“Books are the quietist and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” Charles W. Eliot
“Properly, we should read for power. Man reading should be man intensily alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.” Ezra Pound
“How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book.” Henry David Thoreau
“I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma.” Eartha Kitt
heroism, puzzles, life, honor, philosophy, strife, love, God, reason, desire, truth, wisdom, struggle, guidance, comfort, courage, passion, mystery, delight, suspense, laughter, pain, affluence, influence, secrets, treasures
Hope.
The topic of reading is one that I am intensely passionate about. I do not suggest that people who dislike reading and don’t enjoy books are to be judged or looked down upon. However, I fully believe that a strong correlation exists between knowledge and influence. Knowledge is gained through learning. Learning is gained through books. Think about it. We have available at our discretion the wisdom from the past five thousand years of human history! But a closed book cannot be utilized. And a closed mind is a tragedy.
Books represent so much more than mere symbols on a page. They represent arduous processes of human spirit pushing (sometimes mere shreds of) intelligence out of the mind and onto a document so that wisdom, however small, might be preserved as a legacy to mankind.
Now, I understand that not everything that rolls off the printing press is worth reading. There is some real garbage out there. But I also believe that there is a story, or a memoir, or a history, or a business ethic, or some other form of writing to strike the chord of any heart. One must simply search. And when she finds it, she must never, never, let that go. Because
“There is no mistaking a real book when one meets it. It is like falling in love.” Christopher Morley
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How about you? What is a great book (or books) that you’ve fallen in love with?
I couldn’t agree more. I love to read. Like you said, not everyone does and that’s fine, but I’m personally a big fan! Some of my favorite books have been mysteries (I believe my love of a good mystery started with Scooby Doo)! I enjoy reading and studying about apologetics, or ways to defend the faith in an anti God world. Many of the books I read are about how to do parenting or just life better. Some of the most helpful of those have been “Transforming the Difficult Child, Boundaries, The Red Sea Rules, How Could a Loving God? and Just for Women” just to name a few! The best Christian fiction that I’ve read recently was “Deadly Disclosure.” I also read a lot of non-Christian fiction, mainly mysteries. While I love the story line I have to look past a lot of junk at times, bad language, etc… basically the same with watching an R movie. Good story, not so good language, morals, etc.. However, I think there is alot one can learn from reading books that are from a perspective other than your own. It’s important to understand how other people think and what is happening outside of our safe little “bubbles.” However, the danger is that you have to also be cautious not to fall into thinking that any of the junk is true. We have to always compare other ideas, theories, morals etc… with what God’s word says, not just what’s in a book or movie. Whew…. can you tell I like books! I could go on and on!!! Sorry to ramble!
Aimee,
I agree that it is very important to read not just “Christian fiction.” Most readers in the world are not reading this genre, and if we are to be an influence, we must step outside of “our safe little ‘bubbles’” that you mention. Unfortunately, a not-so-long-ago era has passed in which Christians were on the forefront of culture-making: Dickens, Lewis, Tolkien, and others; their works, though written from a uniquely Christian worldview, reached all audiences. We see much less of this today. However, we need to be cautious when filtering through books, movies, magazines, etc. because they have such a strong potential to influence. I like, though, what one lecturer said (Donald Drew): “Christians should turn their back on evil but not close their eyes–we must confront it. Thus, we can read books with which we disagree.” Thanks for your “rambling” insights. They are very helpful!
ps Some really good mystery books were written by Randy Alcorn: ‘Deadline,’ ‘Dominion,’ and ‘Deception.’ ‘Deception’ was probably my favorite and most traditional mystery style. I also read some Sherlock Holmes while in Europe.
It is hard to have a favorite book. So many books impact in so many different ways. I will have to just say some that were fun to read for whatever reason.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
Misdirected by J. Michael Weihrauch
The Best Question Ever by Andy Standley
Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership by MacIntosh
Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament by Scott
That should cover a wide range of topics and emotions.
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