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Josh GriffinMore Posts Book Review: mY Generation

mY Generation: a Real Journey of Change and Hope by Josh James Riebock was the latest stronghold to fall in my weekend book-reading assault. Josh was our camp speaker last summer and it was fun to see his personality come through in his book. Relationships are key to Josh’s life – it seems like each section of each chapter focuses on a friend of his and what he learned about life and God from that person and their experiences. If you are a friend of Josh and were disappointed didn’t make the cut this book, I’m sure you’ll be in the follow-up – seems like being friends with Josh could easily land you in his writings, so look out! I’m not a huge fan of books that try to characterize an entire generation but really enjoyed Josh’s take on spirituality and faith through the eyes of the 20-30 year old community.

In light of today’s survey and analysis about spirituality vs. religion in the Millenials, the book feels timely and fresh. I couldn’t help but think about the book UnChristian as I read these pages, it felt like Josh was unpacking the back-story behind the findings in that fantastic earlier work. I especially like the chapters on community and authenticity, but the chapter on forgiveness is the best in the book. Just when you think Josh has it all together and is nearly perfect – he goes after himself with honesty and openness that invites you to hear his observations about God through the eyes of the next generation. Well written, honest, funny – I really liked his take on the Christian faith and life illustrated by stories from his friends of the Y Generation. A good read!

JG

Add Comment April 28, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Book Review: A Lion Called Christian

Read in one sitting today the book A Lion Called Christian – the story behind the YouTube sensation from a couple of years ago. Not normally a book I would read, but my wife brought it home from a recent trip and I remembered seeing the video of a lion and his human parents a while back. The story is curious and interesting, I’ve never owned (or desired to own) a lion before, so it was interesting to see the thought process and witness the bonding between humans and animals. This is a book about relationships, and while it is dated, it is still interesting to follow their journey from purchase to reunion years later. I didn’t pull away a ton of learnings, but it was fun to satisfy my curiosity and hear the backstory of that most-interesting video.

JG

Add Comment April 26, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Book Review: The Jesus Storybook Bible

We read Bible stories to our kids about every night as part of our bedtime routine. Chores, PJs, teeth, stories, Bible stories, prayer, zzzzzz. Even though our kids aren’t that old, we’ve gone through quite a few different children’s Bibles in the process – and we’ve recently fell in love with our most recent acquisition, The Jesus Storybook Bible.

Zondervan gave everyone who attended the Radicalis Conference a a free copy – I happened to be backstage with Mark Driscoll and he mentioned it was his family’s favorite book. So, we took it home and started reading that night – and I have to tell you, it is super. I put on my “narrator” voice and don’t want to stop it is so fun, clear and inspiring. Really good stuff – if you’ve got little kids, you’ll wear this Bible out.

JG

5 View Comments April 18, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Book Review: Sinema7

Wrapping up a new book that was sent to me to review here on the blog – Sinema7: A Movie Watcher’s Guide to the Seven Deadly Sins by Maureen Herring. The book is packed full of movie scene descriptions that illustrate the seven deadly sins (lust, greed, etc) – the examples range from the classics to movies that have come out as recently as a few months ago. Along with these powerful stories from our cinema, Herring also challenges us to live a life for Christ, to reject the message of the movie and follow the God’s ways.

Now this isn’t an editorial or condemnation on enjoying a movie, it is using a familiar context to point people to honor Christ with their decisions. Now, I have to admit that reading about movie clips instead of movies themselves isn’t quite as great as watching the clips then reading the commentary, but it still works well and makes you think back to the scenes of movies you love or hate. Just an aside, seems like there’s a great opportunity here for a genre-bending “video-book” for the iPad to emerge here with great success. Anyhow, a great self-published effort for movie fans and Christ-followers. You can also read Maureen’s blog, continuing the discussion on the 7 deadly sins in modern movies.

JG

1 View Comments April 16, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Book Review: What the Dog Saw

I will read everything a select group of writers put out there.

Usually that works for me, because the people on there deserve it after crafting several life-changing, personal and impactful books. Malcom Gladwell tops that list (which also includes Doug Fields and Seth Godin), so I’ve read every single book of his so far. He’s the mastermind/author behind Blink, Outliers and The Tipping Point. His latest book, What the Dog Saw, is simply a collection of his columns in the New Yorker. My expectation bar was set super high – and while it isn’t as epic as his typical book, I loved reading some of his older stuff in smaller doses. Highly recommend, it’ll make you think.

JG

1 View Comments April 15, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Book Review: War with the World

I read some of Steve Mitchells’ War with the World: The Teenage Battlefield a few months ago and meant to make a mention of it here on the blog as well in case it might interest you. War with the World is a devotional book for students, calling them to fight through the all-too-common struggles of their teenage years and live a sold-out life for Christ. It challenges them to a life of purity and living above the temptations of the world. The book is very conservative in style and tone, it is a tool that would work really well at churches like the one I grew up in and most of my family attend. It is written with tons of Bible references and will definitely point students to Scripture. If that is the setting you are ministering in, definitely check it out.

JG

Add Comment March 30, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts BOOK REVIEW: The 3 Big Questions for the Frantic Family

I’ve read every one of Patrick Lenconi’s books – this one is the first of his business fables to hit on the topic of the home. I love the book – it challenges you to take a long look at your family and determine what exactly are the values you will build your home around. While not a Christian book, it does give ample space to faith and volunteering, and most of it is easily adaptable to a Christian home. The book asks you to look at your family’s unique makeup, and regularly meet to grade yourself on how you are doing acomplishing your family-specific mission. Some good stuff in there, as a father of 4 in a frantic young family, it was totally a good read.

JG

1 View Comments March 21, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts BOOK REVIEW: Unfavorable Odds

Just finished up reading a great story of Kim Hamilton, former All-American gymnast and UCLA champion Hall of Famer. She has an amazing story of overcoming an unreal childhood and becoming a world-champion athlete. She’s also a devout Christian, and shares her journey and struggle of faith. A great story that honors her hard work, God’s favor and finding her purpose in life. Inspiring.

JG