Ruby’s Reads

By Ruby Churchill 

Add a spy adventure novel and a Christian book about contemporary culture to your bookshelf. 

Casino Royale is the debut novel of the James Bond series by Ian Fleming. It introduces readers to the iconic British spy in a thrilling tale of gambling, espionage, and deception. 

The story follows Bond as he is assigned to bankrupt Soviet operative Le Chiffre in a high-stakes baccarat game at the Casino Royale. Fleming's portrayal of Bond goes beyond the suave, sophisticated image often associated with the character. Bond is depicted as a flawed hero who has trouble dealing with the harsh realities of his profession. 

Fleming's attention to detail is evident in his vivid descriptions of the exotic locations in the story. The author's own experiences in intelligence work during World War II give the book authenticity. The pacing of the novel is well done too, with moments of intense action interwoven with more character-driven scenes. 

While the novel is undoubtedly a classic, some aspects may feel dated to modern readers. The portrayal of women and certain cultural attitudes may be viewed through a contemporary lens as problematic. However, it's important to consider the historical context in which the book was written. Overall, Casino Royale is a gripping introduction to the world of spies that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. 

If spy novels aren’t your type of book, Critical Dilemma by Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer is a suitable replacement. It offers a comprehensive examination of contemporary critical theory (CCT) from a Christian perspective. CCT has roots in various ideologies, such as critical race theory and social justice. 

The book begins by characterizing CCT as a complex ideology that focuses on social inequalities. The authors are committed to avoiding oversimplification and unfair analysis. They acknowledge the racial history of the United States. Another entire chapter is dedicated to some of the positive insights of critical theory. 

Several important critiques of CCT are then raised while more Biblical principles are emphasized. The book also includes a list of attitudes that churches should attempt to avoid to ensure harmonious fellowship. Even though it is written from a Christian viewpoint, the authors state that anyone can gain benefits from it. 

This book deals with many controversial subjects. People, including Christians, may disagree with some or many aspects of this book. Further, its complicated terminology can be difficult to understand.  Regardless, the book serves as a thought-provoking read. It is a critical resource for those navigating the intersection of faith, culture, and contemporary critical theory.