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The 2005 Christian Companion is a book about a considerable number of saints, saints of long ago and saints of not so long ago. Although most of these saints are well known some of them I admit I had not heard of until I read about them in the book. All of these saints would no doubt be surprised to find that we think of them as saints. A different writer has written about his or her favourite saint and told the reader a little about that particular saint and the way that that saint had lived. Each writer says why that particular saint is a favourite of theirs and what it is that they try to copy in their own daily living. At the end of each chapter a number of sayings are quoted which encapsulate the theology of the saint that has been written about in that chapter. The book aims to show us that these saints were just ordinary people who lived out their faith in the course of their daily lives. It also points to the fact that we are all able today to emulate at least some of the characteristics of these various saints.

I found this a very interesting book to read and it also improved my knowledge of the various saints and brings them down from their pedestals to our level and shows how in most cases their lives were very ordinary but that they lived them in an extraordinary way.

This is a revised edition of a previous book with a new introduction. It is an extremely fascinating book that certainly makes the reader look at the Bible in a different light. Walter Brueggmann tells the reader that the Bible is about a covenanting God who is with his people and for his people calling them to leave their comfort zones and go into the unknown on a pilgrimage. Walter Brueggmann explains it all in such a way as to make it easy to understand the meaning. He states that the Bible is not an object but a partner with whom the reader may have dialogue. At the end of each chapter there are reflection and discussion points and scripture passages for meditation with a comment on them.

The author tells the reader that the Bible is not meant as a historical account but it has a central direction and a rich diversity for those who choose to look. God chose to speak to his people through the Bible so his people need to read it in that light. Walter Brueggmann makes sense as well as showing his readers how the Bible makes sense. Furthermore he makes it very interesting and it made me want to read his other books as he is the type of author who is able to get the reader involved and wanting to see what comes next.

This is a book that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone as a really good and informative read.

This is a transcript of a preached retreat for people of the L'Arche community. It falls into six chapters, with three sections in each, and I used it on a week's retreat of my own. The book could be used for daily reflection, either a section a day or in even smaller chunks. It is, in places, profound and intense while being at the same time very readable. I found there were some sentences that I wanted to sit with for a longer time and unpack, for example "We need to touch the truth of who we are" (p61).

This book takes the reader into new areas of self-awareness in the context of the gospel, in order that they may be more sensitive to those encountered in life's journey. It is amply illustrated with stories of some of the people who have lived at L'Arche houses, and reflections on what their presence meant to other residents and to the author himself.

If I have any criticism of the book, it is that it has, in places, references to the Virgin Mary which I found to be rather Catholic in origin, and therefore a little bit alien to this Methodist. Other than that, if you want to be affirmed, challenged and empowered I can highly recommend that you take your time and read this book devotionally.

The author, Tony Miles, is a Methodist minister and broadcaster and Frances is a retirement consultant and they have been involved in Easter People since its inception. The thoughts in this book were written when their children were young and were broadcast on Premier Radio between 1997-2002.

The author's preface begins:- "The aim of this book is to make you smile and inspire your thinking." and it lives up to this aim.

There is nothing like the wisdom of a child to bring us back to reality, and sometimes it can open us up to God's kingdom. It's the everyday sayings of children that can inspire us , teach us and make us realise Jesus' saying:- "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18 v3.

This is a 'dipping into' book and is an excellent resource for preachers and teachers, or could even be used as a 'Quiet time' book, for daily devotions at home or for use in a fellowship group.

How ever you use it, this book is bound to make you smile. Your thoughts will be led by the author through sayings and poems and he adds, on each page, a lesson for us all to learn from these little ones and points out the relevant Bible passages for us to ponder over, finishing each page with a prayer. This book is well worth a 'dip into'. Enjoy it.

Drawing on the diaries of either his grandfather, or more likely, his great grandfather, Peter Hobbs has fashioned a strange and compelling evocation of late Victorian Cornish Methodism. For a first novel this is an extraordinarily powerful piece. We are drawn into the deeply personal struggles of Charles Wentworth, an apprentice blacksmith at the advanced age of 27. Added to his difficulties with his work are the challenges to his faith as a Local Preacher in the depressing evidences of a declining chapel attendance.

Through most of the story Charles is born up by his faith and his deep love for Harriet French who is dying of tuberculosis. In `The Short Day Dying' we are returned to a distant rural scene whose beauty and harshness, hope and despair are portrayed in simple, strong, picturesque language.

Peter Hobbs' writing is utterly authentic in his use of the simple language of that time. His descriptions of that part of Cornwall shine with great clarity.

To realise something of the debt we owe to our forbears you should read this strong, gentle and moving story.

It has been a delight to revue this small, but concentrated paperback. This is an outstanding gem in the wellknown Shire Book series. The title indicates a very ambitious project, which has been covered in an amazingly concise manner.

Following his introduction, the author has ten short essays on the historic styles, materials and artistry to be found in the cathedrals of England, Wales and Scotland, both Anglican and Roman Catholic.

Pepin's writing style combines a mass of information with an easy flow of language. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with excellent colour photographs. All the English and Welsh cathedrals have a sketch of their ground plan indicating items of special interest.

For me there was particular pleasure in revisiting many deeply loved places as I read these pages.

What raises this collection well above the average is the addition of extremely valuable material at the back. In addition to an extensive "further reading" list, "pastoral and life-style resources" and "Cathedral websites", there is a comprehensive index.

This excellent combination of informative material makes this an essential companion for anyone on holiday in these islands, and indeed anyone who has a love for our fine cathedrals.