“running man” – new book – sad book – story from the guy that was in “running the sahara” – he went to jail a few years ago for mortgage fraud – he battled alcoholism before that – again, sad book
“the teenage brain” – i got out of this a nice chart about the problems of distracted learning – that we can’t do two things at a time – the book was from a neurologist – for small children – who combined what she learned about the brain with raising her kids – i honestly didn’t find much in the book – i was disappointed – i was also not impressed – none of what she said was typical was what i went through in adolescence – i think people sometimes excuse behavior that they shouldn’t – and that kids blame others when they should just grow up
“the lost boys” – great story about a subject i knew little of – soccer and the proliferation of underage talent being taken advantage of – highly recommendable – baseball and basketball has this problem too
“unashamed” – lecrae’s story – it’s sort of hit or miss who knows this guy – if you do, you’re probably already excited to know he has a book coming out – and it’s recommendable – if not, put down your evil rap music and listen to his:) his story is pretty amazing – even for an old guy like me that’s read a ton of amazing stories in my life
“the end of the perfect 10” – definitely must-read for those of you that love gymnastics – even if you were out of the club before age 10 (alexa, cough:) i really loved this book – one of the better ones of the year – and parallels to running talent – how to develop it – should be done like team usa for gymnastics
“(gender) testing” – book on the olympics’ efforts to test women as women – since 1924, they’ve had some type of system in place – really found the book fascinating – lots of science and track and field stuff
“relational children’s ministry” – great book – about how to reach children with God’s Word – the characteristics of a ministry were interesting to compare to what goes on with the church I serve with – I was heartened that third grade boys are tough on everyone – not just me:) i also found a great verse from 3 john i hope to use sometime
“an uncomplicated life” – biography of a down syndrome lady – now 24 – one of the many lessons in the book is that none of us are guaranteed the perfect anything – most parents elect to abort down syndrome children now – b/c they want a “perfect” baby – it’s sort of ridiculous that we set that standard – and tragic – so the book reminded me of why every life is precious – and valuable
“the princess, the scoundrel, and the farmer” – a reinterpretation of star was episode iv – a very clever book idea – only disney could think of such a thing – sadly, i don’t think enough time was poured into the project – b/c i think the possibilities were endless – particularly the further out you got into minor characters – like what a stormtrooper was doing when the death star blew up…
“for the glory” – great, great book – biography on the central character of chariots of fire – eric liddel gave up running the 100 meter race b/c it was going to be run on a sunday in the olympics – he gave up fame to become a missionary in china – he gave up his family to remain with the chinese with a war going on – just an amazing reminder that there are people who are saints among us – great, encouraging read
“in the distance” – another great book – this one about running – and aging – and attempting great things – what if you lived your life in such a way that it made you memorable, encouraged others? i thought of this book yesterday while watching and running with my mom as she tackled the hills of mountain brook in a 10k race