Don't judge a pastor's books by their covers

"Be careful who you allow in your library," was the advice given me years ago by my pastor/dad. "Parishioners may judge you by your book titles," he warned. I followed his pastoral advice for years – until I became a columnist. Now, for the past 15 years, I've used this Labor Day column to share the books I've read this past year. Considering I don't read many religious books, I'll take the risk that a few of you may judge me. Let's start with John Green, a former pediatric chaplain and author of one of the most popular books of all time, "A Fault in our Stars." But I rarely read fiction, so I direct you to his most recent book, "Everything Is Tuberculosis." (2025) Green explores the persistent global crisis of tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and curable disease that continues to claim millions of lives annually. The book asserts that TB thrives because of systemic inequities, neglect and prioritization of certain lives over others. Through vivid storytelling, Green begins with his visit to Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone, where the devastating impact of TB becomes starkly evident in the personal story of Henry Reider. The narrative intertwines public health, global equity and human resilience, urging readers to confront the moral and structural failures that allow this disease to persist. As a chaplain, I've always been fascinated how some folks survive tragedies and others randomly die. That's why I checked out Amanda Ripley's book, "The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why." (2008.) Ripley traces the human response to some of history's epic disasters. She interviews brain scientists, trauma psychologists and other disaster experts to help understand how victims overcome the effects of extreme fear. Ripley undergoes realistic simulations to see what it might be like to survive a plane crash or escape a raging fire. Her insights might well help people to do much better in the worst of situations. Now, if you judge yourself a sleuth, check out, "The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I" by Douglas Brunt, Scott Brick, et al. (2023.) On Sept. 29, 1913, Rudolph Diesel, inventor of the internal combustion engine, disappeared off the steamship Dresden, halfway between Belgium and England. Was his disappearance, an accident, suicide or murder? With this Sherlock Holmes narrative, you can play Dr. Watson with Brunt as he reopens this old case of political intrigue. Continue your sleuthing role in "The Art Thief," where Michael Finkel writes one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of the world's most prolific art thief, Stéphane Breitwieser. Stealing more than 300 priceless artworks from European museums, Breitwieser says he was driven not by greed but by an obsessive love for beauty. The book delves into his audacious heists, his complex motivations and the relentless pursuit by law enforcement to bring him to justice. It also explores the psychological and emotional dimensions of his crimes, offering a fascinating look at the intersection of passion, compulsion and criminality in the art world. And finally, you can judge me to be a "nerd," but I loved "Ten Birds That Changed the World" by the naturalist Stephen Moss. Moss explores the profound impact of 10 bird species on human history, culture and society. Each chapter weaves ornithology with historical narratives, showcasing how birds have shaped human thought and progress. For instance, Moss shows how the Great Chinese Famine was caused by the mass killing of pesky sparrows. Another chapter traces the beginning of the Audubon Society out of the mass killing of waterfowl for their feathers. In several more examples, the book highlights how these birds have influenced art, science and politics. From sparking scientific revolutions to inspiring cultural movements, Moss delves into the intricate connections between bird life and humanity. Finally, I'm sure you'd judge the 100 libraries established by Chispa Project in Honduras as top notch. Help Chispa equip those libraries with essential supplies by shopping our Amazon Wishlist for the back-to-school season at www.go.chispaproject.org/supplies Email me with questions or comment at comment@thechaplain.net.