Christ's ambassador in all that they do.

Although there are 17 values presented, Lead Like It Matters to God has 20 chapters which include an introduction, conclusion, and a chapter providing biographical background information about Stearns. As Stearns combines leadership principles with stories from his own experiences, these chapters are helpful in establishing his credibility. For example, while most recently serving in a Christian non-profit organization, Stearns spent the majority of his career working in huge companies such as Parker Brothers and Lenox. His first hand experiences in these companies provids numerous examples which demonstrate the principles he shares are useful in any leadership setting. Each chapter begins with a scripture, a leadership principle, and a quote which introduces the value presented. These resources alone are worthwhile.

While an excellent book for anyone who is or aspires to be a leader in any setting, Lead like It Matters to God is unabashedly Christian. As such, it would make an excellent choice as a textbook or supplementary reading in a leadership course. A small group would benefit from reading and discussing the book together. With 20 brief chapters, an individual could work through the book devotionally as well. If you are still looking for a graduation present for your favorite high school or college graduate or someone who is embarking on a new career, this book is just what you are looking for.

I received a complementary copy of Lead Like It Matters to God from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. All views are my own and I am not obligated to leave a positive review.

Right Cross: Shepherd Suspense Series

Previously, I read and reviewed the book A Cross to Kill which I described as "CIA operative turns minister." Author Andrew Huff has continued the story of John Cross and Christine Lewis in two additional books Cross Shadow and Right Cross.

Right Cross begins with main character John Cross in jail, denying his faith, and Christine in shock over the events! The tension and excitement throughout the book continues as we follow John and Christine's adventures. International cybercrime, military bases, and the potential end of the world are all featured in this riveting story. You will be on the edge of your seat wondering if the two main characters will survive! Each one, and particularly John, struggle with how they can faithfully serve God and use the gifts and talents they have been given.

Right Cross is the final installment in this trilogy. While you could read it without having read the others, your understanding and enjoyment of Right Cross will increase if you have read the earlier books particularly as the final book builds on the second. Published by Kregel, this series is free of sex and foul language but not violence due to the CIA connection. Christian themes are included, but they do not overpower the story. This series appeals to both genders as it has enough violence to interest the fellows and just enough romance to keep ladies interested as well. This is definitely not your typical Christian fiction and will appeal to readers high school age and up.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Kregel Publishing. I was not obligated to provide a positive review.

Race in America

Race in America: Christians Respond to the Crisis is an eye-opening book. While I have read several books on this topic,my eyes were opened in new ways to the systemic racism which is at the core of American history and life. Using straightforward language and examples pulled from every day life, Race in America provides a thorough and documented discussion of these issues that is laid out for anyone to understand if they take the time to read and engage with the book.

Many common statements such as "I'm not racist, I'm color-blind" and "I didn't own slaves or benefit from slavery" are thoroughly debunked. I found the discussion on the difference between white supremacy and white nationalism particularly helpful. While only a brief discussion, information regarding how colonialism and racist attitudes were behind many decisions throughout history and how contemporary issues such as the migrant and refugee crisis are direct results of these events sparked my interest for further reading and study of these topics. While not surprising, the reminder that European/white standards are still used to measure contributions in art, music, and literature and thus control western education was disheartening.

Race in America, edited by David Maxwell and Laura M. Cheifetz with contributions by approximately 15 other writers is a revision and expansion of the previously published Race in a Post-Obama America edited by David Maxwell and published in 2016. These edits are apparent as information is included for events that happened during recent months including the January 6 capitol riots and Black Lives Matter. A comparison of the table of contents of the 2016 and 2021 versions indicate several new chapters as well as chapters that were combined. The chapters in social media, Trumpism, and police brutality as well as other updates make the revision worth purchasing and reading even by those who are familiar with the original work.

While a heavy topic at any time, Race in America: Christians Respond to the Crisis was an especially heart-wrenching read given the simultaneous current events. At the same time, these current events emphasized that this book needs to be read by everyone who considers themselves a Christian and particularly by white Christians. While you may not agree with every point made, this is a great resource to become informed on the topic. But after reading, ask yourself what you actions you can take to confront racism in your community and church. There is so much more that I could share about this book, but I'd rather you read it for yourself or better yet with a group.