What I'm Reading Now

A few books that I've read this summer:

"The Great Emergence" by Phyllis Tickle.

I know that her name is hilarious, but the woman is brilliant. This short book discusses how the Church is changing in very big ways. Think of it as a report on where we are with a historical framework built around it.

"The House at Sugar Beach" by Helene Cooper.

A great tale of a privileged girl growing up in Liberia before and during the first coup that overthrew the Congo people and led to 20 years of violence.

"A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah.

It reads like a modern day "Night". Incredibly difficult, human, and tragic. Yet, somehow, victorious. I'll probably post more on this book later.

Just reread "Harry Potter 7". Say what you want, J.K. Rowling is brilliant.

Now Reading: "The Winter of Our Discontent" by John Steinbeck.

Steinbeck is one of those people that most writers are seeking to emulate in their work. His way of telling a story is brisk and real and, at the same time, has a way to interlace philosophy and human commentary in a way that makes you ache with the characters. I've never read "The Grapes of Wrath" but I think it will be next.

Coming Soon: Cleaning off the shelf with books that I've had and not yet read. "Crime and Punishment", "Herzog" by Saul Bellow.

I've tried to read "Catch-22" twice now and ever been able to get through it. I think that after a 3 year hiatus, I may be ready to give it another go.

HOPE: Haiti

I think I have mentioned before some things about my friend Rob Hartley. He is working in the area of micro-financial development for people living in extreme poverty.

Micro-finance is something that I truly believe in. A very short explanation of it is this: People are able to save money a very little bit at a time, or are given very small loans, and are able to grow their financial prospects from the ground-up. People learn personal responsibility and are given the opportunity to pull themselves out of the despair that is poverty.

Of course, my little paragraph does not go near far enough to really show you how amazing it is. Basically, investing and getting involved in micro-finance is a very tangible way forward in social justice. We are not talking about merely throwing money at a very big problem. This is all about progress, responsibility, and hope. It's a beautiful thing.

For some great stories, check out Rob's Blog: hartleyhartley.blogspot.com

And here is a great video that highlights what his organization is doing in Haiti.

HOPE: Haiti.

Love always.

Tatum.