Tag Archives: 21st Century

The Book: The New Testament (Bible Illuminated)

Swedish Literature October 30, 2008 Superfast Reader 15 Comments

I am really thankful to Lisa Roe for the chance to take a look at this provocative new version of the Bible. I am really intrigued by modern attempts to make the Bible more “relevant,” mostly because I’m not sure it needs it! From the publisher: There is no religious mission behind The Book. We believe that its success will be driven by the fact that this is not coming from any specific faith, religion or church. We are from many faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs;…

In the Woods by Tana French

American Literature October 30, 2008 Superfast Reader 3 Comments

Synopsis: A murder investigation cuts too close to the bone for a detective who was once part of a missing persons case himself. Review: The other Sunday, Superfast Husband had to go to Home Depot after church, and since Superfast Toddler would certainly fall asleep in the car, I needed a book to read while listening to her dulcet snores. We stopped into the murder mystery bookshop nearby, where I asked if they could request anyone who loves Barbara Vine, and likes Ruth Rendell but…

Guardian by Julian Lester

American Literature October 28, 2008 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: A white boy in in 1946 witnesses a lynching. Review: While the subject matter of Guardian is powerful, the approach is heavy-handed, and I don’t think it has anything new to say about racial violence. It’s certainly no To Kill A Mockingbird, and honestly I would be disappointed if a teen picked up this book instead of that one, just because it’s new. The characters are thin to the point of caricature, and there is such a sharp distinction between the good guys and…

The Bible Illuminated

On Reading October 21, 2008 Superfast Reader

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of The Bible Illuminated, an ambitious new edition of the Good News Bible translation of the New Testament. It’s filled with powerful images drawn from contemporary life, and it seems that the goal is to draw awareness of social justice issues, as the presence of portraits of Bono and Angelina Jolie would imply. The book of the Revelation is illustrated with images of toxic waste and environmental destruction that certainly make one long for the new…

Testimony by Anita Shreve

American Literature October 21, 2008 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: A sex scandal rocks a prep school. Review: I did not care for Testimony. I felt like the writing was on the nose and even lazy. I’m sure Anita Shreve can do better.

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

American Literature October 16, 2008 Superfast Reader 4 Comments

Synopsis: A wealthy young woman takes a job transcribing the diary of a victim of the Salem witch trials, discovering a powerful love story that changes her perspective on her privileged life. Review: Deftly interweaving the very different stories of three headstrong women, Susan Meissner has crafted a novel that delivers a powerfully moving reading experience. I found myself on the verge of tears many times, overcome by Lauren’s journey as she inhabits the world of Mercy, a young woman fated to die by hanging…

Cyndere’s Midnight by Jeffrey Overstreet (The Auralia Thread)

American Literature October 7, 2008 Superfast Reader

Synopsis: Auralia and her colors are missing and the beastmen are amassing an army, while bereaved ruler Cyndere dreams of transforming the world. Review: So tough to do a one-liner of a fantasy series installment. My review of Cyndere’s Midnight will go up at The Curator next week. In the mean time, just go read the book, willya? I am such a fan!

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

American Literature October 3, 2008 Superfast Reader 16 Comments

Synopsis: A young woman discovers that she is cursed to go mad on the birth of her first child unless she can complete three impossible tasks. Review: Woven from the lyrics of the ballad Scarborough Fair, made famous by Simon and Garfunkel, Impossible successfully places a fairy tale in the context of modern life without sacrificing any magic at all. Lucy Scarborough was raised by foster parents after her mother, Miranda, went mad on Lucy’s birth. Now Lucy finds herself pregnant at 17, and discovers…

In the Face by Lorelei Armstrong

American Literature October 1, 2008 Superfast Reader 1 Comment

Synopsis: When a famous movie star appears to have dumped a body on his plastic surgeon’s balcony, a simulation-obsessed detective delves into a seamy world where there are no limits to what people will do for fame. Review: Babies getting plastic surgery–that’s all I needed to hear to get interested in Lorelei Armstrong’s debut, In the Face. Melding a hard-boiled style in the tradition of James M. Cain and Andrew Vachss with a cyberpunk sensibility, Armstrong delivers a fast-moving, intellectually stimulating thriller with a strong…

The Reason for God by Rev. Timothy Keller

American Literature September 28, 2008 Superfast Reader 7 Comments

Synopsis: A rebuttal to the key arguments against Christianity and apologia for the tenets of the Christian faith. Review: Rev. Tim Keller is legendary among Christians here in New York City. He is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, a large church that has planted a number of daughter churches throughout the area, including the one that we attend. He is known as a great explicator of Scripture and people often attend services at Redeemer on top of their regular church attendance just to hear…

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