What books are on your bedside table?

Reading Lily Lewin's blog post about Harry Potter and her summer reading reminded me that I've been getting the all to frequent question "What are you reading right now" -- so in answer to the burning question, here's what books have passed through my hands recently:

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince -- see my thoughts from yesterday, and more to come tomorrow (or even tonight!)

The Forgoten Half of Change by Luc de Branbandere -- a new leadership book that explores the need to change twice -- first in fact and then in perception. Read about this at the Boston consulting group website.

John Adams by David MacCollough -- the great biography of our second president. A story of a true intellect and statesman who is overshadowed by his predecessor (Washington) and his successor (Jefferson).

The Annals and the Histories by Tacitus. The great ancient historian from the first century gives some insights into the culture of the Roman empire -- and thus the world in which Jesus and the early church dwelt. Tacitus is also one of the few pagan historians who directly mentions Jesus.

The Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll -- Mike Foster turned me on to this right on call for Christians to be missionaries where God has placed them. Mike is supposed to be leading an online book discussion over at the Dog Eared Journey -- still waiting to see it happen Mike!

The Metamorphoses by Ovid. The classic work of ancient mythology -- again to help me get into first century worldview. It also helps that one of the stories is used as a basis for Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, which I'll be examining in this fall's Gospel According to Shakespeare class (for those of you interetsted in this one, it can be a bit ... naughty)


That's about it for now. More Harry Potter coming later (and perhaps in a few days, a review of the Brabandere book)

Soli Deo Gloria
Russell