What Books Are You Reading?

American Literature and that's it. I'm facing finals and a particularly mean prof in Brit Lit who seems to have it out for me. No, I don't normally accuse my profs of being out to get me, but this woman really doesn't like me..so last night I was reading Schindler's List, Midnight's Children, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and The Remains of the Day.

Oh yeah..I forgot. I'm reading Jesus Freaks by DC Talk and the Voice of the Martyrs.

 

I just read 'The Testament' by John Grisham a #1 New York Times Bestseller, "Charles Finney, "Jonathan Edwards", and now "Watchman Nee." All three--great men of God.

 

Understanding christian Theology by Swindoll & Zuck (general editors)

 

May I suggest an older novel (for those of you who allow yourselves novels and believe that the river of truth runs through fiction) Giants in the Earth: a Saga of the Prairie by O. E. Rolvaag, translated from the Norwegian in 1927?

It is the story of Norwegian immigrants who first broke the sod in South Dakota, where the temperature reaches 105 in the summer and 40 below zero in the winter. When they arrived there, there was nothing but tall grass--no songbirds and no insects except mosquitoes.

The novel deals with Lutheran theology in the background, especially the subject of God's punishment for sins.

Also, there is a new book of non-fiction on this subject of South Dakota during pioneer days entitled The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin. On January 12, 1888, a blizzard hit. The temperature dropped from the 30s to 40 below by midnight. It dropped 18 degrees in 4 minutes at the start of the blizzard. 100 childred died, mostly trying to get home from school. Many more adults died and herds of livestock perished.

Rolvaag calls the last chapter (on the blizzard) of this 465 page book "The Great Plain Drinks the Blood of Christian Men and Is Satisfied."

60% of the population left South Dakota within 10 years after January 12, 1988.

Praying for you and yours the great joy of the birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.

 

Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon is now out in paperback and would make a great Christmas gift for your wife who loves to read wonderful fiction.

Karen

 

Soverignty of God by A W Pink. On Dr Bobs reccomendation. Enjoying it.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Into the Depths of God" by Calvin Miller and "Draw Close to the Fire" by Terry Wardle--both for my D.Min. program.

 

I don't remember who, or in which string of posts, but someone on this board recently mentioned that any book by A.W. Tozer was good; the poster stated that whenever he felt "spiritually dry" he read Tozer. Based on that recommendation earlier this week I picked up a copy of "The Best of A.W. Tozer" (Book One), compiled by Warren W. Wiersbe. I just want to say thanks to whoever posted Tozer's name - this is truly some great reading! BruceB

 

I am reading at several different theology books, as I am completing the writing of a course on systematic theology.

I'm also reading through the "Book of Mormon" - research material.

 

Just finished "The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror" by Natan Sharansky. It is truly one of the best books I have ever read and is inspiring in more ways than one. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Joseph Botwinick

 

Just finished "The Hacker Ethic" by Pekka Himanen

 

I think the title is " the Legacy of Sovereign Joy" by John Piper. What an awsome book!!!

 

I am now reading American Soldier by Tommy Franks. Enjoying it so far. I am planning on reading Phillip Roth's "The Plot Against America" next.

Joseph Botwinick

 

The Anti-Federalists: Men of Great Faith and Forbearance by David J. Siemers.

 

Just finished CS Lewis' space trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strength). Starting Grisham's A Time to Kill.

 

I am just starting to read The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James.

The next book on deck is the Confession by St. Augustine.

 

I am just about to finish "The Yom Kippur War" by Abraham Rabinovich. It's a great book about the war between the Israelis and the Arabs in October 1973. Very detailed and very well written.

 

Sounds good. I might check that out.

Joseph Botwinick