Okay… I promised some book talk… here are the books I’ve read so far in 2011:
Hunger Games Trilogy, Suzanne Collins- My friend Jennifer told me that I wouldn’t be able to put these books down. I think that they’re marketed as young adult fiction, but I don’t really care. They were fun and Jennifer was right, I couldn’t put them down. I didn’t spend any more than 48 hours on any one novel. I like dystopian fiction, so that’s part of why I would give this series such high reviews. Usually, I don’t like when a good book gets made into a movie, but this book is an exception – I’m really looking forward to the movie, that is reportedly being shot later this spring and is slated for release in the spring of 2012.
A World Lit Only by Fire: the medieval mind and the Rennaisance – I first read this book by historian William Manchester (Death of a President, when I was in grad school. Under the pretext of writing about the importance of Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe, it’s a great overview of the Middle Ages in Europe, without getting “stuck” in any one geographical area or one topic. For a history book, it’s an easy read and a great introduction to an important era in history.
Juliet, Naked. I was first introduced to Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy, Fever Pitch) by a friend of mind who doesn’t particularly like to read! But I’ve really come to like Hornby. He makes me wish that I could use words so beautifully. His characters are memorable, quirky, and interesting. At the end of the day this is just a romance novel of boy meets girl, albeit washed-up-reclusive-deadbeat-dad-rock-star boy meets boring-trapped-museum-curactor-English girl, but Hornby writes so beautifully that I didn’t mind. (Side note: As I read Juliet, Naked I was inspired to buy the newest Ben Folds Album Lonely Avenue. Nick Hornby wrote all the lyrics, and Ben Folds wrote all the music. It’s great.)
Getting Naked: a business fable. I didn’t think I would be all that interested in the latest installment from Patrick Lencioni (The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Death by Meeting) even though he’s one of my favorite business writers. In this new book, Lencioni turns his attention to customer relations. However, with some adaption, I found myself thinking a lot about the church.- Surprised by Joy. Maybe because I’ve been slowly picking at this book for 6 weeks or so, or maybe just because it’s boring, or maybe because I didn’t understand so many cultural and geographical details it’s my least favorite C.S. Lewis book.
What Good is God? I love Philip Yancey (The Jesus I Never Knew, Where is God When it Hurts?, Reaching for the Invisible God), but this book was very uneven for me. Parts of it were great, parts were a little dry. But then again, I have such high expectations from Yancey, that I’m probably harder on him than most other authors.
Twitter Updates
Wow! I’m impressed with your use of the word dystopian.
LOVE Yancey!!!! we just met and talked w/ him over Christmas – sean made me refrain from asking if i could have a picture with him
….i tried to be cool but i really was ridiculous 
good thing is he is as a gracious and humble in person as you would “hope” he is from reading his books – that was neat to see!
I missed my chance to meet him!
He came into the bookstore I worked at in Seminary to sign books… and I was busy and couldn’t there.
Just finished “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” and wanted to get your thoughts! This was my first Lencioni read. Which of his other books do you recommend? P.S. I also thought of the church in his writing.
@Sarah C – ask me on Sunday… you can borrow one if you want, I have all of his books in my office!
Charlie,
I love hearing about all the books that you are reading….Philip Yancey is, also, my favorite author. He is the one constant since my days at college. I think both of our authors (and theology) have shifted (thank goodness) from our days at the ‘Ville (though I appreciate that time in my life very much).
If you haven’t got a chance to read Peter Rollins book, The Orthodox Heretic (and other impossible tales)….you must. I have been working through it (it isn’t a long book…i just have other books going on concurrently) and, i believe, it is well-written, challenging, surprising, frustrating and a breath of fresh air all at the same time. I think you would enjoy it and if you do end up reading through it i would love to hear your thoughts about it.
@tom – Yeah, I have The Orthodox Heretic on my shelf. I pick at it a little here and there… More challenging is his book How (NOT) to Speak of God.
He’s VERY provocative… sometimes, it seems, for the sake of provocation.. but other times, it’s really good.