New old folk tales

The Little Moose Who Couldn't Go to Sleep

A Maynard Moose Tale
Willy Claflin, James Stimson
August House / LittleFolk
January 2014

Reading a digital ARC just doesn't do this book justice.  The story line and rhythmic language and folksy moose speak (as interpreted in modern English) are grand, but the wonder of the illustrations is diminished by the cross-screen portions that the ARC on a device delivers.

What's different about this book:
I am drawn to the modern-day old folksy touch, and I particularly like the legend-building narrative about Mother Moose and her kitchen where she creates all things.  I think the illustrations accompanying the story (if seen side by side) would really enhance the text of Little Moose who can't get to sleep.  I think little ones will identify readily with Little Moose whose brain is just sooo busy. And readers of all ages will enjoy the gentle humor that leaks around the edges of the story lines.

What I'll do now that I've read it:
I have not paid attention to the Maynard Moose series before now, and I like the feel and the looks of this latest release.  My libraries will be adding this series to their consideration pages -- great stuff for both libraries and homes.

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A satisfying one-sitting read

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Jennifer E. Smith
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
January 2012

The publisher's offer of a free re-visit of this book gave me a great reason to sit and savor a great story.  My young adult readers have told me how good this book is, and now I can agree:  it's a genuine look at teen problems, family relations, and instant attraction.

What's different about this book:
Sometimes I just want to enjoy a sweet romance with the drama occurring somewhere other than in the relationship.  This book provides that, with enough other issues to make it real.  And what some reviewers have called a predictable ending, I call satisfying.  I seldom read a book all in one sitting, but this one I did.

What I'll do now that I've read the book:
We are enjoying all the Jennifer Smith books we already own and looking forward to The Geography of You and Me, coming this April 15.  Oh, and I'll go back and visit Smith's This Is What Happy Looks Like in the meantime. Thanks, LBBforYR!

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Non-offensive theology

The Answer to Bad Religion Is Not No Religion: A Guide to Good Religion for Seekers, Skeptics, and Believers
by Martin Thielen
Westminster John Knox Press
Feb 2014  


What does Thielen's conversation add to conventional wisdom?  A great group of stories that will touch readers who have probably experienced similar situations.  What the book does not add is light for thinkers, seekers, those who are suffering, and the desperate.

Thielen talks a lot about characteristics of bad religion, of no religion, and of good religion.  He speaks of "the kind of religion that turns many people away." What he leaves out is a recognition that true Christian faith can and does offend many (Romans 9:33).  The book also leaves out an understanding of a powerful Creator who provides steadfast grounding for belief and practice.  Ultimately Thielen's ultimate good is utilitarianism and reason. 

What's different about this book:
 Answer provides a good discussion of the United Methodist denomination's virtues and values.  The part about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral shares that denomination's "four sources of theological authority:" Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason.  Unfortunately the only one of those four authorities that transcends man's human, fallible ability to think and reason is Scripture -- and Thielen eviscerates the Bible as something a person can trust or rely on.

Among the book's argument for good religion is the usefulness that good religion provides.  This brought to mind Screwtape's admonition (in C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters) that Christian belief could easily be destroyed by confusing believers to view "Christianity as a means."

I fall back on the trite but tellingly true concept that Christianity, authentic Christianity, is not a religion but a relationship.  I saw little of a trusting, humble relationship in this writing.

What I'll do now that I've read the book:
I am re-visiting and re-confirming the foundations of my own faith, and I am comparing my understanding of an Almighty and Omnipotent Sovereign.  Not much is said about this Essence in this book, and I conclude that this work is less helpful than others I could purchase and share.
 

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