If you just came across this blog recently you’d probably think I only write about good food and good wine. But alas, man does not live by bread alone. Or wine.
So to break it up a bit, here’s the list of books I’ve read the past three months. The title of each book is also a link to the actual review if you want to go deeper. Hope you enjoy it:
The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points That Saved the World, by Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart, is not a particularly good book. Skip it.
Independence, by John Ferling, is a sweeping history of how the idea of independence swept across the American Colonies. An excellent book.
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, is one you’ve probably heard of before. Loved it.
The Madman and The Pirate, by R.M. Ballantyne, is an old book for youth that offers fascinating insights into the British culture.
American Tempest, by Harlow Giles Unger, offers a different view on how and why the original Tea Party was shaped. Not sure I agreed with this book, but it made me think, so that’s good.
After You Believe, by N.T. Wright, was a bit disappointing to me. But then I expect brilliance from N.T. Wright and may have had lofty expectations that nobody could meet.
Moneyball, by Michael Lewis, was great in some ways but felt a bit condescending in other ways. A mixed reaction.
The Pirates of Somalia, by Jay Bahadur, was very well written, researched, and presented. This young author has a good future.
Illustrated Alfa Romeo Buyer’s Guide, by Joe Benson, was just pure fun.
The Sword of the Lord, by Joseph Hocking, is another old novel that offered interesting insights into the history of Protestant-Catholic tensions.
The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History, by Jason Vuic, was flat out fun. Which you’d expect a guy who grew up in a wrecking yard to say.
David Crockett: The Lion of the West, by Michael Wallis, offered a balanced look at a legend. Well done.
The Last Narco, by Malcolm Beith, scared the hell out of me and will keep me from ever visiting Mexico.
It Happened in Montana, by James A. Crutchfield, was a fun look at a beautiful State.
The Words of Jesus, by Phyllis Tickle, provided a new take on how to read Scripture and understand the thoughts of Jesus.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses, by Tom Standage, takes a simple premise and expands it into an understanding of world history. Fun and without taking itself too seriously, this is a wonderful book for lovers of beer, wine, tea or coffee.
Sex on the Moon, by Ben Mezrich, was a disappointment. Hard to like a book when everybody in it seems so guilty.
My Journey to Hope, by Don Goehner, was written by my friend Don who went through so much a few years ago. Loved it.
Christians Are Hate Filled Hypocrites, by Bradley Wright, repudiates a lot of misunderstandings about people of faith. We aren’t as hated as you might think.
Tangled Webs, by James B. Stewart, delves into the patterns of deceit as it studies high profile cases of perjury. The core of the book explores how such deceit undermines our faith in institutions and creates a society of cynicism. Really interesting.
Generation Freedom, by Bruce Feiler, is a first look at the Arab Spring and what it means. Probably already outdated, but a wonderful snapshot of the age.
The Path of Celtic Prayer, by Calvin Miller, offers new insights into methods of prayer.
On China, by Henry Kissinger, will become the bible of Chinese-American relationships. Brilliant.
The English, by Jeremy Paxman, is a brilliant expose on what makes an Englishman an Englishman. Really helpful as I explored my family roots in that country.
Devotion by Design, by Scott Nethersole, is actually an art exhibit in London with this as the accompanying book. Incredible stuff.
Punching Out, by Paul Clemens, is a depressing look at the decline of the American automotive industry. The author traces the demolition of a single plant in Detroit.
The Heart and the Fist, by Eric Greitens, looks at the balance between charity and military in shaping the world. A special forces officer, the author has served all over the world in both human development work and as a soldier.
Practicing the Way of Jesus, by Mark Scandrette, shares insights about spiritual practices that redefine spiritual disciplines.