By Kevin Lee

SUMMER reading need not be just a mindless way to kill time – as the following books demonstrate.

• Anne Rice: Christ the Lord, The Road to Cana, Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 2008

The second book in the series on the life of Jesus by Catholic author Rice, who has clearly gone far beyond her famous vampire books. The Road to Cana is an elegantly written ‘fictional’ snapshot of Jesus’ experiences –  from the winter before his baptism in the Jordan, to his attending the marriage at Cana. Rice brings a profound feeling to her writing – in her descriptions, dialogue and way she summons up the presence of Jesus in the story. A potential reader, wary of an author taking on a novel of this scope, can be assured that this book is a road worth taking.

• John Cox: Googling God, Harvest House, 2008

There are a lot of books now in print which work to present God without the musty trappings of religion. As John Cox googles God, he engages us in the search, as well as anyone writing for a churched or inquiring audience. The author was born in South Africa, and currently pastors a church on Vancouver Island. His journey has informed a gentle and challenging  look at the search results. This book is thoughtful – not only in how it presents answers, but in how it lays out the questions we all ask.

• Joy Jordan-Lake: Blue Hole Back Home, David C. Cook Publishing, 2008

A story of the deep South – with deep love, deep prejudice and the tension caused by both. The humid summer in Appalachia is the backdrop for this first novel – set in the recent past, in a world which recalls To Kill a Mockingbird. This first novel by Jordan-Lake is not to be missed; she brings a lyric voice to this tale of the death of innocence. Not just another summertime novel.  

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• Steven Bouma-Prediger: For The Beauty of the Earth, Baker Books, 2001  

Ecology meets theology in this extremely well-crafted book. The ‘ecological complaint’ against Christianity is explored, along with a study of the biblical grounds for environmental ethics and the good news which the whole church can/must embody and proclaim. This is a remarkable combination of scientific presentation, theological savvy and a strong call to environmental discipleship. Heavy stuff, but vital reading – and poignant, as we explore beautiful B.C. this summer.  

• Phil Callaway: Family Squeeze, Multnomah Books, 2008

Callaway is the master of light-hearted looks at life as we know it. His take on the challenges of the middle years is hilarious. He’s not afraid to quote George Burns or King Solomon, but it’s his episodes of family life that provoke chortles – and a bit of perspective, which is timely for all of us in the middle. Cartoons, anecdotes and prayers combine to bring focus on what matters most. Get this book. Callaway is single-handedly bringing humour to a Christian bookstore near you.      

• Michael Schut, editor: Food & Faith, Living the Good News, 2002  

This is not a book which makes us feel guilty about what we eat. It celebrates food as sacramental, and asks us to consider the implications of food choices we make. It brings together a great group of writers, including Wendell Berry, Thomas Moore and others – who point to ways the single reader or a community can help bring about a healthier and more equitable world, through the food we eat. The included study guide makes connections between faith and food choices, and encourages the healing of our separation from food and land. Celebration of ‘our daily bread’ is beautifully laid out, as readers explore the meaning of our meals.

Kevin Lee is owner of Sign of the Fish bookstore in North Vancouver.

June 2008