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The mark of a great book, in part, is that it is worth re-reading. It is great because it addresses great ideas. Mark Twain said that a great book is one everyone wishes he'd read, but hadn't. Below is an annotated bibliography of books I believe fit into this category, both fiction and non-fiction. Some are reference works. I will also include children's books and young adult novels. Click on the image of the book and it will open another window taking you to the amazon.com page from which you can explore the book further and even place an order. |
Non-Fiction
Book |
Title | Annotation |
|---|---|---|
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| How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler |
You can hardly go wrong reading anything by Mortimer Adler, but this one ought to be read by everyone who takes reading seriously. It is a primer on how to read for understanding. This man's works have stimulated my thinking in ways few other writers have. I have a link to a site that features Mr. Adler's works on the Favorite Links page. |
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Truth for Today Commentary Series ed. by Eddie Cloer |
Representing the scholarship available in churches of Christ is this new commentary series. The list of contributors and proposed contributors can be found at the link provided at the end of this annotation. Already available are two volumes on Acts, two volumes on Revelation and two volumes on the Life of Christ. These six volumes were written David Roper. One volume on Psalms (1-50) is available, written by Eddie Cloer, the General Editor for the series. Truth for Today |
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What the Bible Says about God the Creator by Jack Cottrell |
These three by Jack Cottrell certainly fit into the category of books with which I would want to be stranded on a desert island. They provide a thorough survey of the work of God. Professor Cottrell has successfully argued that most, if not all the work of God, can be summarized in His work as Creator, Ruler and Redeemer. These books were originally printed by College Press, but are now kept in print through Wipf and Stock Publishers. |
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What the Bible Says about God the Ruler by Jack Cottrell |
Dr. Cottrell's second volume on the nature and work of God centers on God's work in providence. Fundamental to any study of Yahweh, is his work as Creator. Now His work as sustainer and provider, as ruler over that which He created is the focus. Dr. Cottrell works diligently to be faithful to the text of Scripture. He also provides critiques of some of the prominent ideas held by some in each book. Thank you Wipf and Stock for keeping these in print. |
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What the Bible Says about God the Redeemer by Jack Cottrell |
This third volume focuses on the subject of God's work in redeeming that which He created. If a good God created the world, how did it go wrong? That is a profound question, and one that is answered in this book, along with material on how He plans to redeem it. As I said above, I would want to take these three volumes with me to a desert island if I were only allowed to take 10 books. (Of course, I would want these three volumes to count as one. It's only fair.) |
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Bible Words and Theological Terms: Made Easy by Wayne Jackson |
There is so much concise information given per entry that entire lessons could be based on most of the words discussed. I am featuring this book only as a sample of the books written by Wayne. If you click on the image to the left, it will take you to the site where you can order this book. (It is also available in hardbound.) From there, you can navigate to the other books he has written. (Check out my interview with Wayne.) |
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Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis |
A brother in Christ was challenged by an atheistic acquaintence to read a book he had absolutely no interest in. The atheist offered to read any book this brother wanted him to read if he would read the book. When he asked me what book I would recommend the man to read, Mere Christianity was the book I recommended. Some have argued that this book has turned many uninformed hearts around. |
A Guide to Bible Study by J. W. McGarvey |
This is a treasure chest of information. It provides general overviews of each section of Scripture (Law, History, Poetic etc.) then provides a general introduction to each book in the Bible. I am not all that thrilled about all the "help' Bibles on the market, but if you could wed brother McGarvey's comments with my favorite ASV (or some other reliable translation) that would be a Bible to market. This book only retails for $3.50. You can order a copy at www.starbible.com or by calling 800.433.7507. | |
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Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview by J. P. Moreland and William Lane Craig |
This book is written by two of the most respected names in apologetics today. It is a textbook written in a readable form, not for the lighthearted. But don't let that scare you. The book is worth whatever effort you give it. This is a must have for you apologetic buffs. |
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The Question of God by Dr. Armand Nicholi |
Dr. Nicholi has taught a course at Harvard for nearly 25 years comparing the life and works of C. S. Lewis with Sigmund Freud. This book is the fruit of his studies and well worth reading. Here comes a spoiler: He is in favor of C. S. Lewis. If further interested, you can purchase a 4 hour program featuring Dr. Nicholi, a PBS special exploring, the various subjects addressed in the book. A variety of experts on Lewis and Freud engage in the discussion. |
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Dictionary of Biblical Imagery Edited by Leland Ryken and others |
This book is a treasure trove of information. It focuses on the connotative meaning of words. Included is a literary introduction to every book of the Bible. A literary introduction focuses its attention on the structure and artistry of a book. I have appealed to this work numerous times and found it to be a significant benefit. |
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Words of Delight by Leland Ryken |
This is, by far, one of the most important books I have ever read in helping me understand the Bible. Professor Ryken shows proper respect for the Bible as the word of God and helps the reader to appreciate the beauty and artistry of every book. I used this book as a text book in a school of preaching for several years. Don't miss out on his work with Jim Wilhoit on Effective Bible Teaching either. It is a must read. |
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Have Atheist Proved There is No God? by Thomas B. Warren |
Thomas Warren is one of the handful of men who have had the most impact for good on my thinking. The first book of his I recall reading is Have Atheists Proved There Is No God? A little known fact, if known at all to those outside the churches of Christ, is that Dr. Warren debated Anthony Flew who has renounced his long held atheism. It is the evidence of intelligent design that convinced him otherwise. Anything by brother Warren is well worth your effort to read and consider. www.nationalchristianpress.net |
Fiction
Book |
Title |
Annotation |
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Mansfield Park by Jane Austin |
Real men read Austin. Some of my favorite authors have said that Jane Austin is one of their favorite writers. The two primary women in this story, Fanny Price and Mary Crawford, aptly illustrate the two women Solomon speaks of in Proverbs 9: one named Wisdom the other Folly. Though I don't think Miss Austin had them in mind when she wrote the book, Fanny and Mary are "spitting images" of them. All of Jane Austin's books are well worth your time. |
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Northanger Abbey by Jane Austin |
This is one of Jane Austin's earlier works. In it she creates a spin-off of the gothic novels of her day. One of the more popular of these types of novels receives mention, The Mystery of Udolpho, by Ann Radcliffe. The heroine of Miss Austin's tale interprets every event in her life by the standard of these gothic tales only to realize, with the help of the hero in the story, that it was all a figment of her imagination. Real life, she discovers has enough of its own twists and turns to keep one occupied. This book is comic genius. |
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin |
Mr. Darcy is Pride and Miss. Bennet is Prejudice in this outstanding story and study of character. I have attempted to write a novel, but my efforts seem juvenile when compared to the ability of Jane Austin to convey the multi-facets of human nature and character. This book, like all of her books is worth reading. In fact, I wrote a two-part article in "Reflections" on one if the characters in this book. read more... |
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Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin |
There are two heroines in this story, Elinor, the embodiment of sense, and Marianne, the embodiment of sensibility. Marianne turns life into a melodrama. But the novel is more complex than my simplified version of it. Both women learn to embibe some of the traits of the other. The movie version with Emma Thompson as Elinor is worth the time. The BBC has recreated all 5 of Miss Austin's novels, which I plan to check out. |
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Emma by Jane Austin |
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Persuasion by Jane Austin |
Faerie Tales
| Book | Title | Annotation |
|---|---|---|
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The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame |
If you want to treat your children to a classic tale about the joys of friendship and loyalty, this is the book. It is written in a beautifully simple style. If you like it check out the sequels written by William Horwood: The Willows in Winter, Toad Triumphant, and The Willows and Beyond. |
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Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney |
Doing everything I could to avoid reading anything of substance when I was young, this is one of the many classics I passed up. If I had only known Beowulf was a hero who braved fighting dragons. To enjoy it even more, treat yourself to the audio book read by the translator. He treats every word as if it were most important. We could all learn a thing or two about the public reading of the Bible from this CD. |
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Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis |
Most readers are familiar with Mr. Lewis' famous Narnia Chronicles. Few are as familiar with what some have deemed his finest work, "Till We Have Faces". This masterpiece is subtitled, "A Myth Retold." It is a reworking of a famous Greek myth that centers around Psyche and Eros. It is filled with a parallel message for man and his relation with the true and living God. This one may not be appreciated on the first read, but it will be on a second, etc. |
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The Princess and the Goblins by George MacDonald |
This is a classic tale for children, but not for children alone. Some have contended that if a book classified as a "children's book" doesn't have anything in it for adults, it is probably not worth the child's time either. This one is well worth the time. If you like this one check out the sequel, The Princess and Curdie and MacDonald's Complete Fairy Tales. If you want a beautifully hand bound hard bound copy, visit www.johannessen.com. |
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The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien |
I first read this tome in 2002, but having learned so much more about the book through those who have taught it for decades, I am convinced that I read it much like having eaten a choice piece of meat as a cheap hamburger. It deserves another read, and another after that. Don't miss the prequel, The Hobbitt. Tolkien was voted author of the century. See Shippey's book, J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century. |