The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club) by Richard Osman (FICTION)
This is book four in the series. I have really enjoyed the series, both the characters and the stories. This book did not disappoint. It’s a fun, quick read. I recommend it, even if you don’t typically read murder mysteries, which I don’t either.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
This is a book that was given to me at Jon Acuff’s Stage & Page event back in August. It is a classic on the struggle to make art, whatever that art might be. It was good. Many underlined passages, as well as the occasional “What is he talking about?” I assume that has more to do with me than the author. I think if you like to write or create, you will appreciate this book. Otherwise, I think it might be difficult to like.
Unstuck and Alive by Todd Pinkston and Steven Neuner
Todd Pinkston is a friend I know through church. Years ago, he moved to Colorado to start a company, WayForward Adventures, leading groups on backpacking trips. These are some of the life lessons he and his co-author, Steven Neuner, have distilled from miles and miles, and hours and hours, on the trail with others, seeing lives change up close.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
- “The problem is rarely the problem. It’s how we think about the problem.”
- “Transformation doesn’t prove itself in reflection; it proves itself in action.”
- “That’s what perspective does. It doesn’t remove pressure. It decides what we listen to while we’re under it.”
The Two Towers by JRR Tolkien (FICTION)
The second book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Soooooo good. However, I know people who have tried to read LOTR, couldn’t get into it, and feel guilty for it. As if they aren’t legitimate book fans. I understand the pressure, though. I have tried to read The Brothers Karamazov twice and have not been able to finish it. I have carried around some low-level literary guilt for years. That is nonsense. I love Tolkien, but it’s OK not to like his style or fantasy as a genre. And it’s OK for me not to like The Brothers Karamazov.
Having said that, if you have never read The Lord of the Rings, it is worth a try. It is one of my all-time favorites!
What have you been reading lately?
Hey Scott, I recently read “Isaiah’s daughter” by Mesu Andrew’s …Christian fiction (Excellent read!) I’m currently reading “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi. Another excellent read!
Unoffendable by Brant Hansen—-this was so good!!!!
Awake by Jen Hatmker
And currently, The New Emotional intelligence. Seeing what has changed and reminding myself of the importance of emotional intelligence.
Since you mentioned Lord of the Rings in a prior list I decided to give it a try. And… I just can’t get through it. I keep trying, but struggling. Maybe I’m going to jump straight to the movies. I did just pick up Theo of Golden after hearing so much about it on social media. Glad to see that Jack is reading that one right now as well.
The Blessed and Boundless God, George Swinnock. I just read one short section a day and sometimes I have to take two days, because my brain is in over its head.