Favorite Christian Classics
1. Shadow of the Almighty -- a compilation of Jim Elliot's journals. Talk about a life lived in view of eternity! Lines and concepts from Jim have echoed in my mind for years since reading this book.
2. Pleasures of God by John Piper -- almost any book by John Piper is well worth the read! I love his eloquent writing style and exuberant exaltation of God. I feel like every chapter prompts a worship session in my heart.
3. Loneliness by Elisabeth Elliot -- I feel like Elisabeth Elliot has been one of my personal me-- ntors through young adulthood. Her wisdom and God-focus comes through every page of her books. Loneliness was especially helpful to me during my single years.
4. Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God - perhaps so much of a book's impact has to do with its timeliness in our lives. I read this book when I was in China, and it left an indelible mark upon my soul. Other biographies that have impressed my life include: George Mueller, Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Mary Slessor, Faithful Women (by Noel Piper), Through the Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. It's impossible to go wrong with a good Christian biography! And how our kids need strong heroes of the faith!
5. The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer -- a classic, must-read for every Christian. This book hearkens the reader back to a realistic view of what Christianity is supposed to look like.
Fiction Favorites
1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte -- the angst, characterization, and language of this novel make it one which will never lose its magical hold over me.
2. Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott -- I really liked this book and its sequels so much better than other Alcott novels (though I enjoyed those, as well). Rose's sweet friendship with and feminine influence over her rambunctious male cousins just delights me.
3. The Pillars of the Earth -- These books consumed me when I read them. Nice, thick volumes with layers of plots skillfully interwoven and interlacing in unexpected place --- I don't know if I'll ever read another book or series where I am so satiated by the characters and storylines!
4. Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers -- With superb writing describing the decadence and corruption of Rome in glorious/gory detail, Rivers delivers one of her best works in this book. This book turned me on to Francine Rivers, and many of her other books became favorites of mine as well.
5. Roots by Alex Haley -- After reading this absorbing historical fiction work, you cannot think about American slavery the same again. Haley's memorable character depiction left me as the reader so emotionally connected with the book's protagonists that I feel as if they are part of me. I will carry them and the story's weight with me for life.
Favorite Movies
1. Gone with the Wind -- introduced to me at a young age, this movie has become one I watch regularly with greater and deeper appreciation for the character of Scarlett O'Hara as time goes on. Beautiful, romantic, and strong -- all the components of a great classic!
2. The Princess Bride -- this is a no-brainer, right? Who doesn't like the Princess Bride?
3. The Sound of Music -- another timeless classic that no favorite list would be complete without.
4. Stepmom -- because the scene with Sarandon and Roberts talking at the restaurant makes me cry. Every. Single. Time.
5. You've Got Mail -- They just don't make romantic movies like they used to. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Need I say more?
6. Anne of Green Gables -- If I were creating this list in order of ranking, this would have been at the top of the list. No little girl should grow up without seeing this movie.
Favorite Children's Books and Movies
1. Caddie Woodlawn -- tomboyish and loveable, Caddie became one of my favorite fictional characters as a young girl. I can't wait til my daughter is old enough to read this book (and others in this list). Set early in America's history, Caddie Woodlawn traces a young girl's adventures and misadventures, struggles to get along with her brothers and to fit into society's female mold as translated through her mother's expectations.
2. The Secret Garden -- A classic. Young people braving life's trauma and unlikely companions banding together to make miracles come true. Inspirational and memorable.
3. The Little Princess -- another classic about a young girl overcoming adversity through courage, imagination, and good character. Books like this shape the soul.
4. The Chronicles of Narnia -- All seven books. Among other reasons to read/view this series is Aslan. The character of Aslan so captures the essential characteristics of God that help to lay the foundation for a child's view of God. To this day, I credit these books with giving me an early, accurate understanding of God and His work in the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment