Summer Reading

Here are a few thoughts on the books I've read this summer - perhaps it will encourage some reading...?

Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

I've never read anything by Ray Bradbury, and this text was one of those 'classics I really should read.' It's much in the same vein as 1984, but without the complexity, crudeness, and depth. It is eerily prophetic, like Orwell's work, and definitely makes you think about today - especially television. However, I wouldn't read this if you're looking for a pick-me-up.

Northanger Abby - Jane Austen

This is a mock Gothic novel, and if you're into Jane Austen, it doesn't have some of the more subtle and satirical depth that something like Pride and Prejudice exhibits, but this is very fun and more playful (you can tell it's one of her early novels). Definitely a good read, especially if you like the Gothic and understand Radcliffe's novels.

The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexander Dumas

This has become one of my favorite novels. I'm amazed that Dumas can keep someone's attention - for the most part - for all of 1,400 pages. I can't even entirely imagine what they take out for the abridged version. There are some fascinating views of forgiveness and God's sovereignty/justice and how that relates to humanity, and the plot twist are delicious. There is a little swearing and some violence, but it's wonderfully 19th century Gothic/Romance.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows - J.K. Rowling

Hmmm...this could be its own blog. This could be a couple of its own blog posts. I would agree that this is the strongest Harry Potter book besides the 6th. This final book cemented my conviction on Rowling's post-modernism, as evidenced in the character of her heroes, the vague nature of good and evil, the portrayal of authority, the absence of absolute truth, and her problematic presentation of death. I appreciated the plot of this book, though I still find her endings problematic and 'squishy' (that's a Lit term, by the way), but the biggest issue I had was her, I think, failed attempt at Tolkien's 'eucatastrophe' - the joyous turn in the face of catastrophe. It really falls flat - perhaps because she's a weak ender. Anyway, I'll stop now.

Anna Karenina - Tolstoy

I've never read anything by Tolstoy, and I love Dostoevsky, so I figured I should give another Russian a chance - and War and Peace didn't really appeal to me. Though I have vowed never to read a book on Oprah's book club unless forced (Sula, for example), I figured this didn't really count because it was a classic before Oprah was born. This is very fast-paced in the beginning, and then bogs down a bit in the middle with a lengthy exploration of Russian Farming (no kidding). Though I don't like the bog-factor, considering this book is a discussion of fidelity, love, marriage, and sin - I think the initial excitement and captivation in the beginning, followed by trudging and sadness, is actually wonderfully indicative of how sin and transgression operate.

The Radical Cross - A.W. Tozer

There were moments of this text I loved - it's basically a compilation of chapters on the Cross from a variety of Tozer's work. I'm not sure I would recommend it, as there are elements of his theology I don't agree with, and after reading Spurgeon's The Power of the Cross of Christ, this was a bit of a letdown.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

I don't remember the author, but I really loved the first half to three-quarters of this book. The chapter on anxiety was especially good and hit pretty close to home. I also loved her focus on not only serving, but the heart of why we're serving. Obviously, Christ was not admonishing Martha for getting dinner ready for the herd of men that had descended on her house. He was admonishing her for her heart attitude and priorities. I'm not sure how I feel about the author's focus on Sabbath rest and balancing work and worship, so I just skimmed the last few chapters.