a Survey of Books....

This came from my friend Eli. He tagged me on his blog of which you can find here.

It is fair to say that I do not command the reading prowess of my friend Eli or my wife Jennifer. They read amazingly fast. They read more books in a month than I do in a single year. Last year, I did make a new years resolution to read a certain number of books, so that I may find favor in my reading friends. I was well on my way to smashing my expectations, when I ran into a few books that really made me stumble. ( I did reach my goal, but barely). I would love to say that I savor my reading, but my guitar or even my adult ADD get in the way. I have been able to fight my way through some books over the years, that may allow me to answer some of these questions.

1. One book that changed your life.

I believe I may have already answered this question in a previous post... which you can read here. To Kill a Mocking Bird has been a favorite of mine since High School when my English Lit teacher made me read it. I still quote lines form the book. I still love the name Scout for a girl because of the character. I wrote papers about the book in college. It is my number one book. I wanted to go have Harper Lee sing my copy at a booking signing in Cleveland. Marty at a book signing? Just doesn't play well. I see Atticus as being a truly humble and virtuous man. A standard that i fail to achieve everyday, let alone living up to the standard Jesus set for us to follow.

2. One book you have read more than once.

To Kill a Mockingbird makes that list. I have read a few books more that a few times. The next on my list is The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. I know this is a children's book, but I can't count the number of times i read this book. I received The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis for Christmas when I was 10 years old. I have read all of the books a few times, but I always found myself going back to the main story. I was able to imagine myself in that world. It was so alive to me. I could watch all of the action unfold in my mind. A fantastic adventure.

3. One Book You would want on a deserted island.

This is very difficult. Of course I would say The Message which at the moment is my favorite paraphrase of the Bible. It would consume a lot of time and I totally need to be more focused in my study of the Word.

4. Two books that made me laugh.

I can think of only a few boks that have made me laugh out loud. Lamb, The gospel according to Biff by Chris Moore. This book is a satirical look at Jesus's life from about 10 years old up to the crucifixion. This book is hilarious. I find myself chuckling through out the entire text. I know it is probably a bad thing to be laughing about, but a great lighthearted attempt to fill in some blanks, so long as you keep an open mind.

David Crowder and Mike Hogan's Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. This book was very witty and smart. I remember laughing a lot at the banter that Crowder and Hogan enjoyed. It reminded me a lot of how my friends and I banter at work. I

5. One book that made me cry.

Henri J. Nouwen's Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming was that book for me. It took me a while to get through it. Only because it made me revisit my life and all of the times I have been like both sons and even like the father in that parable. It is hard to admit sometimes that you just need to go running back the Father. That is when I cried. Great book and was a wonderful gift.

6. ONe Book you wish had been written.

This one was very easy for me. I wish a book that told all of the stories my Grandpa Pettit told me over the years. He was a fantastic story teller. I would laugh so hard. He just had a great wit about him. I would love to be able to hear those stories about his childhood, the military, and raising his kids. It is a book that would make me cry, make me laugh, but also allow me to remember my Pap.

7. ONe book you wish had never been written.

i don't have one, I would not read it if i did, so what is the point.

8. One book you are currently reading.

I am reading Lamb. I am almost finished. I am also reading a book called
Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul by Erwin McManus. I am reading it a small section at a time. Very thought provoking. I am not good at reading more than one book at a time.

9. One book you have been meaning to read.

I really want to read Dianetics by L. Ron Hubbard. Just can't seem to find the time....