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
Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis
Our Kids The American Dream in Crisis by Robert D. Putnam Here is a troubling thought: What if fewer and fewer young Americans had the opportunity to avail themselves of a good education, one that could bring them a sense of security, stability, better employment, and...
A Book of Uncommon Prayer
A Book of Uncommon Prayer 100 Celebrations of the Miracle & Muddle of the Ordinary by Brian Doyle A celebration is exactly what this book is. What a delight to be introduced to Brian Doyle by means of these one hundred quintessentially quirky, but genuinely...
Imagination Redeemed
Imagination Redeemed by Gene Edward Veith Jr. & Matthew P. Ristuccia Have you ever wondered why the human faculty of imagination has gotten such a bad rap in Christian circles? In the Church, somehow the black hat of disapproval has been bestowed on...
Tattoos on the Heart
This is a Mindful Monday book review. Once a month or so, this column will be about a book that is not a recent publication, but still comes to mind frequently, as good books will. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle ...
Simply Good News
Simply Good News Why the Gospel Is News and What Makes It Good By N.T. Wright This latest book by N. T. Wright, Simply Good News, presents a compelling observation of the Western church -- that we have developed a debilitating case of amnesia about the meaning of the...
A Glorious Dark
Finding Hope in the Tension Between Belief and Experience by A.J. Swoboda If you haven't choreographed your own personal happy dance yet, now is the time, because you are going to want to do one while you read this book by Dr. A.J. Swoboda. The title, A Glorious Dark...
“Lila” by Marilynne Robinson
Lila, the third book about small town life in Iowa by Marilynne Robinson, once again brings us to the town of Gilead. It is wonderful to return to this memorable fictional setting, even if this visit has a great deal of pain and darkness woven through the story. All...
From Tablet To Table
From Tablet To Table –Where Community is Found and Identity is Formed by Leonard Sweet In the spirit of Jesus’ open table, Len Sweet’s latest gift-sized book, From Tablet to Table (171 pages including the notes at the end) is so engaging that I read it in one sitting,...