One of the great privileges of being a full-time writer is all the reading I get to enjoy. Fact is, solid reading habits are a key element in the “discipline” of being a professional wordsmith.
Yesterday, while walking through the house, I noticed the pile of books (see photograph) on my side of the bed. I tend to read in a variety of locations, and my regimen would be best described as haphazard, but most “books in progress” find their way to the night-stand. So I took the photograph “as is”, no staging. This is, literally, a snapshot of my current reading habits.
To be honest, I’m fairly pleased with what I see. There’s no “trash” in the stack (although you’ll have to take my word for it regarding the contents of the Kindle), and the selection is a fairly good balance in terms of genre.
The one glaring omission is my Bible. But I captured the image late-afternoon. At that time my Bible was open, and in my study, where I was preparing for the evening “Men’s Room” small group gathering.
So here’s what this writer has been reading recently, and is in the process of reading now:
- People of the Book – This book is top of the stack because I’m just in chapter two. But I’d already recommend the novel. It’s the story of an ancient, illuminated, manuscript, its restoration, and the people “The Book” has touched over the centuries.
- Autobiography of Mark Twain – This is raw Samuel Clements, pretty-much unedited and very random. He instructed publishers to wait until after his death to release the manuscript. It’s Twain’s very personal take on the story of his life and the characters he both knew and invented. Tedious at times, brilliant at others. I’m reading it the same way it was written – a few pages here, a story there – it’ll take a while.
- My Kindle is a work in progress. I’ve discovered that some books work well in the format, others don’t. I just finished reading the Swedish crime mystery trilogy, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s nest” etc…
- La Bella Lingua – Is the first-person story of a woman who fell in love with Italy and the Italian language. Interesting read if you love Italy.
- Crazy Love – I’ve got to be honest, this book was somewhat disappointing. After all the hype and the amazing sales numbers, I was expecting something with better writing and more compelling stories. Chan packs in a load of really great scripture, and his invitation to a more complete relationship with God is a timely word. But, I’m honestly mystified as to why this sold so well…?
- The Natural Speaker – This is a reference book I turn to sometimes when I’m preparing to teach, keynote etc. The text is a little dated, but the concepts are timeless.
- The Geography of Bliss – Researches the premise that some cultures are naturally happier, cheerful, chipper, chirpy and at peace with themselves than others. The author visits several nations and tries to discover what factors favor contentment. The results will surprise you. What didn’t surprise me was the conclusion that material wealth has very little to do with bliss.
- The Unmaking of a Part-Time Christian – No, I didn’t slip this book in the pile so I could talk about it. However, it remains a mystery to me as to why this book (my personal favorite) has sold so poorly.
- In My Heart I Carry A Star: stories for Advent – Believe it or not, Advent and then Christmas are just around the corner. I’m probably offering an on-line class again on the subject so it’s time to catch up on my reading.
Here’s my challenge. Take inventory of what you are currently reading, and what you have recently finished. Now compare your list to where you say (believe/desire) you want to be heading in terms of enriching your mind and your soul.
My rule of thumb: There needs to be a minimum of three “active” books at any given time. One for relaxation/entertainment; one for personal/spiritual growth; and – most importantly of all and every day – the Bible.
Carpe Librum – “Seize the Book” – DEREK
Recently started “The Final Storm: A Novel of the War in the Pacific”, by Jeff Shaara. Before that I recently finished John Grisham’s, “The Confession”, which was very good. I try to alternate between ‘fun’ reading and something to learn from. I’m sorry, ‘something from which to learn.’, for all of those English teachers out there. The most worthwhile book so far was “Unbroken” the true story of Louis Zamparini and his struggles during and after WWII.
Besides books, I read USA Today each day that I am on the road, and Smithsonian’s Air and Space Magazine for aviation news and stories. It takes me forever to get through a book or magazine because I figure if a writer is going to write all of those words, I might as well read them all. But if it can be stated in fewer words, I appreciate that!
Great comment, David! And we appreciate your commitment to read all the words!
BTW, my newest book (in production) is – in the next month – being slimmed down from 160 pages to 140….
Glad to hear it, and good luck. Less is more! Maybe “The Unmaking” can be re-released as, “The Making of a Full-Time Christian” to prevent any head-scratching by us B-average guys. 🙂 I did enjoy the book, though, and passed it along. And while doing so, another guy asked about the book and found it intriguing.
Word is spreading!
Derek,
The books in my pile these days are more and more focused on the house church movement and reaching the unchurched since I’m now a church planter for the United Methodist Church. I’m Associate Pastor at First Brandon with the purpose of starting a new church in Valrico based on the house church model, you know, the one we see in the book of Acts. I’m reading Simple Church by Rainer and Geiger, UnChristian by Kinnaman, Exponential by Ferguson and Ferguson, and Reimagining Church by Frank Viola. And like you, I just recently finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. And I agree wholeheartedly with your three book reading plan. Even in Seminary I always had a fiction book going. It kept me sane or as sane as I’ll ever be!
Hi Kim!
We need to do a Brandon News story (when you’re ready) on the house church thingy
Hey there Derek.
People of the Book is good. But not as good as The Book Thief. You know that Markus Zusak is speaking at Tampa Prep on Oct 13, don’t you? Some of my book club are going. You should come to.
I am currently reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (about the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico and how we should all go barefoot and run a lot), An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon (seventh in a series of fun, time-travel escapist historical fiction), and Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children of All Ages by Harold Bloom (an anthology of good stuff I am reading with the kids – we are reading “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” right now). Of course the Bible in always present. I finally have Love Wins waiting on my night stand next.
TTFN,
Stormy
Great list (I’m not in the least surprised!)
No, didn’t know Zusak is coming to town. Must go – Rebekah too. Thanks for the tip.
For anyone else listening in, “The Book Thief” is simply the best writing I’ve read in, like, decades…
Hey Derek, I’ve raced upstairs and taken a photo of my book piles which I’ll put on Facebook. (I don’t know how to insert photos on here – that’s if it is possible at all.) Here’s my reading list… by the way I always have a number of books on the go as they become good friends and I can’t bear when I finish one – so there have to be others to revert too!!
Yesterday I read, “Beatrice and Virgil,” by Yann Martell. Thought provoking.
Day before, “Visitation,” Jenny Erpenbeck. Strange but very thought provoking too. Both novels, but both with second world war commentary. worth reading.
Also on the go – by my bed: “26662 by Roberto Bolano. (I’m about a quarter of the way through and still don’t know what it’s about – but it’s beautifully written!
“Snow” by Orhan Pamuk. “Taming the Infinite,” by Ian Stewart. (About Maths) “The Dark side of of the Light Chasers,” by Debbie Ford. “Kingdom of shadows,” by Alan Frost. “The Pilgrimage,” Paulo Coelho.
Also The Life of Vincent Van Gogh. +Colour Design.+ Pattern Design.
Also always by the bed – “20 Love Poems” by Pablo Neruda, and other poetry books.
Recently read – “84 Charing Cross Road” by Helene Hanff – for the eighth time!
Also Quadrivium – Number, Geometry, Music and Heaven.
Interesting to think about it – I just love books, and can’t imagine ever having a Kindle thingey!!
Love Marion
OK…. you win, Marion! That’s a very complete list. Interesting variety too. I’ll look for the pic when I get on facebook.
Hello Again Derek,
It wasn’t at all about winning – it was about sharing my addiction to books! You inspired me to share – that’s all! I cannot imagine life without books.
Love M
Oh, I know that, Marion!
But I was definitely inspired by your “on-hand” collection.
Love – D
Best recent novel: Cutting for Stone by Abraham ( that’s not spelled right!)
Nonfiction: currently reading fascinating book titled The Shallows: how the Internet Is changing our brain. Great historical perspective on how other technologies, including books, have changed our brain.
I may have to read that second one…. (But not until I do all my “assigned-by-JC-L” work…)
Yes! Cutting for Stone is most excellent!!
Put that one on your list too, Derek!
People of the Book is great, but it’s not about the people the book touched, It’s about the book the people touched… and who they were in relationship to the book. Get it right Mr. Maul… and thank you for waiting until I had finished reading it before you took it from me. I agree that the Book Thief remains at the top fo the pile… but my niece took it and won’t give it back.
Still Rebekah
Ouch! I’m only on chapter three – give me a break already!
So… now Lindsay is the book thief…?
Currently reading “Steppin’ into the Good Life” Tia McCollors. Everything I’ve been reading recently has been downloaded for free from Amazon to my Kindle app. Interestingly all of the books have had to do with people who are new in their faith or are being challenged in their faith in some way. Started reading “Capitivating” again for bible study and remembering how much I enjoyed it before. I do have a book waiting, “The Manny” Holly Peterson. I’m unsure whether to even crack it open because my mother handed it to me and said “I didn’t like this, maybe you will”. Heck of a recommendation.
That’s an interesting variation on the “If my mother recommends it I KNOW I won’t like it” criteria!
“Jesus, Intrerrupted” by Bart D. Ehrman, a James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at UNC Chapel Hill, also a grad of Princeton Theological Seminary.
Dont shoot me… but this book is about irreconcilable contradictions found in a historical-critical study of the New Testament…
Tim
Can’t shoot you for an open mind! Truth is far deeper than mere verifiable fact… or disputable opinion…. or the limits we place on reason….
– D
I’ve finally gotten around to Rob Bell’s latest challenging and controversial book, “Love Wins”. And I like it! Just opened “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis TIckle. The author discusses ‘how Christianity is changing and why’. “The Pastor as Moral Guide” by Rebekah L. Miles is the first book I’ve opened so far that is required reading for class ~ because it looks the least likely to put me to sleep… With only one class this semester, it’s refreshing to resume the ‘pile method’ of reading and see that I’m in good company!
Good list…. you must be going into ministry or something?!!!!
Enjoy – D
I listen to CD’s more than I read but, I read,”The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot on a long airplane ride from Tampa to Honolulu about a month ago. Probably the best non-fiction I have read, it reads like fiction, because you cannot believe that this actually happened. I highly recommend it to everyone – for what it is still doing for science/medicine and what it did to a sharecropper and her family from Virginia and what a journalist is doing to help correct the wrong. More recently I listened to “That Old Ace In The Hole,” by Annie Proulx a fictional account about raising pigs in Texas. I listened to William Hurt’s narration of “The Sun Also Rises,” one of Hemingway’s that I could not get into before – but, Hurt helped it come alive. Currently in the CD player in my car is Tom Clancey’s (and Peter Telep’s from UCF) newest “Against All Enemies.” It is hard to stop listening to – fiction, but very present day – characters that could step out of the newspaper.
I saved this email of your blog entry because I wanted to champion reading with you; it’s just not championed enough these days. Like Heather, I’m reading “Captivating” for our women’s study (helpful since I’m leading it!), and my current fiction read is “Hunger Games”. Waiting for “Rawhide Down” (about the assassination attempt of Ronald Reagan), “This Beautiful Life”, and “The Devil in the White City” from the library. Finally, my ongoing Kindle on iPad read is “Radical”, a study of the differences between the gospel and the American Dream, and how we get those two very different things confused. There you have it!
Most excellent comment, Kelly!
How is “The Hunger Games”? I almost purchased it twice!
Then I’m going to have to read “Radical”, because I’ve already developed that idea a lot in my writing and I’m interested to see the take on it…
Reading good stuff is a great sanity defense in the presence of pre-schoolers (and, later, teens)!
Peace – D