Yesterday started a new month of book releases. Below are 10 that caught my eye.
I should note that while I’ve spent time reading, or reading about, each of these, I’ve not read them in full. So take this list for what it is: New books that look interesting to me and that I think you may want to know about, too.
Notable books coming in May
The Word: How We Translate the Bible—and Why It Matters (Basic Books)
By John Barton
Out May 2
As it relates to the Bible, translation remains one of the more fascinating, divisive, and important topics. The increase of reliance on A.I.-based translation will only concentrate these conversations. I’m glad to see a historical theologian — author of a wonderful history of the Bible — offering a serious account of the seriousness of translation.
The Natural Order of Money (Chelsea Green)
By Roy Sebag
Out May 4
Already I’ve been telling people Chelsea Green Publishers consistently publishes titles that strike right where my (of late) interests are. Like this one. This new one is no different.
Virtuous Bankers: A Day in the Life of the Eighteenth-Century Bank of England (Princeton University Press)
By Anne Murphy
Out May 9
Could this historical look at the time when bankers cared for all of their stakeholders land at a more appointed time? Well, maybe. But probably not.
Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalization (Yale University Press)
By Harold James
Out May 16
A Burning House: Redeeming American Evangelicalism by Examining Its History, Mission, and Message (Zondervan)
By Brandon Washington
Out May 16
From the press summary: “In A Burning House, Brandon Washington contends that American Evangelicalism is a house ablaze: burning in the destructive fires of discrimination and injustice. The stain of segregation remains prevalent, not only in our national institutions, but also in our churches, and this has long tarnished the witness of Christianity and hampered our progress toward a Christ-like vision of Shalom–peace, justice, and wholeness–in the world. Common doctrine may unite black and white evangelicals, but rifts such as social ethics and cultural influences still separate us.”
This is a call to both white and black evangelicals to better understand our past so that we can better embrace the unifying and comprehensive message of the gospel we preach.
Building: A Carpenter’s Notes on Life & the Art of Good Work (Random House)
By Mark Ellison
Out May 16
Thoughts on good work from a guy known for his good work.
The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going (2nd Edition) (Fortress Press)
By Ryan P. Burge
Out May 16
You hear a lot about the “rise of the nones,” and certainly you hear it for good reason. The religiously unaffiliated, for better or worse, are causing big-time shifts in Western social structures.
The Guest: A Novel (Random House)
By Emma Cline
Out May 16
New from one of the most popular literary novelists we have right now.
The Bible and African Americans: A History in Six Readings (Fortress Press)
By Vincent L. Wimbush
Out May 23
The Augustine Way: Retrieving a Vision for the Church’s Apologetic Witness (Baker Academic)
By Joshua D. Chatraw and Mark D. Allen
Out May 30
In the last handful of years, it sure seems like every month we see a new book or two engaging Saint Augustine. That’s a good thing.
Worth noting, probably not worth buying
Beyond Virtue Ethics: A Contemporary Ethic of Ancient Spiritual Struggle (Georgetown University Press)
By Stephen M. Meawad
Out May 2
Around Common Good, we’re always here for a conversation about virtue ethics. This extended, academic look at struggle seems like a welcome revival of an old understanding of the life of faith. I guess because a small university press is publishing it, the list price is $80. Embodying struggle.
The links above go to Bookshop.org, which supports local bookstores. You can find an indie bookstore near you at indiebound.org. Also, thriftbooks.com can help you save some money, as can that other big book site. And just so we’re clear: Neither Common Good nor I receive any form of remuneration in exchange for purchases. Of course, feel free to buy these books wherever or request them from the library.