The Scrip

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow. No spoilers ahead, except for The Way of Kings. If you're reading this review, I'm guessing you've already read The Way of Kings. If you haven't, go back and read it RIGHT NOW. I wasn't sure how Brandon Sanderson would top himself after The Way of Kings. The first installment of the Stormlight Archive was more original, exciting, and heartfelt than the start of any other fantasy series I've read. In the 1000+ page journey, you find yourself caring deeply for Dalinar, Shallan, and Kaladin as you navigate the strange, sci-fi world of Roshar. Sanderson adds even more action and mystery to Words of Radiance. Plot twists abound. Your favorite characters face impossible obstacles. And the badguys you love to hate--namely, Sadeas--seem untouchable. I finished Way of Kings feeling like Kaladian had finally "made it." He would no longer face death every day on bridge r...

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt My rating: 5 of 5 stars Radical is a must-read for all Christians. Platt's writing style is straightforward and engaging. The whole book has a tone of urgency and excitement, showing Platt's passion for teaching others about Christ and spurring Christians on to good works. Platt references scripture and theological concepts frequently throughout the book, then describes how he has seen those biblical truths played out in the church. All of it is easy to follow, so if you're unfamiliar with scripture, you won't be left behind. Perhaps the greatest portion of this book is the end. After challenging the modern church's complacency and pursuit of the American Dream, Platt gives the reader five clear objectives to pursue within the next year. You'll leave the book not only with a clearly-articulated vision for how Christian life could--and should--be, but also with passion an...

Why had I quietly watched my (fee fie) foe escape as if a sheep drifting across a fence? O magic school, reclaim the gaff he stripped Of whimsical meaning. My inner harpist vowed: Give me five iambs, good and hard, I'll drop That philistine with basics from the scrip. --from "Folly" by Greg Brownderville I had a professor in college who vowed that there were no unpoetic words. He said that any word is good enough to be used in a poem. He's one of the most brilliant men I know, so I'm inclined to believe him. After all, when God saw everything He had made, He named it all good. Look at this blog of book reviews as an arguably unpoetic word in the OED. It might not be beautiful, or revolutionary, but it will be, at minimum, practical. The possibility of one person finding beauty in it--better yet, being inspired by it--is why the Scrip exists. Most people don't think prognosticate is a beautiful word, but it made it into Sonnet 14. I reckon that whoe...