Tim Reads 01.01.24 - 06.30.24

Remaking the World, by Andrew Wilson

4.5/5 stars

Exceptionally written, compelling premise that this generation (not the American Revolution necessarily) had a global impact on the shaping of the West. Easy read. Engaging. Enjoyable and stimulating.

Dune, by Frank Herbert

4/5 stars

Beat expectations by a long shot. Compelling story. Occasionally, Herbert becomes a bit self-important/self-aggrandizing in his writing. Plot is a bit aggressive in terms of timeline to achieve the outcome (made much, much worse in the film). Global revolution and widespread fanatical jihad take more than two years to produce. But, the overall story lets you ignore that. Very enjoyable.

(pictured Children of Dune instead...) Dune: Messiah, by Frank Herbert

2.5/5 stars

Disappointing after the first volume. The problems of the first are accelerated in the second. This becomes slow moving, angsty drama without the payoff.

Understanding and Applying the Bible, by Robertson McQuilken

3.75/5 stars

A very good textbook outlining how to address the Bible in its context and genre. It lays a solid footing for a reader to engage with and interpret Scripture. This version could have benefited from some additional editing. Formatting, spelling, and other errors were distracting from otherwise good content.

Journey into God's Word, by Duvall and Hays

2.75/5 stars

A primer in Bible interpretation. It was a bit casual and familiar for my preferences. The content was very solid. A great option for the lay reader.

How the Read the Bible as Literature, by Leland Ryken

3.75/5 stars

A solid, no-nonsense introduction to Biblical genre and its impact on interpretation. It was a bit dry for a casual read. But the content was exceptional. Ryken’s take on parables could be considered controversial, but is a helpful balance against an overly strict single-meaning position.

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof

4.25/5 stars

Excellent, clear, concise summary of Christology. Early and late heresies, as well as a well put statement of orthodoxy.

The Person of Christ, by Donald MacLeod

2.5/5 stars

Thick at points, simple in others. More of work of polemics against modern reductionism and revisionism than a full statement of orthodoxy. He muddies some comments re: distinctions between the persons. Some of his comments re: the heretics are interestingly sympathetic as he criticizes more the people who were labeled by the heresy rather than the man who initiated it.

Fruitful

Fruitful, by Megan Hill, Melissa Kruger, et al.

44/60 | Started 04.28.24 • Finished 08.08.24 | 5 stars

This spring release from The Gospel Coalition was chosen as our church's women's ministry summer Bible study. This 40 day devotional (plus some recipes to boot) through the fruit of the Spirit has a number of newer contributors, one for each aspect of the fruit. So, each aspect gets four days, all of which are written by the same author, which helped bring continuity. Each followed a progression of thought from a Biblical definition to Jesus's display of that aspect, to what it means for the reader to cultivate it in our own souls, to ramifications in our relationships with others.

I found this to be a really straightforward exploration of the fruit of the Spirit, and while a light lift - only about three pages per day - really dug down deep, pulling in other passages of Scripture, thoughtful quotes, and helpful responses, questions, and prayers. I would recommend this to any woman looking for a devotional that is easy on time but avoids the fluffy surface-level emotive stuff of many women's devotionals.

Oh, Lord, I want to be a woman who bears an increasing harvest of fruit with each passing year. Plant me in your house and let me flourish in your courts. Thank you for making me righteous in Christ and giving me a home with your people. Bless me, that I might be a blessing to others all the days of my life.

The Day the World Came to Town

The Day the World Came to Town, by Jim DeFede

43/60 | Started 07.29.24 • Finished 08.06.24 | 4 stars

My mother-in-law recommended this book to me when she was only part way through and she was spot on! This book was so enjoyable, diving into the lives of people who participated in an event I knew nothing about.

When planes hit the towers on September 11, 2001, hundreds of planes in flight over or en route to the United States had to land somewhere as soon as possible. Due to its proximity to flight paths, and the fact that it possessed a rather large airport, Gander, Newfoundland took in over a dozen commercial planes. This flooded the small town with hundreds of people all of whom needed food, shelter, clothing, support, and eventually transportation out of Gander. DeFede's book tells the story at large while also drilling down to some of the passengers and townspeople. A truly remarkable achievement of the apparently famous hospitable nature of Newfoundlanders. Definitely give this one a shot.