Book 'em Benj-O

Icefall – Matthew J. Kirby

2012-01-24T09:10:00.000-06:00

Last year I discovered a brilliant new writer—Matthew J.Kirby—by virtue of our school’s “Book Fair.” His first book—The ClockworkThree—was filled with signs of a master wordsmith. Buildings and forests cameto life. There was magic in the words—from beginning to end. The result of thatread was two-fold: I am in the process of reading The Clockwork Three in piecesto my children as part of their bed-time routine (it takes awhile because we’reonly good for about five pages at a time); and I couldn’t resist getting hissecond book (which I also found at a school book fair).

Icefall mixes mythand legend with period adventure and coming of age. It is the story of Solveigtold in her own words. She is the second daughter of a Norse chieftan/king,sent with her older sister and younger brother to a safe haven while her fatherwages war against a would-be suitor for her sister, Asa. The story beginsslowly but builds as you read—you will need to allow three or for chapters toget into the story—and the window into the world of old Norse legend ispriceless.

We encounter berserkers, the elite fighting force of theking. Men who have learned to call upon the beast within for power duringbattle have been sent to protect the small band made up of the king’s children,their guards and the servants who attend them. The berserkers arrive with Alricthe skald (story-teller) just as winter arrives at their fjord.

As you read you will hear tales of Odin and Thor and Fenric(the Wolf). You will get caught up in the intrigue, the battles, and thestories of treachery. All the while you will laugh with Solveig, cry with her,hurt with her, tremble with her as she develops her skill as a skald in her ownright.

One of the drawbacks to the book is the story that isinserted between most of the first chapters—meant to provide some of thecharacterization and aid the plot development, these little one- and two-pagebreaks do more to distract the reader than to further the story (it is myopinion that the book would read actually better without them). Anothertactical error on the part of the author is the choice of first person activevoice. He is consistent throughout the book, and the first person telling isgood. However, the present active voice takes some getting used to.

Once you have mastered the voice of the story, you will becaught up, though—so get this book—buy it, borrow it, don’t steal it—and readit. I give the author three and three-quarters stars for a grand story withsome issues (mostly at the beginning—by the end of the story you won’t want toput it down) in the telling.

—Benjamin Potter,January 24, 2012

[Just another note, in case you think Kirby is not worth reading (because I think he is): Icefall has received nomination for both the Edgar for best juvenile fiction and the Cybil for best Middle Grade Science Fiction/Fantasy. I think we'll be looking forward to much more from Mr. Kirby!]

What Does God Want of Us Anyway? – Mark Dever

2012-01-13T11:11:00.000-06:00

I am slowly working my way through a number of short titleswritten and produced by a variety of authors at 9 Marks. Some of them have beenplaced on my “must read” shelf, while others are good, but probably won’t berevisited. Among the books are What Is aHealthy Church?, Dever’s concise discussion of his original Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Irecommend the smaller digest for all but the really deep readers out there); ThabitiAnyabwile’s What Is a Healthy ChurchMember? which highlights the purpose and life of a Christian who reallywants his Christianity to mean something (it’s a nice concise overview ofChurch Life, and I recommend it to anyone who either is unsure about joiningwith a local church or is considering what kind of church to join); and What Is the Gospel?, the little blackbook by Greg Gilbert that I think ought to be read by everyone—Christian andnon-Christian alike.

My latest read in this “What Is . . .” series is a digest ofsome material that Dever presents in two volumes elsewhere at great length. Inthis short book, the author takes us on a whirlwind tour of the Scriptures.Part I composes roughly the first half of the book and argues that the entireBible (Old and New Testaments) are worth our while as Christians. In parts IIand III, Dever focuses on the Old Testament and the New Testament respectively.

The really positive aspects of this book may spur you to geta copy for a quick read. It is short (only about 120 pages), it reminds theChristian of the usefulness of studying Scripture, and it develops excellentarguments concerning the unity of the message in the whole Bible which leads toa unique unity in the preaching that is based on the Bible and the Life that islived according to the message found within its covers.

All that said, there are some drawbacks to this volume. Forall its shortness, I found it easy to put the book down to read something moreinteresting. The writing is at times dry, and (even with the author’s warningthat it’s about to happen) the repetitive material can at times bog down thereader. I have not read the longer books—Promises Made: The Message of the OldTestament and Promises Kept: The Message of the New Testament (collections ofsermons that this volume is based on)—but think that it might serve the readerto dive into the them for a more complete look at this much needed topic.

Three and one-half out of four reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,January 13, 2012

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God – J. D. Wetterling

2012-01-07T20:43:00.001-06:00

If you recognize the title of this e-book don’t get upset.Wetterling did not write it, and yes, it is Jonathan Edwards. What Wetterlinghas done is edit this time-tested sermon into shorter, more manageablesentences (and the readers say, “Thanks”), and couple it with another of thegreat Puritan preacher’s sermons.

I have long heard of and read bits and pieces of “Sinners .. .” but have never read through the sermon in its entirety until I accessedthis copy for my Nook. Edwards, it is said, was not an eloquent speaker, butrather read his sermons in a fairly monotonous voice. When he looked up it wasto make eye contact with the rope used to pull the church bell. Even so, this sermonso moved the hearts of his listeners that they envisioned themselves literallydangling above the fiery pit on the strand of a spider’s silk.

Now, having had my turn at reading the sermon (even thisedited version), I have little question in my mind as to why the sermon did itswork. The one troublesome thing that “Sinners. . .” did was to advance a viewof Puritanism which focused over-largely on a wrathful God. In fact if the onlysermon you ever heard of Edwards was this one, you might also think that God isalways and only angry.

This is what prompted our editor to include the secondsermon in this short book—“The Christian Pilgrim.” This second selectionfocuses on the Journey that each person takes, with the hopeful destination ofHeaven. Edwards pulls no punches – insisting that if there is a heavenwarddestination, there is also an opposite life’s ending (we call it hell). But thetone of this message is one of a more benevolent and loving God offering afinal destination of awe and wonder.

Of the two sermons, I must admit that “Sinners . . .” is themore compelling, but there are reasons why one work of art is considered amasterpiece and another fodder for the ‘fridge. Some books and movies areconsidered classics, timeless, while others find a quick spot on the back shelfof the video rental house. We classify certain songs as vintage or classic,while others aren’t even good enough for the ‘b’side of a 45 (ask you mother).While “The Christian Pilgrim” is a good sermon, and achieves its purpose inthis collection of two, the real star of the show is “Sinners in the Hands ofan Angry God.” It is well worth your time to find a copy—either this editedversion (which is free for your Nook, by the way) or in other collections ofclassic sermons from American History. It’s a great message for Christians toread to remind them of the great, grace-filled gift that is theirs, and toshare with others who are waiting to hear.

This edition is worthwhile for any collector of greatsermons, four and one-half reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,January 7, 2012

The Copper Room – Henry Melton

2011-12-22T21:27:00.000-06:00

Christmas came early for me this year. I arrived at the postjust a couple of short weeks ago to find a copy of Henry Melton’s latestinstallment in the Small Towns, Big Ideas series. When I find such a wonderfulprize waiting for me, it’s hard to finish the reading I’m doing before crackingopen the new title from Melton. But I restrained myself (for at least threedays), then got right down to business and was (as always) glad I did.

Each volume of Melton’s YA series focuses on a teenageprotagonist (or set of same) and the adventures they encounter. Most of thestories include a bit of romantic tension, but this is the first time that therelationship between our two main characters (Jerry and Lil) are thrust intosituations that cause their “puppy love” feelings blossom more quickly thanmost.

Jereomy Harris helps his Uncle Greg build a copper FaradayCage large enough to be a room. The point behind the invention is to make timestand still (inside or out). It’s the perfect place for Jerry to catch up/keepup with his studies for the last few months of High School. He can cram eighthours of study time in the room into about thirty seconds in the real worldtime.

Then he meets Uncle Greg’s neighbor’s daughter, Lillian. Lilis a cheerleader for a rival school. But that matters not to the two teenagers.They start seeing each other, then by accident they bump the controls to theCopper Room hurtling them decades into the future. During the course of theadventure, they learn to operate the room keeping them out of trouble, while atthe same time letting them influence change in society (even when society hastaken it upon itself to self-destruct).

What makes this time travel story different from most(including Melton’s own previous venture into the time travel genre) timetravel stories is that Jerry’s time machine only lets travelers go in a forwarddirection. What makes this new story a different step for Henry is his dabbleinto romantic teenage struggles. I must applaud him on giving his charactersrestraint and commitment to purity.

He deals with history, future speculation, what-ifsconcerning not only traveling in time, but also life on other planets, spacetravel, and re-establishment of a society after nuclear war. And he does it ina superb and readable manner. Thanks for the early Christmas, Henry. Andreader, even if you don’t get to enjoy this story before Christmas, get it andenjoy it afterwards. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Fivereading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,December 22, 2011

[This book was provided for review by Wire RimBooks of Hutto, Texas. Opinions are my own.]

The Grave of Marcus Pauly – Wayne D. Dundee

2011-12-20T22:28:00.000-06:00

Since I said I wanted to read some more of Wayne D. Dundee’swork, I found another short western novel (novella), just waiting for me todownload to my Nook. And I’m glad I did. For one thing the story’s dedicationnote is to three of my favorite writers (James and Livia Reasoner and BillCrider). What better endorsement (at least in my opinion) to read someone’swork than that they enjoy and are acquainted with the same authors that youread.

Annabelle Heath wants nothing more than to fulfill her dyingmother’s last wishes—to find her uncle’s (Marcus Pauly) bones and retrieve themfor a “proper Christian burial” back at the home plot in Missouri. The big problem is that the onlyone who knows where the body was buried is the man who buried him—Marcus’riding partner who was with him when the deceased uncle was shot escaping froma botched bank robbery.

Ford Ramsey had served his time after having been caught bythe posse following that same bank robbery. He has found a menial job in thelivery and just wants to live out his life. But when Miss Heath shows up with astory of a prison-penned, heart-felt promise, Ramsey decides that he hasnothing if not his word. In deciding to help the young lady find her uncle’sbody to return him home, Ramsey destines them both for more than just a roughweek’s worth of camping, and discovers that old rumors die hard.

This little story reads fast and well. If you like a good western,download a copy to your eReader of choice and spend a couple of hours in theold west. Four out of five reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter, December 20, 2011

O’Doul – Wayne Dundee

2011-12-15T15:46:00.000-06:00

Wayne Dundee is a retired manager who spends his timewriting these days. He lives in the historic town of Ogallala,Nebraska,which should be a good source of inspiration for his Western short stories andnovels. His fascination with reading and long-time reader relationship withwriters like John D. MacDonald might explain his prolific pen in the realm ofPrivate Eye mysteries. This is my first encounter with Dundee,but I suspect I’ll be looking into some of his award-winning writing in future.

This novella introduces readers to O’Doul, a crusty oldranch hand that you know has seen a lot in his past. In this story we encounterthe title character as everything seems to be falling apart for him and all ofthose around him. Working for a rancher whose own life and marriage are fallingapart doesn’t help matters any. And O’Doul finds himself trying to corral thewhippersnapper of a co-worker who can’t rein in his own emotions.

Like any good western story, this one includes horses,cattle (complete with tragic stampede), and gunplay. It won’t take long to getthrough this short work (about 83 pages in length), so you’ll be able to enjoya relaxing afternoon in Pitchfork Creek. Owing to its brevity, O’Doul does broadcast the resolutionearly in the book (to the alert reader), but this doesn’t distract you fromenjoying the story, and you can’t go wrong with a good “shoot ‘em up”. Four outof five reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter, December 15, 2011

Sanity Clause – Steve Brewer

2011-12-13T13:45:00.001-06:00

What’s better than a good mystery at Christmas? Or at leastsecond to a good, tear-filled syrupy, get right with the Christmas Spiritholiday tale? Not much. And if you’re going to read a good mystery forChristmas, it’s nice to have a well-established serial writer with a great,stumbling upon the answers private eye waiting in the wings. I started readingSteve Brewer’s Bubba Mabry series almost from the very beginning—I did startwith the first of the stories—you know, before Bubba was married (which he isin this story). Aside from the Mabry series (including Lonely Street, Baby Face,and Witchy Woman among others),Brewer has introduced us to Drew Gavin (EndRun and Cheap Shot).

When this story appeared a few years ago in a paperbackanthology entitled The Last Noel (2004 Worldwide Mysteries, also includes stories by Catherine Dain, Linda Berry, and Mat Coward), Imissed the season. Then the book disappeared from almost anywhere. So when Ifound I could download it to my NOOK eReader for cheap, I snatched it up. ‘Tisthe season for savings after all.

Bubba Mabry, Scrooge-like Christmas hater, is in need ofwork. So when an undercover job is thrown his way, he naturally takes it andcomplains about having to watch all the Santas at the local mall, to keep themfrom doing anything to cast a dark cloud over the mall’s Santa’s Workshopduring the festive season. How was he to know that the best of the Santas wouldturn up murdered in the locker room just at shift change?

This delightful little mystery is filled with Christmasreferences—including suspects with suspiciously Christmassy names like George(think Bailey and It’s a Wonderful Life) Marley (think Dickens’ timeless AChristmas Carol), and . . . wait for it . . . Carol Tannenbaum (the deadSanta’s sister no less). This little novella moves right along and is filledwith great characters, action (car chases, fist fights, and even a moving trainscene)—all the things that make a good mystery a, well, good mystery. It’savailable for your eReader (Nook, Kindle) or collected in the aforementionedanthology if you can find a copy. Get it, you still have time to read thispage-turner before Christmas.

I give Steve Brewer, Bubba Mabry, and Sanity Clause four and one-half reading glasses, and a hearty‘HO-HO-HO’!

—Benjamin Potter,December 13, 2011

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Barbara Robinson

2011-12-09T21:16:00.000-06:00

Many of you have read (or at least seen the play based on)this Christmas classic. I read it again just the other day. The writing was sogood, and the sentiment so perfect, that I’m reading it (a chapter at a time)for the kids’ bed-time story over the next several days.

“The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the historyof the world.” That opening sentence tells it all. The little book tells thestory of how these horrible children got involved in and, to everyone’ssurprise, did not ruin the Christmas pageant. Everything had gone wrong thisyear—the regular director broke her leg, and then the Herdmans showed up.

If you’ve never read TheBest Christmas Pageant Ever, you should read it this year. If you’ve neverseen the stage play, find a local drama group that’s performing it, and go. Ifyou absolutely have to, you can watch the video of the Loretta Swit versionthat was produced about thirty years ago (but you’ll be happier if you go to astage production or read the book).

This book should be on your Christmas read list right alongwith the Biblical account, and Dickens’ AChristmas Carol (and SomethingSpecial at Leonard’s Inn). Another five-reading glass read.

Merry Christmas—Benjamin Potter, December 9, 2011

Reading Christmas

2011-12-01T14:24:00.000-06:00

Last year I posted a suggested reading list for Christmas enjoyment. I personally like to read two or three (more if time permits) books that focus on a Christmas theme during the holidays. Here are some of the criteria that keeps a Christmas book on my shelves for visiting later:

A Christmas book must:

Be set during the Christmas season (duh!). It can be biblical or otherwise as long as it happens at Christmas time.
Include an overall Christmas theme. These themes include the birth of Christ (Christmas, get it?), selflessness--in love, giving, or general demeanor of the characters, sacrificial giving, learning to care for others. You get the point.
Heart-rending moments. If I don't cry somewhere along the way, it just ain't a good Christmas book (even if it is a good book in general).
Christmas characters--Santa Claus, reindeer, angels, church settings, talking animals, and the like.

These criteria also fit for a good Christmas movie. I know that many of the Holiday movies these days are trying to get a big laugh, but there has to be some sappy sentimentalism or it won't work for me.

Here is a list that might get your Christmas reading started this year:

Pony Express Christmas by Sigmund Brouwer.
The Promise and The Drummer Boy by Ted Dekker (recent reviews)
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
a few from last year's list

The Nativity Collection by Robert J. Morgan
Magi by Daniel L. Gilbert
Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright

some that I haven't read, but might fit the bill

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck
Finding Christmas by James Calvin Schaap

That ought to be enough to get us going. Enjoy your reading this Christmas and may the Light who is the Season warm your hearts.

Here's a Contest

2011-11-30T14:14:00.001-06:00

Click on the logo to enter the Christmas Contest!

Preaching – Calvin Miller

2011-11-30T11:00:00.000-06:00

It’s no secret that I like Calvin Miller. The couple oftimes that I have had opportunity to meet him in person, I have found him to bea personable person. Consequently, I also like to read Miller’s writing. Beingwho I am, I prefer his fiction to his poetry (but like both). I also prefer thefiction to the allegory since the allegory makes me look too closely at myshort-comings. So when I finally got a chance to read Miller’s “textbook” on narrativesermonizing (creatively titled Preaching), I knew I was in for an interestingjourney.

As a preacher, I don’t read much on preaching. I like toexcuse myself with the thought that I have too much on my plate to spend muchtime on reading about preaching (and yes, I know that it’s an excuse). As astudent, I didn’t much like my preaching classes. Not that they weren’thelpful, nor did it have much to do with the personality of the instructor andother students. No, the reason I don’t like to read on preaching or study theart is that whenever I do so I begin to feel utterly inadequate. (This, by theway, can be a good thing.)

I was not disappointed in reading Miller’s book. Hechallenged my study habits, my sermon-construction rituals, and my deliverystyle. Time after time as I chewed on a passage here and there I found myselfmuttering, “How does anyone have time to do this for three sermons a week(well, a main sermon—Sunday morning, a runner-up—Sunday evening, and a mid-week‘Bible study’) AND be out being the pastor?” Even so, Miller builds anexcellent case for the preacher to do all the required study—know yourself,know your audience, know your passage, know your message—and to craft a sermonthat your audience will actually listen and respond to.

Included are three major sections: (1) Preparing for thesermon (“Exegesis of All Things"); (2) Writing the sermon; and (3) Preaching thesermon. Section after section, chapter after chapter, page after page, thepreacher will find helpful information if not challenging. Along with thechallenge comes a gentle chastisement for not handling the task of preaching ascarefully as we ought. Finally, in all of this is the reminder that there issomething otherworldly about the sermon. Keeping this in mind, the preacher canrealize that the only way to adequately and rightly completing the task at handis to rely on the Spirit of God (not as a cop-out for doing a bad job, but as ahandle to hold onto as we lay our pale sacrifice on the altar of sermon).

For me the most useful section of this useful book is theappendix (how do we get along without appendixes?). Here Miller presents a listof ten mentors whose writing can help the preacher to better develop a soundpreaching routine (even though there is nothing routine about the task ofpreaching). What this means for me is that I’ve more reading about preaching todo (ugh!). I already have one of the books recommended—thought I had another,but can’t find it on the shelf. So, I’m off to my task. If you stand week inand week out in a pulpit where preaching is your activity, I suggest you startyour task by reading this book.

5 out of 5 reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,November 30, 2011

The Drummer Boy – Ted Dekker

2011-11-28T19:48:00.000-06:00

[from previous post: Thisweekend as we were driving around on our anniversary, the Blushing Bride and I(kids in tow) happened upon a new Christian bookstore having their grandopening (on “Black Friday” no less). We decided to stop in and take a gander.What we found on their special extra Christmas discount table were a couple ofbooks by Dekker—Christmas Tales. And since I try to read a Christmas story orthree every Christmas season, we picked them up.]

In a follow-up Christmas Tale to The Promise, Ted Dekkerwhisks his readers to the “near future,” a time when people celebrate “the Holiday.” The Holidayhappens on the 25^th of December each year to celebrate the joys andwonders of commerce. It is a time of giving and receiving gifts to show howwell the City is doing.

Enter Daniel, the son of a Circus drummer. Daniel, becauseof boyish tom-foolery when he was young, has stiff wrists, but he still hopesto be an expert drummer like his father one day. A secret meeting with theCircus Property Man lands Daniel a small and ancient drum. The drum comes witha story and with some magic, all because the drum must be played for the King—aKing that has long been forgotten and turned away by the people of the City.

Inspired and based on the lyrics of the classic Christmassong of the same name, this book speaks of courage in the face of overwhelmingodds in order to sing (and play) for the King of kings whose birthday wecelebrate on December 25^th.

This charming little book is easy to read and will do whatall good Christmas Tales do – remind the reader of how special this season isand bring a quick tear to the eye in the process. I give The Drummer Boy four out of five reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,November 28, 2011

The Promise – Ted Dekker

2011-11-28T19:07:00.000-06:00

When I like Ted Dekker’s stories, I really like them. When Idon’t like them, I usually can’t finish them. That’s okay though. I don’t haveto be enamored by every author I read. Nor do I have to like everything writtenby the authors I do like. I don’t always like everything that I write. Dekker –at least in my experience – is a master of the suspense novel. His typicalstory takes you on a web of twists and turns and then drops a bomb on you at thevery last minute.

This weekend as we were driving around on our anniversary,the Blushing Bride and I (kids in tow) happened upon a new Christian bookstorehaving their grand opening (on “Black Friday” no less). We decided to stop inand take a gander. What we found on their special extra Christmas discounttable were a couple of books by Dekker—Christmas Tales. And since I try to reada Christmas story or three every Christmas season, we picked them up.

The first of them transports us back to the biblical accountof the Nativity. The story focuses on a mute orphan boy named Rueben. Adoptedby a loving woman who is the wife of the leader of a traveling band ofshepherds, his (new) mother is his only support and protector. When diseasestrikes and takes her from him, life becomes more difficult for the re-orphanedboy. All he has to cling to is his mother’s dying promise that God will one daygive Reuben his voice, and the shawl she left as a token of the promise.

In this very short tale, Dekker weaves together a number ofthe most classic of Christmas narrative elements: shepherds, angels, inns,stables, Bethlehem.(If you read St. Luke’s account in chapter 2 of the Gospel bearing his nameyou’ll find the background for this tale.) The Savior, his mother Mary andearthly father Joseph, also put in an appearance. Here’s a story you’ll want toget and cherish, and read with your children Christmas after Christmas. I giveit five out of five reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,November 28, 2011

What Is the Mission of the Church? – Kevin DeYoung & Greg Gilbert

2011-11-24T12:02:00.000-06:00

There is a reason that I have to read what all the“thinkers” are writing about all the “big” issues involving the church. I’m alittle slow in the thinking department, and it often takes me a little longerto digest the meat and potatoes of all the arguments. Consequently, I may“like” ideas being supported on two opposite ends of an argument—simply becausethe argument is well-presented. Aside from being behind the curve, anotherdrawback to this approach is that others are finishing the books ahead of meand I may stumble upon someone else’s reaction to the work before completing myown assessment.

Having said that, I just finished this new book by my friendGreg Gilbert (pastor of Third Avenue BaptistChurch in Louisville, KY;author of What Is the Gospel?) and his friend Kevin DeYoung (pastor of UniversityReformed Church in East Lansing, MI; author of several books including Freedom & Boundaries, and Just Do Something). Their mission withthis book is to define the mission of the church and address the fixation thatmany young church leaders have begun to place on Social Ministry and Shalom.

[I did get a glimpse at some of the links provided by Ed Stetzerwhile I still had a couple of chapters to go, and may have colored my view, butI’ll try not to let that affect my review.]

In their attempt to define mission for the church and tocarry on the on-going conversation with some theological hiccups kept by themore social minded of our brethren the authors have a tendency to sound morelike a high school debating team than burgeoning theologians. Statements thatassure the reader that “as we can see” crop up periodically, regardless ofwhether the case has been truly made or not. One thing to remember when posingan argument is that just because something is clear in your mind does not meanthat it has been made clear to your audience.

Another thing that gives me pause is the authors’ argumentfor “the law of moral proximity.” Understanding the premise behind theirargument, I would readily agree with what they have to say on the matter. Theproblem comes in when one carries the argument to a logical end—which wouldlead the Christian to be only concerned with those with whom they have a vestedinterest—such as a brother-in-law or local community.

Now, having touched on those matters, let me get to the meatof the book—Biblically-based approach to what the church should do. Thathearkens us back to their final analysis: that Christ Himself issued themission of the church to the church in the form of the Great Commission. Theexegesis is well done (we would expect no less), and the dogged commitment toapproaching the world from a biblical view are second to none.

[Since I’m writing this review on Thanksgiving Day, let mesay] I am thankful that these two young ministers have released this book. Ifwe can reach beyond some of the stylistic quirks in the presentation of thematerial, we have an excellent study that challenges us to make disciples andteach them. Part of doing this is doing good in and around our world, but itcannot be done without addressing the spiritual needs of those with whom wecome in contact. I have to give DeYoung and Gilbert 4out of 5 reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,November 24, 2011

The Harry Potter Bible Study – Jared Moore

2011-11-14T14:05:00.000-06:00

Jared Moore is the pastor of New Salem Baptist church in Hustonville, KY.I am most familiar with the “Ten” lists and other articles that frequently appear on SBC Voices.Recently, when he was offering copies of his new (now just-released) Biblestudy utilizing the Harry Potter movies as a connecting point, I was bothintrigued and interested, so I signed up for a copy.

This study is designed to cover six weeks, and makes use ofonly the last four of the eight films (the ones based on the last three of thenovels starring the wizard extraordinaire). One of the things that I reallyliked about this book was the outlying concept—instead of lambasting all media,Christians should take an opportunity to measure the media (movies, books,magazines, television, etc.) by Scripture. His admonition—judge the ideas putforth in light of Christ, keep what works, discard what does not. It givesChristians and the Christian community the permission (if that’s a good word)to view/read what their non-Christian friends are viewing/reading and interactwith them on a perhaps even deeper level than was originally intended by thecreator(s) of the media.

Weeks 1 and 2 provide some background into what Moore istrying to accomplish in the study and are to be read and studied beforewatching (or re-watching) the movies. He suggests that there is some value ineither reading or watching Harry Potter literature/films. He also readilyadmits that there are some elements addressed in the Potter media that aredecidedly not what Christians should espouse or practice (the concept ofrevenge comes quickly to mind).

The final four chapters deal—one at a time—with each of thefinal four movies. Those engaging with the books will want to watch the filmsbefore reading the lesson—if you’re using the material as a small group study,you will want to watch the movie together then use that viewing as aspringboard guided by the questions posed in the study. Moore’s advice: watch the film before readingthe chapter dealing with that film because these chapters contain spoilers thatmight ruin your film viewing.

There are a couple of drawbacks that I find to this study(even if I am excited about the concept):

1) The author suggests that you use this study to engageyour non-Christian friends in a discussion (and possibly an evangelistic one)about Christ. He even states that he includes strong gospel presentations inthe material. Yes, and no. There are questions that are pointedly written todraw a Christ-accepting decision from the participant. The presentation of thegospel message does not always flow from the discussion material at hand.

2) The discussion surrounding the movies themselves doesn’tstart until the third lesson. If you are planning on convincing a group ofnon-Christians, pseudo-Christians, or baby Christians that you want to havemeaningful discussion about the movies (which includes a “watch” party,complete with popcorn and soda) it would behoove you to start watching themovies early on.

3) The questions raised by the author are relevant andpoignant, but often through the reading of the material one has to scratch hishead at why the author is raising such a question.

4) Probably the most glaring of difficulties I had with thisgoes back to using the material to present the gospel. Most of the questionsraised for discussion deal with issues that would only be important to thosewho are already Christians or are already in (or open to) a Christianenvironment. If we really want to bridge the gap between Christians and theoutside community, there might be better places to start.

Having said this, I think that the concept and the studyitself are good to use—mostly in a setting dealing with churched and Christianyoung people as a means to open discussions about actively living the Christianlife. I think that the material will find its greatest appeal among workerswith Middle School students to help them address issues such as lying, revenge,and jealousy. With this in mind, I actually wish he had made the study longerand started with the first movie in the series—including them all. I give thestudy 3 ½ reading glasses out of five.

—Benjamin Potter,November 14, 2011

[An electronic form of this book was made available by the author for the purposes of review. I have not been otherwise compensated for this review all opinions are that of the reviewer.]

I Blog for Books @ WaterBrook/Multnomah

2011-10-27T14:26:00.000-06:00

Perhaps you did not notice, but some of my reviews are in exchange for books. One of the programs I participate in is the "Blogging for Books" offer from WaterBrook/Multnomah Press. It's really kind of simple--request a book that your interested in (has to be one of the ones that's "available" from Multnomah--they're listed, it's easy). You can choose from electronic or traditional books as you prefer. They get the book to you, you read it, then you review it. Typically, you post your review on your blog and one of the major on-line outlets (B&N, Amazon, you get the idea), then list it on the B4B site. After that, you're eligible to order another book. Just click on the banner to sign up.

[Secret special for Preachers--you don't have to have a blog, check the "church" section of the site out for details.

Warriors in Hiding: the Surprising People God Chooses and Uses – Doug Munton

2011-10-26T13:04:00.000-06:00

Doug Munton serves as the senior pastor of First BaptistChurch in O’Fallon, Illinois. He is also currently serving asthe president of the Illinois Baptist State Association. He wants God’s peopleto know that God wants them to be a part of His on-going work—even if theydon’t know it or want to be a part of it.

Basing his study in the story of Gideon, Munton teachesreaders how God knows more about them than they may possibly know themselves.Because of this God “Chooses Surprising Kinds of People,” “Stretches (them) in Surprising Ways,”and “Allows (them) to Make Surprising Choices.” Are you afraid to serve God? Sowas Gideon, and God chose him. Are you doubtful about how you can be used? Sowas Gideon, and God used him. Are you unprepared to launch a ministry? So wasGideon, and God blessed him anyway.

With that backdrop, the author uses a variety oflife-experience stories, ministry-related illustrations, and amusing anecdotesto develop an inspirational book. You’ll even enjoy the golf story twice if youwatch carefully.

This book is a reminder that even when I feel inadequate,unprepared or afraid, God can and will use me. And you can be assured that Hewill find and choose you as well, if you will but let Him. Four out of fivereading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,October 26, 2011

Dug Down Deep – Joshua Harris

2011-10-21T06:54:00.000-06:00

Joshua Harris is probably still best known for hisground-breaking relationship book IKissed Dating Goodbye. Now, several years and a mountain of growth later,he’s no longer in the conference-speaker circuit, but is senior pastor of Covenant LifeChurch in Gaithersburg, Maryland.Even so, he is still writing books, and today we can be glad of this fact.

In Dug Down Deep,Harris deals with some very heavy issues with a very delicate hand. SystematicTheology. Just the thought, the mere mention, of the study causes eyelids todroop and even the most spiritual among us to stifle yawns. Harris takes theho-hum out of theology. He makes the study of doctrine, theology (the study of God),soterriology, ecclessiology, and all the other big –ology words that throwChristians for a loop, accessible.

The author doesn’t neglect the big words that make uscringe, but he defines them and helps the reader to better understand them.Overall, I’d say that he treats all the big issues—the Trinity, the Deity andHumanity of Christ, the background and reason for the church, amongothers—rather well. Certainly he’s not as thorough as Grudem and Erickson, butthat’s his point. He’s not writing for the seminary student but for theChristian who wants to learn more about faith—to dig deeper. He addressessubjects such as God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation, and the Church. Mid-book hegets bogged down with the topic of grace which requires the reader to read alittle of the mind of the writer, or already have a handle on what that topicmeans. Other than that the book is solid and helpful for the Christian in thepew. It’s also a great read for seminary-types like me.

The newly released paperback version includes not only thenotes and suggested further reading, but discussion guide questions to help thereader to think more deeply about what he has read (whether used in individualstudy or in a group). Four out of five reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,October 21, 2011

[Disclaimer: I received this book for freefrom WaterBrook Multnomah PublishingGroup for this review.]

Our Last Great Hope: Awakening the Great Commission – Ronnie Floyd

2011-10-04T14:58:00.001-06:00

Ronnie Floyd is the long-time pastor of Cross Church ofNorthwest Arkansas. Aside from that, what makes him qualified to write a bookoutlining the practical application of the Great Commission? You ask. In 2009and 2010 he led a team charged with studying the Great Commission andrecommending to the Southern Baptist Convention churches the best ways that weas a convention of churches could address and implement the last command ofChrist in a practical and lasting way. Consequently, this year-long intimacywith the Commission opened the eyes of a pastor who wholeheartedly supportedthe concept of the Great Commission to the need for the modern church to practicethat Commission effectively and daily.

The book begins at the historical point of how the earlychurch began by carrying out the command as a natural outgrowth of theirencounter with Christ. As history played itself out in and around the church,somewhere and somehow the church fell asleep. Now, Floyd says, is the time forthe church to wake up and be about what we are called to be: witnesses to theentire world, making disciples of all nations.

Our Last Great Hope is filled with excellent examples from avariety of sources that teach us why and how we can wake up to the GreatCommission—or more appropriately why and how we can awaken the Great Commissionwithin the church.

I found the text both encouraging and inspiring. I think, ifyou are a Christ follower, you will too. This is not a simple “how to” bookteaching us a step by step process in fulfilling the Commission. Instead it isa mirror into which Christians can gaze to see if their life is a lifededicated to and characterized by Great Commission living. In order for thechurch to be actively involved in pursuing the Great Commission Floyd suggestthat we start with ourselves—do we know the Master who issued the commission,and are we living for Him? Then he moves to how the individual Christian is apart of a family, a community, and yes even a church that must be aboutreaching a lost and dying world.

This involvement requires not only resolve to do it, butalso funds to do it. Even more, it fills us with the expectation of God to dowhat He can and will do, when we step out to do what He has commanded us todo—which is far more than we could and would do under our own strength.Certainly, pastors should read this book. Beyond that, all Christians should readthis book—not as a substitute for the Commission itself (which we find when westudy the Bible) but as a wake up call to re-acquaint ourselves with the jobthat Christ has given us.

Four and one-half out of five stars.

—Benjamin Potter,August 10, 2011

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I receivedthis book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com>book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordancewith the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”]

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 – Richard Paul Evans

2011-10-02T20:15:00.001-06:00

Richard Paul Evans burst on the publishing scene in 1995when an alert executive at Simon & Schuster noticed his self-publishedChristmas story The Christmas Box. I’ve read many of his successful storiesincluding the trilogy that came out of the original Christmas story, others ofhis romantic fiction (some better than others) and several of his children’sbook which are dedicated to the Christmas Box House that benefitschildren. Now he is turning his pen to the new arena that is luring manysuccessful authors (like John Grisham)—Young Adult fiction.

I like YA fiction for a variety of reasons: It reads quickly(authors go out of their way to use readable language); and speaking oflanguage, most YA stories are free of vulgarity and innuendo (which forces theauthor to use a vocabulary filled with clean language); most of these workshave a little romantic tension even though the graphic details are left out(and I really enjoy stories that are free of material that cues my internalcensor).

The Prisoner of Cell25 introduces an anticipated collection of works about the Electorclan—agroup of children who through some quirk of fate were born with abilities thatcan be traced back to electricity. Some call this small group of children“electric children”. Several of the children have been tracked down andabducted by the evil, maniacal genius Dr. Hatch whose invention caused theaccident in the first place. Hatch is backed by a consortium of people who aretrying to duplicate the events that created the electric children in order toconquer the world.

Michael Vey and his friend Taylor Ridley are the last two ofthe electric children to be found. Hatch gets Taylorback to his compound and tries to turn her into one of his servants as he hasdone with many of the other children including Taylor’stwin sister Tara (who Taylorhas never heard of). His efforts are in vain when he asks the girl to hurt strangersas a proof of her loyalty.

There is much to be enjoyed in this first Michael Vey story.Most readers will look forward to the second story in the series which promisesto follow the Electroclan as they help Michael search for his mother andanswers to questions about his past.

Even so, there are a few distractions that may crop up.There is an uncanny resemblance to other Science Fiction/Fantasy mainstays thatalready have the hearts of SciFi fans. Specifically, Evans seems to be drawingheavily on story lines from the X-men and Heroes franchises. Even so, there areenough new items to overlook the resemblance.

That said, I’m looking forward to the next installment. 4out of 5 reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter,October 2, 2011

I Know You're Getting Tired . . .

2011-09-29T15:06:00.000-06:00

. . . but I've got books that need to be bought. I'm making it easier than ever. You can now purchase my first two stories at Amazon.com.

Something Special at Leonard's Inn retails for $7.00. You may purchase it for $6.00 (plus shipping) at Amazon.

Just a Simple Carpenter lists for $10.00 but is being sold for $8.00 (plus shipping).

Both books make excellent Christmas gifts. Buy one for yourself, one for your friend, and then link the purchase info (or this post) to all your friends so they can have a happy Christmas, too.

The Clockwork Three – Matthew J. Kirby

2011-09-15T15:04:00.000-06:00

Matthew Kirby is a new author (for both me and the reading audience in general). In his day job, he works with children as a school psychologist in Utah. If this debut novel is any indicator, he may be changing his day job soon. “Why?” you ask. I think that the success of this first novel can be attributed to his love for telling stories—according to his bio, he’s been doing it since he was a youngster.

The city in the story bears a strong resemblance to 19^th century New York because of the inspirational story of a boy who almost single-handedly derailed the abusive child-labor practices. Kirby’s story focuses on three children who have their own spectacular stories to tell. Giuseppe is a young street musician whose life is changed the moment he fishes a beautiful green violin from the wreckage of a shipwreck in the bay. Hannah, a maid in the grand hotel in the heart of the city, is struggling to be the sole support of her family (a disabled father, his wife who must stay home to care for him, and two younger sisters—twins). She has given up her hopes of education although she continues to read the classics. A strange guest with a Russian protector becomes her friend and provider. And then, there is Frederick, the orphaned apprentice of a humble clockmaker. Frederick is focused on becoming a journeyman so that he can open his own shop.

The story brings these three together in the most unlikely of situations. It is filled with action, adventure, and magic. The characters—heroes and villains alike—are compelling and lifelike. But the most exciting part of the book is its destiny to become a classic. Kirby’s use of descriptive language and movement provides excellent examples to be used in any literature or creative writing class. He is truly a wordsmith of the highest degree.

I have to give him five out of five reading glasses for his first effort, and can’t wait to get my hands on Icefall (his second novel due out in October). [Modesty prevents me from begging for a review copy—actually no it doesn't and I'm begging, Scholastic are you listening?]

—Benjamin Potter, September 15, 2011

Enemies of the Heart – Andy StanleyEnemies of the Heart – Andy Stanley

2011-09-01T11:42:00.002-06:00

This year, Andy Stanly decided to re-release a repackaged version of It Came from Within. The result is this little volume subtitled BreakingFree from the Four Emotions That Control You. The original had always been tempting to me because it had much cooler if exceedingly less relevant cover art. In this book, Stanley deals with issues of the heart; those things which keep us from doing what we know is right. He addresses those things that make us say, “Where did that come from?” “That’s not like me,” and similar exclamations when we say something or act in some way that seems totally out of character.

The simple answer to the question of where that (comment/action) came from is “It came from within.” Those out-of-character, less-than-stellar reactions that we encounter from time to time are an outward expression of something that is going on deeper down, in our heart (using the term metaphorically to represent our spiritual self). Stanley carries the example through well in the book relating our spiritual condition with the physical condition that relates to our heart—and what causes heart disease. Physically, we understand it is poor habits—whether at the gym or at the table. The author asserts that we can practice daily exercises in our spiritual lives that will strengthen our spiritual heart in the same way.

Stanley identifies four culprits that rob us of our spiritual heart health: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. He includes the analogy of debt to represent each of these. Guilt says I owe you; anger says you owe me; greed, I owe myself; and jealousy, God owes me. He builds a pretty good case for each of these dynamic debts including Scriptures that address each one. He doesn’t simply point out the problem, though. Stanley is sure to offer a solution to overcoming each of these behaviors. Simply put, he suggests developing habits that defeat these enemies—confession, forgiveness, generosity, and celebration. He closes the book with a chapter on passing these good habits to the next generation living in your house, and a short chapter on lust which he claims is an appetite to be managed rather than an enemy to be overcome.

The book is a great means to address the underlying issues that result in the ugliness that is sin in our lives. The only drawback that I see in the book is that it leans toward the misconception that we are able to develop any of the overcoming habits outside of faith in Christ. Not that this is the intent of the author, just an observation about the book. In any case, I would recommend this manual on moving beyond the destructors of our relationships to any believer in Christ, and give it four and one-half reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter, September 1, 2011

[Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.]

Star Time – Henry Melton

2011-08-29T09:40:00.001-06:00

As promised in an earlier post, here is a review of Henry Melton’s debut story in The Project Saga, Star Time.

Life is going on as usual (or at least as usual as it can) for the residents of Austin, Texas and the surrounding area. And then warnings of ensuing danger explode. Enter a witch, a wizard, and a seer (so designated in the reading) and you have fodder for a great Science Fiction series. The title of the book refers to the moment when the lives of Sharon Dae (the witch), Abe Whiting (the wizard), and Ed Morgan (the seer) are thrown into turmoil by the death of Betelgeuse, a star in the Orion Constellation. Radiation spikes and night-time instabilities throw the entire Earth into a frenzy.

Hiding in the shadows of the sky are is a spaceship filled with a race of hunters—aliens who are looking for a treasure world filled with new prey. The treasure for the reader is the numerous tales that can follow the lives of those captured by the aliens in the process of keeping the invasion at bay, the robotic community left behind to pick up the pieces in post-star Austin, an the scientific followers in Australia who provided the first global warnings of the supernova that was Betelgeuse.

The building of the foundation is so intriguing that you want to keep up with all the characters—which Melton holds in promise as he unveils new titles in the Saga. To tide us over he’s included two bonus short stories at the end of Star Time to give a glimpse at the variety of the upcoming novels in the series. As with all of Melton’s books, you’ll want to read every drop. (Four out of five reading glasses.)

—Benjamin Potter, August 29, 2011

[This book was provided for review by Wire Rim Books of Hutto, Texas. Opinions are my own.]

J.R.R. Tolkien (Christian Encounters) – Mark Horne

2011-08-10T17:15:00.001-06:00

I have not historically been a big fan of J.R.R. Tolkien. It took four or five starts with The Hobbit before I could make it past chapter 3. I have never been able to make it through a reading of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I have, however, enjoyed the movies based on the trilogy, and I am aware of Tolkien’s contribution to modern literature and the fantasy genre. I also have a high respect for his writing whether I can sit through it or not. So when I had the opportunity to read Mark Horne’s short biography (written with a special attention to Tolkien’s faith, according to the series) I thought I might enjoy learning more about the creator of Middle-Earth.

From the packaging and the cover information, I expected the book to be more or less a work targeted for young adult readers who were interested in the subject’s contribution to literature with a Christian slant. And for what it’s worth, Horne develops a fairly good life-sketch of Tolkien from birth to death, with particular attention to the man’s writing. This is after all, the main contribution Tolkien had. Periodically, Horne makes a point to highlight Tolkien’s Roman Catholic faith, as well as his influence toward C.S. Lewis’s conversion.

If the work is aimed at reaching young adult readers, it falls short simply because the scholarship used in writing it leans towards the academic. That said, this same scholarly research tends towards the research paper style and at its very best the book reads more like a term paper rather than a well-oiled biography.

In regards to the Christian Encounters series (of which this is the only volume I have read, but which includes works on notable historical figures from St. Francis to D.L. Moody, from Churchill to Buckley and a whole list of others), if all of the biographies treat the Christianity of their subjects as this volume did, I fail to see the point of emphasizing Christianity in the title.

To say I was disappointed hits the mark on a variety of levels. Did I learn some things about Tolkien? Of course. Was the book one which will stick in my memory? I doubt it. I’d grant one and one-half reading glasses to this effort and hope that the other volumes in the series find their mark better.

—Benjamin Potter, August 10, 2011

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”]

The Wild Hog Murders – Bill Crider

2011-08-08T21:15:00.000-06:00

[note: for a special treat keep reading after the review for a special interview with award-winning author Bill Crider]

© 2011 St. Martin’s Minotaur, New York

Bill Crider just can’t stop cranking out good stories. And all his readers are glad of it. July was the release date of the latest in the escapades of Sheriff Dan Rhodes with his deputies, Ruth Grady, Buddy, and Duke, and his jailhouse staff, the laughable Hack and Lawton. With Ivy and the dogs (plus a cat) at home, Sheriff Rhodes is living the dream life. I always know I’m in east Texas when I’m reading a Sheriff Dan Rhodes story—and this one took me back early on when even the high sheriff said the criminal was “off in the woods somewhere.”

Or so it would seem if convenience-store robbers wouldn’t wind up dead in the middle of the woods where hog hunters are stirring up a whole herd of feral hogs. This isn’t the first time these wild hogs have played into an investigation, and as prolific as they are, I suspect Rhodes will encounter them again someday. In the course of his investigation of an imported (from Arkansas) criminal named Baty (our dead body), the famous television ~~bounty hunter~~ fugitive recovery agent, Hoss Rapinski, hits the scene and almost immediately joins Baty at the funeral home that is the county morgue.

Included with all the colorful characters are some repeat offenders in Blacklin County. The Eccles cousins find themselves suspected again. Rapper and Nellie, the two-man motorcycle gang that repeatedly gives Rhodes problems put in an appearance (and we even learn more details about Rapper—read the book to find them out for yourself). And county commissioner Mikey Burns continues to hound Rhodes with worthless ideas—like employing “Robin Hood” to rid the county of the incessant feral hogs.

Climb out on the porch, pull up a rocker and a nice big glass of sweet tea (or better yet Dr Pepper from Dublin, Texas, where they still use sugar as sweetener), grab your copy of The Wild Hog Murders, and enjoy. Five reading glasses for a fine story.

—Benjamin Potter, August 8, 2011

And now for that interview:

I first met Bill Crider in English class--he was one of my early college professors at Howard Payne University. After we had both moved on, I found out he had started publishing books. I started reading and haven't stopped since. So, let's let the man speak for himself --

An interview with ~~insert author's name here~~ Bill Crider

Benj-O: Let's start with a little background. How long have you been writing? And do you have a routine?

BC: I used to have a routine. When I was teaching, I'd usually write from 7:00 P. M. or so until around 10:00. Now that I've gotten old and lazy, I don't follow the routine so well. I still prefer to write in the evenings, though.

Benj-O: Your talent seems to work equally well with both short fiction andnovels. How are these two formats different when writing (besides length,that is)?

BC: Oddly enough, the difference is time. It takes me a lot longer to write a page or two of a short story than it does for me to write a page or two of a novel. I'm not sure why. Maybe it has to do with the compression of everything: time, character development, plot. When you have as many pages as you need, you can be extravagant. When you have 20 or 25 pages, you have to condense everything and still tell a good story. It's tough.

Benj-O: You've created a host of loveable characters to star in your stories (Sheriff Rhodes, of course; Sally Goode; Truman Smith; Carl Burns (mypersonal favorite), among others). Do you prefer one to another?

BC: I like them all about the same, though I liked writing the Truman Smith series because it was in first person, which I enjoy. Carl Burns was great fun because I got to write about things I knew about. Sally Good was fun for the same reason and because she was the only female lead I ever got to do. And of course Sheriff Rhodes was the first character I developed on my own, and he's the one who's still going. I know that doesn't answer the question, but it's the best I can do.

Benj-O: So, let's get down to these wild hogs. Why do animals often play so heavily into your stories? Is there something we need to know?

BC: The truth is, I never really thought about it. I know that the Rhodes books have a lot of animals in them, and Truman Smith investigated the murder of an alligator and a prairie chicken. Sally Good had her cat. I guess the Burns books have fewer animals than the others, but I have no idea why.

Benj-O: Early in the Dan Rhodes series, I believe it was book one, Rhodes' daughter was bowing out of the scene to make room for Ivy. Do you thinkwe'll ever see her again?

BC: That was in the first book, and she's never been mentioned again. Or if she has I don't remember it. I think about her all the time, however, and I wonder if there's a way to bring her back. It could happen.

Benj-O: When those Hollywood moguls finally take notice of Dan Rhodes, will you sell them the rights outright, or do you plan on being hands on in the process of bringing Dan and the gang to the silver screen?

BC: If that ever happens, I probably won't still be around to see it. So I'm selling them the lock, stock and barrel.

Benj-O: And finally, what's next for Bill Crider? Will we be seeing more of Blacklin County's finest, visiting some of our old friends from colleges past (they know who they are), or will we get to encounter entirely newcasts of characters?

BC: The next sheriff book, tentatively titled THE MURDER OF A BEAUTY (SHOP) QUEEN had been turned in, so that'll be out next year. I have one sheriff book left on the current contract. After that, who knows? I'm writing novels for the e-book RANCHO DIABLO series (DEAD MAN'S REVENGE is currently available for Kindle), and I'm supposed to write a DEAD MAN novel for Lee Goldberg's e-book series. There'll be more of the RANCHO DIABLO books down the road.

As always Bill, thanks for playing!