Oh my goodness. Could Christopher Smith include any more of my favorite words in this title? I thoroughly enjoyed this read (much the same as I enjoyed Slow Church by the same author). As someone who has been encouraged by writer and theologian Eugene Peterson in the act of spiritual reading, I was reminded again to embrace this practice, and not for myself alone.

In "Reading For the Common Good", Chris Smith encourages us to do the slow, thoughtful work of reading in community in order to grow in understanding and deepen our relationships within and without the church walls. After finishing the last chapter, I was immediately inspired to begin a reading group at the church my husband pastors here in Fairfield, CT. Since we are new to this community, this has been an especially encouraging way for me to make connections and provide new avenues for meaningful conversation within our church family.

I highly recommend both the book and the various reading lists the author shares. Well done!