The February Bookbag

evangelicals . estranged adult children . holy unhappiness . boys in the boat (+ Nicholas Sparks + dozens of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kindle deals!)

Feb 13, 2024

All you book lovers, rejoice!

If it’s the middle of the month then it’s time for The Bookbag. This month’s a lengthy baby with 4 reviews and a whole slew of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Kindle deals - titles I’ve appreciated or authors I like. I’m so glad you’re here … let’s get cozy and enjoy.

(And yes, eagle-eyed subscribers. After sending this to your inbox, I snuck back in and renamed the post to reflect that it’s February. Not March. Senior moment … or wishful thinking? Thanks to the brilliant MM for catching the faux pas early on.)

The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis
Karen Swallow Prior
(author’s website)
If you’re looking for light reading, take a pass on this one. But if you’re ready for an in-depth study on the development of evangelical life and culture since the Victorian era this is for you. Professor and esteemed author Karen Prior has delved into an incredible amount of research and interacted with students who are figuring out what their faith in Christ looks like. This noted author gives us a volume that invites us to consider where we’ve come from and how it speaks into where we (the author and I would both call ourselves ‘evangelical’) find ourselves today, especially regarding the evolution of a most unsettling political voting bloc, sexual abuse scandals among clergy members, and the growing number of next generation believers deconstructing / reconstructing their faith and world view.

Eye-opening and informative, I finished the book feeling like I had gone through a college level history/religion/political science course … in all the best ways. I continue to grieve that the term ‘evangelical’ has become a destructive political football and not at all representative of the word evangel - those who spread the redemptive news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Kindle
Hardcover

📚

Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict Joshua Coleman
(author’s website)
Finally, a volume written for broken-hearted parents that puts words (shame, hurt, guilt, sorrow) to their shattered lives. The author is not only a practicing psychologist but has experienced several years of estrangement himself, giving credence and value to his practical guidance. He delves into the reasons that adult children are making these choices including ‘rising rates of individualism, an increasing cultural emphasis on happiness, growing economic insecurity, and a historically recent perception that parents are obstacles to personal growth.’ And he provides step by step guidance in how parents can respond in ways that may open doors to reconciliation.

With plenty of real life examples, this book sheds light and gives hope. It’s not for only those who have experienced this level of disorienting family trauma but for all who know and love them.
Kindle
Hardcover

📚

Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and the Myth of the Blessed Life
Amanda Held Opelt
(author’s website)
‘For as long as I can remember, I’d embraced the myth that my life had to always feel good, feel rewarding, and feel meaningful in order to be blessed. I was a faithful disciple of the emotional prosperity gospel. But I have come to believe that to simply exist as a beloved child of God, to see him and to live, to wrestle with him and know that he is always with me, this is the great gift. This is the Way. It is enough.’ (220)

The sister of noted author and next generation leader, the late Rachel Held Evans, brings a gentle perspective and a beautiful wisdom to this reflective work. A vulnerable, deeply personal story, a book worth savoring.
Kindle
Paperback

📚

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Daniel James Brown
(author’s website)
I’m on my 2nd read of this majestic saga. You’ll be hooked after just a few pages as the author’s compelling narrative style sweeps you right into a time and place in history that will grab hold of your imagination and your heart.

Smithsonian Magazine writes, ‘Brown’s book juxtaposes the coming together of the Washington crew team against the Nazis’ preparations for the Games, weaving together a history that feels both intimately personal and weighty in its larger historical implications.’

A must-read classic for all, young and old. I highly recommend reading before viewing the movie which is a compelling overview of the book’s detailed storyline.
Kindle
Paperback

📚

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ KINDLE DEALS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Bronte Sisters Collection - 5 Novels
The Bronte Sisters
$5.99

Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion
Gary Chapman
$2.99

The 5 Love Languages for Men: Tools for Making a Good Relationship Great
Gary Chapman
$2.99

Attachments: Why You Love, Feel, & Act the Way You Do
Timothy Clinton
$3.99

12 ‘Christian’ Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy: Relief From False Assumptions
Henry Cloud & John Townsend
$2.99

God Will Make a Way: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do
Henry Cloud & John Townsend
$2.99

Men of Courage: God’s Call to Move Beyond the Silence of Adam
Larry Crabb
$2.99

Let’s All Be Brave: Living Life with Everything We Have
Annie Downs
$2.99

Of Mess & Moxie: Wrestling Delight Out of This Wild & Glorious Life
Jen Hatmaker
$1.99

Three James Herriot Classics
James Herriot
$4.99