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
Letters From the Desert
Letters From the Desert Carlo Carretto --Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, Th.D. Last year, in another book I came across the name and a few quotes from this man about whom I’d never heard. I read his book, The God Who Comes. I need to read Catholic mystics...
On Reading Well
On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life Through Great Books by Karen Swallow Prior --Review by Teri Hyrkas Do you like to start the New Year with a consequential book? If so, allow me to recommend a title that I think would be a worthy choice for 2019 -- On...
A Beautiful Constraint –Review by Vern Hyndman
A Beautiful Constraint By Adam Morgan Book Review --by Vern Hyndman Constraints have always rankled me, chaffing my sensibility like rough iron manacles. Whenever possible, I have reduced the constraints in my life, always leaning towards the open range of...
The Star
The Star featuring the voices of Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, and Aidy Bryant; rated PG --Review by Ashley Davis Keeping with Len’s animal theme for this month, I watched The Star on Netflix. The Star follows Jesus’ birth story from the perspective of...
The Star
The Star featuring the voices of Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, and Aidy Bryant; rated PG --Review by Ashley Davis Keeping with Len’s animal theme for this month, I watched The Star on Netflix. The Star follows Jesus’ birth story from the perspective of...
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat ISBN: 978-1-4767-5383-6 Published 2017 --Review by Douglas Balzer Inspiration abounds around us. Have you ever laughed when you read the title to a book or...
Being Mortal
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End Atul Gawande, 2014 --Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, Th.D. This book has absolutely nothing to do with the art of preaching. It has everything to do with the stories of those to whom we preach, for...
Not a Silent Night
Not A Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton --Review by Teri Hyrkas December has arrived and with it comes the season of Advent. Each week, the excitement, elation, and joyful preparations increase for Christmas -- and apprehensions,...
The Book of Why
The Book of Why: The New Science of Cause and Effect By Judea Pearl and Dana MacKenzie Published 2018 ISBN: 978-0-465-09760-9 --Review by Douglas Balzer The title of this book is brilliant. The Book of Why. Why? A single word question that brings with it profound...
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody starring Rami Malek; rated PG-13 --Review by Ashley Davis Bohemian Rhapsody beautifully tells the story of Freddie Mercury and Queen, and is a perfect example of EPIC (experiential, participatory, image-rich, connected). I saw it in the...