Tag: book review

A Consideration

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends! While I hope at some point to do a proper 2025 retrospective and a 2026 looking forward…this is not that. Instead, why not start off the year with a few books? (That I most certainly finished in 2025 but have only gotten around to writing about now!)

1. You Are Not Your Own by Alan Noble. A difficult read at times, but not for any fault of the author’s. Rather, this is a book that shines an unsparing mirror upon society (and yes, ourselves) and asks us to consider if the way we live our lives really properly reflects the truths that sit at the core of our very existence. Of course this is coming from a Christian perspective but if one considers such a perspective is true (which I do), this book is properly bracing in how it lays out the way our modern society has failed us and how our only response can be a reorienting and a considered, intentional way of living that operates with the understanding that we are not our own, but we belong to the God who created us. The first few chapters of this book (really the first half of this book!) are grim indeed, as they lay out the way in which our society and our modern outlook have failed us. It can be a bit of a hard slog and a depressing one as one reads on and on about we are set up for a miserable go of it if we live as if we are our own. I appreciated Noble’s perspective, for as much as I love old books, sometimes it is quite important to have people writing and sharing wisdom on the time in which we now live. This book does that. All the modern Western ailments are dealt with and at times I flinched as I considered how much my own thoughts and actions are coloured by my unthinking adherence to the standards and practices of this age which I call my own. And so, please push through the first few chapters as they are important and necessary for us to understand the problem. Of course, Noble does eventually come to a solution (what I would call the solution) of understanding that only through living as if we belong to God can we properly thrive in our living and being. It is still hard though. We want a practical primer, takeaways and 5-step programs and knowing that if we do the “one thing”, then everything will be better. Well, everything won’t be better immediately, no matter what we do. We live in a broken world, and nothing we can do can entirely redeem it. Thankfully, miraculously, gloriously? We know there is one who came to this world precisely to redeem it, and so in the glorious reality that Christ came to this world to offer salvation and point to a future in which all will be made right, we can also live now in gratitude and joy, beacons of hope to the dark that surrounds.

I am beginning to ramble now, so I won’t say much more, but there are some lovely statements and practical wisdom at the end of this book that helped me to reflect on how I ought now live. Particularly one line I loved was about the importance of “small rearguard advances”, the small things we do that reflect the true and the beautiful.

Actually, I think I will quote that paragraph to end: “I suspect this part of the book would feel much more satisfying if I lied to you, but I’m not going to. You will not save the world; you can’t even save yourself. At best, you may see the corruption in society more clearly, you may be better prepared to deal with the indignities of the modern world, and you may make small, rear-guard advances for truth, goodness, and beauty in your sphere of influence. I hope you do! But if you can get over yourself and stop thinking in terms of efficiency, you can honor God and love your neighbor while having faith that He will set things to right. Don’t let yourself ask, “Is this good deed making any real difference?” If it really is the right thing to do, the efficiency does not matter. Your obligation is faithfulness, not productivity or measurable results.”

2. Voices From the Past, edited by Richard Rushing. A wonderful daily devotional. I read this (almost!) every day this past year and my soul was much delighted in the doing. As someone who appreciates the old Puritan writings, reading a little bit of one every morning was truly balm for the soul. Of course some of the selections are better than others and of course there were times I wondered how the selection reflected the verse chosen. Still yet. It is wonderful to meditate on God and His words and works, and these writings helped me do so. Heartily recommend this if any of you are looking for a new daily devotional!

Fixed it For You

James HoganLeave a comment

A few thoughts on my latest read this warm December evening.

83. The Everlasting Righteousness by Horatius Bonar. A beautiful book on the righteousness of Christ and its implications for those who put their trust in him. I was looking for a little book on Christ that would aid my devotion and meditation on him, and this certainly fit the bill! Its subtitle is “How shall man be just with God” and most certainly this book answered the question with the answer being self-evident from the title alone. At times we can trust to our own efforts or goodness, even if we would not put it quite so boldly out loud. Yet at times we often think we have done a bit of what is necessary to give God cause to love us, true? This book is a wonderful corrective to such thinking, driving one to the cross. Only in Christ can man be just with God. Only through Christ and his righteousness, for we have naught to bring! We are blind indeed and those who know such and cry out to the great Healer will surely find their eyes opened and eternal life in the bargain. The majority of this book deals with the subject of Christ’s righteousness and the imputation of such to the sinner who puts his trust in Christ. I probably read this a bit too quickly and I think it would well repay a slower reading. The author did add a few chapters at the end on both the significance and result of the resurrection of Christ as well as the necessary outcome of holy living for the one who is truly covered by the righteousness of Christ. These are “side issues” as it were to the main subject of the justification of the sinner through Christ’ righteousness, yet I’m still grateful that the author decided to add these chapters as they are simply magnificent and heart stirring in all their grandeur. Meditating on the resurrection of Christ was true balm for my soul!! I probably have said too many words on this one already. It’s a small book, the chapters perfectly sized for a short evening’s reading. Though this book may come across a bit dated to some (written over a hundred and fifty years ago now), I’m still most grateful I read this and shall certainly pick it up again when I am seeking to be encouraged and reminded of why I am so confident of that hope which I call my own.

A Lamb Shakes Her Tail

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A fine December morning dawns. Well, almost dawns. I believe it is still dark at the moment yet I know the sun is hovering just barely off stage simply waiting for her cue. I have no doubt we shall witness her entrance soon enough. As to the now? I thought I’d just pop in for a second and write a few words on my latest book before work begins in earnest. Grateful that this work week is not going to be long – hello vacation my old friend! Soon. Soon. Hopefully the take off this week leads to much writing. No promises. Now enough rambling.

82. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. A week or so back I decided that I really felt in the mood for a proper Christmas-y book to welcome in the Christmas season. And…is there really any better book than this one? I think not, even if there is no snow falling in my present climes. I forgot how much I love this book. It never ceases to warm my soul. And I’m pretty sure each time I read it, I discover new nuggets of truth and beauty. Lewis tells this tale with such simplicity and wonder, I dare say I’m almost jealous of his skill in such. There is much in this book to recommend it, not least that it points to deeper and greater truths that make this heart swell with joy. I love this book and I’m now contemplating whether or not I should read it every Christmas. This is one of the greats.

Still ambling on down that old dusty path

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends! I want to write more later and most likely hopefully I shall. But Dani and I will be going for a walk shortly so the long and winding writing will have to wait. But I have a few minutes. So. I can catch up on a couple books! I think I can write briefly about them – at least I challenge myself to do such. So here goes nothing.

80. At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon. A delightful homey and cozy novel. I was recommended this one by a dear friend who knows me well and so I knew for sure I’d have to give this one a try. Well worth it even though I was a little unsure for a bit! Also I laugh as I think of my thoughts when I started this one. I had no idea of the setting or what this book was about. Ah, Mitford? Could be anywhere right? So I spent the first few pages assuming it was a small English town. Soon enough, knew that definitely couldn’t be right. Maybe New England, a la Stars Hollow or something of the like? Then I realized it seemed far too southern and I was just very confused. Finally realized Mitford is in North Carolina. Of course! That really helped me lock in sense of place and I read on unbothered. Anyways! Now that we’ve established where Mitford is, what kind of book is this? It’s the classic tale of a small town rector and his adventures in his parish and town, with far more chaos and drama than you may expect. Or rather, perhaps you would expect exactly these types of shenanigans in a small town! Father Tim is a delightful character, well-worn and self-aware in all the best ways, sympathetic and empathetic both – one who is aware of his own humanity and foibles and still yet seeks to love those around him. This book is a bit rough around the edges at times and I can’t say it’s perfect. Yet? Does not that mirror life a bit and does not this book simply reflect back at us what we know we’d see when we stare into the mirror? There are some truly lovely passages in this one and even moments of the gospel shining through bright and clear. I always smiled as I picked this up to enjoy reading another chapter. It did take a bit to warm up to the characters and remember who is who. But though I can’t say this book is perfect, there is much heart and warmth here and really? We need more books like this, that are unafraid of presenting the messiness and chaos of life honestly.

81. The Gagging of God – Christianity Confronts Pluralism by D.A. Carson. A magisterial work. I hesitate to even attempt to sum this one up. But it’s a book that I shall return to often and would not hesitate to read again, so well does it help aid my thoughts as I ponder this current age in which we live and the prevailing paradigm of thought that shapes and influence this world in which we live. We do indeed live in a world that is increasingly small and connected, even more so than when this book by Carson was written (over 30 years ago now!) and it’s easy and frankly just good manners to assign equal worth and value to various beliefs, religions, and ways of thinking. Surely the very thought of objective truth is a bit regressive these days, no? Carson aims to confront such and openly and plainly does so as someone who believes in and holds true to the doctrines of orthodox Christianity. I was wondering when I started reading this if Carson’s thoughts would be a bit dated now as surely we have moved so much past where we were when Carson wrote this back in the day. Thankfully though things have changed some, Carson writes with wisdom and keen-sighted conviction and most of what he writes rings true even now (though perhaps some of his examples are a bit out-of-vogue!). This is a historical work and much of what he references in the 80s and 90s are “ancient” history now, so it is fascinating to see what present-day theologians thought of certain philosophical and Christian progressions in thought and practice.

These are far too many introductory thoughts perhaps because I don’t think I can properly sum up this book in a small post here. I tore into this book the past month and eagerly looked forward to every moment I had to read more. I loved and was thrilled to see how Carson began this work by working through epistemology and setting a groundwork for the philosophies we see present in this world today. He then unapologetically moves forward with describing a Christian worldview and why we as Christians are warranted to believe and understand the doctrines of God and salvation as laid out in Holy Scriptures. Carson engages with many other authors (some I knew and had actually read, others I have now added to my mental rolodex) and many other philosophers to attempt to describe an evangelical Christian’s understanding of this world in both its seen and metaphysical reality. I think it was en vogue then and is en vogue now to consider Christians who believe in the reality of the authority of the Bible and its accounts (especially as regards to the supernatural and miraculous) as simple and unintelligent, people who are not really that bright but simply clinging on to their religious beliefs as part of their cultural heritage. This book is one in which the author attempts to show that the beliefs of Christianity are not only perfectly valid and philosophically sound but also may certainly be core to the truth that points us to the true God who is there. Carson works through the storyline of the Bible and brilliantly shows how as we properly and carefully interpret the Bible around its central plot-line, we understand that it is one cohesive work from a God who in this word communicates to us his creation how we might be right with him.

I know that I am not intellectually suited or prepared to fully take in and argue the points that Carson makes, but I am grateful for works such as this that remind me yet again what it means to be a Christian, why I believe what I believe, and then the question that always comes next – how then do we live? Carson engages with the wider Christian community and then even the “evangelical” camp (whatever does that mean? Carson tries to explain) in how we as Christians should work out our faith in this world, even as we attempt to witness to this broken world of this glorious gospel with which we have been entrusted. I’m sure Carson’s orthodox views may be too dogmatic for some, especially as he grapples with some of the harder questions and seeks to counter the “wider mercy” views that some Christians hold. Carson firmly holds onto what we have seen revealed to us in Scripture and refuses to countenance relying on thought studies that go beyond Scripture. At the end of the day, once we have decided we can only serve a God made in our image, we have committed grossest idolatry as we in our arrogance dare to sit in judgment of the Almighty who is revealed. While we cannot fully understand God’s ways and purposes, it is folly for us to contradict that which has been revealed in Scripture simply because it makes us squeamish. I’m sure this will rub some the wrong way, but I do appreciate the fact that Carson does not shy away from boldly and unapologetically holding fast to the God of Scripture (as interpreted in honest and holistic fashion). At the end of the day, I cannot say I fully understand God or know Him as I ought. Yet I am ever so grateful for books such as this that honestly and carefully examine our beliefs and thought patterns and help me further grasp the God who is. God is my salvation, my strength and my stronghold and my deliverer. Even in this age where myths and dogmas rise and fall in foggy chaos, I can with confidence say that I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last I shall see him, even these very eyes shall see him – this God who was pierced for me.

Snowbound

James HoganLeave a comment

A quick book review.

79. A Winter’s Love by Madeleine L’Engle. Well, certainly not my favourite L’Engle I’ve ever read. But not entirely terrible and slightly redeemed by the ending, as I was hoping would be the case. Spoilers for this one may follow, so read further at your peril if that kind of thing will bother you. So. This was a book I saw mentioned in one of L’Engle’s memoirs (she mentioned writing it during a certain period of her life) and I had never heard of it so decided to pick it up. An adult novel, it’s one that feels both very real and also a bit surreal and dreamy at the same time. Like the best of L’Engle’s fiction, she interweaves the spiritual and the real together in such dreamy spirals and writes about characters that feel so real you believe they simply must exist in some reality somewhere. There is a solidity in her writing and yet also a floaty dreamlike sense to the whole thing as she attempts to understand the emotions inside us that we so often don’t understand ourselves. This story is a story grasping at what makes a person breathe and love and step forward once again, and as always, L’Engle’s prose is beautiful to behold, a masterpiece in and of itself. But the story. Ah well, the story is one of my least favourite kinds of stories, the kind that I winced at once I realised what would take up the bulk of this book. It’s the story of a woman (one Emily Bowen) who has lived many years with her husband and young children (Virginia and Connie and the ghost of wee sweet Alice) but now in a fraught time for their family, her heart pulls her in another direction and she begins to yearn after an old family friend who seems so much more solid and real and desirable than her husband. Oh joy. This is a real story though. And as L’Engle weaves in and around the lives of the various characters – as I mentioned, all of them seem so real in their own rights! – we begin to understand a bit of this moment that we have been dropped into and find ourselves seeing how the puzzle pieces of these people fit together. Gertrude and Kaarlo and Abe and Sam and Mimi and Virginia and Connie and Emily and Courtney and all the side characters (even Beanie who somehow L’Engle manages to humanize and make me wonder if I can forgive and understand him) bring this tale to life and I am frankly still awash in the emotions this one stirred up. I was even a bit amused to find a flashback sequence in which Courtney rages against Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, a book I just finished reading a bare few weeks ago!! While I wasn’t the hugest fan of it, I found myself amused to see that I disagreed with Courtney (and likely L’Engle) in the thrust of this one, and wondered if it’s partly the framework and perspective from which I sit. L’Engle has a bit more of a humanistic and individualistic outlook at times and of course this would clash against the humble servitude which Kempis preaches. Anyways! Just one of those happy little coincidences. That all being said? I was very prepared to loathe this book in its entirety, depending how it ended. I suppose I should have had faith in L’Engle though. The book does not end with Emily running to her lover, as much as she makes many decisions that made me wince and shake my head, even to the end. No, in the end, Emily chooses to stay true to her vows and oaths and press forward in her marriage to Courtney and her life with her family. A sigh of relief.

There is much in this book I haven’t talked about and many characters who I’ve barely mentioned in all their richness. But I’m grateful for L’Engle using her exquisite skill to bring forth themes that frankly sing in their brilliance and truth.

See How This Wind Calls to Me

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This beautiful Sunday afternoon, the wind sings and sighs outside my window and it is almost time for a gorgeous walk, says I. But first? Well let’s talk about a few of my latest books – briefly oh so briefly! – and then I shall be off, hopefully returning later this evening with some creative writing if I am so blessed with the time and desire and inspiration for such.

74. The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion – Vol. 1 by Beth Brower. Utterly delightful read. I suppose I should not be surprised. I’ve seen these talked about for the past good bit now and have had the strong feeling that I would enjoy. They chronicle the adventures (sometimes misadventures) of the titular young heroine in 19th-century London and there are simply so many things in this volume that resonate with my silly self. Emma is a book lover, a observer of the weird and the beautiful, one whose heart longs for justice and has a good ear for a delightful turn of phrase. I was pretty sure I would like reading this one, but I confess I’m a bit surprised by quite how much I enjoyed this. The author has a wonderful command of the language and I’m almost convinced it was actually written by a 20-year-old woman. Yes, the language doesn’t quite seem like it comes from someone living in the 19th century, but it’s close enough that I can set that aside. There are numerous lines in this that simply sing and there are many times in this book where I laughed or nodded along with Emma’s exuberance and/or absurdity. Let me share one line that particularly touched me – “The lamps were lit, light coming from the houses, and there walked I, alone, and not upset to be so.” Beautiful. There are a few events in this book that brought me close to sympathetic outrage and I confess that I now feel far more invested in the future ongoings of young Miss Lion’s life than I have any right to be. The characters in this one are brilliantly drawn and the emotions sharply poignant, and if one could argue that all seems a bit black and white in Emma’s eyes, well is that not the experience of youth? I am stunned by how much I loved this one. Already halfway through Vol. 2 and a bit perturbed that I do not have Vol. 3 yet sourced.

75. Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour by Bryan Lee O’Malley. A fine conclusion to the Scott Pilgrim saga. A book that does a marvelous job of taking us to a conclusion that feels both right and earned and I can actually chronicle that both Scott and Ramona have grown and somehow matured during the course of these adventures! I do like how well Ramona’s arc is shown in these – very different from the movie – and how she actually feels like a real person and that we actually see how well she and Scott are suited for each other! And the last few pages? Simply profound and beautiful and I do say they make me almost emotional every time I come to them. And so.

Lights in the Deep

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A few thoughts on books this night.

72. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. A book that I probably should have read a long time ago. Reading it now was an interesting experience but I must confess it didn’t move me quite as much as it most likely would have way back in the day. I’ve never seen the movie either (which I suppose I should rectify?), so I had no idea what would happen in this book and I think the fuzzy knowledge I had in my head of this story led me wrong, making me believe this was some sort of portal fantasy. Nope! It’s actually very much a classic coming of age tale. And honestly, it was a bit mediocre at times. But I will say there are some absolute gem turns of phrase in this one and there are a few moments that really rock you. I was very much surprised by the ending though – came out of nowhere and I suppose that’s the point? I did appreciate the messiness of this one and despite the fact that I felt a bit underwhelmed, this book very much did have the air of the real. (Also – the only other book I’ve read by Paterson – Jacob Have I Loved – I thought was far better. Go read that one!)

73. Moon Thief by Rachel Shinnick. A delightful romp of a tale! I read this having zero idea of what I was getting into other than it looked to be a fun read. And it certainly was that, with a lot more to boot! Firstly will confess that it took me a few pages to really get into the swing of things. There were lots of characters, I had no idea of the world or what was going on and…well, I just felt I’d jumped off into the deep end. Classic issue with a new fantasy tale. But quickly enough, I got sucked in and found myself reading a bit later into the night than I originally planned. Finished this one in all of three days, being quite eager to see where this story went. One thing I’ll say – this story moves. Very little downtime, very little time to wonder what the next plot point will be. Plotty in the extreme, I at times wished for a moment to breathe and take it all in! But yes, you’re swept up in the affairs of Ilis and very quickly are as eager as she to discover the mysteries of her world and to see her quest to resolution. Lots of moments of surprise and I am a bit ashamed to confess I did not see the end twist(s) coming at all. All in all, if you want an action packed fantasy with a plucky heroine and a crazy world, this book will be for you. Some of the side characters do feel a bit tropey and/or flat at times (honestly wish we had a bit more time with said side characters!) but that’s a minor concern, especially when the story moves as fast as this one did. Simply not time to get to know all the other characters well when a story moves like this one. Also, I enjoyed seeing a few of the nods to other beloved fantasy novels (particularly some Lewis vibes, along with maybe Sanderson/Rothfuss, though that may be me reading a bit too much into certain lines).

I’ve written too much already, but a couple more notes. Fantastic world-building. Even if my brain is a bit exhausted by trying to make the physics make sense in my head (I still am very suspicious and don’t feel that it really does!), I loved the creativity in building this world and slowly revealing it to us readers. Also? Yes the plot and story is a pretty basic action/adventure but…? There are some deep and profound themes lurking underneath the surface story. I’d love to get more of these themes worked out in future books…especially the themes of trust and hope(add in love for good measure?). The author has some wonderful ideas and this story has good bones. One last? I loved all the words/writing/books elements strewn throughout the world-building of this one. Give me a good library and many literary elements and I’ll be happy.

Oh Canada!

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A few thoughts on a few books this lovely November evening.

70. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. Oh what do I say about this one! Parts of this book thrilled my soul and enlivened my heart to beat heavenward as I considered the love of Christ and all that is mine in Him. Yet still there were parts of this book that irked me. All in all, I am certainly glad I read this one. It is a classic devotional work for a reason and I’ve had it on my shelf unfinished for a good while now. So finally I took it down and began reading, a few pages every morning during my devotions time. I think this served it well, as an aid and stimulus to my meditating on the things of Christ and what it means to be a child of God. There were so many encouraging lines and passages and moments where my heart leaped as I pressed in on what it is to know Christ more. Particularly Book 2 was fantastic, by far the stand-out section of this book. What I loved the most about this book was the focus it demands we place on our honor and devotion to God and what it means to sacrifice all to Him, placing Him before us and humbling ourselves before Him. It’s a well needed counter to the ethos of the day, in which we tend to place ourselves before all else and consider our needs of greater importance. This book simply breathes humility and it does my heart good to meditate on what it means to be truly humble before God and man. I did also mention parts of this book that annoyed me, and I suppose that comes with the territory of reading the work of a 15th-century monastic. There are doctrinal quibbles I have (such as with most of Book 4 covering Communion & the Eucharist, where I have some profound disagreements with the Roman understanding of the aforesaid sacrament) as well as some annoyances at the stylistic tendences in Book 3 (particularly as regards the “dialogue” between the Learner and the Beloved (Christ). I tend to tread carefully when I see words put in the mouth of Christ (even if I’m not always consistent on such), and it bothered me a bit to see so much of that here). There are other Roman doctrines which are seen here and there that I found myself shaking my head at, but I will not go any further to detail them here. Still yet? This book was encouraging to me and did indeed stimulate my heart to consider more what it means to devote one to the Lord and to follow Him all of our days. I would urge discernment if one reads it, understanding that not every word in this book may be necessarily true (as is a helpful reminder when reading any book by human author). But I’m grateful to read a book that puts us in our proper place and gives God the glory and honour that is his due! I’m grateful to read a book that encourages us in humility and Christian service. I’m grateful to read a book that makes me think more about Christ and who He is and what He has done for me.

71. Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery. A profoundly emotional book. One that fairly gushes with the pathos that still throbbed in the author’s heart only a bare few years after the Great War had ended, this book makes it seem as the author is still processing such, using this book to heal and understand. There is much in this book that to us now may seem slightly jingoistic or overly sentimental in nature, yet I’d argue it gives us a peek into the past, a window into what the people of the day thought about this great war that still shocks us to this day with the horrors it contained. All in all, I loved reading this one. That may surprise you, as it is a sad work. Yet? This book deals with these sad themes of separation and death and loss with the gravity that is appropriate yet also shows how the characters deal with such and move forwards while still remembering what lay behind. Montgomery does not take this subject and deal tritely with it and attempt to make light of this war. If anything she almost goes too far the other way in attempting to describe this war as the pivot point of human existence! But can she be blamed? I think not. I won’t talk more about this book other than to say it’s well worth the read, one of the best books in the Anne series (not the best, can’t say that about a book where Anne isn’t front and center!). Rilla is no Anne, but she’s still pretty great.

Reminders of the Autumn

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A bare few thoughts on books this dreary Thursday evening.

68. Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery. This book was far more beautiful and enjoyable to read than I was expecting! Not sure why my memory seemed to think this book was lacking, but it’s not. It’s a wonderful, delightful little book. Of course though, now that I think about it, it is lacking something. Namely, Anne. Anne is barely in this book, but for some reason I didn’t mind it overly much. Instead, this book is all about the children but really more than that, all about the Merediths. The Blythe children have had their book, this book it’s time for the Merediths (and one Mary Vance) to shine. I loved meeting all the new children and reading about the shenanigans in the parsonage and of course the ultimate romance between two who had thought romance was only in their past. And yes, this book has shades of sorrow as well, as it looks to the future when these children will grow up and partake of and witness one of the worst wars known to man. You can feel the sadness as Montgomery writes with this war fresh in her memory. But that’s for next book! This one, by and large, is cheerful and ridiculous and a fun romp of a book.

69. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. This book was simultaneously fascinating and frustrating. Fascinating because it is written of a time and culture I know so little of and hence I much enjoyed reading of the clan and village life in West Africa (Nigeria) of a long ago (19th-century, really not that long ago after all!) time. Frustrating because the story itself felt a bit disjointed, jumpy and sparse and I struggled to stay engaged with the characters. That may perhaps be my own fault, but I simply didn’t think the writing in this one was that good. At times it felt like reading a textbook, even. Still yet. There is value in this book, simply because it reveals and sheds light on a period and place that I knew little of before. I was intrigued to know how I’d find this book because I distinctly remember reading this book back in English class oh so long ago (freshman year of high school!) and I wondered if I’d remember anything from it. Honestly…very little remained in my brain. But I did remember one thing. I remember thinking Obierika is simply the man, and I found that belief reinforced. Love that guy. Apart from that? There’s some fascinating characters – I especially found myself wishing we had more time with Ezinma, who pretty much disappears by the latter part of the book. And there are some deeper themes here, especially as they relate to the effects of imperialistic colonialism and the influence of outsider religion and its interplay with culture and family. In many ways, reading this book reminded me of reading 1984. Some really rich themes and heavy reminders of the brutality of man, yet presented in a poorly-wrapped, overly didactic package. Still – is there value in this book? I believe so. One more thing before I close. The last line? Absolutely brutal and perfect all at the same time. I can’t imagine a better one.

Edoras

James HoganLeave a comment

A few little book thoughts this lovely Wednesday evening.

65. Scott Pilgrim vs the Universe by Bryan Lee O’Malley. Another rousing Pilgrim adventure! This one got a little sad and depressing (bit of melancholy always helps with flavouring the whole) but probably necessary to set up the finale. I loved all the Ramona and Kim interactions and also seeing Scott continue to grow. I realised while reading this that one of the things I love the most about the author’s storytelling is his willingness to be random and cut from moment to moment without feeling obligated to explain in detail the narrative. So many little moments that just set the scene so well and then…cut! Next scene and we’re off. So many little slices of life as Scott continues to figure out what’s going on with Ramona. I love it. Also appreciated all the background Scott vs robot combat while the more important conversations happen in the foreground. O’Malley is a superb storyteller.

66. The Story of Christianity – Volume II: The Reformation to the Present Day by Justo L. Gonzalez. For the most part, I enjoyed reading this one and thought it was a decent high level overview of church history from the Reformation to the present day. Still though, even with the high page count, it felt like we were flying through events with barely a space to breathe and attempt to understand the years we were wading through. I’m aware this is really meant to be an introductory work to church history, but I still felt the method seemed a bit scattershot at times. For the first volume which of historical necessity covers a smaller population and land area, the high-level approach worked for the most part. Here, it feels that with such a large amount of history to get through, the choice of the author on which bits to focus on looms large over one’s comprehension of the whole. And sometimes I felt like the author spent time on political or historical events which really were not necessary to the story of Christianity and perhaps the words could have been spent better on other topics. I guess I’m just trying to say that the author has to focus on certain topics and personages to keep the page count manageable, but the selective nature of such feels that there is much that is brushed by. Some prominent theologians are of course mentioned and focused on, others ignored entirely. The author’s perspective of course necessitates such. The first half of this book was fairly good and even-handed, but the last quarter or so (mainly 19th/20th century) was a bit weaker. I would even argue the author’s focus on the liberation and ecumenical movements of the 20th century detract from other theological movements which are ignored almost in total. Still though, this book is still worthwhile in giving a fairly high-level overview of the institutional church. At times I feel a bit annoyed the author doesn’t seem to write from a Christian perspective (i.e., acknowledging work of the Holy Spirit or show passion for the gospel) but I freely admit that’s my own issue – obviously this writer is writing a scholarly look without the apparent bias of personal faith. I understand that! Still though, there’s a reason I love reading Iain Murray’s biographies and histories! Anyways, I’m grateful I read this, just would caution that there is much that is left out of this work and certainly a bit of a bias towards certain perspectives.

67. Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery. A lovely book. I confess once I picked this one up, I groaned a bit inside. My memory informed me that this book and the following one were my two least favourite books of the Anne series. And so it may yet prove to be upon re-read. Yet still. I found myself enjoying this one more than expected, perhaps because of low expectations! Yes, this is a different kind of Anne book. Anne is a wife and mother of a large family and honestly she is not at all the main character in this one. And…well, she seems a bit off and different at times! But is that not fair enough? She after all cannot still be the young lady studying at Patty’s Place with her college chums. Yes, this book mainly focuses on Anne’s children and moves in very episodic fashion. Yes, it relies at times overmuch on random dialogues and conversations that really are a bit much – oh the quilting chapter!! – but still? I found myself reading the last page with a smile and almost a tear. Perhaps helped by the bit that the last few chapters are some of the best of the book and really made me realize anew how much I love Montgomery’s work. Perhaps my perspective is also shaped a tad by the fact that I am now married (which I wasn’t the last time I read this!). I wonder how I’ll react to this one five (or ten!) years from now. Because yes, I will certainly read this again.