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
A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and a Great War
A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and a Great War How J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918 by Joseph Loconte Author Joseph Loconte is a masterful writer. In his book A Hobbit, A Wardrobe and a Great War, Loconte...
Out of the House of Bread
Out of the House of Bread Satisfying Your Hunger for God with the Spiritual Disciplines by Preston Yancey Is there a fragrance that immediately brings thoughts of worshipping God to your mind? Frankincense in the air has triggered that thought in me for many years,...
Jesus Outside the Lines
Jesus Outside The Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who Are Tired of Taking Sides by Scott Sauls Have you offended any one lately? I ask this because it is an election year in the United States and politics is everywhere. If you have participated in political discussions...
How to Like Paul Again
How to Like Paul Again The Apostle You Never Knew by Conrad Gempf What is your opinion of the Apostle Paul? When you read his letters to the newly formed Christian churches in the Roman Empire do you find him a bit abrasive? Stern? Rigid? It was interesting to note...
H is for Hawk
H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald Grief is a state of great sadness that is the normal response to a loss. The loss of someone who is dearly loved can cause the intense suffering of deep grief. In her memoir H Is for Hawk (Grove Press 2014) Helen Macdonald writes with...
The Five Favorite Books of 2015
The Five Favorite Books of 2015 Traditionally, January is the month to take inventory of things that are important to us, and as I skimmed through the internet it was obvious that writers of book blogs and various well known book-related websites were featuring the...
Angle of Repose
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner While I was doing some New Year-inspired reorganizing of bookshelves, Angle of Repose (Penguin Books 1971), a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by William Stegner, rose up from among the stacks. Angle of Repose is an enthralling book...
Planet Narnia
Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis by Michael Ward Do you like to read about mysteries being solved? Are you a fan of C.S. Lewis? If so, Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis by Michael Ward...
Rising Strong –a Review by Landrum P. Leavell III
Rising Strong The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution. by Brene' Brown This week The Open Table features guest reviewer, Landrum P. Leavell III. Lan is a friend, avid reader and a pastor at The Village Church in Denton, Texas. I have had the chance to hear Brene'...
Incarnation
Incarnation The Surprising Overlap of Heaven & Earth by William H. Willimon Christmas is a crazy, cluttered and cramped season for most of us. Looking back at Advent, we may need to admit that the time we had hoped to spend in quiet meditation on the meaning of...