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Books

Monster
Frank Peretti (WestBow, $24.99)
In Frank Peretti's latest novel, Reed and Rebecca Shelton go camping—Reed enthusiastically, Rebecca reluctantly. There was adventure in the woods that Reed craved. There was freedom from all life's distractions in the woods. But there was something else in the woods that Reed hadn't counted on. Some might call it a monster. After six years away from adult fiction, Peretti is back with what looks to be the strongest work of his career.

When I Lay My Isaac Down
Carol Kent (NavPress, $18.99)
Everyone makes sacrifices at one time or another. Most are sacrifices of choice, to causes we deem worthy. But on occasion sacrifices are thrust upon us. Such was Abraham's dilemma when God called him to lay his only son, Isaac, on the altar. Drawing from this poignant example, Kent expounds on the immeasurable power of hope in unthinkable situations—diagnosis of a terminal illness, financial devastation, personal betrayal. She knows her subject. Her own faith was tested when her 25-year-old son, a graduate of the Naval Academy with an impeccable military record, was tried and convicted of murder.

Why Men Hate Going to Church
David Murrow (Nelson, $12.99)
Look around you at church on any given Sunday morning. Are there markedly more women than men in your congregation? If so, your church is normal. Nationally the women-to-men ratio is 61:39. Murrow studied reasons for the discrepancy, and con-cluded that the modern church caters to the feminine, leaving little of consequence for the masculine. He believes churches that want to draw men back must weave risk, reward, and heroic sacrifice back into their culture.

Who Can You Trust?
Howard E. Butt Jr. (WaterBrook, $13.99)
"We have learned that the roots of betrayal run deep in all of us," businessman and lay ministry leader Howard Butt writes. "Although we like to think of ourselves as the ones betrayed, we too easily become betrayers." Trust, Butt insists, is the linchpin for every relationship in life, whether in marriage, family, work, church, or community. But while trust is essential in building relationships, mistrust protects us from naively accepting the word of every salesman or glad-handing politician who comes our way. Butt examines the tension between trust and mistrust, then offers tips in a chapter called "Journey Toward Wisdom."

Music

Awaken
Natalie Grant (Curb)
Finally, a Natalie Grant album that captures the talent, emotion, energy, and verve of one of Christian music's most popular vocalists. Awaken is one of the best albums, Christian or mainstream, you'll hear this year. Every song is a story—some joyful, some mournful, some playful, some poignant. From the straight up chick-pop of "Something Beautiful" to the pull-over-to-the-side-of-the-road tearjerker, "Held," Grant delivers a tour de force.

Somewhere Between
Steve Green (Sparrow)
For those who have grown up on People Need the Lord, Steve Green's latest release may be a refreshing surprise. Falling stylistically between Andrea Bocelli and Josh Grobin, Somewhere Between showcases an uncharacteristically vulnerable and introspective Green. Stepping outside his vocal comfort zone, Green has produced an album that is challenging, engaging, and thought-provoking. There are lots of questions, few easy answers, and deep emotion in every strain.

Hymns
Out of Eden (Gotee)
Hymns are the current rage in Christian music, and the Kimmey sisters bring their trademark R&B sound to this, their contribution to the trend. "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise," retains its lyrical integrity, but loses its high-church melody in favor of a more contemporary gospel flavor. "Praise to the Lord the Almighty" assumes a bold orchestral attitude while "Be Still My Soul" is acoustic. Hymns is a refreshing musical departure for one of Christian music's most exciting vocal groups.

Music City Live
Bryan Duncan & the Neho Soul Band (Red Road)
For 30 years, blue-eyed soulster Bryan Duncan has defined, redefined, and pushed the limits of contemporary Christ-ian music. Now, after a four-year hiatus, Duncan has released a live recording of some of his biggest hits, and unveiled his new label, Red Road. Look for classics like "Blue Skies," "Love You with My Life," and "Mr. Bailey's Daughter," along with Duncan's redeemed version of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed."

QuickTakes reviews are written by Mike Parker, who is based in the Nashville area.

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