Some Winter Reads from Well-Proven Pens
Looking for a good book to read as the cold weather sets in this season? The Wordsmiths offer you these tried and tested recommendations both for your pleasure and edification!
Pinocchio
The famous tale of a wooden-toy-made-boy is not just for kids. Look past the altered cartoon versions of this classic and get a hold of the original masterpiece, The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. Pinocchio is filled with themes that bring biblical lessons to life. More than just a parable on the sin of lying, Pinocchio demonstrates, through story, that there are only two ways to live. The way of pride, temptation, and disobedience is perilous, foolish, and costly. Conversely, there is a way of virtue which leads to life. Along the way, Collodi gives us a memorable picture of the unrelenting pursuit of a loving father. Pinocchio is an easy and accessible read that is recommended for all ages.
The Great Divorce
C.S. Lewis is well-known to most readers. The Chronicles of Narnia are must-read material for children and adults alike. Lewis’ non-fiction work is also well read and beloved. Landmarks from his pen include Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. One not as readily referenced is The Great Divorce. In some sense, it is both fiction and non-fiction. Lewis places himself as the main character, having a dream about a journey between hell and heaven. Along his way, he encounters a variety of people, each along their ‘way’. Lewis makes clear in this book that there is only Heaven and Hell, and the ‘divorce’ between the two is not bridged by a grey area. The discerning reader can look past Lewis’ creative netherworld suggestions to witness what sort of lives are lived out on the two “ways”. The Great Divorce is a quick and enjoyable read that is recommended for older children and adults.
The Pursuit of Holiness
Our men’s and women’s studies have become familiar with Jerry Bridges as they study his book Respectable Sins. This recommend read, also by Bridges, looks at the fundamental call to holiness in the believer’s life – both theologically and practically. In classic Bridges style, The Pursuit of Holiness is thoroughly biblical and filled with application. This foundational read is a must for those now familiar with this excellent Christian author. The Pursuit of Holiness is a very easy read, being essential for new and old Christians alike.