In response to Richard and William: I had NOT thought of doing a series on my book here. That is partly because I started this substack right as my book was coming out and had done in online book club during the run-up and was perhaps of the mind "been there, done that" and of the mind that we are all sick of me talking about my book. However, most of you here were not part of that book club (though there were about 400 participants, which still blows me away!). And now the book is out and in more people's hands ...
All this to say, I think I might. Maybe that can be our "summer break" series here.
Would love others to chime in with their interest.
i. Have you thought of doing, say, a monthly piece on here to discuss the book, chapter by chapter? Lucy Austen is doing something similar with her book on Elizabeth Elliott.
ii. You reference and quote Lakoff and Johnson - I got hold of that book some years back and figured it was an important work for pastors to read but have made at least 3 attempts and drifted off after the first half a dozen or so chapters. Is it something to persevere with? I feel like it probably is.
See my comment I added above about a discussion of the book.
I think Lakoff and Johnson is a good book you can read bits and pieces of. They fill it with so many examples, that you get the gist after awhile. You can get a lot by reading the arguments and skimming the examples, I think.
Karen, I’m still praying for you daily. I have (too) little time for deep reading, but your trusted voice is always in the great conversation of my quiet time. May God bless you for the light you carry. Steady on.
That's a great review indeed. I'm really glad that Lake highlighted the conclusion to the chapter on Empire and the Cash video, it made me go back to check it out again and to feel once more how powerful that section is. The lines she quotes were ones I'd highlighted in my Kindle copy too. That chapter is probably the one that made the most immediate impact but the other chapters have a slow-burn quality that will I'm sure repay re-reading.
(I'm not a subscriber to Current but by saving the link via a right-click to my Readwise account I was able to read it in full on there. Just sayin' folks...)
I will be a bit transparent here: a lot of people have commented in one way or another that the book needs re-reading or slow reading. I think some of that would not be the case if I were a better writer--better able to express complex ideas more smoothly and simply. (Such is a high art!) On the other hand, I do write in a dense way. And it may not be bad (again, or good). I've just noticed a lot or people saying they need to stop and re-read. As a writer, it's interesting to get such consistent feedback and think about what's happening.
And to be clear, I was not really fishing for reviews! Not lengthy ones, anyway. A review is a tremendous and generous gift. I'm asked often to give them and they require so much a seldom write them. But a quick rating on Amazon really helps the algorithms, the experts say...
Thank you for sharing these detailed thoughts and analysis. It is helpful, and in turn, more to chew on! And I definitely don't understand what you do, haha!
But the process you describe in reading, thinking, drafting, and applying seems right here.
It means a lot that my book is resonating with those who've had struggles and difficulties in the church and the faith. A lot is shifting over the past few years and I think there is a groundswell of some kind occurring.
Oh, yes, yes! This is it! I’m so thrilled to read this! Poetry is so often read badly. Wendell Berry writes in this way so beautifully. The sound comes easily and naturally. I recommend continuing to read Berry.
In response to Richard and William: I had NOT thought of doing a series on my book here. That is partly because I started this substack right as my book was coming out and had done in online book club during the run-up and was perhaps of the mind "been there, done that" and of the mind that we are all sick of me talking about my book. However, most of you here were not part of that book club (though there were about 400 participants, which still blows me away!). And now the book is out and in more people's hands ...
All this to say, I think I might. Maybe that can be our "summer break" series here.
Would love others to chime in with their interest.
A couple of quick asks if I may:
i. Have you thought of doing, say, a monthly piece on here to discuss the book, chapter by chapter? Lucy Austen is doing something similar with her book on Elizabeth Elliott.
ii. You reference and quote Lakoff and Johnson - I got hold of that book some years back and figured it was an important work for pastors to read but have made at least 3 attempts and drifted off after the first half a dozen or so chapters. Is it something to persevere with? I feel like it probably is.
See my comment I added above about a discussion of the book.
I think Lakoff and Johnson is a good book you can read bits and pieces of. They fill it with so many examples, that you get the gist after awhile. You can get a lot by reading the arguments and skimming the examples, I think.
That's cool, thanks Karen, I'll do some skimming!
Karen, I’m still praying for you daily. I have (too) little time for deep reading, but your trusted voice is always in the great conversation of my quiet time. May God bless you for the light you carry. Steady on.
I'm so grateful for all the ways you support me (especially the prayer!), Rick.
That's a great review indeed. I'm really glad that Lake highlighted the conclusion to the chapter on Empire and the Cash video, it made me go back to check it out again and to feel once more how powerful that section is. The lines she quotes were ones I'd highlighted in my Kindle copy too. That chapter is probably the one that made the most immediate impact but the other chapters have a slow-burn quality that will I'm sure repay re-reading.
(I'm not a subscriber to Current but by saving the link via a right-click to my Readwise account I was able to read it in full on there. Just sayin' folks...)
Thanks for the tip about saving the link! And even more for the kind words about the book. :)
This review! <3
<3 <3 <3
I will be a bit transparent here: a lot of people have commented in one way or another that the book needs re-reading or slow reading. I think some of that would not be the case if I were a better writer--better able to express complex ideas more smoothly and simply. (Such is a high art!) On the other hand, I do write in a dense way. And it may not be bad (again, or good). I've just noticed a lot or people saying they need to stop and re-read. As a writer, it's interesting to get such consistent feedback and think about what's happening.
And to be clear, I was not really fishing for reviews! Not lengthy ones, anyway. A review is a tremendous and generous gift. I'm asked often to give them and they require so much a seldom write them. But a quick rating on Amazon really helps the algorithms, the experts say...
Thank you for sharing these detailed thoughts and analysis. It is helpful, and in turn, more to chew on! And I definitely don't understand what you do, haha!
But the process you describe in reading, thinking, drafting, and applying seems right here.
It means a lot that my book is resonating with those who've had struggles and difficulties in the church and the faith. A lot is shifting over the past few years and I think there is a groundswell of some kind occurring.
Oh, yes, yes! This is it! I’m so thrilled to read this! Poetry is so often read badly. Wendell Berry writes in this way so beautifully. The sound comes easily and naturally. I recommend continuing to read Berry.
Thank you for your care and attention. But also feel no pressure to post perfect comments here!
I only recently discovered McGilchrist's work and it is fascinating and so, so insightful for our times, I think.