Today we went to the library. I love the library! Its one of the best places ever! Today it was even better because they were having a giant book sale. They were practically giving away classics...so we bought most of the books (pretty much free!!) and added another shelf to our library.
And I started thinking....how lucky we are to have books! Most of us here have the wonderful blessing of learning how to read. And so often this blessing and gift is put to waste. Books are the foundation to all of civilization!
There is nothing sadder to see kids wasting hours in front the TV when they could be exploring new and old worlds...and becoming better educated by reading!
Plus...does anything smell better than the inside of an old book?
So here is a list of some of my favorites....in no particular order.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hasseini
Kind of a depressing book with lots of violence BUT very interesting and calls to awareness. Its about a girl who lives in the modern middle east. Good story of triumph and overall inspiring--if you can get over the blood.
The Robe and Magnificent Obsession- both by Lloyd C. Douglas
I love Lloyd Douglas! He is a wonderful writer and has so many hidden messages in his books. The Robe is a great story of Christ’s ministry and forgivness. It ultimately follows one of the roman soldiers that crucified Christ and his attempt to clear what he had done. Its very inspiring and places you back into Christ’s life and miracles. Magnificent Obsession is one of my favorites. It follows a boy who tries to justify his life after accidently taking the life of another man. It is AMAZING! I especially love that it kind of talks about brain surgery (which i have a fascination for). Its a great reminder of what any one person can do and the power of forgivness and potential. Both of the storylines are very similar you will find- but each wonderful!
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand is such a thought provoking writer. She can see into the future so well- its almost frightening! If you get a chance to watch or read some of her interviews- do it! She is extremely intelligent, at least in a political sense. Its been awhile since I last read Atlas Shrugged, but from what I can remember from it it shows a dystopian United States. After the leading citizens refuse to run buissnesses where they are exploited by increasing taxes and rules---they all just leave. And pretty much leave America in ruin. It explores the failure of government coercion. Its a twisty book and fascinating! The first 500 or so pages are kind of slow- but you will reach a part where it just kabooms. There are some dirty parts however. But you wont look at our government or country the same. It’s kind of long...but dont let that scare you!! And the best part is by the end you will know the answer to the question--who is john galt?
Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Scary book about China’s fall into communism. Very informative and one you cant put down! Its fascinating to watch a whole country turn to complete apathy.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie is the best mystery writer in the world. You should read all her books, but this one is the best. You just go along reading it like any normal murder mystery--but the ending will take your breath away! Don’t cheat and look ahead!! Also golden by Agatha Christie is And Then There Were None.
Mere Christianity and the Screwtape Letters- both by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis is a mastermind. Mere Christianity explains christianity in unique and thought provoking ways. Screwtape Letters is fairy comical and follows the devil training one of his minions through letters. Its also an interesting view on things.
Anna Karenina and War and Peace- Leo Tolstoy
Its hard to be brief about these two book. Basically Tolstoy is AMAZING and incredible and just the best! The depth he develops his characters into is just….so amazing. Anna Karenina shows the downfall of a great woman- its sad and a tragedy. But inspiring at the same time. War and Peace follows the war of 1812. The characters will be your best friends forever. The symbolism and story will be engrained in your soul forever and you will finally understand my love for Russia! I could say more...but I wont. Tolstoy is amazing though! Did you know that when he died thousands of peasants lined the streets and cried for him? He had such a GOOD huge impact in the lives of so many! Truly a devoted, amazingly intelligent and kind man.
My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult
I reccommend this one with a few reservations. It can be quite dirty if I remember right. But the storyline is pretty intense and does make you think about the value of life and what we really owe to one another. I was able to personally connect to the story and maybe thats why I liked it so much...but either way its a least an entertaining read. House Rules is a good one too- I actually like that one better.
Little Britches and Fields of Home by Ralph Moody
Any book by Ralph Moody is great. Most of them are about his farm life childhood and they are just warm and fuzzy books! They have some great subtle lessons too. These books made me want to move to a farm.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Another book that makes you think. Short and easy.
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
I love this book so much but I’m not really sure why. I think I just love the simplicity of the life this jewish boy and his dad live and their dedication. Its a great story of friendship and growing up. I also really love the sequel...I think that ones called “The Promise”. That one is especially good because it studies a bit of psychology and mental illness in it. Super fascinating!
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This book makes me want to go run through some mud and eat weeds. Let me know if you have the same feelings after reading it. Obviously its a great book too.
The Illiad and Odyssey by Homer
Both books everyone should read. They are kind of hard to get through but you will understand where every other book get their roots from!
The Scarlett Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
An extremely entertaining book that will also educate you on the history of Paris during the reign of terror. Its a classic and I love it!
Don Quixote by Miguel D Cervantes
This book continually gets voted as being the most influential and best novel ever written! Hopefully I can read it in spanish soon This book has it all- it is hilarious and a romance, symbolic, educational, inspiring and just wonderful! You will love it and hold it in your heart forever. Also you will see little signs of this book in tv shows, books, talks and everywhere you go! Its like a whole new world opens up!
Papa Married a Mormon by John D Fitzgerald
This one might be hard to find. The copy we have of it looks a hundred years old and is in pieces. Such a cute little book! Its about this rugged man who marries a sweet mormon girl in the early Utah days. Its funny and cute and has a decent message if I remember correctly.
Yearning for the Living God by F. Enzio Busche
A incredible book by an incredible man! You wont look at the world the same after this one. You could read it a million times too. So many great inspirations in this book.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
Of course Faulkner is an amazing author but this one really takes the cake. Its insanely hard to read (ha- thats an understatement) but try and get through it! He uses a unique technique called “stream of concious” through the book. Basically it follows the thoughts of the characters minds. You are not sure whose thoughts you are reading. The hard part is our thoughts are not always in the present. We can see something in the present and our mind will jump back to a previous time long ago or any other random incident. The challenge is to try and make some sense of the book! But its worth it--spark notes is very helpful throughout.
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
10000000x better than the movie! 1,600 pages looks like a lot! But it goes by fast! You just really have to read all of it to truly know the characters. And trust me...the characters are worth truly knowing. Even just the frist 50 pages where it only talks about the bishop...ahhh! so amazing! Victor Hugo is so incredible.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe
The book that got the Civil War underway. It will make you cry but you will finish it inspired and enlightened. I couldnt say enough good about this book. Absolutely incredible.
Alas Babylon by Pat Frank
A scary/fascinating book about what would happen if an atomic bomb went off in America. I think its pretty accurate and shows how good it is to be prepared! Also shows how some people react to crisis and the right way to act when everything blows up! A good message and a wonderful book!!
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This book has my heart all tied up forever. If only I could be like Atticus.
Austenland by Shannon Hale
This one is just fun
Farenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury
Bradbury is another of my favorites. Such an excellent writer!! This one is especially good. Even if you’ve read it before-- read it again!! Something Wicked This Way Comes is another good one. It’s scary--but something about it is just so enticing!
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Oh I love this book so so much!! Its sad but so inspiring!! You will love the family in a depressed sort of way. Somehow I related to this book. I just love it!! Read it!! and then look up Jeanette afterwards--she is doing great!
The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
This might be the one rare exception where the movie is better than the book. So watch the movie or read the book- they’ll take you about the same time. Either way you’ll get the inspiring message.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
A wonderful book until the end when it will rip your heart up! But its a great heartwarming book all the same that will inspire you to love and know how to behave when life gets rough. Its great.
Others by Blaine Yorgason
A book with a different heartwarming random story in each chapter.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Oh my goodness...this book is really the best. So inspiring, so enlightening, so awesome. Its about this girl who grows up really poor in Brooklyn and has a bit of a tough family situation. But she pulls herself up by the bootstraps and makes a great life for herself. I especially love her love of books!
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I dont care what you have heard about this book...it is great. I could read it a million times. Read it just to get to know Melanie (why does no one ever talk about her? She is the best!) So much about this book is wonderful.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
A classic book about love and dedication. You will be inspired and fall in love! It also has some twists in it to keep things interesting
And There Was Light by Jacques Lusseyran
An enlightening book about a man who goes blind but is led by a “light”. I think you will especially like this one. Its quite remarkable.
The Fishers of Men Series by Gerald N Lund
Elder Lund is a phenominal writer. I especially this series because you feel like you really understand Christ’s life through it. These are books you just want to hug! I promise you will adore them
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
This book is just good. Its a classic and is a bit shocking I think. Stick with it--its worth it!!
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
This book reminds you of the importance of hard work and the value of this land we are given. Its hard to get through at times but you will like it by the end. The culture in it is a bit shocking.
Fire of the Covenant by Gerald N Lund
The story of the Willie and Martin handcart company told in a masterful way! You will cry...a lot. But its worth it!
Oh Pioneers and My Antonia by Willa Cather
Willa Cather is one of my favorites. Oh Pioneer is a bit on the depressing side by My Antonia is all good! I dont know why I love these books so much...but they are classics!
One Thousand Gifts by Ann “something”
A good reminder to be thankful and find joy everyday! A true inspiration all the way through
Blue Willow by Doris Gates
A child book but I adore it! It reminds you to be grateful.
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Spear
A touching book about a man during Christ’s time. The history through it is great and the ending is magnificent! I read it for the first time when I was 8 and it has stayed one of my favorites since then.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
I saved the best for last!! This book is amazing on all levels! It is the best and one everyone should read at least a thousand times. I have read it every three months (for the exception of my misson time) for the past 9 years and I still cry and laugh and love it more every time! A story about the Holocaust and concentration camps and all that...but written in such an inspiring and uplifting way! You will come away just singing of love for everyone and with such a strong desire to just be better! It should be added in at the back of the Bible or something. Corrie Ten Boom is one of the first people I want to meet in Heaven. I could talk about this book for days. It is wonderful. Everyone who hasnt read it yet should cry and be ashamed. Buy this book. It is worth having.
I love eqyptian and roman history and Beyond the Desert Gate by Mary Ray and God King by Joanne Williamson are great! Also inspiring tales of service!
If you feel like some more heavy reading--The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon, Plato’s The Republic and The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu are good ones to explore! (or fall asleep to) ;)
Other authors to explore when you are finished with the above…
Louisa Marie Alcott- love this author! Someone you can count on for a wondeful story. She writes more for children but her stories are timeless and can be read whenever! Some of my favorites from her-- Little Woman, Old Fashioned Girl, Eight Cousins, Rose in Bloom and Under the Lilacs.
Gene Stratton Porter- this author makes you want to live outside or something. Some of my favorites-- Girl of the Limberlost and the sequels to that
Go read all the Harry Potter Books
Jane Austen never lets you down
Charles Dickens is great as well--but you have to be in the right mood for him.
Thats all for now...but I have more!! Let me know when you have finished!
Happy Reading!
