40: A Collection of Modern-Day Parables by John Cleveland is a book that should be read slowly. I would read one or two parables and would then think about the message for the remainder of the day. Jesus taught in parables for several reasons (Matthew 13:10-14), including the fact that stories remain with us for generations, such as The Good Samaritan or The Prodigal Son. We have the advantage of over 2000 years of study, analysis, scholarship, and preaching to consider the parables taught by Jesus. Some of Cleveland’s parables deserve more thought and reflection, while others are straightforward. By the time I reached number 40, I did not want the book to end. The last parable may have been his best.