King Solomon

King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power
by Philip Graham Ryken
Crossway, 2011

Non-fiction: Adult, Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality

Crossway consistently produces thoughtful and relevant reading. This was another success for the publishing house.

For many of us the Biblical story of Solomon is not new. In fact, that familiarity may be the single greatest obstacle the book faces: what more can we learn?

And this is where Ryken and Crossway prove to be a successful combination: Ryken's spiritual insight and mastery of writing, with Crossway's support, offer us a thoughtful read.

This is not just for Christians but for most of us who recognize personal struggles with any form of money, or sex, or power. And as Ryken describes and illustrates these areas, these Big Three really encompass most of the challenges for a contemporary self-aware life.

What's different about this book:
The stories and illustrations are ENGAGING and relevant. I did not expect that with the book's focus. Solid, yes, and Biblical, sure: I expected those. But to find the writing both encouraging and convicting and engaging, that I didn't expect.

Evaluation, or what I'll do now:
This is a great resource for my church library work. I'll be eager to see folks pulling this book off the shelf and finding, as I did, that it is an experience well worth the time.

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First Rule of Ten

The First Rule of Ten: A Tenzing Norbu Mystery
by Gay Hendricks, Tinker Lindsay
Hay House, 2012 (Adult Fiction / Mystery, Detective)

I was attracted to this book because of an uncommon mix of mystery, murder and spirituality. And I kept reading because the authors continued to use the best of each of these areas in developing the characters and action.

As the book opens, Ten is deciding to leave his job -- LAPD detective-- after getting shot and realizing he's not where he wants to be. He loves detective work, so he strikes off on his own.

Along the way Ten is accompanied by his house mate Tank (a large feline with an equally large personality), his ex-partner Bill and family, and the quintessential tech help, Mike. This combination of friends, as well as new ones he makes along the way, makes for a fun and comfortably mysterious read.

What's different about this book:
This is not your typical heavy, angst-ridden LA detective. Ten is fun, enjoys people, treasures his moments of solitude, and examines his relationships and path in the world through his Buddhist beliefs and background. It's refreshing to have a protagonist who represents the universal virtue of grace. Ten also differs from other LA detectives in his personality or aura: his is a gentler soul, softer.

Evaluation:
This was an enjoyable read. It's not compelling enough to push with my young adult / high school / adult readers. But I can recommend it without hesitation. And I will probably watch for the two titles that will be following in this trilogy. Not a high-stress read, but a pleasant one. Engaging characters, enough "bad guy gets his comeuppance" to be satisfying.

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