What I'm Reading

Is this cool or what? Now I can share what I'm reading. I'm generally reading 3 books at one time, you can see them on my bookshelf. Click the little arrow to see more books. I'll keep adding them as the year goes on.

I had to change my layout to allow for the bookshelf. I think it was time for a change anyway. Now I need to see if I can find a widget for "What's On My CD Player." Heck, you could go on ad infinitum; What's on my stove, What's on my back, What's on my wall........

Audience Participation: Favorite Reads

Why is it that we love lists? Best movies, best Roadfood, worst dressed, 10 best places to visit, best list of Best Lists, and on and on it goes. Today I came across this list of Desiring God's favorite books for 2007. Fun stuff. Go ahead and list your favorite reads-for last year, or for your lifetime-in the comments section.

I'll start. It is hard to narrow a list down to my favorite books. Here is a short list. I may update it as they come to me.

Lord of the Rings-J.R.R. Tolkien

The Count of Monte Cristo-Alexandre Dumas. A great book (and decent movie) dealing with providence, revenge, and grace.

Winston Spencer Churchill: The Last Lion Alone-William Manchester. If we don't understand history, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.

Phantom Tollbooth-Norton Juster. Best 'children's' book evah.

Wild at Heart-John Eldredge. This booked rocked my world and is a continuing inspiration and influence.

Desiring God-John Piper. I consider Piper my second pastor. His theology of Christian hedonism has changed the way I view God, life, and God's desire for our lives.

That's my short list. I look forward to reading yours.

Who Is John Galt?

Today, October 10, 2007, is the 50th anniversary of the publication of the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. I've read the book twice. The book was recommended to me during my college days by my girlfriend's mom. For the next week or two I spent all my waking hours reading the book and few waking hours with her daughter. I read it again a few years ago; and again put life on hold as I ravenously read through all 1,084 pages. Of all the books that I've read in my life, Atlas Shrugged is one of the most gripping, well-written, thought provoking, memorable books to grace my library. John Piper has a well-balanced review and perspective on the book here.