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Todd's Blog

Book Club

May 4th, 2008 by Todd Johnson

I was thinking it might be kind of fun to get a book club together.

  • One where I wouldn’t have to go to any meetings (Life is busy enough as it is).
  • One where I (Not Oprah) get to pick the book.
  • One where anyone with an internet connection could join with me (and I with them) so that we could exchange ideas about what we are reading and get the most benefit possible from it.

 

So I was thinking of doing that right here with any that would like to join me.

 

Here’s what I’m thinking:

  • I’ll pick a Book (I’m leaning toward The Reason for God by Timothy Keller) but I’m open to others
  • We’ll Read a chapter a week
  • I’ll write a post on the chapter (say, on Monday)
  • We can discuss the chapter together in the comment section of the post each week

The benefits:

  • This will provide an opportunity and accountability for reading good books
  • This will allow us to think through what we are reading and articulate what we think
  • This will allow us to learn from others and the insights they bring to the table
  • Others can visit the blog, read the post and comments, and learn from a book they’ve never themselves read

 

So, any takers?

 

If you are interested, let me know here and we will see if we can make this happen.

 

Todd

25 Responses to “Book Club”

  1. Ken Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    I’m in!
    Go for it!

  2. Chris Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 6:57 pm

    I’m in.

    Another possible suggestion (because I’ve been wanting an excuse to read it) is “When I Don’t Desire God” by Piper.

  3. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    Like I said, I’m not committed to a book yet, so any suggestion will be taken into consideration.

    Glad you guys are in.

    Let’s give it this week to see if any others would like to join us, then we can commit to a book and a schedule for reading.

  4. Ken Says:
    May 4th, 2008 at 8:58 pm

    I checked out Tim Keller’s book. Like the content, really admire him and the ministry the Lord has blessed him with! Got my vote either way; there are so many great choices out there.

  5. Nancy Says:
    May 5th, 2008 at 8:15 am

    I’d love to participate. I was impressed with Keller’s presentation at the Berkeley Veritas Forum. Anything by C.S. Lewis would be neat to discuss.

  6. Perry Says:
    May 5th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    Wonderful idea Todd! I’m in!

  7. Mike Smith Says:
    May 5th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

    I absolutely love the idea! And whatever book is decided on is fine by me. I only have one suggestion, which Im sure Todd you will already be sensitive to. Make the book readable by a broad audience.
    I love Piper. I do however think his writing style can be somewhat tedious. Might not make for the best “book club” suggestion. But who knows I’m very wrong a lot of the time. :)

  8. TW Says:
    May 5th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    GREAT IDEA!!!! BUT, NOT INTERESTED IN THIS BOOK AT THIS TIME. COUNT ME IN FOR MAYBE ANOTHER ONE YOU MIGHT DO. WILL KEEP TABS ON WHAT YOU ARE READING.

  9. Geoff Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at 2:32 am

    Definitely interested. Where would be a good place to get the books? Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey is another suggestion that a friend of mine said was really good. Great idea to read a book with others.

  10. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at 7:54 am

    Hey - This is looking good. There are already plenty of us interested.

    Like I said, let’s give it until the end of the week and then I’ll post the plan of attack.

    Should be good.

    Todd

  11. Mike Q Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at 11:04 am

    Todd, I like the idea as well, count me in.

  12. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    You’re in Mike!

    Glad you’re joining us.

  13. Jon Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at 7:20 pm

    Great Idea. I’m in. Lets start with your book suggestions first Todd, then let all of us post suggested books and get a list going.

  14. TW Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at 7:22 pm

    SUGGESTION: Just started C.H. Spurgeon Autobiography:1 The early years. How about checking this one out for later.

  15. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at 7:43 pm

    Jon - deal.

    TW - The early years is excellent, but too much for this sort of reading group. That is the sort of volume that is best read personally. Highly recommended though. One of the first biographies I read as a teenager.

  16. Lori Roberts Says:
    May 7th, 2008 at 9:25 am

    I think it is a great idea. Having a busy schedule with 4 kids myself, I find it too easy too come up with excuses for not having time to do extra reading. Having a discussion gives me accountability to dig deeper. Having it online also gives me time at my leasure to read and then join in on the discussion of what was read. Tuesdays sound good to me for the post. Looking forward to it.

    Another thought I had was that I have a few books that I have read and are sitting around on a shelf. I was wondering if the Commons would like to have a “used book” section in the store to resell some of these so others have a chance to read them as well. Just a thought. Let me know.

  17. Tom Schneider Says:
    May 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am

    Todd,count me in.

  18. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 10th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

    Tom & Lori - Welcome.

    We’ll get things rolling this week and I’ll try to post the necessary details on Monday.

  19. Michele Nunnink Says:
    May 11th, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    I got the book today, and I’m pumped. I think the club should have a secret handshake.

  20. Mary Hill Says:
    May 13th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

    I’d love to join in July. Will be on vacation until then.

  21. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 13th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    Mary - Make sure you check back with us when you get back. We’d be glad to have you join us then.

    Enjoy your vacation.

  22. Myra Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 9:05 am

    I’m going to do it…even though I’m a bit late

    And for future readings, I suggest Notes on the Pentateuch by C. H. Mackintosh - only because I’d love to see a discussion on it. But of course, I’m fine with whatever Todd picks.

  23. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

    Hi Myra,

    Glad to have you aboard. The first post is scheduled for Sunday night. Feel free to check in then or anytime the week following and join the conversation.

    See you then.

  24. Lori Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 7:07 pm

    Would love to join in, if not too late.

  25. Todd Johnson Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 7:51 pm

    Of course Lori. Not only is it never too late, we haven’t even begun yet. Pick up the book, get reading, and check in next week.

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About Todd

Name: Todd Johnson
Location: Grass Valley, CA
Contact: todd@crossroadslive.com
About: Todd is the husband of Sharon, the father of Morgan, Caleb, Makenzie & Claire, and a pastor at Crossroads Church. He considers each of these roles the greatest of privileges.

Verse of the Week

“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ”

- 1 Cor 1:20-21 ESV

Now

Reading:

“The Reason for God” by Tim Keller

“Memoir and Remains of R.M.M’Cheyne” by Andrew A. Bonar

“Above All Earthly Pow’rs by David F. Wells

“The Supremacy of God in Preaching” by John Piper

“Jesus and the Eyewitnesses” by Richard Bauckham

Listening:

Coldplay - Viva la Vida
U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Archives: