Books are my friends. My high school English Literature teacher would be shocked to hear that confession. Here are a few of the friends I've been hanging with this summer:
1. Charlatan: America's most dangerous huckster, the man who pursued him, and the age of flim flam by Pope Brock
Aside from having the longest title I've seen, it is a fascinating story about a "quack" doctor who took advantage of peoples desperation for wholeness and, in the process, almost became governor of Kansas, invented radio advertising, put country music on the map, and destroyed a bunch of peoples lives who put thier faith in his cures. (How's that for a run on sentence?)
I liked it for a couple of reasons. First, I'm a sucker for history wrapped around a good story. Second, the parallels to hucksterism in the church were frightening to me.
2. The Starfish and the Spider by Rod Beckstrom
This one is about the possibilities of a flat, borderless, reproducing organization. It studies how groups like al Qiada and the Aztecs survived against much more powerful enemies. I'm looking at this from the implications on small groups and church planting.
3. The Shack by William P. Young
I finally, somewhat reluctantly read this one. More on my impressions on this when I can get to a computer. (when will Apple allow bluetoothe keyboards for iPhone.
The most exciting thing for me? Each of these friends live on my Kindle. I'm in love.
Who are your friends this summer?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on The Shack!
Posted by: Ryan May | July 14, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I echo Ryan. I'm finishing The Shack tonight. All I can say is "wow!"
Posted by: Bill Cecchini | July 17, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Charlatan, FYI, IS NOW PLAYING ON NPR AT 8AM MON-FRI. I HAVE READ MANY BOOKS THIS WAY ON THE RADIO READER. I LISTEN DURING MY RUN EACH DAY AND HATE TO MISS IT. BOOKS I RECCOMEND-THE SHACK, SERIOUS TIMES-making your life matter in an urgent day. by James White,Prophet by frank Peretti, Trial by ordeal-by Craig Parshall, and Streams in the Desert, by L.B. Cowman(devotional) These are just some of my friends!
Posted by: jon cannon | July 17, 2008 at 04:07 PM
My best 3 friends last week on camping vacation were the following:
The Life of Meaning: Reflections on Faith, Doubt and Repairing the World.
Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible
Gandhi & Jesus: The Saving Power of NonViolence
Three very good friends.
Posted by: Jeff Greathouse | July 18, 2008 at 09:25 AM
My friend's this summer have been Criminal Justice today and Juvenile Justice. That's right text books. And boy have things changed since Springfield in 1975. With friend like this....
TC
Posted by: T. Creedon | July 24, 2008 at 06:39 PM
I must have been a hole this summer. Love to read and haven't heard of 'The Shack'. Probably a good thing though...I find myself in the rebel category often when too many people recommend something. Since this is the first...I'll take a peak at it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Posted by: Amie Heath | July 29, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Great work.
Posted by: Kristin | October 29, 2008 at 02:35 AM