the Shaking of the Foundations

This book is a collection of sermons from Paul Tillich, the renowned 20th-century existential theologian and teacher. They are extremely wide-ranging in topic and theme, also varying considerably in terms of length & layperson-accessibility (as there are several sermons in here that feel more like transcripts of philosophy lectures); but all have in common Tillich's holistic approach to Christian teaching, which draws on everything from contemporary science to the horrors and promises of modern history to make its points. His writing style is engaging and lucid and I would've loved to hear the man preach live, as there is also a strong undercurrent of emotive heft to his written teachings to the Church - which needs thinkers and leaders like him, given modernity's "shaking the foundations" of ecclesial assumptions. Of course, the title is double-edged - alongside the meaning just noted it also hints at the "shaking the foundations" of the whole modern order by means of God's revelation and Christ's activity in the redemptive power of the Christian worldview. A highly interesting and thought-provoking read: I'd strongly recommend this to readers who are believers that it may challenge and hone their own theology, as well as a tentative recommendation to non-believers, as I think Tillich's arguments stand up pretty darn well on philosophical grounds and therefore could function quite well as apologetics.

Life in the Garden

This book by Penelope Lively is a relatively short but topically wide-ranging survey of the common contemporary garden. Drawing on historical developments, cultural trends, socioeconomic possibilities, and the human relationships with natural plant-life that makes the rest of it all possible, she weaves an interesting path across the subject and makes the humble* garden come to life in a new, invigorating way. Her prose is agreeable enough, and I learnt quite a lot from this book, but didn't particularly feel too compelled to finish it, which is why I've been reading it on-and-off several months before finally completing it. A niche book to recommend, though if you're into gardens or gardening, and want to know more about the rich and storied context of the contemporary "yard", I reckon this would probably be a good place to start.

* Or not so humble in the cases where she's discussing the huge grounds of stately homes, etc. But you get the drift.

the Christmas Creature

This book by Erin Kubo is a sweet, slightly dark festive children's tale. The illustrations are whimsical and somewhat haunting - I think this would make a great gift for anyone under the age of six (or parents of such children) as it seems particularly strong on the anti-Santa mythological front (which I am an ardent supporter of*). You can hear the whole book read aloud by the brilliant Hank Green here.

* Psychological studies indicate that children raised to believe in Santa, once they get over that white lie, are far more likely to similarly discard belief in God as a parental tactic. This is not good.