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
Hannah Coulter
Hannah Coulter A Novel by Wendell Berry --Review by Teri Hyrkas True confession: Hannah Coulter is the first book by Wendell Berry that I have read. I blush to admit that Berry's books about the fabled town of Port William, Kentucky, have been on my "To Be Read" list...
Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard By Chip and Dan Heath Published 2010 ISBN: 9780385528757 --Review by Douglas Balzer Insightful, Switch gives us a deeper understanding of how critically important the change process is for building any church,...
The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, and Zac Efron, rated PG --Review by Ashley Linne *SPOILER ALERT* If you enjoy musicals such as Moulin Rouge or Newsies, you will love The Greatest Showman. If you hate musicals, you will still enjoy The...
The Imperfect Disciple
The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can’t Get Their Act Together Jared C. Wilson -Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, ThD. Yeah, I know… Both the title and the subtitle should pique the interest of any Christ-follower. Wilson begins the book...
Apologetics and the Christian Imagination
Apologetics and the Christian Imagination: An Integrated Approach to Defending the Faith by Holly Ordway --Review by Teri Hyrkas While chatting with a friend recently, I mentioned the book Apologetics and the Christian Imagination by Holly Ordway. My...
Faithful
Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph by Adam Hamilton --Review by Teri Hyrkas Welcome to the Christmas Season! Now that the glorious day of Christmas has been celebrated with all the joy and attention it deserves, I hope you can put your feet up, rest a bit...
The Man Who Invented Christmas
The Man Who Invented Christmas Film 2017 --Review by Jesse Caldwell “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” a film about how Charles Dickens created his brilliant chef-d’oeuvre, “A Christmas Carol,” is one of those movies that I wound up loving even more than I...
The Forgotten Jesus
The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow An Eastern Rabbi Robby Gallaty --Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, ThD. Almost ten years ago, Kenneth Bailey blessed us with Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies In the Gospels....
God’s Country
God's Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church by Brad Roth --Review by Teri Hyrkas What comes to mind when you hear the term "rural church?" Do you picture bucolic church settings with small, well established, multigenerational congregations? Or...
Quiet
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking (2013) ISBN 978-0-307-35215-6 by Susan Cain --Review by Doug Balzer Introvert or extrovert personality types and the space in between the extremes are a fascinating experience, as well as a...