Dennis' Pile of Books: September 2016

Welcome to Dennis' Pile of Books

If you were to walk into my office, either at the church or at my house, one thing you would most likely notice many, many books. I have piles of books everywhere so it seems. I love books and surround myself with them wherever I am (at work, on vacation, in the bathroom... you get the picture). So welcome to my pile of books!

On one of my other blogs (Immersed in Mystery) I have a running list of books I have recently read, and ones I am currently reading. In the past few months I began writing short comments after each book title, these were sort of like mini-book reviews, really mini. I thought that rather than lose these comments in the future (I only keep 10 titles on the list at any one time) I would create a blog dedicated to the books I have read.

Having this blog dedicated to the books I have read will also allow me to expand on my comments, perhaps even expanding into a full book review on occasion. Each book will have its own entry, and after the initial 10 entries future books will be noted in this blog when I finish them (in other words the date of the blog entry will indicate the date I finished that book). Mostly this blog is for my own benefit (to help remember all I've read), but I also like to share good books with others. Occasionally I feel the need to warn people about a disappointing book - our free time is scarce enough as it is, no use wasting it on a book that isn't worth the time or effort.

I welcome other comments on these books, it is always interesting to hear how others react to a book I've read - so feel free to leave comments on this blog. And I'm always open to book suggestions from others, I've encountered some great books because of other people's suggestions. Enjoy browsing through my pile of books.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Hammers & Nails: The Life and Music of Mark Heard

by Matthew Dickerson

A somewhat uneven biography of sorts for the great singer/songwriter Mark Heard. Rather than a straightforward biography this book is more like a mosaic of many pieces that added together form a portrait of this sadly little known artist. The bottom line - Mark was a complex human being who was incredibly thoughtful and honest in his songwriting, and sadly gone before the wider world could discover his genius. His life could be summed up with this line from one of Mark's songs he was"too sacred for the sinners, and the saints wish he would leave." Reading this book made me sad for what could have been, but glad for the body of work Mark did leave behind.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

City of God: Faith in the Streets

by Sara Miles

This is the second book by Sara Miles that I've read, not quite as astonishing as the first, but still a worthwhile read. Centered around Ash Wednesday, and taking of the imposition of ashes ritual to the streets of her neighbourhood, it reflects on the meaning of being neighbours, the value of ritual, and the surprising work of the Holy Spirit. It reflects hope and faith in the midst of an urban environment.