Dennis' Pile of Books

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.

Friday, May 16, 2014

The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully

by Dr. Penny Sartori

A nurse does an intensive multi-year study to investigate Near Death Experiences and earns her PhD with her studies. This book summarizes her research and what she has learned over the past number of years. Many individual stories add to the interest of this book which I believe puts forth a rational and sensible call to take seriously Near Death Experiences and the impact they have on those who have experienced them.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis

Edited by Robert MacSwain and Michael Ward

A collection of scholarly articles on the person and writings of C.S. Lewis. Some of the articles unveiled new insights and understandings into Lewis and his work, others were too academic to be enjoyed in a general sense. Part III - which examined Lewis' works of fiction was the best section as far as I am concerned.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Reflections on the famous painting by Rembrandt. This book is almost devotional in nature and Nouwen recounts the meaning of the the parable and the painting as expressed in his own experience and life. A gentle book, much like the portrayal of the father figure in Rembrandt's painting.

Monday, April 21, 2014

God For Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Lent and Easter

Edited by Greg Pennoyer & Gregory Wolfe

A beautiful book of writings and artwork related to themes based on the daily scriptures readings in the season of Lent (up to and including Easter). Some wonderful essays on the various significant days and traditions for this season. Devotional writing from some favourite authors like Richard Rohr, Scott Cairns, Ronald Rolheiser and Kathleen Norris.

Show Me the Way: Readings for Each Day of Lent

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Selections drawn from Nouwen's writings put together according to themes drawn from daily scripture readings for the Lenten season. Much wisdom and inspiration in these words.

Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story

by Robyn Doolittle

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. The strangest part of this story is how Rob Ford continues to have support after all this damaging behavior came to light.

Friday, April 4, 2014

The Orenda

by Joseph Boyden
(winner of the 2014 Canada Reads competition on CBC)

A gripping tale of the interaction between early French Jesuit missionaries and the Huron peoples. Paints a complex picture where there are no "bad guys" and "good guys" - instead we see the initial intersections of two cultures, the problems that creates, and the foreshadowing of problems that will come.