This summer you can keep up with what Pat and Karen are reading and join them in conversation about the books by following their online reflections. Here's what books are on their reading list and when they will be reading them. 

PAT'S SUMMER READING can be followed at his blog Padre Ryder's Journal.

June: Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Azlan

An interesting and provocative telling of the story of Jesus, as viewed through the historical lens of contemporary writers of 1st century Palestine. This book has been recommended to me several times, and the number of books presenting counter-points and explanations of Azlan's work makes the book even more intriguing! I will start the summer with this compelling story to get the creative energies flowing! Can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback or Kindle and Nook formats.

July: The Road to Character by David Brooks

I have long appreciated David Brooks' ability to speak the truth plainly, presenting his opinions on matters while maintaining a sense of moderation and honesty. In this new book, Brooks presents the lives of some of history's most inspirational people and explores the topics of leadership, morality, and ethics; and how these lives highlight how we might live our lives directed toward more than just ourselves. Can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes and Noble in hardcover or Kindle and Nook formats.

August: My Bright Abyss by Christian Wiman

A fascinating reflection on the Christian life: from the editor's review, "My Bright Abyss, composed in the difficult years since and completed in the wake of a bone marrow transplant, is a moving meditation on what a viable contemporary faith, responsive not only to modern thought and science but also to religious tradition, might look like." Can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback or Kindle and Nook formats.

KAREN'S SUMMER READING can be followed at St. Francis Episcopal Church Book Blog and a schedule for weekly reading and posting of reflections can be found there.

June: Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes all the Difference by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu

In a world where there is so much darkness that it can be hard to see the good at times, Archbishop Tutu and his daughter, Mpho, call us to the joy, hope, and goodness we are made for in the midst of it all. Having enjoyed some of Archbishop Tutu's previous books, this one has been on my Kindle for a while and I look forward to reading it and gaining more of his wisdom. Can be purchased from Amazonand Barnes and Noble in hardcover, paperback, or Kindle and Nook formats.

July: 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker

The story of how Jen Hatmaker took 7 months, identified 7 areas of excess, and make 7 choices to fight back against materialism and greed in her life. As someone who is always working on the same issues in my own life, this book jumped out at me in from the book table at a recent stewardship conference and called me to read it. Can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback or Kindle and Nook formats.

August: Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by Rachel Held Evans

I follow Rachel as a blogger and love her stuff. Using the seven sacraments this book tells how after leaving the evangelical church she found her way back to love the church again through life in an Episcopal congregation. Can be purchased from Amazonand Barnes and Noble in paperback or Kindle and Nook formats.