Winter Reading - Much Pleasure, Some Work

So what will I be reading while I am in Florida? I usually take a large selection of novels with me on my winter trips. This year I have nine with me and we are fairly handy to a public library. I also have a couple of “professional” reads with me.

A quick glance at the novels would suggest that I am very much into murder, mayhem, and mystery. I have two Laurell K. Hamilton novels with me from the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. I've been into vampires since forever; long before it became fashionable. Hamilton's books combine all three of the M's along with rampant sensuality. I also have two Iris Johansen novels with me – the latest two in the Eve Duncan, forensic sculptor, series. My understanding is the series is to be completed with one more volume yet to come.

I will enjoy some of the latest writings from four other of my favourite authors: Scott Turow, Michael Crichton, Clive Cussler, and David Baldacci. If you are familiar with any of these authors you will see that they also have the three M's in common.

And the ninth novel is by a new author, to me. It is Oliver Bowden's Assassin's Creed: Revelations. It appears to be another take on the many stories/legends associated with the Knights Templar set in Constantinople during the time of the Ottoman Empire. I am not sure yet if it will fit fully into the three M's.

The two “professional” books have to do with some preparations I may be making to facilitate another go in St. Croix Presbytery for the training of licensed lay preachers (or Licensed Lay Worship Leaders as they are known in The United Church of Canada) beginning almost as soon as we get home in April. The Presbytery has requested that we proceed with the training if there is sufficient interest. I have made it known I need at least six students. I think I have five indications of serious interest. The two books I have with me: Marcus Borg's Speaking Christian and John Dominic Crossan's The Greatest Prayer. I have read about a third of Borg's book (before we even left St. Stephen) and find it quite fascinating. I've brought Crossan along because I know I will find it challenging – not the content so much as the writing style and academic prowess of the author.

So that is some of what I will be reading this winter. I will keep you posted about what I think of the various novels and any developments that arise from the Borg and Crossan reading. What are you reading this winter?