My Summer Reading List, Part 2

Yesterday I posted Part 1 of my summer reading list. Here is Part Deux.

A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn, and A Patriot’s History of the Unites States by Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen. People’s History is from a liberal viewpoint, and Patriot’s History from the conservative side. I’m working through both at the same time, getting a different take on each period of U. S. History. I hope to finish these this year.

Every Man’s Marriage by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker, and Hedges by Jerry Jenkins. My marriage is important to me, and I need to grow in my ability to love Melanie as Christ loved the Church. If you want to grow in leadership, ministry, music, or whatever, you need to read. Marriage shouldn’t be any different. Plus, I have personally known enough Christian leaders who have done really stupid things with their lives and marriages, and it has scared me into being more pro-active about keeping my marriage healthy. (And that’s a good thing.)

Culture Making by Andy Crouch. The sub-title is, “Recovering Our Creative Calling.” I’ve chosen this as a required text for my Introduction to the Arts classes this fall. I want students to understand how the Church can make a difference in culture through the arts. (I figure I should read the required texts also!)

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John Maxwell. Maxwell’s stuff is usually good and this one looks like a real winner. Who couldn’t use some help connecting with others? Plus, they included my picture on the inside cover, so I’m “connected” to the book.

How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren. This is the classic work on getting the most out of your reading. I’ve read snippets of it, but need to go through the whole thing. As much as I read, this can only be helpful.

Linchpin by Seth Godin. I read Seth’s blog every day, and I loved Tribes and The Dip. Looking forward to this one that came out earlier this year.

Questions: What books do you plan to read this summer? If you have read any of these books, what did you think?