Evangelii Gaudium by Pope Francis

How we need this message in the church! This is an intensely biblical message to all believers in Christ, to take joy in him and show that joy to the world by caring for the poor and telling the world that there is joy in following Christ. I feel his message has been distorted in the press as a criticism of capitalism and a retreat from moral positions of the church. While he does criticize the excesses of unbridled capitalism, his emphasis is not on economic systems but on Christians helping the poor. And he actually affirms the moral stands of the church but contends that our "face" to the world should be love and joy, not criticism.

This protestant has reservations about the last few paragraphs about Mary. I find the exegetical foundation of his presentation weak in contrast to all the rest of his biblical treatment which is simply brilliant.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Quite similar to previous episode and I am losing interest.

Rumsfeld's Rules by Donald Rumsfeld

Pithy, valuable rules from a public servant and businessman. He has arguably the best resumé in American history. He seems to be a man of wit, wisdom, and integrity. Leaders and executives of all kinds could profit much from this volume of hundreds of rules. The last rule says to have no more than ten rules!

A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley

(read aloud)

A little too convoluted for my taste, and no progress in her father's depression, which is getting me down. I think there is a deep psychology at work in these books. It is almost a therapy to read and work through the loneliness of life that all people face in different ways. In this case, the loss of a mother, a distant, hurting father, self-absorbed siblings. Coping by a life of the mind, making adult friends, and enjoying the invisibility of a young girl. The next book is out. Can't wait!

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

(read aloud)

Another home run for us fans. A good story, delightful characters. Kinsey isn't larger than life, nor is she deeply flawed. She seems real. She is not a role model in the usual sense but someone who muddles through life like all of us and does the best she can and things turn out OK, which is what most of us hope for if we are honest.

The Twelfth Imam by Joel C. Rosenberg

A quick, enjoyable read about a nuclear Iran and CIA intrigue, with visions and signs and wonders.

The Rage Against God by Peter Hitchens

This is a very thought-provoking book. He gives a strong defense of theism refined in the fire of his famous brother's atheism. But he has credentials of his own and a keen mind and incisive prose. He understands what is at stake in believing in Christ. His coming to faith is wonderful and compelling. His application of his faith to the world and war and conflict is to me very thought-provoking. His accounting of his time in Russia is formative in his thought, it seems. This book deserves a wider exposure.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

An enjoyable mystery, with Agatha's usual fare of everyone being a suspect. In this case, everyone. But I am giving too much away!