Four books to read in 2006:
The Known World by Edward P. Jones (Amistad Publishers). Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this book chronciles the life of Henry Townsend, " black farmer and former slave who falls under the tutelage of William Robbins, the most powerful man in Manchester County, Virginia." Robbins unexpectedly dies and his widow (Caldonia) takes control--chaos, uncertainty ensue. This books brings into the world of slavery, the incredible will of African-Americans, and the reality of hope in the midst of certain despair.
The Restless Heart: Finding Our Spiritual Home in Times of Loneliness by Ronald Rolheiser (Doubleday Publishers). Lonelinesss is part of the journey for those who know they will never reach their destination this side of the return of King Jesus. Loneliness is prevalent in many people: usually, the more sucessful someone is the more loneliness creeps in.
Bono by Michka Assayas (Riverhead Books). One of the more influential figures in the world, this book is a series of conversations--there is some explicit language but don't let that ruin the incredible story of this Irish boy turned prophet/rock star. When it comes to U2, I'm haunted by this question, "A band that is blatantly spiritual attracts more fans, sells more records than any band in the world. What is it about their understanding of faith that the church can learn?" Though Bono is controversial politically (Patrick and I have fun talking about this)--Bono will challenge stock answers to life's difficult questions.
And the Walls Came Tumbling Down by Frank Fitzpatrick (University of Nebraska Press). Contextualizes the story of the infamous Adolph Rupp and Kentucky (Rupp's Runts) facing off against Texas Western in the 1966 NCAA Championship Game for Men's Basketball. If you enjoyed the movie "Glory Road", you'll love this book. Texas Western changed American Sports and American culture in ways that are just now being understood.
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2 comments:
I read fitzpatrick's book a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. I love basketball books in general, but of course this one was about more than basketball. I've yet to see Glory Road, but hope to as soon as the DVD is available.
I've got Assayas book with Bono on my wish list right now. I read "Walk On" by Steve Stockman a couple of years ago, and also thought the "conversations" book looked pretty good, too.
Noticed at the top of the page you're a friend of JB's. I knew John (and most of the others he went to Uganda with) while we were at Harding. Haven't seen him in about 5 or 6 years now. If you see/talk to him soon, tell him I said hello.
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