Thoughts from the DE - Kevin Kessler

Each year I like to go back through the list of books I’ve read and choose 5 that I liked the best, then write a brief review of each to share with others. So, here are my picks for 2011. I will also list honorable mentions that could easily have made this list as well.

1. The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling (Scholastic) – Many who are reading this review have likely read these books (7 in the series), but if you haven’t, I would recommend a jaunt through them. The classic good versus evil concept is clearly evident throughout the series. Rowling also delves into the dynamics of relationships, conflict, and cause and effect. Although I doubt Rowling was writing with Christianity in mind, the story includes subtle frameworks of Christian understanding. A lot of pages, but an easy read.

2. Take This Bread by Sara Miles (Ballantine, 2007) – Miles opens up to share the journey of her life—from her days of being a traveling journalist, to working in restaurants, to finding faith, to quickly making faith an active verb. Although her approach to faith sometimes seems irreverent, she leaves no question that it is real to her. Readers of this book will be intrigued how Miles juxtaposes the Eucharist with just generally eating together. She makes connections that cause both to be viewed in deeper, more reverent ways. A refreshing, stirring read.

3. Leaving Church: A Memoir by Barbara Brown Taylor ((Harper, 2007) – This is the first of Taylor’s books I’ve read and was immediately drawn in by her folksy, down-to-earth style of writing. Leaving Church is Taylor’s personal journey of falling in love with a little country church, being called to serve as the pastor, relating stories about the joys and difficulties of ministry there, and her subsequent call to leave the church for a teaching position. The little country church held a warm and dear spot in her heart even after leaving. A touching read.

4. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink (Riverhead, 2009) – I was fascinated by this book. Rewards and punishment are not the greatest factors for motivation. Intrinsic desire and passion are greater motivators. Pink explores ways to focus on intrinsic motivators as the means to help people reach their potential. He includes stories from fascinating read.

5. Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell (Harper, 2011) – Bell explores the possibilities of every person’s fate under the microscope of God’s grace and redeeming love. While Bell may challenge orthodox views, his provocative thoughts point in the direction of a loving God, whose love is greater than any of our understandings of salvation. A provocative read.

Following are the honorable mentions:

a. Becoming an Anti-racist Church: Journeying Toward Wholeness by Joseph Barndt (Fortress, 2011)

b. The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith by Stuart Murray (Herald Press, 2010)

c. Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson (Vintage, 2000)

d. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (Random House, 2010)

e. Fly in the Ointment: Why Denominations Aren't Helping Their Congregations and How They Can by J. Russell Crabtree (Church Publishing, 2008)