Category: Christianity

And yes, I *know* I’m exceeding my self-imposed ‘quota’ of Christian books here – but I can’t NOT include this second non-fiction book in my ’30 must-reads’. Because this book, in my opinion, should be read like a handbook for our lives; informing us of philosophical underpinnings we’re not easily made aware of in today’s information-overloaded culture.

There is SO MUCH brilliant information here, thoroughly yet concisely presented. It reads like a textbook in its organisation, making it easily digestible in spite of its comprehensive size.

Yes, it’s dated – published 2001 – and yet, it’s still profoundly relevant here and now – June 2016. Which is why I don’t hesitate to recommend it to you, dear reader!

And have a lovely day today 🙂

— KRidwyn

It’s flying by… today’s date-stamp means that we’re into the final third of #blogjune! And I thought I’d finish off this ‘Christian’ books week with a couple of non-fiction titles. Firstly, Philip Yancey’s classic What’s So Amazing About Grace?

Non-fiction rarely moves me; perhaps that’s why I prefer novels. But this one had me both laughing and crying – in fact, there’s a modern version of ‘the prodigal son’ in there so powerful, even thinking about it now gives me goosebumps.

Incredible writing. And what a message! It’s always an inspiring read. Truly, one of the best. Which is why it’s my Book 21, of course 🙂

Have you read it? Would you agree?

And have a lovely day, dear reader!

— KRidwyn

The first thing that hit me about this novel was the incongruity of the cover. The GREEN was so vivid – and yet, it’s titled Black. I remember I was intrigued enough to glance at the blurb; and that was all it took; I was hooked. (I must admit, having recently finished his thriller Three also helped!)

Our choices. Dreams. Reality. Good and evil; pursuit and rescue; death and life: it all adds up to an action-packed page-turner – and the first in his Circle series.

A must-read. But if you don’t have time to read all four novels, read Three instead. Because you won’t want to stop until you’ve read the entire series. Truly!

Happy reading, and see you tomorrow!

And, as always, have a lovely day today, dear reader 🙂

— KRidwyn

And for Book #19 in my ’30 must-read books’ for #blogjune 2016, it’s a return to the ‘classic’ Christian novelist with C. S. Lewis’ Cosmic Trilogy, which I read in my late twenties and fell in love with.

An intergalactic parable; this trilogy with blow any ‘Narnia’ / ‘Christian apologetic text’ preconceived ideas clear away. Not to be read when tired; you’ll want to pay attention. And if you’re like me, these books will make you think – a lot!

Have you read them, dear reader? What did *you* think?

And here’s hoping that you have a great day, wherever you are!

KRidwyn

Book 18: A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers 🙂

Francine Rivers is one incredible writer. Inspiring in her brilliance. Her Mark of the Lion series is one that I turn to when I’m in need of ‘a shot in the arm’ as it were.

I’m a sucker for a good historical novel (today’s post is book 18 and there’s Shakespeare, Austen, Dumas, Hugo, and Pargeter in the list already!) and the research in River’s novels is reminiscent of Bodie and Brock Thoene’s meticulous work.

[Unfortunately, although I have immense respect for the Thoene’s novels, I don’t have enough room in my ‘Christian titles’ week to include them 🙁 ]

This series is perfection. History comes to life amidst romance, political intrigue and the clashing of cultures. In spite of the enormity of world-building needed, there are no ‘info-dumps’ removing the reader from the story. It’s a thrilling ride, and I – for one – am caught from start to finish, every time I read them.

Definitely one for the ‘30 must-read’ list. What’s your favourite historical novel?

And have a great day, dear reader!

– KRidwyn

I must admit, I’ve found this year’s #blogjune to be SO much easier than in previous years. Maybe because I’m finally getting into my stride with it? Or perhaps because in 2016 I’ve run with a theme? And I hesitate to say a third possibility: because I’ve been writing more (novels, newsletters, writing challenges, etc) that the writing is flowing more easily? Anyway, it seems to be working because we’re past the halfway mark and it’s only now lack-of-internet problems are rearing their ugly head, I’m worrying about how-and-where I can use public data supplies to continue this challenge. Not because of lack-of-ideas, or lack-of-time. And that realization makes me happy. (The lack of internet, far less so. But let’s keep this a happy blog post, huh?)

Anyway, after all that introspective waffle, on to my Book 17 of 30 must-read books. This week, it’s Christian titles I’m recommending, and who could go past Tim LaHaye and Jerry B.Jenkins’ Left Behind series?

This is an awesome series. The ‘end of the world’ scenario tends to cause a plethora of debate in Christian circles, but I’m glad that the approach taken by these authors stays true to one of the main interpretations of the rapture. I must admit, their interpretation (that the rapture occurs pre-Tribulation) concurs with my own, so I may be more easily impressed 🙂 That being said however, even if they’d written this series with a different interpretation (mid-Tribulation rapture, for example) I think I still would’ve included them on my ‘30 must-read’ list because their writing is so thoroughly compelling.

Have you read them? What did you think?

And have a fantastic day, dear reader!

– KRidwyn

PS I liked the ‘Left Behind – The Kids’ version too! Although admittedly, I haven’t finished the entire series, what I have read has left me in no doubt of their abilities to write masterfully for the MG / YA audience as well  🙂