The Serven Clan recently tagged us for their delightful book meme, and I was elected to post my favorite books.
1. One book that changed my life
I would have to say that John Thompson's God's Design for Scriptural Romance (which technically speaking is a series of articles, not a book, so I'm cheating a little, but bear with me) changed my thinking drastically. Ironically, the change was not about the theme of the title, scriptural romance; due to the sound exhortation and teaching of my father, I had already come to convictions like those set forth by Mr. Thompson. Rather, Mr. Thompson included an article on God's will, and how to discern it. This section really challenged my thinking on God's will in many ways and revolutionized the way I discern His will not just for scriptural romance, but for every decision I make. If you have not read God's Design for Scriptural Romance I strongly encourage you to do so. I don't think the full text of the articles is available online anymore, but I believe some parts are still floating around in cyberspace somewhere. Fortunately for us, Dad printed off a hard copy for the family.
2. One book that I have read more than once
The Swallows and Amazons Series by Arthur Ransome. A delightful set of books about four brothers and sisters who, along with their friends, camp on deserted islands, sail around an English lake, and generally have a rousing adventurous time.
3. One book that I would want on a desert island
I'll answer that one with alacrity: the Bible. I'll have to agree with my sister..."Any other book would soon grow old..." The Scriptures are God's revelation to man and should be the supreme authority of our lives--even if we are marooned on a desert island.
4. One book that made me laugh
I've actually only read it once, and that many years ago, but The Phantom Tollbooth was quite hilarious. Norton Juster's dry wit, clever plays on words, and ability to poke fun at the English language all make for a humorous read.
5. One book that made me cry
My tear ducts have never been activated while reading.
Well...maybe. :) Anyways, while I certainly didn't cry over it, the classic The Count of Monte Cristo, is a sad tale about the unjust imprisonment of Edmund Dantes.
6. One book I wish had been written
John 21:25 says, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written."
With all due respect to John, I wouldn't really care if the world couldn't contain the books--it would still be an incredible privilege to read all the details of Jesus' life that the Gospels don't give.
7. One book I wish had never been written
I'll heartily agree with the Serven Clan on this one: The Origin of the Species. However, I'll go one step further: Principles of Geology by the evolutionary geologist Charles Lyell had a large impact on Darwin and was a major propellant for his eventual decision to believe in and propogate evolution. These two books have been used as scientific and philosophical justification for rebellion against God and have caused unimaginable spiritual damage.
8. One book that I am currently reading
The problem with this question is the phrase "one book." I am currently reading a deluge of books that includes, but is not limited to: "Inside Al Qaeda: Global Network of Terror," "Great Lives Observed: Edmund Burke," "The Federalist Papers," and "The Assassins: A Radical Sect in Islam."
9. One book I have been meaning to read
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, one of my Dad's books which details the heroic expedition to the Antarctic by Sir Ernest Shackleton.
I hope you have enjoyed this post and learned a little bit about the books I like to read, and perhaps even discovered a book that you would like to read yourself!
Cross-posted on Eugraphia.
~Jonathan
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