Book Reviews

Empires of Dirt by Douglas Wilson

/ Matthew Huff / Leave a comment

Empires of Dirt: Secularism, Radical Islam, and the Mere Christendom AlternativeEmpires of Dirt: Secularism, Radical Islam, and the Mere Christendom Alternative by Douglas Wilson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read another reviewer who labeled this perhaps the most important book Wilson has written, and I am more than happy to throw my support behind such high praise.

I am an ardent fan of Wilson’s and have read several of his books; Empires of Dirt, however, is one of the greatest, timeliest, and most extraordinary of his expressions to date. His grasp of America’s present ills is sure, and his biblical, postmillennial, optimistic vision of mere Christendom a delicious remedy.

Wilson argues for the engagement of all Christians in reclaiming the world for King Jesus, affirming that, as I once heard Wilson quip, if Christ is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all.

This book is simply magnificent, though if you are new to Wilson’s style, I would recommend you start with Angels in the Architecture or Rules for Reformers first.

View all my reviews

Review: Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl

/ Matthew Huff / 1 Comment

Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken WorldNotes From The Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God’s Spoken World by N.D. Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, the apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree. Nate’s outlandish work (in the most positive sense) is quite reminiscent of some of his father’s style and metaphorical craftsmanship. Nate is a supremely gifted writer, every page of this wonderland text dripping with poetic imagery. Perhaps the most obvious triumph of these Notes is the way Nate holds the damper pedal for 200 pages, seamlessly sustaining his poetic edge to the end. Incredible endurance.

This work, more like a kaleidoscope than a book, was a breath of glorious air. Actually, more like a gust. Or maybe a cyclone. Possibly, a speeding planet.

View all my reviews

Review: Sailing Alone Around the Room

/ Matthew Huff / Leave a comment

Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected PoemsSailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I spent the last year-and-one-day chipping away at this collection, and it has been such a marvelous experience. Collins is simply a master and has become, above all, my favorite poet.

Someone once said of Collins’ poems: “You begin in Kansas; you end in Oz.” This description rings powerfully true. Collins has an unparalleled ability to begin a poem with a simple image – a dog breathing, a man chopping wood, a window – and, by the end, wringing your heart with staggering depth.

Here’s to many, many more readings of the great Billy Collins. I highly recommend him.

View all my reviews