Well, not THE book. But I may as well note the latest reading assignment I've given myself since it's been a while.

I've had to shift gears and add some non-fiction, current events type of reads to my pile for much of the first half of the year. I couldn't help but notice how little I really cared to read on the bus ride to and from work, or even while goofing off around the homestead. All work and no soulcare have a way of doing that, I suppose.

So, two new reads picked up yesterday (and arriving ... eventually):

1. The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays of Wendell Berry (by Wendell Berry [Author], Norman Wirzba [Editor])

I've only picked up Wendell Berry's material second-hand or in some extended reading online of excerpts. As favorable of a view as I have of his style, I'm way past overdue for a fuller read of his work. So naturally, I opt for a sampler of his writing. I was on the fence between this one and "Life is a Miracle". If anyone has any arguments for or against any of his essay books, I'm all ears. I'm told his poems and fiction is even better, but stylistically, those genres aren't my bag. I suspect I will eventually cave in and pick up one from each with Berry's name on them sometime down the road.

2. The New Testament and the People of God (N. T. Wright)

Eugene Peterson informs me that the series of books that this kicks off is essential reading. Being a big fan of Peterson's and a big enough fan of Wrights, I'm not one to argue. I've put it off for six months since I still haven't made much of a dent in my other big book for the year: "Stories With Intent". I'm hoping to dive into that one while waiting on this order to arrive.

I wish my failing memory were good enough to remind me where I heard someone say (or write) about how critical it was to understand the first century church in order to put today's church into context. It sure sounds like something Rob Bell would say, but I don't think it was from one of his sermons. Anyways, that nudge was about all it took to make me move Wright's book up the list a bit and break a reading slump with a big, giant book.

Oh, and Peterson also notes that one should spend a year each reading the books in this series. Sounds like I've got my work cut out for me.