Hope Walks Blog

New York Public Library

After some delay, I’m continuing with this year’s list of literary discoveries…

A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards (George Marsden) – Marsden wrote a much longer work just a few years ago that was well received.  This one is but 152 pages.  That said, it’s not really an abridgement.  It’s more another (and briefer) look at Edwards’ life, especially at the cultural changes of the times and how that influenced Edwards through the years.

Jonathan Edwards:  A New Biography (Ian Murray) – Murray begins with a simple but profound assumption which is that we cannot understand Jonathan Edwards unless we understand his faith.  This work is more the traditional biography (and much longer) than the one described above but well worth the time.

Total Truth (Nancy Pearcey) – I wouldn’t say this is an easy read.  But it is insightful.  One might even say Pearcey takes up where Francis Schaeffer left off in her analysis of world views and American culture.  I had our oldest read it this summer prior to her senior year of high school.  It took her a while but she enjoyed it.

Monster in the Hollows (Andrew Peterson) – This is the third and the latest in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson.  Our family absolutely loves this series.  You might say it’s part Narnia Chronicles and part Princess Bride.  What’s not to like?

Behold the Lamb of God (Russ Ramsey) – “Gather round, ye children, come listen to the old, old story.”  So begins Andrew Peterson’s wonderful Christmas album by the same name as this book.  And that well summarizes the focus of this book as well.  Russ Ramsey has written a great devotional book for the Advent season, drawing the reader into the true tall tale of the coming of the Christ.