PBPC: Features--Good Reads

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Good Reads

This Feature is looking at what some PBPC people are reading.

A Potpourri: Your Webmistress Puts in her Two Cents:
(Note: Many of the Webmistress's recommendations can be found in the PBPC library.)

Quo Vadis by Henryk K.Sienkiewicz (W. S. Kuniczak, Translator)

The title is Latin for "Where Are You Going?" The book was originally published in Polish in 1896. It is the story of Roman officer in the 1st century AD during the reign of Nero, who falls in love with a Christian woman. It is an amazing portrayal of the opulent Roman aristocracy, the madness of Nero, the poverty and strength of the early Christians. How do those early Christians, led by Peter and Paul, respond to attacks and terrorism? The relevance of this story to the United States in the third millennium is amazing! This book truly challenges me at the point of living out my faith. (My copy has study group discussion questions at the end. Hint, hint.)

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

Throughout history, the Jesuits have been some of the earliest travelers to newly discovered civilizations. They are missionaries who go to meet and learn the new societies. At significant personal risk, they share their lives and thereby their faith with new peoples. This is the tale of a Jesuit missionary/linguist who leads an expedition to meet a new species on a newly discovered planet in another galaxy...I wonder whether God loves them as much as He loves us? God sees even the sparrow when it falls, but still it falls...I wonder what this tells us about the loving, holy God, YHWH? This is a very thought-provoking challenge to my satisfyingly "too small" God.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Eleven-year-old Reuben Land is an asthmatic farm boy who believes in miracles. "Along with his sister and father, Reuben finds himself on a cross-country search for his outlaw older brother who has been controversially charged with murder. Their journey unfolds like a revelation, and its conclusion shows how family, love, and faith can stand up to the most terrifying of enemies, the most tragic of fates." And the beautiful, poetic image of death and resurrection is a wonderful testimony to our loving God.

Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life by Lauren Winner

This is the spiritual autobiography of a girl who was raised by a nominally Jewish father and a nominally Christian mother. She longs for something more, spiritually. She converts and journeys deep into Orthodox Judaism, finding great spiritual riches there. But as she travels farther on her journey she finds herself drawn out of Judaism and into evangelical Christianity. Ms. Winner is not afraid to wrestle with faith, truth, and the meaning of life. And she reaps the rich harvest of an intimate relationship with the God who lovingly walks beside her every step.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.

This is the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob in the Old Testament. It is a midrash, a story which is true to the Biblical text and yet expands beyond the text. It is a wonderful depiction of what life might have been like for Biblical women. It certainly is thought-provoking.

Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour

Elias Chacour is a Palestinian Christian. He was driven from his home in 1948 by Jews arriving to form their new Jewish state of Israel. Chacour struggles with what his response as a Christian should be. For most of his life since them, Chacour has worked for reconciliation between Jews, Christians and Moslems. This is his story, powerfully told.

The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazer (and others in the series)

Dame Frevisse is a Benedictine nun at St. Frideswide's nunnery in medieval England. She is also the detective in these light-hearted mystery tales. The Tales series offer a marvelous view of life in the fifteenth century, with a sympathetic affection for the rich Benedictine tradition of simplicity, prayer and worship.

Prisoners of Hope: The Story of Our Captivity and Freedom in Afghanistan by Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer with Stacy Mattingly

Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer went to serve as missionaries in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan in the spring of 2001. They were arrested in August and were in prison when the September 11 terrorist attacks occurred. This is their story of their going to and living in Taliban Afghanistan, their prison experience, and their eventual rescue by US Special Forces. While not the most tightly written, it is an amazing story of the Afghan people they met, of the women's own doubt and faith, and of God's love and victory.

Dr. Bob's Good Reads:

(Note: Dr. Bob is PBPC's former Director of Congregational Care. All Dr. Bob's recommendations can be found in the PBPC library.)

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene H. Peterson.

This a study of Psalms on discipleship. It examines frequently overlooked psalms, Psalms 90 to 123. These are the Songs of Ascent which were sung going up to the Temple to worship.

A Meaning of Persons by Paul Tournier.

Himself a Swiss medical doctor and psychiatrist, Tournier uses the doctor/patient relationship as a metaphor for God's relationship with humans. This book is a classic, but not out of date. "One of the best books I've ever read."

Man: The Dwelling Place of God by A.W. Tozer.

Tozer is a true 20th century mystic who believed that all that really matters is for a person to be in right relationship with God, that his or her first duty--and privilege--is "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." This book is about the relationship of God and humans. It is, above all, practical.

The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey.

Yancey grew up in a fundamentalist church in the racist South. This is the story of his escape from legalism and morality to genuine spirituality.

What's So Amazing about Grace by Philip Yancey.

Grace is what God gives and the church doesn't. The church should, but does not. At the heart of grace is forgiveness.