Year End Book Reviews 2024

This year I met my goal of reading 60 books, just in time! Sometimes people ask me for top recommendations, so I've decided to organize short reviews for different categories.

Best Re-read

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, audiobook (1843; 2012)

This classic story of transformation from a heart of granite to a heart of kindness happens through showing Ebenezer Scrooge scenes from his past, present and future. Reflection about the trajectory of his life leads him to insight and renewed gratitude. The audiobook version read by Ralph Cosham brings the reader into the authentic world of the story.

Best Children's Book

Fred & Marjorie: A Doctor, A Dog and the Discovery of Insulin by Deborah Kerbel and illustrated by Angela Poon (2021)

This graphic novel for children tells about the relationship between Dr. Frederick Banting and the dog that was instrumental in the discovery of life saving treatment for those with diabetes. I am partial to the story of Frederick Banting partly because my hometown in Ontario, Canada was his birthplace and partly because of his perseverance on behalf of children and adults languishing due to an incurable condition. Pages at the back contain biographical details, photos, and a discussion of the use of animals in research.

Best Theology Book

Telling Stories in the Dark: Finding healing and hope in sharing our sadness, grief, trauma and pain by Jeff Munroe (2024).

The format of this book is unlike any I've previously read. Its uniqueness is in the story telling followed by caring analysis by a trained counselor or empathic soul. The narration is intimate because the author personally knows the people whose stories he relates. A weighty book that provides validation for the reader's own losses as well as assurance that pain can indeed be stewarded.

Best Novel

Children of My Heart by Gabrielle Roy (1977)

This novel is a series of vignettes told by a teacher at rural schools on the Canadian prairies during the days of the Great Depression. In this book, immigrants and their children are presented with dignity and respect. Furthermore, the author shows her vulnerability by including mistakes she made in her relationships with students and their parents.

Best "Window Book"

Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and his Green Book by Keila V. Dawson and illustrated by Alleanna Harris (2021)

First, I should explain what I mean by a "window book." Educator Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop used this expression to talk about a book that gives the reader insight into a world outside of the reader's personal experience. This often means that the book will include characters from a nationality or ethnicity different than that of the reader.

This is an informative and colorful book for children and older readers, too. It tells about a clever mailman who used his connections to make travel safer for African American families. His Green Book was a director of businesses and hotels that would welcome Black guests during the era of segregation. A fun feature is the road-shaped timeline at the back of the book.

Inspired Word for 2025: Ubuntu

It has been eight years since I've formally chosen a word to act as a guide for the upcoming year. For 2025, I've chosen a word that does not have an exact English equivalent. This word UBUNTU originates from South Africa, specifically the Nguni and Bantu languages. Statesman Nelson Mandela and Clergyman Desmond Tutu helped spread this word into more common speech.

Simply said, Ubuntu is defined as "I am because of who we all are" [1]. It's an acknowledgement of the reality that a human being is one in relationship with others. We are born into families and communities, and they are part of defining us. As a British poet has said, "No man is an island." When people become isolated or lonely, they lose some of their humanity. We see them become more suspicious, more bitter and less able to have simple, respectful conversations.

I've been thinking about ubuntu in an era of polarization.

I've been thinking about ubuntu when I see more signs posted in retail and service industry spaces letting people know that abusive and harassing language and behavior will not be tolerated. Apparently, customers and clients are letting loose with verbal volleys.

I've been thinking about ubuntu because of what American physician Sharon Heron has written about social determinants of health [2]. She says that every individual needs three things and five communities to thrive and experience physical and mental wellbeing. She says the three things are something meaningful to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. Furthermore, the five stable communities needed include one's family of origin, one's work or volunteer community, one's neighborhood, one's faith community, and one's current family or household.

And yet we see social ties eroding on every front There are people we don't or won't talk to anymore. We perceive others as hostile if they are not "like us."

I've been thinking about ubuntu because it is compatible with the second great commandment that Jesus highlighted. Answering the call to self-giving love will help build and rebuild community and relationships.

During my year of ubuntu, I will endeavor to be more intentional about fostering community and respect with the people I encounter, day after day. And I'm not waiting until January 1st.

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[1] This definition is given on the website of an open source software initiative of the same name: https://ubuntu.com/about

[2] To read her full article, see https://harvardmacy.org/blog/the-heron-8

[3] Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash