Here are the books I read in April… I know it’s July… but it’s here now.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
by Anne Lamott | 3 of 5 stars

I read Bird by Bird not completely expecting what I would find… especially since this is a book about writing and I’ve never read a book about writing that wasn’t technical in nature. Lamott doesn’t present a technical way to write, but a very free flowing, experience laden work filled with stories about her journey towards being the writer she is today. All along the way there are helpful bits of insight into the creative writing process as well as tips for dealing with writers block and the normal self-effacing struggles a writer will run into. I enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a non-technical, story driven work on creative writing, this is a good place to start.

Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions
by Guy Kawasaki | 2 of 5 stars

I had high hopes for this book. Kawasaki’s previous book “The Art of the Start” was a brilliant and extremely helpful piece that helped walk me through some of the important processes for launching IKON. Unfortunately, The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions didn’t have the same level of brilliance. To me, this book felt more like a how to on manipulation instead of inspiration (as the title suggests). I had hoped for more.

Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit
by Henri Nouwen | 4 of 5 stars

I was first introduced to Uncle Henri in college through a professor that has had a greater and more profound impact on my life than perhaps he will ever know.

Henri has played a significant role in my spiritual formation and development in my 13+ years of pastoral ministry and has not only walked me through some valleys of despair and trial but has been a guide in helping me to help others through their valleys of despair and trial. Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit is a collection of essays, lectures, and conversations that Henri had with students and friends along the way before his untimely death. It was compliled by Michael J Christensen and Rebecca Laird, who have strived to keep the work of Henri alive through this important piece. I am thankful for his voice, and for their faithfulness to keeping his voice alive for generations to come.

Related posts:

1. if Jesus owned an ipod.
2. January Reading
3. February + March Reading
4. choke: a review
5. starving jesus (a review)

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