Reviews

April Love-Fordham has brilliantly woven the story of Congressman Morgan and the story from the Song of Songs into an engaging tapestry that invites the reader to travel on the path with the characters as well as engaging in personal reflection and spiritual practice. This is refreshing because it provides a very concrete way for the reader to make a response to the impact of Dismantling Injustice as each section is read. — Dr. Catherine Meeks, retired Clara Carter Acree Distinguished Professor of Socio-Cultural Studies of Wesleyan College, the chair of the Beloved Community: the Commission for Dismantling Racism for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, the author of five books, the religion columnist for Huffington Post, a community and wellness activist, and a mid-wife to the soul

James in the Suburbs: Study of the Epistle of James

I am captured by your book.  You have provided one of the most interesting and accessible commentaries (and much more) that I have seen. – Rev Dr Steve Hayner, Past President of InterVarsity Press, President Columbia Theological Seminary, Board Member of World Vision, Decatur, GA.

In the same way Clarence Jordan made the Bible relevant in the Cotton Patch of Southwest Georgia, April Love-Fordham brings the disruptive letter of James to our American suburbs whose inhabitants are anxiously in need of some true undefiled old-time religion. –Kirk Lyman-Barner, Director of US Field Operations, Fuller Center for Housing, Americus, GA

James in the Suburbs may be the most engaging biblical commentary I’ve ever read.  This is a must read for every Christian leader. –Kenneth Swanson, Rector, St. David’s Episcopal Church, Roswell, GA

It will make you laugh, think, and laugh again! –Chris MacDougal

This is not only a fun read, but a great way to study the book of James with contemporary relevance. Once you have read this book you will recall key principles when you go back to reread James’s epistle. Besides being a challenge to personal spiritual growth, I recommend its use for church adult Christian education. –Dr. Ronald Lee Firestone

A must read for every suburban Christian, James in the Suburbs is packed with memorable characters and sound Christian wisdom from a pastor who sees into the soul of the suburbs. –Tom Kennar, Team Rector, North End Team Ministry, Portsmouth, UK

We used your book for a church-wide study.  It was and still is continuing to be a blessing to us.” –Salzburg International Christian Church

This is a great book, not only for personal reading, but for Bible study groups as well. It is beautifully and cleverly written as a novel, but it is a great study of the Book of James. It is extremely well documented and comes with an index of journaling suggestions as well as group study questions. It is such a refreshing approach to studying a book of the Bible. I hope Dr. Love-Fordham will follow up with this approach to other books of the Bible. -Ron Bagwell

A wonderful interpretation of James in a modern setting. The “small but mighty” book of the Bible is presented in a very thought provoking manner. –Janet Georges, St. David’s Episcopal Church

This is an amazing book that brings the Epistle of James to life and raises profound questions on the application of “James” to today’s life. Seen through the eyes of a varied group that gathers to study this letter, one cannot help but ask how they themselves would answer and respond to the issues raised. Likely the reader will be uncomfortable at times with the answers, but my view is this is the stirring of the Holy Spirit pointing us toward discernment and action. This book can be read individually but is also ideally suited to group study, either facilitated by a leader or by the group as a whole, as there is a robust study guide included with this work. Dr. Love-Fordham I eagerly await your next book. –William D. Sleeper

I started reading this book thinking of others and how it might be used as a catalyst for engaging my church in active service in the community. However, it provided guidance for my personal journey to be a better listener and to be patient with myself. –Ouida Myers

This is a thought provoking book. April unwraps James in layers, converting one of the most difficult books of the Bible into a readable story applicable to our life in the 21st century. If you want to grow in your spiritual journey, I highly recommend that you read this book! –Donna

Excellent read that will touch your heart! It sends you looking inward, evaluating your faith. I identified with a character in this book that felt she was a good christian, doing God’s work. And then she passed by a teenager in distress – because it felt uncomfortable to reach out. I’ve been in those shoes, wanting to help someone but not feeling up to the challenge. Not long after reading that chapter, I took a leap of faith WAY out of my comfort zone to help someone. I felt inspired by this book. My faith in serving others has been energized as never before. I enjoyed reading this book on my own but it would be great for Bible study as well. Truly inspirational! –Sharon 

Wow, I have never read a book that I want to instantly start rereading again from page one. (And I’ve read A Lot.) It is my new favorite book besides the Bible :). Thank You Lord! Thank you April Love-Fordham!  –Stacy Paprocki

A True Christian View of the Church. Ms. Love-Fordham takes you on an interesting trip through the suburbs of Atlanta, GA. She outlines the behavior of the “Church” in the Suburbs. It’s an ideal book for use in group discussions among Christians. – BillyBob

This was an incredible book! It was an engaging read that brought the Book of James to life for me. I could relate to all the characters and their trials and tribulations trying to lead a God-filled life. – Karen Kraeger

I have read many wonderful Bible commentaries and books on spiritual formation but never one that was such a “page turner”! I found myself very captivated by the characters and how they applied the book of James to their lives. This is truly a worthwhile read. – Ellen D Lagrone