Worth Reading and Watching

In 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot dead, in large part, for insisting that people of color have equal access to public spaces within America. One year earlier, some of the best artists in Hollywood made the film Guess Who is Coming to Dinner, which pushed the same principle of "equal access for all" into private spaces; into the family. A radical idea for it's time. And yet, a first century idea, a Christian idea. (Gal.3:28) That being said, the exploration of race relations is not the primary reason I recommend this film. After all, our struggles with race relations are different (perhaps more complex) than those 50 years ago.  We encourage people to watch this movie  because it is about a community of family and friends working through the deepest of problems and the greatest of blind spots. Topics for discussion found here; "honoring thy father and mother," human identity and loneliness, what is most important in a spouse, and the role of Christian friendship. As for entertainment value; the script and acting are impeccable with three titans of film at the top of their craft. Enjoy!
Click here for a list of Discussion Questions. 




   Straw House ,Wood House, Brick House, Blow by Daniel Nayeri. Several of us are currently reading, and enjoying these four very different novellas. The worlds are fantastical, the writing is sophisticated and purposeful. A great gift for young teens and young adults.  
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                        OKAY FOR NOW, by Gary Schmidt.  If you are a boy, or once were, the character of Doug Swieteck may stay with you a long time.  I could say a lot here. The book deserves it.  However, I'll simply share from the note left for me in my box from Kathy Keller upon returning my copy. "Great read. I stayed up til 2am to finish in one sitting. "


   Life Together, by Deitrich Bonhoeffer. This year we are reading through Life Together as a ministry team, but it is something that as an individual you never quite stop reading.