Crossed by Nicole Galland

This is the story of the Fourth Crusade told in fiction as the tale of a group of mis-matched tent-mates including a rescued Jewish widow, a German whore, a suicidal terrorist wannabe, two erstwhile knights and the Richardim, a grandfather/grandson who are relatively minor observers both named Richard. This whole crusade was a bungled attempt to get to Jerusalem in spite of the greed and ambitions of the leadership to control Venetian rival cities like Pera and Constantinople. Rife with sexual tension, political intrigue, and deceit, this book treats religiosity as a sham except for the clear dedication of the knight, Gregor. His faith is packaged in the adoration of relics (especially the skull of John the Baptist) and self mortification with prayer and fasting as well as a clear concern for his eternal soul vis a vis the fulfilment of his vows and the prospect of excommunication by the pope. For me, this book continues my exploration and commitment to provoke honest faith in myself first and then also in those with whom I connect. It deals with the issue of kingdom- is there an earthly Christendom which is won or lost through politics and war or is the Kingdom of God not consisting of meat and drink but, as the New Testament asserts, of "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost?" (That idea is lacking in the way Galland depicts the Fourth Crusade.) Two quotes remain what I will ponder from reading this book:
"The war was an overture to melancholic madness. Gregor believed he'd spend the rest of his days atoning for the sins he and the army had already committed, and the rest of eternity atoning for whatever the army might yet do. (Why he felt personally responsible for the sins of an entire military campaign is a spiritual tick of the faithful which I am completely unqualified to explain.)" p.480
and:
"Disillusion is to be embraced; it lightens the soul's load a great deal for illusions - especially the lofty ones that Gregor always clung to- can be such a heavy burden." p. 508

Nicole Galland, Crossed. c.2007. New York: Harper.

Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton

Here is a quick overview of the ways that American philanthropy works by activating the participation of ordinary citizens who donate their money, time, talent, and stuff to address serious social problems using innovation and hard work. Pres. Clinton is in his element profiling real stories of real people as a way to motivate the rest of us. He also interviewed some of the major donors who are the decision makers for foundation grants. It is arranged in a series of anecdotes - like a big list that becomes predictable, punctuated by glimpses at the author's heart and very believable passion for giving as a way of life. "When I left the White House, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life giving my time, money and skills to worthwhile endeavors where I could make a difference. I didn't know exactly what I would do, but I wanted to help save lives, solve important problems, and give more young people the chance to live their dreams. I felt obligated to do it because of the wonderful, improbable life I'd been given by the
American people..." The book includes a very thorough and useful list of resources. Well done, Pres. Clinton.

Bill Clinton, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World. (c) 2007. Alfred A. Knopf. New York

The Shack by William P. Young

For people who have been hurt by church or who have trouble discriminating between faith and religion, this novel about a man whose six year old daughter was kidnapped and brutally murdered hits the issues squarely on the head. However, nothing is predictable. Could God be embodied by a large African American woman? This book is well conceived, has a twist, and probably is an arrow shot into the next era to open up what will be the next season in the spirit. It is written in the same mood as my own novel (yet unpublished), Pastor's Ex-Wife. The way The Shack is being promoted is viral - go to www.theshackbook.com. This is one MUST READ for most people.

William P. Young, The Shack, Windblown Media

Fundraising for the Long Haul by Kim Klein

From honest admissions of her own early serious mistakes in fundraising to nuanced anecdotes that illustrate how to think about fundraising, donor relations, case statements, and the relationships between the various parties, this book is the latest addition to my MUST HAVE collection. There is a great discussion about "Founder's Syndrome" that every small nonprofit board and staff should read. Klein juxtaposes the need for a nonprofit organization to be mission driven versus donor driven and asks to whom an organization wishes to have to answer. This is well written, honest, emotionally complex, and extremely helpful to me as an organizational consultant to mostly small and transitioning, often faith-based nonprofits.

Kim Klein, Fundraising for the Long Haul. (c) 2000. Chardon Press.