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The Book Tree is preparing to “re-debut” this May in a brand-new, second edition, and Frank suggested that I offer a little look inside what goes on when we overhaul a book. A lot has changed with this title, and what follows is a quick sketch of that process.

It all begins with an initial re-evaluation, as basic as skimming through the book and asking, “What would we do differently if we did it all over again?”

First, the audience. Because The Book Tree was written specifically for children, the format had to be direct and simple to browse. This meant rearranging things: books alphabetized by title instead of by author and bigger, easy-to-see titles. (more…)

We’re excited to announce a new monthly feature here at Canon:
Doug & Doug Dig…

“Say what?” Simply put, Mr Jones and Mr Wilson are going to choose one book from their current reading for us every month (taking turns every other month), and then we’ll offer that title at a discount. We’ll be posting their recommendations on the blog, so keep an eye out. The first selection (from Mr Jones) is Peace by Walter Brueggemann, and you can read Mr Jones’ thoughts below.

Smooth. That’s the effect of this Brueggemann reprint. The noted Old Testament scholar wonderfully blends together a theology of peace—shalom—in this contribution to Chalice Press’ series “Understanding Biblical Themes.” Brueggemann argues that shalom, as in “the covenant of shalom” (Ez. 34:25), involves both freedom and unity, and he traces that fascinating interaction throughout all of Scripture. “Shalom, shalom, when there is no shalom.” This work is strong on argument and style.

California was a dandy. Nothing but food and sun and relatives and more food. We played Guitar Hero with my cousins, we toasted my grandparents (at their anniversary bash), we ate authentic taquitos, we walked barefoot on the sand, we pondered the ferris wheel, we supped on real seafood, we drove in LA traffic, we drank mimosas for breakfast, we wound through the Hollywood Hills, we basked in the sun, we took pictures of everything, and we were happy to be home.

Frank’s right. When Lucy, Laura, Austin and Mr. Jones (he’s the loudest) are gone, it’s really quite dreary around here. (It surprisingly makes it hard to focus). There’s life downstairs, but I only see it when I grab lunch from the fridge. Frank and I eat in our office, and it’s an unspoken competition to see who’s food can smell the strongest. Jumbalaya always beats a chicken salad.

During a particularly quiet afternoon, Frank showed me a newsletter thing that claims to be full of “helpful information” for marketing executives to make wise decisions and $$. My favorite part was an article on the use of bullet points. The writer said the rule for bullet points is to have a list of 5 items, with the order of importance like this:

• Your most important point
• Your second-most important point
• A less important point
• Another less, dull, dry point
• The third-most important point.

I was thoroughly amused by the list and by the good-idea-ness of it, because as I was reading, I automatically glanced at the first two points, and then skipped down to the last one! (I now plan to be a little more conscious of how I put lists together for ads.)