Definitely more YA than even the Divergent trilogy, the Uglies, Pretties, and Specials still communicate an important message to our beauty-struck culture. In this series, everyone is surgically made to look perfectly pretty at the age of 16. The problem is that an accompanying "pretty" mentality alters keeps everyone shallow. Some rebel against the cookiecutter mentality that prevails and that rebellion is the focus of this series. In any of these dystopian novels, I like the not-so-subtle parallels to current society and the implied warnings that these parallels bring. It's refreshing to see teen literature that praises quick-thinking, selflessness, and cross-culture action in spite of the lure of beauty, empty pleasure, and popularity.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Fresh off the the Hunger Games trilogy, I was an easy target for the Divergent series. When I saw the preview for Divergent at the movie showing of Catching Fire, I immediately went home and looked it up in my local library. Of course, there was a wait list. By the time I finally brought the book home and began devouring it, my anticipation had mounted considerably. Thankfully, Divergent is no disappointment to the hype. I'm riveted, spell bound, and intrigued. I love the dystopian world of factions, the thinking and philosophy that goes into such inventions of the author's mind. Though, obviously written for a teenage/YA audience, Divergent holds great appeal for readers of all ages when it comes to thinking through potential fallout of any society's methods in shaping its citizens. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series, and I will definitely make a point to see the movies, as well!
The Racketeer by John Grisham
I can't resist a good Grisham novel. Admittedly, some of his recent books have not been so riveting. The Racketeer, however, is a return to vintage Grisham. Grisham at his best. As an intriguing first for Grisham, The Racketeer is written from the perspective of an African-American lawyer. Though touching on some of the same themes as his earlier books (racism, corruption, and greed), Grisham's decison to write this book first-person from a black man's perspective give this it a fresh approach and unique twist. I understand that talks for a movie of this book are in the works, and I'm all about that! The plot twists and turns and fast-paced action in The Racketeer make it a book that begs to be a movie! Grisham readers (or anyone else, for that matter) will not be disappointed with The Racketeer!
The Life Ready Woman by Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis
Armed with cultural insight, Biblical understanding, and personal research, Feldhahn and Lewis write a potentially life-changing book for every woman. Focusing on our "Core Values," Shaunti plays out how each stage of life requires making certain wise decisions in order to preserve our purpose on this earth. From the single woman, to the married with preschoolers mom, to the empty nester, and single again, Lewis and Shaunti dynamically remind us where our focus ought to be in each stage of life. They also sensitively touch on the "atypical" stages of a woman's life such as unexpectedly single, "older" singles, and single moms, and speak to living wise, godly lives in these circumstances as well. This book is a must-read for every woman who wonders how to keep "first things first" and live a God-honoring life through every stage, situation, and circumstance.
The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller
If you are looking for a "big picture" defense of marriage, its role in history and significance to society, this book is for you. If you love a philosophical style of writing, closely emulating C.S. Lewis, you will love this book. The best chapters for actual marital help are in the middle of the book where Keller shows the significance of the Gospel played out in the marriage relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed Keller's book. I like his writing style and found his discussion of how the Gospel ought to be displayed in marriage enlightening. It's really not a counseling manual or workbook for a struggling couple, but instead an explanation and definition of what marriage ought to be.
What Did You Expect? by Paul Tripp
Perhaps because I read Keller's book first, Tripp's book seemed laborious. To be fair, it is a very different book. Gospel marriage principles are delineated separately in each chapter. So what Keller explained in one or two chapters, Tripp spelled out over the course of the book. For a study or workbook approach, Tripp's book will help a couple flesh out the Gospel in the life of their marriage in very real, nitty-gritty ways. I was personally convicted by reading this book of the many ways I fail to conscientiously and intentionally extend Gospel grace to my husband on a daily basis.
Real Marriage by Mark Driscoll
I am still in progress with this book. It's the first I've read by Driscoll, and I'm well aware of the controversy surrounding his ministry. I started the book with the mindset that perhaps his critics are just overly sensitive, but I'm finding that I am not really liking his personality as displayed in the pages of the book. Mark and his wife Grace write this book together in their own voices, sharing their own story and lessons learned as a result of their own struggle over the first decade of their marriage. In that sense, the book is very "Real." I will wait until I've finished the book to complete/add to/change my opinion here.
So what about you? What are reading these days?
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