Each summer, it is my practice to take a break from preaching from General Assembly through the end of July. While some ministers take six weeks of vacation or study leave and are completely away for the summer, I prefer to take shorter bits of vacation in summer and spread the rest of my leave throughout the year.
Continuing to be present in the office while I’m not required to focus on the weekly task of writing a sermon allows me to use that focused writing time to work on other writing projects, to dig deeper into other projects. It also gives me an opportunity to read and study and absorb new information and inspiration for service themes and sermon topics.
After the busy congregational year, I look forward to a slightly slower pace for a few weeks, some family travels, and dedicated time for reading and study. Here are a few of the books I’ve got in my summer reading pile.
Radical Curiosity: Questioning Commonly Held Beliefs to Imagine Flourishing Futures, by Seth Goldberg Recommended by Rev. Keith Kron at the annual transitional ministers’ seminar I attended in April, I’m looking forward to this one a lot. From the publisher: Blending philosophy, business strategy, cultural criticism, and fascinating case studies, Radical Curiosity is a new way of solving our most complex problems—one focused not on technology or science but on the power of human inquiry. By asking us to relearn how we learn, reengage in dialogue, revive our youthful sense of wonder, and rethink what we value, it reignites the curiosity needed to imagine and build a better world.
Horse, by Geraldine Brooks This is actually a book I’ve already read, but I enjoyed it so much that I thought I’d include it in my list. I’ve long enjoyed Brooks’ meticulously researched historical fiction for the ways that she illuminates familiar topics and narratives from unconventional angles. For example, her earlier book, March, includes some interesting Unitarian-adjacent supporting characters. Horse is about the enslaved people who worked as grooms and horse trainers in 1850s Kentucky, jumping back and forth between the pre-Civil War narrative and present-day researchers.
South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation, by Imani Perry I chose this book because the author is this year’s Ware Lecturer at General Assembly, and the book comes highly recommended. From the book jacket: An essential, surprising journey through the history, rituals, and landscapes of the American South—and a revelatory argument for why you must understand the South in order to understand America
Design for Belonging: How to Build Inclusion and Collaboration in Your Communities, by Susie Wise Dr. Susie Wise is a design leader with experience in the education, tech, and the social sectors. She coaches leaders in equity design and innovation practices. I learned about this book earlier this year and it’s been on my ‘to be read’ stack for a few months. It’s a little book I’m hoping will expand my perception of what it means to be inclusive and welcoming in concrete ways.
Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil, by Terasa Cooley This one I’ve read chunks of, but it stays close by wherever I am because I’m always referring to it and re-reading chapters. The Transition Team and the Board will be reading it together in the coming year, so you may hear more about it in this blog or perhaps from the pulpit. From the publisher: Exploring new understandings of how our bodies and minds respond to conflict, Cooley offers concrete strategies for personal growth and healthy congregational functioning. Anticipating new conflicts that may arise from recent traumas of pandemic response and political division, Cooley offers a way to make painful conversations sources of healing.
Stamped (for Kids), by Ibram X. Kendi This one I’m reading because I want to be able to discuss it with my children. Cindy and I have always been honest (in an age-appropriate way) with our kids about difficult topics, and this is an important one.
You know, upon reflection, I might need to find a novel or two to add to this list! Either way, if you’ve read any of these books, or decide to do so over the summer, I’d love to hear your thoughts.