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Monday, December 19, 2011

Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books // The Week in Words



I have sooooo much to say about Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books, but it's not something I want to rush through either thinking or talking about. I spent all of last week with this title and finished it up over the weekend. Many ideas are still peculating in my brain. This book was on my Fall Into Reading Challenge list (linked to my goals) and I did want to mention that I finished it (on schedule! in 2011!) but I think I want to wait and talk about it in more detail when January rolls around.

Lit! has definitely changed the way I approach books. It may have even changed the way I write about them. It definitely changed my online habits which effect my ability to read.

I think everyone who calls themselves a reader should read Lit!. I also think that everyone who thinks that they are not a reader should read this one. Then, I also think that those who say that they would love to read but can't find the time should read it as well! This is a book for everyone. It is full of things to ponder. But wait - I said I didn't want to talk about it in full. So, using Barbara's The Week in Words meme, I'll just share a few passages that grabbed me:

"When we set out to read important books, we can expect opposition from our hearts. Reading is a discipline, and all disciplines require self-discipline, and self-discipline is the one thing our sinful flesh will resist.
Our spirit may be eager to read a book, but our flesh is weak. Our flesh would rather self-indulge on passive entertainment. Movies and television can be wonderful gifts from God if we use them wisely, but unchecked they will hijack our schedules and rob us of our reading time. Book reading is not just a matter of time management; it is a matter of warfare. Wherever sinful self-indulgence dominates our free time, we can be certain that personal idols are at work in our flesh, seeking to divide and conquer the soul (1 Pet. 2:11). (Chapter 10, Too Busy to Read, page 131)


"As with most areas of life, success requires planning. Having a clear purpose for why you read will ensure that the few books you choose will be the books most likely to benefit your life." (Chapter 7, Read With Resolve, page 94)


I hope to make 2012 a more successful reading year than 2011 was. I think I made quite a few mental changes as I read along this past year, but there are certainly more changes to come, thanks, in part, to Lit!. So stay tuned!

(Seriously - if you want to challenge yourself when it comes to how you pick and choose your reads and order your reading life, pick up a copy of this book. I cannot see how you would end up regretting it!)

Thanks to Crossway for sending a copy of it my way. I think. ;D (More to follow on this book and this topic.)

15 comments:

Diary of an Autodidact said...

Whenever I get asked how I find time to read, I explain that I take the half or full hour each day that would otherwise be spent watching a TV show, and spend that time reading. It always amazes me that those who claim to have no time to do anything still have time for TV.

Lisa notes... said...

I definitely want to read Lit!. And I know what you mean about not wanting to rush through either thinking or talking about it. I feel the same way when I have a really good book.

Congrats on finishing your Fall Challenge. I so did NOT do well with sticking to my list this time. But I did enjoy what I got read, so I guess it's still a success. :-)

I think I should make Lit! the first book on my list to read in 2012. You're inspiring me. :-)

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

Ditto what Lis said (except I didn't even set any goals!)

Unknown said...

I think Katrina was reading this too. I've been intrigued and glad that it's supportive of reading!

I am conscious of what I read and how it affects me, but increasingly I'm aware of the time. However, then I think what I'd be doing if I wasn't reading, and it's not usually better!!

Anonymous said...

Is the fall challenge over with already? I guess so since it's almost winter. I failed at it miserably. HOWEVER, I got a copy of Lit a few weeks ago and have it in my TBR pile. It may be this time next year before I actually get to it, but still...

Funny thing is, I actually hate TV and I still have trouble fitting in all the reading I want to do.

Stephanie Kay said...

Television is definitely a time suck for me. Lately I've been asked how I "do everything" that I do. Well, I don't watch a lot of tv and I'm home most of the time. It really is that simple. Sounds like an interesting book. I'll have to keep an eye out for it. :)

Melinda said...

Sounds like a great book. It was already on my TBR list . . . but now I am even more excited about reading it.

BerlinerinPoet said...

SO much talk about this book. I must read it! Thanks for the review.

B said...

Sounds interesting :)

Janet said...

This sounds like it would be challenging! Great excerpts. Thanks for bringing it on to my radar.

bekahcubed said...

I've been looking at this one but holding out because I hate to buy books before I've read them--but I might have to break that rule here. This sounds like it could be challenging but in a very good sort of way.

Barbara H. said...

I've seen this book pop up here and there. Sounds like a worthy read. That's one thing I like about Katrina's challenges -- there are some great books I do want to read but just don't gravitate to when I'm finishing one book and looking for another. But setting goals and making lists helps me purpose to read those titles.

Shonya said...

This looks amazing! Can't wait for your "real" review--my curiosity is definitely awakened.

hopeinbrazil said...

Thanks for posting about this book. I think I'd enjoy it. Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts about it.

Lisa Spence said...

I've seen this book reviewed on various blogs and I have to admit I'm a little intimidated by it. Your review may have convinced me I can not only read it with understanding but that it would be a fun and profitable exercise! :)

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