100 books

The Daily Telegraph suggests that this "brims with palpable joy". I'm not sure I agree. I confess that I have read this as a bedside reading book (so winding down chapter at a time kind of thing). It may be that context that meant that I missed something. Like, its got characters I warm to- but I don't know where they go. I think I'm left feeling like I might be a bit too culturally illiterate to 'get it'. That is a little disappointing because I loved Autumn and will read the other season books. Who knows....

I begin with two confessions: first I started this last year. Second, it's the second time I've read it. The first time I read it in an afternoon, which might fall into the category of irony. That I have read it twice might be a commendation in and of itself. Comer writes with accessibility and pace. It's an easy read. But that doesn't mean its not deep. You can find allusions to and quotes from many of the classics on the spiritual life- he won me over with Foster, Nouwen, Rolheiser, Friedman.. I could carry on. He also writes with grace. This is no guilt trip (although I read it at the end of six weeks of imposed slowing). Essentially, this is a book about regaining one's soul against a ruthless tide of hurry in our world. He boils it down to four practices in pursuit of the unfashionable status of a 'quiet life'. If you are seeking celebrity, drive, value by email replies, fame- you may find this challenging. If you have reached the moment where ...

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..

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!

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!

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!

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.

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..

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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!

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!