Book Reviews

This page is under construction. List will be alphabetical. Links will point to 'name's.

"It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones." C.S. Lewis, "On the Reading of Old Books," in "God in the Dock". (Passed on by Jonathan Gray.)

It's a little book and divided into sweet little chapters, intended to instruct readers on an approach to reach the unfathomable God. It's famous for its succinct, practical, and simple prose. It's great for devotions or Lectio Divina. (Patience Ren, Summer 2006.)

Not too bad as long as you think of it as a devotional book. (First Corinthians small group, Spring 2006.)

Just a sec...I'm thinking up a really nasty comment. (IVGrad gadfly, Summer 2006.)

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I read most of [Dark Night, together with Ascent of Mt. Carmel and selected poems] in one book "Collected Works of St. John of the Cross" (ICS, 1991). I read all the Dark Night because it's short. I read most of Ascent but did not finish it because it became too deep for me. I read some selected poems for change of pace.

The theme John of the Cross uses is the counterpart of that of Teresa of Avila. The former uses darkness, mystery and negation to draw analogies for illustrating his point while the latter makes examples from themes of light, joy and gifts.

During times of spiritual despair and dryness, St. John of the Cross could be comforting because his description of a soul going through the spiritual journey may bear some resemblance to one's journey. One may even realize one's journey resembles only that of an infant after reading his description of true spiritual despair. It is interesting that reading his thesis of self-denial in both physical and spiritual sense can give one hope and consolation because ultimately, these seeminly negative phenomenons can all lead to an elevated state of one's soul to experience unparallel beauty and joy of our Lord. (Patience Ren, Summer 2006.)

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Do you realize there is not one work by either Luther or Calvin on this list? Scandalous! (Jonathan Gray, Summer 2006.)

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The most comprehensive, nuanced and balanced biography I found when preparing my talk in June 2004 on Methodism. It's a bit lengthy, but for the most part an enjoyable read. Rack does an exceptional job of putting Wesley in historical context, and avoids lapsing into hagiography. There are some shorter, less exhaustive works listed somewhere on the IVGrad website, none of which I would recommend very highly, except perhaps Richard P. Heitzenrater's 'Wesley and the People called Methodists'. (Charis Quay, Summer 2006.)

The edition of Sider's book that I read had three parts which addressed what God thinks about the poor and poverty; the state of wealth distribution in the world today; and what individuals, civil society organisations and governments can do. Since then I believe there has been more than one new edition published. My father lent me this book when I was at home between college and grad school - just when I stopped spending money and started earning - and I found it very helpful at that stage of starting to think about how to be a good steward of the financial resources I would be given. (Charis Quay, Summer 2006)

Amazing work of historical fiction by the best Polish writer. (Jonathan Gray, Summer 2006.)

I'm still reading it as a devotional and have not finished it. I highly recommend it for anyone who's interested in her journey of faith and have found it to be very helpful espcially during my contention with my own life and with God. (Patience Ren, Summer 2006)

I have not read it but believe that it's more instructional than Life is autobiographical. Referencing something I read about the exchange between John of the Cross & Teresa of Avila is that she sought to instruct people of deep prayer into a "speedy union with God." (Patience Ren, Summer 2006)

Probably the most important modern work I've read in fostering growth. (Jonathan Gray, Summer 2006.)