Summer Reading List!
April 29, 2011 Leave a Comment
It is that time again! The time to grab a large Arnold Palmer (ice tea + lemonade) and sit under that old oak tree in the shade… But most importantly to pick-up that dusty novel that you have been meaning to read but never seem to find the time to read. I have had a tradition of making a summer reading list for about 5 years now. The point is not to finish the list, but enjoying summer with literature. Last year I only read 4/10 books I listed- but I thoroughly enjoyed the books I read. However, before I give my list I would like to share a word from John Wesley on the importance of reading.
What has exceedingly hurt you in time past, nay, and I fear, to this day, is lack of reading.
I scarce ever knew a preacher who read so little.
And perhaps, by neglecting it, you have lost the taste for it.
Hence your talent in preaching does not increase. It is just the same as it was seven years ago. It is lively, but not deep; there is little variety; there is no compass of thought.
Reading only can supply this, with meditation and daily prayer.
You wrong yourself greatly by omitting this.
You can never be a deep preacher without it, any more than a thorough Christian.
Oh begin! Fix some part of every day for private exercise. You may acquire the taste which you have not; what is tedious at first will afterward be pleasant.
Whether you like it or not, read and pray daily.
It is for your life; there is no other way; else you will be a trifler all your days, and a pretty, superficial preacher.
Do justice to your own soul; give it time and means to grow.
Do not starve yourself any longer.
Take up your cross and be a Christian altogether.
Then will all the children of God rejoice (not grieve) over you, and in particular yours.
This is from John Wesley’s letters. You can read the entire letter here. Reading is like prayer. Everyone loves the fruit of prayer but no one really likes to pray. However, if you put your hand to the plow and do the leg work, prayer becomes enjoyable and something you cannot live without. Reading, in this same way, is loved by much but practiced by few. And like prayer, if you do not schedule time to read you will not read. Give yourself good time to read. Not bathroom time. Not “before bed” time. Not “public transit” time. Not “I’m bored and looking for something to do” time. Good time is planned in both the setting and the reading. Turn off the cell phone and shut down the laptop. If you don’t quit you win!
Now without further ado. My 2011 Summer Reading list!
Fiction
Till We Have Faces- C.S. Lewis
The Princess and the Goblin- George Macdonald
Devotional
The Father’s Embrace- Jack Frost
Fathered by God- John Elderidge
Other
After You Believe- N.T. Wright
Celebration of Discipline- Richard Foster
Theology of Hope- Jurgen Moltmann
Truth and Transformation: a manifesto for ailing nations- Vishal Mangalwadi
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