Favourite Books

Jenny · Jul 18, 2007

Well we've had hymns and I couldn't contribute because I'm a musical doofus. What about books? Don't all writers have a passionate curiosity about what people read?

Favourite Christian books -- and you decide on what's Christian. No weaseling out of the question by naming the Bible!

As a kid "Horse and His Boy" by CS Lewis. Now, maybe Lewis's Screwtape Letters and some of his other books.

I've reread (always a good sign) a number of Andrew Greeley's books. Then again, it could be the similar world view thing here. He's a Catholic priest and sociologist. I was born Catholic, continue Catholic, and was imprinted at an impressionable age by the study of sociology. So I analyse the world in a similar way.

D M Greenwood's Anglican mysteries.

Tessa Bielecki on St Teresa of Avila and her writings.

Sinning Like a Christian, William Willimon was interesting. Glad to know my laziness on cold winter mornings is not sloth - but worrying to consider the acedia of teenagers.

Cardinal Martini wrote something (I stupidly forgot to note the title) on the transfiguration. Short book. Interesting idea of walking up the mountain with Christ carrying a question.

Old, old Catholic self help books The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis. and Introduction to the Devout Life (I think that's the title - the book's gone walkabout) by Francis de Sales. I prefer the old translations - yep, that's me haunting the second hand bookstores

I'm sure there's tons more. Anyone with other great reads?

windyrdg · Jul 19, 2007

I reread some of CS Lewis' books at least once a year...esp. Screwtape and Mere Christianity. I keep several copies on hand to give to people.

I also enjoy Brother Lawrence's Practicing the Presence of God, Dietrich Bonhoffer, Bishop Sheen and St Augustine. I've tried reading St. John of the Cross, but haven't gotten in to him.

I've been doing a lot of reserach for the books I'm writing set in the first century. What I'm reading are mostly textbooks, but I enjoy them greatly, esp. Alfred Edersheim who wrote in the mid to late 1800's.

CS Lewis said that people are often afraid of the "old" books and read the watered down commentaries instead. I've found that the so called old books make more sense and are better written than what's on the shelf today.

III · Jul 19, 2007

I rarely read Christian books all the way through, so my list is pretty short:

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
This Present Darkness & Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti

Can I list Heroes of Old and Spirit of Heroes by Jay Young?

Robin Bayne · Jul 19, 2007

I like CS Lewis, sometimes Phillip Yancey, Randy Alcorn.

My fave non-fiction author is probably Beth Moore.

As for fiction, I could list hundreds of titles but will just mention the authors: Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Deb Raney, Angela Hunt.

Another very good Christian novel was "The Bema" by Tim Stephenson.

Jenny · Jul 20, 2007

Thank you

Getting book recommendations from trusted sources (ie nice clever people's favourites) is great.

CS Lewis said that people are often afraid of the "old" books and read the watered down commentaries instead. I've found that the so called old books make more sense and are better written than what's on the shelf today.

Me too! Though always in English translation, sigh. St John of the Cross is tough and I don't find his poem that appealing, but that could be cause I don't read Spanish. I think the idea of the dark night of the soul is valuable.

III definitely list your books! I clicked the link to Amazon and wow! only five left in stock and a great page.

Inspie, great author list. I'd never heard of Beth Moore so its back to Amazon

RLB · Jul 20, 2007

I haven't read much read Christian fiction (outside of the Chronicles of Narnia), but Frederick Buechner's memoirs are some of the most beautifully compelling books I've ever read:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060611839/?tag=absolutewritedm-20

I also loved Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott.

Evaine · Jul 22, 2007

The Revalations of Julian of Norwich is a favourite of mine - possibly because I used to worship at St Julians, Norwich, where she was an anchoress in the 14thC.
She was also the first woman to write a book in English.
She uses some beautiful imagery as well, like all of creation being like a hazel nut held in God's hand.

Robin Bayne · Jul 22, 2007

I was cleaning my bookshelves yesterday and also noticed I've saved:

The O'Malley series by Dee Henderson (suspense/romance)

a women's fiction series by Robin Jones Gunn

several Christian-chick-lit titles by Kristin Billerbeck

several books by Linda Windsor, including "Honey, I'm Home."

And most of all, I forgot to mention Karen Kingsbury, who writes the most emotionally compelling stories I've ever read.

Jenny · Jul 23, 2007

possibly because I used to worship at St Julians, Norwich

Someone needs to remind me that envy is a bad thing - before it eats me up! How lovely to be in the actual place, to be part of the love and tradition.

Ned George · Aug 2, 2007

On Inspiwriter's rec, I will try Karen Kingsbury. I've seen her books everywhere, but haven't read any.

I think my all-time favorite author is Lloyd C. Douglas, who wrote The Robe. (1942, and DON'T think of that horrible movie, please, when I say this!)

This novel is my ideal, and has everything I strive for in Christian historical fiction. His writing is magic, the historical detail flows through the narrative without that "oh, here's a juicy bit of history I found, and here's the perfect spot to stick it in" feeling. Not contrived, in other words.

His portrayal of the Roman tribune who gambled for Christ's robe and won is one of the most sublime stories I've read in my life. I read it over about once a year, and have done since I first found it in a Goodwill store in Wisconsin in 1979.

It's sold six million copies, is still in print and available on Amazon. If you're interested, you can read the first six pages here.

Robin Bayne · Aug 2, 2007

ned said:
On Inspiwriter's rec, I will try Karen Kingsbury. I've seen her books everywhere, but haven't read any.
.

Let us know what you think!

Ned George · Aug 3, 2007

Inspiewriter said:
Let us know what you think!

I will, and thanks. I should say, while I'm here, that I really enjoy your posts and appreciate that this place is populated by so many different writers at all stages of their writing lives. I take comfort in the fact that the author of the book I mentioned above didn't publish a word until he was fifty years old. It does give one hope~

Sincerely,
ned

HoosierCowgirl · Aug 4, 2007

I liked "The Robe," too. I read it in high school.

Since then, I like Frank Peretti, C.S. Lewis and ... I think his name is Wangerin or something like that who wrote a book about Jesus from the POV of his friends adn family; and another about Paul.

I dig Biblical fiction that takes me back like it's a time machine

Ann

Pat~ · Aug 4, 2007

I like most of the ones mentioned already. Plus about three hundred others.

I'm going to be lazy and direct you to my Shelfari link. (If you want an 'invite' to be a friend, please PM me your yahoo or gmail email addy!)

http://www.shelfari.com/pb10220/shelf

(ETA: Ned, about 80% of my book inventory came from Goodwill and second-hand bookstores. You can find many out-of-print treasures at those places!)

Robin Bayne · Aug 4, 2007

ned said:
I will, and thanks. I should say, while I'm here, that I really enjoy your posts and appreciate that this place is populated by so many different writers at all stages of their writing lives. I take comfort in the fact that the author of the book I mentioned above didn't publish a word until he was fifty years old. It does give one hope~

Sincerely,
ned

If there's anything a Christian has, it's hope!

Robin Bayne · Aug 4, 2007

Pat~ said:
I like most of the ones mentioned already. Plus about three hundred others. I'm going to be lazy and direct you to my Shelfari link. (If you want an 'invite' to be a friend, please PM me your yahoo or gmail email addy!)

http://www.shelfari.com/pb10220/shelf

(ETA: Ned, about 80% of my book inventory came from Goodwill and second-hand bookstores. You can find many out-of-print treasures at those places!)

Sent you a friend request!

Pat~ · Aug 4, 2007

Inspiewriter said:
Sent you a friend request!

Yay! Thanks, Robin.

Ned George · Aug 5, 2007

Oh, and since we get to decide which books are "Christian," let me add

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

The inscription alone is worth so much that I'll quote it here:

PASCAL COVICI

Dear Pat,
You came upon me carving some kind of little figure out of wood and you said, "Why don't you make something for me?"
I asked you what you wanted, and you said, "A box."
"What for?"
"To put things in."
"What things?"
"Whatever you have," you said.
Well, here's your box. Nearly everything I have is in it, and it is not full. Pain and excitement are in it, and feeling good or bad and evil thoughts and good thoughts--the pleasure of design and some despair and the indescribable joy of creation.
And on top of these are all the gratitude and love I have for you.
And still the box is not full.
JOHN

and

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (I giggle every time I recall this book showing up in Shawskank Redemption. "File it under educational.")

I read both of these regularly. Some might argue that Monte Cristo is a bit of a stretch if one wants to call it a Christian book, but Edmund does see the light. When he finally goes overboard and does more harm than he had intended, he repents of all his wickedness and thanks God for a second chance at happiness. So there!

Maybe the Victorians demanded such an ending, but who knows? Dumas wasn't English. Nor was he a Christian, from all I've read. However, his main character is always "an honorable man."

Ned George · Aug 5, 2007

HoosierCowgirl said:
I liked "The Robe," too. I read it in high school.

Since then, I like Frank Peretti, C.S. Lewis and ... I think his name is Wangerin or something like that who wrote a book about Jesus from the POV of his friends adn family; and another about Paul.

I dig Biblical fiction that takes me back like it's a time machine

Ann

Ann,

I've seen Frank Peretti everywhere. I'd really like to read him, but don't know where to start. Can you suggest one to read first?

ned

Pat~ · Aug 6, 2007

ned said:
...

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (I giggle every time I recall this book showing up in Shawskank Redemption. "File it under educational.")

I read both of these regularly. Some might argue that Monte Cristo is a bit of a stretch if one wants to call it a Christian book, but Edmund does see the light. When he finally goes overboard and does more harm than he had intended, he repents of all his wickedness and thanks God for a second chance at happiness. So there!

Maybe the Victorians demanded such an ending, but who knows? Dumas wasn't English. Nor was he a Christian, from all I've read. However, his main character is always "an honorable man."

Great story!!

Simple Living · Aug 6, 2007

If you like small town, home-spun characters with lots of humor, you'll like the Boo series by Rene Gutteridge. Boo, Boo Who, and Boo Hiss. They're similar in style to At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon.

Rene, the author, has shown up for people's book clubs when she can and answers all of her own e-mails. Her books are just flat out fun, funny and entertaining. They're not inappropriate in their humor and they're not pious in their message. Highly recommend them as a great introduction to all of her books.

Jenny · Aug 7, 2007

My modem's been on the fritz for days (only working if I hold the power button down - ouch! after a couple of minutes), so I haven't had a chance to say thanks to eveyone for a great reading list. I have to admit, I've always been too daunted to read Dumas (I think of my struggle with Dickens - talk about longwinded), but maybe I'll gather up my courage. "Boo Hiss", just from the title, sounds fun!

I'd never heard of shelfari. What a cool idea. Love your collection, Pat.

HoosierCowgirl · Aug 7, 2007

ned said:
Ann,

I've seen Frank Peretti everywhere. I'd really like to read him, but don't know where to start. Can you suggest one to read first?

ned

I read them in this order -- "This Present Darkness," then "Piercing the Darkness," then "The Prophet" (I think) and then "The Visitation." The first two have spiritual warfare themes. Due to my church background,
"The Visitation" really made me stop and think.

he's written more than that, but I've gotten to the point where I can't do gruesome like I used to, so have not read several of his later things.

I think you can see how his writing progresses as he wrote those books from about 1990 (or earlier) to about 2000 or so.

Hope that helps.

ann

Favourite Books

Jenny

Who should be writing ...

windyrdg

New kid, be gentle!

III

rockin the suburbs

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~

Jenny

Who should be writing ...

RLB

bundled

Evaine

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~

Jenny

Who should be writing ...

Ned George

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~

Ned George

HoosierCowgirl

Pat~

Luftmensch Emeritus, A.D.D.

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~

Pat~

Luftmensch Emeritus, A.D.D.

Ned George

Ned George

Pat~

Luftmensch Emeritus, A.D.D.

Simple Living

Jenny

Who should be writing ...

HoosierCowgirl