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
The Way
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus Adam Hamilton Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, ThD. Adam Hamilton was the conversation partner last month at the Orcas Island Advance 2018. It was a pleasure and a joy to meet and spend a couple of days with him...
I Can Only Imagine
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE Movie Review by Guest Reviewer Judge Jesse Caldwell “I Can Only Imagine” is a good flick. A very good flick. Unlike many films, it doesn’t try to cram too many convoluted and confusing mega themes and sub- plot lines twixt...
Unafraid
Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times by Adam Hamilton --Review by Teri Hyrkas What is your greatest fear? Has fear ever thrown a major roadblock on your pathway to joy or fulfillment? In Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times...
A Failure of Nerve
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix (1999/2007) By Edwin H. Friedman ISBN: 13:978-1-59627-042-8 pbk ISBN: 13: 978-1-59627-167-8 ebook --Review by Douglas Balzer Let’s be honest; we live in an anxiety-ridden age. All we must do is look around us...
The Heart of Man
The Heart of Man, directed by Eric Esau (rated PG-13) --Review by Ashley Linne My first reaction to this film was FINALLY!!! This visual parable is a breathtaking, raw, and beautiful look at brokenness and God’s redemptive nature. The filmmakers weave storytelling...
Immeasurable
Immeasurable: Reflections on the Soul of Ministry in the Age of Church, Inc. By Skye Jethan --Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, ThD. I like the writing of Skye Jethani. He writes from the inside but with outside eyes, always challenging and informing. Having...
The Word in the Wilderness
The Word in the Wilderness: A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter by Malcolm Guite --Review by Teri Hyrkas It might seem a little unusual to read a poem a day as a devotional practice during Lent, but with poet/priest Malcolm Guite as docent and The Word in the Wilderness:...
Braving the Wilderness
Braving the Wilderness (2017) Brené Brown ISBN:9780812995848 (hardback) --Review by Douglas Balzer Any book title with the two keywords brave and wilderness in it grab my attention. Adventure and the wildness of the outdoors resonate with my soul. Now, knowing the...
Science of Fasting
Science of Fasting, directed by Sylvie Gilman, Thierry de Lestrade --Review by Ashley Linne Since we are in the season of Lent, this documentary seemed to be fitting. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that people have practiced for centuries, but until recently...
Barking to the Choir
Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship By Gregory Boyle --Review by Landrum P. Leavell III, Th.D. If you haven’t read Father Gregory Boyle’s first book, Tattoos on the Heart, you’re behind. This Jesuit priest, known to homies as “G-Dog,” has...