Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe by Voddie T. Baucham: the death of George Floyd and the ensuing riots and "black lives matter" mantra led many evangelistic churches (and individuals) to embrace social justice issues as equal to the Biblical gospel. In this book, Baucham explains what Critical Race Theory is, why its origins are inherently unbiblical, and how it has already infiltrated churches, school, seminaries, etc. This book was so interesting and informative. Baucham is an engaging author, and even though much in this book can be discouraging, he is hopeful. I highly recommend this book.
He Is Enough: Living in the Fullness of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu: this is a 6 week Bible study of the book of Colossians that our local Bible study recently finished. In Colossians, Paul talks (among other things) of how the church does not need Jesus + _____. but only Jesus. A personal relationship with Christ is all a person needs for salvation; it cannot be earned. Within the study are weekly coloring pages for the Bible memory verses, a choice between a shorter study (snack on the go) and a more in depth study (feast). The homework for the 'feast' section was relatively substantial in comparison to other studies I have done, but I felt that most of the questions were well-thought out and pointed back to Jesus. Ciuciu also had us look up original meanings of many words in order to give us better understandings of the Scripture we were reading. This can be done easily on the Blue Letter Bible app. I would recommend this study for those looking for something more in depth than most Bible studies.
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare: I read the No Fear version of this play so that I could have a better understanding of the language used, context, and jokes. I highly recommend this series. My dear friend and I went to London for four days and we saw Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare's Globe theater. It was the highlight of our trip for me. We were not allowed to take photos during the play, only during intermission, so here is a photo of me during that! It was absolutely fantastic, If you ever get a chance to go to London, definitely try to see one of Shakespeare's plays there!
The Hidden Gallery, #2 Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood: in the first book, three children who had been raised by wolves were found on Ashton Place, adopted by the lord and lady, and a governess was engaged for them. These books are written from her perspective, They are funny, silly, and full of Victorian England details. In this installment, the family removes to London while their manor is being repaired (see first book). Mysteries abound and the children's origins are continuously questioned. We listened to this on Audible, and my oldest kiddo especially loves these books. He would definitely recommend them.
The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe: I remember reading this in eighth or ninth grade. I decided to listen to this on audible--it's free--I decided to give it a second go. Highly recommend listening to this rather than just reading it. Dominic West reads it and hearing someone else put the poem in the right rhythm definitely adds to its spookiness.
A Recommendation--I watched Candace Owen's new film The Greatest Lie Ever Sold. It is remarkably well done. She details the people behind Black Lives Matter, interviews people who knew George Floyd, reveals details about his death that were not made clear by the news media, and just where all this money BLM raised went. Hint--to transgender activist groups. I highly encourage you to pay to watch it. Here is a link to the trailer: https://www.dailywire.com/clips/official-trailer-the-greatest-lie-ever-sold