Books and more books
Point No.1: I love books
Alongside my espresso machine, computer, bicycle and Toyota Vitz, my library is one of my most valued possessions. I could wax lyrical about each of these other wonderful pieces of technology, but now is not the time nor place. As for my books – well, how long have you got?
Books have always played a big part in my life. They have helped shape my faith, challenged my assumptions, and moulded my lifestyle.
If what you most value is reflected in your gift giving, then it’s clear I prize a good book. I like nothing better than giving, loaning or recommending a particular book to someone I think will appreciate and be helped by it.
However, I’m also aware that books can become an obsession or addiction – just as easily as anything else – drugs, food, fast cars, work, sport – I guess it’s a case of: beware your poison.
Sometimes we can take things too far. I once went to the house of a former Anglican vicar, where almost every wall of every room was lined with bookcases, stacked full of – surprise, surprise – books. Including, would you believe it, the most reverential room in the house – the toilet.
So why was I there? (I mean in the house, not the toilet.) The story goes that this man had died and his widow had the unenviable task of offloading her husband’s library. Heaven help her. So she decided to hold a second hand book sale. And, given that she had thousands of volumes to sell, it seemed sensible for the sale to occur in this poor woman’s home. (I use the word “poor” advisably, for it seems to me that not only was she left with the dreadful task of getting rid of the books on the back of her grief, but given the size of the library, more of their income had probably gone into books than into their food budget. Plus, they probably had to strengthen the foundations of the house to cope with the extra weight!)
While the book sale was a lively affair, it was clear she didn’t stand a Frenchman’s chance of winning the Rugby World Cup, in selling them all.
I can only guess that while he was still alive, the vicar and his wife must have had some “vigorous” discussions about where the limits of his obsession with books should lie. For the magnitude of the sale indicates that the widow did not value the books nearly to the same degree as her deceased. They were just taking up space.
As for me, though I regularly push the boundary between a positive and obsessive love of books, three questions temper my purchasing and reading habits:
- Is this book going to add more than just information to my already overloaded mind, or will it genuinely help me to grapple with what it means to follow Jesus – and to communicate this to others?
- Can I borrow this from someone else?
- Will others benefit from this book?
The fact that I’m not always successful at answering these questions well is reflected by there being several books on my shelves I have not actually read (a shameful admission, I know).
Point No.2: There are too many books in the world
New technologies have added exponentially to the number of books available around the globe. Nowadays, the advent of self-publishing, on-demand printing and e-book readers has meant that every man, woman and their dog can now publish a book, without requiring a nervous wait for an acceptance letter from a publishing house.
Ironically, the nuclear explosion of titles available has coincided with the average person buying and reading fewer books (at least in regard to non-fiction). Which makes you wonder just who is reading the tidal wave of new publications?
Changing buying and reading habits have also meant that the traditional bookstore is under threat from the Amazons, Book Depository’s and Barnes & Nobles of this world. Not only are people buying more books online, they are also downloading more and more books electronically. At the push of a button I can now have an entire book on my Kindle (e-reader) or computer within seconds of purchasing it. Interestingly, earlier this year Amazon UK announced that they now sell more e-books than hardcopy books. It’s a revolution, folks!
Last year, in an effort to “downsize” and “simplify” my hardcopy library, I did what the deceased Anglican vicar should have done long before he conked it. I ruthlessly worked my way through my bookshelves in order to trim down my library. (Okay, I confess, it was an act more of regret than ruthlessness, spurred on by Jill’s “encouragement”. But at least I did it.)
I put aside those books I felt were just taking up space or deserved a home where more loving attention would be given to them. Two hundred badly-neglected-books later I had filled several boxes. What to do with them? Offer our local friends the opportunity of a lifetime, of course. Foster homes were found for most, with the rest going to our church library.
Point No.3: I’m contributing to the proliferation of books
Given the saturation of books in this world of ours, you would think that I would be most reluctant to personally add to the exponential number of volumes being produced. Surely, there’s got to be a better, more productive use of time, money and energy for an ex-car dealer? Not that I feel the need to justify myself. (Well, sadly I do, but not in this regard)
Knowing there is an excess of words in this world does bring a level of sobriety to my natural instinct to add yet more words to the publishing stratosphere. On the one hand I am regularly battling the voice of doubt that I have anything worth contributing, worth reading. On the other hand, once I manage to disengage from the comparison game (“I’m not as good as…”; “If only I could write like…”) I find myself freer to recognize that I do have a unique and valid contribution to make. I’m a “translator” – reframing and interpreting things so people can grasp and understand them in an accessible way. I realize that writing is an important way for me to love and serve both God and others.
Short commercial break: My recently released Just Money is not likely to get on any bestseller list. However, it is available direct from me, for the stellar price of $20.00 (plus postage), or if you choose to ask at a local Christian bookstore, $29.95. Thanks to those of you who have already purchased a copy, or two. I appreciate it. You’ve contributed to freeing up a little more space in our garage and done your bit in pacifying our accountant. But most of all, I do hope you are blessed and helped by what you read.
Point No.4: Too many books, too little time, too much choice
Overchoice is a seriously debilitating condition that all of us face in our consumer society. Choice is king. Options are unlimited. But rather than this freeing us, there is good evidence that it adds unnecessary stress to our lives, even immobilizes and paralyses us. Too much choice is a killer, not a liberator.
(Short additional, though more subtle, commercial break: I give a whole chapter in Just Money to the issue of overchoice!)
When it comes to books and reading, there’s clearly way too much stuff to absorb than any of us have time – or money – for. How many lifetimes would be required to read it all? And what difference would that really make?
So we have to be selective. This is where I come into the picture. Performing such a valuable service so that you’ll remember me in your Will – or at least, thank me at my funeral. (Nah, that would be asking too much!) Alright, well at least you’ll have a better idea of what books to take off my hands next time I downsize my library.
In past editions of Ruminations I’ve frequently offered book reviews and synopses. Many of you have fed back to me your appreciation for these. Indeed, one friend wrote me suggesting that a particular review was so comprehensive that he didn’t feel the need to read the book himself. I emailed back suggesting that I could do a similar review of the Bible for him, given that he might not have time to read that either!
Anyway, this time round I’ve decided to do something a little different. Below you will find a list of nine books I’ve read this past year. There’s a healthy variety in the list. Maybe even something for everyone? And it includes four books from Downunder. If a title intrigues or appeals to you, scroll further down for a brief summary of what the book is about. All of the books picked are inspiring and challenging. Well worth the read. But I know you have limited energy and time, so choose well.
And so, here they are, nine recommendations from my readings of 2011 (in no particular order). Drum roll, please…
Eugene Peterson: The Pastor
Ian Cron: Chasing Francis
Skye Jethani: With: Reimagining the Way you Relate to God
Jenny Duckworth: Against the Tide, Toward the Kingdom
Mark Buchanan: Your God is Too Safe
Tom Wright: After You Believe
Simon Holt: God Next Door
Saiyuud Diwong: Cooking with Poo
Jim Reiher: The Eye of the Needle
Eugene Peterson The Pastor
Details: HarperOne, 2011, 320 pages.
Categories: autobiography/memoir; spirituality; church and church leadership
Author: longtime pastor; prolific writer on issues of spirituality; author of The Message; retired professor of spiritual theology, Regent College.
Why would you read this book?: this is the accumulated reflections of a lifetime of faithfulness, told as only Peterson can – revolving around the myriad stories and experiences that mark his journey from a small child in rural Montana to a vocation of pastoring, writing and teaching. Told candidly and with speckles of humour. Peterson is a master storyteller, a wise and perceptive teacher and a brilliant wordsmith. You don’t have to be a church leader or pastor to gain from this memoir.
Ian Cron Chasing Francis
Subtitle: A Pilgrim’s Tale
Details: NavPress, 2006, 256 pages (including study guide)
Categories: fiction; church history (Francis of Assisi); following Jesus
Author: Episcopalian pastor, writer and communicator. His second book is also well worth reading – Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me (transparent and profound autobiography – reminds me a little of Anne Lamott’s writing).
Why would you read this book?: A history book for those who don’t normally read history; based around the fictitious story of a burnt out pastor discovering the story of Francis and in doing so, reworking his faith; brilliantly written, hugely inspiring. You’ll be captivated by both the fictitious story and the real story of Francis and his relevance to faith in the twenty-first century. Ian Cron has an amazing way with words – his style is invigorating.
Skye Jethani With
Subtitle: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God
Details: Thomas Nelson, 2011, 207 pages.
Categories: what it means to follow Jesus
Author: managing editor of Leadership Journal, pastor, wrote The Divine Commodity (see previous book review on Ruminations)
Why would you read this book?: A really helpful check-up on why we follow Jesus. In simple but effective terms, Jethani captures four popular but deficient ways of viewing and relating to God – life under God (if I do the right thing, God will bless me; if I do wrong, God will punish me); life over God (seeing the Bible as a divine instruction manual for life – just follow the principles and life will ‘work’); life from God (viewing God as a divine vending machine – assisting us to be happy and fulfilled); and life for God (following God is primarily about what we can accomplish for him). Jethani contends that what God most wants is that we experience life with him.
Jenny and Justin Duckworth Against the Tide, Toward the Kingdom
Details: Cascade Books, 2011, 111 pages; available from the Duckworths for $20 (email: Justin.ngatiawa@gmail.com)
Categories: autobiographical; missional community
Authors: ex-YFCers who co-founded Urban Vision, a missional community in Wellington, NZ.
Why would you read this book?: inspiring, challenging and transparent story of a family’s journey following Jesus, right here in NZ. Jenny writes with a delightful style, so it’s an easy read. (Yes, I know it’s Jenny and Justin’s story, but it’s penned by Jenny!)
Mark Buchanan Your God is Too Safe
Subtitle: Rediscovering the Wonder of a God You Can’t Control
Details: Multnomah, 2001, 258 pages.
Categories: Spirituality/Christian living
Author: pastor and freelance writer based in British Columbia, Canada. This is Buchanan’s first book but he has produced several since.
Why would you read this book?: Somewhat autobiographical, Mark Buchanan challenges the reader to push beyond the safe and predictable “borderlands” of faith and into the unpredictability and exhilaration of risky faith. Buchanan writes like a younger Eugene Peterson – wise, prophetic, countercultural, calling us to a deeper intimacy and discipleship.
Tom Wright After You Believe
Subtitle: Why Christian Character Counts
Details: HarperOne, 2011, 307 pages.
Categories: ethics; what it means to follow Jesus
Author: recently retired Bishop of Durham; highly respected New Testament scholar now teaching at St Andrews University, Scotland; prolific writer, including Surprised By Hope and the very accessible New Testament For Everyone commentary series.
Why would you read this book?: this is really a follow up to Surprised by Hope. It covers the question of how we should live as followers of Jesus in the here-and-now.
Note: Also produced by Tom Wright in 2011: Simply Jesus and The Kingdom New Testament (a contemporary translation).
Simon Carey Holt God Next Door
Subtitle: Spirituality and Mission in the Neighbourhood
Details: Acorn Press, 2007 165 pages; available paperback direct from the Australian publisher
Categories: theology of everyday life/mission
Author: I met Simon in Hong Kong last year. He’s an Aussie, pastoring a Baptist church right in the centre of Melbourne. Former chef and subsequently a lecturer in practical theology. Great guy.
Why would you read this book?: 2008 Australian Christian Book of the Year; really thoughtful and practical contribution helping us think about where we live, how we live there and how our faith can make a difference in our neighbourhoods. Simon makes a strong point that it is possible to faithfully follow Jesus in the much-maligned suburbs. Given that most Aussies and Kiwis live in the ‘burbs, this is good news indeed. We don’t all have to move to the inner city or to the countryside to work out our faith. All three “neighbourhoods” are fertile ground for discipleship and mission.
Saiyuud Diwong Cooking with Poo
Details: UNOH Publishing, 2011, 112 pages; available from the Kirklands for $25 plus postage (wayne@signpost.org.nz).
Categories: cookbook wrapped in an inspiring personal story of transformation
Author: Saiyuud Diwong (helped by Anji Barker)
Why would you read this book?: Don’t be put off by the title! Poo is the Thai woman whose recipes are displayed in this immensely attractive cooking book, not the major ingredient! If you love Thai food, you’ll be delighted by the many authentic but easy to make recipes Poo produces. And all this is wrapped in the wonderful story of a slum dwelling woman, who with the help of her Australian UNOH (Urban Neighbours of Hope) neighbours was empowered to develop a cooking and cooking school business, right in the centre of her community. Final reason for buying this book: all profits (that’s all money less the printing costs) go to the author.
Jim Reiher The Eye of the Needle
Subtitle: Discipleship and Wealth
Details: UNOH Publishing, 2005 142 pages; available paperback direct from the Australian publisher (www.unoh.org.au)
Categories: challenging the prosperity (health and wealth) gospel.
Author: Like Simon Holt, Jim Reiher is another great Aussie who I’ve got to know. Jim lives in Melbourne and is currently the training director for UNOH. Previously he taught church history and New Testament at Tabor College, and has stood for political office more than once for the Australian Green Party.
Why would you read this book?: Jim sings from a similar tune to my own song, regarding the Bible’s take on money and wealth. While this book is a narrower focus than Just Money, it’s message is very complementary. Easy to read, well researched, very convincing and challenging. (But read my book first!)
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