Here’s a rundown of the 7 books I read in June. This brings my 2024 total to 43 books. Happy reading!
(I must always clarify that I read many books with which I disagree. I learn the most by reading things that do not represent my position.)
The Storied Life: Christian Writing as Art and Worship by Jared Wilson
I love books on writing. Because I love books on writing, I can be a bit hard on books on writing. With that said, I enjoyed this one. Wilson provides a contribution on Christian writing as both an act of art and worship. He provides helpful reflections on the art of telling a good story and cultivating a writing life, but I enjoyed most his flowing commentary on books he enjoys.
Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness by Michael Card
This volume is a deep dive into the Hebrew word hesed. It is a description/characteristic of God that is referenced throughout the Old Testament. Yet, the word is so weighty that it is often translated in various ways. It is translated as love, lovingkindness, enduring love, steadfast love, unfailing love, covenantal faithfulness, and generous mercy to name just a few. Card uses the following working definition of heed: “When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.”
The God of the Garden: Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom by Andrew Peterson
This is my third reading of this book since it was published in 2021.  some call, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken, comfort food. I find the memoirs of Andrew Peterson to be comfort books this volume and his “Adorning the Dark” are becoming two my favorite books, period.
Fire In Her Bones: A Biblical Defense of Women as Preachers and Pastors by Ellis Orozco
The back cover of this volume states that it is “a Biblical analysis designed to help conservative Christians embark on an honest and critical re-examination of the traditional restrictions placed on women in the life of the church.” I guess it hits that target, as focused as it may be. If one is looking for an argument, from Biblical passages, regarding women in ministry, this is a helpful volume. I personally found myself in agreement and disagreement in many places.
Some Pastors and Teachers: Reflection a Biblical Vision of What Every Minister is Called to Be by Sinclair Ferguson
This book was not what I thought it would be. Rather than exegesis on the biblical topic of pastoring a church, the book is more a view of pastoring a church through the ministry of three men: John Calvin, John Owen, John Murray. There is plenty of time spent in the Bible but it comes at page 349. Beware this is 800 pages of compact info.
At the Crossroads: An Insider’s Look at the Past, Present, and Future of Contemporary Christian Music by Charlie Peacock
 I read a book last month by Peacock and his wife which referenced this volume. It did not take me long to open up a browser and purchase. It provides a history lesson on the foundations of Contemporary Christian Music. Far more technical than I expected. This is an insiders mind doing insider thinking.
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Another musician’s memoir for me. I am a fan of Springsteen and a fan of the book. It starts off a bit rough – too many crude references. But, like his music, he eventually finds a groove. This is a keeper. It ranks among the best of rock ‘n’ roll autobiographies.
Jeff Gravens 