In September, I reached my normal pace of reading and was able to make it through five books. Here they are in the order of completion.
1. Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Church History - John Dickson
In recent years, author and historian John Dickson has become one of my favorite writers of Christian history. Here, he takes up the difficult task of presenting lots of really bad stuff that has happened in the church. I applaud him for not excusing our checkered past. He is honest, and forthcoming about what the church has done right and wrong. Overall, a really good read. I give it 4 stars.
2. The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah
This was my first Kristin Hannah book. It was also part of our Summer Book Club series. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have read this book if it wasn’t part of the series. The synopsis of the book didn’t really interest me.
Nevertheless, I’m glad I read it. It was eye-opening and jaw-dropping and held my interest throughout. On the whole, it was a good book. I give it 4 stars.
3. Please, Sorry, Thanks - Mark Batterson
Mark has written several books that trend really high in the Christian market. This is another really good book that helps us make sense of those three words we all know, but often forget about. I used pieces and parts of this book to outline our own teaching series called “The Magic Words.” In the end, this was a really good, and helpful book to read. I’m glad I did! I give it 4 stars.
4. The Haunting of Gillespie House - Darcy Coates
I came across this one while hunting through the KDL digital library. I’d heard of Coates before, but had never read anything by her. The story was not scary, and the haunted house was less than interesting. I will probably be one and done with Coates. Too many other good books out there. I give it 3 stars.
5. Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey - A. J. Jacobs
I came across this book while researching a teaching series at church. I’d read Jacobs on several occasions before and I knew what I was in for. On the whole, this was an interesting take on all the people that play a role in making our morning cup of coffee. It will get you thinking and hopefully “thanking” those who make it possible. On the whole, this was a short, funny, but extremely informative look about coffee. I’m glad I found it! I give it 4 stars.
