Every month we show what is on our reading table.

Comments on current reads:

1. “The Drama of Scripture” by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen: Recommended by Pastor Jeff. I skimmed the first two chapters and really like this approach. Let’s see how it ends.

2.“Cut and Run” by Alaric Bond. I read and reviewed the first three books in this British Naval Fiction, “His Majesty’s Ship”, “The Jackass Frigate” and “True Colors”. I give them high marks. Now that I read the first three installment in the series, I like it even more. I learned that the author does not center the series and each book around the captain. All the other series are about the captain rising from humble or noble beginnings to the end of an illustrious career. In Bond’s world, he follows a cross section of the crew, from the lowest to the captain. You are never sure who will survive and who won’t. In the first book, the captain, who I liked, died at the very beginning of the climactic battle. In this second, the captain, again who I like as a character, he survives. I hope to see him again. The other touch I like in these books is that the author gives insight into ‘minor’ details. For example, he discusses the construction and materials of a cello wielded by one of the lieutenants. He also discusses the construction and materials of a small, rifled pistol which plays a key role in the plot. I am looking forward to the third installment “Cut and Run” as shown above.

3. “The Power and the Glory” by Graham Greene: I am a big Graham Greene fan and am re-reading this book because it came up in a conversation about charging late fees at our medical practice, Ahwatukee Health and Recovery. We just started charging late fees and no-show fees since everyone was taking advantage of our mercy. In the book, the ‘whisky’ priest is advised that he should always charge for giving Mass and baptisms or the peasants will not appreciate the sacraments. Here (Part 3, Chapter 1, p169) he is bargaining on the price of baptisms:

4. “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini, PhD. This and the next book go together. They have been on my reading table for about a year. I got burned-out on the subject and politics after the election and set them aside. I am back now and finished.

5. “Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don’t Matter” by Scott Adams. Yes, Scott Adams the creator and author of Dilbert. Adams pointed me to the seminal work by Cialdini in persuasion. Both books are outstanding. If you want to persuade someone, and that’s about all we humans spend our time doing, both are ‘MUST READS’. These techniques go back to ancient days, but Cialdini and Adams remind us of how important and POWERFUL they are. Review is on the way.

6. “The Rise of Christianity: How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries” by Rodney Stark. Another recommendation from Pastor Jeff from his studies. I did finish this book and it is outstanding. If you are interested in the subject or in Ancient Rome this adds some interesting details. Two comments before the Floating Book Review: Stark approaches history through his (impressive) sociological background and uses those techniques to analyze history. He discusses this approach (strengths and weaknesses) at the beginning of the book. Two, I was unaware that the male/female ratio in ancient times was 1.3 due to the prevalent practice of female child infanticide and the death rate from pregnancy and birth. That is a startling fact; at least to me.

7. “Intercessory Prayer” by Dutch Sheets: I just started reading this. I have read the first two chapters. If the rest is as good, and as documented, this is an OUTSTANDING book on what is intercessory prayer and how to do it. I like his explanation of theology and how he backs each claim with scripture.
8. “The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives” by Tenney L. Davis: I bought this book based on a recommendation from this article:

All the reviews said that it is, at best, just an introduction. The author admits this at the beginning of book calling it a summary for the knowledgeable chemist. And it was written in 1943 so is somewhat out of date. That said, there are interesting background facts about the inventors of the various materials and a lot of chemical equations. I finished reading the book. I would recommend it except for its historical value. If you’re interested in the subject the next book “Boom!…” is much better suited.

9. “Boom!: The Chemistry and History of Explosives” by Simon Quellen Field: This book was and outgrowth of the above book, “The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives“. I’ve read a few chapters and it is extremely entertaining. Book review to follow.

10. “Grover Cleveland, A Study in Character” by Alyn Brodsky (not pictured): This is for an upcoming project. Note that the book is listed used on Amazon for $86. I finally gave up on this book and sent it back to the library. It is way too detailed for my needs and way too long at 512 pages. I did not read it. I skimmed a few chapters. “Cleveland is the only president in American history to serve two nonconsecutive terms in office.” He won in 1884, lost in 1888 and won again in 1882. All three elections were marred by cheating by both sides.

11. “The Encyclopedia of Commercial Real Estate Advice” by Terry Painter (not pictured): Still in work. The few times I dipped into it; I was impressed.

12. “The One Year Bible” with help from the “Lutheran Study Bible” (not pictured).