March 9, 2009
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Rainy Sunday Book Reviews
It’s been a long time since I’ve reviewed a book I’ve read. It’s not that I’ve not been reading. It’s just that when I read over my reviews, I’m usually embarrassed by how poorly I’ve written. But, to become excellent, one must practice. And to become mediocre, one must practice occasionally.
The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History by Curtis, Lang and Peterson
This book was part of the 10th grade Sonlight curriculum, and I was glad I decided to read it, too. The book is comprised of 100 events which occurred after the book of Acts but before 1970 and is written not just for Christians but for those who are interested in the history of Christianity. The authors do not seem to have a particular agenda to push or to favor one denominational philosophy over another which gives the history a neutral feel. Catholic and Protestant events are both listed, as well as the formation of movements in the church. Each entry in the book is about a page or two in length, which makes it great for little bites of reading or for reading as part of a Bible time. The book is a comfortable size with a two-colum format and easy-on-the-eye typeface. If you have wanted to learn more about the history of Christianity without having to wade through volumes of ancient writings or if you were hesitant to read certain historical texts because of the slant they might have toward a particular doctrine, you may enjoy this readable book.
In Search of the Source by Anderson and Moore
I have read lots of missionary biographies, some of them about Bible translators. But this book was the first that really enabled me to see how the actual work of translating the scriptures happened. The Andersons went to Papua New Guinea in the 1970s with their two children (with two more to come) to work with the Folopa people. This people group of about 2,500 had no written language and were former cannibals.
The book is organized around passages of scripture: each chapters shows Neil Anderson and a group of people trying to translate a passage and then tells a story about the passage or the translation. For example, how would you translate this scripture which speaks of the goodness of God? “If your son asks for a fish, you will not give him a snake?” To the Folopas, a snake was a delicacy, and fish were of little worth. A snake was a better gift. Or could you effectively translate prayer, worship, and glory? I used to think it might be easy. But, this book showed me that we should not handle God’s word lightly.
The stories in the book not only entertained and gave a glimpse into a different culture, they also clearly illustrated how God’s word, even though it was written over thousands of years to a culture very different than that of this Papua New Guinea tribe, still speaks truth. This book would make a great read aloud for Bible time and is a wonderful book to read on your own. The stories aren’t gruesome, but there are bits of the former culture that are related which might make it for third grade and up.
What have you been reading?
Comments (7)
Oo, oo, oo, thanks for the book reviews! I always love adding to my list of what I want to read.
I’m reading Echo in Celebration, A Call to Home-centered Education by Leigh Bortins. I haven’t read a lot of home-schooling “how-to” books because I found all the baby books I read either overwhelmed me or confused me. I was afraid home-schooling books would affect me in the same way, but this one has been mucho grande beneficial. I highly recommend it. Now I must go do some home-schooling because the kids have finished the math assignments I gave them.
I’m definately searching Amazon for “In Search of The Source”….sounds like a book my son and I would both enjoy!
I hate to admit this but I am not reading anything, other than Xanga blogs
In Search of the Source is a wonderful book! I’m going to go find it on my shelf and re-read it. I just finished a “throwaway” novel (i.e. not recommended unless you have a couple of hours to waste) called Schooled. It’s kind of like “The Nanny Diaries” goes to private school. If you have a recommendation for a worthwhile book about teachers and teaching, please pass it along!
A girlfriend of mine is homeschooling her little ones through Sonlight…she’s so passionate about it and I’m always thrilled when she has something to tell me about her teaching.
I’m listening to an enchanting audio book right now…Sundays at Tiffany’s. I’m finding some of the scenes and main character’s thoughts a bit redundant, but that also helps weave the spell of the book. I’m 3/4 done and can’t wait to get into the car for the next installment! It’s not exactly Christian. Just a sweet story.
In hardcopy, I’m still not done with Eragon and also started a book my parents sent me about the Song of Solomon. My husband and I are gearing to to trying an Ian Fleming novel, just to see how they compare to the 007 movies.
Thanks to your strong encouragement, I am halfway through The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History. I am enjoying it quite a bit. It’s definitely readable and feels like a “quick” read, even for a slow reader like me!
I need to read more of what my kids read for their schooling. I just can’t keep up with that & my own (selfish for the most part) reading.
Right now, I am reading “Passionate Housewives Desperate for God.” It is excellent! I plan to buy one for each of my girls & give it to them when they are ready to leave the nest (I’m behind with Dara– gotta get one to her soon). I first saw it at the homeschool convention in Rochester last year, and just recently purchased it from Amazon. I highly recommend this book.