Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1) The Fiction of Don Winslow
I first encountered Don Winslow through a podcast interview years ago in which he was describing the death threats he received for his research and storytelling about Mexican drug cartels. I had never heard of this guy and at first I thought he was a journalist. Then I realized he was talking about his research and writing process for novels. So naturally I had to check his work out. And wow. The first one I read was The Power of the Dog, the first in a trilogy focused on a DEA agent seeking to bring down a cartel boss. But that undersells the depth and breadth of the story and the quality of the writing. It is not a mere crime procedural, in fact that is the mere plot structure on which a whole tale of relationship, depravity, and moral struggle is woven. I then moved on to read (and listen to) all Winslows other work. I loved it all. He is a captivating storyteller who creates unforgettable characters who you can root for or hate (or both). If you are looking for gripping, intense, marvelously written Summer reads, check out his work.
2) You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches by Ray Ortlund Jr. and Sam Allberry
I am thankful to call both these authors friends. Ray was my pastor for two years when i first attended Immanuel Church in Nashville, guided my ordination process, and has been an ongoing encouragement to me and the other pastors at Immanuel. I currently serve with Sam, so I get to benefit from his ministry and friendship weekly. All this to say, I can attest to the veracity, genuineness, and authenticity of all the teaching in this wonderful, uplifting, reorienting book. It is a breath of fresh air and an offer deep solace in Jesus for any church leader or church member. While it is aimed particularly at those in leadership it offers wonderful encouragement to any churchgoer. It is deep without being dense or drudgery. I cannot recommend this book more highly.
3) Deep Throws from Third Base
Maybe it’s because I played third base up into high school then didn’t have the arm for this kind of throw. Or maybe it’s the sheer majesty of the plays. But I love these plays, every times.
