RevGals Friday Five Meme: Books!
Jan over at RevGals is thinking about books today and offers this Friday Five Meme:
1. What books have you recently read? Tell us your opinion of them.
I've read several books by Julia Spencer-Flemming. I started with the third book in her series and moved on to the fourth. I find the books compelling even though they are filled with, in my opinion, significant errors about the Episcopal Church. For example I have NEVER heard of a deacon, even an Archdeacon on Diocesan staff, being called "Father." Deacons are called Deacons, by title, so it would be Deacon N.N. We do the same thing with Bishops, Bishop N.N. And, some think we should do the same with priests....but so far we tend to call priests, "Father." I've had people call me, a woman priest, "Father." Father in this regard becomes less about gender and more about role....although of course it is still about gender for some.
I also think the lead character, a female Episcopal priest and former military helicopter pilot, would NEVER be able to spend so much time investigating crimes and being away from congregational needs.
The books are light and easy reads and compelling even with my critique.
I've also read Jennifer Wiener, and Steig Larrsson (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), a number of poetry books (ee cummings, Mary Oliver, Billy Collins), Amanda Eyre Ward, and probably a few I've forgotten.
2. What books are awaiting your available time to be read? The two newest books by Karen Armstrong, "A Case for God" and "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life." Both are checked out of the library and I've put in a request for them. I also want to read the next two books in the "Girl with the..." series.
3. Have any books been recently recommended? "An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown Taylor and Armstrong's "Twelve Steps"....
4. What genre of books are your favorite, along with some titles and/or authors you like best? I like to alternate between fiction, mystery, religious resources, and poetry.
5. What have you read lately that you have a strong urge to recommend? (or to condemn?) I tend to recommend the Steig Larrsson books...the rest are just ok. I do think I will like the Armstrong books and will probably find something to appreciate about BBT's book, even though her book "Leaving Church" made me feel sad for her, since no one seemed to help her understand the importance of balance and self-care when doing parish ministry, or risk "burn-out."
Comments
Good book choices!
Hmm. Perhaps I should not read Leaving Church until I am out of the winter and have already talked with the Candidacy Committee again.
And, just noticing your blog quote and love it, had to write it down to ponder more. Always feels like you are in a warm place when I come to visit. ;-)
so glad you've a hand warming cup for tea if your cold weather is anything like mine :))