A Million Little Pieces  ..James Frey

I am crying. Crying silently for James and Leonard and Lilly and Miles. This was an incredible piece of writing. It is an autobiography of the author’s stay in rehab. The minimalist style of writing is immensely important. It is the raw words that convey the raw facts and feelings. The story is raw and uncomfortable, but true, which might actually be the most uncomfortable part of it all. Even through the harshness and sadness there is laughter. James makes it real to the reader. James Frey has also written “My Friend Leonard” which I’m not sure I’d be able to read.

The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise  ..Julia Stewart

A wonderful story of heartache and healing, loss and love, but I never expected it to be so funny. I had the perfect picture of myself and my best friend in the London Underground Lost Property Office. Those two ladies and their unbelievably lost items had enough humor for the entire book, but that isn’t where it ended. A pastor who hates the Tower’s rat population with a passion but loves the Rack and Ruin’s landlady who also serves as the Fancy Rat Keeper, a Beefeater who collects all types of rain and then becomes the Royal Menagerie’s Keeper, and the ghost of Sir Walter Raleigh terrorizing the Chief Yeoman Warder. The writing is eloquent and poignant. The use of first and last names throughout the entirety of the novel had an interesting way of filling out the characters that I would never have thought to work. When I came upon the last page, I actually turned it hoping for more, even knowing that all the loose ends had been tied up and all storylines finished. This is Julia Stewart’s second novel and after this I very much intend on reading her first.

Martin Luther: A Life  ..James A. Nestingen

Although this book was written and published for the sole purpose of supporting the “major motion picture starring…,” I was still hoping for a little better writing. That said, it was very informative, if dry, and gave a very quick overview of the chronological life of Martin Luther as well as the other events of the times that had effected and were affected by his life and actions. Being a Lutheran, now in the children’s education ministry, I knew my own shortfalls in the history of this very important historical figure. This was an easy way of filling in the gaps of my knowledge. Again, I wished for more than a “Cliff’s Notes” of the movie, but as for an accurate timeline, it fulfilled its purpose.

I Love to Tell The Story: The Diary of a Sunday School Teacher  ..Joe Bayly

What a simple and eloquent book that showcases the joys and struggles of being a Sunday school teacher. I have used many excerpts for my teachers and even one to drum up more teachers in my own Sunday school. A very short, but powerful read and a must for any Sunday school teacher. Beautiful.

The Tenor Wore Tapshoes  ..Mark Schweizer

Another great from a master. This author, composer, musician, publisher has a knack for creating a funny religious based murder mystery. Didn’t think it could be done, did you? With his Raymond Chandler typewriter by his side, Hayden Konig not only keeps the law as chief of police, but also conducts the church choir, plays the organ and authors exceptionally bad works of fiction, which you get the pleasure or reading throughout the book. Funny as always in a very smart and understated way. In this “episode” I figured out the who in “whodunnit”, but couldn’t figure out why. As always there are a few quirky twists that keep you laughing and wondering; “Where does he come up with this stuff?”

1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die  ..Peter Boxall

It’s a list. It’s a long list. I had already gone through the children’s version of this book, so I had some idea of what I was up against. These books are really not reading material as they reference material. The good thing about these books is a way to add to my wish list. There are far too many titles here to attempt, but I do like the easy format and layout of these volumes. You can scan quickly and read the short synopses and make decisions. As in the children’s volume, there are many titles that are just not very available to us in the US. There are many titles that are quite old, including some in the 1400’s and earlier. Others are foreign titles that have not made the translation. Whatever you may be looking for, this is a good start.

Waterline: Of Fathers, Sons, and Boats  ..Joe Soucheray

This was an excellent book that is focused on one man’s drive to restore a boat that he feels would replace the one that brought him so much joy as a child. What he starts with is a pile of rubble. Through the restoration he wrestles with all of his feelings of mortality. His father is at the end of his life. Joe finds himself closer to all the members of his family. Who was it that sat and talked boats with his father in the hospital? Who was it that his daughter found to be the most important person to show her new health? Who was it that earned the presence of his son for nearly every major event of the boat’s new life? All of these roles were filled by none other than the author. He found a closer bond to his wife. He was present for all three of his children. This book is about a man who sets out to restore an old boat, but finds so much in the process. You will feel every emotion and experience every elation and pain.