Jon Russell draws the reader into a multiple conversation - with the biblical text which he handles with immense respect; with the noble army of preachers who each week wrestle with recalcitrant sermons; with the contemporary world as it illuminates and contradicts the life of faith and with his own playful imagination, shocking, surprising, delighting and refreshing. This is a wonderfully stimulating book. -- David Day This is the New Homiletics in action - 28 sermons, each followed by an explanation of why its particular shape was chosen and a reflection on the principles of narrative preaching as illustrated by that piece. The author is honest and self-critical; not every one of the sermons would make the shortlist for the Preacher of the Year, but all are surprising and some inspiring. If you aren't familiar with the New Homileticians, this is a good introduction. The references make it easy to read further, and David Schlafer's preface and Russell's introduction are helpful. This isn't the place to evaluate the New Homiletics as such; 'congregations don't want to be given a map to show them how to get to the coast; they want to be drenched in the spray' sums it up well but is open to debate. However, for preachers who are seeking to keep their sermons fresh and unpredictable, this is an enjoyable and informative offering. -- Gertrud Sollars * The Reader, Winter edition *