This month, please drop by the Library to select a book from our assortment of Christmas books on display. In addition, be sure to check the “Links” on the Library Page of the Church web site. This month, we have articles and interviews with Paul Young, the author of The Shack. You can also read Bruce Haines excellent review of the book in our most recent Carillon. The Shack has been a phenomenal best seller, and has touched the lives of millions. Recently, Kingsway-Lambton United Church was fortunate to host author Wm. Paul Young to speak and to answer questions about his book, his life and his faith. The book is found in our Fiction section, FICYOU.
You might also like to try one of these books, also on display this month:
A Quiet Courage, by Paula Todd. 971TOD
This is a collection of stories about real people who have had their lives transformed through tragedy. Included is a chef from Toronto, paralyzed in a car crash and a well-known doctor who hid his alcoholism from everyone.
Galileo’s Daughter, by Dava Sobel. 520.92SOB.
This story is full of little insights into the lives of both Galileo and his daughter, Suor Maria Celeste. There is great love in their correspondence and many details about Galileo. I totally enjoyed this book.
Your Library Committee (Pat , Pat and Joy) wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and we hope that you enjoy many hours of quiet reading this Christmas.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
November Reviews
This month the Church web site, Library page, has articles and interviews with Paul Young the author of The Shack. You can also read Bruce Haines excellent review of the book in our most recent Carillon.
Please check the “Links” on the Library page to find:
THE SHACK’S WM. PAUL YOUNG- ON TV, RADIO AND IN PRINT – AND AT KINGSWAY-LAMBTON!
The novel The Shack has been a phenomenal best seller, and has touched the lives of millions. Recently, Kingsway-Lambton United Church was fortunate to host author Wm. Paul Young (he goes by the name Paul) to speak and to answer questions about his book, his life and his faith.
The Shack is found in our Fiction section, FICYOU
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. This is a wonderful story for adults and teens. Pi, a teenager from India searches for God and during a family emigration to Canada, survives a ship wreck. You will be captivated by Pi and his story. There are also many on line book studies you can log onto to discuss this book.
The Quiltmakers Gift, by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken. This beautiful book for young children is a real treasure. The art work is stunning and the story of a king who learns to be happy through giving is heart warming. A must read for the young child.
The Year of Living Biblically, by A.J. Jacobs. The author takes a year to follow the rules of the bible. Throughout the year he meets with spiritual advisors, various sects and groups and tries as much as possible to follow the rules as listed in the Bible. This is funny, easy to read as well as poignant. The section where he is told how to get a second wife had me laughing out loud.
A Stroke of Luck, by Dr. Howard Rocket with Rachel Sklar. The author suffers a serious stroke at a very young age. This story is his of recovery and change that both he and his family underwent. Honest, sometimes painful and inspiring.
Inviting God In, by Joyce Rupp. This book of reflection is divided into the seasons of the Church year; Advent, Lent, East, Festivals and Ordinary time. Each page has a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. This is a good companion for your daily bible reading.
Please check the “Links” on the Library page to find:
THE SHACK’S WM. PAUL YOUNG- ON TV, RADIO AND IN PRINT – AND AT KINGSWAY-LAMBTON!
The novel The Shack has been a phenomenal best seller, and has touched the lives of millions. Recently, Kingsway-Lambton United Church was fortunate to host author Wm. Paul Young (he goes by the name Paul) to speak and to answer questions about his book, his life and his faith.
The Shack is found in our Fiction section, FICYOU
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. This is a wonderful story for adults and teens. Pi, a teenager from India searches for God and during a family emigration to Canada, survives a ship wreck. You will be captivated by Pi and his story. There are also many on line book studies you can log onto to discuss this book.
The Quiltmakers Gift, by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken. This beautiful book for young children is a real treasure. The art work is stunning and the story of a king who learns to be happy through giving is heart warming. A must read for the young child.
The Year of Living Biblically, by A.J. Jacobs. The author takes a year to follow the rules of the bible. Throughout the year he meets with spiritual advisors, various sects and groups and tries as much as possible to follow the rules as listed in the Bible. This is funny, easy to read as well as poignant. The section where he is told how to get a second wife had me laughing out loud.
A Stroke of Luck, by Dr. Howard Rocket with Rachel Sklar. The author suffers a serious stroke at a very young age. This story is his of recovery and change that both he and his family underwent. Honest, sometimes painful and inspiring.
Inviting God In, by Joyce Rupp. This book of reflection is divided into the seasons of the Church year; Advent, Lent, East, Festivals and Ordinary time. Each page has a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. This is a good companion for your daily bible reading.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
September reviews
Included are “links” to other media for you to listen to or watch. This month:
Fighting the stereotypes:
Are you tired of being stereotyped - because you are a Christian, and someone who believes? Then you are in good company. Award-winning Canadian novelist David Adams Richards is as well. And he's written a book about it called God Is. : My Search for Faith in a Secular World.
You can access the article on the church web site.
God’s Friends, by Sylvia Mandeville. This is a very fun book for children 4- 10.Included are some of the stories of Noah, Joseph, Moses, David and Naaman. Each story is followed by a complicated picture and objects to search for. Included is a craft for each story.
Life in Bible times, by Robert Henderson and Ian Gould. This book would be appropriate for the inquisitive grade 4 – 6 student. The geographical area of the bible and the customes of the people are discussed and illustrated. Included are topics like money, salves, fishermen, harvest festivals.
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. This is a new edition of this well known book. Lewis is a very approachable writer and this book holds many nuggets of great insight. If you haven’t read this, or haven’t read it in decades , pick this up today.
How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth, by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart.. The authors discuss the different types of writing in the bible and assist in understanding how to read them. This is a good book to have at your side while you are doing Bible reading.
I Can’t Stop Crying, by Rev. John D. Martin. We have a good size collection of books related to death and grief. This one discusses grief and feelings and uses a lot of anecdotal stories and quotes. This is a very readable book that touches on many different aspects of grief.
Fighting the stereotypes:
Are you tired of being stereotyped - because you are a Christian, and someone who believes? Then you are in good company. Award-winning Canadian novelist David Adams Richards is as well. And he's written a book about it called God Is. : My Search for Faith in a Secular World.
You can access the article on the church web site.
God’s Friends, by Sylvia Mandeville. This is a very fun book for children 4- 10.Included are some of the stories of Noah, Joseph, Moses, David and Naaman. Each story is followed by a complicated picture and objects to search for. Included is a craft for each story.
Life in Bible times, by Robert Henderson and Ian Gould. This book would be appropriate for the inquisitive grade 4 – 6 student. The geographical area of the bible and the customes of the people are discussed and illustrated. Included are topics like money, salves, fishermen, harvest festivals.
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. This is a new edition of this well known book. Lewis is a very approachable writer and this book holds many nuggets of great insight. If you haven’t read this, or haven’t read it in decades , pick this up today.
How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth, by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart.. The authors discuss the different types of writing in the bible and assist in understanding how to read them. This is a good book to have at your side while you are doing Bible reading.
I Can’t Stop Crying, by Rev. John D. Martin. We have a good size collection of books related to death and grief. This one discusses grief and feelings and uses a lot of anecdotal stories and quotes. This is a very readable book that touches on many different aspects of grief.
June reviews
Your Church Library
Summer is almost here and what better time is there to sit and read a great book than the quiet days of summer. Please stop in to get a book or a DVD. You can also look at the library catalogue on line and phone in a request and look at links to other media on the Church web site. We have compiled a list of interviews, discussions and lectures that are well worth listening too.
If Only I had A Green Nose, by Max Lucado. If everyone in town had a green nose, would you? What if they had red noses? The little puppet friends try hard to fit in and learn a lesson about really being yourself. This book is an excellent conversation starter.
The View from Under the Pew, by Diane Winters Johnson. This is the story of Walter the Guide Dog and his owner, Pastor Diane. It is a lovely look at the life and dedication of guide dogs while also showing the varied and busy life of a church pastor. The illustration of the dog gazing at the pot luck dinner is wonderful.
Redwork, by Michael Bedard. This novel for young people is a GG award winner and it is absolutely wonderful. I strongly recommend it for the 10 year old who loves Harry Potter. This is the story of Cass and the friendship that develops with his unusual elderly landlord. Definitely read this book this summer.
NOOMA Videos, Matthew. On the Piano is a whole series of these videos featuring Rob Bell. Bell is dynamic, charismatic, and delivers a message that speaks to us today. This one discusses loss. They are aimed at teens an adults and are an excellent resource I the Library. Take one home today.
Letters & Papers from Prison, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The love and humanity that rushes out of the pages of this book make it a fantastic read. As he copes with and struggles with life in prison he writes to friends and family. I loved this book.
The Synoptic Gospels, an Introduction, by Keith F. Nickle. This book looks at the first three gospels. It attempts to answer questions related to who wrote them why, when, to whom and why were the selected stories included. An excellent book that will have you looking for more on this topic.
Summer is almost here and what better time is there to sit and read a great book than the quiet days of summer. Please stop in to get a book or a DVD. You can also look at the library catalogue on line and phone in a request and look at links to other media on the Church web site. We have compiled a list of interviews, discussions and lectures that are well worth listening too.
If Only I had A Green Nose, by Max Lucado. If everyone in town had a green nose, would you? What if they had red noses? The little puppet friends try hard to fit in and learn a lesson about really being yourself. This book is an excellent conversation starter.
The View from Under the Pew, by Diane Winters Johnson. This is the story of Walter the Guide Dog and his owner, Pastor Diane. It is a lovely look at the life and dedication of guide dogs while also showing the varied and busy life of a church pastor. The illustration of the dog gazing at the pot luck dinner is wonderful.
Redwork, by Michael Bedard. This novel for young people is a GG award winner and it is absolutely wonderful. I strongly recommend it for the 10 year old who loves Harry Potter. This is the story of Cass and the friendship that develops with his unusual elderly landlord. Definitely read this book this summer.
NOOMA Videos, Matthew. On the Piano is a whole series of these videos featuring Rob Bell. Bell is dynamic, charismatic, and delivers a message that speaks to us today. This one discusses loss. They are aimed at teens an adults and are an excellent resource I the Library. Take one home today.
Letters & Papers from Prison, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The love and humanity that rushes out of the pages of this book make it a fantastic read. As he copes with and struggles with life in prison he writes to friends and family. I loved this book.
The Synoptic Gospels, an Introduction, by Keith F. Nickle. This book looks at the first three gospels. It attempts to answer questions related to who wrote them why, when, to whom and why were the selected stories included. An excellent book that will have you looking for more on this topic.
May reviews
Did you know that it was two years ago this month that our new Library opened? If you haven’t visited it yet please drop by today after church for a cookie and a new book. Spring is the time of renewal and spring cleaning. While you are refreshing your home and garden stop by for a book to refresh your spirit. Try one of these books or drop by today and see what else we have.
Small Gifts in God’s Hands, by Max Lucado, illustrated by Cheri Bladholm.
This is a wonderful story of Elijah, a young boy at the time of Jesus. He and his mother are poor and he wishes he had some big thing he could give to Jesus. He becomes part of a miracle and learns that God can do wonders with small things. Children will love this story of Jesus. I did too.
The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom.
It is timely today to reread this book or read it for the first time. It is the story of a Christian women who helped many Jewish families during the occupation of Holland and is caught and punished as a result. Take time today, on VE Day, to read about this remarkable Christian woman.
Rumours of Another World, by Philip Yancey.
Once again Yancey has written an easy to read book that explores Christianity. This book looks at our world around us and tries to answer some pressing questions.
Mary in a Martha’s World, by Rita Schweitz.
This book of devotions is aimed at women and mothers. You will find it both humorous and touching. We all have that pull between our “Mary selves” and our “Martha selves”; see how one author works out a balance. For new mom’s, you will enjoy the antics of her family and how she can laugh through the challenges of four young children and see the face of God in them.
Jesus A Gospel, by Henri Nouwen.
This book is a compilation of the writings of Henri Nouwen on Jesus. This book can be read as a series of two page meditations. Henri Nouwen is a well know Christian teacher and writer who later in life became Chaplain at Daybreak, the L’Arche community in Toronto.
Good Grief, by Granger E. Westberg.
Grief is something we all experience; the small griefs of everyday life and the major grief of a death of a loved one. This book discusses the stages of grief and is useful to both those suffering a loss and those who wish to help someone who has had a loss. A small but powerful book.
Small Gifts in God’s Hands, by Max Lucado, illustrated by Cheri Bladholm.
This is a wonderful story of Elijah, a young boy at the time of Jesus. He and his mother are poor and he wishes he had some big thing he could give to Jesus. He becomes part of a miracle and learns that God can do wonders with small things. Children will love this story of Jesus. I did too.
The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom.
It is timely today to reread this book or read it for the first time. It is the story of a Christian women who helped many Jewish families during the occupation of Holland and is caught and punished as a result. Take time today, on VE Day, to read about this remarkable Christian woman.
Rumours of Another World, by Philip Yancey.
Once again Yancey has written an easy to read book that explores Christianity. This book looks at our world around us and tries to answer some pressing questions.
Mary in a Martha’s World, by Rita Schweitz.
This book of devotions is aimed at women and mothers. You will find it both humorous and touching. We all have that pull between our “Mary selves” and our “Martha selves”; see how one author works out a balance. For new mom’s, you will enjoy the antics of her family and how she can laugh through the challenges of four young children and see the face of God in them.
Jesus A Gospel, by Henri Nouwen.
This book is a compilation of the writings of Henri Nouwen on Jesus. This book can be read as a series of two page meditations. Henri Nouwen is a well know Christian teacher and writer who later in life became Chaplain at Daybreak, the L’Arche community in Toronto.
Good Grief, by Granger E. Westberg.
Grief is something we all experience; the small griefs of everyday life and the major grief of a death of a loved one. This book discusses the stages of grief and is useful to both those suffering a loss and those who wish to help someone who has had a loss. A small but powerful book.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
March Reviews
Lent is a wonderful time to dive into a new book. Try one of these or pick up a book at Coffee Hour today from the book cart. You will also enjoy checking the Library Page of the Church web site to check out links to lectures and interviews. This month features Jean Vanier.
God Gave Me, by Wade Hudson. This board book is aimed at preschoolers and has a lovely message and charming illustrations. Lent is a good time to think about the gifts God has given all of us. J FIC Hud
Watership Down, by Richard Adams. This novel, located in the Young People Section, is one of my favourite novels of all time. If you haven’t read this one you simply must. The story of friendship and devotion of this group of rabbits is a true classic. This is a must read for young teens and adults alike. YP FIC Ada
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne. This is the story of a young boy during the Second WW. Again, this story of compassion and friendship is a wonderful novel. This book is suitable for older teens and adults and includes discussion pages at the end. This is definitely a book you will want to discuss with your teen. FIC Boy
Becoming Human, by Jean Vanier. What a wonderful and inspiring book by one of the treasures of Canada. His experiences living with people with disabilities and his lessons on humanity make this a book to read and reread. Each page has thoughtful passages that cause you to put it down and think it through. Definitely read this book during Lent.
128 Van
The Ministry of Listening, by Donald Peel. Another wonderful book, this one reflects on how to participate in the Ministry of Visiting the sick. While it is directed at those who are formally involved in Hospital Chaplaincy, it is a treasure trove of ideas and thoughts on how to talk to anyone who is ill or suffering. Topics like “Active Listening” the “elderly” and “mourning” make this a book that will help all of us.
God Gave Me, by Wade Hudson. This board book is aimed at preschoolers and has a lovely message and charming illustrations. Lent is a good time to think about the gifts God has given all of us. J FIC Hud
Watership Down, by Richard Adams. This novel, located in the Young People Section, is one of my favourite novels of all time. If you haven’t read this one you simply must. The story of friendship and devotion of this group of rabbits is a true classic. This is a must read for young teens and adults alike. YP FIC Ada
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne. This is the story of a young boy during the Second WW. Again, this story of compassion and friendship is a wonderful novel. This book is suitable for older teens and adults and includes discussion pages at the end. This is definitely a book you will want to discuss with your teen. FIC Boy
Becoming Human, by Jean Vanier. What a wonderful and inspiring book by one of the treasures of Canada. His experiences living with people with disabilities and his lessons on humanity make this a book to read and reread. Each page has thoughtful passages that cause you to put it down and think it through. Definitely read this book during Lent.
128 Van
The Ministry of Listening, by Donald Peel. Another wonderful book, this one reflects on how to participate in the Ministry of Visiting the sick. While it is directed at those who are formally involved in Hospital Chaplaincy, it is a treasure trove of ideas and thoughts on how to talk to anyone who is ill or suffering. Topics like “Active Listening” the “elderly” and “mourning” make this a book that will help all of us.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Many thanks to Pat Strizic for yet another batch of great reviews! We look forward to your comments.
The Quiltmakers Gift, by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken. This beautiful book is about an unhappy king who learns the joy of generosity. It is a wonderful story for young children.
J FIC Bru
When You’re Sick or in the Hospital, by Tom McGrath. Being ill is a scary time for anyone and this book is designed to help parents talk about those fears with their children. Topics include pain, being mad, asking questions, being afraid and many more.
Can You Drink The Cup?, by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Nouwen is well known through his work with L’Arche. He shares his experiences living within the community through this lovely little book – it is well worth reading. 248.48 Nou
Water from the Well, by Anne Riophe. The author takes stories of women in the Bible - Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah - and fleshes out the stories with plausible fictional situations. I enjoyed reading about these women and how their lives may have unfolded. 222.11 Roi
The Geometry of Love, by Margaret Visser. This was a fascinating book for me. The author discusses the architecture of one specific church, Sant Agnese fuori le Mura outside of Rome. Why are churches built the way they are and what are the meanings of each feature? I really enjoyed this book. (Why do churches have long centre aisles? Read and find out.) 726.5 Vis
The Heart of a Woman, by Maya Angelou. This is the fourth book in an autobiographical series. I was uncomfortable with it and still can’t decide if I liked it or not. She is fairly open about her life but at the same time it felt “staged” to me. I would love others to read it and post reviews on line. 818.54 Ang
Christianity for the Rest of Us, by Diana Butler Bass. This American author takes a look at what churches are doing to survive and thrive in the USA. Are there churches that aren’t “big box fundamentalist” ones that are successfully reaching out to the community? While this book has numerous American references, it is a very interesting read. It discusses the types of services, outreach, bible study and youth work that are thriving. The book is based on study and interviews with churches throughout the USA. This is a very interesting read. 280.4 Bas
The Quiltmakers Gift, by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken. This beautiful book is about an unhappy king who learns the joy of generosity. It is a wonderful story for young children.
J FIC Bru
When You’re Sick or in the Hospital, by Tom McGrath. Being ill is a scary time for anyone and this book is designed to help parents talk about those fears with their children. Topics include pain, being mad, asking questions, being afraid and many more.
Can You Drink The Cup?, by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Nouwen is well known through his work with L’Arche. He shares his experiences living within the community through this lovely little book – it is well worth reading. 248.48 Nou
Water from the Well, by Anne Riophe. The author takes stories of women in the Bible - Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah - and fleshes out the stories with plausible fictional situations. I enjoyed reading about these women and how their lives may have unfolded. 222.11 Roi
The Geometry of Love, by Margaret Visser. This was a fascinating book for me. The author discusses the architecture of one specific church, Sant Agnese fuori le Mura outside of Rome. Why are churches built the way they are and what are the meanings of each feature? I really enjoyed this book. (Why do churches have long centre aisles? Read and find out.) 726.5 Vis
The Heart of a Woman, by Maya Angelou. This is the fourth book in an autobiographical series. I was uncomfortable with it and still can’t decide if I liked it or not. She is fairly open about her life but at the same time it felt “staged” to me. I would love others to read it and post reviews on line. 818.54 Ang
Christianity for the Rest of Us, by Diana Butler Bass. This American author takes a look at what churches are doing to survive and thrive in the USA. Are there churches that aren’t “big box fundamentalist” ones that are successfully reaching out to the community? While this book has numerous American references, it is a very interesting read. It discusses the types of services, outreach, bible study and youth work that are thriving. The book is based on study and interviews with churches throughout the USA. This is a very interesting read. 280.4 Bas
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Skateboard Tough, reviewed by Lindsay Tramble
Matt Christopher's book Skateboard Tough was a good book about a boy who loves skateboarding and his skills improve even more when he starts to ride a mysterious board he finds in his backyard.
I would rate this book 7 out of 10 - it was good, but there weren't enough female skateboarders in the story.
In the KLUC library Young People's section at YP Fic Chr.
I would rate this book 7 out of 10 - it was good, but there weren't enough female skateboarders in the story.
In the KLUC library Young People's section at YP Fic Chr.
Monday, January 19, 2009
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Third Edition
By Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart, Zondervan Publishing, 2003
My enjoyment of past Bible study courses at Kingsway-Lambton has helped me to appreciate the benefits of a study leader’s guiding framework to enhance my understanding. When I spotted How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth in the KLUC library collection, I wondered if I might actually be able to acquire a framework of my own with which to approach my Bible reading.
I found the authors’ discussion of the dual nature of interpreting the Bible particularly satisfying. They explain that readers must first enter into a process of exigesis (interpreting the meaning of a passage according to the context within which it was written) before addressing the hermeneutics (the meaning for us today). This is something that the average lay reader like me shouldn’t expect to do without guidance, such as taking Bible study courses, using annotated study bibles, and consulting online resources. I feel that I now have a better understanding (and a couple of fancy words) to bring to my future Bible study efforts.
I also found the discussions about the significance of translation very informative. In particular, I appreciated the historically contextualized explanations of the various popular Bible versions. Although I love my New King James version study bible, I can now see how I might benefit from complementing it with one of the other versions.
All in all, I found this book to be well written, with a clear and thought-provoking style. My one minor critique concerns the frequency with which I had to flip back and forth between How to Read the Bible and my own Bible, as the authors refer to many, many passages without quoting them directly. Nonetheless, with this slim and readable book, Fee and Stuart managed to pique my curiosity about interpreting the Bible at the same time that they instilled in me hopefulness about my ability to do so.
Moira Grant
Welcome!
From time to time, the Library at Kingsway-Lambton United Church in Toronto Canada will post here reviews of books in its holdings. Feel free to leave a "Comment" on a review and/or on a book itself.
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