100 books

Contemplative Youth Ministry: Mark Yaconelli

2007-06-03T07:43:00.001-07:00

I really greatly enjoyed this book. I think it has a lot to say to the church at large about how we are what we are. Yaconelli comes from a programme based background, which is where most youth people are. He just has lots of good things to say, so very much worth a read..

the Diddakoi: Rumer Godden

2007-05-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

I read this book LOADS as a kid, so when I came to read it again just now was surprised that I didn't remember the storyline at all. Its about a half romany kid and the trials she faces. It looks at bullying, racism and stuff: all in a very sweet story!

Such sentimentality!

The Hawk And The Dove: Penelope Wilcock

2007-05-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

This is a trilogy but it all runs into one another so will get just the one review. Its a set of kids novels telling stories from a twelfth century Benedictine Monastery. Its beautiful (though the last one does get a bit wee focused!).

Worth a read!

Olivia Joules and The Overactive Imagination: Helen Fielding

2007-04-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

From the creator of Bridget Jones. And you can kind of tell.. The odd list here and there. A surprisingly capable young professional woman. Some very fun characters.

Its a read in one sitting on the beach book. Pure chick lit at its best! Gotta love it!

Sex God: Rob Bell

2007-04-27T09:58:00.001-07:00

This is a very very beautiful book. I mean its incredibly beautiful.

Don’t read it if you are looking for a manual of Christian sex and relationships. I think you will miss the point. Seriously, he weaves the most beautiful picture of God’s love for His people that I have ever come across. Its thoroughly gorgeous.

I need to return to this book and look again at it. And again. And again.

Read it.. please.

The Irresistable Revolution: Shane Claiborne

2007-04-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

This is perhaps a funny choice as the last read before I go to an Anglican selection conference. But it feels so fitting, sketching a picture of what it might look like to love the poor in a community setting. If I get a no from the Bishop's advisers this book gives me hope that a band of non professionals will one day live it out where I am..

As a book.. well it repeats itself a little but kind of works nonetheless..

Don't Think Of An Elephant: George Lakoff

2007-03-30T01:59:00.000-07:00

This book was much enthused about by a friend of mine. In it progressive Lakoff talks about how in The US the conservatives have managed to take hold of language in such a way that its difficult for anyone who is not a conservative to have a say which doesn't sound rubbish. He calls it framing. The idea being that when you say things like 'tax relief' you create an impression that tax cuts are good for everyone etc..

HE goes on to say that the liberals/ progressives need to do the same. They need to start talking in ways that people identify with at a very deep level.

Its alright as a book. I disagree a little, cos at the end of the day he still wants to win in a very worldly way. He also thinks that all religions should just get along and work together, and that you can have truly progressive values outside of a faith based concept..

But its interesting.

God On Mute: Pete Greig

2007-03-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

I almost want to write two reviews for Pete's latest book. The first review will talk about how deeply I feel affected by this book. It will talk about how I think Pete has hit on something very profound in addressing, very honestly, the issue of unanswered prayer. He is straight down the line, profound, challenging, deep and light. This book is definitely worth a read even if you feel like God is answering all your prayers. The journey through the Easter weekend is profound.

But– and I don't say this lightly, it does feel a bit dumbed down. I have the US edition and maybe the UK one is different, but I just have a feeling that this was edited for a broader audience. It loses something for it.

Velvet Elvis: Rob Bell

2007-01-25T03:03:00.000-08:00

I need to approach this review somewhat apologetically. In my usual beligerent style I was a bit of a Rob Bell cynic. I don't like it when people are made flavour of the month- it just innately makes me uneasy. So I wanted to disagree with everything he said.

But I can't. I loved this book. I loved that he has dug deep and retained a great integrity whilst unearthing and exposing some of the rubbish we have come to accept as true. If I'm honest I'm a little bit jealous. I long for the day when I might be able to study that deeply... I long t understand the context of the Bible as well as he does. It just brings the whole thing to life. Marvellous marvellous!

Windows of the Soul: Ken Gire

2006-12-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

The subtitle of this book is 'Experiencing God in New Ways'- its fitting as its a truly beautiful book. Gire is a writer- he loves writing which is what makes this so beautiful. He genuinely enjoys putting words in order in a book.

And what he is writing about is great too. He's talking about the ways in which we may find ourselves meeting God- be that through film or people, or tears! I loved teh stuff on tears.. thats probably for a new year post!

But a great book to finish the hundred with!

Northern Lights: Philip Pullman

2006-12-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

I couldn't do a hundred books without at least trying Pullman. And, after six months of battling through the first of the trilogy. I like his characterisation, I like the whole daemonology of it. I don't like the very typical add on attack on the church. Its just not very well grafted into the plotline. But then I would say that. He's a better writer than Rowling, but I enjoy her more!

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian: Marina Lewycka

2006-12-27T10:22:00.001-08:00

Its an award winner, so it must be good! I've thought this before about books, only to be sadly disappointed. This experience was slightly different. Reading the splodge on the back I was told this was a story about lust and greed.. so I expected an unhealthy chunk of darkness. Which, pleasantly, I didn’t find. It’s a beautiful book about family- about what you do with it when all the roles get mixed up! Its genuinely a nice read- I may leave it with my mum to read- I think she may like it!

The Sound of Laughter: Peter Kay

2006-12-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

I love Peter Kay- he’s really one of the funniest men around. So when this was bought for my dad as a present I though I would get in early and finish this off before leaving their house (and lets face it I only missed Deal or no Deal)!!! Its not great literature, but it is funny. If you can get into the imaginative place of thinking of him stand upping his way through, then this is a great little read. Read it in a public place where your tittering will annoy or amuse those around you!

Duke of Hazard: Philip Dampier, Ashley Walton

2006-12-27T10:20:00.001-08:00

This book was a present from my vicar- and is a bit of an homage to the irreductable British (ish) institution that is the Duke of Edinburgh. It basically catalogues several score of his gaffes, blunders and general offensiveness. Its a good read, not least because it reinforces your republican thinking in a very large way! Wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it, but if you are lingering in Borders then go for it!

The Abortionist's Daughter: Elisabeth Hyde

2006-12-23T14:16:00.000-08:00

Nice little murder mystery.. though not massively tantalising at the end.. but then I did mainly read this book in book stores before finally succumbing and buying it this afternoon! It means I;ve read the odd 20 pages here and there for the last three months.. so maybe I didn't grasp the flow of the story so well!!

The Book of General Ignorance: various

2006-12-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

This is a very handy little book. It basically a whole bunch of the stuff that they use on QI (one of my very favourite TV programmes), all in one handy volume. And it was a Christmas pressie that I got stuck into early!

Great bathroom book, all divided up into little sections.

Marvellous!

Warrior Queen: Alan Gold

2006-12-18T05:36:00.000-08:00

I got sent this from Canada last week, with a little note saying 'for your heart'. Its an historical novel about Boudica, Queen of the Iceni; to whom I have been much compared. Its a good read, about the very classic story of the Ancient Britons. What I liked: well the story- the notion that the Ancient Britons were much more egalitarian than their Roman counterparts. The no holds barred approach to viewing Boudica- acknowledging her tactical errors. What I didn't like: its not hugely well written!

Worship Evangelism Justice: Mike Pilavachi, Lisa Hoeksma

2006-11-30T00:35:00.000-08:00

I had to read this for a review for Youthwork Magazine. And lets face it I was always unlikely to read it aside from that. Its pap.. simplistic marketing bilge for the rich and brand conscious.

There we go.. teh bit I can't say in Youthwork!

Eats Shoots and Leaves: Lynne Truss

2006-11-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

I've been plodding away at this on and off for over a year and have finally gotten through it! Truss is obsessive about punctuation- and the resultant read is actually not bad. She wends her way thourgh the major marks, finding their role and place with a whole bucnh of research that is worthy in and of itself.

It does make you feel woefully inadequate as a grammarian though. I may never write again!

The Historian: Elizabeth Kostova

2006-11-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

So I hadn't quite clocked that this was thriller about Dracula- but for an essentially not very "me" book, it did rather well. In common with lots of new reads, its written from three or four points fo view using letters as a key genre of communication.

I liked it.. not least for its slightly slow feel.. Its really detailed and frankly will interest very few non historical bods but I liked it!

The Princess Bride: William Goldman

2006-10-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

This film has been a bit of a seminal one for a lot of people in the UK. This is actually an abridgement of the original book by a guy teh name of Morgenstern.. and is funny (Goldman does this little interruptions all over which are very amusing)..

Well worth a read even if you haven't seen teh film.

London: The Biography: Peter Ackroyd

2006-10-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is one mammoth book. Genuinely, it 800 pages and on each one is some little gem of knowledge about London. Its taken me about four months to wade through it, but I;m glad I did.

Ackroyd's great- because he is a classy historian who doesn't discount teh spiritual element of any city. Whilst he doesn't mention the history of the church (this is a truly social history in that sense) he does talk about the strongholds and foregeign gods of the City.

Anyone who would seek to make a difference in London would be well advised to read this- its salutory warnings of the resilience of the City are spot on.

I like it!

Baptism: Its Purpose, Practice and Power: Michael Green

2006-10-10T02:17:00.000-07:00

Another DDo read this one but its very good on helping me to work out where I stand on baptism. I'm becoming less baptist by the second pretty much! Michael Green writes really simply which made this a quick one or so in teh UL in cambridge..

Where I also looked at other books, just not deeply enough to call it reading!!!

Perfect Match: Jodi Picoult

2006-10-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

My first dive into her writing.. and.. well .. its OK.. she does this thing where she writes from lots of different people's points of view and stuff. It means you have to follow a little more closely than you would like. But hey ho!

Good story though..

The Righteous Men: Sam Bourne

2006-08-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

Its trendy at the moment to write books which portray the church (whether the church RC for Dan Brown, or the church Mid West for Sam Bourne) as an evil power broking insttitution prepared to kill to get its own way! It is also trendy to write about it very badly!

And so why oh why did I manage to eat through this book in a day! Well its just about compelling enough to get you there.. And if you go fast enough you don't find yourself choking over the appallingly cheesy naff writing. Of which there was plenty!

Its a good tube read (as is Brown).. and if you, like me, ever fancy having a go at writing a novel, its encouraging to know that you don't have to get far beyond GCSE English to get published.. though if you have to slag off the church to do it maybe I'm not so keen!

Stormbreaker: Anthony Horowitz

2006-08-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

I sneakily read this in Starbucks in Borders the other day! Its the book of the film that has just come out and was another foray into the world on kids literature. It turns out that its a good foray. I really enjoyed it- fast paced, good characters (good enough for film, not for study in school I think). I would certainly pick up another Horowitz!

In the Name of Jesus: Henri J Nouwen

2006-08-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Nouwen is one of my favourite authors: I just totally love his stuff. So when Christine John popped this little number into my hand at New WIne, I lapped it up!
Its a little book based on some talks he gave about leadership.. but talks that he had taken one of the L'arche community members to.. in true Nouwen style he looks at leadership in a new way!

It will take you about two hours to read, and a lifetime to digest!

The Flood: David Maine

2006-06-03T04:29:00.000-07:00

I bought this book for 99p in Waterstones. There is a reason it was 99p. As a piece of writing it is awful.

Conceptually its great. Its kind of in the genre of Anita wasserface and "The Red Tent", taking a Biblical story (which at least gives it a decent plot), and fleshing it out with lots of details.. or in this case lots of sex!

It does the fleshing out reasonably well, conjecturing about how they gathered the myriad animals and sparing no details about mucking out and the like.

What makes it a bad book is that there doesn't seem to be a consistent style. One chapter a character sounds like a Jewish grandmother from New Yoik (sic) the next like a semi Arabic character. There are details and turns of expression that don't fit (crowbar??).. just doesn't feel pre apocalyptic flood.. (because obviously we knwo how that feels!!)

Freed To Serve: Michael Green

2006-05-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty standard text for wannabee vicars. It explores the models of leadership as practised by the church throughout the ages and takes a look at how we might want to exercise leadership now.

Michael Green is a lovely lovely man and that comes through in the text. He genuinely cares and I like that.

On the downside, the book is a little dated, its written pre women priests, and certainly doesn't look at the current hot potatoes of women bishops and gay clergy (well openly practising gay clergy anyhoo!)..

Again, only really worth reading if you're in the Church of England!

Building New Church Along the Old.. or something..

2006-05-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Good read this one. I'm not entirely sure I agree with this guys central premise (which is that Anglicanism in the UK should abandon its parish system and grow new churches using school halls and new worship centres.. ).. Its certainly given me some stuff to think about.

Not really one to read unless you're working in the Anglican church.. or want to..

On Being a Priest Today: Cocksworth and Brown

2006-05-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

I loved this book. Although its basically a text book for work I have really, really enjoyed it. The book is well written for a start. Its well put together, practical and inspiring. Though it talks about priesthood its appropriate for anyone in leadership. Again I find the Anglican communion more and more inviting. Its great!

Captivating: John and Stasi Eldridge

2006-05-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

What to say? I actually greatly enjoyed this book. I think I’ve read it at a time when God is calling me back to understand all that he has created me to be. To hear that I am woman and beloved and romanced has got to be good just now. This IS an American book and you should bear that in mind when you pick it up. There are no examples of women in church leadership over men, which makes a point in and of itself. But at the heart of it is some stuff that I think we maybe all need to receive, that God has created us to be pursued, to have a unique place in an adventure, and to be romanced (or maybe that’s the same as pursued). I’ve already recommended this to two people. Must be a good one.

Generation X: Douglas Coupland

2006-05-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

I like Coupland, but had never read his seminal (well at least his kick start) work until now. The story of Gen X, is based around Andy, middle child from middle America, choosing to live an edgy existence in California. Its definitely a book of its time- the notion of dropping out in this way is no longer strange but seems to depict how most of my friends are living just now- all of us with jobs that just get us by. I;m not sure we're quite so neurotic but hey..

Definitely worth a read, though for me doesn’t measure up to the wonderful Hey Nostradamus.

George's Marvellous Medicine: Roald Dahl

2006-05-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get just the teensiest bit scared when reading a Roald Dahl book? I know that most of his characters are designed to be just a little bit sinister, but this book really brought it home to me. As ever with Dahl, its a really good read but just an iddy bit weird!

The Anglican Understanding of the Church: Paul Avis

2006-04-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is a slightly dry Anglican text about what Anglicanism is about. Its great swat up material for a meeting with the Vocations Officer.

But in the course of 100 pages he does a really good job of confirming all the good things I have been thinking about being part of the Anglican Commune on a more formal basis. Its actually really worth a read I think, especially if you're thinking, well what the heck is the whole place about.. I liked it!

Who Moved My Cheese.. by.. errr..

2006-04-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

This is a tiny wee management book which Flanster lent me ages ago.. I put off reading it for ages cos I don't like American management books.. But its a good un.. very fitting for this moment..

Worth a look if you're pondering change!

The Time Traveller's Wife: Audrey Niffenberger (or something!)

2006-04-27T05:02:00.000-07:00

What a great concept.. guy meets girl, they get married.. but in a really weird order cos he's a time traveller.. I;m fascinated about how Audrey wasserface put the whole thing together.. did she have a room with lots of post its and timelines??? I loved this book. As I read it, it reignited my desire to write a novel.. maybe I should?

Anyhoo.. read it and weep.. cos its sad, not cos its bad!

Celebration of Discipline: Richard Foster

2006-03-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

This is a must read. I love this book. There's no rules of thour shalt just a gloriously practical look at the transformation that can occur when we stop trying to fix ourselves and just get some disciplines in place instead! He's great- no wonder this is a classic. I'm inspired!

The Voyage of The Dawn Treader: CS Lewis

2006-03-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

Love it!

This is my favourite of the Narnia Chronicles. I just love its aspect on healing and redemption. Love the whole thing of journeying after what is lost and love the redeemd and changed Edmund!

Wonderful wonderful book, please make it into a film.. please!!!

Prince Caspian: CS Lewis

2006-03-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

Great- moves the story on..

The Horse and His Boy: CS Lewis

2006-03-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

My least fave I'm afraid. It just has too much of a tinge of un PC-ness.. (I hesitate to say racism but.. )

Still a good story!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe: CS Lewis

2006-03-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

What can I say.. great read, the characters all the more intriguing the more times you read it..

Yay

The Magician's Nephew: CS Lewis

2006-03-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

I reread this and was surprised by how little I remembered from teh time before (onoy 4 years ago!).. Bizarre. I love the whole creation of Narnia thing... very lovely

Am a tad gutted that they haven't gone for this as a film.. but well thats Hollywood!

Long Way Round: Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman

2006-03-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Great book. Two guys on big motorbikes go round the world.. via a mafia house in the Ukraine, some nasty mud in Outer Mongolia and a crash in Canada. The book is linked to the TV series/ film which I;ve not sen, but love the way its written.. I;m a bit of a Ewan fan so.. but well worth a look.

The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole: Sue Townsend

2006-03-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

I think I prefer the sequal.. I think its this one that has a moment I still identify with- Adrian Mole going out to the skating rink, trying to look cool and failing miserably!! He ends up wearing his school PE kit.. Anyway.,. another quick and easy read just before Christmas (yes its taken me til March to write this up so.. )..

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole: Sue Townsend

2006-03-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

This was a seminal piece of my childhood.. Adrian Mole and his hideous experiences as a teenager. The weird thing is that as a kid I didn't realise that Adrian Mole is a grade A whinger! On second reading, it all becomes hugely clear! But it was great to plough my way through this and the sequal!

Forgotten Among the Lilies: Ronald Rolheiser

2005-12-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

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!

The Life of Prayer and The Way to God: Mary Clare Vincent OSB

2005-12-20T06:59:00.001-08:00

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.

Life Together: Dietrich Bonhoffer

2005-12-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

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!

Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen

2005-12-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

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!

City CHanging Prayer: Frank and Debra Green

2005-12-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

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 story isn’t finished!

Underground London: Stephen Smith

2005-12-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

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!

Deception Point: Dan Brown

2005-11-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

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..

The Long Loneliness: Dorothy Day

2005-11-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

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?

At Risk: Stella Rimington

2005-11-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

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!

Go To Sleep Little Bear

2005-11-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

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!

The Lovely Bones: Alice Sebold

2005-10-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

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..

Young Wives: Louisa M Alcott

2005-10-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

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!

The Fantastic Mister Fox: Roald Dahl

2005-10-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

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!

Dare To Be a Daniel: Tony Benn

2005-09-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

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!

The Kite Runner: Khaled Hosseini

2005-09-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

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..

Humility: Andrew Murray

2005-09-09T01:40:00.000-07:00

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!

The Restless Heart: Ronald Rolheiser

2005-09-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

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

The Wilberforce Connection: Clifford Hill

2005-08-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

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!

Brick Lane: Monica Ali

2005-08-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Five People You Meet In Heaven: Mitch Alsom

2005-08-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

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.

The Heart of Success: Rob Parsons

2005-08-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: Roald Dahl

2005-08-14T23:44:00.001-07:00

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!

Tuesdays With Morrie: Mitch Alsom

2005-08-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince: JK Rowling

2005-08-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Community and Growth: Jean Vanier

2005-07-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

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!!

The Secret Purposes: David Baddiel

2005-06-15T00:50:00.000-07:00

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..

Something Beautiful For God: Malcolm Muggeridge

2005-06-08T02:12:00.000-07:00

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

Angels and Demons: Dan Brown

2005-06-08T02:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix: J.K. Rowling

2005-05-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Out of The Silent Planet: CS Lewis

2005-05-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

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!!!

The Prince: Nicholai Machiavelli

2005-05-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

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!)

London- a Short History: A.N. Wilson

2005-05-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire: J.K. Rowling

2005-05-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

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..

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: J. K. Rowling

2005-05-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

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!

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets: JK Rowling

2005-04-27T01:25:00.000-07:00

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.

The Jungle Book: Rudyard Kipling

2005-04-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Footprints of the Northern Saints: Basil Hume

2005-04-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

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)..

The Practice of the Presence of God: Brother Lawrence

2005-04-23T13:29:00.001-07:00

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.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: JK Rowling

2005-04-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Witches: Roald Dahl

2005-04-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

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!

John Wesley and the Women Preachers of Early Methodism

2005-04-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Through A Glass Darkly: Jostein Gaarder

2005-04-10T23:58:00.000-07:00

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.

The Da Vinci Code: Dan Brown

2005-04-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

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!

The Ragamuffin Gospel: Brennan Manning

2005-04-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Sorting Out Billy: Jo Brand

2005-03-21T06:40:00.001-08:00

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.

Everybody Poos

2005-03-14T03:42:00.000-08:00

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!

The Highflier: Susan Howatch

2005-03-14T03:34:00.000-08:00

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.

Holes: Louis Sachar

2005-03-02T02:30:00.000-08:00

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.

Paula: My Story So Far: Paula Radcliffe

2005-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

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 the feeling that maybe success comes at the price of not being able to laugh at yourself. Glad I read it- glad I don't do what she does...

Leave A Light On For Jesus: Vincent Cobb

2005-02-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

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!

Moravian and Methodist: Clifford W.Towlson

2005-02-22T01:21:00.000-08:00

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!

Vernon God Little: DBC Pierre

2005-02-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

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!

Come Thirsty: Max Lucado

2005-02-16T05:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Lift The Label: David Westlake and Esther Stansfield

2005-02-16T04:37:00.000-08:00

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...