My Seven Favorite Books

1.  Persuasion by Jane Austen

I think Austen's last novel is the best of her matchless career. Her heroine, Anne Elliot, a woman of integrity, breeding and great emotional and intellectual depth, stands in stark contrast to the hypocrisy around her.  It’s a tale of a self-controlled spinster of 27 who was persuaded to give up her engagement to the man she loves. This book has a quiet intensity that makes it hard to put down. Like haunting poetry or a masterful painting, its beauty still warms me and gives me something to ponder.  I love that!

2.  Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis

This novel is the first in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy.  The fantasy notes that earth has become corrupt by the “bent” one and is therefore called “silent."  I’m not usually a science fiction fan, but this was not a science fiction story to me.  Instead, it was a human story,--a spiritual narrative of sin and redemption.

3.  The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Written in 1850, this is one of my favorite dead author’s best works! It’s set during seventeenth-century Massachusettswhen a strict Puritan influence governed the people. I love the way Hawthorne, one page, allows me to identify with Hester, the next page, I find I relate to Dimmesdale, and then he even makes me see I have the same potential as Chillingworth at times. To me, the story is less about adultery and more about the liberty of truth, the strength and cost of loyalty, and the desecrating effect of secrets, unforgiveness and revenge. This book is best read as a participant, not a spectator-if we see ourselves in the story, we gain humility and awareness of our own frailty.

4.  The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

Tolkien was fascinated by this 1871 fantasy tale and so was I!  MacDonald's story illustrates the importance of believing without seeing.  Told in the fashion of folk tales, this book is simple enough for children to enjoy and compelling enough for adults to love with its fantastical images of goblins, burning roses, and an invisible thread so fine yet strong enough to guide to safety. I featured this book at my summer classic lit chat--the women loved it.

5.  Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel

At age 13, Galileo’s oldest daughter, Virginia became a nun and took on the name Sister Maria Celeste. She corresponded with her famous Father from her convent for years and the 124 letters she wrote are the foundation of this intriguing book.  I loved this book and was totally fascinated by the science (which usually doesn't fascinate me), the history, their commitment to faith and the tenderness of the father/daughter relationship.

6.  The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C.S. Lewis by Alan Jacobs

If I could have, I would have listed about 10 C.S. Lewis books because he is my absolute favorite author! From Surprised by Joy to The Silver Chair to The Great Divorce, I find that all he writes makes me think, imagine and appreciate what God can do.  So, I chose Jacobs book because he did such a great job allowing me to get to know Lewis even better as an author and a man. 

Jacobs reveals Lewis as a seeker and a thinker; a teacher and a friend.  He kept Lewis quite human and I found myself admiring God even more after knowing more about this brilliant author’s flaws and frailty.  The writing is accessible and thoughtful.  What a great way to get to know Jack Lewis-but, I would recommend you have a few of his books digested so this bio will mean more when you read it.
 

7.  These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge by Elizabeth Elliot

I found this old audio book read by the author at my favorite used book store and it’s beautifully written and honest. It’s a moving memoir of her time in Ecuador before she married Jim.  She’s candid about her disappointments in herself, her co-workers and her life experience during those ten months.  But, in her honesty about her own questions, I found peace and security in asking my own and like her, affirming faith really is the only and best answer. 

Comments

[Tammy]

I just watched the introduction to your "Me, Myself, and Lies" and I laughed out loud when you talked about enjoying "dead authors" the most. Me, too! Jane Austen. C. S. Lewis. Tolkien. George MacDonald. Charles Dickens. L. M. Montgomery. I could go on and on!