"Mondays with my Old Pastor" by José Luis Navajo

This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. Even though the original was written in Spanish (so I cannot speak to the quality of its writing), the English translation contains such rich language and vivid descriptions.

The story centers around a pastor who is on a "mandatory rest" because of feelings of depression and burnout. At his wife's insistence, this pastor goes to visit his former pastor (who is now advanced in age). What follows is a series of meetings on Mondays in which the old wise pastor pours into the younger man all the things that God had taught him through the years of ministry.

It's not just the fifteen principles that make this book so memorable - you could find these same fifteen principles in any "Christian Living" book in the local Christian bookstore. It's the weaving of the stories and experiences into this marvelous tale. It's the power of the grace of God in the life of this pastor - someone we would have never heard of, had the book not been written. It's the almost poetical words that grace every page of the book. These factors combine to make this the most stirring and thought-provoking book I've read in a long time. If nothing else, there are TONS of "sentence sermons" in this book - single sentences that are packed with profound truth. If I made a habit of highlighting in the books I read, then this book would be dripping yellow.

I'm not sure if the book is meant to be a factual relating of events - it reads almost like a novel in some places. And some of the things that happen in the book are fantastic and almost unbelievable. But regardless of whether or not all of the scenarios in the book actually took place, the truth that is boldly proclaimed will keep my heart burning for years and years - I plan on reading it again, as well as giving away a few copies to people that I love. Excellent, EXCELLENT book. I believe every person in ministry should read it.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for my honest review.