One of my new gigs this year is that I’m a book reviewer for InterVarsity Press. Thanks to this blog, someone from the publishing company contacted me and wondered if I would be interested in reading and writing reviews of their publications. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. I LOVE books! I understand that new technology is making ebook readers popular (like Kindle and Nook); but I doubt that I’ll ever leave traditional books. There is something about feeling the pages, making markings in paragraphs, and yes even the smell of a good book that does something to me. (FYI – The best smelling books can be found at Everyone’s Place in Baltimore City, MD)
So this new gig doesn’t pay me in dollars and cents, but in something better – BOOKS! Free books for the asking. All I have to do is read them and write what I think about them. Can’t beat that.
The FedEx guy just dropped off my latest set of books and I’m looking forward to jumping into them. I really tried to focus on books that would expand my thinking and challenge me to engage topics critically. Here they are:
1. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey
2. Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community by Andrew Marin
3. The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity by Soong-Chan Rah
4. The Prophet & The Messiah: An Arab Christian’s Perspective on Islam & Christianity by Chawkat Moucarry
5. Warrior Princess: Fighting for Life with Courage & Hope by Princess Kasune Zulu
Each of these books will challenge me in a different way and I’m looking forward to being in “conversation” with the author. I’ll probably start with one of the books this week (probably the piece by Soong-Chan Rah) and will be done in 2 weeks. Review to follow. If anyone has any of these books and would like to read “together” let me know. I’m down for a virtual book club.
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IVP is a great company to review for, and you seem to have a few books which look more than interesting. Bailey is a favorite author of mine.
Thanks for the comment, Polycarp. I'm planning a trip to Palestine/Israel later this year so I'm really looking forward to the Bailey book. I'll keep you posted.
I read almost 60 books in 2009, and Love is an Orientation was the best of them all. The way Marin weaves two divisve communities together in God's story of biblical reconciliation and bridge building was like nothing I've ever seen. It's such a unique book on a unique topic, it's worth every page. You should really enjoy it.
Wow, John. You really make me eager to dive into the Love is an Orientation book. I've long been interested in reconciliation efforts between the Gay/Lesbian community and the Christian community. I'm tired of the picket lines, rallies, and name calling on both sides of the issue. I'm ready to seek out another Way. I'll keep you posted as well once I read it.
I look forward to reading your reviews. Have a blessed 2010 and beyond. http://www.RobertBaines.com
What joy! Books, books, and more books! And FREE! Wow! I wish somebody would come to me and ask me to review a few books! I haven't reviewed any for a while. I did a few posts on my blog of Toni Morrison, Chinua Achebe, Paul Laurence Dunbar, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou—I need to get back to reading more black classics!!
Someone, please pay me in books or money to review for you! Im a good reviewer!! LOL
That box is tempting me…