While summer doesn’t officially start for a couple more weeks, most of us are transitioning to summer mode with Memorial Day behind us. School is out (or almost out) and the weather is warming (except for the Arctic blast this past weekend). Meals are enjoyed outdoors as we fire up the grill and some of us have already enjoyed a dip in the pool. Hopefully, summer will be a time to slow down, an opportunity to catch our breaths after what has been a challenging 15 months. And for many, the more leisurely pace will give us a chance to pick up a book or two and catch up on our reading.
If you are looking for some recommendations, here are some of the books I’ve read and enjoyed this year that might be of interest to you. Two caveats. First, I have been described as “an eclectic reader”, which I think was meant as a compliment. So, if nothing here floats your boat, that has more to do with me than you. And, second, a recommendation does not mean I agree with or endorse everything that is written in a particular book. It means that the book was enjoyable or challenging or helpful in some way to me.
So, here we go:
Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren. I read this in March as we hit the one-year anniversary of the pandemic. It’s a book that deals with grief and loss and sadness and fear through consideration of the Compline Prayer, which historically has been said by Christians at the close of the day. Warren considers suffering in a realistic and hopeful manner. This book was a balm to my soul as I pondered personal loss as well as our corporate struggles as a church and as a nation. Warren’s Liturgy of the Ordinary is also highly recommended.
How Dante Can Save Your Life by Rod Dreher. Dreher, a journalist and blogger, recounts how his encounter with The Divine Comedy was used by God as he struggled with a debilitating illness and fractured relationships with his family, especially his father. A wonderful testimony of the power of story to bring understanding and healing. His The Little Way of Ruthie Leming is also very good but make sure to have a box of tissues handy.
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. These are soul-enriching meditations on the heart of Christ for sinners and sufferers. Drawing from the Scriptures and the writings of the Puritans, the author shows that our Savior is not dispassionate or distant in his relationship with us but has a depth of love for us that is almost hard to comprehend. The publisher had an offer for churches to get copies of this book for free. We ordered over 100, which we hope to have by August so that every family of GCC can have a copy to read. So maybe this is your end of summer read.
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. This Pulitzer-prize winning novel is a tale of fathers and sons spanning three generations. As the narrator (a pastor) reflects on the past and future, he opens up insights into life and family and culture. Beautifully written, this is a good book to take in slowly, sipping an iced tea on the porch or by the pool. Three other books follow in the series.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. While arguably not masterpieces of literature, these seven novels have done more to influence my view of the world than any other books, save the Bible. Memorable characters and some lines and scenes that stick with you. Perfect for a family read-aloud.
Still Life by Louise Penny. I am a major fan of mystery novels. This is the first in the Three Pines series featuring Inspector Gamache. While not the best in the series, it is the entry point and this is a series best read in order. While the mysteries are overall good, it is the characters, the writing, and the insights into human nature that have me returning to this series. Penny is such a good writer, I shed tears reading the acknowledgements to one of the novels.
The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distractions by Alan Jacobs. A short book about reading. Jacobs lays out a view of reading based on the concept of whim which gets at the heart of my eclectic reading and might stir up or renew a desire to read in you.
There are plenty more I could share and perhaps I will from time to time. Whether you take these recommendations or not, let me encourage you to find time to read for pleasure. Read at a leisurely pace. And let reading be a means of enjoying a taste of Sabbath rest this summer.
