The Genesis of Secrecy by Frank Kermode

This is a classic in Markan studies, but I was a little underwhelmed by it.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Meh.

This Strange and Sacred Scripture by Matthew Richard Schlimm

This is an excellent introduction to the thorny issues raised by a serious study of the Old Testament (violence, sexism, etc.). Schlimm addresses the non-specialist in a gentle but responsible way and provides a variety of useful ways for thinking through these issues. Recommended.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

I read this to the boys. It was decent.

The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessey by Rachel Joyce

Meh.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Decent, but not deserving of all of the attention it is getting.

Religion of a Different Color by W. Paul Reeve

This was phenomenal. Phenomenal. If you are at all interested in Mormonism, you need to read this.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

I read this to the boys. I didn't like it.

Stuff by Randy Frost

Interesting.

The Misunderstood Jew by Amy-Jill Levine

This book makes a super-important argument that many Christians really need to hear: the way in which we talk about Jews and Judaisms is often harmful and often just factually wrong. That said, I did feel that she was playing a little loose sometimes: the Old Testament (a term which, incidentally, she prefers that Christians use) can't be treated as normative in first century Judaism(s)--except when it can, to show that Jesus was not unique. Similarly, the mishnah and Talmud don't describe first century Judaism(s)--except when they do. 

A Plainer Translation: Joseph Smith's Translation of the Bible by Robert J. Matthews

This is old, but excellent. Even after reading much of the newer research on the JST, I found this quite valuable. Anyone interested in the JST should read this, or at least have it around for reference.

Prayer, Power, and the Problem of Suffering: Mark 11:22-25 in the Context of Markan Theology by S. E. Dowd

I picked this up because Mark 11:22-25 doesn't get a lot of theological consideration because people are too busy considering its redaction history. And that's a shame, because it covers such important ground, especially when put into dialogue with Mark 14:36. So this was a good read.

Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper

Unique and charming.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Martian by Andy Weir

Holy cow. This is the best book I've read in a long time. (And I'm not even a space flight/sci-fi fan.) Do read this.

Because I Said So! by Ken Jennings

Moderately entertaining.

Jesus, Interrupted by Bart Ehrman

This is a good presentation of the historical critical approach to the Bible for someone unfamiliar with the topic. The conclusions he draws are definitely on the more liberal end of the spectrum, but the basic information represents the mainstream consensus.

Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

Not as funny as his stand-up, but funny.

Think Like A Freak by Levitt and Dubner

This was lame.

Six Amendments by John Paul Stevens

Six Amendments: How and Why We Should Change the Constitution

Fascinating topic; boring book.

A People's History of Christianity by Diane Butler Bass

I really enjoyed this. Lots to think about here, especially about its intersection with "faith-promoting history."