Category Archives: Top Shelf Book

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

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The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
by Timothy Keller
Product Details
Hardcover: 139 pages
Publisher: Dutton
Date Published: 2008

Point: In the story of the two sons in Luke 15, God is the prodigal who spends in a recklessly extravagant way to win back two lost sons.
Path:  Keller walks through the familiar story with profound insights and convicting applications. In this short book the truths of Scripture cut deeply.
Sources: Following the story of Jesus, Keller references Edmund Clowney, Elisabeth Eliot, C.S. Lewis, John Newton, Jonathan Edwards, and others.
Agreement: Keller’s presentation of this often sentimentalized parable was well done. Bringing the older brother to see his own lostness can hardly ever be done through rebuke or mental arguments. It needs a story. For this reason Jesus told the story, and for this reason Keller followed it.
Personal App: Am I living as the older brother in my pride and self-righteousness?
Favorite Quote:
Do you realize, then, what Jesus is teaching? Neither son loved the father for himself. They both were using the father for their own self-centered ends rather than loving, enjoying, and serving him for his own sake. This means that you can rebel against God and be alienated from him either by breaking his rules or by keeping all of them diligently. (36-37)
“If, like the elder brother, you believe that God ought to bless you and help you because you have worked so hard to obey him and be a good person, then Jesus may be your helper, your example, even your inspiration, but he is not your Savior. You are serving as your own Savior.” (38)
Stars: 5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it. It would be valuable to give to both a younger and older brother – both need the Father’s extravagant grace.

The Monster In The Hollows

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The Monster In The Hollows
by Andrew Peterson
Product Details
Paperback: 348 pages
Publisher: Rabbit Room Press
Date Published: 2011
 
Point: We must remember who we are. We must.
Path:  The Wingfeathers’ escape from peril leads them across the Dark Sea of Darkness and to the “safety” of the Ban Rona in Green Hollows. It is there that Janner must truly accept his role as Throne Warden, and Kalmar his position as King – whether they feel like it or not.
Agreement: In comparing the first three of Peterson’s works: “Dark Sea” – a humorous and fast passed child’s tale. “North” – an action packed and passion stirring story. “Monster” – heart gripping, tear producing revelation of the soul. This book, more than either other, challenges the reader to look within and ask, “What would I have done?” It was hard to read because I saw something there that scared me. I saw myself.
Favorite Quote:
“But Janner had defied him. He was like a candle the Overseer couldn’t snuff out. And after Janner left, after Sara had weathered her punishment for helping him escape, she was surprised to find that some of Janner’s candlelight still flickered in the Fork Factory. She noticed it reflected in the other children’s eyes and in the way the ridgerunner watched her. It took her a few days to realize the light was coming from her. She was shining it. Janner Igiby had changed her. He was gone, but he had left some of his gift behind.” (145)
Stars: 5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

North! or Be Eaten

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North or Be Eaten
by Andrew Peterson
Product Details
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Waterbrook press
Date Published: 2009
    Point: You must remember who you are – no matter how much it hurts.
    Path: The Wingfeathers flight to the Ice Prairies takes them through perilous encounters with Fangs, Snickbuzzards, wicked Overseers, betrayal, and bitterness.   
    Agreement: This book moves from the children’s tale of “The Dark Sea of Darkness” to a nonstop ride of adventure. Peterson makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. There are surprises all the way till the last page, and it leaves you scrambling to find the third in the series!
    Personal App: Janner’s internal struggle to love his brother resonates with every reader. Even when we know we are right and they are not, we still must love. We must remember who we are and whose blood runs through our veins, whether or not we can see it with our eyes.
    Favorite Quote: “He had read enough stories to know that legends became so by great suffering and great feats. Janner didn’t want to suffer, and he was wasn’t sure he was brave enough or smart enough to accomplish anything legendary. But he couldn’t deny that he desperately wanted to know more.” (133)
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    On The Edge Of The Dark Sea of Darkness

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    On The Edge Of The Dark Sea of Darkness
    by Andrew Peterson
    Product Details
    Audio Book: 8 hours
    Publisher: Oasis Audio
    Date Published: 2009

    Point: Life can change in a moment when you give your life for what you love and what you believe in. Anyone who fails to fight when those are threatened has nothing for which to live.
    Path:  The Igibys – Janner, Tink, Leeli, their mother Nia and grandfather Podo – are swept into a dangerous adventure surrounding the Jewels of Aniera. They face the fearsome Fangs of Dang, toothy cows, and their own jealousy and anger.
    Sources: Andrew Peterson weaves a fast paced tale with quirky characters, fantastic animals, and entertaining humor all to show that we live in a world not too different.
    Agreement: This is a great story which is fun to follow. The progression of the plot makes the book difficult to put down. I loved the footnotes in the print version and was sad that they did not continue in the books which followed in the story. This was my first introduction to the genre of fantasy, and now firmly believe in its purpose.
    Disagreement: Peterson needs to learn how to end a chapter. Without a way to peacefully putting the book down I was forced to stay up late at night reading to find out what was about to happen.
    Personal App: What am I willing to do for what I love and believe in? If I won’t do it during peace time, would that change in war?
    Favorite Quote: description of the Leeli singing with the dragons.
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    Blah, Blah, Blah by Dan Roam

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    Blah, Blah, Blah: what to do when words don’t work
    Screen Shot 2013-12-22 at 2.32.51 PM
    by Dan Roam
    Product Details
    Hardcover: 350 pages
    Publisher: Portfolio/Penguin
    Date Published: 2011
    Point: You and I are either confused by, drowning in, or lied to by words. These powerful tools are valuable, but dangerous. You need pictures too! You cannot fully explain or clarify your idea until you both verbalize and visualize it.
    Path: The author explains the predicament we are in (confused masses due to being overly focused on words) the destination (clarified communication) and the pathway (utilizing both words and pictures to clarify and communicate our ideas). By explaining visual grammar, any individual is able to sketch their idea in order to simplify it.
    Sources: The author walks his reader through priceless ideas using contemporary examples, simple diagrams, and valuable charts.
    Agreement: I teach and my students listen. But what they hear is blah, blah, blah. When I teach using both words and pictures they can “see” the big idea and appreciated the supporting material.
    Personal App: I have been challenged to both visualize and verbalize my ideas in order to clarify and communicate them. In some circumstances I am only able to verbalize, but it is there that I must reach for their imagination in order to visualize it.
    Favorite Quote: “We don’t need more words. We need more ideas. We need them fast, and we need them to be good – and to know that they’re good, we need them to be clear.” (8)
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    Great Book on Fear and Anxiety

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    Running Scared: fear, worry, and the God of rest

    Edward T. Welch

    Product Details

    1. Paperback: 317 pages
    1. Publisher: New Growth Press
    1. Date of reading: February 22, 2012

    Point: Welch takes an in-depth look at fear, worry, and anxiety in his book. God is bigger than our fears, and we can trust in Him.

    Path: Welch has written this in the form of meditations. He recommends reading one chapter a day and talking with someone about the chapter before moving on to the next one.

    Welch shows that all people fear. It is something that we do not have to learn. We fear and worry about things which we value and cherish. Through a discussion of manna in the Old Testament and many passages about fearing in the New Testament, Welch shows the root of fear and how that can be dealt with in our lives.

    Agreement: I enjoyed many of the thoughtful chapters on fear itself. One of his main points is: “We are fearful when something we value is in jeopardy” (page 80). This is apparent in all of our lives.

    Disagreement: I agree with the majority of what Welch says, but there are just a few times where the reader may become confused if they do not know from where Welch is coming. For example, Welch states on page 47, “After you listen to your own heart, listen to God.” If taken out of context at all, one might think that Welch is condoning listening to our own hearts before we listen to God. I believe he is actually pointing out that we check our hearts to see if we are living in fear, and then we need to listen to what God’s Word has to say about that fear.

    Stars: 4.5 out of 5

    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    Pilgrim’s Progress I & II by John Bunyan

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    Pilgrim’s Progress I & II

    by John Bunyan
    Product Details
    Audiobook: 12 hours
    Publisher: Librivox
    Date Published: 1678, 1684

    Point: The life of Christian is full of dangers and temptations, but the Prince of Pilgrims steadies the fainting heart and the Celestial City calls those almost gone.


    Path: The author follows the life of Christian from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. On his journey he meets trying setbacks, tempting snares, and awful giants. The second book records the travels of his family.


    Sources: Written while in prison in Bedford County Gaol, this work relies on an understanding of the human nature, allures of the world, and the Word of God.


    Agreement: There is a reason why men such as Charles Spurgeon praised this work, children read it, and it continues to be published.


    Disagreement: His interpretations and applications of Scripture are some times pressed.


    Personal App: There is so much applicable material here. Pilgrim’s time in the Doubting Castle is always a reminder of the key given.


    Favorite Quote: “Some things are of that nature as to make One’s fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache.”


    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.


    I was reminded of this hymn by Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, translated by Kane Borthwick
    1 Jesus, still lead on till our rest be won,
    and although the way be cheerless,
    we will follow, calm and fearless;
    guide us by your hand to our promised land.
    2 If the way be drear, if the foe be near,
    let no faithless fears o’ertake us,
    let not faith and hope forsake us;
    safely past the foe to our home we go.
    3 When we seek relief from a longfelt grief,
    when temptation come alluring,
    make us patient and enduring;
    show us that bright shore where we weep no more.
    4 Jesus, still lead on till our rest be won;
    heav’nly Leader, still direct us,
    still support, console, protect us,
    till we safely stand in our promised land.

    Good Read

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    The Organized Heart

    Staci Eastin

    Product Details

    1. Kindle Ebook
    1. Publisher: Cruciform Press
    1. Date of reading: January 10, 2012


    Point: Eastin says, “My hope for this book is that it will help you serve God and your family more effectively, more fruitfully, and with greater peace and joy.”


    Path: The author delves into the reasons behind the disorganized lives we sometimes live. Showing how the sinfulness of our heart often is the reason that we are not organized, she covers four main idols of the heart: perfectionism, busyness, possessions, and leisure.


    Sources: She refers to several other books such as Lou Priolo’s Pleasing People, Carol Cornish and Elyse Fitzpatrick’s Women Helping Women, and Jeremiah Buroughs’ Contentment.


    Agreement: This was a wonderful look at organization. Eastin brings out many reasons why we do not live organized lives, and also many reasons that the “organized” lives that we live may not be pleasing to God. Are we fearing what man may think of us if we are not organized and seemingly put-together, or are we striving to honor God?


    Personal App: This was a great and refreshing way to view organization. In a culture where organization is sort of the “in” thing to do, it was a blessing to be able to look at why it is important to be organized. It makes me double-check my life and see if I am trying to be organized for the right reasons!

    One of my favorite quotes was this: “God is not glorified in the amount of things we get done, the number of spaces we fill on our calendars, or the length of our to-do lists. God is pleased when we serve him with sincere hearts.”


    Stars: 4.5 out of 5


    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien

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    The Hobbit: or There and Back Again

    by J.R.R. Tolkien
    Product Details
    Hardcover: 255 pages
    Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
    Date Published: 1997
     
    Point: Bilbo Baggins, a good, adventure avoiding Hobbit, is sucked into a thrilling adventure by ever wise Gandalf and 13 treasure seeking dwarves.

    Path: The story leads the reader through the realities of the human race. Fear, friendship, greed, courage, jealousy, sacrificial giving, lies, and loyalty all play out before the reader’s eyes. Most often the greatest danger lies not in a fire breathing dragon, but in the heart of the hero.

    Sources: Based on an incredible imagination and expertise in ancient English history, Tolkien weaves a time tested story.

    Agreement: This is probably my favorite book of the entire Fantasy genre, and probably Fiction as well.

    Favorite Quote: “There is more than meets the eye.”

    Stars: 5 out of 5

    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.