Looking for something to read?
Why not have a look at what the pastor is reading and ask away.
1. Jan 9 – The Benefits of Providence.
Technical and some understanding of philosophy is needed. 3.5/5
2. Jan 12 – Calvin on the Christian Life
A well organised recount of Calvin both the scholar and the pastor. 3.7/5
3. Jan 15 – The God Who is there
Philosophical theology at its best. Schaeffer attacks the ideology of post-modernism. Solid understanding of basic Philosophy will help in getting the most out of his arguments. 4.2/5
4. Jan 30 – God’s devil
Primer to understanding more on the fallen angel, commonly referred to as Satan. It is an easy read more pastoral than scholarly. Foreword by R.C. Sproul. 2.9/5
5. Feb 01 – Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor – D.A. Carson
The last half of the book is of most interest and yet humbling. A man that loved his wife so dearly to the end, whilst she suffered through Alzheimers.
But of course, without knowing the man in the first half of the book – the second half would be a limp read. 4.0/5.0
6. Feb 08 – Escape from reason
Francis Schaeffer
The second book of Schaeffer’s highly philosophical and at times difficult for me to follow. Yet the way Schaefer handles his understanding of the times helps to find categories to reach the modern mind.
(Small Book). 3.2/5
7. Feb 09 – They say we are Infidels.
Mindy Belz
Christian journalist and editor of World Magazine recounts her visits to war-torn Iraq and Syria spanning from 2003 – 2015. Gives a vivid account of not only the genocide, invasion and Christian persecution of the region by the various regimes, but also outlines the distinct ineptitude of the Coalition Forces under the direction of the United States Presidency.
At times it can be hard ploughing and at other times deeply moving. It opened my eyes to see that my life is without hardship when compared to Christians living in the Middle East. An eye-opener. 4.4/5
8. Feb 10 – Let the nations be glad.
John Piper
Excellent book on the purpose of the church being worship! Piper argues missions exist because worship doesn’t. Piper means to say that missions span the globe because unreached people’s are yet to be in worship. Piper, gives extensive biblical support for many of his points. At times the book spends large amounts of space on exegeting various doctrines; The eternality of Hell and its conscious torment, the target of mission being “peoples” etc. Worth the effort to explore.
It is also inspiring to read the stories of missionaries of a time gone by. 4.2/5
9. Feb 22 – Hear, My Son (NSBT VOL4).
Daniel J. Estes
Edifying look into the first 9 Chapters of Proverbs. Technical, but no original languages needed. 4/5
10. Feb 22 – No little women
Aime Byrd
This resource was used to prepare the minds and hearts of the women’s ministry in 2017. Solid start with setting the foundation for the rest of the book.
Excellent articulation of how the woman was created to be more the ally than mere helper of the man.
It is eye-opening to see what contemporary evangelical women are writing in their books aimed at women. Worth reading just for that section. Byrd could’ve been more critical in her analysis of this books. 4.0/5
11. Mar 02 – The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses
Vern S. Poythress
Excellent unpacking of the Law, Tabernacle and Sacrificial System. In-depth tome. excellent handling of the ‘fulfilment’ of the Law in the gospel of Matthew.
377 pages and almost 90 pages worth of appendix information. Scholarly work. Intended for the reader that will put in the hard work not only to recall certain OT types but to contemplate Poythress’ suggestions as he continues along a semi-theonomist trajectory.
Not for the faint-hearted. First 8 chapters were my favourite of the book. Worth reading just for those chapters. 4.1/5
12. Mar 06 – None like Him – 10 ways God is different from Us.
Jen Wilkin
This bought has women as its target. That said I believe men would gain just as much benefit as women. 10 chapters are used to outline 10 of God’s attributes.
It is a good book to introduce God’s attributes and arouse a sense of awe. Not technical and easy to read. Study questions at the end of each chapter so it could be used as a study guide. 3.2/5
13. Mar 23 – The Deity of Christ.
Ed. C. Morgan and R. Peterson
Excellent and scholarly work written for a seminary level reader. The book is profound with many biblical evidences for the divinity of Jesus. broken up into 10 chapter from today’s understanding of Christ’s deity to biblical understandings; O.T – Gospels – John’s – Apostolic.
Of great interest was chapter 9. The deity of Christ and the cults. Introducing a well-handled short primer on Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormon belief, referenced with Arianism and Monarchianism. 4.5/5
14. April 10 – Made for More.
Hannah Anderson
Exploring the identity of a woman is not bound by what she is physiologically or culturally but who she is a person found IN Christ Jesus. A solid book that although targeted at women is helpful also to men.
I enjoyed the last three chapters the most. 3.7/5
15. April 13 – God the Peacemaker.
Graham Cole
A scholarly study in the way that the cross of Christ brings forth shalom – peace in the “personal, corporate and cosmic levels”. I used this book to prepare for Easter and at times is was a little laborious to get through. Maybe the writing style or my own seasonal time lacking some enthusiasm to read.
The tracing of the cross in biblical theology should be a must in any pastors mind. Still recommended! 3.5/5
16. April 20 – The First days of Jesus
Andreas J. Kostenberger & Alexander E. Stewart.
Excellent treatment of the biblical narratives that speak of the birth of Jesus.
Each gospel is brought forth to document the chronological birth of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion with extended detail of the events
Part 3 looks at the theology of the gospel of John in the birth narrative and the Lord’s being divinely sent for His mission.
Recommended reading prior to Christmas to stir ones affections to see the reality of the fulfilment to the promises of the coming messiah. 3.7/5
17. May 01 – A Fortunate Life.
A.B Facey
This Australian short classic is so far the book of the year for me. An autobiography of a man that was sent off to work as young as 10 years old and somehow (well we know how of course – common grace) manages to live late into his 80’s.
It made me question my priorities and think a little bit more on the many blessings the Lord has given me. It showed me that sometimes I can worry too much about the little things – and yet life is more than education and money.
It made me want to cry in several places.
Well worth the read! 4.7/5
18. May 17 – The Scars that have shaped me: How God meets us in Suffering.
Vaneetha Rendall Risner
This is an exceptional personal account on dealing with suffering while seeing God’s grace throughout. Recommended reading to anyone who is currently experiencing a season of life where God may seem absent. I found this book helpful, in seeking God through recurring moments of suffering.
Written for the sufferer. The book is broken up into three parts with 31 mini chapters (2-6 pages long). The person who finds reading while suffering difficult, will be able to treat each chapter on its own. 4.8/5
19. May 29 – How long, O Lord?
D.A Carson
This is an in-depth look at suffering and offers much for both the sufferer and the comforter. Boarding more so on the academic. Having said that its chapter on Job is worth the read. Carson also does not attempt to answer all questions but helps to direct the Christian towards understanding (or should I say accepting) the Lord’s sovereignty amongst pain. 4/5
20. May 30 – From Sabbath to Lord’s Day
Various essays
Absolutely a colossal work understanding the Lord’s Day and the Sabbath. It is a vital book for anyone wanting to have a weighty response to why Christians should worship on the Lord’s Day and not the Sabbath. The conclusions are very well thought out, biblically and historically defended.
The Christian is no bound to worship on the 7th day because the Sabbath has not been transferred to the Lord’s Day, because the Sabbath was a shadow of the Lord’s Day and the Lord’s Day a shadow of a future time. Too much to cover…one word: Exceptional! 4.9/5
21. June 06 – Original Sin: Illuminating the riddle (NSTB – Vol 5)
Henri Blocher
It was a hard slog of this small book (135 pages). Maybe, I just wasn’t following Blocher’s connections from historic understanding of sin through the reformation towards his final suggestion. Will have to re-read it again sometime. 2.9/5
22. June 29 – The Holy Spirit (Contours in Christians Theology).
Sinclair Ferguson
Exceptional book on helping one understand who the Holy Spirit is and what His role is in the economic trinity – the outworking of redemptive history. It is an academic book so it takes some thinking and only minor references to Greek and Latin. That aside, it was a joy to read because it helped me understand my God the Spirit in a more intimate way. 4.4/5
23. July 05 – Rediscovering the Holy Spirit –
Michael Horton
This is also a solid book on the Holy Spirit. It is written with the teaching pastor and the well-versed lay theologian in mind. Horton uses many latin words and deals with many Roman Catholic and church father’s positions. I found it helpful to learn more about my God the Spirit but at times found it difficult to follow Horton’s thoughts. Well worth a place in the serious PAstor’s library. 4/5
24. July 10 – Martin Luther: Visionary Reformer
Scott H. Hendrix
It was a engaging and easy read, albeit in small font. Hendrix goes into great detail on documenting the life of the reformer from his upbringing right to his birth. Probably not, primer, nor an introductory book on Luther, but targeted at an audience that has some knowledge of Luther. Many theological issues are explained but only superficially. Worth the read. 4.2/5
25. July 24 – Anointed with the Spirit and Power
John D. Harvey
A Biblical examination of the Spirit’s filling, dwelling and empowering of God’s people using numerous OT texts as examples through to NT passages. It was a more biblical and textual examination than one may expect…hence, it may be better suited to the biblical student and/or preacher. 3.5/5
26. July 26 – Hearing God’s Word – (NSBT Vol 16)
Peter Adam
In this book Adam takes us through the important issues of times, places, objects and actions within the worship of the church. A reasonable portion incorporating the views of the fathers with those in the reformation period is included, especially emphasising the works of John Calvin. I found the section, emphasising the need for the whole person to be engaged within their spirituality – mind AND heart – together seeking the Lord, as most helpful.
Also a contrast between evangelical spontaneity and Reformed considered spirituality led to a discussion between Puritanism and its counterpart in Quakerism. Adam highlighted the weaknesses in both camps while providing a solid case for the historical practice of spirituality in the history of the church. 3.9/5
- Aug 04 – God’s Pursuit of Man
A. W. Tozer
This is Tozer’s prequels to The Pursuit of God. This title itself should give be a give-away as to why this volume is a prequel and the title should also hint at what Tozer believes regarding man’s salvation; God is the initiator of Salvation, man the receiver of His grace. Excellent introduction to the doctrine of election (noting Tozer was not a Calvinist) as Tozer also adds continual admonitions to the church. 4.3/5
James M. Hamilton
Excellent and exceptional work on the question; Did the Holy Spirit INDWELL believers in the OT or just regenerate their hearts to believe (Heart circumcision)? Hamilton, would also include all believers before John 7:39 in his initial thesis.
The main contention Hamilton makes is the differentiation between “regeneration” and “indwelling” as separate works of the Spirit.
The connection of the Spirit’s dwelling in the OT Temple (among God’s people), to the Spirit’s dwelling in Christ (the Fulfilled Temple – God among His people) to the Spirit’s dwelling in Believers (the Remaining Temple of Christ – God IN Believers) is worth the read.
Well handled. Hamilton was constantly going back to re-stress previous points. Hamilton makes the convincing case that the Spirit did not indwell believers until Jesus was glorified. 4.9/5
- Aug 10 – The Doctrines of Grace:
James Montgomery Boice
I used this book as a refresher for a study I was going to lead in reformed theology. The book is as thorough as it can be in 226 pages. It handles a brief history of the reformed tradition with a short survey on the history of Calvin.
Then in the following, the doctrines of Grace are explained under the familiar acronym TULIP. Like most respectable theologians Boice considers TULIP unhelpful and offers his alternatives.
I would say it is not a first book on Reformed faith but and second or third. Personally, at times I found the writing style difficult to enjoy. 3.3/5
Francis Schaeffer
Excellent insight into the cultural movements of the world. Schaeffer was speaking into a culture that was swaying from objective truth. Insightful, Schaeffer really was ahead of his time, prophetic at times. Essential in the apologist’s foundation in preparing to engage the culture. 4/5
- Aug 22 – Now Choose life – NSBT Vol 6
The book of Deuteronomy is not a treaty book. It draws on covenant metaphors as a exposition of Israels relationship with their God. Thus Miller’s point is that throughout the book Israel is gifted with a covenant that they must decide if they are to follow.
The book looks at the ethical responsibilities imposed upon God’s people…hence the book shows how God condescends to His people in various metaphors of life and offers blessing through decision. I would say this book has the academic and academic/pastor as its intended audience. 3.5/4
- Aug 22 – Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen
This one of Machen’s classic works. This book was written in the early 1920’s as Machen sought to confront the rising tide of liberalism within the church. Machen saw Liberalism more sinister than a mere branching of Orthodoxy, Machen saw Liberalism as a whole new religion.
Throughout the book Machen sees to defend the orthodox view by contrasting it with the liberal view of Christianity. Broken into six main headings; Doctrine, God and man, The bible, Christ, Salvation and the church.
I found the book informative especially with the current age of liberal Christianity dominating the evangelical landscape. Machen words are appropriate for us today as I am sure they were for his own time. A valuable resource for the pastor of today, and any Christian concerned for where the church is heading. 3.7/5
32. Sept ? From Fear to Faith (Booklet on the Prophet Habakkuk. 76 pages)
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
This book was exceptional! No doubt about it, it should be the go-to-book for priming to preach/study the book of Habakkuk. Books can be highly subjective so maybe this book was used by the Lord to speak to me for a certain circumstance, but that said, I am buying a few to hand out.
Lloyd-Jones uses 6 chapters to break up Habakkuk’s 3 and doe sit with a certain relevance and succinctness, even though Lloyd-Jones wrote this during the world threat of communism.
An easy read, enjoyable for the lay person and enough deep contemplation for the astute preacher. 4.9/5
33. Sept ? The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the heart of the reformation.
Michael Reeves
An easy read. The intention is not to go into great depth on the reformation but to introduce the reader to the main characters and events leading up to, during and after the reformation. If you don’t know where to start reading about the reformation, this book is for you. Highly recommended. 4/5
34. Sept ? Neither poverty nor riches: biblical theology of possessions.
Craig L. Blomberg
In depth study on the biblical view of possessions. Blomberg engages with OT, intertestimental and NT sources to give a clear picture of the attitude towards possessions. Blomberg surveys the OT with his thesis hinging on Prov. 30:8-9. The Inter-Testamental period is focused on the apocrypha. The NT is further broken into the Synoptics, Early Christianity, Pauline corpus and remaining NT. So, it can be said Blomberg is thorough in pursuing a running thread of riches and possessions throughout the history of God and His people.
Blomberg is thorough, yet his treatment of the Synoptics needs to be highlighted as thought-provoking and convincing as he makes he way through numerous passages outlining an emphasis of living generously – especially, looking out for the needy. The target audience is the scholar/student. At times his writing can be taxing and various greek and theological terms are not defined.
His final and personal applications capped his book well for me personally. I was, am convicted to give more…out of gratitude to the Lord for His gifts, love for those who may be in need. 3.7/5
35. Sept ? Good and angry…
David Powlison
It took a while to get into this book. At first it just seemed like every other self-help book, but it became more than that. Anger can be good…?
Powlison spends time to teach what anger is; it is not a force or something that happens to us, but something we do. He coins a term; Constructive displeasure of Mercy – his way of describing and actioning good anger, righteous anger? Indignation?
Powlison asks and answers 8 practical questions that can be asked in the heat of the moment that shifts our attitude from anger towards constructive displeasure by unpacking anger and gaining a better sense of what is happening during bouts of anger. Handling anger by facing our past hurts.
Anger can be good and Powlison gives methods to transform it. Anger is either good or bad and the books provides methods to sort which is which. Anger usually goes bad when we do not know how to balance it honestly. Not the average book on anger. 4.2/5
36. Sept 26 – The Reformation: How a monk and mallet changed the world
Stephen J. Nichols
Another primer of the reformation. Nichols briskly moves through the historical epoch placing the reformation within its context. At times Nichols may be too brief and the reader may want further explanation, somewhat weakening the intention of the book; targeting at the novice reader wanting to understand the reformation within its historical context.
Short read, maybe to consider as part of a few books needed to understand the historical context of the reformation. 3/5
37. Sept 30 – The stories we tell.
Mike Cosper
It takes Cosper a little to get warmed up but, once he starts addressing movies, the book is thoroughly engaging…especially if you like watching movies.
Cosper’s thesis; the stories we read in books and see in movies have greater truth within them and “echo” a familiar cry as that which comes from the bible’s trajectory of creation, fall, redemption and consummation.
With that framework Cosper looks as movies through Christian eyes discussing the Creation motif in movies with a sense of longing for home. Fall a sense of paradise lost.
Pulp fiction with a heading of Redemptive violence. Ending with a chapter on our internal longing for something greater.
Cosper spends a lengthy part of the book examining the cult TV series Mad Men. Personally I haven’t watched Mad Men and yet Cosper’s engaging writing methods gives enough detail to keep you intrigued, but also guiding the reader with enough detail to grasp his point (Would it be worth watching the TV series before hand – i would say yes, but not necessary).
There is much to recommend and more that can be discussed in this short read, such as Cosper’s use of “The Big Lebowski” to point to a Messianic figure and seeing superheroes as a metaphor for a saviour the world desperately needs. 4.7/5
38. Oct 04 – Theologians of the Baptist tradition
Ed. Timothy George and David S. Dockery
A collection of essays tracing the historical Baptist (Southern Baptist) tradition through the brief theology of those who most influenced the denomination. Beginning with John Gill (1697) and chronologically moving through the lives of 15 others the essays end on Millard Erickson (current).
Each essay has a similar layout, beginning with a short biography, moving to the exposition of theology, spending a few pages on specific theological contributions, ending with an evaluation of the theologian’s strengths and weaknesses.
Some may want to place this book as reference within their library. I recommend every serious Baptist preacher read it through; at least to better understand the trajectory of Baptist theology, albeit with Southern Baptist flavour.
Although not all authors have an engaging style, the men discussed are engaging. At times I found the book incredibly saddening and at other times positively encouraging.
For the serious Baptist reader, essential for the Baptist preacher! 4/5
39. Oct 06 – The Gulag Archipelago
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
My confession is that it was a long slog. Not so much by my lack of interest but by my lack of familiarity with history. Throughout reading the book I found myself googling names – Lenin, Stalin Beria etc and various places, along with historical events Vinnitsa, Moska-Volga Canal, Novocherkassk etc.
Solzhenitsyn chronicles the implementation of Lenin/Stalin’s ideology onto an innocent people. Solzhenitsyn spends a great deal of time describing the atrocious living conditions of the millions sent to “special camps” for conjured “political crimes”. The manner that innocent families were arrested for for fictitious reasons is really difficult to believe. Had it not been for this book I would not have come close to appreciating history.
How quickly we forget the atrocities of the past…makes this book very important to the mapping of our future. 4.1/5.
40. Oct 14 – By faith not by sight…
Richard B. Gaffin Jnr.
All capable of spending a few hours attempting to grasp the colossal biblical truths explained in this book, should do so. Gaffin’s handling of the ordo salutis is exemplary!
Without question the way to handle any argument given by the New Perspective on Paul is to first come to grips with what God IN Christ has done, is doing and will do, By His Spirit on those called to Himself.
The most helpful in this short book was Gaffin’s explanation and discussion on the problem of the indicative and imperative in Paul. When Gaffin states faith as the concern of the indicative and imperative, he also adds a very helpful understanding;
Faith in its receptivity answers the indicative, while…faith in its activity answers the imperative” 82.
Also his discussion on the “already-not yet” application of Christ’s own justification and therefore imputation upon believers found united in Christ is worth the read. It is of great importance that the Reformed community grasp both the already AND not yet elements of Justification.
Enlightening was his brief insight on the union, Christ and Spirit with the believer. At 125 pages it is a labour of stimulating truth!
4.8/5
41. Oct 26 – Here I Stand
Roland H. Bainton
Best book on Luther I have read.
The extensive quotes of Luther give insight to the flawed man, but devout servant of God. While adding a sense of pastoral and calling responsibility to his life. Luther was not an academician neatly tucked away in a corner of his ivory tower. 4.2/5
42. Oct 26 – Reflections on the Psalms
C.S Lewis
Lewis gathers a collection of Psalms and gives his rendition o their meaning according to to their genre; typically songs. Lewis audience isn’t the scholar or the student but the person seeking to see beauty in the composition of the Bible’s hymn book.
I found the best and most thought-provoking of Lewis’ entries to be in the last paragraph;
“… we are so little reconciled to time that we are even astonished at it. “How he’s grown!” we exclaim, “How time flies!” – as though the universal form of our experience were again and again a novelty. It is as strange as if a fish were repeatedly surprised at the wetness of water. And that would be strange indeed; unless of course the fish were destined to become, one day, a land animal.” 3/5
43. Nov 6 – Awe.
Paul David Tripp
Tripp book discusses a common symptom in the general world, but also within the people of God; familiarity with the awesomeness of God, or as Tripp called it; Awe Wrongedness (AWN).
In 13 chapters, ranging from War to Materialism to Parenting, Tripp attempts to highlight how each area of sin stems from the problem of familiarity in seeing and savouring the awe of God.
Although the book was tackling a common problem and one that should be thought of more regularly, I found the writing style a little tedious. Tripp used many, many examples to introduce each chapter which seemed over kill and made entering each chapter a chore.
3/5
44. Nov 19 – God the Son Incarnate.
Stephen J. Wellem
No other word but colossal!!!!
Exceptional handling of classic Christology.
Beginning with epistemology, Wellem paints a the historical trajectory of understanding onwards to the Enlightenment, through to the modern thence post modern eras. Wellem labours to help us see why we have thought about Jesus in certain ways throughout history.
Wellem spends ample time on for the biblical warrant for Jesus, by enforcing the Word written as inerrant and authoritative in revealing Christ.
Without setting aside ecclesiological traditions Wellem espouses the necessary warning to avoid swaying from past councils such as Nicea and Chaceldon, for through such creeds the church developed its understanding of Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man: One person with two natures, one divine and one human.
Wellem convincing critiques kenotic Christologies exposing them as wanting and providing no solid response to classical orthodoxy. Wellem looks in detail at both Ontological and Functional Kenotic Christologies highlighting how each must deny Chalcedon – exposing the error of allocating the “will” and “soul” to the person of Christ, against the view classic Orthodox view of the “will” and “soul” found in the nature of Christ.
Just brilliant! 5/5
45. Nov 23 – Mark by the Book
P. W. Smuts
Smuts introduces his readers to his hermeneutical model using a multi-directional approach. What this means is Smuts (using the Gospel of Mark) instructs on looking at each pericope; first with a “downward” view (within the immediate context). Then looking at a “sideways” view (in any parallel accounts). Followed by a “backwards” look (OT witness) ending with a forwards look (at any relevant NT passages).
Using this approach Smuts gives what appears to be a holistic approach (not altogether strictly using “biblical theology”) and hence a balanced method of interpreting scripture for what is said and not what we may want it to say.
A worthy resource for the expositor/preacher. Smuts also makes some interesting points on few chosen passages. 3.8/5
46. Nov 30 – Churchill’s ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
Giles Milton.
Interesting book detailing the vastly importance of guerrilla warfare during the WWII. Milton has an engaging style that at times keeps one totally immersed within the storyline and at other times pulling ones head from the book in laughter.
It was also interesting to read (although not in great detail) on Churchill’s personality and view on warfare tactics. 3.7/5
47. Dec 07 – The Pre-Existent Son
Simon J. Gathercole
Makes the case for a pre-existent Christology within the first century mediterranean milieu.
A lot of references to the works of the apocrypha, rabbinic and early literature. Gsthercole employs an; “I have come” + purpose formula. To demonstrate a tradition not used by human figures, but angelic, and thus establish a logic that applies to Jesus.
Setting his argument with angelology Gathercole connects the saying with purpose to derive pre-existence. And these discussed angels along with Jesus uses the saying to summarise an entire earthly visit. Not to say, Jesus is an angel but the mission and saying is of the same kind. Hence, Gathercole investigates the Pre-existence of Jesus our Lord.
At times the extra-biblical references can be tedious and a chore to rummage through. 4/5
48. Dec 13 – The Kingdom of Christ
Russell D. Moore
Moore trances the historical understanding of Kingship though the lens of Dispensational and Covenantal schema. Moore paints the man characters that have influenced the theology of Christ’s Kingdom by dealing with Carl Henry and George Eldon Ladd as his main interlocutors.
The hardest part of reading this book were the endnotes. 187 pages in the body and 90 pages of endnotes. This will become extremely annoying for somebody that reads notes while reading the body.
A good depiction of the already-not yet Kingdom theology is outlined and discussed. I did find it a little jarring that Moore kept referring to Covenant understandings of Israel as “Replaced” by the church. I wasn’t sure if it was used in a pejorative or just plainly reckless way.
What was lacking were clear conclusions! If Moore attempted to lean in one direction more than another he was excellent at masking it. 3.1/5
49. Dec 20 – Cry, the beloved country.
Alan Paton
Well written. Excellent book not to gain factual political and social understandings of South Africa, but to gain a feel for the emotional and drama that many would/have faced in South Africa.
It charters the course of a man of the clergy searching for his wayward sister and son. In the midst of suffering, despair, hopelessness, and abandonment, there is a glimmer of hope.
Unfortunately, according to Paton that hope is not always what was sought. 4.2/5