Read but not Reviewed (Recommended Anyway)

While I like to respond to as much of what I read with a thoughtful opinion in the form of a quick review, I don't always fulfill this desire. I am a fairly slow reader because I have to digest every word. Then, I want to be truthful and thoughtful when I do write my opinions down. When life gets hectic, I find that just fulfilling the normal duties of a small-church pastor can keep me from setting my thoughts to keyboard. So, I thought I'd just give a quick recommendation concerning a few books I read in the first part of the year (and then maybe I won't feel so bad about getting to the next--freshly read--review).

Compound Murder (A Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery) by Bill Crider (Minataur, 2013). As with anything by Bill, and especially starring the Blacklin County Cast headed by Dan Rhodes, I heartily recommend this book. I read it around Christmas and the next installment is supposed to hit stores next month, so I thought I'd better at least mention this one (4 reading glasses).

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis (Harper Collins, 2000 edition). I finally got a chance to give this classic defense of the Christian Faith a good solid read and found it to be timely and quotable. This is a book anyone should read. It has my highest recommendation (five reading glasses).

Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels (IVP Books, 2008, 20th Anniversary Edition). This one is a modern classic on prayer, It is another challenging read with much advise. I recommend it for the Christian who wants to dive deeper into their own prayer life. (4 reading glasses)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Barbara Robinson

©1972 Avon Books (first Avon edition, 1979), New York

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 so good, 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 history of the world.” That opening sentence tells it all. The little book tells the story of how these horrible children got involved in and, to everyone’s surprise, did not ruin the Christmas pageant. Everything had gone wrong this year—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 never seen the stage play, find a local drama group that’s performing it, and go. If you absolutely have to, you can watch the video of the Loretta Swit version that was produced about thirty years ago (but you’ll be happier if you go to a stage production or read the book).

This book should be on your Christmas read list right along with 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