As you read this, I am enjoying a vacation with Dani in Southern California (San Diego and Newport Beach). I have left blog posts for the rest of this week, so you will have something to read. But I wanted to let you know what I have been reading and what I am about to crack open this week. And I would love to hear about what you have been reading.

Recent reads:
-”The Divine Commodity” by Skye Jethani. Incredible book on how consumerism is shaping/has shaped the church. Jethnai stays focused on solutions that begin with the daily disciplines we have in our lives, and his analysis was sharp and challenging, yet humble. I liked his use of art and the story of Van Gogh in the book and I look forward to more stuff from him.

-”Furious Longing for God” by Brennan Manning. Very simple, straightforward book that reminded of why Manning is one of the best writers on God’s love for his children and how we easily slip into legalism and Phariseeism.

In the middle of…
-”The Blue Parakeet” by Scot McKnight. This has been a great book for me to appreciate the Bible post-seminary. McKnight has challenged me on why I read the Bible and what baggage I bring to. What makes up my filter. And I have been inspired and encouraged by his words. Look for the influences of this book in Crash over the next 6-12 months.

Just starting…
-”Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. Classic book, I love good stories.

-”Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Aspergers” by John Elder Robison. Story of a boy who grew up with Aspergers but didn’t figure out he had it til he was 40 years old. Autobiographical.

-”How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines” by Thomas C. Foster. I am doing a lot of work exploring what makes a good story work well for an upcoming series at Crash. Trying to engage some good stories and learn from some expert storytellers and story-scientists.

Future Reads:
-Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan
-Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering by Rob Bell
-A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life by Donald Miller

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