A brief summary of what I’m currently reading or have recently finished, why I read it, and whether I’d recommend it. Although really, it’d have to be truly terrible for me to bother writing about a book I wouldn’t recommend……
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Rebecca Skloot) – when a friend with extremely similar taste in books – rather, when a near-perfect reproduction of yourself in a different body (sorry Melanie; it’s the truth) – shares an Eli Wiesel quote that appears in the beginning of a book, you (or I at least) immediately look for that book at the library. The story of cell research, performed without informed consent from the “donor”, that also explores the foundation of medical ethics, did not disappoint. It’s not as heavy as it sounds and there’s no extensive medical jargon, but it’s not a light summer read either. It engages more like a contemporary biography than history.
A Mighty Long Way (Carlotta Walls Lanier) – this account of the integration of Central High School, Little Rock, Arkansas in the late ‘50s popped up in the recommended titles when my searched title wasn’t immediately available in Overdrive (my preferred ebook library app). Written by one of the original black students involved in the integration, it’s history told from the perspective of the marginalized and restricted. We don’t have enough accounts like this.
Just Mercy (Bryan Stevenson) – confession: this stemmed from an early “serving in the nursery with someone I don’t really know and the long silences are getting kind of awkward” conversation. Stevenson is an attorney working with Alabama death row inmates, and this book chronicles his work to exonerate a wrongly-convicted man. It’s a sobering look at the disproportionate effects the death penalty has on racial minorities, and has made me rethink my own convictions regarding whether capital punishment should have a place in the United States.
O God Our Help in Ages Past (Jeff Barnes) – whenever a friend writes a book, it’s quickly added to my reading list. However, even if I didn’t personally know Jeff, the subtitle would have been sufficient to pique my interest: “A Theology of History for a Church in a Troubled World.” Through a series of 7 essays, each of which comprises a chapter, Jeff makes a case for why Christians should bother with history, how history can enhance our faith, and lead us to the Lord of history. I’m currently about half-way through it, and so far his chapters on theodicy and placing ourselves in history as the villains rather than the heroes have been most impactful. It’s not a long book, but he packs quite a bit of thought-provoking work in those pages, and it is well worth the time.
So there you have it: 4 books I’m reading right now or have recently finished. If you’ve read any of these (or decide to after reading this post), drop me a note and let me know what you thought of them! And let me know what you’re reading right now too.
I read A Mighty Long Way more than a few years ago and really appreciated the perspective it brings.
I read the Henrietta Lack book several years ago for book club. Like many of the books we read this is one I never would have picked up on my own. It is very impactful and a truly great story; and, not a hard read. I would recommend it to almost any adult.