100 books

I'm a donkey! I read this ages ago and forgot to review it! Its a really beautiful collection of essays and thoughts about, well essentially lust and sex but at the same time none of that. He writes about moving beyond the little things that obsess us. Its a really beautiful little book.. well worth a read. He just writes so well!

I was pottering around the monastery last night looking for something to read after Bonhoffer. And I stumbled on this. It’s a very lovely little 100 page book that talks a little about entering into a deeper life of prayer. Its full of quotable quotes, and in that sense could be mildly annoying (you find yourself thinking, do you not have anything original to say lady?!) But there are some little gems in there too- particularly a very succinct explanation of centring prayer.. If you can find it I reckon its worth a read.

As I picked this up yesterday to finish it off I found that the book marker in it was a plane ticket for the 6th July. And I think there has been good reason as to why its taken so long to get round to finishing one of the seminal works on community. It starts really slowly. Maybe it’s the translation, maybe its me but this is a book that took a lot of getting into! But it is worth sticking with! The chapters on the Day alone and on confession are wonderful! I still prefer Vanier but am beginning to appreciate the Bon!

It is a truth universally acknowledged that it was 12 years since II had read this literary classic. I studied it for A-level: and loved it. I confess I did not always love it so well as I do now. It’s a beautiful book (seeming familiar by the general over indulgence in the magnificent BBC adaptation). Elizabeth Bennett is really a delight to behold- and lets face it, Mister Darcy (to be said in slightly breathy tones) is every girl’s dream. Was also lovely to read a love story where you know its not about to burst forth into over detailed sex. I must be getting old but twas nice to have some understated good old love in there. Marvellous!

The little tag line that goes with this book really does sum it up well. It simply says “Insights From Manchester’s Impacting City Wide Prayer Movement”. And that is essentially what the book is. Its not a manual telling you three easy steps to bring revival to your City, but it does tell you (in a very accessible and down to earth style) what has happened in Manchester in the last ten years. The principles of united prayer are there, but you need to dig them out rather than reading a simple checklist. There are names that you will recognize, places that are familiar and a story which you may have seen little snippets of if you have read Youthwork over the last few years. I enjoyed reading Frank and Debra’s story. But do accept it for what it is- there are no “how to”’s until you reach page 157 (out of 214 pages!). If stories inspire you, then read on. Frank and Debra articulate the journey in prayer if one city in a wonderful way. And as you read it you just know that the st...

I’d been eyeing this book up for ages as I popped in and out of bookshops. I finally took the lunge just a couple of weeks ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I still don’t fully understand why this journalist took it upon himself to write about the London that exists below those terribly hard on your feet pavements (he was sacred of the Tube before he started the book!).. but I’m glad that he did. From the Underground to sewers, to crypts to wine cellars, he explores them all. Its all kind of exciting! Certainly helped me to understand a bit of London (and has made me even more of a tube geek!) I think you will like it!

Dan Brown writes conspiracy theory geek books with just enough in them that normal people read them. Its maybe not so obvious in Da Vinci but oh my is it obvious here. Like, don't get me wrong. Iwas till gripped enough to read this in a day but it was quite loaded full of geek theories.. about Roswell and stuff. Now, he doesn't believe them BUT he still feels morally obliged to put them in.. And he is still quite rubbish at writing about relationships.. But its a good trashy novel I suppose..

Err... I think I finished this one.. book written by the Catholic Worker Movement founder- Dorothy Day. It charts her journey from Communism to Catholicim with remarkable care.. looks at some of the most difficult times in US history and comes out all reflective and smiley. Sorry that is not a good review of what is a pretty remarkable story. Its not told in the most gripping of ways but is still a very cool one.. wonder if its easily avaiable in the UK?

Great little thrillerette... all about terrorism but made better cos its written by teh lady who used to run MI5.. so she knows. I liked it. Good female lead, pretty decent characterisation too which is always good. Was a good one to keep me reading rather than sleeping on the train!

Yeah.. its the end of November and the tally numbers 53.. so this counts.. Its a big read aloud book that Rach had cos she is a primary teacher... and it made me cry. Very cute.. about a little bear who is scared of teh dark until he sees the thing that makes it not so dark anymore.. It will take you about ten minutes to read but is SO worth it.. so so worth it!

I have to say that this book left me feeling really quite horrifically sick. It was recommended to me by Rach who said it was good. In many ways she was right- it was kind of compelling- you wanted to know how the story ended.. but I found myself feeling increasingly voyeuristic lapping up page after page about a dead teenager. I read that Sebold has written another book about her rape at uni.. I just felt like we were being given a little too much insight into her traumam in this book.. made me want to go take a bath after reading..

Awww, what a beautiful book. This is the follow up to Little Women (and basically covers the story as told in the film.. you know the Winona Ryder one). its just so innocent and unassuming. Lovely lovely lovely. Am trying to think which character I most empathise with.. I thought it may have to be Jo- but had an Amy waver for a while before plumping back with Jo.. the way here story ends is just good... Read it.. good for the brain!

I remember reading this a wee one.. and then in Coventry on Saturday, it was there.. just sitting on Rach's table. "we've been studying it this week in English", she said.. so I nicked it and read it while they were at church the next morning! Great story. I like Mister Fox's good family loyalty and general goodishness. And as ever Dahl paints the most outrageous character sketches. Truly wonderful.. I loved them! And it only took me half an hour to read! Woo hoo!

This was one of those books that looked at me from the shelf and said " you need to read me!".. so I did! I've always had a cautious liking for Tony Benn.. I think he may be a little crazy but he was a wonderful parliamentarian. In this little book he talks about some of the things that influenced him. He has that slightly strange thing where he has so many Christians influences in him, but just one or two tiny things mean that he can't accept the church. Its all very odd one way or the other. The back of the book cataloguies some of his speeches.. I particularly like the one on the ordination of women!

I really enjoyed this book. Its a really beautiful symmetrical story of two Afghani boys.. Its really well told: I spent a considerable amount of time wondering if it were actually a biography- the detail was great and rang really true.. There are a few disturbing bits in it but all in all a good read..

Yawnnn... Call me proud but this is a very samll book that is really incomprehensible... think its personality type cos some people love it but I didn't.. the end!

I really enjoyed this book... not least because you just get the best looks when reading a book about loneliness on the train! Rolheiser (also writer of the Sahttered Lantern), not only has good titles for his books, but captures a beautful thought about the nature of loneliness. He takes time to look at the negatives of it (its roots in alienations, rootlessness etc), but is so redemptive about it. He strips down the stigma around it in our "success" based world and talks honestly about how restlessness and the fact that this is not homw can make us feel lonly. He sees God as the source of comfort, but also talks about how we may need to live in this slightly lonely tension from time to time. great read

I maybe shoudn't have read this book. I think it raised my blood pressure by at least ten percent!! I'm not sure I would agree with Clifford Hill about the price of milk- let alone anything that particularly matters. There are pages of judgemental commentary on recent church history, there is a very Daily Mail view of current social conditions. But in there are some useful nuggets about how society was in the past. It gives me hope that we can change stuff. And its reaffirmed my thing about being a Wesley!!! Read with caution!

I work just ten minutes walk from Brick Lane.. I live a world away. I have no idea how accurate this view of life for a Muslim woman is: but I loved it. Its warm and funny in places, with real trauma, some potential love in there and depicts the poverty and racial tension around 911 really well. Raises the issues around how do women (in particular) live between cultures.. what tensions are inherent in Islam in 21st century Europe. Having watched the film Crash last night this all seems quite relevant just now… how do races live together or not. Do read this. Really go on. You can borrow my copy if you want.

I read Tuesdays With Morrie just last week, and in reading the Five People You Meet in Heaven you kind of get the impression that Mitch Albom really was quite profoundly affected by the story and the writing around that. This is a warm (if a little twee) look at how our lives are all essentially interconnected. If you have seen the film Pay It Forward then this is not so dissimilar. The story focuses around the guy Eddie, who dies and then goes on to meet five people who show him somehow all the unanswered things in his life. I can’t work out if its quite into karma as a concept or if it somehow has a wider thing going on. Albom talks about praying a lot, about God a bit, but is utterly 21st century and refuses to advocate any kind of formal religion or faith. All slightly odd really. Worth a read. I think with a little more pondering I could get to really love this.

Err… I read this in a vague attempt to get in touch with business y people. Its all about work life balance and stuff… is quite good. Rob Parsons really is the King of Christian short books that really sort you out, and I have no doubt that this has loads to say to the average business bod. I’m not sure I like that style of reading and learning though. But thank you Rob for it.

Yes, I read this as a kid. I vaguely recall Amy Stott throwing up during a reading of it in school one time. It was a must read before we go and see the movie later this week. Dahl is great, hugely imaginative but just a tiny weeny bit sinister. Willy Wonka is just an odd character isn’t he? Its always just a tad odd, reading these things knowing that you are visualizing the film already… ach well.. bring it on mister Burton!

This is a very beautiful book that charts a series of meetings between the author and his old professor: who happens to be dying. Its written almost as a transcript but is really warm and very easy to engage with. You find yourself liking everyone involved. It is a look at how people handle their approaching death. Do you live to the end or do you die to the end? Beautiful, poignant and a pretty quick read.

I read this more slowly than I think I have any other Harry Potter. On two chapters a day I had a good chance to savour it a bit more than usual. And what I found, I really liked. Rowling has done a good job at moving the characters on: getting rid of dead wood like Cho Chang and focusing in on a good core group of people who can and will carry the storyline to the end of the series. In terms of the drama of the story: well, she does well. We are left with lots of loose ends, lots of thoughts about who will do what in the final one of the series. Will Harry work alone or with a team, will Hogwarts re-open, will Ron and Hermione get it together properly, and who is R.A.B? She’s done well. This is I think better than the Order of the Phoenix… am very much looking forward to the last in the series.

This is the guy who leads L'Arche communities across the globe. Its a beautiful, warm, practical book that really brings out the wonder of community life. Read it.. Its great.. Sorry such a short review but I'm VERY behind and so need to catch up and read rather than write!!

Picked this up on a whim in Sainsburys. And have been very pleasantly surprised.. this is much more than a celebrity novel. I think much of the inspiration for this story has been taken from Baddiel's own search into his Jewish roots. The story follows the story of a Jewish family: a rabbi and his rebellious son who marries a Catholic girl. Subsequently they emigrate to the UK, escaping the Holocaust. However, he is soon interned in an ironically Daily Mail supported piece of British Government folly. Its pretty well written- easy to read, with some lovely light moments. But in the downside it, like lots of other things I've read this year, has a slightly disappointing ending.. definitely worth a look though..

This is a tiny book that was written after Muggeridge made the first television documentary about the life and work of Mother Teresa. It’s a really lovely wee book. Mother Teresa is portrayed very warmly, at the time before she got hugely famous and was accused of milking the media.. I loved it. Muggeridge is a good writer for a start. And his subject- well lets face it I’m going to enjoy most things that are about a life of prayer and serving the poor. In all a great little read

I liked 80% of this book more than the Da Vinci Code. Brown paints the picture of some really very beautiful characters and you kind of get lulled into this false sense of security that actually he might be shaping up to be quite nice to the Catholic church. Then in the last 80 pages or so it once again becomes clear that someone at a catholic school use to beat him up on a regular basis! I wish I had read this before Da Vinci… its outlandish but more fun in a weird kind of way. And yes, its compelling reading. I dredged through it in about a day and a half.. and that with seeing friends too.

On second (or maybe third) read this is a real grower. Rowling actually threads some good themes through the longest yet of the Potter stories. It doesn't beat Azkaban for me in terms of grippingness (Ithink you expect a big ole fight just now), but it is good. ANd lets face it I'm just looking forward to the Half Blood Prince now.

I don’t like this book. I think I can cope with children finding an amazing magical world in the back of a wardrobe, but I can’t cope with the idea of grown men finding life on Mars. Maybe I was looking for too much in it, maybe I just don’t like sci fi but yuk yuk yuk.. But because its Lewis I’m going to read the rest of the trilogy!!!

Erm.. it took me ages to get this book read. I just couldn’t focus on it. Now I know it’s a literally classic, I know its an essential tool for those studying leadership, political thought and medieval European history. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it does it? Machiavelli focuses his thoughts on what a person (intrinsically male in this context) must do to retain power when they have managed to procure it. Famously he talks about the need to make the people fear you before letting them love you. A good adage perhaps for teaching, but I’m not sure its one I would like to live by. Maybe I’m just not quite clever enough to get it, but I learned more about leadership from Watership Down (still vying for favourite book of the year!)

I pondered in Borders about whether to buy this or Peter Ackroyd’s Biography of London. This won, alarmingly solely on weight (yes physical weight!). And I kind of regret not picking Ackroyd. Don’t get me wrong- this is a well crafted, well written piece of literature. It is historically accurate (in terms of dates etc). The problem. Well, I just can’t bring myself to warm to A.N. Wilson. I find myself wanting to call him all sorts of slightly crazy things! Why? He manages to talk about the poor in London without ever mentioning Wesley or Booth. Shaftesbury gets a passing mention (but I rather think because he was a Lord). Wilson enjoys the church as designed by Wren, rather than the church as designed by God. I think (and this may be libelous) that he’s basically a grumpy Freemason who wants us to live in the Blitz and vote for Thatcher… That’s said- its still been a great read for getting to know London and some of its history.

He’s growing up that lad. I like the fact that we are getting to see a little bit of hormones. This is also getting darker- still great..

This is my favourite Potter thus far (though we are only ten weeks away from Potter 6 so watch this space). It begins to explore what it meant for the boy Harry to begin to live out of his past. I think I may be swayed by the film adaptation too which was definitely the best so far. Anyway, back to the book. Again Rowling is magnificent at introducing fantastic new characters. The dementors, though grim, are a genius piece of work. Sirius is also a wonderful character. This was another comfort read but a worthy one at that!

I refer you to my earlier post about the invalidity of rereading these babies. But I am so I thought I would review for the thre unenlightened souls in teh world who haven't read Harry. Book 2 in he series, and not really my favourite. I just cringe too much at Gilderoy Lockhart and Colin Creevey. But, as they say, its a ripping yarn so is worth the occasional cringe. I'm now onto the altogether darker Prisoner of Azkhaban.

Ooops.. nearly forgot to review this. The Jungle Book is not the same as the film. The story of Mowgli is only part of this collection of stories, all set in India (apart from the seal one.. and maybe another). Its really well written but I think I was lloking for a familiarity that just wasn't there. Except in Rikki Tikki Tarvi, which I remembered from when I was little. Was good to read some good literature but nothing desperately scintillating.

This is written by the former head of the Catholic Church in Britain: and that’s an important lens to be aware of when reading about the essentially Celtic saints of north east England. I consumed this eighty pager in about half an hour- partly due to its brevity but also due to a desire to learn. The north east is my father’s heartland. Hilda is my grandmother’s name. My heritage is Celtic, my calling monastic.. how could I fail to want to read this. It is a good brief guide to the Northern saints. But it is written with a slant to defend and propagate a Roman view of the development of English monasticism. I think I need to read Bede to get back to the heart of it (though already I want to get my hands on anything about Aidan and Hilda)..

I’ve been dipping into this classic for about a month now, and it seems fitting that I finally finished it whilst spending a day at a monastery. Though 300 years old it really is an inspirational text- looking at the means by which we might continually commune with God. Its hard, when reading a classic, to avoid the searching for pithy sound bites. I hope rather that I might begin to walk in this way of continual communion with God. Linguistically this is not an easy read. Its not one to try and get through in a couple of hours- but it is worth a look at.. The real challenge is to follow the example and live it.

This doesn’t really count in the hundred books for the year because I have read it (several times) before. But, at the beginning of this week I just needed a comfort read- and this is one of them. I love Harry Potter- and this- the first, is still beautifully innocent. Rowling is just good at developing characters and so as she introduces all the main players we are caught up into a world of imagination. I think that’s the secret of the books: we all have our own picture of Potter, Dumbledore and Snape. Watch this space for a review of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.. out July 16th.

Love it! No complicated plot twists, no weird dark family secrets, a true product of its time. I guess it shows that I am a product of mine that I was expecting the grandma to turn out to be a witch herself, the docored soup to go to the wrong table, or for the witches to win. Oh how my innocence has been stolen!

Paul Wesley Chilcote This was another random book I picked off the shelves of the UL to try and understand something of the tradition that I’m about to step into. It has vast amounts of notes, is well researched and gives some context as to how women were given a role that was later taken away. Again, it wasn't the best thing I've read this year (I'm still struggling to beat Watership Down), but is useful in understanding how Methodism came to where it is now.

I confess I only picked this book up because its shorter than Sophie’s World (its by the same author), Its really beautiful: just a series of conversations between a sick child and an angel. None of the thinking is particularly new- it touches on the difference between humanity and angels, all the usual stuff we look at in regards to angels. But its done very beautifully. I liked it: and will most likely dive into Sophie’s world at some point later in the year.

Having seen this being read everywhere on the tube I decided to take the plunge. This is a great book for me to read of holiday. Its compelling enough to set off my addictive reading thing (I finished it in six hours). Raises a bunch of questions too: I alarmingly found myself not being too bothered if Jesus was married or not: though I have to say some of the conspiracy stuff was a bit out there. The issue is that Brown takes some well worn half truths and twists them, so that you can't tell what is true and what isn't. He's actually pretty clever in integrating little twists so that average Joe Punter wouldn't tell that its not true. I understand why its courted so much controversy- and it is a great read. Its just interesting that it can provoke more deep conversation than reading the Bible on a train. Oh, and the end. Cliché! Dan: go and watch Lost in Translation before writing any kind of love thing into a book EVER!

Took me quite a while to read this, and is taking me a while to take it in. I think I’ve read quite a lot on hard core discipleship in the last few months and so to read something that really is all about grace is a bit of a shock. I found it all really very hard to receive and was looking for a challenge that said: “but you only get a certain amount of grace”. That’s all much more of an indication of where I’m at than Manning’s writing. I found “what’s So Amazing About Grace?” easier to grasp but I think this is of equally high quality.

This is Jo Brand's first novel: and I have to say that it is significantly more amusing when read in a Jo Brand, droll, style. Its not bad- it has pretty clear characters, is funny in places.. but its not a great. I think a part of me has gotten to the point in reading where I really want something that will engage me. This book didn't do that. Sorry Jo, stick to stand up.

This is blatantly a kids book. And a very odd one at that. I can only assume it has been written for kids who get all freaked out and anally retentive in the truest sense of the phrase. Basically it tells us that everyone poos, and that it looks different and smells different but all living things do it. And it has pictures. Which are a bit grim. As for why I read it... well, you'll just have to speculate!

Anglican priests love Susan Howatch. And they love recommending that I read them: which is fine, until you get to the first sex scene in each book and then you freak out completely. Mercifully I got two hundred pages into this one before the freak out moment. Its a good read: and so appropriate for someone just going to minister in the City. The story is that of a female city high flier who finds her ordered life invaded by the spiritual. Its great; pretty compelling, until the end. In fact it ends with a whimper. Slightly disappointing, but still well worth the read.

This is a set text for many, many schools; but unlike set texts in my day, is a darn good read. Its pretty short (200 or so pages), but as loads of different layers. I love the way the whole thing is layered with generations and stuff. Sacahr writes in such a way that you do get a few little surprises along the way. Really gald I read it: totally makes sense that its in the BBC top 100 too.

The blurb on the back of this book is all about Paula being agreat athlete and all that. It even includes the Dailiy Mail's "Britain's greatest ever woman athlete" (which I'm sure they saida bout Kelly Holmes too). Good as these things are, the fact that they are on the back of the book should betray the fact that although a great runner, Paula is not a great writer. Now, I'm not the most linear person in the world, but this book is just a bit confusing sometimes. It kind of flits all over the place.. I get the impression that it was put together almost by a series of interviews and no-one bothered to link then very well. (I guess the pressure of getting the book out soon after the Olympics took its toll). However, as an insight into the life if an athlete its great... and a bit gross. Hernias, incontinence, fluid, jabs, tears, deep friction.. all a bit vomit inducing (oh and there's vomit in there too). Aside from the grossness, I'm left with th...

Do yourselves a favour. Do NOT read this book. In terms of writing its not bad- the end is hurried, and frankly a bit twee.. but the reason to avoid it is the content. I felt quite sure that I should buy and read this book... but I'm in no hurry to pass it on. It goes into the life story (fictional but you just know its not really), of someone with repressed memory. It tracks him through life in a hostel where he was abused, into the Soho scene of the sixties and into a life of alcoholism. Its gritty, explicit and frankly a bit gratuitous. Don't read it. Its made me immensely grateful for all that God has done in my life.. but thats its huge redeeming factor.. stay away.. will mess with you head!

This is not going to go down as the most enjoyable read of all time, but it was really useful. This is a PHD thesis from back in the day when all PHD theses became books. Its a fairly well written piece about the relationship between Moravianism and Methodism. It focuses a lot on the character of John Wesley (more so than that of Zinzendorf) and is VERY English in its outlook. Its a useful wee insight into the period of tension between the two movements. I'll stop there cos there are probably only about three copies in the country and so I'm not sure its worth the read!

Hmm.. A friend of mine said she felt that she needed to take a bath after reading this. I'm inclined to agree. The plusses: its kind of a modern day Catcher in The Rye. Its an interesting insight into shame and what its effects can be. It makes you wonder what did happen to his dad? the bit with teh names in teh first few chapters is clever. Minuses: its pretty seedy. Its really hard to read because its so filled with swearing. Salinger is as shocking without the silly language, but maybe I'm just being old fashioned. Careful as you go with this one. I think I'm glad I read it but at the same time I feel a little violated by it too. Proceed with caution!

I confess. I only bought this to be a church swot. We're following the book as the Lent Series at church. But, that said, it is worth a read. I think one of the perils of reading it as part of the hundred is that I have gone through it pretty quickly. It probably deserves to be worked through with the study material (which is actually VERY well put together!). But to the book itself. Max Lucado writes in pictures. Excessively so at some points druing the early chapters. But if you make it through that you get to some really good stuff. I'm not sure I entriely agree with him on a couple of things (especially the bit that says that all of our bad experiences are to good.. just not sure its that black and white). But he's good. I think take your time with this one.. get over the cheese and let it sink in.

Another book written by a friend. But the following is not just written as a tribute to Queen Est. Its a good look at some of the issues around an ethical lifestyle. Its geared at the classic Spring Harvest market; Christians who just a need a bit of encouragement to make a stand for the poor. There are loads of stories at the beginning. There are a whole bunch of really practical ideas. And there is a tehology in there that reaffirms what I know. Its a really good book to hand to someone who is just getting their head round what it might mean to live ethically. I was really encouraged as I read it...

So this is weird... reviewing a book born out of a movement I work for, and written by my kind of boss I guess... Its good.. I'm not saying its the best thing that Pete has ever scribed but its good. If you haven't ever read anything on what it might mean to follow Jesus this is a very good place to start. It is a challenge to stop just saying how amazing grace is and start living in the light of the call to "take up the cross". Its accessible, its well thought out, and it has an invitation at the end that is so counter to our culture that its quite tough to read.. Friends: read and lets talk!

John Wesley. A key figure in the evangelical revival of the 18th and 19th century. A prolific preacher. But I don’t like him. And I feel quite justified in saying that because I just read hundreds of pages where he was pretty disparaging about pretty much every other of his contemporaries. I think I’m maybe just a bit shocked. I guess at my roots I’m a people pleaser and to hear this man being so rude and ungracious about people is a bit scary… The journal is a real eye opener. Especially as much of it was edited by Wesley himself.. I’m not sure I would leave in what he did! In terms of writing: well this was an abridged version so I think I may have missed some of the picture. There are a few gems in there which have really spoken to me a bit. Things like the reminder not to battle temptation but to flee it. A timely reminder. Wesley’s description of the state of society bears more than a little resemblance to life today (drunkenness and profanity!). And at the...

I LOVED THIS BOOK! In fact I loved it so much that I persuaded the book club (yes I'm in a book club... but its quite cool.. like I'm the oldest one in it.. ) to read it too. Watership Down is beautifully descriptive, has great characterisation and a wonderful allegory. Its just wonderful- and probably lost on most children to whom it is read. I loved the comparisons of journeying together as a church or bunch of people setting out as pioneers. I love the way that we see that people have to be released and trusted in their giftings. I love the way that there are phases of the journey, each distinct, and that there is settling and growth too. I love the community, the way that rabbits lick each others wounds to clean them, defend each other and release each other too. This is a much better book on church planting than most in the Christian book stores. But it is about bunnies.. which should be forgotten when reading much of it, lest it becomes too heart rending!!! ...

This is a first draft manuscript by a friend of mine. What can I say? I liked it. Its a sort of novella, a take on the relationship between two men who come to spend a lot of time together in unlikely circumstances. It keeps you guessing and there are some really lovely thinsg going on with teh peripheral characters. I liked it.. a lot actually. It needs a bit of work to get to published status but heck of a good start!!

In the same way as I didn't warm to Nelson Mandela in his writing, I found it hard to warm to Holden Caulfield. I guess thats the point to some extent! The book is superb. It leaves you wondering what on earth is going to happen pretty much the whole way through. I can imagine why it caused such a stir in its original context. Salinger uses rough, aggressive language so much that it gives you that slightly edgy reaction to what hes writing.. Its great! I wonder what today's equalivalent book is?

Big ole long book this one! In the first fifty or so pages I wasn't sure I was going to make it through to the end. But then Mandela's story started to sync up with the history of South Africa and I got a bit more hooked. Nelson Mandela is like many great men. Determined, resolute, stubborn, and flawed. I'm not sure he would say anything else. Like so many in leadership there comes a point where family is neglected. In his latter years he fronts that up, in fact the whole book mellows. Its left me with a couple of questions. The first is around the way that Mandela deals with Winnie's downfall. He seems so supportive, and yet has no hesitation in binning her. I think its to his credit in some ways that he leaves out the details of intensely personal things. My other question is slightly politically hertical. I can't help but winder if Nelson Mandela was orchestrated to come to power. As I understand it he was one of a number who went to jail. He was...

I liked it. There is actually quite a lot of political comment hidden among the hundred and ninety pages. Not much else to say- very good read when you are having the kind of week when your head can't focus.

read 4th January 2005 I've been tackling this book for a while so it only really counts as half a book. It is essentially about what the church might need to reshape itself as to be effective in the current culture. The book has a lot of long words- which I think are in the main unnecessary. I found it a bit annoying at first- almost like the writers were trying to prove themselves academically. There are also enough factual inaccuracies to make you doubt the research that has alledgedly been done. But as the book went on I warmed to it. Its encouraging in quite a lot of what it is saying. They seems to run out of long words which is also good. The stuff on leadership is very Wizard of Oz, I like that. Its nothing that you won't know if you've been awake for a few years but its always reassuring to know that you are not going mad.

Read- 1st January, 2005 In the last year or so this story has really helped in my understanding of leadership. So, I decided that I should read the book instead of just basing things on the film (which incidentally I watched the day my tonsils were removed.. so trippy). Its good. Its longer than the film and gives some context to the flying monkeys, etc. Just a solid well written, slightly scary children's tale. All very redemptive... Only disappointment (not really the books fault), the red shoes are actually silver! Apparently there are more in the series. Maybe should read those too...