Round The Ball: Lent – 2009

Continuing a series of mini-lists of “top favorites” from 2008 — today’s is a glance at some of my favorite reads from 2008.  These are in random order, and yes, the genre spectrum is pretty broad, so there’s something in here for everyone.

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1) Young, Restless, Reformed by Collin Hansen - I got into a bit of a theology kick this year and ended up curious about the new breed of young Calvinists I know.  Hansen is a journalist at heart, and ends up telling a story that is part sociology, part theology, and part personal narrative.  A good primer on the movement, and a helpful “who’s who” as well.

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 2) Into The Silent Land by Michael Laird – Big thanks to the Rev. Rod Green for turning me on to this little volume on contemplative prayer.  It’s one of those short books thats so dense I can only read a couple pages at a time before I have to stop, chew, digest, and practice before continuing!  This guy not only knows how to pray, he knows how to write.

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 3) Londonstani  by Guatam Malkani – A novel with one of the most surprising turn of events I’ve ever read.  It’s based here in London and the youth slang (and multiple expletives) sound like they’re straight out of our neighborhood.  Not for the faint of heart, so it comes with a qualified recommendation, but a very good glimpse into the world of young immigrant men in a neighborhood identical to ours in many ways.  (Mark, sorry it took me so long to finish!)

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4)  Getting Things Done by David Allen – Not just another book on productivity or time management, I promise.  This guy may be a little bit over the top, but the concept is brilliant and the principles are sound.  This perspective (methodology) has really improved not just my workflow (when I’m behind a computer instead of with people) but my overall attitude about nearly everything.  Allen calls it having a “mind like water.”  Whatever . . . it works.

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5) Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama - Okay, whether you agree with the man or not, he is going to be our next President, and is a very gifted writer.  I find his perspective on American politics in the 21st century refreshingly uncynical and at times, inspiring.  I’ve got no idea how he’ll govern the mess we’re all in right now, but the book is great and worth the read even if you totally can’t stand him.

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6) The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay -  Hugh is a friend of mine from CRM, and he made a brief pit-stop for a visit during his international book tour.  Not only do these guys write a good book on building incarnational communities (being church in tandem with people-focused mission), they walk the walk.  There are a bunch of great stories in here — but in the end, it’s one of the best books I’ve read on how to intentionally just be with people.  They make it sound so darn easy!