It’s happening to me and I didn’t want it to. I’m like Dr. Bruce Banner, powerless to halt the transformation into a creature that he doesn’t enjoy. I’ve watched it happened to others and stood them down defiantly as I proclaimed myself a purist, refusing to compromise and sell out to their ranks. Yet recent changes in my schedule have forced me into a place that I never thought to arrive. Yes, it’s occurring right before my very eyes:
I’m transitioning from a love for the printed page to a fondness for electronic books.
Because I can’t shuttle my library back and forth between my office and my home, I’m relying more than ever upon downloaded volumes. I didn’t tell anyone when, a few months ago, I began to use my iPad to read books – I kind of felt like a traitor and had several High Definition nightmares of Gutenberg crushing me in his earliest press. In spite of the horror now, in that Apple-flavored little piece of technology called an iPad, I carry a library that would snap the spine of Bruce Banner’s Hulk if he dared to carry it in his bulging green backpack. Now, since I’m at home six full days a week helping to care for Amy, I have so soiled my integrity by crossing another line. You see, I bought a Kindle and am in the process of downloading commentaries and study aids for sermon preparation. My library down at the church office stands silent and untouched like an abandoned lover in a moth-eaten house dress. I’m now frolicking with a new flame and I can tell you that my heart is growing comfortable touching a screen rather than turning a page when seeking a good read. MacArthur, Piper, Swindoll, Luther, Calvin, Hughes and others are now tucked safely under my arm wherever I go and I feel no shame. And my appetite will not soon go unsatisfied because there are close to a million volumes more that I can browse. I’m an electronic bibliophile and I’m coming out of my closet, kicking the door off its hinges!
So, here’s my question to you today: What book (beside the Bible) has impacted you greatly and why? Maybe you are reading it now or maybe its a classic you read in years past. Ours is a generation that is anemic when it comes to soul-enriching reading so your answer might help another visitor to the TT blog be bettered in his or her faith. Give us your recommendation.
PS – anyone else out there migrating to E-reading?
As I type this response on my IPAD that only contains about 11 ebooks thus far (I’m choosy 🙂 I am reminded that I have way too many favorites….I work in a christain bookstore that enables me to skim many wonderful tombs…and yes my paycheck goes right back into the store for….more books! I’m fine with either paper to turn or a screen to touch. So I guess my favorite for TODAY is “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. A wonderful story of the author’s journey recording (on paper) 1000 gifts God graces her with? It reminds me that it truly is the little things in life that are so easy to miss God in.
Pat, I’ve not heard of this author but will do a little search and check her out. I miss visiting your store and hope to stop by early next week if the Lord allows. I chuckled at what you wrote because I’ve never met anyone who worked at a Christian bookstore that didn’t come out well-read but wallet-weary 🙂
Seems obvious, but it is Pilgrim’s Progress by Bunyan for me. I will gladly join the kindle revolution when the budget allows.
I wondered when someone would mention this staple of Christian literature. Best sling book of all time besides the Bible. All his writings have helped me.
I haven’t gotten an Kindle yet, but Christmas is coming. I have always been a reader of fiction and non-fiction. Historical, inspirational,adventure and even science fiction sometimes. I really loved Amy’s book, ‘Captivating’ and the bible study we went through a couple of years ago. Recently I have read Don Piper’s book, 90 minutes in Heaven and his sequel book with the life lessons he learned through his experiences. It wasn’t just the story about his trip to heaven as much as the lessons God taught him about
his Christian life.
As a young Christian around the age of 20/21, I remember Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliott had a tremendous impact on me. I wish more young people were introduced to it today.
It’s a rare Christian – young or old – who employs the diligence to read her writings. Without sounding too jaded I’ll add that it’s an even more rare Christianwroting books like she wrote. I wholeheartedly endorse anything she’s written.
Like, Pierce….From literature, “To Kill a Mockingbird” had an incredible impact on me when I first read it in grade school. I had recently made an unkind remark to a classmate for which I immediately felt badly but could not bring myself to make an apology. Then the message from Mockingbird really hit home about doing the right thing and treating all people fairly.
I do have some e-books on my phone and do use the Bible for accessing different translations (not “versions” as Brother Jim is quick to point out!) during my studies and also during Sunday lessons. — promise that I’m not texting during your sermons!!!! — I have yet to purchase a book but have downloaded free classics to ease my way into the cyber reading.
To answer the e-book question–it is No. I read faster on paper than on a computer screen.
Besides, when working at home (Thank you God), I have 2 computer monitors to read from for 8 hours a day in order to get my work done.
Now, a book that has been a great impact on my life (Other than Star Trek) would have to be Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”. A lot of what he wrote was somewhat of a parallel to his own life. However I enjoy it and read it every year because of the Hope that the story gives.
Please forgive the following–it is not intended to offend anybody but are my thoughts:
In my little mind I see the Ghost of Christmas Past as God. The Ghost of Christmas Present as our Saviour the Lord Jesus and the The Ghost of Christmas Future as the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity. God as One. After all, Scrooge was visited by “Three Spirits”.
And it was after Scrooge’s encounter with the Future that made him a changed man, a better man. As God forgives our Past, Jesus Christ is our Present and the Holy Spirit is Present and Future. When this all comes together we know we will have a joyful eternity in Heaven.
Whether intended by Dickens or not, I appreciate the desire to see God’s work in anything and everything. Thank you for the spiritual emphasis!
I have yet to make the migration. I am a techie in pretty much everything else (and Jeff I know you find amusement in my word choice) but I just can’t bring myself to depart from the touch and smell of the printed page. I still have to vision of one day having the mahogany office with the rolltop desk, leather accents, and walls of bookselves filled with bound volumes. Guess I’m too old for my age 🙂 But with progress and practicality, I’m sure I will transition just as you have. As for an impacting novel, I have recently picked up “To Kill a Mockingbird” again. I haven’t read it since high school, but the themes and imagery are vastly more powerful now that I’m an adult. On one hand it gives a glimpse as to the life my parents and grand parents had in the South in the first half of hte 20th century; very eye-opening. It also gives a great model of character and proper mainliness in Atticus Finch. If anyone hasn’t picked it up since their school days, I would highly recommend it.
pierce – good to hear from you! I’ve not read that one since 1982 and am encouraged that you are reading it. I have however enjoyed it’s lesser known companion piece “To Mock A Killingbird” and strongly encourage you to get a copy.
First things first. I’m not a Kindle man; I’m not any kind of e-reader man. I’m a paperman. I still like turning a real page. That said, one of the most impactful books I’ve read is A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm. Phillip Keller’s simple book open my eyes to God’s care for me in ways that I’d never seen.
One of my favorite all time books. I think this should be required reading for all of His sheep.