Slaughterhouse Five - Kurt Vonnegut

As an avid reader, I have a pretty solid stack of books sitting in a pile next to my bed, waiting to be read.  I also have another stack in my office at work, and a couple more situated in key areas around my apartment.  I honestly can't remember the last time any of these piles shrunk; in fact they grow at a pretty steady rate.  Given my love for reading, as well as my hatred of throwing my hard earned money down the toilet, I know that I will eventually get around to reading all of them.  At the same time, I also have a slightly different stack of books to read.  This stack is stored somewhere deep in my brain, and consist of books that fall under the category, "Oh man, I really need to read that!"  These are books that I see others reading, or glance at on store shelves, or even hear about on TV, the radio, or from friends.  I file their memory away in my brain for later retrieval.

For quite a while now, maybe even several years, "Slaughterhouse Five" has fallen into the deep recesses of my brain's book pile.  It remained there until just a few weeks ago when suddenly I happened to remember it on a trip to Barnes and Noble.  I've been hearing a lot about Vonnegut lately, as more and more people recommend his work to me.  "Slaughterhouse" is of course his most famous work, and considered one of the best English novels of the 20th century.  Critical acclaim usually doesn't mean much to me, but due to all the hype I decided to give "Slaughterhouse" a shot, and dove right in.

The book tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a man who has become "unstuck" in time.  According to him, he was kidnapped by a race of aliens called the Tralfamadorians, and put in one of their zoos.  Due to their influence, they have enabled him to become unstuck in time, which means he can see and travel between all the moments of his life in in any order.  The story goes between Billy's younger days, his days as a soldier in World War II, his life after the war, and his later years as an older man.

The majority of the story revolves around Billy's time in the war.  As I read the story I couldn't help but think about Forrest Gump.  Billy is a lot like Forrest, a slow-witted man that is somewhat oblivious to the world around him, and yet also likable due to his innocence.  As a character, Billy is everything that war is not, and yet he finds himself in the midst of one of the worst wars the earth has ever seen.  There are many political statements made throughout the book, playing off of this contrast of character and setting.

While I did enjoy the book, I have to say that I wasn't blown away by it.  It is written in a great style that I really enjoyed, but at the same time the story never really sucked me in like I had hoped.  The main problem I had with the book was that I never really found myself caring about Billy.  He was likable, but not lovable.  I understand why Vonnegut made Billy the way he did, but I found it hard to care about him as the book went on.

Even though Billy is less than lovable, one could easily argue that he isn't even the main attraction.  The real gem of this book is the descriptions of the effects of war.  Vonnegut does a great job of describing what war is really about, and focuses on what happens when the war ends, and yet doesn't really end at all.  The war has an end date in the history books, but the effects last for years to come.  Broken lives, destroyed cities, generations forever changed.  These are the real starring characters of the book, and the ones that stay in your memory long after reading the last page.

There are many things to appreciate about "Slaughterhouse Five," and really only one or two minor complaints.  The writing style was fantastic.  The story was thought provoking, and kept me interested till the end.  The story is full of humor, social commentary, and moments that can't help but tug at your heart.  I also really liked the sci-fi aspects of time travel and the alien influence.  I'm a sucker for anything science fiction, so that was fun and added some great variety to the story.  As already mentioned, my only real complaint was with the character of Billy Pilgrim, and while I didn't connect with him, I completely understand that if he was any different the story would have a much different feel and effect.  You can't really blame Vonnegut for making Billy the way he did.  He just didn't really work for me, and personal preference is of course, personal.  In the end, "Slaughterhouse Five" was an enjoyable read, that kept me thinking long after I finished reading it.  It also inspired me to read more Vonnegut, which is of course one of the best endorsements a book can get.

Batman and Robin - Grant Morrison

Batman has been around for a really long time.  In fact he dates back all the way to 1939, so trying to catch up with his story is a bit overwhelming.  Don't ask me how he's managed to stay so young looking, but let's assume he and Heidi Montag don't have the same doctors.  As a new comic reader I find it pretty overwhelming to try and jump into the world of some of these characters that have been around forever.  With literally thousands of comics, side projects, crossovers, team-ups, and all the Justice League stuff, Batman can be a real pain to catch up with.  Fortunately for people like me, authors do a great job of creating "jump on points," where the larger story takes a new turn, allowing new readers a great place to join the adventure.  Morrison's "Batman and Robin" is the most recent jump on point in the saga of Batman, and for the most part it delivery on every level.  The only down side is that you just might need a quick history lesson to truly enjoy what the future holds.

Bruce Wayne, the original Batman, is dead.  In his place is Dick Grayson, the original boy wonder, and his new Robin, Wayne's son Damian.  Damian is also the son of Talia al Ghul who apparently is not in line for any "mother of the year" awards.  Fortunately, due to their relationship, Damian is in possession of some rather beneficial skills that make him a formidable Robin.  The new Batman and Robin set out to fill the gigantic void left by the original Batman, working together periodically, but frequently at odds with each other as they try to fill their new roles.  The story introduces some new villains into the world of Gotham City, as well as a few familiar ones that anyone will instantly recognize.  My favorite was the Red Hood, a new caped crusader with old ties to Batman's past.  I won't spoil who he is, but for someone with limited knowledge of Batman's lore, it was a fun discovery. Not all of the new characters worked for me, but overall I felt that the experience was fun and fresh, and most of the gambles worked.

Remember how I said you might need a quick history lesson in order to fully enjoy the direction of the future?  To me that is possibly the only downfall of the series.  Even though Morrison takes the story down an interesting road, he makes assumptions that readers know a lot about Batman's past.  While that may be true for many readers, it wasn't true for me, and I often found myself not understanding many of the references.  Why is Batman dead?  How did Dick Grayson become Batman?  Where did this Damian guy come from?  None of these questions are satisfactorily addressed, but instead Morrison assumes you just know.  It sort of felt like watching "Return of the Jedi" without seeing "A New Hope," or "Empire."  Great movie by itself, but probably more confusing than it should be.  Despite these holes left unfilled, "Batman and Robin" really doesn't disappoint.  It has amazing action, deep plot, complex character development, and some fantastic artwork.  It also has a Robin character that just might demand his own series one day.  Overall the positives far outweigh the minor complaints.  Especially when filling the holes simply requires reading more comics...perfect solution!  Any book that immediately makes me want to pursue more related material is a keeper, and "Batman and Robin" fits that criteria perfectly.  Batman's past is epic, and the future is off to a great start.

Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami

I finished reading Kafka on the Shore over a week ago now, but I couldn't begin to write a review on it because I needed more time to think about it.  Now, after waiting more time I find myself in the same predicament.  I feel like I would have to read this book at least five more times before I could write a review that would do it justice.  This is by far one of my favorite books, and I guarantee I will be reading more Murakami in the future.  It is written in a style that exudes beauty, simplicity, purity, and innocence.  As I read Kafka on the Shore I often began to feel like the world was simpler, purer, and more welcoming.  I can only describe it as being able to once again look at the world like you did before your innocence was lost.  That's not to say that the entire book is lacking any darkness.  In fact, there is quite a bit of violence, sexuality, and other mature themes throughout the entire story, but I never once felt that they were vulgar or gratuitous.  They were simply there because evil is a part of life, and innocence and purity cannot avoid them forever.

Kafka on the Shore is a story about two characters.  The first is a young fifteen year old boy named Kafka Tamura, who has run away from his home in Tokyo.  He is on a journey to find his mother and older sister who left when he was just a small boy.  His journey brings him to a library in the town of Takamatsu where he becomes involved in the lives of the library's owner Ms. Saeki and worker Oshima.  The second character is an old man named Nakata, who has the ability to communicate with cats.  He becomes involved in a mystery to find a specific cat, and soon finds himself traveling across Japan as the mystery unfolds.  Kafka and Nakata's paths are deeply intertwined, but not necessarily in the physical realm.  The story frequently merges into the metaphysical, and often leaves questions unanswered, forcing the reader to draw their own conclusions.  For this reader at least, that was one of the more endearing factors of the book.

"Kafka on the Shore" is the type of book that you really have to read in order to understand the experience.  Just writing this review alone was a study in frustration, pushing my descriptive skills to the next level.  Trying to summarize it is like trying to explain a beautiful sunset, or an amazing experience in your life.  Sometimes you experience something that hits you right between the eyes, gripping you in a way that was completely new and unexpected.  You try to tell someone about the experience, but you just know that no words in the English language are going to get the message across exactly like you experienced it.  Maybe that's why this book was originally written in Japanese?  All joking aside, if you are willing to let your imagination soar, keep an open mind to deeper meanings, and be satisfied with not having all loose ends tied up, there is a fantastic journey waiting to be had in "Kafka on the Shore."  After all, isn't the journey of imagination what reading is really all about?

House of Leaves - Mark Z. Danielewski

If you've been reading my blog for at least a couple weeks you know that I've been reading a novel that has been busting my brain.  Well, that novel has finally reached it's last page, and now I take on the difficult task of reviewing it.  House of Leaves reminds me a lot of dating a few of my ex-girlfriends (actually, maybe all of them).  When I first picked up the book I loved the cover, and I found the concept interesting and appealing.  The short description seemed like just what I was looking for.  But then I started reading, and I realized things just weren't going to work out like I had hoped.  Like my ex's, House of Leaves wasn't exactly a bad book, in fact it had many great qualities that will probably appeal to future readers.  (See how I put that last sentence in there just in case any of my ex's read this?)  At the same time, sometimes a book (or woman) has such a great cover and concept that you keep trying to convince yourself that you actually like it more than you do.  You keep reading, and keep reading, getting more and more frustrated until finally you realize that no matter how hard you try, this book will never be one that meshes with you.  Is it just me or was that analogy awesome?

House of Leaves starts out from the perspective of tattoo artist Johnny Truant.  Through a short chain of events Truant comes into possession of a trunk that formerly belonged to a man named Zampano.  In the trunk is a manuscript written by Zampano about a documentary film called "The Navidson Record".  The Navidson Record is a short film about Will Navidson, his wife Karen, and their children.  Several other characters come into play as the film progresses.  It documents their experiences living in a home in Virginia, and the mysterious anomalies that take place in the house.  Will first notices something strange about the house when he realizes that the dimensions of the master bedroom have changed.  He begins to measure, and discovers that the inner dimensions of the room are larger than the outer dimensions.  During this investigation the house produces two new mysteries, the first being a new hallway between rooms, and the second being a doorway that previously was not there.  The doorway is of particular interest because when opened it reveals a long hallway of around 30 feet that extends beyond the outer dimensions of the house.  This hallway also contains other doors that lead to new hallways and corridors that far extend beyond the dimensions of the house.  Navidson's film then becomes a record of several explorations into the labyrinth of these halls and the horrors found within.  That word "horror" is extremely appropriate.  House of Leaves alternates between Truant's narrative, Zampano's account of the Navidson Record, and many other interjected commentaries from other written perspectives on the film.

I am really torn on this book.  The actual story line is great, and thoroughly enjoyable.  It's just that there is so much "other stuff" that just ruined it for me.  It is written in a crazy style where Danielewski switches perspectives mid-sentence, makes you read a multitude of footnotes, puts text upside down, and does  about a million other things that all drive this reader crazy.  There are also long periods where the story just stops and you are forced to read forty pages of word studies, commentaries written by people that don't even exist, or pages with the entire text crossed out.  I'm sure that there was a reason for all this, but I always felt like there was some hidden secret that I wasn't privy to.  It's not exactly fun to read a book feeling like you are always missing something.  At the same time, as I already said, the story itself was awesome so I kept reading through all the stuff I hated just in order to once again engage in the great parts.  If you are willing to put up with a lot of craziness and possible frustration, there is a great story hidden within House of Leaves, you just might have to dig a little harder than you would like in order to find it.

George Müller: Delighted in God - Roger Steer

I love to read biographies.  There is something extremely exciting and inspiring about a person who rises above the generally accepted mediocrity of human life to do something exceptional.  It can also be very exciting to see (or read about) someone who lived as an example of principles we value.  We find comfort in the realization that the goals and beliefs we hold dear, and may or may not have obtained in our own lives, have come to fruition somewhere else.  We can look at their life and say, "Wow, now there's someone who really did it!" Maybe we take comfort in knowing that it is possible despite our own failings.  Maybe we are inspired to push ourselves to new levels because of their story.  Whatever the reasoning, I continue to love a good biography.

George Müller was a German man who lived during the 19th century.  He started out as a bit of a lost cause, but ended up as one of the most well known examples of the power of prayer and complete surrender to God's will.  As a young man, Müller was constantly in trouble.  Chased by the law and his debtors, he was on a self destructive path.  One day he was invited to a Bible study where he heard the word of God, and was so convicted that he decided to accept Christ on the spot.  From that day he was a changed man.  He felt called to become a pastor, and soon found himself leading a church.  As the church grew he began to have a passion for the abandoned children of England.  Many kids were orphaned when their parents died, or simply left to fend for themselves on the streets or in the work houses.  Müller felt God calling him to minister to these outcast children, and so he started to pray that God would allow him to open an orphanage.  For over 60 years Müller worked with orphaned children, opening multiple orphanages and ministering to thousands.  The miracle of his life is that he never once asked anyone for money, never did any fund raising, and never relied on anyone besides God to see him through.  He would simply pray earnestly that God would meet their needs, and through prayer his ministry flourished! 

George Müller's story is one that took me a little bit by surprise.  In one sense it is the story of a great man who's accomplishments far exceed most other humans.  Looking back on his life no one could argue that he failed to accomplish much.  On the other hand, it is a story about an average Joe, someone who's own merits and actions do not impress or go outside of the scope of what we would consider normal human behavior.  In fact, Müller is most well known for praying, something that the majority of people attest to doing in their own lives.  Müller's biography is less about Müller, and more about the power behind our prayers.  It is a testament to how God honors the prayers of his children, and opens doors for those who are faithful.  George Müller was faithful in the small things, and because of that God opened huge doors and allowed him to impact thousands upon thousands of young men and women.  Although his humanitarian accomplishments are great, the lasting impact of Müller's life is that his testimony continues to proclaim that God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, as long as we are willing to honor Him.

How We Got The Bible - Neil R. Lightfoot

Whether you are a Christian or not, you probably have a few opinions about the Bible.  I know this because I often read my Bible in the local coffee shop here in Grants Pass, and quite a few people like to come up to me and share their opinions.  Even people who don't directly speak with me enjoy sharing their opinions through their often exaggerated facial expressions aimed in my direction.  The Bible is a controversial book!  Christians want everyone to believe that every word is from God.  Non-Christians want to convince us that it's all just a man-made book of fictitious stories and made-up tales.  The Bible is without error.  It is full of errors.  It is a complete work.  We don't have the complete work because parts have been lost, changed, or removed throughout history.  The men who wrote the Bible were inspired by God.  The men who wrote it were crazy and just making up lies to gain influence and sway people.  The arguments go on and on, and opinions get stronger and stronger.  But what is the truth?  Is it even possible to know the truth almost two thousand years later? 

In "How We Got the Bible", Neil Lightfoot approaches all these topics and more as he presents the evidence and historical records that have led to today's canonized Bible.  Beginning with the earliest known manuscripts and moving through history, Lightfoot presents clear facts about what we do know, the evidence we have, and the written documentation from the people who worked throughout the centuries to keep the Bible accurate and available.  It is refreshing that he is able to write about the facts, address the pros and cons for certain arguments, and also stay unbiased in his presentation of the evidence.  If history and the evidence cannot prove a point, then he says so and does not interject his own bias into arguments.  Lightfoot also gives detailed accounts of many of the over 5,000 manuscripts and ancient texts that we have in record today.  The stories of how these texts came to be found are fascinating and often inspiring.

While Lightfoot's work can sometimes read like a miniature textbook, it is nonetheless a fascinating look at the history of the world's most talked about book.  It is packed full of facts and evidence, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions, but not allowing generalities and rumors to go unaddressed.  It forces you to examine the truth of the Bible's history, and to put aside arguments based on urban legend or hearsay.  What facts do we have, and what conclusions can be drawn from them?  If you are a human being, then I'm sure you have an opinion about the Bible.  Do yourself a favor and read this book, because then when you see me at the coffee house we can talk facts and maybe even an opinion or two.

The Raw Shark Texts - Steven Hall

Imagine waking up one morning, and finding yourself laying in the middle of the floor looking up at the ceiling.  The problem is, you don't recognize the house you're in, or remember how you got there.  In fact, you can't remember anything at all.  Your name, age, occupation, address, family, and past are all a complete mystery.  In "The Raw Shark Texts" the protagonist finds himself in this exact situation, but with one major twist.  He has been left a single clue with which to unravel the mystery of his past: a written note left by a man named Eric Sanderson, also known as...himself.  This single letter is soon followed up by a visit to a former doctor who has insight into Eric's situation.  With the doctor's help Eric's life moves back into a a sense of normalcy and routine, that is until more letters from himself begin to arrive daily in the mail.  He soon discovers that his "normal" life is not at all what it seems, and he embarks on a journey to discover the truth of his past, no matter what dangers await.

The problem with reviewing a book like this is that you really can't say a whole lot about it, because too much information would totally ruin it for a first-time reader.  It reminds me of putting a puzzle together without knowing what the final picture is suppose to look like.  If someone walked into the room and said, "Oh yeah I've built this one before...it's the Empire State Building!", then it would completely ruin the moment of realization for the builder.  The same is true of "The Raw Shark Texts".  As each piece of Eric's past is revealed, the reader finds themselves one step closer to the final picture, but still just barely unable to realize what it looks like.  At the same time, Hall does an excellent job of making the reader believe they are building the Empire State Building, but when the moment of realization comes you discover you have been building a picture of an eight legged dog wearing a mini skirt and dancing on the rings of Saturn.  In other words, he will completely mess with your sense of reality and keep you guessing till the end. 

"The Raw Shark Texts" is one of those rare books that just seem to hit the mark on every level.  It is one part sci-fi, one part mystery, and 100% mind trip.  It doesn't take itself too seriously, but instead stays fun and edgy the entire time.  It will challenge your perceptions of reality, but in a fun and exciting way that makes you want to keep reading just one more page...all the way until there are no more pages to flip.  At the same time, you might just find yourself flipping back to page one to keep the experience going.

Scott Pilgrim - Bryan Lee O'Malley

It's sort of sad (or maybe awesome?) that in the short span of a month, my blog has digressed from writings about great theological minds and works...to comic books.  While I am not an avid comic reader, I recently became a huge fan of this well known series of six graphic novels about my main man Scott Pilgrim.  Some of you may be familiar with the movie that came out earlier this year entitled "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World", which starred Michael Cera.  I saw the movie a mere week ago, and have ever since been on a quest to find and absorb all things with "Scott Pilgrim" in the title (yes even the video game!).  Anyways, enough about me and my seemingly age-inappropriate obsession...lets talk about these books!

Scott Pilgrim is a 23 year old video game junkie that lives in Toronto with his gay roommate Wallace, plays bass in the band "Sex Bob-Omb", and has a huge crush on an American delivery girl named Ramona Flowers.  In order to date Ramona he must first battle and defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends.  The storyline consists of everyday life and the drama of dating, mixed in with epic battles and over the top fight scenes.  O'Malley is a master of youth culture, and really captures the look and feel of young adulthood.  The characters are typical young 20 somethings; they play video games, party, go to shows, thrive on drama, and shop at Goodwill.  You can't help but love each and every character, because they are so unique and their stories are lovable and familiar.

While the series is in comic format, it is definitely not for everyone.  There are some swear words, sexual moments, and mature themes sprinkled into the story, but none of them are overdone or over the top.  At the same time it is extremely easy to overlook the negatives due to the overwhelming awesomeness of these books.  Anyone who knows rock music, video games, or indie culture will find multiple references and inside jokes on every page.  I was caught laughing out loud on many occasions.  The art style is also very well done, and I often found myself going back to look at the drawings a second or third time.  The appeal of the Scott Pilgrim books is somewhat hard to explain.  They appeal to the inner nerd/rock star/youth culture enthusiasts in a way that other forms of media cannot.  Trying to explain it is like trying to explain why kids love Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  Scott Pilgrim doesn't need to be explained, he's just awesome.

Furies of Calderon - Jim Butcher

"Furies of Calderon" is the first novel in a series of six books titled "The Codex Alera", written by Jim Butcher.  Butcher is most well known for his series, "The Dresden Files", which are about a wizard who works in modern day Chicago as a private investigator.  Already an established writer, Butcher started "The Codex Alera" series based on a bet he made with another writer at a writer's convention.  The bet was that Butcher could not write a good story based on a terrible concept.  Butcher countered that he would allow the other writer to pick TWO bad concepts, and then write a great work based on them.  The other writer chose the concepts of the lost 9th Roman Legion, and Pokemon!  Butcher then went on to write "The Codex Alera" which has become his second highly acclaimed series, and further cemented him as one of today's leading fantasy authors.

The series takes place in the world of Carna, or more specifically in the realm of Alera, which is an empire very similar to Rome.  In this empire, the citizens are able to bond with elemental spirits, known as "furies", and are able to use those spirits to perform beyond their human abilities.  Spirits of fire, water, wind, earth, wood, and metal can all be bonded with, and each grants unique characteristics.  In this world we find the story of a young man named Tavi, who is unable to bond with any element.  He is considered a freak to his people, and a social outcast.  Tavi becomes aware of a sinister plot to overthrow the government, and possible destroy everything he knows and loves.  Having no power and no social standing, he must defy the odds and try to save the kingdom before it is utterly destroyed.  

While I doubt that "The Codex Alera" will ever stand up to the true masterpieces of fantasy literature, I still recommend it.  It is well written, and Butcher does a great job of drawing the reader into the lives of his characters.  Each character's story is interesting, and wants to be fully explored.  While Butcher's "Dresden Files" series is much more adult in content, "The Codex Alera" does a great job of appealing to all audiences.  There are a few swear words and romantic scenes, but Butcher does a good job of keeping them PG rated and avoiding the details like many other authors seem unable to do. The story is complex enough for adults, but it is written in a way that even younger readers could enjoy.  If you are looking for a well written fantasy series that delivers an interesting story, intense action, and a little bit of romance, then this is a great series to put on your reading list.

The Normal Christian Life - Watchman Nee

"The Normal Christian Life" is a masterful blend of simple truth and complex analysis.  Nee avoids the "meaningless arguments" that often times become the focus of theological discussion, and instead goes straight to the core of Christianity.  Man is sinful.  God is without sin.  Jesus' death on the cross atoned for our sin.  We accept this, and Christ comes to live in us.  Today we often refer to these truths as "The Romans Road".  These are the truths of real importance, to which all other truths must eventually compare.  To the average Christian the truths found in the "Romans Road" are not exactly new revelation, and yet Nee is able to take the overly familiar and make it fresh, or as he says, "...to make things simple, and to explain clearly some of the experiences which Christians commonly pass through." 

Nee takes the reader down a trail of thought that he refers to as "The Path of Progress".  This path consists of knowing, reckoning, presenting ourselves to God, and walking in the Spirit.  We "know" many truths of Christianity.  For example, Christ died for my sins.  However, until we "reckon" (or "take into account") that knowledge, then it is really useless in my life.  God requires us to act on what we know.  Unfortunately, being human we are completely unable to act on our knowledge of God's will, because any action we attempt is futile and will eventually fail.  We are sinful.  We can do nothing good apart from God.  Therefore, the next step is to present ourselves to God, and to allow Him to change us.  Nee is quick to point out that this step does not simply mean "accepting Christ".  It is also the declaration that my entire life belongs to Christ, and reckoning that statement as true.  The final step is to walk in the Spirit, or trusting the Holy Spirit to do in me what I cannot do myself.  This is not a human effort to live out a God given standard.  Instead it is the acceptance that we need God to live His holy standard in us.  Therefore we become free from the sin and condemnation that comes from our humanity. 

As I read this book I was constantly struggling with what I read.  Not because I disagreed with what I was reading, but because my mind was resisting the move from belief to reckoning.  If you are a Christian reading this book, you will find it hard to disagree with the knowledge he presents.  However, if you are like me you may find it extremely challenging to accept the changes he suggests based on that knowledge.  The difficulty is not to accept new truths, but to view those truths from a new angle and to act based on that fresh viewpoint.  Because of the range of biblical truths covered and the action required for each one, this is not a book you simply read once and put on the shelf.  It would be difficult to absorb and acclimate our lives to everything Nee is proposing in just one reading.  This is a book that one should take off the shelf again and again, gleaning new understanding and acceptance of the truths of Christ, and allowing those truths to change you.  With each reading you just might come away with your "normal Christian life" looking a little different than it did before.

Bonhoeffer - Eric Metaxas

Every once in a while I like to walk into my local Christian book store and just poke around.  I usually compare the process to the equivalent of clothing shopping at Ross.  You usually have to stop by five or six times before you find a shirt you like that also happens to be in your size.  On one such trip I decided to inquire of my favorite lady behind the counter (Pam, she rocks), asking "Any 'must reads' come out lately?"  Without blinking she reached behind the counter, and brought out the book "Bonhoeffer".  My immediate reaction was, "What's a Bonhoeffer??"  Pam's answer?  "Trust me...just read it."  So after paying her, I took my newly purchased book of which I knew absolutely nothing, and proceeded to my local coffee house (shameless plug for Rogue Coffee Roasters on G Street...check it out!).

From the moment I read the first line of this book I was captivated.  I have been a long-time fan of biographies, and Metaxas' work only succeeded at further solidifying my opinion.  I would rank it as undoubtedly my new favorite in the genre.  As I soon discovered, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a key leader in the Confessing Church during Nazi era Germany.  The Confessing Church was formed in direct opposition to the "German Church" the Third Reich formed and supported and which preached a perverted version of Christianity.  Bonhoeffer continuously put his life in danger as he spoke out against the Nazi party and Hitler, fought the teachings of the German Church, and even reported  to Allied leaders in England as a spy.  He also founded and taught at an illegal seminary in Nazi Germany,  training many young men who would later contribute to the work of the Confessing Church, and in some cases to the fight against Hitler.  Bonhoeffer himself also became a very important part of several conspiracies to kill Hitler, although none were successful.  The most notable of these conspiracies was the Valkyrie plot that was recently made into a movie.  Bonhoeffer's greatest legacy was his writings on theology that are highly acclaimed to this day.  The most famous of these was his life work entitled "Ethics".  Although he was eventually martyred for his work, his legacy continues on through his writings, many of which have been preserved through colleagues, family, and friends.  These writings make up a very significant portion of the book.

The book is a fantastic mix of life story, Germany history, and sound Biblical theology.  The three work together quite well.  The theology of Bonhoeffer is frequently a bit complicated and sometimes required a few readings to fully comprehend, but overall you cannot help but be drawn in to his paths of thought about Christ and the discipline of living out your faith in a very real and faithless world.  The book does an expert job of surrounding Bonhoeffer's theological thoughts and writings with a very detailed account of his life, and how the daily challenges he faced directly contributed to his theology.  The realities of life in Nazi Germany forced Bonhoeffer to make tough decisions concerning Christian responsibility in the face of evil.  Is it wrong to oppose a human government that God has established even when they are instigating unfathomable evils?  Is is a sin to kill a man responsible for genocide?  Does God always desire His followers to "turn the other cheek" no matter the injustice?  For Bonhoeffer theology was not simply knowledge, it was real life.  He did not write for the sake of writing, instead he documented the real moral dilemmas he himself faced on a daily basis, comparing those thoughts to the thoughts of His creator and the writings of scripture.  His theology comes to life as we read it through the lens of his life experience.