Here’s a question that comes up a lot: “What kind of books do you like to read?” As an author, I firmly believe that reading widely is essential to good writing. Just like the food we eat, the things we read help to shape us into who we are.
As for food, I’ll eat anything. As for books, if the truth be told, I do tend to hover in same few areas of the bookstore. But I have been trying to stretch my “palate’ a bit. Looking at my reading pile, I see a few books I’d like to share with you:
My favorite author! I’ll do a separate post on Aleksandr Isayevich later. This is the second book of The Red Wheel which was supposed to be a series of three books. The first was 1914. Sadly, Solzhenitsyn died before completing them.
The books tell the story of Russia during WWI and the events leading up to the revolution. Solzhenitsyn’s masterful writing transports you to the time and place like no other author I’ve ever read.
I just started this book on the recommendation of a friend. I was already interested in Byzantine culture, but this book fills in the blanks. Judith Herrin takes what might seem like dry history and gives it life. You begin to understand the mindset of the people and personalities that shaped one of the greatest empires in the history of the world.
Contemplative Life in the World is considered a classic of spiritual writing for laypeople. From the Translator’s Preface:
“Mlle. Goichon makes it clear that while contemplation is not necessary for salvation, it is a privilege–a vocation–to be preciously nurtured and fulfilled.”
Mlle. Goichon presents her arguments in a simple, direct way which is never patronizing or condescending. You feel she understands the challenges of laypeople pursuing a deeper walk with God in their everyday lives. I heartily recommend this book especially, to my fellow Benedictine oblates! The book is out of print, but good copies are available.
Along with Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows, this is my favorite “children’s” book. Edward Bear, aka Winnie the Pooh, the bear of little brain, is beloved by children and adults alike. His adventures, often accompanied by his assortment of sidekicks, lead the sensitive reader to discover that this bear is really quite wise. No matter how blue I may feel, I never fail to smile when I read this book!
So what’s on your bookshelf? What books have you read recently that really spoke to you? Don’t be afraid to share with the class.
Okay, so my favorite book in the whole wide world, is….WINNIE THE POOH! Although he often purports to be somewhat self-absorbed, he is, more often than not, the most selfless, kindest, and sweetest little bear in the world. His innocence and charm and general “squidginess” never ever cease to remind me that that’s exactly how Christ wants me to be (okay, not necessarily squidgy, but you know what I mean!). Jesus told us to be like the little children…so I try to be like Pooh and Christopher Robin as much as possible!