Thanks for the tag, DK.
1. One book that changed your life:
How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Oh, I know - I should choose the bible or some such, but we are to be honest, right? When I was in my little home church, I was forced to read this book - twice. Literally. I was not allowed to do anything until I had read it through 2 times. Probably the nicest thing anyone has ever done to me. Probably the only thing I will never regret from my time there. I went through a serious time over the next 8 years of reading 7 Habits - type book. Completely changed the way I deal with the world, and made me a much happier person.
You would not be reading this blog if I had not read those books - I ga-ran-tee it.
2. One book that you’ve read more than once:
Well, we'll pass on the obvious one from above.
Thomas Covenant, The Chronicles of the Unbeliever. Thomas, the "hero" of this book, finds a new way on every page to make you hate him. And I don't mean the kind of "wink-wink" hatred you have for Bruce Willis's characters, either. I mean, "Dude you really need to die and let these people work out their own problems without you," hatred. From the first page, I identified completely with Thomas, and I wept with every person he hurt along the way. If you loved The Lord of the Rings, go ahead and stay away from this one.
3. One book you’d want on a desert island:
Shipbuilding 101.
Yes, it sounds like a cheap, lame answer, but... Seriously, I read for information, not joy these days. I talk to people and blog for joy, so I would seriously doubt whether I could survive on a desert island. Let's just say Wilson would be working overtime to keep me level!
4. One book that made you laugh:
The fiv-ish books of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy. Douglas Adams was virulently atheistic, but the magic he works with words is unparalleled. You've not read anything until you have read him describe the world through a rhinocerous's eyes - or rather nose.
5. One book that made you cry [or feel really sad]:
Ender's Game
And I don't mean just cry either. I put down the book, walked away and wept for almost a half hour. Orson Scott Card liked to killed me, man. I don't honestly know whether anyone else reacted to that scene the way I did, but if you wonder which it was, you can email me. I won't spoil it for anyone who has not read it yet.
6. One book that you wish had been written:
The biography of the church. Not the history, but the biography. It would look like a biography of a vine tree, but it would be one story full of names of people who had placed her life before their own.
7. One book that you wish had never been written:
The Victorious Christian Life, and all books about being a successful Christian. May their tribe be eternally banished from all publishing houses.
8. One book you’re currently reading:
An Absolute Sort of Certainty. The Holy Spirit and the Apologetics of Jonathon Edwards
I know, I know. It sounds dry, but only because it is. That's OK. It's a book written about a serious disbeliever in free will (One book of his that I have read is, "The Freedom of the Will: An Inquiry into the Modern Prevailing Notions of the Freedom of the Will which is Supposed to be Essential to Moral Agency, Virtue and Vice, Reward and Punishment, Praise and Blame." though I think that title has been shortened for modern American readers.) by someone that I am not sure agrees with him and that is refreshing. There are about 100 footnotes per chapter, and I don't know ANY of the references. It's pretty fun.
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read:
Religious Affections by Edwards.
10. Now tag five people:
It took me years to get up the courage to talk to a girl, and more years to get the courage to ask one out. Tagging people is similarly, bizarrely hard for me.
So I guess I'd best do it!
I think many of my regulars have already been tagged, so I will try to hit new folk.
Andreia, Ellen, Rich (we miss you dude :-(, DugALug, Oloryn
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18 comments:
oh no! and to have to show that Im such a lightweight interested only in the frailties of the human heart....
Honestly, how can you say, "only" and "such a lightweight" in that sentence? Absolutely the most fascinating visible subject in the universe. I can't wait to hear about 10 human heart books.
Shipbuilding 101!!!!
A-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...*sniff*...AHA...!!
Oh, that's precious, man.
I can relate to the "you must read this book!" thingy. When a person was baptized into the Church back when I became a Christian, we we all had to take a "First Principles" class. We had to memorize a great deal of Scripture, do a study on the book of Acts (including being able to outline the book from memory), and yeah...we had to read a book. (It was a weekly course which lasted 9 or ten weeks. And we were graded! If you did well in the class...you were obviously a good disciple.) But at least we had a choice of three books. I chose "The masterplan of evangelism" And then we had to do a book report on the one we chose. I started my discipleship with a bang...I got an 'A'!!! (Only problem was...I cheated. I never read the book. I read the first few pages, a few from the middle, and the last few. Add that to the "stuff" on the back of the cover, and you got a book report, baby!)
Oh, don't look at me like that! There was volleyball and frisbee to be played! I couldn't waste my time reading about how to save the world from their sins! (Actually, while playing v-ball and frisbee, I shared my faith quite a bit. So who needs books, right?
I assume tagged meens I need to respond... so here it goes:
1. One book that changed your life:
Building Your Self Esteem: A Christian Perspective - by Josh McDowell.
In college I had no mirrors in my apartment. I found my image repulsize. My self-esteem was close to zero. This book really changed my view of me and my relationship with God.
2. One book that you’ve read more than once:
Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand
A really great book for
the Godless Capitolist...lol. Still a great book. I had a tough time picking it over The Screwtape Letters, both are truly brilliant.
3. One book you’d want on a desert island:
I like CP's answer the best. But for me it would have to be Ship-building For Dummies.
In the end, the Bible wins out. End of story.
4. One book that made you laugh:
To Stand Too Close to a Naked Man by Tim Allen (The tool man). One of the funniest books I have ever read. Sure a lot of it was extensions of his stand-up comedy, but it was still great.
5. One book that made you cry [or feel really sad]:
CP wrote Ender's Game ==> I have to say that Ender's Shadow is sadder (I don't know if you read it CP, but it is flat-out better the Enders Game).
For me it was Oliver Twist. It made me down-right thankful for my quiet midwest upbringing.
6. One book that you wish had been written:
(Forgive me Lord!) I would have loved for God to expand the Bible about 10x. For instance the parable of the talents: two guys invested and got returns, and one guy burried his. What about the schmoe who invested and lost?
7. One book that you wish had never been written:
All books that bear the name Bob Tilten ==> One of the many great deceivers.
8. One book you’re currently reading:
Think and grow rich, by Napolean Hill. -> Interesting indeed. Reccomended by my accountant, I find it alarmingly practical.
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read:
Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John Eldridge. I like John a lot, and I have heard great things concerning this book.
10. Now tag five people:
Okay!
God Bless
Doug
P.S. I miss Rich's imput too! I'll pass on your sentiments to him.
Dugalug,
One book that changed your life:
Building Your Self Esteem: A Christian Perspective - by Josh McDowell.
I led a women’s class at church on self esteem it was wonderful. I would encourage everyone to read the book or take a class. It could change you life. I used I love Me, I Love Me Not by Rosemary Whittle McKnight.
DK,
Oh, don't look at me like that!
What, with my new-found admiration for your wisdom and practicality? Well, OK.
I can relate to the "you must read this book!" thingy.
No, I'm not sure you can. NOBODY else was asked to read ANYTHING. No, that was just me, and just that book, and twice through completely. Everyone reading an evangelism book carries no such meaning. :-D
DugALug,
Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand
Hey, that was some eye-opening stuff at the time I read it. Too bad she was such a godless psycho/self-obsessed preacher. I love people like her who have some things massively, extremely right, and everything else is just a shambles.
I'll keep your thoughts on the Ender series in mind. I don't know if I could stand anything sadder, though!
The Oliver Twist recommendation appeals to me, too. Thanks!
Milly,
Great title on that book. Thanks.
OOOOHHHHHhhhhh....
I just caught on. This was an attempt to point something out in your character and personallity.
Well, in that case, you win.
And what's with the "new-found" admiration. What was it before you found it? Casual tolerance?
;-P
Oh my goodness. Even I cant say I cheated on a Christian principals class. That is a hoot!
Everybody ready for this? Dug and I agree on something! Yes Think and Grow Rich is a classic. You must have some accountant. It is appropriate for all areas of life. LOVE, LOVE it.
Dug a lug
Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John Eldridge.
Cool! Can you tell us more about it?
Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul does this frighten some of you men? And can it or rather should it be done?
Okay,
Milly: I'll look up the book. Thanks for the tip.
CP: Rand... sigh... I love all her books. The fountainhead and We The Living were brilliant too. But Ayn was a godless mess.
Andreia: The fact that you agree with me shows that there is not accounting for taste. I tell my wife that, and I remind her of the death do us part clause, as a 'reward' for her momentary lapse of judgement.
As far as captivity:
John Elderage wrote a book called "Wild At Heart" and "Waking the Dead". "Wild" was basic insight into the male, and why society has failed to nurture men. I can't say I completely agreed with it all, but was a well-written, thoughtful read with tons of awesome nuggets. "Waking" was deeper and more chalenging.
The leaf on this book reads:
When you were a little girl, did you dream of being a beautiful princess? Rescued by a dashing hero? Swept away into a great adventure? Best-selling author Eldredge and his wife bring their male and female perspectives to the core desires of a woman and invite you to recover your feminine heart, beauty, and strength.
If it has the insight that Wild At Heart had, I think it will be well worth a gander.
God Bless
Doug
CP,
Know why I told you I will still be dropping by your blog? Because I actually said out loud, "This guy is funny" on your Shippingbuilding 101 ... LOLOLOLOL
That is precious!
I really like your list. I don't think I can come up to anything close to it. My books are boring :)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy
I have not read this one but this is one of my husband's genre of books that he wants to me read. He had me read Fermat's Last Theorem, and I never regretted it. Excellent book.
One book that you wish had never been written: The Victorious Christian Life, and all books about being a successful Christian. May their tribe be eternally banished from all publishing houses.
Amen, Amen and Amen ... and Amen!
One book you’re currently reading: An Absolute Sort of Certainty. The Holy Spirit and the Apologetics of Jonathon Edwards
Hmm ... this would be interesting. I will be on the look out for it.
Im sorry but I had memes because I can never chose one....sorry!
1. One book that changed your life.
Becoming a Person of Influence by John Maxwell
This book taught me to accept and embrace my role as an influencer of people. What I do and how I do it matters. Like Codepoke, this book was a suggested read for me by a woman that I highly respect who was interested in my growth as a leader. It transformed my view of leadership from being a burden to being a great opportunity to listen, to nurture, to empower and to connect with people. It has homework and practical assessments that I found particularly helpful.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This should be required reading.
2. One book that you’ve read more than once:
Transposed Heads by Thomas Mann
This was given to me as a wedding gift and at the time I did not get it at all. After 5 years of marriage, it made so much more sense and I have loved it ever since. I read it every year around my anniversary (11 years come this Thursday, praise God!)
Surrendering to Motherhood by Iris Krasnow
I give this to all new mommies! Krasnow is a journalist that writes frankly about the choice of working with babies. Excellent read.
Anna Karenina,War and Peace Tolstoy
and The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky
I love the huge landscapes of life that Tolstoy and Dostoevsky draw.
3. One book you’d want on a desert island:
If I only had one, I might just die. I guess it would be the bible, but in particular The Message
4. One book that made you laugh:
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
(I laugh and cry)
I know it’s a banned book and a lot of cursing but this book was brought to me in college by a professor at a time when I felt very much on the outs with my cohorts. It was a comic relief and it led to some conversations that changed the way I viewed “phonies” in life.
5. One book that made you cry [or feel really sad]:
Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
This is a tough read about abuse and alcoholism in the South. They made it into a movie, but I couldn't watch it.
and one letter in
All the Best by George Bush (senior)
The topic was "We Need a Girl" written to Barbara after the death of one of their little daughters. It was so touching. The entire book is fascinating.
6. One book that you wish had been written:
The Memoirs of Quiteria Salustiano Lopes
7. One book that you wish had never been written:
I am all for the creative process and can not think of one. As a writer with a few stinky manuscripts to her credit, I was tempted to say one of them. I can not however, as while I am not proud of the outcome of these works, I am proud of the work put into them.
8. One book you’re currently reading:
Between Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
One of my favorite new southern writers.
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read:
Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five
Am I cheating if I answer here? (Btw, I miss all you guys, too.)
A lot of my books will be children's as I read a lot of those and that's what we write. Anyway, here goes:
1. One book that changed your life:
The Book of Three. I blogged on this book a long while ago. It was the one that started my true love of reading when I was about ten, a gift from Lloyd Alexander that I'll never be able to repay. Nonetheless, I gladly accept.
2. One book that you’ve read more than once:
From the same Chronicles of Prydain series, The High King. It's probably my favorite book of all time.
3. One book you’d want on a desert island:
You had a great answer, whatever the reason, Codepoke.
Back to the question... By desert, do you mean the island's made of sand and there's cacti all around or do you mean "deserted," as in nobody else is on it? I'll take the latter.
Either
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare or The Brother's Grimm Fairy Tales. If I can only have one, I'll take Shakespeare.
Was it against the rules to have complete sets?
4. One book that made you laugh:
Crash by Jerry Spinelli
5. One book that made you cry [or feel really sad]:
Feed by M.T. Anderson.
6. One book that you wish had been written:
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. Just a great, great read with enduring characters, good and bad.
A close second goes to:
The Princess Bride by William Goldman (or S. Morgenstern, if you prefer). Need I elaborate?
And it goes without saying, I believe, that if comic books are included, I'd sure loved to have written the first hundred issues or so of The Amazing Spider-Man because Spidey is just the coolest there is.
7. One book that you wish had never been written:
American Gods by Neil Gaiman. As much as I loved Neverwhere and Stardust from Gaiman, I probably disliked American Gods just as much. I went in with high expectations and just never enjoyed it at all. Couldn't recommend it to anyone, and most Christians would probably be pretty offended by at least some of the subject matter. Maybe I'm wrong.
8. One book you’re currently reading:
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. Started a long time ago, put it down after a few chapters, and have recently picked it up again.
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read:
Well, I started into N.T. Wright's Christian Origins set, with The New Testament and the People of God. I didn't get very far. But I want to take it back up, it just seems so heavy and time-consuming (because you have to think about what he's saying a lot to understand some of it). I've been meaning to read it, though. Hopefully, I'm not still saying that when I'm eighty.
10. Now tag five people:
Good try, but I'll have to pass.
Thanks for letting me stop by. Oh, and the REAL answer to all the questions, of course, (except # 7) is Dorkman by Pearce & Story. But then, I'm sure everyone knew that already. ;)
Keep up the great work, Codepoke. I love visiting. You're doing fantastic!!!
Rich!
How is it that I have not read even ONE of your books? :-D
That's alright, I know you'll give me a pass as a cultured person, if I can quote liberally from Dorkman 14 days from now. Is there not somewhere to preorder?
From the same Chronicles of Prydain series
My ex was a big fan of them. Maybe I'll have to break them out of whatever box they landed in.
Great to hear from you. Drop a line any time you'd like.
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