Books I Will Read Again
Oooh – books. I am probably too obsessed with them. But I love books. And watching everyone’s “Best of…” lists made me think of the books I have read in recent history.
I thought of writing up my favorites of 2009 but it would only be a slightly different version of many other lists. So, instead, here are the books I’ve read but plan on reading again. Some are new. Some are old. But all have helped me in one way or another.
1. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. To keep me reminded of who I can be and, without care, who I might become.
2. Dracula by Bram Stoker. So I will know what an enthralling tale reads like.
3. Jonathan Edwards, Evangelist by John Gerstner. Because my desire to have a great mind must always be in submission to being on a greater mission.
4. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. This masterpiece of literature helps me see how easily the perspective of a utilitarian life can drain the wonder out of living.
5. The Path to Celtic Prayer by Calvin Miller. Because Calvin Miller is a great writer, the Celts were a fascinating people, and prayer is a wondrous subject
6. Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer. One: he’s my friend. Two: he’s my boss. Three: I hope to be on a church planting team again in the future.
7. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis. They are my favorite stories from The Chronicles of Narnia. Love, redemption, and fulfillment all wrapped into stories for a kid like me.
8. The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells. The transparency of the title character is more about his soul than his body. His invisibility is an unavoidable mirror.
9. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. So I can be challenged (again and again) about what true leadership looks like.
10. Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper. The consistency of God’s greatness is always amazing. God’s invitation for us to participate in that work is humbling.
So tell me – what are the books you go back to again and again?
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An interesting mix of books. I’m curious as to why you’d read Dracula twice, but it’s probably for the same reason I’d read Frankenstein again…
I hope to get off my family’s “loser” list this year by finally reading The Chronicles of Narnia.
The books I return to again and again are 1) the Bible, 2) Jane Eyre, 3) Pilgrim’s Progress, and 4) Trollope’s The Warden.
The writing style implemented by Stoker is fascinating to me. Without any narrator, the entire story is told from the perspective of the characters’ journals. It reminds me that all eras of history provide innovative inspiration.
Great question, Philip. Sorry I’m so late to the party, but I just have to chime in. Glad you’re enjoying your time in Spain.
Desiring God by John Piper
God is the Gospel by John Piper
Ditto your #7, plus Perelandra by Lewis
Pure Joy by RT Kendall. Some of his theology is suspect, but I was affected by Laugh Again by Chuck Swindoll back in the 1990s; Pure Joy is Laugh Again on steroids, and much more God-centered if I remember correctly.
Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin
Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernieres. Oh the pathos!
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp
The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt
Punic Wars & Culture Wars by Ben House (I’ve only read the first two sections but I already want to go back and read again)
I’ve already reached 10 – unbelievable.
Blessings,
Mark@DR