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
Truth and Beauty: A Friendship
Truth and Beauty : A Friendship by Ann Patchett Today’s column is a Memory Maker book review. Memory Maker books are those that are not recent publications, but which come to mind frequently, as good books will. What would you do for a good friend? We all want...
Think Like a Five-Year-Old
Think Like a Five-Year-Old Reclaim Your Wonder and Create Great Things by Len Wilson Creativity is a word that triggers all kinds of reactions from people. Some are delighted with the idea of creativity and everything that comes with it: energy, freedom,...
Vanishing Grace
Vanishing Grace Whatever Happened to the Good News? by Phil Yancey Since 2002 best-selling author Phil Yancey has been connected with the subject of grace. His award-winning book What's So Amazing About Grace, published by Zondervan, investigated the meaning of grace,...
The Great Divorce: A Dream by C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce A Dream by C.S. Lewis Today’s column is a Memory Maker book review. Memory Maker books are those that are not recent publications, but which come to mind frequently, as good books will. Last Saturday night, friends from far and near met for our...
Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine, and the Miracle that Set Them Free by Hector Tobar
Were you among those people around the globe who followed the story of the Chilean mining disaster of 2010? I clearly recall the drama that unfolded daily on the news and in other media from August until October that year. It felt as though the whole world watched...
Blind Spots: Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate, and Commissioned Church
Blind Spots: Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate, and Commissioned Church by Collin Hansen Blind spots. We all have them, whether in our families, among friends, or at work. Collin Hansen, former associate editor at Christianity Today and now editorial director for...
An Interview with Karen Swallow Prior
An interview with Karen Swallow Prior, author of Fierce Convictions The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More - Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist This week, the Open Table will feature an interview with Karen Swallow Prior about Fierce Convictions, writing, and what is on...
Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More –Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist
Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More - Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist by Karen Swallow Prior This week's book review features Fierce Convictions, an excellent biography of Hannah More, a remarkable woman who deserves to be much better known than she...
Learning for the Love of God: A Student’s Guide to Academic Faithfulness
Learning for the Love of God A Student's Guide to Academic Faithfulness by Donald Opitz and Derek Melleby June is a month that has a lot going for it: warm weather, flowers in bloom, long periods of daylight, and high school graduations. I love high school...
Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed
Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed The Story of the Village of Le Chambon and How Goodness Happened There by Philip Hallie Today's column is a Memory Maker book review. Memory Maker books are those that are not recent publications, but which come to mind frequently,...