justracheljones's reviews
88 reviews

Radical Together by David Platt

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

3.0

Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible by William D. Hendricks, Howard G. Hendricks

5.0

Best when combined with the accompanying work book to practice what you learn in each chapter, which I didn't learn until about half-way through. Super helpful guide to break down the basics of independent Bible study for both personal growth as well as to be equipped to teach it to others.

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex Harris

3.5

I read this is a new believer in high school and loved it. I felt challenged, encouraged, and ready to take on the world. Looking back now, I appreciate how it reminds me not to underestimate the young people I work with, but I do think there is a lot missing. I can trace a lot of my high school guilt back to this book, and probably in large part because the narrative misses or fails to focus on the fact that it is God doing the work, not the individual. I spent a lot of time trying to do big things in my own power, which was doomed to fail from the beginning, and feeling ashamed when I failed, thinking "Why can't I do this for God?", the mantra for the reason to 'do hard things' laid out by the brothers. I don't think it was the intention of the authors to lead young people into a work-based relationship with God, and they themselves were young when they wrote it so I don't fault them. I do, however, caution that it is probably better for most young people to be encouraged by the adults in their lives and pointed to pursue the heart of God - the rest should follow more naturally that way, I think.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

4.0

Zeal Without Burnout: Seven Keys to a Lifelong Ministry of Sustainable Sacrifice by Christopher Ash

3.0

I would kill to be able to give half-star reviews on this app; this is a solid 3.5. As many have said, this is a helpful primer on burnout in ministry, and perhaps my few gripes come from the fact that it just wasn't meant to be more than that. I had hoped for something slightly broader in scope, but the points made are theologically sound and a helpful reminder about the beliefs we implicitly claim when we overwork to the point of burnout. The reflections shared by leaders who have experienced burnout were the most sobering, as most pointed out that we often don't see burnout coming. Not necessarily a guide to treating burnout, but more life principles to avoid it in the first place.

As the title implies, the author doesn't run to the opposite end of the spectrum to excuse laziness or coasting in the name of avoiding burnout. Sacrifice is a part of ministry which he repeatedly addresses, but I found myself wanting more to differentiate the two.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

3.25

I enjoyed most things people seemed to hate about this book, from the fractured sentence structure to the fairy tales and even the over-dramatic emotional descriptions that seemed to confuse some. It suited the perspective of the protagonist in every way, and I would argue that her somewhat hard to swallow personality and life perspective are exactly the point being made. My biggest issue that makes this a 3.5 star book for me is how slowly the first half drug on. If I had not known that there was this big twist coming I likely would not have finished this book. Glad I did finish, it ended as a fascinating read, but a story built for a big twist is inevitably going to struggle to deliver on that promise. I was shocked, yes, but I'm sure those more attentive and clever than I could have figured it out.

Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time by Kenneth H. Blanchard, Phil Hodges

4.0

Helpful exercises accompany each chapter, offering an introspective look at your own leadership style while considering how leadership within the church ought to look different than it does in corporate America.