Review: Write Better

In Write Better: A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality (IVP, 2019), lifelong writer and editor Andrew T. Le Peau reveals the secrets of efficient writing. For Le Peau, writing itself does not get easier, but the process can become easier. He attends to three major areas: the craft of writing, the art of writing, and the spirituality of writing. Regarding the craft of writing, Le Peau describes the technical areas of good writing: crafting an opening, making a persuasive argument, rewriting well, and forming good titles and endings. In the art of writing, he moves to more abstract areas, such as creativity, tone, and metaphor. In his final section, which is his unique contribution, Le Peau discusses the spiritually formative aspects of writing. Writing about ourselves changes us, as it did Augustine, and self-doubt can be removed when we have the courage to be creative.

In this book, Le Peau ensures that writing does not remain a useless creative endeavor but spiritually forms us into the image of God. This necessary truth remains missing in most books on writing—even from a Christian perspective—which focus on how to be the best writer in order to be the most successful writer. Le Peau challenges writers to instead hone their craft to maximize their God-given gifts and realize their potential. His many appendices cover the practical matters of working with publishers, editors, and copyright, so he provides a well-rounded approach to writing. Nonetheless, the focus of his book climaxes in his discussion of the spiritually formative potential of writing. To this matter all writers (and readers) should attend.

A complimentary review copy was given in exchange for an honest review.

Comments

Product Review: LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle

Overview When adventure strikes, the right bag makes all the difference. Too often, however, luggage bags are either large, ponderous suitcases or small, flimsy duffle bags. I have traveled to Central and South America multiple times with terribly large suitcases. It added extra complication to my trip—especially lugging the bag up the steps! This is the problem which LL Bean seeks to rectify in the LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle. With a 137-liter capacity, this duffel is able to hold the items of the biggest pack-rat while being easy to transport. It features a telescoping handle, smooth-gliding wheels, and cinch straps. Specifications Capacity: Approx. 8,350 cu. in., 137 L. Weight: 9 lb. 3 oz. Dimensions: 17"H x 34"W x 15"D. Highlights This bag is sturdy. Not only is it capable of holding many items, but it is incredibly durable. It has a reinforced nylon bottom and a thick plastic frame so that the bag does not sag or become weak....

Review: NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

A revised version of the previously published NIV Zondervan Study Bible, the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (Zondervan, 2018) represents the best of biblical scholarship in a compact study Bible. It introduces Biblical Theology (BT), a discipline that is intended for readers to weave individual books and stories into a larger metanarrative that reveals God's redemptive plan through the entire Bible. To that end, this study Bible includes articles introducing BT and articles on theological matters. While the emphasis of this Bible may appeal to a more Reformed/covenantal audience, the contributors span a variety of theological traditions and are respected authorities within their discipline. The verse-by-verse notes—over 20,000—are insightful and suitable for determining the historical, literary, and cultural background of the text with a view to responsible interpretation of Scripture. There are in-text cross references, a concordance, maps, and useful charts. Each bo...

Review: Pastoral and Spiritual Care in a Digital Age

The advancements of technology and social media are changing what it means to be human, yet religious studies rarely tend to intersect with technological and neurological sciences. In Pastoral and Spiritual Care in a Digital Age: The Future is Now (Lexington Books, 2018), Kirk A. Bingaman ventures into how technology informs spiritual care. Himself a professor of pastoral care, Bingaman claims that humans are becoming techno sapiens. Rather than retreating from technology, Bingaman sees the unavoidable development of technology as part of God's ongoing work of "doing a new thing." Consequently, he sees positive means for artificial intelligence that can be embraced in pastoral care. For Bingaman, pastoral and spiritual care in a digital age requires preserving humanity through contemplative spiritual practices, preventing technology from overtaking human identity. Bingaman's book is important for many reasons. First, he asserts that technological change is unav...

Leitourgia

Search This Blog