The best new books I’ve read in the last month are
- (5.0) The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers by Zeke Hernandez (St. Martin’s Press, 2024)
- (4.5) White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Place and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy by William J. Barber II (Liveright Publishing, 2024)
- (4.5) Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation by Christa Brown (Lake Drive Books, 2024)
- (4.5) People: Dare to Build an Intentional Culture by by Mark O’Donnell, Kelly Knight, and CJ Dube’ (Ben Bella Books, 2024)
- (4.0) Empowered to Repair: Becoming People Who Mend Broken Systems and Heal Our Communities by Brenda Salter McNeil (Brazos Press, 2024)
- (4.0) From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for Clergy Burnout by Callie E. Swanlund (Church Publishing, 2024)
- (4.0) The God of Wild Places: Rediscovering the Divine in the Untamed Outdoors by Tony Jones (Rowan & Littlefield, 2024)
- (4.0) How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World’s Most Successful People by David Novak (Harvard Business Review Press, 2024)
The Truth
To say immigration is a hot topic is to state the obvious. To suggest that most people hold views that are not fully supported by the best available data is perhaps less obvious, but more important.
Wherever you find yourself on the political spectrum and whatever your theological foundation may be, Zeke Hernandez’s new book offers an opportunity to engage in a deep dive on the wide ranging positive impact immigrants make on the societies that welcome them. Written by an immigrant and a self-proclaimed “accidental migration scholar,” this volume will help you form a more complete view.
Welcome Back
Two authors on this month’s list have appeared on So What Faith in the past:
- William J. Barber II has appeared on numerous occasions, including one time for a then new book he authored Forward Together: A Moral Message for the Nation (2014), which I rated 4.5. Other recent mentions include, 10 Most Liked Tweets in Last 10 Years (2021) and A Moral Message for the United States (2020).
- Tony Jones has also appeared on numerous occasions, including one time for a then new book he authored: Did God Kill Jesus (2015). Prior to this, mentions included The Future of Seminary Education (2011) and Incarnational Christian (2011).