The Lighthouse

the lighthouse

01 May 2013

The Great Reading Project of 2013

Dear Reader, I am embarking on a reading project in which I shall attempt to read books I've always been meaning to read.  Some are 'Great Books' and some are best sellers, and others are books recommended by friends. 

You are my friends, so I'd like to hear if you have any suggestions for me.  Is there a book or two that you always tell people about when they ask you what they should read? Are there books that you have loved deeply, or books that have touched you profoundly, or books you struggled with but are glad you did so?

I'm considering everything from Dante to Karen Kingsbury (one of those "Christian Lady" writers I mentioned earlier) so please don't be shy with your suggestions!

5 comments:

  1. You are looking for suggestions for books to read, I love giving suggestions:)! There are many books which have touched me deeply, I must admit, but I will not list them all here. I would like to suggest the "Masterful Monk" series as one that can be read and reread. It is a series of eight books (6 novels, and two philosophical/theological) which discuss the "problems of human happiness." It is written by "Owen Francis Dudley." If you had to choose just one or two to read, I would reccomend "The Masterful Monk," or "The Shadow on the Earth." Other books would be any novel by George MacDonald, particularly "The Shepherd's Castle" and "The Fisherman's Lady" (and the books connected with each series). He is a stunch protestant, but has some interesting theological points (often very Catholic)... he is a bit preachy, but he is a great writer and affected both Tolkin and Lewis (you are a librarian, and thus have probably heard of him). Oh, you mentioned Karen Kingsbury, my two favourites of hers are: Unlocked, and Between Sundays.


    If you need any more suggestions, just ask:).

    God bless,
    Frances

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  2. Thank you Frances! George MacDonald is an author I've been wanting to read and wasn't sure where to begin (along with Flannery O'Connor and Graham Greene) so thank you for those suggestions. The Masterful Monk series sounds intriguing and will definitely add them to my list.
    Excellent! *fist pump*

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  3. Frances mentioned it first: Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury. Really liked it. In that same sort of Christian fiction genre, I love Last Light by Terri Blackstock. I loved all that happened in the story with a very self-focused young woman, whose personality jumped off the pages and drew me right in. It's the first book of a series of (3?) but I was not as enamored of the ones that followed it. I like some of Francine Rivers' Christian fiction also.. especially The Atonement Child and Redeeming Love.

    You've probably read 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (short selections from real letters), and I'd be willing to betcha' you've also read the follow-up, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. I liked that better (I'd even say much better) that "84" ... I like Helene's style of writing, which tends to put me in a good mood. I re-read "Bloomsbury" every few years, for a bit of light entertainment.

    And as to styles of writing, I love Anne Morrow Lindbergh's diaries, particularly Bring Me a Unicorn. But I'd bet LOTSA money on your having read that.

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  4. This is wonderful! Thank you for the suggestions, Nancy. I have not read any Terri Blackstock but her books are very popular at work. I have read several of Francine Rivers' books. Her Mark of the Lion series left an impression on me. I also liked Atonement Child - an excellent response to the "what about rape" argument by the pro choicers.

    You've mentioned a book I"ve been meaning to read for years: 84 Charing Cross Road. I love love love the movie with Anthony Hopkins, and somehow have never managed to get my hands on a copy of the book.

    I also haven't read Anne Morrow Lindbergh, but I enjoy reading journals and letters, so I will definitely be adding 'Bring me a unicorn to my list'.

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  5. I have no suggestions right now -because my head hurts - but I have to know how anyone can resist a book entitled "Bring me a unicorn". Love it!

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