Crap Kingdom

The librarians at my school asked me to read the book, Crap Kingdom by DC Pierson.  I picked it up this morning and read the first 4 chapters.  It is about a sophomore boy who has always wanted to be a "hero."  Well, one day it happens and he is taken off to another world...except that the world he is taken to as the "chosen one" is pretty terrible.  I look forward to seeing where this one goes.  As the weather stays cold and snowy, find a good book and enjoy the peace and rest of reading.

Inspired

Excited to host a small book club tonight with my good friend, Sam Sportel.  For our professional development goal his year the two of us decided to read Rachel Held Evans' book, Inspired and to host a book club to chat about it.  The book itself is really, and I mean really well written.  I love her multiple styles of writing and really appreciate many of her thoughts about reading this thing we call the BIBLE.  Pick it up and give it a read.  And.....bring a highlighter as there will be many sections that you will want to remember.  Keep reading, friends.

Too Long...

So sorry for not posting for so long.  My bad. Here are the books that I have finished up over the last 2 months.

1) House - by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

In all honesty it was so very hard for me to read this book.  I get what these two authors are doing but it was far too scary for my personal taste.  The story is Christian Horror and was just too much for me. I finished it after wanting to put it down many times and I guess I am glad I did.  If you are into being freaked out and like symbolism (a lot) dive in and have fun!

2) The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

Incredible topic and widely publicized book.  I liked it but it was not a major page turner for me.  After hearing Bryan speak in chapel, I wanted to read the book.  Glad I did.  Lots of incredible information about farming in Africa and creativity of a young boy.


Next on my list is Inspired by Rachel Held Evans.  I am really looking forward to reading this book.  With a friend of mine, I am hosting a book discussion on this book in January.  Time to get started.

Friends, not every book is a home run...but your next one might be.  Keep reading!

Reflections

Finished up Medicine Walk Sunday morning as I sat by he fire drinking my morning coffee.  Did lots of thinking about the novel as it relates to my own relationship with my father.  Good novels often have the ability to make us reflect deeply.  I encourage you to step outside your "normal" reading preferences and read some things that a challenge for you.  My wife encouraged me to do so with this book.  it was a very good experience and the book trend out to be one that I will not forget any time soon.  Blessings friends, and as always, keep reading.

Medicine Walk

A good friend of mine gave me a book when he retired from teaching. Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese is a powerful story about a boy (16 years old) who is summoned by his father (who he does not really know) to come and take him up into the mountains of norther Canada to die.  Sounds pretty upbeat, huh?  I am 110 pages in and have to say that the book is incredibly well-written and very deeply beautiful (and hard).  My own father passed away two years ago yesterday.  I visited his grave with my own two boys and we talked about our memories of "gramps."  As I read this book, I can't help be think about how I can best honor those people in my life who are older and wiser than me.  If I slow down and actually take the time to listen, perhaps I will be able to gain some of the vast depths of wisdom that they have to offer.  Deep read.  Good read.  Keep reading, friends.

Rick Riordan

Many moons ago I read the Percy Jackson series and like most everyone else...LOVED THEM.  I went on to read the Hero's of Olympus series and now have picked up the Trials of Apollo.  Book #4 just came out in late September.  My friend got me a copy and I read The Tyrants Tomb in a couple days.  It was super fun.  I loved the series and am eager for the 5th and final book to come out in the fall of 2020.  Guess till then I just have to, like everyone else, wait. Keep reading, friends.

Talon

What a fun series I just read.  The Talon Series by Julie Kagawa was such a fun read.  It is five books that are easy to read, packed with adventure, and proposes a world that is fascinating to think about.  Without giving too much away...the story is about dragons.  Dragons that live among humans posing as humans themselves.  It is about an organization that makes it their mission to seek out, hunt, and destroy all dragons.  Over the course of the five books: Talon, Rogue, Soldier, Legion, and Inferno, Kagawa creates unbelievable plot twists and really fun, creative characters.  If you are looking for a fun easy to read adventure story...check out Talon.