Book Tag

Okay Cheryl, here it is. I ‘m nervous when it comes to discussing books because I don’t consider myself well read especially where fiction is concerned. I started a journey to read great literature over a year ago, but I have taken few steps. I get contemptuous taunts from Virginia Wolf and Cervantes every time I dust their spines. Yet, in my ridiculous quest to be “edjamucated,”I continuously buy more for the journey. Brothers Karamazov and Daisy Miller just rolled their eyes. I also do that awful thing and read two or three books at a time...must be part of the mood thing.

1. How many books do you own? I own too many. I just counted and had to stop. It is in the hundreds, many are unread. I think a book compulsion has been discovered!

2. What was the last book you bought? I bought a used copy of, That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis in the used section of the library. It is the third book of his Space trilogy and basically is a parable about the degeneration of man as a result of his worship of scientific materialism.

3. What was the last book you read? I just finished the last pages of Blue Like Jazz by Don Miller. I read most of it several months ago and got distracted. It was humorous and meaningful, but I enjoyed Anne Lamott’s version, Traveling Mercies, much better.

4. Name five books that mean something to you. This is hard. I would never part with my copy of, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I love her style of writing and the book themes are so wonderful. I think the essence of children is captured so well in this story.

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen is a very important book for me spiritually. I loved that he became spiritually inspired through a masterpiece of Rembrandt. It’s a good example of the role art plays in worship and creativity. Tied with the Prodigal is N.T. Wright’s, The Challenge of Jesus. It had an effect on how I thought about what my mission in life might be.

I really got emotional after reading Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. She is an excellent writer. It’s a great picture of the underlying dysfunction of, families, the church/religion and nations; with nature of course always having the last word. I was born on the continent and in the same time of history in which the story takes place in.

Eloise by Kay Thompson is one of my favorite children’s books. There is really something in this book you are supposed to get. I identify with Eloise. I like to think about Jesus as Eloise thinks about her nanny... He is my, “ Mostly Companion.”

I think I am relatively still sane because of the words in the book of Psalms. I believe its human writers were inspired to draw upon and embrace the beauty of worship, mystery, creation and suffering. My favorite chapters are many but I love chapters 23 and 42.

If I really read more literature this list would probably change, but this is how it is off the top of my head right now...I tag Kristine, Ramon, and Sherry.