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Monday, March 11, 2024

"Hard and Holy Work" (Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Tyler D. Mayfield)

TITLE: Hard and Holy Work: A Lenten Journey through the Book of Exodus
AUTHOR: Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Tyler D. Mayfield
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024, (122 pages).
 
Traditionally, devotionals on Lent tend to focus on self-reflection and quiet meditation. While it is a good spiritual practice to be mindful of the meaning of Lent, sometimes it can be accused of being impractical in a world of trouble and despair. Is there more to simply fasting and praying? Can we adopt practices that will lead us toward betterment for the common good? How can Christians observe Lent without forgetting that although they are not of the world, they are in the world? This book was inspired by the life of the Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, who found himself smack in the middle of Fourth and Walnut in Louisville, Kentucky, to be awakened to the needs of the world, and what God is prompting one to do: Paying attention and awakened to work toward justice. Using the book of Exodus, the authors highlight themes of liberation, justice, faithfulness, storytelling, and attentiveness to the marginalized. Useful for individual and group studies, each week contains stories from the Exodus narrative and ends with invitations to reflect, engage, and respond. These three invitations are summarized as "Paying Attention," "Sharing Together," and "Taking Action." 

Monday, February 5, 2024

"Practices for Embodied Living: Experiencing the Wisdom of Your Body" (Hilary L. McBride)

TITLE: Practices for Embodied Living: Experiencing the Wisdom of Your Body 
AUTHOR: Hillary L. McBride
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2024, (160 pages).

Our experiences do not define us. Our real selves do. Our bodies are not simply what we have but they are who we are. We are more than mere subjective people. We are valued for who we are and not what we do. All that we encounter in this life, the highs and the lows, can all be experienced in the very bodies we have. Unfortunately, many people still have not learned how to appreciate their bodies. In doing so, they fall victim to lies and myths that throw negativity to their physique or biological selves. Lies such as the need to subdue our bodies because they are inherently evil; that some bodies are better than others, or fat bodies are unhealthy, etc. As our bodies get devalued, we become disembodied beings. Disembodiment separates our physical selves from the rest of our mental and emotional faculties. Embodiment brings all of them together. More importantly, we are called not to learn or relearn what our bodies are or represent. We simply need to remember that. These and many more underline the premise of this book, which is to bring back a healthy appreciation of the bodies we have so that we can live well. This also means we need to see personhood in a holistic manner: Emotionally, Mentally, Physically, Socially, and even Spiritually. Besides helping us address lies we tell ourselves, this book also looks at the violence on our bodies, such as stress and trauma; illnesses, injuries, and pain; oppressive forces; self-esteem; etc. 

Friday, February 2, 2024

"Gender as Love" (Fellipe do Vale)

TITLE: Gender as Love: A Theological Account of Human Identity, Embodied Desire, and Our Social Worlds
AUTHOR: Fellipe do Vale
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2024, (272 pages).
 
One of the biggest contentions today in the Church has to do with gender. In the past, there used to be constant debates about what it meant to be male or female, and what roles they were supposed to be playing. Then we have the feminist movement that pushes back against male dominance. Those issues remain active in many parts of society but are increasingly eclipsed by debates surrounding multi-gendered definitions and nuanced multi-dimensionally. Today, the line between male and female is increasingly blurred. The core issue is not sexuality but what it means to be human. Realizing that gender issues are becoming more divisive each day, we need to have a way to talk about these matters rationally and theologically. Thus, this book probes the biblical understanding of gender sexuality and tries to make sense of it in an increasingly complex social construct today. Simply put, it is to shed light on the question: "What is gender?" and How do we understand gender theologically? With so many different theological interpretations today, how do we do "theological theology?" Author-Professor Fellipe do Vale kicks off by laying out the categories in terms of two "bifurcations":
  1. Divisive Philosophy: Between proponents of gender as "Essence" vs that as "Social Construct."
  2. Divided Theology (Methodological): One anchored on modern academic discipline and the other on traditional beliefs.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

"Waiting in Gratitude: Prayers for Joy" (Walter Brueggemann)

TITLE: Waiting in Gratitude: Prayers for Joy
AUTHOR: Walter Brueggemann
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024, (148 pages).
 
Prayer is more than asking for things. Prayer is listening to God. It is cultivating our relationship with God. Whatever it is, regardless of emotional conditions, we can all pray to God at all times. Having written considerably on the prayers of lament, author and retired professor Walter Brueggemann focuses on the movement of tears, desperation, and pain toward joy. Savoring the "peculiarities" of our life's journey, we turn our very living from lament to waiting, from waiting to gratitude, and from gratitude to joy. How do we do that? Begin with the why. Continue with the "chewing of the world" of ups and downs. Finally, arriving at complete joy. Brueggemann reasons as follows: "The sum of these prayers is to voice our life back to God in wonder and gratitude for God’s “countless gifts” that are indeed beyond our counting. We nevertheless continue to count them!"

Indeed, praying is learning to count our blessings and this book is designed to help us through our journey of life. Part One comprises prayers for all kinds of occasions. From anniversaries to baptisms, birthdays to confirmations, weddings to memorials, Brueggemann shows us how we can pray for all occasions. With the help of hymns and Scripture, he guides us to look to Jesus in acknowledging the present with gratitude and look to the future with hope. He has prayers for individuals, for those in specific vocations in life, and in particular, for those called to the ministry. Part Two takes us deeper into what it means to experience joy in Christ. No longer about specific occasions or callings, the prayers reflect a longing for God. Using the created world as a platform for prayer, Brueggemann weaves his prayers and tightens them with biblical texts and principles. Some of the prayers can also be used as congregational prayers. Many of the prayers are steeped in Scriptural reflection. 

Thursday, January 25, 2024

"The Practice of Remembering" (Casey Tygrett)

TITLE: The Practice of Remembering: Uncovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life
AUTHOR: Casey Tygrett
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (216 pages).
 
"Memories light the corners of my mind," so sings Barbra Streisand in one of the most cherished classics of the modern age, "The Way We Were." As author Casey Tygrett writes, "Without memory, there is no formation," that we are "memory-made people," and that without memories, "we cannot become." We are who we are by learning and remembering. Whether it is writing a memoir or penning a journal, our acts of recalling something are crucial aspects of being. Using the various aspects of "experiences, memories, stories, and scripts," Tygrett guides us through an amazing journey of the practice of remembering. 

He helps us explore the four movements of remembering: 
  1. Like shells that possess incredible memories, we first bring forth these shells;
  2. Honest engagement with the implications;
  3. Create stories out of these implications;
  4. Explore how God is molding us through these.
All these can be sparked with one prompt: "I remember the moment when ________."

Friday, January 19, 2024

"The Lost World of the Prophets" (John H. Walton)

TITLE: The Lost World of the Prophets: Old Testament Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature in Ancient Context
AUTHOR: John H. Walton
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2024, (192 pages).
 
What comes to mind when we hear the words, "prophets," "prophecies," and "prophetic word?" For many, prophets are seen as "predictors" of the future, and "prophecies" are like future events waiting to be fulfilled. Such an understanding has unfortunately crippled the original meaning of what biblical prophecies mean. Calling this situation a "lost world of the prophets," esteemed author-professor John Walton helps us to recover the original meaning according to the Bible and to rediscover a deeper understanding of the different types and forms of prophecies. The author laments how prophetic books have been misunderstood by so many people. The "potential misuse" includes the unhealthy focus on end times (eschatology) and the use of prophetic texts merely to prove Jesus' deity (apologetics). He says that both of these are paths toward "fulfillment" theology. Using "cultural rivers" as a metaphor, he reminds us that if we want to understand the biblical prophecies, we need to soak ourselves in the biblical cultural river. At the same time, we need to avoid superimposing our modern cultural rivers on the Bible. This book is essentially about helping us swim and rediscover the lost world of the prophets. Walton guides us through five parts, each part leading us through the history, the process, and the ways to interpret the events based on the original authorial intent. The whole process is detailed and informative. Each part delineates various aspects of understanding the ancient cultural rivers. Using sixteen propositions as titles, Walton supports each proposition with examples and alternative readings. 

Friday, January 12, 2024

"Rethinking the Police" (Daniel Reinhardt)

TITLE: Rethinking the Police: An Officer's Confession and the Pathway to Reform
AUTHOR: Daniel Reinhardt
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (224 pages).
 
The general perception of the Police force has taken a beating these days. From Michael Brown to Breonna Taylor, Daniel Prude to George Floyd, instances of police brutality on minority communities are becoming far too common. Those who claim that the issue is due to individual racists will have to explain why in 2023, five African American policemen killed Tyre Nichols, a black. According to author Daniel Reinhardt, the problem is beyond individuals. It is embedded in a system that nourishes systemic discrimination. In other words, if the perpetrators are guilty, the environment that breeds them is worse. As a 24-year-veteran of the police force, Reinhardt knows the system from the academy to street patrols. The question remains. If law enforcement agencies, courts, the federal agencies are aware of the problem, then why is there so little progress for better policing? Reinhardt puts his finger on the lack of changes from the inside out. With so much attention on external factors, internal factors have unwittingly been minimized. These factors refer to culture, worldview, and "implicit social structures." He goes on to describe the three key cultural factors: "Social distance," "Unchecked power," and "social structures." 

Friday, January 5, 2024

"Reforming Criminal Justice A Christian Proposal" (Matthew T. Martens)

TITLE: Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal
AUTHOR: Matthew T. Martens
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishers, 2023, (416 pages).

The American leadership system comprises three branches that counterbalance one another: The Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches of government. This ingenious system of government was first drawn up by the framers during the Declaration of Independence. Most people would have taken sides in the oft-divisive decisions taken by the first two branches. On a relative scale, the legal system seems to be the last branch standing when it comes to having a fair and just society. The Executive and the Congress frame the laws. The judicial system enforces the laws of the land. By definition, the American criminal justice system is essentially about "state-sponsored violence." This is because the state is legally empowered to inflict physical punishment on lawbreakers. While most of the time the punishment is legitimate, there are times in which injustice happens. As far as the law is concerned, justice means enforcing the laws of the land. The highest court of the country is the Supreme Court. As far as the Word of God is concerned, the highest order is love. This book is essentially about how the imperfect and flawed American criminal justice system can be reformed from this biblical perspective. Such flaws include the "us-versus-them" mentality that leads to societal divisions, the presumed "law and order" which could be overly subjective for comfort, and the infusion of political concerns into the practice of laws. Written in two parts, author Matthew Martens aims to "fashion a criminal justice system more in line with biblical teaching." Part One looks at what a biblical justice system looks like where Martens sketches out the contours of Christian ethic of justice. The first thing he does is to blur the lines of "social justice" and "criminal justice" to put them under the umbrella of redemption: of forgiven past and present love.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

"40 Questions About the Apostle Paul" (Miguel Echevarria and Benjamin Laird)

TITLE: 40 Questions About the Apostle Paul
AUTHOR: Miguel Echevarria and Benjamin Laird
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2023, (320 pages).
 
What is there to learn about the apostle Paul? A lot. In fact, many scholars have gone on to do PhDs on this eloquent and influential character of the Bible. Apostle to the Gentiles, author of the bulk of the New Testament, and traditionally a martyr for Christ, Paul has become a key figure in New Testament studies. From the life of Paul to Pauline theology, scholars have combed his writings both canonical and non-canonical to find out more about his personal character,  background, history, theological orientations, and many more. A decent bibliography of all the research done on Paul could be published into a book! Instead of a mere 40 questions, one could even propose a 100-question volume. Thus, it is commendable for the authors of this book to condense the most critical questions into 40. Most of the material in this book will be gleaned from the New Testament, namely, the book of Acts and the letters written by Paul. The three parts of the book comprise:
  1. Questions about Paul's Life
  2. Questions about Paul's Writings
  3. Questions about Paul's Theology

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

"Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss If We Only Read the Bible" (D. Brent Sandy)

TITLE: Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss If We Only Read the Bible
AUTHOR: D. Brent Sandy and John Walton
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2024, (192 pages).
 
We often think of the Bible in terms of a Holy Book. So we encourage people to "read" the Bible like a text, study the Scriptures like an ancient document, and interpret each verse with careful eyes. If we limit ourselves to such a view, we would have missed the very essence of God's message to us. The Word was first delivered to human ears rather than eyes. Right from the beginning, the standard form of communication was oral. The receivers were listeners. Plus, it was noted that, unlike today, ancient people had fewer authors and more speakers; more hearers than readers. How the world has changed. The key premise of this book is that if we want to read the Bible well, we need to remember the original contexts of the Bible given to us to listen rather than to read. It is ok to read texts but do not miss out on the importance of listening to the Word. So convicted is author Brent Sandy that he puts forth 18 propositions about the what, the why, and the what then. Categorized in four parts, Sandy urges us to understand the original stage of communications, understand God's agenda, learn about the implications of oral scripture, and practice listening on top of mere reading. 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

"Wounded Pastors" (Carol Howard Merritt and James Fenimore)

TITLE: Wounded Pastors: Navigating Burnout, Finding Healing, and Discerning the Future of Your Ministry
AUTHOR: Carol Howard Merritt and James Fenimore
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024, (190 pages).

Saying pastoral ministry is not easy is an understatement. Many enter the call to full-time ministry at some level of social and economic disadvantage. Well-remunerated pastors are few. Many struggle even to make ends meet. Having written about wounded Christians in all walks of life, there is one group of people that the authors have left out: The clergy. This book is the answer to the many criticisms about excluding the clergy in the woundedness category. From burnout to blatant hurts, healing is a necessary process, and some of us might say, even more so for the clerical vocation. Frequently, those in the ministry of helping others need help themselves. It is widely expected that pastors have to comfort others in their times of grief. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said the other way around. Who comforts them when they are grieved? In some congregations, expectations of pastoral perfection can even lead to unrealistic assumptions that pastors with special calling will automatically experience God's comfort. What if God is using ordinary people to help the hurting pastors? What if we recognize that not everyone is like the Bible heroes of old, like Moses, Joshua, David, etc, where God was their personal Comforter, Deliverer, and Saviour? God can use supernatural means to help, but we should not restrict God from using ordinary people via ordinary means. This book is one ordinary way in which pastors can find a way to heal from their wounds. Written in three parts, authors James Fenimore and Carol Howard write about this process.

Friday, December 1, 2023

"Light of the Word" (Susan C. Lim)

TITLE: Light of the Word: How Knowing the History of the Bible Illuminates Our Faith
AUTHOR: Susan C. Lim
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (240 pages).
 
The Christian faith is anchored on the Bible. Without the Word, we cannot know God and there is no Christianity of today. Without knowing the history of the Bible, we might not be able to fully appreciate the Truth. In fact, knowing the history of the Bible is to know the context of its formation. In Bible studies, one of the most important principles is to interpret the verses in context. That means recognizing the embedded meaning within the passage instead of mere verses alone. Context depends not only on literal meaning but also on literary forms. Other contextual considerations include cultural awareness, linguistic nuances, genre types, historical backgrounds, etc. Knowing the history of the Bible is like the study of the contextual origins of the Bible, that a good understanding will increase our faith and insight. It is the key to unlocking the Truth and build up our faith. Not only that, as far as the author is concerned, the Word has become her strength and refuge in many personal circumstances. Seeing the history of the Bible helps her to visualize her faith profoundly. In both her first and second confessions of faith, it was the Word that consistently guided and encouraged her. She begins with the angle of Scriptures and Salvation, to point out the reliability of the Bible even when many of us have expressed different types of doubts from time to time. Whatever it is, doubts do not negate salvation. Instead, they spur us to a deeper knowledge of the Word. She guides us through the origins of the canon, what it means, why it is important, and what it means for her personally. 

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

"Numbers" (Mark A. Awabdy)

TITLE: Numbers (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Pentateuch)
AUTHOR: Mark A. Awabdy
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023, (672 pages).
 
Despite its dated content, the Old Testament continues to be revered and cherished by many people, especially believers. The challenge for modern readers is how such ancient writings relate to contemporary times. Most people would know Genesis as the first book of the Bible. Many might also know about Exodus, given the popularity of the classic movie "The Ten Commandments" usually screened during the Easter and Christmas seasons. As one moves further down the Pentateuch, so does familiarity. This series of Baker commentaries focuses on the Pentateuch of which the book of Numbers is the fourth. The intent is to provide a reliable resource for modern readers to understand "the nature of God, creation, humankind, sin, salvation, atonement, sacrifice, holiness, and righteousness." This is done through multiple bridging of the old and the new. The author helps bring to life the ancient meaning and contemporary relevance of the texts; to help modern readers dialogue through themes that flow consistently throughout the Bible. One important aspect of this commentary is how the author addresses the issue of reader boredom or reader confusion when reading Numbers.  Sharing the "grief" that many people might have experienced in this fourth book of the Pentateuch, author-professor Mark Awabdy guides us through each chapter with the help of primary Hebrew manuscripts, Qumran/Dead Sea scrolls, Samaritan fragments, Early and Modern Translations, and many other exegetical tools. He laments how the title Numbers is a misnomer which often misleads readers into downplaying its importance. After all, only four out of 36 chapters contain statistics. Instead, he prefers the Jewish title "In the Wilderness." I concur as that is a lot more representative than mere "Numbers." Why the misleading label? The reason is partly historical reliance on the translators of the Septuagint which results in a literal translation of the Greek word "Arithmoi" into its title. That said, the numerical sections of the book are deemed "theological," not simply statistical facts. He calls the book an "unfolding story" of literary forms that consists of one whole story and a series of individual units embedded within it. The challenge is to try to interpret it as coherent as possible, according to the literary Hebrew narratives and cultural uniqueness. 

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

"Faith Beyond Youth Group" (Kara Powell, Jen Bradbury, and Brad M. Griffin)

TITLE: Faith Beyond Youth Group: Five Ways to Form Character and Cultivate Lifelong Discipleship
AUTHOR: Kara Powell, Jen Bradbury, and Brad M. Griffin
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2023, (224 pages).
 
What about the rest of the week? Is there more the faith than the weekly meetings? In recent times, there have been questions about what Church-goers do beyond Sundays. In marketplace ministries, this concern comes in the form of Faith beyond Sundays. Paul Stevens coins this as "The Other Six Days." Laura Nash and Scott McLellan write about this in "Work on Monday, Church on Sunday." Several other authors such as Wayne Jacobsen, Maurice Johnson, and Tony Carvalho word prefer to describe such emphases as "Beyond Sundays." All of these authors want to encourage believers to practice their faith not just on Sundays but every day of the week. What these authors have done, Kara Powell, Jen Bradbury, and Brad M. Griffin want to do the same for youths. Faith should not be limited to a mere once-every-weekend or regular once-a-week youth group meetings. It should be daily, or as often as possible. When interviewing youth ministry leaders, Powell et al note a common occurrence, that after a while, the enthusiasm loses steam. The "We agree it's not working" feedback is sending alarm bells across churches with conventional youth program models. Factor in the high burn-out rate of youth workers, perhaps, it is a good time for leaders to look at some of the more specific areas of concern beyond the mere rest of the week question. Questions such as:
  • Are the lives of teenagers improved because of their time at youth groups?
  • How is their faith strengthened?
  • Are they becoming a positive force for the gospel? 
  • Have they become more engaged in the spiritual disciplines in their personal time?
  • How do we engage kids in such a way to form their faith in Jesus?
  • ........

Thursday, November 9, 2023

"40 Questions About Bible Translation" (Mark L. Strauss)

TITLE: 40 Questions About Bible Translation
AUTHOR: Mark L. Strauss
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2023, (352 pages).
 
The Bible is the bestselling book in the world. It is one of the most read, studied, referred to, quoted, and translated works in history. The originals were all written in ancient Aramaic/Hebrew and koine Greek. Since the rest of the world doesn't generally know these biblical languages, translations are needed. This book looks at many aspects of Bible Translation, focusing mainly on English translations. The questions start from the basic like, "Why do we need Bible Translation?" strengths and weaknesses of literal, formal equivalence, functional equivalence, and philosophies used in translation.  It then moves toward a more technical area to help readers appreciate the challenges of Bible translation. Toward the end, we get a survey of modern English translations and the many different revisions. The 40 questions are divided into six parts:
  1. Necessity, Goals, and Methods of Bible Translation
  2. Preparing to Translate
  3. Challenges for Translators
  4. History of English Bible Translations
  5. Contemporary English Versions
  6. International Bible Translation

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

"A Basic Guide to the Just War Tradition" (Eric Patterson)

TITLE: A Basic Guide to the Just War Tradition: Christian Foundations and Practices
AUTHOR: Eric Patterson
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023, (176 pages).
 
In wars, there are generally no winners. All parties involved would have suffered losses regardless of the numbers. How can anyone quantify suffering? How do we measure the emotional trauma we bring back home after a war? How can we even justify the loss of a single human being? The costs of war go far more than mere soldiers and machinery. It involves many conflicts ranging from ethical dilemmas to mental distress. At a theological level, making justification for wars could be breaking the Sixth Commandment in some way. How then can we justify any war? CS Lewis believes that it is a Christian duty to fight evil. In order to preserve peace, order, and justice, states need to be vigilant against evil, for doing nothing is worse. According to author Eric Patterson, a just war is basically a means to achieving peace and justice. Ironically, just war is a quest for peace. Governments need to uphold their duty to protect and defend their people, and sometimes this means going to war. This book explains, describes, and defends the use of just war in the quest for peace and upholding justice. 

Chapter One defines what just war is and what it is not. Going back to the roots of WWI and WWII, Patterson uncovers the deficiencies of a pacifist or non-aligned policy that emboldened countries like Germany to invade other territories. The just war foundational premise is: "legitimate political authorities have a responsibility to protect and defend those in their charge (just cause) and should do so with restraint in motivation and action (right intent)." Once the decision has been made, the next set of criteria is about "military necessity, proportionality, and discrimination." Just war advocates include people like Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Luther, and Wesley. 

Monday, November 6, 2023

"Parenting Generation Z" (Jason Jimenez)

TITLE: Parenting Gen Z: Guiding Your Child through a Hostile Culture
AUTHOR: Jason Jimenez
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2023, (288 pages).
 
The Greatest Generation (1901-24), the Silent (1925-1945), the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Gen X (1965-1980), the Millennials (1981-1996), Gen Z (1997-2012), and Alpha (2013-2023). Every generation has its fair share of parenting challenges. What makes it more challenging is the generational gaps between grandparents, parents, and their kids. As society becomes more sophisticated, eclectic, and complex, parents have to grapple with a whole new dimension unfamiliar to them. If you are a parent of Gen Z child, this book might very well open up your eyes to a deeper understanding of Gen Z culture. Written in four parts, Jason Jimenez shares his knowledge and experience as a pastor, youth pastor, and apologetics speaker. The broad purpose of this book is to help parents become the parents God has called them to be. More specifically, it is to equip parents with knowledge of Gen Z culture and the wisdom to address pressing concerns both in the present and future. 

Part One looks at the 8 core characteristics of Gen Z. They are quite a mouthful to read, let alone understand. They are like the main character in the movie Divergent, whose identity comprises a combination of unique traits.

Monday, October 30, 2023

"Mind Your Manners" (Sara Jane HO)

TITLE: Mind Your Manners: How to Be Your Best Self in Any Situation
AUTHOR: Sara Jane HO
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: Hachette Books, 2024, (304 pages).
 
Human beings are social creatures. Even for the most individualistic person, one cannot avoid interacting with another person, unless one lives as a hermit in some secluded part of the world. In general, we all need to learn some forms of social behavior and etiquette.  This is necessary for society to function well, and it is applicable for both children and adults. Unfortunately, schools do not often teach such stuff. Those that do often cover them at a superficial level. Etiquette is about connection, says author Sara Jane Ho, a vocal advocate for meaningful social communications in various settings. It is also contextual, meaning we need to adapt our understanding and practice of etiquette based on the geographical locations. In our globalized interconnected world, we also need to expand that to cultural settings. Popularized by a Netflix series with the same name as the book's title, this book is a print version of the streaming platform. In meaningful etiquette, we need "social fluency" which is essentially about reading people quickly and accurately as well as interacting with them confidently and effectively. Mindful of the growing mental health concerns globally, she helps us remember that therapy alone cannot solve issues related to social awkwardness. In a post-pandemic world, some might even need to relearn "social fluency" to help us relate to people.