Kingsway-Lambton United ChurchBook Reviews

December Reviews

2010-12-08T08:43:00.000-05:00

On display in the Library this month you can find our collection of Christmas and Advent books. Some are old favourites and others may be new to you. Pick one up today at coffee from the book display or stop by the Library yourself. We have some lovely books for all tastes.

Two recent additions to our fiction section I want to highlight for you (even though they aren’t Christmas books).

The Borrowers, by Mary Norton. Illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush.
This novel from 1953 is a must read for preteens. A winner of three book awards, it is the charming story of a family that live under the floor of an old house. This would also be a great novel to read to young children over several days. The chapters are short, the story is exciting and the characters are wonderful. . YP FIC NOR

Christianus Sum, a novel, by Shawn J. Pollett.
For those of us who skipped Latin in school, the title translates to ‘I Am Christian’. This historical fiction takes place in the 3rd century. Rome struggles with corruption, assassinations and upheaval. The Christian community is small and being persecuted. This is the story of one Roman senator and his journey towards Christianity. If you like Roman history you may recognize many of the historical events and people. FIC POL

The Library Committee wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy reading season. We hope you all have time to curl up with a good book and enjoy immersing yourself in its pages.

Pat, Joy, Cristy and Pat

November Reviews

2010-11-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

Today at coffee hour please drop by the library’s book display - Pat will be there with lots of good selections and advice. If you can’t get to coffee hour, please stop into the library for a peek on your own. We have lots of new books and DVD’s to choose from.

Have you looked at the Library page on the Church Web site? There you will find links to interviews, lectures and discussions from other media sources. You can also search our catalogue for books and authors.

My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult. This is the story of a family coping with the severe illness of one child and how they have chosen to handle it. At times it is touching, at time frustrating. It is easy to read, suitable for older teens and certainly will open a discussion of ethics surrounding health care. There are other novels in the Fiction section by the same author. Fic Pic

Lily’s Crossing, by Patricia Reilly Giff. I loved this book. It is the story of Lily, whose mother has died and whose father has gone to the Second World War. Her life, friendships, worries, family and experiences are well written and easy to read. This is definitely a good book for 10 and up. YP Fic Gif

Where Do People Go When They Die? by Mindy Avra Portnoy, ill. Shelly O. Haas. This story has a young child asking others what it means to die and getting many different answers. This book for young children is aimed at opening discussions about death. At the back of the book are discussion questions. This is a lovely book with beautiful illustrations. J 306.9 Por

Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John, by Jean Vanier. This is a hefty book while at the same time a simple book. Vanier takes John, chapter by chapter, and discusses meaning and how it relates to him and his daily life. He uses many examples from his life in L’Arche. He is a very interesting person and has a lot to say worth listening too. 226.5 Van

The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality, by Christian A. Schwarz. This book looks at the styles of worship in which we all engage. Included is a Spiritual Style Test which then shows you the styles you follow yourself and how to continue to grow within that style or add other styles to your practice. Take this book home and discover if you are green, red or blue. 248.4 Sch

October Reviews

2010-10-20T10:58:00.000-04:00

At the top of the East stairs you will find the Library with a book for everyone. Drop by and find a book to take home or search our catalogue on line. You can also read past reviews on line or in the library booklet and can read, watch and listen to other media sources in the “links” section of our web page.

Say You’re One of Them, by Uwem Akpan. 823.92 Akp. This book is a collection of short stories about children in African countries - the lives they live and the struggles they encounter. I think you will be really touched by these stories. While this book is stories of children it is not for children, although a mature older teen would be ready to read it.

Greysteel’s Ghost, by Robert Sutherland. YP Fic Sut. This Canadian author has written several books for school age children and this is a great one. Gavin is visiting his cousin Fiona in Scotland and gets caught up in a mystery and a kidnapping. This is an excellent book for those school age students who like adventure and mystery.

Where Does God Live? By Holly Bea. J Fic Bea. Illustrated by Kim Howard. This is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young children. A little girl, Hope, tries to discover where God lives and asks birds and frogs and fishes, and finally her Grandmother. This is a nice little story that would be a good jump off point for a discussion with your own children.

Fearless Female Journalists, by Joy Crysdale. YP 070.92 Cry. This is written by our own Joy Crysdale and is a great book for boys as well as girls. 10 different journalists are written about in language that is easy for school age children but also for adults - from early women who fought for woman’s rights to our own Barbara Frum to a South African AIDS victim. All these women have changed something about women in journalism.

Traveling Mercies: Some thoughts on Faith, by Anne Lamott. 813.54 Lam. This book is part biography and part thoughts on how faith is part of our lives. The author has had a troubled and mixed up life and she is very blunt about how she lived and how she finally found her way back to God. There is a very touching chapter on a little girl who is terrified of dogs and how it is handled by those around her. I would recommend this book to older teens and adults.

The Parables: Understanding What Jesus Meant, by Gary Inrig. 226.8 Inr. While the title is perhaps presumptuous, this is a great book. The familiar parables are discussed and context is added about the culture of the times in much the same way Hugh does for us when he adds context to the Scriptures he reads. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories I thought I knew well with different eyes. This book is well worth a read.

September 2010 Reviews

2010-09-13T11:35:00.000-04:00

September is a good month to start something new. We would like to suggest that you pick up a new book from the library - one of the following, or something new on the shelves. Check out the ‘Recent Additions’ folder!

Joseph and His Coat of Many Colours, by Sue Kassierer, illustrated by Danuta Jarecka. The familiar story is written for the learning-to-read child. Try it together with your Grade 1 student. J 222.11 Kas

The Family Story Bible, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle. The books of the Bible have been turned into 2 or 3 page stories which would appeal to the young child. The story of Joseph and his coloured coat is on page 63. J 220 Mil

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, DVD version of the Donny Osmond musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Take this home and complete the “Joseph stories” for a fun family viewing! DVD Jos

Trouble River, by Betsy Byers. A novel for young people about a boy during pioneer times who must save his Grandmother and himself while his parents are away. I enjoyed this book, especially the interactions between Dewey and his Grandmother. YP Fic Bya

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies, by Alexander McCall Smith. This is one of the new series of No. 1 Ladies Detective books. The characters are charming, the country of Botswana is presented well and these books are really a delight to read. I think you will find yourself hooked on these light reading books. Fic McC

Who You Are When No One’s Looking, by Bill Hybels. This is an engaging book about developing character. Each chapter is devoted to one character trait - courage, discipline, vision, endurance, tender love, tough love, sacrificial love and radical love. This is a book that you read slowly, one chapter at a time and give it a lot of thought.
241 Hyb Also in the library by this author, Too Busy Not to Pray 248.3 Hyb

Have a little faith, a true story, by Mitch Albom. In this book the author relates his experiences with two religious men and how he finds his life changing through those interactions. One is his childhood Rabbi, the other a Minister in charge of a street mission. 296.7 Alb Also in the library by this author, Tuesdays with Morrie 974.44 Alb and The Five People you Meet in Heaven Fic Alb

This month on the Library Page of the Church Website you will find three new Media Links – watch an interview with Mitch Albom, listen to Arthur Paul Boers (who made a 500 mile pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago) and watch an interview with Izzeldin Abuelaish (whose daughters and a niece were killed when Israeli tank shells hit his house in Gaza in January 2009). All are well worth your time.

Some summer reading

2010-06-10T19:23:00.000-04:00

The long days of summer are with us and hopefully you will find the time to catch up on all of your reading. One of these books could be just right for you!

The Breadwinner, Deborah Ellis. FicEll For school age children, this is the story of Parvana and her family. When the father is taken away by the Taliban, the family has no male member. Parvana at 11 is disguised as a boy and becomes the family’s Breadwinner. An excellent book that looks at the complex issues in Afghanistan.

Love You Forever, Robert Munsch. Illustrated by Sheila McGraw. JFicMun This classic Munsch story is a must read. It is one you will want to add to your newborn’s library (or the grandparents’ shelves!)

The Primal Teen: What the New Discoveries About the Teenage Brain Tell Us About Our Kids, Barbara Strauch. 616.89Str. This is a fascinating look at the new research being done on how the teenage brain changes. So much new information has been gleaned and studied with the advent of MRI’s - we have learned that the brain does not evolve as scientists had thought. This book will give you a lot of insight to teenagers.

The Gospel According to Peanuts, Robert L. Short. 261.57Sho. If you grew up reading Peanuts, you probably noticed the religious spirit of the strip. This book pulls cartoons together with commentary discussing this aspect of Schultz’s characters. Suitable to older teens as well as adults - take this home and fall in love with Peanuts again.

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, Richard J. Foster. 248.4Fos. This book looks at how to incorporate 12 disciplines into your life as a way of personal spiritual growth - Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance, and Celebration. Try reading and incorporating a chapter each week as a method of enhancing your summer.

Letters to a Young Doubter, William Sloane Coffin. 230.51Cof. The author conducts a letter campaign to a Freshman student where they discuss school, life, family and faith. One letter deals with the loss of a friend and coping with the heartbreaking death of such a young person (pg. 103). This is a good book for teens and adults.

Still Alice: a novel, Lisa Genova. FicGen. I found myself forgetting that this book is a novel while reading it. The story of Alice is captivating as she is diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. A professor at Harvard, she struggles as she loses more and more of herself to this disease. Her thoughts as the disease progress really rang true to me as I look back on my own mother’s disease. Please read this book if you know someone with Alzheimer’s.

May Reviews

2010-04-28T17:46:00.000-04:00

After today’s service, please join us in our beautiful Library for our Open House! You can check out the extensive media links we provide on line, search the free books for one to add to your personal collection, children can complete a treasure hunt and get a loot bag and everyone can find a new book to read – all while sipping coffee or ‘bug juice’! Remember to pick up your children after church and come by for a visit.

In Jesse’s Shoes, by Beverly Lewis. J Lew This book is aimed at primary aged children and tells the story of Allie and her big brother Jesse. Jesse is a special needs child and Allie struggles to cope with him. She learns a lesson of walking in others’ shoes.

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. YP FIC Bur This classic story is worth reading. The story of orphan Mary, invalid Colin and wonderful Dicken is a truly lovely story of friendship, survival, growth and healing. While working together to revitalize a garden, they heal each other and grow themselves.

Ocean of Grief & Healing Waters, by Marian Jean Haggerty. 248.86 Hag The author tells the story of her husband’s death and the subsequent years of grief, pain and ultimately how she dealt with it. The book contains some of her painful journal entries during the dark days of her grief.

The Joy of Listening to God, by Joyce Huggett. 248.3 Hug I really enjoyed this look at a life filled with prayer and with listening. Huggett lays out the journey she traveled towards a contemplative life and how she lives and works while setting aside time to listen and pray. Many of her suggestions are practical and possible for anyone.

Left to Tell, by Immaculee Ilibagiza. 282.09Ili What an incredibly powerful story! It is both difficult to read and uplifting. Immaculee was a university student in Rwanda when the slaughter of Tutsis began. This is her story of survival and recovery, and is really a book worth reading for adults or older teens.

The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. 616.99Pau The author was stricken with pancreatic cancer and was asked by his university to give a last lecture. This book is that lecture with some additions. Touching, funny, helpful, thoughtful and sad; this is a good book to read for adults or older teens.

You can watch the video of The Last Lecture on our web page.
THE INSPIRATIONAL LEGACY OF RANDY PAUSCH - Before he died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, Randy Pausch was named by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people. This video of his talk is called The Last Lecture. Dr. Pausch did not speak about religion or spirituality. Instead, his lecture focused on what he said would help people achieve their childhood dreams, or help others achieve their dreams.

Your Library Committee looks forward to seeing you in the Library after the service.

April Reviews

2010-04-07T14:01:00.000-04:00

Here we are in spring, with beautiful weather, flowers blooming, robins singing and short sleeves. As we spring clean our houses and yards it is also a good time to take home a new book. Try something that will challenge you or something that will thrill you. Perhaps you might like one of these new books.

Everything must change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope, by Brian D. McLaren. 261.McL McLaren looks at some of the troubles that plague the world and how a Christian could respond. Each chapter finishes with questions to challenge you and it is extensively footnoted. A good read for anyone, especially a teen who wants to be inspired to change the world.

Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God, by Gordon D. Fee. 231.309015 Fee How did Paul view the Spirit? The author points out that most Christians understand God and Jesus, but the Spirit is a fuzzy entity. This is an in-depth book looking at the subject. It isn’t light reading but is well worth it.

Home Free, by Sharon Jennings. YP FIC Jen This is an absolutely charming book, written from the perspective of a young girl. She relates her life, her friends, her parents, her joys and sorrows and how she copes and grows. Perfect reading for an 8 – 12 year old, especially a budding writer.

Jesus Christ Superstar. DVD Jes The original rock opera has stood up well. It is as current looking now as it was in 1972. For those boomers who know it by heart from the album, watch it with the commentary by Jewison and Nugent. They lay out where the scenes were shot and add in tidbits (such as the fact that the Priests, with the exception of the two lead priests, were all Jewish actors). Get your teen to watch this, they will love it.

Please check out the Library page on the Church web site to read the new Links.

March Reviews

2010-03-04T06:38:00.001-05:00

March is upon us and for me that means school breaks, last chances to ski and spring around the corner. Please drop into the Library or the book cart at Coffee Hour to select a new book.
The Measure of a Man, by Sidney Poitier. 791.43 POI. This autobiography outlines Poitier’s life which started as a poor, illiterate boy on an island with no electricity and follows him to movies and academy awards. If you are a Poitier fan I think you will like this book.
Evil and the Justice of God, by N.T. Wright. 231.8 WRI. With everything going on in the world, from wars to famine to earthquakes, there is a lot of talk about Evil and how can God allow it. This is a great book exploring that topic and he has a lot to say. I highly recommend this book.
I Was Just Wondering, by Philip Yancey. 230 Yan. This is a collection of essays by Yancey and each section starts with a page of questions. As always Yancey is easy to read and the format of this book lends itself to a daily Lenten reading.
NOOMA, Trees, by Rob Bell. Why are we here? Do our lives Matter? These are some of the questions Rob Bell tackles in this DVD. If you haven’t tried any of these DVD’s, I encourage you to take one home today. Bell is a charismatic, enthusiastic man who has a very engaging style.
Keeping Faith, by Jodi Picoult. FIC PIC. A young girl suddenly starts to talk to God. She shows stigmata and heals people. An ardent atheist attempts to discredit her while hundreds throng around her to be cured. This is the story of a mother and her daughter and how they cope with a massive change in their lives.

You can also listen to and read links to other publications on our Library Page by clicking on the “links” button. This month we focus on:

BOOKS, NOT BOMBS: Three Cups of Tea author Greg MortensonGreg Mortenson’s unsuccessful mountain climb in Pakistan in 1993 turned into a passionate mission to improve peoples’ lives through schooling. He told his story in the bestseller, Three Cups of Tea. He has now helped build over 130 schools in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, which provide an alternative to the radical ‘madrassas’. They also educate girls; an estimated 44,000 of them.

Check out the Library Page to find links to interviews with Greg Mortenson.
In our church library:

Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson, Greg. 371.82 Mor

Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mortenson, Greg. 371.82 Mor

January Reviews

2010-01-21T16:31:00.001-05:00

January is a great time for picking up a book. You can search on the Library web page for books by author, title or topic. You can listen to other media links on the Library web page. We have links to current lectures, speakers and articles from other media sources. The Library is open whenever the Church is open.

Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out, by Richard Taylor Ph.D. 362.19 Tay. This is a fabulous book, written by a psychologist with early onset Alzheimer’s. It is a series of one or two page entries as he recounts his experiences as a patient. He refers to Alzheimer’s as the cancer of today. One of the thoughts that really struck me was, “If I don’t have words, if I don’t have access to words, will I be thinking?” Read this book! You can also see more information about Dr Taylor at www.richardtaylorphd.com.

The Irresistible Revolution, living as an ordinary radical, by Shane Claiborne. YP277.3 Cla. This is another great book that I highly recommend for teens and adults. Shane Claiborne is a man who is living his life as he feels Christians should and can. He has a ministry in inner city Philadelphia called “The Simple Way.” This is an excellent book for teens wondering how the message of Jesus can be lived in our times. There is also a web site for Shane at www.thesimpleway.org/shane.

The Prayer of Jabez, by Bruce Wilkinson and Rob Suggs. This book for young children has beautiful pictures and a story that will enchant. This is a great book for those under 10.

Please drop by the library display at Coffee Hour today. Your Library Committee (Pat Strizic, Pat Butler and Joy Crysdale) welcomes our newest member, Cristy Ferencie!

December Reviews

2009-12-12T09:43:00.001-05:00

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.

November Reviews

2009-11-06T10:40:00.000-05:00

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.

September reviews

2009-10-25T15:32:00.002-04:00

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.

June reviews

2009-10-25T15:32:00.001-04:00

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.

May reviews

2009-10-25T15:31:00.000-04:00

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.

March Reviews

2009-03-08T09:03:00.002-04:00

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.

2009-02-05T14:24:00.002-05:00

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

Skateboard Tough, reviewed by Lindsay Tramble

2009-01-20T14:55:00.002-05:00

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.

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Third Edition

2009-01-19T11:32:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-01-19T11:14:00.000-05:00

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.