5 Minutes for Books asks this question on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Here’s my brief run-down of what I’ve read in between cookie-baking, present-buyingmakingreturningwrapping, carol-singing, and — believe it or not — joyfully reflecting on this favorite season of the year:
C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory. I’ve yet to find a Lewis book I dislike, and this is no exception. It’s a collection of speeches given on different occasions, and each one is a stand-alone. I particularly liked the title essay and “Why I am Not a Pacifist.” Review here.
George MacDonald, The Princess and Curdie. I preferred The Princess and the Goblin to this sequel, which seemed overburdened with allegory. Review here.
Joel C. Rosenberg, Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future. Rosenberg has a number of political thrillers out there with plotlines that are eerily prophetic. On the morning of the 9/11 attacks he was putting the finishing touches on his first one, in which terrorists fly a plane into a building. This book supplies his guiding belief structure and his reading of current events. Very interesting. Review here.
Elizabeth Yates, Amos Fortune: Free Man. I just finished this biography yesterday. It’s a quick read, full of satisfying food for thought. Review here.
Children’s pick: For this round-up I like to choose one favorite of all the children’s books I’ve read with my daughters. This month’s is Violet the Pilot
At the moment I’m sitting aimlessly between books, but that’s what I’ve read this month. How about you? You can head over to this month’s round-up to see what others are reading.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Janet,
I have read all of Joel Rosenberg’s political thrillers so Epicenter interests me. I’ll have to check it out. I have enjoyed reading your blog – gives me a warm, friendly feeling. Reading through your posts, I understand completely about the gifts for kids thing. I look in my son’s room and cringe at all the stuff. Time to donate some toys. Thanks for sharing.
Merry Christmas!
Robin of mytwoblessings
I haven’t read The Weight of Glory but I’ve been wanting to! Need copy! Need copy!
And I love George MacDonald’s fairy tales. They are so fun.
Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you also!
I need to read more Lewis, and I don’t know if I have ever read MacDonald. I’m looking forward to Elisabeth Yates.
Hi, I found your blog last month or the month before through this carnival. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts. I haven’t read any of the books that you are reading now, but I think the C.S. Lewis and the Rosenberg books are on my to be read list.
I just read The Magicians Nephew by C.S. Lewis and LOVED it!! I decided that I am going to read the series in order since I never got beyond the Lion, the Witch, and the wardrobe. Thanks for your wonderful suggestions!!!!
I’m working on the final third of Epicenter. In addition, I’m reading The Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila (a book my college-age read for one of his classes and recommended to me). Also, Cheryl and I are sharing Pursuing the Christ: 31 Prayers for Christmastime by Jennifer Kennedy Dean for our Advent devotional times. That’s enough to keep me occupied during a very busy month!
That C.S. Lewis book looks good, and I’m always looking for good kids books. Violet the Pilot sounds wonderful. Thanks!
I hate to admit it, but I have never read a C.S. Lewis book. I think I’ll change that in 2009! Any recommendations?
Hmm… For fiction, the Narnia books are great; so is his trilogy of space fantasies. My favorite nonfiction book is ‘The Problem of Pain.’
I haven’t read any of those but they do sound interesting…