Reading Roundup #7

Some recent reading:

Ordinary by Michael Horton. I have not read Radical nor do I think Ordinary is specifically countering David Platt's book. But I think Horton is very valid in his criticism of American Christianity's weakness in succumbing to the next big thing and elevating those things as being more spiritual, almost like another form of two-tiered Christianity. There were many good points, particularly the importance of the means of grace and the local church. It rambled a bit at times and could have been a bit more concise. I'm glad I read Ordinary, but I prefer The God of the Mundane by Matthew Redmond.

Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges. We recently had a Sunday school class on this book. I had read the book several years ago, and it was nice to refresh my memory. Bridges has a knack for taking theological issues and making them more accessible. My only criticism is the wordiness and sometimes his analogies do not have the best one-to-one correspondence with the biblical principle.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King. This is the first in a series of books featuring Sherlock Holmes and his new apprentice, Mary Russell. This is a reread after many years. King is a very good writer and the premise of the retired detective training a much younger assistant is believable IMO.  I like the character of Mary Russell very much. On first reading, I did have to get over feeling guilty for rooting for a strong and intelligent heroine.

O, Jerusalem by Laurie R. King, audiobook read by Jenny Sterlin. This is another Russell/Holmes adventure which takes place in Palestine after WWI and the liberation of the region from the Turks. The author weaves in historical events and figures very well. Jenny Sterlin does a great job bringing the characters to life as well as the suspense and humor. I'm hoping to listen to more of King's novels read by her.

Dreaming Spies by Laurie R. King. This is the most recent Russell/Holmes novel that involves Japanese and British royalty, books, and blackmail. This was a fun read and a bit lighter than some of the books in this series. It also confirmed my suspicion that I lack the qualities to be a ninja.

Unholy Charade: Unmasking the Domestic Abuser in the Church by Jeff Crippen & Rebecca Davis. On a more serious note, this is an excellent book on the mindset of an abuser and how the church can better learn how to deal with domestic abuse. It contains many firsthand accounts so you are hearing from the victims themselves.  I hope to write a more in-depth review soon, but suffice it to say, I highly recommend Unholy Charade.