This week’s reading list was a mix of poetry, theology, and business strategy—each book offering something unique, whether it was raw emotion, deep theological debate, or practical marketing wisdom. Here’s the breakdown:
Letter Composed During a Lull in the Fighting by Kevin Powers — ★★★★★
This one caught me off guard. I didn’t expect to enjoy Powers’ writing as much as I did, nor did I anticipate how deeply the emotional weight of his poetry would hit me. Powers, an Iraq War veteran, brings his experiences to life in a way that is haunting, visceral, and poignant. One line, in particular, stood out:
“I appreciate the fact that for at least one day I don’t have to choose between dying and shooting a little boy.”
The language is what you’d expect from a soldier reflecting on war, but it’s never gratuitous. Instead, it serves to color the experience with honesty rather than vulgarity. A stunning and affecting read.
For Calvinism by Michael Scott Horton — ★★★★☆
Horton does a solid job presenting a well-thought-out argument for what he prefers to call The Doctrines of Grace. Compared to most Calvinist defenses I’ve read or heard, this one is more balanced and measured. However, while it presents compelling theological points, it ultimately falls short for me, both logically and theologically. Still, it’s a worthwhile read for those interested in the debate.
Humble Calvinism by J.A. Medders — ★★★★☆
This book is essentially a call for Calvinists to check their self-righteousness at the door and remember that theology should never become an idol. It’s a refreshing reminder that our beliefs should never outshine our love for God and for others. Honestly, this book isn’t just for Calvinists—it’s a much-needed read for anyone prone to theological arrogance. A solid four-star book that challenges the heart more than the head.
Day Trading Attention by Gary Vaynerchuk — ★★★★★
This was my third business book of the year, and hands down my favorite. As always, Gary Vee’s personality shines through in the audiobook, but I’d recommend grabbing a physical copy as well since it’s packed with supplemental materials linked through QR codes.
Vaynerchuk’s core message? Don’t fall in love with platforms or tactics—fall in love with attention. It’s all about getting it and keeping it, which is easier said than done. His strategy? Produce a high volume of content, analyze what resonates, and then double down by improving quality and leveraging paid promotion. If you’re in marketing, business, or non-profit work, this is a must-read.
A notable shift in this book is the toned-down language compared to off-the-cuff videos and on-stage presentations. I honestly don’t remember how the language was in his earlier books, but if the language of some of his content bothers you, it is mostly absent here, making it more accessible while still delivering valuable insights.
Final Thoughts
This week’s reads offered a fascinating balance: the poetic and raw, the theological and introspective, and the practical and strategic. Powers left me emotionally gutted, Horton and Medders challenged my thinking, and Vaynerchuk gave me some great tactics and a ton of inspiration. Not a bad mix for a week’s reading!
Read last week’s wrap-up here.
