New additions to our personal library and a question

Here’s some lovely new additions to our personal library, thanks to the kindness of three family members.

1901 edition of the Home Study Circle Library, American Literature, Vol. II: Poe, Hawthorne, Holmes. Excellent antique book. Very good condition, with superb illustrations. A welcome member of the antique book collection.

The Hal Leonard Mandolin Method, Book One, put together by Rich DelGrosso. This looks to be a great resource for helping me learn Mandolin, and also allows to stop relying on library check outs of another mandolin beginner book.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Craig Hovey’s To Share in the Body: A Theology of Martyrdom for Today’s Church. So far this has been a truly wonderful read, has challenged my thinking on a couple issues, reaffirms a couple others, and got me to say, “Well, I think you got that one wrong,” on two occasions. But I’ll try and cover that stuff when I’m done and can write up a little review. I have not been disappointed one bit.

Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus, by Ched Myers. Mark’s Gospel swiftly became my favorite Gospel in the last few years. I’ve heard from many reputable sources (friends and theologians and reviewers) that this text is a must. So this will be an amazing adventure. I’m really excited. It looks incredibly meaty.

And then there’s this next text, that could very easily be a life changer if I’m not careful.

Documenta Anabaptistica Volume 8: The Forgotten Writings of the Mennonite Martyrs, edited by Brad Gregory. I cannot express how much this means to me. I’m finally bearing down and learning dutch, folks. I’ll stop there for now as my mind is starting to race.

Here are my questions to you. (1) What was your favorite read this year? That one book or journal article that tops everything else you read. One that still gets you thinking and wondering. I’d love to know. (2) What one other book or journal article would you recommend other folks read in 2010?

I look forward to your responses.

My answers? Favorite read this year wasWhat about Hitler?: Wrestling with Jesus’s Call to Nonviolence in an Evil World (Christian Practice of Everyday Life, The) by Robert Brimlow. My recommendation for 2010 would be Tripp York’s The Purple Crown: The Politics of Martyrdom. Enjoy!