MARK CANNISTER
Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation by Andrew Root (IVP)
Too often our relationships contain ulterior motives, and we abandon teenagers when our goals aren’t achieved. In what is perhaps the most important youth ministry book of the 21st century, Andy Root has brilliantly laid before us an essential course correction for relational ministry that is faithful to the incarnation of Jesus.
LARRY LINDQUIST
Letters to a Young Evangelical: The Art of Mentoring by Tony Campolo (Basic Books)
Campolo often makes me nuts and challenges me to think at the same time. That is why among the books I’ve reviewed, this one stuck with me. I was personally challenged to think through and solidify my convictions on some very tough issues. The format of the book is creatively engaging, and the issues Tony raises are too often theological “elephants” in the evangelical room that we don’t want to see.
SONIA URBAN
Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne (Zondervan)
This is the book that will not let me go. I have read many books that have been challenging intellectually and have been able to put them safely back on the shelf. But this book has called me, and many others, to action, to a different kind of life. Since my first reading over a year ago, I have been propelled into a journey that truly has become an irresistible revolution. Be forewarned: if you read it seriously, it may mess with your mind, heart and even your life.
PAUL BERRY
The Dirty Little Secret: Uncovering the Truth Behind Porn by Craig Gross and Carter Krummrich (Zondervan)
This is the most helpful tool I’ve reviewed. Gross is venturing into dark places that few have dared to explore, and he’s bringing people back with him. Really great stuff.
JOHN DUNHAM
Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear by Scott Bader-Saye (Brazos Press)
Bader-Saye shares a great perspective on fear, one of the most abused commodities in our culture. His encouragement to follow Jesus is exactly the antidote we need.
ADAM GRIFFIN
Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven But Nobody Wants to Die: Or the Eschatology of Bluegrass by David Crowder and Mike Hogan (Relevant)
This is thought-provoking, raw, honest, messy and even at times bizarre; and that makes this book totally unique.
CHERI GILLARD
In Between: A Katie Parker Production (Act I) by Jenny B. Jones (Th1nk Books/NavPress)
Jones shines with In Between, not only because her talent outstrips so many other writers in her genre, but also because she doesn’t offer trite resolutions to tough circumstances.
TONY MYLES
All the Good in Sports: True Stories that Go Beyond the Headlines by Mike Sandrolini (Regal)
The book’s charm lies in its willingness to look beyond the statistical numbers and, instead, reveal the challenging backstories of these athletes we cheer on today. Discovering how these individuals overcame roadblocks through their relationships with God will undoubtedly deepen the reader’s own faith. (See a review of this book in this issue.)
DANIEL CLARK
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever: Stories, Reflections and Devotions by Delirious? (Regal)
Prophets and poets have always played a vital role in any society. This band is creative, passionate and revolutionary. The opportunity to “listen in” on their devotional life and creative process is a treat.
DANETTE MATTY
Questions Kids Ask About Sex edited by J. Thomas Fitch with Melissa R. Cox (Revell)
This is a tremendous, thorough resource for parents of kids ages 5-19. Plain-language questions and answers that take the red out of both parents, and kids, faces when talking about sex.
97: Random Thoughts About Life, Love & Relationships by Justin Lookadoo (Revell)
This is my favorite teen devo to hand to kids who are on the fence, who hate to read or who just might enjoy it. A fun-looking, funny but biblically solid devo, I keep my resource shelf stocked with them.
JOE CILEK
God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer by Pete Greig (Regal)
The topics of pain, silence and questioning are rarely addressed with the honesty, theological grounding and grace exuded by Pete Grieg in God on Mute. It is a book I have already taken from my shelf multiple times to offer others its words of encouragement.
DANIEL KREISS
The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ by Lee Strobel (Zondervan)
A solidly researched book in the series that offers sound apologetics, refuting many of the current challenges regarding the character of Christ. Great for the teacher desiring intellectual reflection.
MATTHEW MONBERG
Harvest of Hope: Stories of Life-Changing Gifts by Kay Marshall Strom (IVP)
Strom spent months tracking the impact of charitable gifts made through the Partners International gift catalog. It was gratifying to see how such simple investment could transform lives. You will leave with the palpable feeling that you can change the world with a gift no larger than the change you find under your sofa cushions.
STEVE RABEY
The Culturally Savvy Christian by Dick Staub (Jossey-Bass) is the best recent book for Christians who care deeply about culture and want to play a redemptive role.
Through a Screen Darkly by Jeffrey Overstreet (Regal) is a well-written book by a movie lover and critic who probes familiar films and suggests amazing new titles for your “To See” list.
Everything Is Spiritual by Rob Bell
Flannel, 1:17:52 mins., 2007, $20.00
www.everythingisspiritual.com
The conflict between evolution and a Creator-made world takes center stage in Rob Bell’s Everything Is Spiritual. The non-Nooma video premiered to more than 100 youth workers at the National Youth Workers Convention in St. Louis. In it, Bell unpacks a semester of physical science and theology and repacks it into a 78-minute presentation, taking viewers on a journey through time and space using the creation account in Genesis. Bell’s captivating, humorous look at the physical world and at human existence as body and spirit will help you start engaging the churched and un-churched, high school students, and beyond, who have serious questions or interest in how science coexists with spirituality. —Aaron Jones
Veracity Video Vignettes, Volumes 1 and 2
Abingdon Youth, DVD, 2007, $30.00 each
www.abingdonpress.com
Featuring five video clips that vary between three and six minutes each, The Veracity Video Vignettes series is accompanied by a 16-page guide that gives Scripture references and a general place to take a discussion. Volume 1 had two clips that were well done and thought-provoking; the other three appeared thrown in for good measure. Volume 2 made me wonder if they had been created by the same company or hired out to whomever so another volume could be released. Some clips appeared very “’80s” in their presentation. I’d feel a little embarrassed at showing some of the clips because of how “out of touch” with the current teen culture they would make me appear. The guidebook is handy if you have no time at all and want an “instant lesson.” However, my students would see right through it. Also, the price tag is high for 20 minutes (at most) of clips. —Jeremy Phifer
Case for X: Spirituality of 20 Somethings
Current Pictures, 30 mins., 2007
www.currentpictures.org
“Are we speaking the language of the people?” That is one of the driving questions behind this 30-minute documentary created to inspire hope while asking, “What will be your story?” and "What will you do?” in response to the next generation’s questions. Case for X establishes the spiritual values, norms and perceptions of young people through clips from on-street interviews in Europe and America. The critiques of Christianity expressed in the interviews are countered by the optimistic and insightful voices of cultural experts such as Erwin McManus, Lauren Winner, Brian McLaren and Craig Detweiler. These leaders challenge Christians to move beyond a self-serving church toward becoming a church for the world that reduces the division of the secular and spiritual and affirms the connection between creativity, imagination, and faith. The result is a useful resource for anyone seeking to better understand, encourage, and impact the lives and stories of Generation X and Millenials. —Joe Cilek
The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor by John Stott
InterVarsity, 180 pp., 2007, $17.00
http://www.ivpress.com/
Living Church is exactly what you would expect from long-time pastor and brilliant expositor of Scripture John Stott. It’s a book that is refreshingly contemporary as it diagnoses the dilemmas of modern churches and yet is able to remain wholly and accurately rooted in the Bible. Stott is disturbed at the widespread polarizing of churches. He writes hoping that opposite sides of the Christian spectrum will “listen attentively to one another, with a view to learning from one another.” He offers challenges to church leaders to rediscover the biblical approach to ministry that should unify churches worldwide instead of dividing them. This book’s scriptural expertise and ability to challenge its readers, regardless of their religious tradition, will make it an instant Christian-leadership classic. —Adam Griffin
The Ministry of the Missional Church: A Community Led by the Spirit by Craig Van Gelder
Baker, 2007, 204 pp., $16.99
www.bakerbooks.com
The Ministry of the Missional Church is a resource meant to challenge and encourage church leaders to follow more than just the latest model. Instead, author and Luther Seminary professor Craig Van Gelder makes a case for a contextual, missional church, which he describes as “a created social community of the Spirit that participates through the Spirit’s leading in what God is doing in the world.” In between chapters that begin with hypothetical examples and end with clear summaries, Van Gelder weaves together sound biblical theology, organizational theory and other insights toward the end of demonstrating how Spirit-led congregations can better discern and join the work of God in the local context. While at times the format may feel overly theoretical to the casual reader, in the end perhaps there is nothing more practical than considering a way of being that expands God’s Kingdom and lets “the church be the church.” —Joe Cilek
The Blueprint: A Revolutionary Plan to Plant Missional Communities on Campus by Jaeson Ma
Regal, 2007, 271 pp., $14.99
www.regalbooks.com
The Blueprint is a clarion call to stop “playing at” ministry. The book relates Jaeson Ma’s experiences as God moved at UCLA and universities around the world. The author is passionate about reaching the most un-churched demographic: 18- to 25-year-olds. Readers won’t find formulas or programs here, rather, it relates stories of witnessing the Spirit move in and through individuals to reach others. The book unpacks Jaeson’s belief that earnest prayer, “power evangelism” and planting simple churches are the keys to beginning a new revival. His amazing experiences are testimony to God’s continuing presence, power, and heart for young people. The Blueprint should change and motivate those willing to put into practice the principles found here, becoming a part of this revolutionary plan. —Dan Kreiss
ReThink: Decide for Yourself —Is Student Ministry Working? by Steve Wright with Chris Graves
InQuest Publishing, 2007, 240 pp. $13.99
www.inquest.org
Steve Wright is a veteran and writes this book from that deep experience in youth ministry. It is filled with personal stories as well as fascinating stats about the condition of adolescent culture. If you seek a book that distills much of the current research on adolescent culture, this book is a great buy. Other strengths of the book include a wonderful focus on the ecclesiology of youth ministry and a non-negotiable commitment to parental involvement in youth ministry. There seems to be an increase in books dedicated to criticizing what exists with no viable replacement. ReThink spends more time explaining the problems than providing solutions. The first chapter focuses on measuring the current health of youth ministry. One of the gauges of assessment the authors suggest is baptisms. Do you keep baptismal records? Maybe you do. However, I anticipate the authors disconnect with some readers when they use and reference baptistic language. I suggest skipping the first chapter and focus on the last three. The chapter on spiritual formation is the best part of the book. Written to a lay audience, this book would be great to place in the hands of your youth ministry parents. They will see their role much differently as a result. —Larry Lindquist
Outflow: Outward-Focused Living in a Self-Focused World by Steve Sjogren and Dave Ping
Group, 2007, 236 pp., $14.99
www.group.com
Stever Sjogren has a gift for keeping ministry simple yet powerful. Combining efforts with Dave Ping, the duo has put together Outflow, a highly practical resource about how one life can impact many. Through sound theory and a biblical foundation, the book provides insights and ideas that can be easily integrated into any lifestyle. The running metaphor of the book is a four-tiered fountain, painting an Acts 1:8 picture of how the Holy Spirit can nourish layer after layer of the lives that surround our own. Although at times sounding like a remix of The Purpose Driven Life, the authors do offer an inventive spin through stories, introspection, Scripture and strategy. In doing so, this feels less about a program and more about transformation. Whether used as a personal study or as a way to transform an entire group, Outflow promises a refreshing approach that just might (super)naturally change the world. —Tony Myles
Life After Church: God’s Call to Disillusioned Christians by Brian Sanders
InterVarsity, 2007, 185 pp., $15.00
www.ivpress.com
More and more committed Christians are leaving local churches, but what are their reasons? And are their reasons justified? As a “leaver” himself, Brian Sanders critically engages several issues disillusioned Christians face in our contemporary church context and offers these Christians both sympathy and support. Sanders whole-heartedly believes that leavers are still within the fold of Christianity, but he provides them with several things to consider. Most importantly, Sanders desires leavers to realize that they are not alone and that to truly survive they must reform together. At $15 and 185 pages, this book is a great read for the church leader seeking to understand the mindset of people who have left, or for someone grappling with the decision of whether or not to leave. —Kyle Jones
Moving On–Moving Forward: A Guide for Pastors in Transition by Michael J. Anthony and Mick Boersma
Zondervan, 2007, 299 pp., $16.99
www.zondervan.com
With a title like Moving On—Moving Forward, this is probably not a book you should leave on your desk; but it is a resource you might want on your shelf. Authors Michael Anthony and Mick Boersma, both professors with the Talbot School of Theology, have created an extensive “guide” designed to help pastors and other church workers navigate the inevitable transitions in the complex world of church employment. From the first sense of a pastoral call until it is time to walk away from the pulpit, this book covers many of the critical transitions in between (i.e., writing a resignation letter, revising a résumé, interviewing with a search committee and so on). It is laced with helpful charts, sidebars, and insights gained from a survey of 200 active pastors. Both theologically insightful and down-to-earth practical, this economical guide has at least one chapter for everyone considering a ministry transition. Goal-setters and the highly organized will love the checklists, inventories and step-by-step guides. —Brandon Bailey
Losers, Loners, and Rebels: The Spiritual Struggles of Boys by Robert C. Dykstra, Allen Hugh Cole Jr. and Donald Capps
Westminster John Knox, 2007, 204 pp. $19.95
www.ppcbooks.com
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Written by three seminary professors, Losers, Loners, and Rebels is well researched, with a wonderful bibliography on the psychological and spiritual development of boys. The premise of the book is that the spirituality of early adolescent boys is more likely to issue from experiences the boy considers negative than from experiences he considers positive. The book is divided into three sections, each written by one of the authors. The first section deals with self-awareness (the loser issue), the second focuses on self-transcendence (the loner issue), and the third investigates self-sufficiency (the rebel issue). Rather than an empirical study, each author draws from his own life experiences and the vicarious experiences of others to identify the positive spiritual development that grows out of the negative. Out of losing comes self-awareness. Loners can find solitude. Rebels develop personal conviction. If you desire a deeper understanding of the spiritual development of early adolescent boys (11—14 years), I would have difficulty finding a better resource for you. From investigating the “boy code” to the role of humor in rebellion, this book is worth the price—cover to cover. Losers, Loners, and Rebels is a great addition to your library. —Larry Lindquist
Group’s Emergency Response Handbook for Youth Ministry edited by Janna Kinner
Group, 2007, 152 pp., $14.99
www.group.com
Group’s Emergency Response Handbook is a resource designed to be a quick reference point for counseling teens in crisis. The book covers 12 subjects, including grief, addictions, conflict and abuse. Each subject starts with a real-life narrative as an example, followed by care and counseling tips, criteria for referring, suggested scriptures, advice for the group, examples of what not to say and recommendations for further reading and online resources. While there are more thorough counseling resources out there for youth ministers, this is a great, unintimidating book for volunteer leaders. I wish the price was under $10; but in my opinion, it’s still on the short list of books that every youth worker should have. —Matthew McNutt
Getting Inside the Head of Your Kid by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice
Multnomah, 2007, 183 pp., $14.99
www.randomhouse.com
At first, I thought, Another parenting book, yawn. What’s it going to say that hasn’t been said before? The hook is that the authors surveyed oodles of kids for their input on relevant questions and statements like, “Do you ever hide negative information from your parents because you’re worried about how they will react?” Rather than just yes/no choices, answer options are specific: Yes, I often (or sometimes) don’t tell them those things because of that. I rarely or never hide those things from them. It’s not that the questions are so unexpected, it’s that they prompt bottom-line answers that may surprise parents enough to straighten their spines on a few key issues with their kids. The authors go on to expound on what the kids have said. Not so much new advice, but through the lens of the survey answers, worth regurgitating. The chapter on listening (Can You Hear Me Now?) is worth the book. I like the 5x7 size, too—it would make a good door prize at your next parents meeting. —Danette Matty
Beyond Deserving: Children, Parents, and Responsibility Revisted by Dorothy W. Martyn
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 231 pp., 2006, $14.00
www.eerdmans.com
Martyn wants readers to try a new method of parenting and mentoring. She refers to traditional methods as a “circular exchange” of granting rewards and punishments based on the behavior of the child. She presents an alternative leadership style that goes beyond what the child has earned and stresses biblical unconditional love. Although her theology is touted as the catalyst to the theory, it takes a back-seat to her own psychoanalysis of children’s behavior and to an Emily Dickinson poem that serves as the outline for the book. Despite children’s behavior being perceivably over-analyzed and the poem at times causing more confusion than clarity, her proposition to treat children in a way that looks past what they deserve is more than worthy of consideration for anyone who works with kids. —Adam Griffin
The Miracles of Jesus: A 30-Day Devotional for Students by Tony Myles and Seth McCoy
Sonlife, 143 pp., 2007, $8.99
www.sonlife.com
Praying the Scriptures for Your Teenagers by Jodie Berndt
Zondervan, 298 pp., 2007, $12.99
www.zondervan.com
One Minute Bible 4 Students: With 366 Devotions for Daily Living by Doug Fields
Holman Bible Publishers, 395 pp., 2007, $14.99
www.bhpublishinggroup.com
Versatile and engaging, The Miracles of Jesus is a simple-yet-powerful devotional that challenges students to see miracles in a whole new way, not the mundane things we use the term “miracle” for (i.e., “It was a miracle I passed the test.”). Each chapter has a portion dedicated to prayer, reading, response, insight and reflection. The questions in the reflection part are relevant and honest. I’m planning to adapt the devotional into 30 weekends of teaching because of the solid outline that surrounds each week’s devotion. Myles and McCoy have a hit. Very practical and honest, Praying the Scriptures for Your Teenagers is a potent tool for parents in the battle against anxiety and worry. The book is divided into five main parts, featuring prayers for a teenager’s character, relationships, health and safety, victory over temptation, and the future. Jodie Berndt uses a devotional-style approach to provide background into the topics using biblical illustrations. At the end of each chapter are some prayers that can be personalized and prayed. Keeping a parent focused on God and His word through trying times with a teenager is no easy feat, but Berndt has made a great effort. Created as a daily devotional of sorts, the One Minute Bible 4 Students compiles Scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments that cover the same event or topic. For instance, day 166 (June 14) has the main topic of “God Is Righteous” followed by Psalm 7:6b-9, Jeremiah 23:5-6 and 1 John 2:1-2. Filled with tidbits of additional thoughts and info, the One Minute Bible 4 Students comes close to erring, in that it spends a lot of time telling students what they believe, rather than allowing students to discover, learn, and practice what they believe. —Jeremy Phifer
Up: Devotions for Faith that Connects by Tim Baker with Jenn Doucette
Revell, 2007, 192 pp., $11.99
www.revellbooks.com
Up asks “why” more often than a 4-year-old. Yet, somehow, it’s never annoying. This book supplies a devotional a day for 12 weeks. Each week asks a “why” question, and for seven days your students can meditate on topics such as “Why should I be humble?” and “Why should I serve others?” The tone is breezy yet serious and quite engaging. Each day could be a five-minute read or a half-hour rumination, depending on how deeply one thinks about the questions. The design is directed toward guys, but any teen can benefit from this great little devotional book. —John Dunham
True: 52 Stories About God Showing up in the Every Day, Vol. 2 by Irene Dunlap
YouthSpecialties/Invert, 2007, 335 pp., $12.99
www.zondervan.com
The power of a good testimony is undeniable. Personal stories about how God intersects with our world challenge listeners to look for God outside of the local church building. This book is a compilation of testimonies that young people will find meaningful and captivating. The format is in the style of the Chicken Soup series, with stories loosely grouped according to what the author believes each reveals about God. This includes “He Is a God of Transformation,” “He Is a God of Answers and Guidance” and “He Is a God with a Powerful Presence.” A word of caution: Many of the stories deal bluntly with drug and alcohol use, sex, date rape and similar topics and may be better suited to older teens and young adults. —Dan Kreiss
Going All the Way: Preparing for a Marriage that Goes the Distance by Craig Groeschel
Multnomah, 2007, 209 pp., $19.99
www.multnomahpublishers.com
Going All the Way is a great handbook for dating, navigating young adults through the perilous journey of hormone-driven relationships as well as establishing deeper connection for committed, engaged or newly married couples. With an easy-to-read style, Craig Groeschel uses humor and some very frank talk about sex to guide Christians through dating relationships. His personal experiences lend wisdom and insight, and he challenges singles to be godly in choice and behavior. Those who share Groeschel’s traditionalist take on gender roles will love this book. Others may find a few of his assumptions disagreeable. Either way, this would be a worthwhile addition to an older teen’s library. It could also serve well as a group read for older high school-students and college-age to stimulate discussion. —Cheri R. Gillard
Radiant: Discovering Beauty from the Inside Out by Chandra Peele
New Hope Publishers, June 2007, 173 pp., $12.99
www.newhopepublishers.com
Interior design consultant Chandra Peele tackles that persistent question: How can we help our girls see themselves as they really are? Peele uses her expertise in design as a metaphor for how Christian teen girls can do a “makeover” for their hearts by encouraging them to “learn to like ‘the me’ that God created.” When girls learn to grasp that, they will be radiant and truly beautiful. Pointed questions and copious journal space provide a place for girls to work through and internalize this concept. —John Dunham
Growing Up Super Average: The Adventures of Average Boy by Bob Smiley and Jesse Florea
Tyndale House, 2007, 224 pp., $9.99
www.tyndale.com
This Super Average book is sure to be a hit with middle school boys who actually read. Bob Smiley relates his great wit and humor through the pages as if he were telling the story in your living room. All the normal gross and goof factors of boyish life are included to illustrate how “average” boys can obey God and survive life. With great sidebars of stats and bonus tips and “God Guides” ending the chapters, it is sure to hit home. And at only $10, every tween guy can afford it, even if they are like polar bears and “save their money in snow banks.” This is a great gift idea. —James P. Nolette
All the Good in Sports: True Stories that Go Beyond the Headlines by Mike Sandrolini
Regal, 2007, 184 pp., $12.99
www.regalbooks.com
Sportswriter Mike Sandrolini captures the true Spirit of the game through this compelling compilation of contemporary sports figures who all share a commitment to Jesus Christ. Drawing on the experiences of 20 men and women from varying fields of professional competition, this resource moves beyond mere biography by offering inspiration all readers can appreciate. The book’s charm lies in its willingness to look beyond the statistical numbers and, instead, reveal the challenging backstories of these athletes we cheer on today. Matt Hasselbeck’s dramatic account about a mission trip and the promise he made to God regarding his athletic ability is sufficient reason alone to purchase the book, but the same could be said about the other 19 stories. Discovering how these individuals overcame roadblocks through their relationships with God will undoubtedly deepen the reader’s own faith. —Tony Myles
10 Habits of Decidedly Defective People: The Successful Losers Guide to Life by Doug Giles
Regal, 2007, 158 pp., $12.99
www.regalbooks.com
10 Habits is a primer on how to destroy your life and make yourself odious to those around you. It’s obviously tongue-in-cheek; sadly, it wears your tongue out just reading it. Giles’ intended audience is slackers, but they don’t read. The motivated will think it’s clever for a few minutes, then go do something worthwhile. Fence-riders will get bored, wondering, Why’s he bringing me down? The negativity is a clever shtick for a few pages, but a bookful is tiresome. If your life is liberally laced with cynicism, you might enjoy this book; otherwise, don’t bother. —John Dunham
A Stand-Up Comic Sits Down With Jesus: A Devotional? by Rich Praytor
Regal, 2007, 158 pp., $12.99
www.regalbooks.com
Humor is often disarming and can challenge people to consider something they normally wouldn’t. Comedian Rich Praytor aims to capitalize on this by using wit as the bridge to inspiration, stating, “The goal of this book is to lead you to take a step forward in developing a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.” In each of the 40 chapters, Praytor starts with a quote, shares a joke, cites Scripture, offers inspirational thoughts and closes in prayer. Two “intermissions” create an opportunity for him to depart from this structure and muse about other topics. While all the jokes aren’t original, they do serve their connective purpose. The devotions could have been better developed, though, often feeling a bit stereotypical. Accordingly, this book’s appeal will depend on the individual reader’s sense of humor and faith journey, making the question mark at the end of the subtitle rather appropriate. —Tony Myles
Chat Room Chatter: The Buzz on Prom Dates, Superheroes, and the Universe at Large!! by Justin Lookadoo
Revell, 2007, 192 pp., $14.99
www.revellbooks.com
This book looks great, thanks to great graphic design. Unfortunately, it’s the words that fail the reader. Lookadoo, a popular youth speaker and author, is supposedly answering questions asked by “real teens.” But none of them are identified. Who are these people? Some of the questions are lame, like this one: “Why does my girlfriend get mad when I talk to other girls?” Some of the answers are worse. When asked, “Do oral sex and anal sex count against virginity?” Lookadoo responds with Revelation 3:15-16 to inform the questioner “[that] ... you make God want to puke.” This is creative biblical interpretation at its worst. To make matters worse, Lookadoo relentlessly markets his other products to the reader. Reader are marketed to 36 times, nine of which recommend, “Order your copy of the 3-part Dateable DVD now! mailtproduct@lookadoo.com” The book took me an hour to read, which means I was being marketed to every 100 seconds. Like I said, this book looks great. —Daniel E. King
Auralia’s Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
WaterBrook, 2007, 334 pp., $13.99
www.auraliascolors.com
Film critic Jeffrey Overstreet pursues his love for story and world-building from the other side of the camera in his first novel, Auralia’s Colors, the first of a slated four-part series. The richly metaphorical world of the Expanse resists stooping to allegory, and its people are both familiar and intriguing: a selfish queen who decrees perpetual winter by outlawing color, a mysterious Keeper who frequents children’s dreams but whom most adults deem imaginary, and a teenage messiah of uncertain origin who offers life more abundant to those with eyes to see. In Auralia’s world, as in ours, it falls to the younger set to question the status quo and champion a brighter reality. Occasional rookie exuberances mark this “directorial” debut. Overindulgences in lyricism and neologism pull readers through rather than into the story, leaving them blinking back in the real world. Fancy camera angles and shifting close-ups between characters establish charity toward all but identification with none and make for some dizzying scene transitions. Overstreet writes gorgeous and gritty fantasy that leaves us wanting more. Rated PG-13 for violence. —Jenn Cavanaugh
Everything You Want to Know About Jesus: Well … Maybe Not Everything but Enough to Get You Started by Peter Downey and Ben Shaw
Zondervan, 221, 2007, $16.99
www.zondervan.com
“The magnitude of Jesus’ popularity is … summed up … not in the words of his friends and followers but in the words of his enemies.” Ever have that satisfying experience of feeling like the book you were reading was stealing thoughts from your own brain and writing them down just ahead of your reading eyes? In Everything You Want to Know About Jesus, Peter Downey and Ben Shaw bring Jesus to life in a way we seldom encounter. With an engaging—and sometimes humorous—delivery, they take the reader on a tour of places as well as a journey of events that build a framework from which one can catch a glimpse of who Jesus was and is. Featuring short chapters, the book could easily be adapted for use in a group setting (especially if you have quite a few new-to-the-faith believers). —Jeremy Phifer
Kids by Cheryl Sacks and Arlyn Lawrence
NavPress, 2007, 175 pp., $12.99
www.navpress.com
As a non-parent that claims many children as her own, I often find books about raising children frustrating because many only speak to the parents. Prayer Saturated Kids was unexpectedly refreshing. This book addresses the entire village and can be used by parents, pastors, children and youth ministers, coaches, teachers, aunts, uncles, and everyone who has children in their lives who they want to see covered in prayer. “What is a prayer-saturated kid?” write the authors. “Quite simply, a child who is prayed for, prayed with, and taught to pray.” This text also takes children and the prayers of children seriously and states, “a child who receives Jesus as Savior receives the same Holy Spirit that an adult does …” Readers are not only encouraged to pray for kids and teach kids how to pray, but to take children’s prayers seriously and learn from them.
Study questions at the end of the book make this text easily adaptable as a study course for individuals, couples, and small groups. —Annie A. Lockhart
The God Conversation: Using Stories and Illustrations to Explain Your Faith by J.P. Moreland and Tim Muehlhoff
InterVarsity, 2007, 144 pp., $13.00
www.ivpress.com
Reading The God Conversation reminds me of conversations I have in coffee shops, on airplanes and via e-mail. Mixing what is often complex theology and worldview with accessible and relevant illustrations, J.P. Moreland and Tim Muehlhoff tackle the issues of evil and suffering, religious pluralism, the Resurrection, morality and the origin of life. The authors are equipping the church to share authentic faith in the midst of debate and disagreement. (I must add that the clever section about “how to tell a lie” is worth the price of the book.) Readers, however, must remember that apologetics—just like vitamins—must be combined with authentic love of God and people—just like a balanced diet and regular exercise. Take your vitamins. —Daniel Clark
The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta
St. Martin’s Press, 2007, 358 pp., $24.95
www.stmartins.com
Suburban satirist Tom Perrotta’s latest novel enacts national debates over the place of sex in the schools and religion in the public sphere within the fictional microcosm of Stonewood Heights. Ruth, a progressive sex-ed teacher, becomes increasingly alarmed over the fundamentalist fervor taking over her town, her curriculum, and her daughters. Tim, an addict-turned-born-again soccer coach, struggles with the moral standards of his faith. Ruth’s classroom candor and Tim’s postgame prayers trigger latent political landmines that simultaneously propel them into opposing camps and draw them together. This irreverent-yet-sensitive comedy (think Saved! for the pushing-40 crowd) defuses the bombs of the culture wars. Perrotta takes caricatures and writes himself into their heads, bodies and souls, revealing flawed-but-well-motivated characters you’ll like if you get to know them. —Jenn Cavanaugh
The Skeptic’s Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis and The Skeptic’s Guide to Global Poverty by Dale Hanson Bourke
Authentic Books, 2007, 111 pp., $9.99
www.authenticbooks.com
What exactly is the impact of purchasing items labeled as “fair trade”? What do IMF, WTO and NGO stand for? How do micro-enterprises operate? It is with these often misunderstood questions in mind that author Dale Hanson Bourke created two condensed handbooks that address some of the complex facets that surround AIDS and poverty at a global and national level. The end goal of Hanson Bourke’s guides is to change the pervasive “skepticism that spreads complacency” in response to issues that can easily feel distant and overwhelming. Hanson Bourke pursues this goal by briefly breaking down many of the fundamental facts and key players that have led to widespread disease and poverty. Each book concludes with recommendations of how and through what organizations you can get involved with to help combat these crises. Hanson Bourke acknowledges that if you are looking for in-depth commentary rather than an introductory overview on AIDS and poverty, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you desire to take some initial steps toward getting up to speed and engaging two of the defining issues of our time, you will likely find The Skeptic’s Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis and The Skeptic’s Guide to Global Poverty to be useful and accessible tools. —Joe Cilek
Monday Night Jihad by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn
Tyndale House, 2007, 340 pp., $19.99
www.tyndale.com
If you can get past the horrible title, this book is a decent read. The characters are interesting, and the plot is exciting. It moves along at a steady pace, addressing the differences between Islam and Christianity in a unique way. Riley Covington is an Air Force veteran who has returned from serving in Afghanistan and is now playing for the Denver Mustangs in the PFL (Professional Football League). After terrorists begin setting off suicide bombs on American soil, Riley is pulled back into military action, facing betrayal and seeking revenge. Anyone who enjoys thrillers or military books would enjoy this. The details into a professional football player’s life are interesting, as well. An older teenager could handle the grittier parts, and the book shares the gospel in a way that is realistic but not overbearing. —Lara M. Van Hulzen