A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens.
It's easy to see why Dickens is considered a master. His use of imagery that is both literal and symbolic is unparalleled. From a perusal of today's best-sellers, one might be tempted to think that the content of a book defines its quality. Dickens' writings argue strongly that in the arena of the written word, style is vastly more important than substance. How you say things is much more important than what is said.
The Bible Jesus Read, by Philip Yancey
I've enjoyed all of Yancey's other work. Each of his books takes you on an intellectual journey spawned from Yancey's tough questions about an aspect of Christianity. He never really presents any answers, as the nature of his questions are such that they can only be answered with a journey. Instead, he takes you along on his personal quest for understanding. Here Yancey addresses the Old Testament, a work which confounds, if not repels, even those who are devout Christians. He addresses some of my unspoken thoughts on the Psalms, and brings me a vast new appreciation for them via a new perspective. Not the best of Yancey's work, but certainly well worth reading.
The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas
Mark Twain said that classics are books that, "everbody has heard of and nobody has read." Please don't let this book fall into that defenition of "classic" for you. This is a fun, light, romp of a book with a dark, sinister, brooding ending. The characters are enjoyable and the plot twists are interesting and unexpected. This expansive novel takes the reader over the breadth of the France of Louis the XIII and on into England. It ventures through romance, religion, history, and political intrigue. In short, it's a rather large snapshot of a certain small piece of history, which can be seen only in the mindset of the times, and can be found only in the pages of this book. Voila! Enjoy!
Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster
Written by a Quaker some 20 or so years ago, this book should be considered a definitive work on the practice of modern spirituality. Foster presents a balanced, practical view of many spiritual disciplines. He hold an appreciation for diverse approaches and practices that is admirable. A must-read for anyone who is a Christian or for anyone who is researching the claims of Christianity. Guaranteed to shatter stereotypes!
The Visitation, by Frank Peretti
Peretti has long been considered one of the best authors that the Christian Fiction genre has to offer. He proves his worth once again with this wild tale of a small town in Eastern Washington. The story centers around one man and his journey through cynicism and back to faith. Warning: Be prepared to make this journey with him, and don't, by any means, put down this book until you've finished it!
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
This has been my first trip into the land of literary fantasy. It's a most appropriate book to read if you're not into the fantasy and science fiction genres. Tolkien places you carefully into the world or a Hobbit and miraculously provides you with sufficient touchstones from everyday, normal life that you don't feel at all repulsed or 'wierded-out.' It's a fun little jaunt, and incredibly well-written, despite the fact that it's written for a low reading level. This book is truly worth its place among the classics of recent literature.
Starting Your Marriage Right, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
This book offers well-considered guidance on a broad scope of issues that face a couple as they join their lives in marriage. With 52 short chapters, each issue does not receive an in-depth treatment, but the book is still impressive for the breadth of topics covered. Well-recommended for anyone who is married or who may be considering marriage.
