Locke and Key - Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez

Today was just a regular old Saturday, enjoying my usual routine of sipping coffee at Rogue Coffee Roasters and wondering aloud how to spend the rest of my day.  That is until I read a comment on Facebook from my friend Jeff saying, "I'm trying to get everyone to start collecting at least one monthly (comic) book."  Ok, I thought, I'll bite.  After a quick trip to Iguana Comics and an enjoyable afternoon of reading, I can confidently say that I have found a reason to read a comic every month.  That reason is "Locke and Key".

Locke and Key follows the lives of three kids who are trying to cope with the recent murder of their father.  Along with their mother they move across the country to live with their uncle in an old mansion named "Keyhouse".  The youngest child, Bode, soon discovers a hidden key that opens a door into the spirit world.  Shortly after his discovery, Bode meets a mysterious woman who apparently lives in the bottom of the well at Keyhouse.  The woman tells him that there are other keys to other doors, and even one key that can open a door to anywhere.  She needs Bode's help in finding the keys, so that she can escape the well and be free from her prison.  While the search begins, we discover that the man who killed their father has escaped from prison and is making his way across the country to find the family once again.

While I am certainly not a comic junkie, this book brought me one step closer to that level.  From the very first page I was sucked in to the story and beautifully done artwork.  The subject matter is dark and gritty, and it is hard to not feel the underlying evil that is seemingly always just around the corner.  There are disturbing moments, where the evil does make its ugly face known, adding to the fear and suspense of what is coming next.  Because of these moments, these comics are definitely not for young readers.  At the same time, if you are able to look past some of the gruesome moments, you will find a deep story that expertly draws from the best aspects of mystery, horror, and fantasy.  I only finished it a mere hour ago, and already I am counting the hours till Monday morning when I can go pick up the next volume.  Congratulations Jeff, you are one person closer to your goal.

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.