My friend Becky has invited me to join her "blog carnival" to recommend Christian books and authors to read. The focus was on fiction but recently I have been reading a non fiction book that I highly recommend called "Hope Rising--Stories from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams" by Kim Meeder. The author and her husband run a ranch to rescue abused and/or neglected horses in Bend, Oregon. Their program also ministers to children who have suffered neglect and abuse. When the horses and children are put together beautiful stories of healing and hope emerge.
As far as Christian authors who write quality fiction, Becky is right, there are slim pickings. There are far too many cheesy, mediocre "christian" novels out there that frankly aren't worth the time you take to read them. That may sound harsh but I think the publishing companies need to raise their standards. The authors I return to again and again for entertainment, comfort, and hope are C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia), JRR Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), Catherine Marshall (Christy, Julie), Jan Karon (The Mitford Series), Brock & Bodie Thoene (historical fiction), and Francine Rivers (also historical fiction).
Other favorites (not necessarily Christian)--
At the top of my list of course, the classics by Jane Austen (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, etc.) & L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables).
I still prefer to read what is considered "Young Adult" fiction. I truly believe that the best fiction is written for kids not adults. I'm not sure exactly what that says about me! Perhaps that I am still a kid at heart. I love fairy tales, sci-fi/fantasy and historical fiction. I enjoy escaping into a completely different world and seeing it through the eyes of children who have hope and an adventurous spirit. I relate so strongly to the coming of age stories in which the character who initially lacks opportunity or self confidence transforms into the hero. I think that type of story probably appeals to many of us because we all want to feel unique and special in some way. The ultimate example of this story is the one we live out when we embrace the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. How glorious is it to find that you are special and beloved, daughter of the Lord of all creation, the most High King. To know that you were beautifully and wonderfully made and though the rest of the world may not see your value and never care, you will always matter to the one who made you. God is the ultimate storyteller and his works of art are each one of us.
A few of my favorites are Madeline L'Engle (A Wrinkle In Time), J.K. Rowling (please don't send me hate mail if you think Harry Potter is evil ;0), Shannon Hale (Goose Girl & Princess Academy), Karen Cushman (Catherine Called Birdie & The Midwife's Apprentice), I could go on and on...someone please stop me!
Bottom line, I LOVE to read and I wish I had more time to do it!
I'm looking forward to seeing what others recommend!
Jen
7 comments:
Thanks for doing this Jen! I'm going to have to check out the book you are reading- fiction or non-fiction, it sounds great. Also, Karen Cushman and Shannon Hale are new to me. Can't wait to try 'em out, too.
: ) Becky
We have book tastes in common! I, too, love Anne of Green Gables, Harry Potter, Madeleine L'Engle's books...I still read a lot that is written for an adult audience, but the books I keep revisiting are those written for young people. I will check out some of th authors you named.
I like Dale Cramer's Summer of Light, Levi's Will, and Bad Ground. He is a bit more literary. But I also like Kristin Billerbeck's Ashley Stockingdale series, beginning with She's Out of Control. Count me in as a Camy Tang fan, too. I read Sushi for One? and loved it. Waiting for my copy of Only Uni.
I like historical fiction, too, and that's what I write. You can see a book trailer preview of my second book, The Light Across the River, which just came out: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=be4eaca7990688da2eb6
And for other books written for kids (which I believe are better written than books for adults because they have to be!), Susan Marlow's Andrea Carter books, the Circle C Adventures, are a throwback to Trixie Belden, my favorite series when I was a kid.
I haven't been doing much reading lately but my all time favorites would probably be Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.
Thanks for sharing about the book you are currently reading. We have a dream about ministering to neglected kids/boys so I will have to add that to my reading list.
Thanks Stephanie and Kimberly for your recommendations! Stephanie- I'm excited to read your book!
Nikki- How cool that you want to minister to kids in need. You will love Hope Rising.
Jen
"Recycling Mans" Books to read. Since Becky does not appear to know I can read too!
I am the adult in the family and it will show with this list.
The Man who was Thursday (GK Chesterton)
Darwins Black Box
(Michael Behe)
Rumors of another World
(Philip Yancey)
Case for faith
Case for Christ
(Lee Strobel)
A must read
Mother Earth News...Every two months!
I take your point about 'cheesy' fiction, of Christian genre. I would like to get your opinion on one title, though. "Outcasts of Skagaray" by Andrew Clarke. There are excerpts on www.threeswans.com.au. If you decide to read it, tell us what you think. You might find it's got some guts, and entertains at the same time.
Post a Comment