Stopping to Think

Martin Luther by Martin E. Marty My rating: 4 of 5 stars Marty's short treatment of Luther is certainly a worthwhile read. Coming from a more liberal Lutheran position, Dr. Marty is never enamored by Dr. Luther, but at the same time he writes with a sympathy and understanding of the historical context which is both admirable and enjoyable. View all my reviews

Unparalleled: How Christianity's Uniqueness Makes It Compelling by Jared C. Wilson My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is the first book I've read by Wilson, but after listening to a number of conference lectures by him I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm glad I did. If I had one problem it was the number of pop culture references that I think will date the book fairly quickly. Otherwise, I think this is a clear, useful, compelling introduction to the Christian faith. View all my reviews

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance My rating: 5 of 5 stars This was a book I picked up after reading Rod Dreher rave about it on his blog. I'm thankful I did so. I'd encourage you to do the same. There were so many things in this book that resonated with my experiences growing up in a poor, working class white family in North Idaho. Not everything in Vance's Ohio/Kentucky hillbilly experience was familiar to me (praise God); but the descriptions of community breakdown and multi-generation despair rang true. Vance writes with a brutal honesty and keen insight into the flaws of his people, yet he manages to do so in a tone that is sympathetic and compassionate, rather than scornful or arrogant. As I read this book I felt at alternating times happiness, despair, gratitude, anger, enjoyment, and grief. Both for Vance as a person, and for his people. For myself, and for my people. Perhaps the best single word to describe this book would ...