BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2009  PART ONE

THE GOLD MEDAL VERY BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Justice Project Brian McLaren, Elisa Padilla, Ashley Bunting Seeber (Baker) $21.99 We are grateful that, for reasons too complicated to go into now, but largely (we presume) because of the graciousness of God who gives revival of this sort, there is a widespread and vibrant move among younger evangelicals to live out a gregarious involvement with the world, showing raw love for the hurting and despised, expressing God's own care for the hurting. Their ministries and readings have evoked a realization that simple charity ("can't we all just get along?") is Biblically naïve and an inadequate response to the deep evils and sorrows of our time. A passion for justice has been brewing, from Sojourners to International Justice Mission; within charismatic circles (the Vineyard churches, for instance) to neo-Calvinists in the reformational movement; from urban Young Life to the new monastics. This book is an example of this new evangelical concern, and is an exceptionally thoughtful, varied, and useful resource, the kind of thing that simply wouldn't have been published a few years ago. Although activist Shane Claiborne has a beautiful quote on the back, what he points out is equally important: "These authors are not just the "usual suspects" of the religious left, but signs of a movement that is coloring outside the lines of partisan politics and stale debates...they insist that our faith must be as daring and sassy, as gentle and fascinating, as our lover, Jesus."

When I reviewed this earlier in the year, I noted how thorough it was, and how readable, how interesting. The Justice Project includes dozens of chapters, showing how justice effects everything from environmental care to urban poverty, from domestic violence to rural life issues. Importantly, there are many great Biblical essays, showing how social justice concerns are found in nearly every aspect of the Bible. A shout out to Sylvia Keesmaat for her piece on Paul. There is still an old stereotype afoot that social justice, while maybe found in the Hebrew Torah, or in the screeds of those rowdy prophets, is not found in the Newer Testament - let alone in Paul. She (and others) deftly show the truth of the what the Bible really says. Read this and rejoice. Read it and put it to use. Share it, study it, dance with it. This is a book I've been waiting for my whole life. Praise be to God.

Deep Church: A Third Way Between Emergent and Traditional Jim Belcher (IVP) $17.00 My deepest roots come from mainline Protestantism, a small town, an ordinary EUB church, the pietistic denomination that merged with the Methodists in the mid-60s where I attended regularly from as far back as I have memory. From my wife's similarly regular Lutheran years, and our mutual admiration of Anabaptist relatives, I think we can say we have a strong ecclesiology. That is, we think church is important; not just the regal Biblical idea of church, but the real, often rather boring, infuriating, slow-to-change, institution made up of oddball folks, the real thing down your street and mine. It is a work, a work of grace, but you can learn stuff there, and become a person shaped by the good news. As much as we've majored in reviewing books about faith-based cultural reform, social outreach, thinking faithfully about vocations outside the walls of the institutional church, drawing on the gospel of the Kingdom (not just personal salvation or parish life) we have always said--and I've highlighted books here--that involvement in a real congregation is vital for earnest Christian growth. Much of the action of God is outside the walls of the church, but that is no excuse for apathy towards the health of the congregation. Still, we know that there is much to talk about, especially as many younger disciples of Jesus seem to be branching up and off into fellowships or gatherings not connected to a real, local parish.

And so, I've been very interested in what many now call the "emergent conversation" of the last decade - this tribe of often disillusioned evangelical church folk who have entered the blogosphere, the conference and retreat world - and developed a publishing program raising big questions about the nature of faith, the meaning of church, the relationship of Christ, church, and Christendom, and what it means to be followers of Jesus in this 21^st Century liquid, consumerist, culture. The emergent folk are good at questioning the narrow piety of many of our most religious leaders, the oddly insular practices of congregational life and the subsequent cultural irrelevancy, the harsh legalism, the corporate sort of trendiness that ends up with big programs and big screens and big commitments to the idols of efficiency and marketing and growth. (Yes, some of the tatooed leaders of the emergent movement used to be youth pastors at the evangelical mega-churches and just burned out on all that cookie-cutter quasi success.) That quintessentially postmodern conversation--controversial and wrong-headed as it may sometimes be--is a conversation worth having. I explained our interests in it here, but it has generated a cottage industry of loud writers writing off anyone visiting the emergent village. Some critics have been wiser than others, and some have been kinder than others, and some have merely caricatured the emergent positions, such as they are. I can count on very few fingers the number of authors in the "critical" camp who have gotten their concerns about the emergent movement right. Jim Belcher, in Deep Church, has.

Deep Church is at once a call to a serious ecclesiology - that is, it reflects wisely about the church and her importance - and it is a very serious and altogether pleasant debate with some of the leaders of the emergent camp (Brian McLaren, Tony Jones, Doug Pagitt, etc.) I am not sure Belcher fully develops everything that needs to be developed - as a working pastor he'd say he has not, as in many ways this is a study in process which he's been working on in the trenches of church planting and ministry. But Jim here does something no less audacious than promoting a new alternative way of thinking about and being church, a third way "beyond" the new voices of the emergent village, and the critics of those voices. He's a "third way" between standard, conservative, and historically orthodox evangelical faith and its usual forms, and the rather edgy, pomo wild guys at the margins of new kinds of Christianity. For those who have followed this, he is neither D.A. Carson and Mark Driscoll, nor Tony Jones and Phyllis Tickle. And he's not a happy medium, either.

I will review Belcher's amazing book in a bit better detail soon because it really deserves to be described in greater fullness, but I want to hold it up as one of the most important books to be published in recent years. It is a must for anyone interested in this emergent movement, and although he isn't particularly addressing mainline folks, it is excellent for anyone interested in congregational life, evangelical or otherwise.

It is a book that models religious debate in healthy and kind and fair ways (that alone makes it exemplary) and a book that talks about congregational renewal (worship, preaching, community, education, outreach, and such) in ways that strike many as fresh, yet solid, creative, yet enduring, risky and adventurous, but not the least bit gimmicky. If anything, it may be said that this isn't all that new: he wants serious liturgy and historic orthodoxy, caring outreach and real-life community, a rejection of standard dualisms, nothing thin or easy or hip. I suppose I'll put my cards on the table with this one: a hero and favorite author of mine, Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, raves about Belcher's unique approach in an appreciative foreward and Jim himself has been a FaceBook friend and customer of ours for quite some time. His vision is largely shaped by a mentor of his, Reverend Tim Keller, whose fairly conservative theology, and fairly traditional worship, construed and embodied in fairly creative ways in mid-town Manhattan, has become one of the shining examples of evangelical cultural renewal in the hard Gotham city. Thick? Missional? Engaged with the emergent, but critical of it? Deep? Provacative? Yes, yes, yes and yes.

This is a must-read for those wanting to get up to speed on the state of the art of down-to-earth but excellent theological discourse, or those who want to dream new dreams about a faithful and relevant church, a mature worshipping community that equips folks to nurture the Christian mind, a Godly care for culture, and an involvement in the coming Kingdom of God. We are happy to name it one of our "books of the year."

Bearing the Mystery: Twenty Years of Image Greg Wolfe, editor (Eerdmans) $30.00 This is a well made, heavy hardback, a book worth owning, using often, dipping into for comfort and enjoyment, stimulation and (in the best sense) inspiration. Wolfe has been at the helm of one of the most important quiet voices of Christian renewal in recent decades, the ecumenical, exceedingly classy, arts/literary journal, Image. Image has published some of the finest writers, poets, essayists and wordsmiths of our time, from Annie Dillard to Kathleen Norris to Denise Levertov to Wendell Berry. Further, they've nurtured a friendly community of artists and patrons, publishing (and sometimes gathering together) those in the matrix of this recent interest in faith, art, literature and cultural renewal. Filmmakers and painters, poets and memoirists and the occasional theologian or rock star have found their way into the columns, interviews and articles of this fine, fine quarterly journal.

Bearing...is a published celebration - I only mean to quip cleverly when I say it is like a greatest hits - and it is an honor to realize it was God's doing, this uprising of a faithful few, carried forward by sheer determination, small donations, and the passions that have always propelled artists to do their creative thing. I do not just rave about this book because it honors the anniversary of Image; it really, really is a treasure trove of great insight and deep enjoyment. Here you'll find Patricia Hampl, Scott Cairns, Clyde Edgerton, Mako Fujimura, Ron Hansen, Luci Shaw, Ann Patchett and so many others. For a few of us, the Mark Heard journal entry is nearly worth the price of the book. Others will cherish a piece by Larry Woiwode. A few, I'm sure, will be touched by Julia Kasdorf's piece, "Across from Jay's Book Stall in Pittsburgh." And many of us should have at least one full color example of the large art of Ed Knippers, a watercolor portrait by Catherine Prescott, a woodcut by Barry Moser. We here at Hearts & Minds, I suppose I should confess, are not terribly high-brow and we live and work in a pretty common-place small town so we are not gushing about this because we live in some urbane culture of grand literature. I do not say this lightly, but I do want to say it loudly: for anybody who cares about good writing, this is one of the best books we've seen in years, as it is laden with such deep joy and meaning, and it stands for so much more. Congratulations to the stout crew that keeps this labor of love alive.

GOTTA LOVE IT: OUR OWN FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR

These may or may not deserve to be in the very "best" category, but we sure did love them. These are our favorites, those that brought us the most solid pleasure. Maybe that really does make 'em the best. Thanks to these writers for a job well done, for a labor that has blessed us personally.

Coop: A Year in Pigs, Poultry and Parenting Michael Perry (HarperOne) It seems to me that these should just fly off the shelves. Maybe I don't know how to explain this guy, whom I've described as a "blue collar Garrison Keillor." I mean no disrespect to the rural Lutheran, but Perry has real dirt under his fingernails (and who knows what else; he's been working with pigs and changing diapers if you get my drift.) Beth and I both will read anything Perry writes, and have loved Population 485, Truck, Off Main Street and now this: a crowning achievement of fun, foibles, small town, hard-workin' life, told with exquisite prose that just doesn't quit. He is clever and deep and wise and good. I've read a lot of good books these past years, and this really is an all-time favorite. You will be touched, I'm sure, and duly impressed by his truly amazing wordsmithing, his carpentry skills (or at least his darn-good effort), his realization that he is often a dolt (ask his wife) and his solid alt-country musical tastes. Put on some Steve Earle and spread the word.

Million Miles in a Thousand Years Donald Miller (Nelson) $19.99 Okay, I'm a tad nervous saying this, as Donald Miller has a huge following, mostly among younger evangelicals who (sorry for the hunch here) haven't read tons of memoir, and wouldn't know Patrica Hample from Mary Karr from Seven Story Mountain. Maybe that book with the cardboard box on the guy's head and maybe the on-line rants of Jon Stewart. Okay, enough of that. I'm sorry. I just sometimes wonder when a 19 year old fundamentalist swears by a book that changed her life--think Blue Like Jazz or Crazy Love--that they just may not get out into the literary world much. Still, this is a good thing: that fun and interesting writers capture the attention of those not used to serious prose. I'm happy that folks really rave about writers they like.

I say all that to sound a little snarky and keep you high-brow folks with me---yes, yes, we can mock the popular and hip quite easily, can't we? But listen here: Miller is a really good writer, he is a good thinker and it seems to me that he's worked really hard to find his voice (as they say) and although he's plenty pissed off at ordinary conservative evangelicalism, he is theologically altogether reliable. This is just one heck of a fun and funny book, well written, entertaining, interesting, and--yep--right. We do have to make meaning of our lives and our lives do unfold very much like a movie plot. This narrative about narrative - they were making a movie about his life, which got him thinking he ought to improve his life a bit, which he does by studying film-making, and trying to get the real Don as interesting as the movie Don - is really clever. You have to grant me that. Maybe this is the best new idea for a book in 25 years! (Name a better idea, can ya?) And he mostly pulls it off. Yep, this long-awaited Donald Miller was one of our favorite books of the year. And not just us, but it has a sweet ol blurb right on the front from Anne Lamotte. Told ya. This is really good stuff. Maybe he'll be nominated someday for the best book inspired by a movie, or the movie by the book, or whatever. In the meantime, he gets this little shout out from Hearts & Minds. Best of '09.

Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100 Mile Diet Alisa Smith & J. B. Mackinnon (Three Rivers Press) $13.95 I know that it is rather trendy to be writing about sustainable agriculture, being a foodie and localism and such. We love Barbara Kingsolver (can't wait to read her brand new novel) but (I hate to admit) the popular zietgist-weathervane Animal Vegetable Miracle grew a bit old on me. We're glad everybody read The Omnivore's Dilemma last year, and we gloried in it as well, but it, too, didn't make me laugh or cry. This, though - the feisty story of two young lovers (with nothin' better to do, as Steve Miller put it) who decide to only eat food that was grown within a 100 mile radius of their British Columbia home - really was a hoot. What a memoir! They shop, they grow stuff, they forage, they fight, they learn to cook. You know the worst scenes in Julie and Julia? This is worse than that. And, more important. This is a haunting study of an ecological footprint and a pointer towards what it may mean to be more responsible stewards of God's good earth. Couldn't put it down, a signal not only of how important it was, but how much I truly enjoyed it, how well it was written, and how I grew to care about this difficult journey and this difficult relationship. The hardback edition was entitled Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally.

The Devil Reads Derrida: And Other Essays on the University, the Church, Politics and the Arts James K.A. Smith (Eerdmans) $18.00 I love non-fiction books, and will name plenty, thinking up goofy awards just to be able to honor so many I truly appreciated. This really was one of my favorites, in part because of a few key essays (Teaching Calvinists to Dance, for instance, or the brilliant Architecture of Altruism: On Loving Our Neighborhoods.) These are short pieces by one of the most important--and increasingly known--young scholars of recent years, a Calvin College philosophy prof who is as fluent in Flaubert, Foucault, Little Miss Sunshine and Harry Potter. He is as passionate about liturgical renewal as he is about uniquely Christian political activism, and seriously informed about both. (His piece on why Jim Wallis isn't particularly helpful, is very much worth reading, overstated as it may be.) This is a clever, smart, insightful, Biblically-laden, collection of interesting essays, and is to be especially commended for being a fine example of how serious scholarship can serve the church, how Christian critical thinking can be done in such a manner as to help ordinary people. Short, thoughtful, pieces, personal testimony, sermons, movie and book reviews: philosopher as public intellectual, serving the rest of us. A great collection. I only wish there were more. Maybe this award will inspire another such collection.

A Good Neighbor: Benedict's Guide to Community Robert Benson (Paraclete) $14.99 This slim volume, like other Benson books, illustrates his humble style, his somewhat wry humor, his economy of words. I don't quite know why I am so enamored by his spare style, his (almost) no-nonsense story telling, but time in Benson's pages always creates a truly sweet reading experience. Here, he gives sound advice on forming community, on being present to those whom God has given you, and those God gives you to. That is, neighbors, church friends, associates, colleagues, friends and family, here and far. This is a sane way to be aware of the deeper relational connections that are possible, and their pains and sorrows, graces and responsibilities. This book provides a lovely way to learn a bit about Saint Benedict's advice for monks, too, - applied to contemporary life in the not so fast lane. Lovely. His wonderful handsized hardback book The Echo Within on vocation isn't a 2009 book, but I read it in 2009. It, too, is a lovely, delightful, wise and great read. I cherished holding that little hardback, and it reminded me of how good a writer he is, without being overly zealous for the fancy touch. Highly recommended. I award him bounteous Benedictine blessing.

TELL THE STORY, TELL THE TRUTH: BEST MEMOIR

Well, I've awarded Coop (Perry) Million Miles in a Thousand Years (Miller) and Plenty (Smith & Macinnon)... excellent choices, all, favorite books in this favorite genre. Three others get special mention, though.

Lit Mary Karr (Harper) Some say that her 1990s hard-scrabble West Texas dysfunctional girlhood memoirs, Liars Club and Cherry, catapulted us into the era of memoir. Her wit and amazing craft of cadence and word choice make her truly one of the most celebrated writers in decades. And her weird, hard, white trash, alcoholic little shop of horrors of a family sure gave her grist for the story. This third installment has been long, long awaited, and nearly every page provides stunning examples of her excellent, transparent writing. This self-effacing story is vulgar and tender, real and amazing, beautiful and smart. Her marriage to an exceptionally wealthy New England old money, Harvard gent, now a scrambling poet himself, sets up contrasts that just had to be written about; her journey to (as she indelicately calls it) "the looney bin" is power-house stuff, as is her poetry writing amidst her recovery. Somewhat like Anne Lamott or Anne Rice - other boehmian and celebrated authors who have come to be found by the Christian faith - Karr has converted to Catholicism. This is not a major part of the book, but no matter. This is a deeply religious cry of the heart, a wild and witty telling of tragedy and redemption, poetry in fast forward motion. Wow.

Girl in an Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail Margot Starbuck (IVP) $16.00 I so enjoyed this story of a college-age evangelical off to change the world who comes slowly up against her longing to meet her birth-father (even while her adopted family starts falling apart at the seams.) Starbuck, who is one great character - a woman my wife and I would love to meet someday, ends up at Princeton Seminary and becomes an ordained Presbyterian minister with a serious case of depression, some painful physical disabilities, a jones for stalking the dad who rejected her, and a hole in her heart that would make Augustine's restlessness seem tidy. We so, so appreciated the good writing, and so respect the author for telling her story that it just had to be listed as a year's best. This is classic memoir, interesting, funny, riveting, at times heart-breaking; a story that is particular (of course) and yet in some ways, somehow, universal. Who isn't trying to find a God who loves us? Who doesn't need to work through insecurities and foibles? Who doesn't have, or know someone who has, serious medical and psychological issues? Who doesn't like a good laugh in the face of severe setbacks? (Or, a punked out fashion sense in the face of middle-class sobriety, another fun part of the book!) I think this is not only an enjoyable read, not only a well-written story, but it is a life-saver for some. Just the right touch: not too heavy, not too dark, but truthful. Girl in an Orange Dress deserves special accolades. One of the year's best books, to be sure.

OUR MOST AUDACIOUS CLAIM: THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK OF THE YEAR

I want to honor a book that is truly a major new contribution, breaking ground that perhaps has yet to be explored, offering genuine insight in a new manner, insight that is vital and important. Drum roll, please...and it is a tie.  Ohhh, the suspense.  This is huge.

Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation James K.A. Smith (BakerAcademic) $21.99 I will be the first to admit that this book may not be for everyone. It is slow going at times, although for those who wade through gruelingly written, exceptionally tedious, academic texts, this will be a happy breath of fresh air. Who knew a scholarly work of serious theology, philosophy, and cultural criticism could be so interesting and well-polished? Who knew you could expound on Dooyeweerd, Derrida, U2 or the Coen brothers all in one book on spiritual formation, worship and adult education? Here, Professor Smith offers his first volume of a two volume magnum opus: he asks how the liturgies we ritually embody - at the mall, say - shape us, shape who we are, how we see life, indeed, what we become, and what we most love. Deeply Augustinian, this is an exploration of our deepest loves and desires that are created and nurtured more by cultural liturgies than by our regular church worship. It explores how Christian affections and subsequent ways of life must be shaped by radical (deep?) worship more powerfully formative than the secular rituals of sports and nation state and commerce and entertainment. This is truly a major, major contribution. Anyone interested in worship, shaping lives for the reign of God, Christian education, or what we sometimes call "worldview studies" would be wise to spend time pondering (and hopefully discussing) this vital work. Part two will come next year, and will be extraordinary, I am sure. Read this volume now, and join the conversation. It is very, very important. It is one of the most important books of the year.

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work Matthew Crawford (The Penguin Press) $25.95 You may have heard of this, seen my review of it earlier, or seen it on other astute lists, where it has gotten some very nice accolades. It really has gotten very good reviews, in some prestigious circles, but not nearly enough as it deserves. This is an amazingly important work, nearly perfect (except for a few spots it bogs down just a bit, and perhaps the concern that it is a bit too academic for the audience that needs it most, despite the author's quirky humor.) This is a memoir and study that evaluates the ways in which our information revolution has seduced us into thinking that we don't need real work, real craft, blue-collar labor or those who work with their hands. We've devalued shop class - in many cases, schools have eliminated them - and the working trades, in favor of abstract and arcane academia or computer skills for the alleged virtual world. Crawford tells the story well of his own journey into PhD-dom, his work in a think tank, and the sense of intellectual and vocational emptiness (and worse, a compromise of ethics) garnered from his work pushing papers. A beautifully written and deeply thoughtful story ensues, in which he tells of his new found energy and joy from starting a motorcycle repair shop, a now renowned little business in Roanoke VA.

Around this memoir is a wonderfully realized, extended essay on the dignity of work and the meaning of education, and why it is we privilege certain ways of knowing (purely abstract, or rationalistic) at the expense of more humane, multi-dimensional, or tacit ways of knowing. (If you think of Michael Polanyi here, you get an award yourself!)

We love this Shop Class book, serious and profound as it is, and think it is exceptionally important, raising matters that we simply must attend to, soon. Without confessing the Christian faith, the author raises significant, religious-like questions about what we know, how we know, the role of our hearts and minds and hands, and how our embodied work - like fixing things - has not only great social significance, but can be a source of glad joy and lasting meaning. Literate, captivating, intelligent, and (yes) about motorcycles. If this doesn't deserve an award, nothing does! Way to go, blue-collar soul-man.

BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THEOLOGY

Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision N.T. Wright (IVP) $25.00 I am sure there are more weighty volumes that have been released this year, and some are truly noteworthy. We've got piles of 'em all over that room of the store, heavy tomes like spiritual bricks, stacked. Some, I know, have taken years to write, and deserve serious accolades. I am sure some in the academy or theological guilds will honor those, even those that are a bit arcane. This, though, is a book that we believe merits extra attention because it illustrates great, creative, Biblically-shaped theological study, done for the educated layperson. This is smart and informed, but not stuffy. It is deep, but not arcane. It is passionately polemical, but not grating (although he expresses his frustration with his critics in rare moments of ire.) This is theology meant to be studied together, and it is a major contribution from a person (agree with him fully or not) who is one of the most important Biblical scholars writing today. This book deserves all the acclaim it has gotten, and it has gotten much. Wright deserves very little of the criticism he has gotten for that matter, as this book shows.

The first half of Justification is mostly a response to his critics (most directly, the fascinating, infuriating, and important little book by passionate pastor John Piper, that I applauded with great qualifications here two years ago.) The second half illustrates Wright's understanding of the Biblical Kingdom vision and of what justification is, in light of the centrality of Jesus' victory. He builds his case carefully and thoroughly, explicating how justification is to be understood in every major discussion of it in the New Testament, mostly Romans and Galatians. I ought not over-promote this - I was going to say it was nearly magisterial - as it is only 250 pages, and is very readable for ordinary people wanting a solid study of a central question of our faith. Thank goodness for books like this! We are happy to call it the most important theological contribution of the year.

AWARDING BOOKS ABOUT THE CHURCH

Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional Jim Belcher (IVP) $17.00 Already named this as one of the best books of the year, so you can read my remarks, above...

This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers Eerdmans) $16.00 I almost put this in the "favorite books" category, but hesitated as I wanted it listed here. I really did love this book; I found myself wiping tears that were running down my cheek on more than one occasion. This is by two fine UCC pastors, excellent church leaders in the mainline Protestant world, and very gifted writers. (A few of the chapters were excerpted in The Christian Century.) Here, they describe in intimate detail, the ordinary lives of pastors. If you are a clergy person, you will love this. If you know pastors well, you'll get it. If you want to understand what ministers go through--their inner lives, their joys and frustrations, the strains on their marriages, their fears and foibles--this is a must-read. Lauren Winner, an excellent storyteller, theologian and writer herself, declared this: "My dictionary doesn't have enough enthusiastic adjectives for this book, which I adore...Everyone who loves the church or struggles with the church or is just plain curious about the church will relish every page." I read much of this book before I got an edition that had Ms Winner's blurb on the back. I knew I "adored" it and I indeed was "relishing" nearly every page; Beth heard me read some of it out loud, as we passed the Century articles to each other, anxious to see the full book. I am glad Winner put into words my heart-felt affirmation; I adore this book.

Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion Kevin DeYoung & Ted Kluck (Moody) $14.99 I wasn't sure if I should list this, as I disagreed with a few things, and found their critique of a few friends to be a bit overstated. Maybe I will review this more carefully later, showing how they didn't fully get every nuance right; they maybe made a few straw men to be too easily knocked down as they fret about those who use missional language to avoid the ordinary details of congregational life. But, still--still!--this was a book I couldn't put down, that I wanted to keep reading, that I wish I could sell more of, that I want others to consider. It is important and fun and vital, and there is hardly anything like it. In a year when a handful of books came out documenting why people - even deeply religious, Christian disciples - are leaving church, and some publishers are not only documenting, but affirming the departure, somebody had to say this trend is wacky or worse. Why We Love the Church is a Biblically centered discussion of why we really need to stay involved in churches, and how to keep churches focussed on the right stuff. When dry old J.I. Packer writes "As I read, I wanted to stand up and cheer" you know you've got a winner. (Okay, sorry about that; Packer has become quite a lively writer himself since his early days densely commenting on his beloved John Owens.) These two young men have written other fun stuff (including Ted's recent The Reason for Sports) but this is by far their best. They love Christ and they love His church. Let's hear it for these guys! Whoot.

Worship Words: Discipling Language for Faithful Ministry Debra Rienstra and Ron Rienstra (Baker Academic) $19.99 This may be considered an academic book, as the "engaging worship" series co-sponsored by the Calvin Center for Christian Worship is, but I think nearly anyone interested in richer, more faithful, and more fruitful worship ought to study this remarkable text. The authors carefully examine the role and use of language in our praying, singing, preaching, and in the other worship practices in the church. WW is very personal (with lots of stories) and practical, even though it is rooted in very serious scholarship and research. When I reviewed it a month or so ago, I noted that Marva Dawn raved about it, as does Sally Morgenthaler and Thomas Long---important voices to whom we should listen when they commend something so firmly. An "extraordinarily rich treasure," Marva insists. Dawn continues, "Because of the unusual combination of their brilliant literary, musical, and theological gifts, the Rienstras offer phenomenal contributions to all of us..." Wishing to explore, learn or re-learn the grammar of worship? This is the most useful resource we've seen, truly an award winning effort! Praise the Lord!

The Pastor as Minor Poet: Texts and Subtexts in the Ministerial Life M. Craig Barnes (Eerdmans) $18.00 Barnes is a good pastor, he has been through some hard times, he is a rich thinker and a practiced writer. Importantly, he's a working pastor. This is his best, a soaring and beautiful study of pastoring, using the metaphor of being a poet. Walter Brueggemann has explored this richly, and he writes, "Barnes knows all about being a pastor, how to use authority, how to lead, how to listen, how to provoke. He knows, moreover, that it finally all comes down to faithful words that can conjure alternative scenarios of the future. In a society cold with technical reason, this summons to poetic truth is of huge importance." We couldn't agree more. Rave on.

A HEARTS & MINDS EXCLUSIVE AWARD: WORLDVIEW STUDIES

You may know that we do what we do here at Hearts & Minds mostly because in the 70s we committed to studying this notion of worldview, and how the Christian faith becomes a lens for all we see. Worldviews shape how we construe, how we make meaning of life, and therefore how we relate our deepest convictions to our perceptions and evaluations of daily life, how we "lean into life" as James Sire famously put it. That is, the Christian faith becomes a vision, a transforming vision, or, as some now say, a story in which we play a part. Every so often, books that talk about this deserve special acclaim. I don't know how many other stores have a section of "worldview studies" or a special award for them. We sure do, it,s how we see life: worldviewishly. So here's a worldview award for books on worldview.

After Worldview Edited by Matthew Bonzo and Michael Stevens (Dordt College Press) $13.00 Several years ago, some of the most prolific and important authors who have used this method of discourse, who have entered this particular conversation, who have studied and taught, and written on worldview formation, gathered to ask if in the postmodern 21^st Century, we still need this bit of rhetoric, or even this very idea. They struggled with many questions, but one was this: If we are hoping by using this concept of worldview to make a distinctively Christian mark on the world, by learning to discerningly "think" Christianly, then we must ask if the very notion of worldview - which some argue is more rooted in a Continental philosophy than a Hebrew way of thinking - is the way to do that. Does a Christian worldview really have a need for this notion of worldview? That is, is the very word and its idea freighted with too much non-Christian ideology that trails along, deforming our Christian way of life in the world? (The irony was not lost that it was largely the worldview thinkers of the Dutch neo-Calvinist reformational movement that taught them to ask this very question, to explore in this very way the deep philosophical presuppositions of an idea. Dooyeweerd and, more popularly, Francis Schaeffer, preceded the deconstructionists on this by a decade or so.) And, the question is also one that happens to be thick these days: does worldview imply only getting "ideas" correct, thereby missing the transforming way of life that the Bible calls for? There are many chapters here, pieces from James Sire and David Naugle and Al Wolters and Calvin Seerveld. Trinity Christian College philosophy professor George Pierson, an old college friend from our early CCO days in Western Pennsylvania, gives a lecture on evangelical confusion on these things, stuff he was astute enough to be saying back in the day, stuff that was formative for me, and still important for our work here. What a great bunch of serious and critical studies about worldview. Does something come after worldview?

I don't know how much others appreciate this fine-tuned debate, or if they will resonate with James Olthius, who playfully and poetically talks about the wild ways of love as we seek to be faithful in our Kingdom service, riffing on words and holding forth on various ways to both appreciate and deconstruct the language of worldview. I know that anytime Cal Seerveld or Al Wolters or Davey Naugle show up, it is worth reading.

I also know one of these chapters was dedicated to a late mentor of mine, Dr. Peter J. Steen, who first taught me the word weltanschauung. That alone would be enough reason to celebrate this fine book. I think this is exceptionally important stuff. I invite you to join the discussion.

The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog (fifth edition) James W. Sire (IVP) $22.00 James Sire, as some readers surely know, has been a significant voice in carrying on this conversation about not just "world religions" but world-and-life-views, and how these ways of thinking show up in philosophy books, literature, movies, and in daily conversations, not just in comparative religion debates. He has been a cultural apologist, defending Christian truth with grace and thoughtfulness for much of his life, writing splendid books about the life of the mind, and why Christians should think clearly about all of life under God's reign. In his many books, Sire has often reminded us of the deeper constellations of ideas and assumptions that shape our visions of the meaning of life--- and why we must be aware of these faith-like, life-perspectives. This book has been updated several times in the last twenty years, which has always been helpful, but never terribly urgent (in my view.) He's added a chapter or two in each new edition and the book remained a chestnut in this field, a standard.

Since being a part of the on-going conversations around the deeper question about refining the meaning of worldview (see the Bonzo/Stevens book, above) Sire has concluded that he had not really thought through all the implications of his rather rationalistic cataloguing of different worldviews. He had become known as a worldview guru, but he later admitted he had not adequately considered the very meaning of the word (and he found seminal for his own renewed thinking, the heavy David Naugle book, Worldview: The History of an Idea.) Sire bravely documented this journey, and presented his deeper, more profound, and more happily allusive approach to what worldviews are, and why they matter, in the great little 2004 book, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept. This past Fall a new edition of Universe Next Door was released and it is the first time that it has not only been expanded, but has been significantly reworked. Sire has introduced his new understandings of worldview into each chapter, and while he continues to explore theism, Marxism, rationalism, naturalism, pantheism, new age mysticism and such, he has an excellent new chapter on Islam as a worldview. This is still subtitled a "basic worldview catalog", but this Fifth Edition is amazingly richer than anything that has come before, not only with Sire's new insights, but with sidebars, helpful pull out quotes, and the ever-present great footnotes. My hat is off, as always, to Dr. Sire, but he is surely to be awarded honors for the hard work of rethinking things, and redoing things, making a classic so very much better. Here's the award I've been waiting to give, to the fully re-done Fifth Edition!

Hidden Worldviews: Eight Cultural Stories That Shape Our Lives Steve Wilkins & Mark Sanford (IVP) $22.00 I am sometimes suspect of those who jump too quickly to name the various ideologies and worldviews that are behind this or that cultural artifact. As Andy Crouch has described in last years fabulous and justly famous Culture Making, we sometimes develop a posture, a habit of cultural engagement, that is unduly negative and chintzy. We just sniff out this or that idea, this or that false philosophy, and off we go, not really understanding or maturely discerning profound matters, we just point and judge, blasting away with this habit of cheaply naming and quickly criticizing. So I was nervous about this, wondering if it just was another example of the hyper-critical posture of judging anything we don't think is religious enough for our pious tastes. I can see why I thought that, and I am glad to say I as wrong.

This is a wise and thoughtful book, engaging the deepest level assumptions and values of the American way of life. Some of the critique sounds a bit as if it might come from the left of center--from Sojourners or Bob Goudzedwaard say; other critiques and analysis could have been found in First Things or the deep end of the conservative think tanks. Which is to say, Hidden Worldviews is not exactly predictable, it is not driven by sharp ideology, and it isn't just a screed trying to get Christians engaged in more culture warring. These discerning authors accomplished what they set out to do. Their project was to decipher the meaning of the story of the American way of life, to uncover and evaluate the philosophical (religious?) assumptions of that driving drama. It explores, for instance, how implicit beliefs shape what we hear in the evening news or what is implied between the lines in college textbooks. I may not say it just like they did on every page, and I had some underlined portions I wanted to reconsider. Which is also to say this is a darn good piece of work. We're happy to do more than commend it, we want to promote it with this little not-so-hidden Hearts & Minds award.

A REALLY GOOD NEWS AWARD: BEST BOOKS ABOUT EVANGELISM

Learning Evangelism From Jesus Jerram Barrs (Crossway) $17.99 I love reading books about evangelism, and there are so many good ones. Barrs' remarkably thorough, careful, thoughtful study from a few years back, The Heart of Evangelism, has often been the one I've recommended when someone asked for the very best, the foundational one, the most readable, but serious, theological study of the topic by a solid evangelical. Here, now, he follows up that extraordinary study with another book exactly on Jesus and what the Bible tells us of his approach. This has been done before, of course, but rarely with as much Biblcal insight, depth, or as much personal passion and wisdom. As William Edgar writes (and when Edgar commends something, I listen): "I can think of no other living educator who better embodies the gospel's tough love combined with its unconditional acceptance of flawed people than Jerram Barrs. In this wonderfully moving account of Jesus' approach to evangelism, Barrs shows us the ways in which the Lord's message penetrates deep into the human heart, uncovering its darkest secrets while always defending the dignity of its owner." As David Wells writes, in Learning Evangelism..."the great truths of the gospel shine forth undiminished while at the same time the recesses of the human heart are explored with real insight." Discussion questions at the end make this a very useful study for motivated adults.

The Unexpected Adventure: Taking Everyday Risks to Talk With People About Jesus Lee Strobel & Mark Mittelberg (Zondervan) $14.99 I like these guys; I've enjoyed their other books, and appreciated hearing them live. They are funny and fun and serious and joyful. And they just "bleed" evangelism, as they say these days. These guys want to reach others for Jesus, and they want the good news of forgiveness and new life to be known by many. They have learned how to invite people - push people - into taking new steps of speaking about God, and this is a collection of ways they do that. I could call it "evangelism training" but that sounds dry and textbooky. This is an adventure, a game with God, nearly. Sign up to do this, read a chapter a day (or a week if you prefer) and do whatever they say. This includes 42 real-life stories to inspire your own spiritual adventure. The authors believe that one of the most exhilarating and fulfilling dimensions of the Christian life is (kindly, responsibly, relationally) sharing the gospel news with others. I am sure you have spiritually confused friends. I am sure you have neighbors with needs. Here is what they say on the back: "Whether you are a new believer or a seasoned Christian, you'll find new vision and sage advise for living a high impact life." I don't think this is just market-jive to sell yet another devotional guidebook. This really could do the trick, helping nudge you to do something great for God. I am glad for easily read, enjoyable, challenging books that invite readers to actually do something. This is a winner; one of the best of the year. Yay.

"THE B-I-B-L-E-YES THAT'S THE BOOK FOR ME" AWARD: BIBLICAL STUDIES

The True Story of the Whole World Craig Bartholomew & Michael Goheen (Faith Alive) $11.95 You may know our fondness for the large but vibrant overview of the Bible, The Drama of Scripture: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama (Baker.) A year ago, the publishing arm of the Christian Reformed Church, invited Goheen & Bartholomew to re-do that massive work, and slim it down for more average readers. What has happened is a miracle of modern publishing and marketing and editing. Here is a much hipper cover, printed with a nicer size type font, attractive pull out quotes, discussion questions, and a lot cheaper price, all the while retaining the substance of this worldview-shaping, visionary view of the unfolding drama of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures that finds its center in the story of the Christ and His redemptive work in the world. This now is ideal for youth groups, college-age studies, adult classes, or anyone who wants a seriously considered and altogether enjoyable Biblical overview that invites us to see not just the full story of the Bible (as important as that may be) but to learn to see and read the Bible as a holy narrative that makes sense of life and times. Borrowing from the likes of N.T. Wright and Leslie Newbegin, this is now our favorite introduction to the Bible. Award-winning? It's so true!

God the Peacemaker: How Atonement Brings Shalom Graham Cole (Apollos/IVP) $26.00 While this could have been awarded in the theology category, it is informed by Biblical theology, so it is rigorously exegetical, following all the great themes and storylines of the unfolding Bible itself (creation, fall, covenant, promise, fulfillment, redemption, consummation and such.) You may know that I have pacifist leanings, and am interested anytime serious evangelicals explore the Biblical themes of peace-making. Yes, indeed, this is an extraordinary study of the ways in which the cross provides shalom to a broken creation. Yes, it is properly titled. It is neither Mennonite nor pacifist, and holds to a traditional view of atonement, even while pushing the scope of God's redeeming love in helpful ways. D.A. Carson is the editor of this fine New Studies in Biblical Theology series, and Cole teaches at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; this is not Rene Girard (although Cole interacts with him) or anything particularly unusual. It is truly stellar scholarship of the first order, helping us understand the classic truths of the faith, applied to the modern world of ache and horror, giving us confidence of what God intends to do, enriching our understanding of how it happens, through the cross of the Lamb. I wish a few technical details were done differently (why don't scholarly books write the first name of the many authors they cite, but only the first initial? What's with the odd abbreviations? Okay, it's academia, but it could be a bit more reader-friendly, couldn't it?) Still, this deserves a listing for one of the best scholarly treatments of Biblical themes this year.

You know you are a non-fiction book geek when you are interested in those anthologies done as a presentation gift for a retiring scholar. There are often excellent chapters written about, inspired by, or in honor of a sterling professor who has become a beloved mentor. Sometimes they are really terrible, if well-intended. Occasionally, they are excellent. They are always pricey.

Speaking the Truth in Love: The Theology of John M. Frame Edited by John Hughes (P&R) $59.99 I suppose it doesn't matter if you fully agree with this staunch defender of historic Reformed theology, a scholar from Westminster West, a sister institution to the renowned Calvinist seminary in Philadelphia that broke off of the too-liberal Princeton in the early 1900s. Frame is a truly extraordinary scholar, a genius in many ways, and his last few very hefty books have been the pinnacle of his long career in apologetics, systematic theology, and Biblical ethics. This new collection of pieces by former students--themselves now seminary professors, scholars, authors or pastors---is stunning in its breadth, scholarly acumen, and pastoral importance. There are chapters here that deserve to be read and re-read, and even if you don't find yourself quite in the same camp as these strict fellows, the writings will make you think, sharpen your mind, stretch you towards Biblical faithfulness and Godly living. Some of the chapters are on topics of interest to Reformed theology, and many are explaining, defending, fine-tuning, or interacting with Dr. Frame and his prodigious career. There are dozens of authors, dozens of chapters, over 1200 pages! The rave reviews of this massive volume are from the likes of Wayne Grudem (one of his students), D.A. Carson ("If Frame writes it, I read it!"), R.C. Sproul, John Piper, and J.I. Packer who says Frame has made "a huge contribution to the future well-being of the entire evangelical world" and calls this "a spectacular achievement." Here is serious work on theology, epistemology, apologetics, church, worship, ethics, culture, and more. I hear it is the thickest book P&R ever published. It deserves an award for a more substantive reason than that. Congratulations.

ONE OF GOD'S FAVORITES: BEST BOOKS OF SOCIAL CONCERN AND FAITH-BASED ACTIVISM

The Poor Will Be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty Peter Greer & Phil Smith, photography by Phil Smith (Zondervan) $19.99 This colorful book tells the story of micro-finance, an idea which has been much discussed of late. Can this help us eradicate world poverty and hunger, or at least make a significant difference in the lives of the poor? Can a strategy of development based on small loans offer insights about a more normative and just understanding of economics, markets, development, aid? Yes, this topic is urgent, and this book documents one of the premier Christian relief and development agencies working today (Hope International, from Lancaster, PA.) Happily, Hope International does this micro-loan business very well, and they are exceptionally fruitful in their efforts.

We are tickled to honor them by applauding this book, but we also want to offer special honor to the publisher, Zondervan (of Grand Rapids, MI.) Not only have they done several great books along these lines in recent years (a new development, I might add) but they have done them with verve and class; not all of their older fundamentalist clients have appreciated the works of Shane Claiborne or books on social justice. Yet, they have done a commendable job, taking a significant risk for God's Kingdom's sake, and are changing the reputation of those with conservative, evangelical foundations.

The design on this hardback is stunning, the artful photographs enhancing the book many-fold. We admit to having some interest in this ministry (they are in Central Pennsylvania, have been at the Pittsburgh Jubilee conference in the past, and have even ordered books from us before.) Still, who would think a conservative evangelical publishing house would release this exceptionally rich and colorful study of this arcane topic about global poverty, and make it truly interesting, accessible, joyful and spiritually hopeful? This is a revolution of hope that makes complete sense, is driven by evangelical zeal, and this book is more than award-winning. It is a near miracle, documenting a sea-change in Christian publishing and the horizons of the possible. Hats off to everyone involved!

Hey, the Proverbs say that whoever gives a loan to the poor is actually lending to God.  I wonder if we are giving an award to a book about lending....ahh, never mind.

The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity Soong-Chan Rah (IVP) $15.00 In recent years many authors (Mark Noll, Martin Marty, Lamin Sannah, Harvey Cox, but supremely Philip Jenkins) have documented the way in which European and North American Caucasians are now in the minority within the global, multi-racial Body of Christ. The future is now, as they say, and global trends within Christianity have caused a seismic shift away from the West to the South and East. Even within North America, the church is diversifying in terms of race, ethnicity, and culture. This is, without a doubt, the most important and clear and powerful book to explore this and we are thrilled to promote it. As Cox himself says, "this book is the best and most balanced treatment of the subject now available." The esteemed Dr. Jenkins says it is "timely, thoughtful and very rewarding." Reward it we shall, in our own little way.

Just War as Christian Discipleship: Recentering the Tradition in the Church Rather Than the State Daniel M. Bell, Jr. (Brazos) $21.99 I don't know if this guy is right, and I don't know if I've allowed this to sink in enough yet, but I know it is very, very important, and a major contribution to an age-old conversation about the ethics of war. You may recall that many pundits---from The Atlantic Monthly to Christianity Today to America have commented on President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, a speech laden with references to the classic just war theory. It is obvious that our President knows enough to cite Niebuhr, and we ought to be having better discussions about the role of peacemaking, just-peace work, the just war theory and such. Here, Bell--a United Methodist who studied with Hauerwas, and now teaches at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary--has written a book that one reviewer calls "astonishing" and another says is "groundbreaking." The preface, written by Lt. Col. Chaplain Scott Sterling notes that "his is a book I wish I'd had during my deployments."

I have seen conversations about the just war theory, or about Christian nonviolence, grow shallow and mean, so we need good and fair thinkers, since most people haven't thought all that deeply (let alone read widely) on this urgent matter. This conversational work is deep and thoughtful, bringing together the voices of pacifists such as John Howard Yoder, with the more standard views of the just war tradition, finding some new common ground, and drawing insights from all. As one who has for years engaged this debate, and who still has so much to learn and to live, I am grateful for any new approach. Very highly recommended.

Kudos, by the way, again to Brazos, as they also released this year a long-gone-missing set of remarkable (and often alluded to) lectures by John Howard Yoder, the premier scholar of Mennonite non-violence, who died a decade ago. This was a book that he was working on when he suddenly died, and some have eagerly anticipated in what form it would come out, if ever. What an exciting publishing event. It is vintage Yoder-- and it shows the serious, public relevance (contra Niebuhr!) of Biblical nonviolence. The War of the Lamb: The Ethics of Nonviolence and Peacemaking was lovingly edited by Glen Stassen, Mark Thiessen Nation, and Matt Hamsher.

TRULY GREAT BOOKS FOR EVERYONE: THE BEST OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

Counterferfeit Gods: Empty Promises of Money, Sex and Power and the Only Hope that Matters Timothy Keller (Dutton) $19.95 Hard to know where to put this marvelous little volume, as it deserves multiple awards. Upon getting an early version, I knew it deserved to be named as one of the best books of the year. There are a few other books on idolatry---one would think there would be more--and this is, I believe, the best I've yet read. It is Biblically rooted, culturally savvy, sociologically informed, and, although based on good theology, is very pastorally presented. Typical for the highly regarded Manhattan Reverend, this book is thoughtful and compelling, well-written - drawing on sources and insights, and illuminating quotes from a wide range of places, from The New Yorker to Christopher Lasch. Although he is not the first to do this (think of the spectacular Richard Foster book) Counterfeit Gods looks pointedly at three great idols of our culture, in most of our hearts - money, sex, and power. Of course, at the nexus of Wall Street and the theatre and art districts in NYC, Keller's Redeemer Church meets (literally) some of the world's wealthiest, sexiest, and most powerful people. There is no doubt that he has worked hard on this stuff, learning to present it wisely, to sharp and deeply ambitious people. Maybe your world isn't quite like that, but I found the book to be convicting and riveting and very, very timely. I have celebrated Keller's other three great ones, but this is his best yet. Highly recommended. Now, let's hope this prestigious H&M award doesn't go to his head.

How to Inherit the Earth: Submitting Ourselves to a Servant Savior  Scott Bessenecker (IVP) $15.00  I will be reviewing this in greater detail later--it was an year's end release from the marvelous and always provocative Likewise imprint of InterVarsity Press.  You may recall Bessenecker's survey of younger evangelicals doing extraordinary work serving the poorest of the poor, all over the world (The New Friars.)  As a writer, Besse has honed his craft even more and as a deeply spiritual follower of Jesus he tells his story with raw candor and stunning insight.  There are dozens and dozens of truly great books in our "basic Christian growth" category, and I regret not telling of more of them.  This, however, deserves a large honorable mention as it inviting us to consider as aspect of our discipleship that is rarely discussed: submission to others.  Scott organizes and mentors passionate and dedicated folk, and he has seen suffering matched by servanthood in ways few of us ever witness.  Yet, he asks, what does it mean to be a leader in a world that doesn't value that kind of mercy, that kind of servanthood?  In a culture (including our church and ministry cultures) that too often prizes leadership uncritically and unreflectively, this profound book calls us not to narcissistic entitlement, but humility.  Killing pride?  Letting go of independence? Meekness as leadership?  I've rarely read a book so stimulating, challenging, convicting, insightful, all done with good humor and true grit.  Kudos to Likewise, too, for the illustrations, photographs and grapics, adding a nice touch to a gently revolutionary study.  Okay Scott, no gloating, now.

THE RIGHT ON! AWARD FOR THE SHEER COOLNESS FACTOR

Follow Me To Freedom: Leading as an Ordinary Radical John Perkins & Shane Claiborn (Gospel Light) $14.99 How can I not celebrate a book that brings together in good conversation two men I really admire, who I have met and heard and been inspired by, whose books we love and love to sell? Dr. Perkins, as I hope you know, is an older black man, who has written dozens of books about his evangelical zeal, his work in African-American leadership development, community organizing, working with the poor, and insisting or racial reconciliation as a central manifestation of the gospel of Christ. He was one of the earliest writers for The Post American (the predecessor to Sojourners) and has been preaching and leading for decades. Young Shane is a hippy radical kid, a young man who has quite a following as he calls with great whimsy young people to simplicity, nonviolence, service to the poor, and to radical church communities. To bring these two together---John is much more typically old school evangelical, counting Billy Graham as a partner, for instance, and Shane is much more a Catholic Worker type, radical and sassy---is sheer genius.

That they both have great care for issues of poverty and Kingdom living, and social transformation brings them to similar points. But their lifestyles, their ways of interacting with the world, their ages and worldviews strike me as greater barriers than their race. Yet, Shane is not only spunky and creative, he is also deeply respectful, realizing in nearly every conversation that he is talking to a true elder. His respect, however, is matched by John's great leadership wisdom, the wisdom that knows a true leader must pass the baton to others. This book is about leadership, but more, it is about follower-ship. And it is a broad overview of deeply Christian discipleship and social action, seen from the lens of a mid-20^th century African American evangelical and evangelist living in rural Mississippi, and a 21^st century post-evangelical, ecumenical follower of Jesus living in the run-down ghettos of Camden. This literal transcription of a year's worth of conversation is worth its weight in gold. Thank goodness for the idea, thank goodness that a publisher pulled it off, and that these two busy activists took time together, and allowed us all to listen in. I think this deserves a very special honor of great appreciation. Thanks, bros.

BEST BOOK OF BUSINESS HISTORY

The best book in business history? Oh geesh, that sounds like we're stretching, but I can't think what else to call this splendid survey of history, buissness, ethics--oh, yeah, and something else pretty darn great (and award winning.) Get this.

The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer That Changed the World Stephen Mansfield (Nelson) $24.99 I'm not trying to be cute, or transgressive (for a religious bookstore.) Yes, I like Guinness, but I don't drink much, so it is a rare treat. Still, this book is a page-turner of the first order (with or without the brew.) "Frothy, delicious, intoxicating, and nutritious" says super smart biography dude, Eric Metexas (his long-awaited, long book on Bonhoeffer should get an award when it finally arrives.) "No, I'm not talking about Guinness Stout---I'm talking about Sephen Mansfield's fabulous new book." This is an amazing story, a story of grace and justice and goodness galore. Who knew there was so much consideration, so much faith, so much philanthropy in this classic, long-standing family-owned company. You may not be interested in the role Christian faith has played in the rise of democratic capitalism, or the entrepreneurial visions of 18^th century Arthur Guinness, but I am sure that you will learn a lot from this book, and you will enjoy it (with or without the stout.) In this age when business failures, dishonest politicians, Wall Street disgrace and economic trouble is ever-present, this holds out a different vision of the meaning of work, the meaning of business, the meaning of economics, the meaning of our very lives.

Listen to these lines from Mr. Mansfield, "I knew I had fount it: that earthy, human, holy tale of a people honing a craft over time and a family seeking to do good in the world as an offering to God.  It was a story thick like the smell of barley at the St. James Gate brewery and as filled with the bitter and the sweet as any generational tale is likely to be." Cheers!

NON-AWARD AWARD FOR MOST MEDIOCRE BOOK THAT ENDED UP ON THE TOP OF OUR LIST

What can I say about a book that I think wasn't all that good, but yet, for some reason, I cared very much for, one which lead me to care about the author, wanted to know what happened, continued on through the last pedestrian pages, and wanted more, much more, when I was done? This isn't by any stretch a bad book, and it has much to commend it. I want to mention it somehow, but just don't know....hmm. Let me award it with some pseduo-award. Half a hat tip, and a good recommendation. I know it is counter-intuitive, but this guy deserves something nice, nothing too grand.  He'd like it just like that, I'll bet.

The Year of Living Like Jesus: My Journey of Discovering What Jesus Would Really Do Ed Dobson (Zondervan) $19.99 Okay, the packaging is great. The rave reviews from a couple of hipster authors, helps. A.J. Jacobs--who wrote one of the best books ever, the hilarious and exceptionally touching Year of Living Biblically---wrote the forward, which is great. The full body shot of Ed in a Hasidic looking prayer shawl and long beard is really cool. Like Jacobs, who he credits for giving him the idea, Ed, a conservative evangelical pastor with old ties to the Christian Right, had this idea: he would live one year as Jesus lived, eat as Jesus would have eaten, pray as Jesus prayed, observe the Sabbath, attend Jewish festivals, and - here is where it gets interesting - read nothing but the gospels over and over each week, immersing himself in the life and sayings and story and teachings of Jesus.

The author has a very wry sense of humor, and is understated in nearly everything. The writing is droll, which I guess isn't really mediocre, but a studied effect. He describes his crazy wild Hawaiian shirt, or going to a bar talking to atheistis (talk about out of his comfort zone) and it ought to be hilarious, but he is so matter-of-fact, it isn't really. But yet the whole thing is kinda just there, his journal telling of this half-baked effort, and the whole thing just moves slowly on, with Ed getting some odd looks, and Ed wanting his own way, even over little stuff, and realizing then that that isn't very Jesusy. From road rage (well, road peeve, maybe) to figuring out how to eat kosher at potlucks, he weaves this journey into embracing the Jewish-ness of Jesus.

The most intriguing stuff is when this conservative evangelical - he co-founded the Moral Majority with Jerry Falwell, you may recall - concludes he should vote for Obama, because of his compassion for the poor. Also, when he starts hanging around with real Jews and Catholics, Orthodox and Episcopalians, learning their ways of ritual prayers and ancient practices, he seems like he really knew very little about these other religious traditions, which sort of surprised me, and I wondered if he was just playing dumb - not too Jesusy, if he was - or if he really was that ignorant. (Not too Jesusy of me to say that, so I'm sorry about that.) I really wondered: how can a grown Christian leader and author not know some of the stuff he says he never knew? Most strict Protestants (he's from Ireland) haven't done the Stations of the Cross, but did he really not have a clue what they were? Guess not. Oh well, I just kept reading, because I really wanted to keep seeing what was going to happen.

Happily, he narrates all his new learnings and efforts to be like Jesus, and it becomes truly fascinating. As I said, I couldn't put the book down, even though most of it didn't seem that radical. (He didn't turn over any tables, or really give everything away, although it was painfully funny to hear him wonder which of his beloved suits he would do without and what sort of a deal he could work out putting their savings in his wife's name. That was beyond mediocre, it was weaselly - where's A.J. Jacobs when you need him to come in and give this guy a talkin' to about doing what Jesus did? Yet, that he reports this cheesy plot to get out of the implications of it all was so incredibly endearing. It was real, a bit mediocre, but real. I began to realize why I liked this so, and how stealthy maybe this whole thing was.)

Still, this journey into humble new growth, experiencing religious customs and teachings that would raise the eyebrows of his conservative colleagues and friends, and compromise his own teaching ministry in the process, is endearing, somehow. As the book moved on, I couldn't wait to see what minor step he'd take next, what thing he'd grouse about, where he'd fail and fall. (Ed has fatal Lou Gehrigs Disease, ALS, keeping him from doing everything he intends, something remarkably poignant that he reports nearly deadpan, pre usual.) This journey wasn't quite like A.J. Jacobs', and, as his friend Rob Bell notes, was more about discovering an adventure "deep into the heart of grace, mercy, and the endless discovery of just what the way of Jesus looks like. And, of course, "it has very little to do about having a beard." Is this a major new contribution? Did it make me roll with laughter or wipe tears from my eyes? Nope. Yet, this at least gets some little consolation prize. A non-sensational book I liked.

Come Worship With Me: A Journey through the Church Year Ruth Boling, illustrated by Tracey Dahle Carrier (Geneva Press) $19.95 We love to promote this lush book of church mice learning bout the major holidays of the liturgical calendar. It has a bit of whimsy, lots of great, rich color, and tons educational aspects as traditional Christian symbols are explored. Great for pre-schoolers up to inquisitive early elementary children. The same author/artist team have done a companion volume, with the same church mice, by the way, which is a brightly rendered study (by way of story) of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany called Mouse Tales: Things Hoped For (Westminster/John Knox; $16.95) which is also a real treat

How about children's picture Bibles?

There are so many, and most are fun and lively and cartoony; I appreciate whimsy and of course understand that the vocabulary and language need to be age appropriate and understandable. Yet, too many dumb it down, or market the stories as if they are mere stories; disconnected and silly. That it is a serious matter to break open God's Word and that it is to be read coherently seems almost to escape some well-intended creators of children's Bibles.

365 Bible Stories for Young Hearts Lion Hudson (Crossway) $17.99 They say this is for ages 5 and up and, again, has that sort of coherent feel.... I like the colorful, but standard, artwork on almost every page. The size is nearly 9 x 9 and the explication of each passage is more than adequate. It has a ribbon marker, too.

Children's Bible in 365 Stories Mary Batchelor, illustrated by John Haysom (Lion Press) $16.99 I am not exactly sure why, but this is the one we most often sell, the one we have recommended the most over the years; we trust the tone and reading and vocabulary and realistic, traditional art. Perhaps not the most artful or provocative, but it gets the job done with age appropriate language and solid explanations of the Bible story. This Bible storybook contains many of the "bridging" stories that connect the better-known stories (especially in the O.T.) making it very useful for more thorough Bible knowledge. Can be read aloud to younger ones, but is best suited for middle to older elementary readers or hearers. It is indexed, too; notes the book and chapter reference for each story.

The Lion Day-by-Day Bible Mary Joslin, illustrated by Amanda Hall (Lion Press) $19.95 A

younger version of the Mary Batchelor collection but with a tremendously rich aesthetic look. The text is simpler than Batchelor's, but is not at all babyish. (And each day's reading includes a prayer handsomely designed into the margin.) Clear sentences, but some stretching vocabulary make it suitable for older 4's to about age 10 or so. Reads aloud well. Each double page spread has appealing and colorful visuals, though not always a "scene" from the story. There are 365 stories, one to a page, with each one accompanied by book and chapter reference and a sentence prayer. A "Story Finder" index helps to locate specific stories by topic, theme or event in the liturgical year. This is really very, very artful and wonderfully attractive.

The Bible for Children Murray Watts, illustrated by Helen Cann (Good Books) $23.99 Beautifully illustrated in an evocative, dynamic style with an art piece for almost every story. The appealing page layouts are enhanced with illustrated borders on the two outside edges making it one of the nicest children's Bibles's in our collection. It is hard to pick just one, but this may be our true favorite; wish we could show you samples of the page spreads. The language is descriptive and artful, yet very clear. (We appreciate the attention to the age appropriateness of it all, too, with some sensitivities shown about the violence and such, unlike many kid's Bible story books.) The stories do flow one to the next, and often assume that the readers/listeners remember the events or characters of the preceding story. Contains an index of people and places in the back. Great!  A joy to behold. SEE BELOW FOR A FANTASTIC 50% OFF SPECIAL OFFER.

NIrV Discoverer's Bible for Young Readers (Zondervan) $22.95  The NIrV is the "reader's edition" which means it is not a new or different translation (like, say, the TNIV) but just a young-readers version, adapted from the NIV by a group of language specialists who were very aware of vocabulary and syntax and such. They did change the NIV text a bit, but not so much that it isn't considered a real NIV Bible. It brings it down nearer a 3rd grade reading level instead of the typical 8th or 9^th grade level of the standard NIV of the revised TNIV. This particular edition (although there are others) has a nice, fairly large 12-point type, making it good for early readers (or for reading aloud.) There are about 30 pictures scattered throughout, but it is not a picture Bible, just a nice edition of the real Bible for younger children. This Young Discoverer's edition, with some pictures, nice type face is also available in the NIV.

NIV Adventure Study Bible (Zondervan) This is a real "study Bible" for elementary

aged-kids that comes in either the younger NIrV or the standard NIV, which has maps and jungle-themed (VBS-looking) art throughout, with side bars and "did you know" factoids and all kinds of clever and creative aids for middle elementary students... What a fun, fun way to help students learn to study, read-up on extra background stuff, and learn to think about ways to apply the insights of the passages to daily living.  They've got a variety of covers, some devotional books, too, even audio stuff in their "adventure" line.  Go here for the full listing.

In The Beginning Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by James Kandt (TommyNelson) $17.99 There are just oodles of creation stories, and some are stunning, but a bit mature; others are stunning but a bit weird. This is fabulously done, great, colorful, creative and big, big art, with very lovely text. This author is a favorite of ours, and this simple telling of the days of creation is fun and thoughtful, in a very simple manner. It has a full page spread at the end of Colossians 1:16. Bright silver end papers (with some rich blue stars) make this really nice.

Creation  Gennady Spirin (Zondervan) $14.99  This is one of the most visually stunning and truly interesting picture books of the creation narrative of which we know. This "Master Illustrator" series is extraordinary, and the artwork in this one evokes a sense of the spectacular art of the high Middle Ages. The renowned Russian illustrator is known especially for his work in fairy tales, mixing contemporary Russian styles with those of the Renaissance.

Creative ways to teach values, character, creative and hope

Big Thoughts for Little People: ABCs to Help You Grow Ken Taylor (Tyndale) $14.99 This is a classic Christian alphabet book, now re-designed with a whole new fabulous look which is playful and nice. The pastel art of the children is more multi-cultural and kind of upbeat, a little silly, and yet very, very sweet. It is an ABC book and some might think the faith lessons are a little moralistic, but it is for really young children, so we think it is great. There are discussion questions after a small lesson, and one Bible verse per two-page spread. It is made for interactive use, of course, and there is lots to look at, pictures jam-packed with motion and stuff and lots of color. The artist now lives in Croatia!

I Am A Promise: I Can Be Anything God Wants Me To Be Gloria Gaither, illustrated by Kristiana Stephenson (Zonderkidz) $14.99 Here it is, the re-issued, newly designed kids book that goes with the famous kids song. Yep, this is about vocation and calling, very few words on the page, but a lovely rhyme and tons of colorfully drawn kids doing various careers and jobs. It is rooted in God's call, His promise, and His love for each of us. This is fantastic, and the art is colorful and fun, although fairly standard fare (which isn't bad, just nothing unusual.) Shows kids learning and reading and loving the world....the art draws forth the "career" aspect very nicely, while the simple words remind us that we are God's promise, living under His purpose. Includes a CD of the song. Love it.

Fool Moon Rising Kristi Fluharty, illustrated by T. Fluharty (Crossway) $14.99 This new book is nearly genius, I'd say, although the metaphor may be a tiny bit mature for a three-year-old. (They say 3-7 on the back, though.) The fabulous art has the look of a recent Disney or Pixar movie, maybe...a close up of a large planted and a cartoony kid. Great looking picture book! The story is basically about a "crime of cosmic proportions" where the moon is stealing the sun's glory! This rhyming tale teaches children about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride (I guess) but more, to honor GOD in all things. That is, we get our glory from His greater glory. I have told customers this is John Piper for pre-schoolers. It really is about the greatness of God which transforms us from prideful to proper humility. Wow, what fun!

The Tallest of Smalls Max Lucado, illustrated by Maria Monescillo (TommyNelson) $16.99 Lucado has a way with words, and his children's parables--many about self-esteem, God's acceptance, of trusting the love of our creator, have been real winners. This one seems to be drawn from his most recent adult work, Fearless, and is just a wonderful, wonderful story about being chosen, despite not fitting in. Learning about God's unconditional love is what matters most and this parable---done with pretty edgy, modern illustration, is one of his best. The illustrator is from Madrid, Spain. Great!

We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World Stuart Stotts, illustrated by

Terrance Cummings (Clarion Books) $18.00 I hope you know the history of this song, the courage of the students at the Highlander School who sang a new version of it in 1959 when the police had cut off their electricity during one of their raids. I get choked up every time I hear of it, or in those rare times I've heard Pete Seeger tell of it before a protest crowd. This book traces how a variety of songs gave courage and strength to anti-slavery movements, the underground railroad, the civil rights efforts, and, later, how women's and worker's rights movements used the song. It has bright art, lots of archival b/w photography, and tons of inspiring stories. And, yep, there is a CD of none other than Pete Seeger doing the song. Stuart Stotts is the son of a Presbyterian seminary professor who himself was very active in the civil rights struggle of the 1960s and learned much of this first hand through his father's courageous and faithful work. The illustrator is a graduate of Parson's School of Design.

Praying With Our Feet Lisa Weaver, illustrated by Ingrid Hess (Herald Press) $12.99 Thank goodness that the Mennonite Publishing House continues to bring overtly Christian books about peace and justice to our families and children. Here is how they describe this fun story: "A big group of friends get together to go on a special walk. They want to remind their neighbors that war doesn't bring peace to our world. They know that Jesus wants us to love everyone. Jesus even wants us to love our enemies...The walkers wear shoes of all sizes, colors, and shapes. They're praying with their feet, walking with the God of peace." Given the current administration's commitments to war-fighting, it may be helpful to get our children aware of what peace marches are, and why some Christians join them. Sadly, this book will be only more valuable in the months to come. Happily, there are delightfully upbeat pictures, lots of text, making this a great book to teach about these themes. Nice!

The Flower John Light, illustrated by Lisa Evans (Child's Play) $16.99 This is an enigmatic

story about a boy in a drab, gray city, who finds a book in the library that says "Do Not Read." Of course, when he sneaks it home and opens it, he sees pictures of something called flowers. He can't imagine such things in his dark futuristic city of concrete. He finally finds some seeds and continues his optimistic struggle to grow plants. A deceptively simple and haunting story, mysteriously illustrated. Books really can work magic, can't they?

The House Roberto Innocenti, illustrated by J. Patrick Lewis (Creative Editions) $19.95 If this mature and stunningly illustrated picture book--there is no text on most pages, except a few poetic lines over dates (from the point of view of the house itself)--doesn't get nominated for a Caldecott Award, I will be surprised and disappointed. With intricate detail (think Brugel the Elder, but not as scary or weird) this traces the history of a stone house and its plot of land, starting on a rural hill in 1900, as the house is built, becomes a home, is expanded with

outbuildings and stonewall fences, is abandoned, left in disrepair in the woods, is re-purchased, fixed up, ands the environment changes, into a...well, you'll have to see the last fun frame for yourself. I can't help but think of the powerfully moving song "If These Walls Could Speak" (popularized by Amy Grant.) Do places matter? Can walls speak? Are there stories here? What a thoughtful and suggestive book this would make.

14 Cows for America Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez (Peachtree) $17.95 This may be one of the most stunning picture books in years---both the breath-taking art and the sheer power of the story that is both sentimental and weighty. After the horrible bombings of 9-11, word got back to some Maasai tribesman in rural Kenya about this tragedy in the United State. They could hardly imagine (literally) and wanted to help. In their culture, a cow is a sign of life, literally and mythically, and an elder tribesman was dispatched to find the American ambassador. The tribe wanted to give the United States people a cow. A few more were donated by other poor Maasai warriors---these are their most prized possessions, offered as profound act of friendship to a grieving people. When the story became known, Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah (a younger man in the tribe) was promoted by Oprah, obtaining a science degree from Stanford, and was awarded a Rotary Club Peace Fellowship; he is soon to take up a degree in international peace studies. This art and text in this book is wonderful and we highly, highly recommend it.

The Sudan Project: Rebuilding With the People of Darfur: A Young Person's Guide Melissa Leembruggen (Abingdon) $10.00 This book is colorful and bright with tons of full-color pictures of Africa and close-ups of African folks. It is arranged as an alphabet book, but (like many of our favorite alphabet books, it has content that will attract children up to middle elementary age or older.) Although the book does not back away from the horror of war and injustice and poverty, its theme is of hope, and about ordinary people around the world, who have reached out to provide help. The profits of the book go to the Sudan Project at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church and UMCOR. Excellent.

A Year in Art: The Activity Book (Prestel) 24.95 This is a truly spectacular book published by one of the world's leading art presses, a book that could sell for nearly twice the price! It allows children to explore and respond to the world's great masterpieces every day of the year through games, puzzles, coloring and other activities. From African masks to European paintings to modern American art, this beautifully produced hardback activity book will inspire children and adults alike. By the way, the sweet (fuzzy) cat on the front? It's an Andy Warhol.

Long out of print and now--hip, hip, hooray!---are now again available:

Tales of the Kingdom, Tales of the Resistance, and Tales of the Restoration David & Karen Mains (Lamplighter Publishing) $25.00 each These books are each a collection of shorter pieces in the classic fantasy style--ancient promises are recalled as the faithful work against the Enchanter and his power over the once beautiful city. As you might guess, the Mains have a full-orbed Kingdom vision, helping children or teens see the overall theme of creation-fall-redemption, with the redeemers graceful rescue plan setting off massive implications for one and all. These are some of the most beloved books among parents we have served over the years who now can't wait for grandchildren to someday read them to. It is interesting, too, how these have caught the appeal of college-age students, who like the allegory, the lovely illustrations, and the way the theological vision of God's redemptive work in His Kingdom can be seen in these fantastical tales.

(Note: for a few years in the late 90s these were available as cheap paperbacks with truly awful artwork that made the stories look terribly cheap. These re-issues are of the original '80s hardcovers, with the original art.)

And two just for the adults:

1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up General editor Julia 

Eccleshare , (Universe) $36.95 Selected and reviewed by leading international critics, this thick book is colorful and nearly 1000 pages! It is a must-have resource for any parent or teacher---or anyone who loves great books. (I hope you know this, but some of the best literature ever has been juvenile fiction.) This is arranged by age group, and looks at everything from the world of Spot with Eric Hill to Vera Williams urban landscapes, to Hogswart's School to Narnia and Middle Earth. Yes, there are 1001 entries, so I can't even begin to describe this wonderful collection. A perfect book to dip in to when you have a few spare moments, or to wade through, making lists of what you have or haven't yet read.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Children's Book: Life Lessons from Notable People from All Walks of Life edited by Anita Silvey (Roaring Brook Press) $29.99 Okay, this isn't really for children, but some of our customers here and of course our staff got a real kick out of it. Famous (and some not famous) people weigh in on how certain kids books effected them, lessons that were learned, ideals and hopes and dreams gathered from their favorite children's books. I opened it up when it first came, and read Edon Lipson describe her sense of the meaning and dignity of work gleaned from Little House on the Prairie and I was hooked. The next entry was entitled "the wonder of the ordinary" written by the editor of Slate, Emily Bazelon, from Little House in the Big Woods. Wow. Another was by Jay Leno was on Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel and I was nearly brought to tears reading Louis Lowry tell how she learned the power of words when her mother cried while reading to her The Yearling. From Steve Forbes to Julia Alvarez, from Julianne Moore to Roger Ebert, some of the contributors are not children's writers. But many are and, oh, to hear what book most influenced Maurice Sendak or David Macaulay, Jack Prelutsky or Chris Van Allsburg, Betsy Byars or Jon Scieszka---what an education! The book thankfully has a nice excerpt of the book being discussed, making this a truly great reading experience and a very useful resource for educators.