The Open Table – Book Reviews
Jesus was known –some would say notoriously so—for His “open table” eating style. In the Gospels, Jesus loved to share life at the table with others and never refused an offer to eat with someone. Most of Jesus’ great discussions with His disciples and others happened around the table. In honor of that model, The Open Table is a forum where all are welcome to join in the conversation about the books suggested and more. It’s a place where book reviews will be served up, but also where other thoughts, observations, and life happenings can be discussed and ideas savored. Your participation is encouraged. All contributions will be valued and nourished. Good manners are expected of course at The Table. Welcome to The Open Table. I hope we can meet here often. Great times are ahead! –thyrkas
The Culture Code
The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful GroupsBy Danial CoyleISBN-13: 9780804176989 Published 2018Reviewed by Douglas Balzer As a Pastor and semiotician in a small university town just outside of the Portland metro area, I experience the cross-flow of the...
Surprised by Paradox
Surprised by Paradox: The Promise of And in an Either-Or World By Jen Pollock Michel Reviewed by Landrum P. Leavell III, Th.D. I was first drawn to the title. Len has always been a champion of “both/and” and even pushed it further to “both/and/also.” He’s...
Tolkien
TolkienMovie Review by Teri HyrkasTolkien, the film is about the youthful years of English writer J.R.R. Tolkien, well known author of the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It was released in the US in May, 2019. The screenplay was written by David Gleeson...
When Faith Becomes Sight
Publisher: IVP Books (November 19, 2019)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0830846638ISBN-13: 978-0830846634--Review by Vern Hyndman Beth and David Booram’s “When Faith Becomes Sight” is an invitation story to Spiritual Direction. If for any reason the term “Spiritual...
The Courage to Be Disliked
The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness (2018)By Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake KogaISBN: 978-1-5011-9727-7--Review by Douglas Balzer It wasn’t until recently, 2016, scientists were able to...
All That’s Good
All That’s Good: Recovering the Lost Art of DiscernmentHannah Anderson --Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, Th.D. Embracing discernment as part of God’s work of redemption is Anderson’s invitation in this book, seeing the world as He sees it, learning to navigate it...
You Are Awesome
You Are Awesome 9 Secrets to Getting Stronger and Living an Intentional Life by Neil Pasricha --Review by Teri Hyrkas Neil Pasricha, originator of the very successful 1000 Awesome Things blog, author, podcaster, and speaker, has a new book out this month called, You...
Mindf*ck: Cambridge Analytica and the Plot to Break America
Mindf*ck: Cambridge Analytica and the Plot to Break AmericaISBN-13: 978-0593229149 (2019) --Review by Vern Hyndman Most of us protest in the rear-view mirror, upset about what we believe is happening based on our existing framework. The world is changing at light...
24/6
24/6: A Prescription For a Happier, Healthier Lifeby Matthew Sleeth, M.D. Rviewed by Landrum P. Leavell III, Th.D. While I don’t necessarily like the “prescriptive” nature of the subtitle, I really liked 24/6. Sleeth was an M.D., which I found quite interesting for...
Well-Read Mom
WELL-READ MOM Read More. Read Well. TogetherFinding Wisdom, Wonder and Friendship in a World of Efficiencyby Marcie Stokman --Review by Teri Hyrkas Do you love to read a story about a successful venture , especially when the success was a complete surprise? If so,...