A Fighting Man of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs - 279 pages

The 7th book in the John Carter of Mars series, this book follows the same pattern as most in the series. That fact bothered me for the first few chapters...until I realized that it is exactly that simple plot of adventure, romance, and sci-fi fantasy that keeps me coming back for more.

A Fighting Man of Mars only mentions John Carter on the periphery of the story and instead centers around Hadron of Hastor, a young knight in Helium's army (I realize I have lost most of you already).  He falls in love...his love is kidnapped by an evil king...he goes to rescue her and all manner of intrigue, swashbuckling, romance, and sci-fi excitement ensue.

If you know and like the John Carter series, you will like this solid entry in the canon.

The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller - 288 Pages

Based off of a popular sermon series that Pastor and author Tim Keller preached at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, The Meaning of Marriage provides a timely and powerful voice to the modern Christian trying to understand and live out a Christ-centered marriage.  The Keller's challenge both ends of the spectrum of error concerning marriage, showing that marriage as God intended it can be both more enthralling than any illegitimate pleasure as well as more exhausting and sacrificial than what modern notions of love and romance advertise.

The Keller's have a well known love for C.S. Lewis and his influence is felt a lot in this book. They write with a Lewis-like approach: lots of compelling and wise theologically based thoughts...not an abundance of Scripture exposition.  Kierkegaard and poets get as much ink as the Word of God.  That approach isn't necessarily wrong, it just needs to be recognized for what it is and read with discernment.

My wife and I read this book together, setting aside time a few times a month to discuss it.  The conversations that ensued were very helpful and fruitful.  A discussion that was particularly eye opening and exciting was when the Keller's point out the differences between a consumer relationship vs. a covenant relationship and their implications on marriage.

This book is a great resource filled not only with wisdom for married couples but anyone trying to understand the purposes of God in the institution of Marriage.

The Survivors of the Chancellor by Jules Verne - 140 pages

A lesser known, but no less exciting adventure from Jules Verne, The Survivors of the Chancellor follows the voyage of the British sailing ship Chancellor on its fateful voyage from Charleston, South Carolina to England.  As the title suggests, the ship soon intercects with tragedy - first sustaining a fire below decks, then wrecking on a reef, then drifting and slowly sinking.  In his usual detailed fashion, Verne tells a gripping story of survival as the characters strive not only against nature but each other, and their own temptations to abandon their civility.
A great, quick read, especially for anyone interested in survival and/or nautical fiction.