Have you ever considered which books have had the greatest impact on your life? Besides the Bible, which obviously is the most important Book, I have read hundreds, maybe thousands, of books and they all have more or less helped shape my thinking, but in considering which ones really impacted my thinking, only a handful stand out distinctly. Some are thoroughly Christian, such as The Pilgrim's Progress, and some are classics, like Ben Hur. A few are comparatively unknown, or like The Heir of Redclyffe, were once bestsellers, but now receive only a passing mention in some encyclopedia and are almost entirely out of print. Please note that I do not recommend all these books for all readers; this is simply a list of the books that rise above the crowd when I mentally review the literature I have read. They are not listed in order of importance, because I could not decide on which were the most important. Read them, and see for yourself.
Showing posts with label Literature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Literature. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Fantasy Series: Fantasy is Addictive
Frankly, I did not mean to write this entire blog post in the style I did, but as it turned out, I felt led just to publish almost the whole thing in story format instead of as an article. Maybe it will at least be easier to read...
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"Susie, have you completed that assignment on the French Revolution?"
Susie hastily slid The Return of the King into her desk, picked up her pencil, and was bent over the history book which lay before her, resting her left forefinger beside the paragraph which she was reading, when Mom opened the bedroom door. Mom was pleased to see her being so diligent, but repeated her question as Susie looked up from her book, apparently surprised by her mother's appearance.
"No ma'am," she answered, pushing away the guilty feeling which told her she should have been working on her research paper instead of reading Tolkien's classic. But that book was just impossible to put down...
Saturday, March 11, 2017
My First Book: A project which most of my readers have probably forgotten...
Have you ever had a project that just sort of lingered on and on, and you could not get it quite right? Well, my first book has been just such a project...
Perhaps a few of you still remember my first attempts at writing, which were dutifully published here on this blog. What began as a short story turned into a full-length novel, and and it took me about three years to write it. In the process, I learned a lot about writing, but I also learned that my skills as a writer have lots and lots of room for improvement. So... All of that to say, part of the reason I haven't posted the whole book since I "finished" it several months ago, is because I have been wanting to go back through it and re-write the whole thing. The reason I'm sharing it now is because I hate unfinished projects, and this one feels unfinished until I actually take the leap and share it.
So, please forgive the mistakes, only laugh at the parts that are supposed to be funny, and then let me know if you liked it, and what you think could be improved!
And may the Lord use this for His glory. (Truly, it doesn't have any of its own!) :)
Journeying in the Light (full length PDF)
*Please forgive the footnotes being scattered throughout the pages, instead of just at the bottom of pages. I tried to fix this problem but just couldn't get it right. :(
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Book/ Radio/ TV Series Review: The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger Rides
By Fran Striker
Rating: 4 out of 10
Hold onto your hats as you read this rip-roaring tale! Filled with intrigue, action, and gun-slinging cow punchers who use colorful language and bleed freely, this story will keep you on the edge of your seats! Look out for the blazing six-guns as you--- but wait: is this the kind of book Christians should be reading?
Monday, August 15, 2016
Book Review: The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper
The Deerslayer
By James Fenimore Cooper
Rating: 7 out of 10
Set in the wilderness of upstate New York just at the beginning of the French and Indian War, this story is the first of James F. Cooper’s famous “Leatherstocking Tales”. Natty Bumpo, or the Deerslayer is the main character. His simple honesty and unusual skill with the long rifle, added to his quickness in wilderness warfare, bring him safely through a sudden Indian attack, and a short captivity.
Book Review: The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper
The Deerslayer
By James Fenimore Cooper
Rating: 7 out of 10
Set in the wilderness of upstate New York just at the beginning of the French and Indian War, this story is the first of James F. Cooper’s famous “Leatherstocking Tales”. Natty Bumpo, or the Deerslayer is the main character. His simple honesty and unusual skill with the long rifle, added to his quickness in wilderness warfare, bring him safely through a sudden Indian attack, and a short captivity.
Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain
Rating: 3 out of 10 stars
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (and it’s even more popular sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) would certainly be high on a list of the most famous and popular American novels. These books “capture the spirit of American boyhood in the pre-Civil war era” and are a “nostalgic and humorous look at the naivete and simple eagerness of childhood”. They are filled with dry humor, and combine the unlikely and adventurous with an unusually keen portrayal of real character and everyday life. The pranks and attitudes of the boys (and girls) in the story are described in vivid and lifelike language, and the idiosyncrasies of Aunt Polly and the other adult characters provide an excellent foil for the children. Tom’s creativity and imagination are hilarious; especially his idea of what a pirate’s or robber’s life is like.
But are these books good reading material for Christians?
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Why Christians and Home-schoolers Should Not Read Fantasy- Pt. 1 (Summary)
What we read is very important, especially for children in their formative years. As Christians, we should be seeking the Lord and following Scriptural principles in our choice of literature. It has been on my heart for some time to write this article, but I kept putting it off until two weeks ago, when I listened to a Christian home-school podcast which was discussing fantasy, and speaking of its importance in a child's learning. I believe that the reading (and watching) of fantasy has had a very negative impact on our society, and that it is not a fitting genre for any Christian to read. I know this statement may seem a bit shocking, since fantasy has been widely accepted in Christian circles for quite a few years now. Because of this, I realize that many sincere Christians read and watch fantasy books and movies without ever realizing how damaging they can be. But for those of us who want to follow the Lord wherever He leads, we should be willing to sacrifice anything that hinders our relationship with Him, or is contrary to His Word, the Bible. Please take a few minutes now to read and consider these points about the fantasy genre, which you may never have considered before.
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The Daisy Chain, and The Trial, by Charlotte Mary Yonge
The Daisy Chain, and The Trial
By Charlotte M. Yonge
Set in 19th century England, The Daisy Chain is the story of a country doctor’s large family. The characters in this story are many and varied: from the quiet and gentle Richard, to impulsive and awkward Ethel; self-possessed Flora and emotional and brilliant Norman. There are eleven children, and each has his or her own character. The Doctor himself is much like Ethel; impulsive, warm hearted, intelligent, and kind. He is far from perfect, however, and sometimes his hasty words and actions startle his children, or cause misunderstandings in the town.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Book Review: To Have and To Hold, by Mary Johnston
To Have and To Hold, by Mary Johnston
Rating: 4 out of 10 stars
To Have and To Hold is Mary Johnston’s best known novel, and is set in the early days of America, in the settlement of Jamestown. It is a romance novel, telling the story, in the first person, of Captain Percy’s hasty marriage, and the wild, unpredictable adventures to which it led.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Book Review: The Key to the Riddle, by Margaret S. Comrie
The Key to the Riddle, a story of Hugenot days, by Margaret Simson Comrie
Also published as: A Loyal Hugenot Maid
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
Browsing through Librivox one day, I ran across this book. I liked the reader, and generally found her choice of books to be quite good, so decided to listen to it while working on a sewing project. Well, I immediately found myself immersed in the lives of Azerole and Leon Montoux, and listened almost breathlessly to the story of their dangers, struggles, and final triumph. The author skillfully weaves an interesting story; one with strong elements of wholesome mystery and romance, some Swiss history, and the spiritual development of Azerole and her brother.
The tale begins when Azerole and Leon are driven from their peaceful home by the ruthless troops of the Duke of Austria. Footsore and on the verge of despair, they are conducted by a kind friend to the castle Brianza, where Azerole finds a cold shelter, almost forced from the lady of the castle by her friend. Her brother also finds a home nearby, and the two encourage each other in their faith, despite the trials they meet with in their homes, and the uncertainty of their parents' fate.
Azerole is puzzled by the contradictory emotions displayed by her cold, haughty mistress in the castle; and accidentally stumbles upon a mystery, hidden in the castle, and the chatelaine's heart. She enjoys teaching the little crippled ward of her mistress, Christophe, and pours out on him the love of Christ, though his guardian seems to resent her teaching at times. The trouble she is in only deepens when the son of the chatelaine returns home for a visit. The evil Abbe Tetu hunts for the secret Madame Heloise is hiding, and plots begin to form around her, her son, Azerole, and even poor crippled little Christophe. Leon too has his own troubles, and there seems little hope for a happy ending for either of them, but they are upheld by the faith that God holds "the key to the riddle" of their lives, and will only do that which is best for them.
A thought regarding age of readers:
While this book is certainly not perfect, it is a very enjoyable and interesting story. It is well written, and most importantly, is written from a distinctly Christian perspective. I do not recommend it for young children, but ages 14 and up will enjoy it. There is very little violence in it, but a strong element of romance. For the most part it is in the proper boundaries, but it may be wise to discuss guarding one's heart when allowing a child to read this. Just because "everything comes right in the end" doesn't mean that it always will, and many families have been made miserable because the parents are unequally yoked. A Christian girl can never be too careful in guarding her heart; especially when the young man is not a Christian. (See Chapter 15.)
Links:
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Two More Chapters: Journeying in the Light 12 and 13
I just realized that the last time I posted a chapter of Journeying in the Light was March 5th, 2015. I'm sorry I have been away from it for so long! Finally I have been making some real progress, and am getting nearer the climax and end of the story. Thank you for being patient with my first major attempt at writing!
For previous chapters, please visit this link: Journeying in the Light
Saturday, August 1, 2015
The Chronicles of Narnia: Allegory or Trojan Horse?
First, let me say that I did not write this blog post to cause trouble, or be controversial. I write it in sincere love to my brothers and sisters in Christ who may not recognize this series of books for what it really is. I know this is a rather lengthy article, but please read it anyway, especially if you are a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, or know people who are.
My prayer is that the Lord will speak through this article, and that only what is true will be presented.
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