Though I am a bit late, I decided I would offer some ideas for summer reading for anyone interested. I comment on books on bible and theology here often, so this list focuses elsewhere. I have in mind here primarily history and fiction that I have read in 2007-2008 and thought was particularly enjoyable. These are books which I thought were both good and fun to read. I have said before here that I think it is important for pastors to read good fiction and history for various reasons (e.g. intellectual stimulation, awareness, reading good literature helps you to be a better interpreter).

The Scarlet Pimpernel, Emmuska Orczy– I had seen a movie version of this as a kid, but really enjoyed reading the book earlier this year. It is a great adventure also with an interesting discussion of marriage. I am now eager to read one of the sequels.

The Secret Trial of Robert E Lee, Thomas Fleming– This is counterfactual history, i.e. asking “What if this had happened?” Fleming is a highly respected historian and provides a fascinating glimpse into the time just after the end of the Civil War.

What If?, ed. Robert Cowley (any volume)– Cowley has now edited several volumes in this series and I have read or listened to everyone I am aware of. The books contain essays from respected historians as they consider what might have happened if significant points of history had gone differently. I find this a fun way to learn history, and seeing how things could have so easily gone differently is a great reminder of the doctrine of providence.

God in the Whirlwind, Tim Ellsworth– This is a new book with stories of people involved in the tornado that hit Union University in February. Tim has done a good job capturing these stories making this a compelling read.

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, & Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana, Anne Rice- These are the first two volumes in Rice’s historical novels on the life of Christ. They are fiction, so Rice makes her guesses and fills in blanks, but she has clearly done her homework. Also, unlike many others, she takes the supernatural very seriously. Her Catholic presuppositions are also clear in places.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde, R. L. Stevenson– Last year I finally read the book and discovered the adaptations I had seen could not compare. It is a compelling story with searching implications for our own struggle with sin.

The Campaign that Won America: The Story of Yorktown, Burke Davis– A very engaging account of this crucial campaign. Davis tells history as a story and does it well.

Give Me Liberty: The Uncompromising Statesmanship of Patrick Henry, David J. Vaughan– This is a fascinating biography of this key character with significant attention to his Christian faith.

Daniel Morgan: Revolutionary Rifleman, Don Higginbotham– The university press publisher might seem intimidating, but this was a good read about a great Revolutionary War hero that is under appreciated.

How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life, Peter Robinson– A fun read about lessons a young man drew from working with Reagan.

Reagan in His Own Voice– There is a print edition of this, but the audio is best because you can hear these early radio addresses as they were first given. Vintage stuff on limited government and freedom.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a bit more challenging of a read, Thomas Sowell’s The Quest Cosmic Justice is an excellent analysis of how misguided good intentions are creating significant trouble in economics and politics. I think this is must reading for considering our current political, cultural and ethical situation.

(Note: I actually wrote this more than a week ago, but I have left the time references as they are)

Not only do I want to read good books to my children, I am also seeking to create a world of books around my children, so that they become accustomed to living with books. I want books to be regular companions, a part of the regular furniture of life, not occasional emissaries from outside, but regular welcome guests- indeed members of the household! C. S. Lewis commented on the impact on him of growing up in a house with books around and available.

I have seen this again this week. I have been listening to The Man in the Iron Mask on audiobook, and as is typical for me I have related portions of it to my boys. I told them how slow and even irritating the early portions of the book were and I have related some of the more interesting portions. One day they asked if they could listen to a bit with me as we rode. I consented, knowing that the book was too complicated for them to fully appreciate, but willing to let them try it. They began to ask to listen each time we rode, admitting that they did not understand much of it but they liked to hear the narrator pronounce the French names and they picked up pieces of the story. Then yesterday, as we were beginning an errand my 6 year old said, “Yeah! Man in the Iron Mask!” He especially understands little, but for whatever reason it is exciting to him to think of listening with Daddy to his book. For that I am glad.

Later on the same errand we stopped by my office to get a book I had accidentally left there. While I was gathering things at my desk, my 6 year old began perusing my shelves. He pulled out a book and asked, “What is this one, Daddy?” I told him it was Martin Luther’s comments on the Psalms. He responded with all seriousness , “I think I’ve heard of that one.” Then he pulled another one down and asked about it. It was Luther’s commentary on Romans. This time he said, “I have heard of him.” He then was fascinated by a thick 800 page book which was about the Puritans. I don’t know what all was going on in his mind, but the fact that he found it interesting and fun to pull books off my shelves and to ask me about them pleased me greatly.

I can’t help but think that this is all good preparation for him to enjoy reading as he gets older.