I’m starting a new series on Mikepedia called “Stuff I Like”. It’s a way for me to talk about things I like and why. In addition to giving me something to write about, I hope to get some reader feedback. Do you think this is stupid? Do you like reading books too? Sound off in the comments section.
In recent months I have rediscovered a source of joy in my life — books. The idea of sitting down and reading a book has suddenly become favorable in more ways than one. It would be untruthful for me to omit the fact that when I see myself reading a book in my mind’s eye that I am also wearing a vintage 1950′s smoking jacket, but that is subject matter for another blog post. In middle school I was a big reader. Black Hawk Down, Redwall, and Tom Clancy were among some of my favorites. Then early in my college career I became infatuated with graphic novels. First I absorbed all of the greatest Batman stories I could get my hands on, and then finally I made it to Watchmen. It was so complete with an intricate plot, political commentary, and literary devices bursting at its seams. After that, I couldn’t enjoy other graphic novels as much. Then, I finally came to the book that renewed my spirit in terms of reading. Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. It made me feel for the characters in the book while at the same causing me to reflect upon myself. It goes without saying that I highly recommend this book. It’s been about a year since I first read it and since then I have made it a goal to always have a book in my backpack during the day. If I am ever lucky enough to have some extra time, it ends up being time well spend thanks to my book.
While I’m speaking of books and reading I can’t allow my self to forgo mentioning The Bible. Yes, I’m talking about the one and only holy book inspired by God himself. Without a doubt it’s the most well known book in human history. The meaning and importance of The Bible and its impact on my faith are things on a totally separate level from the “reading” I have discussed above. Therefore when I put my “currently reading” or “top 5 favorite author” posts out on the ol’ interwebs you won’t see me mention The Bible or any of it’s individual books. Reading The Bible is, to me, something completely different and set apart from the more casual type of reading that this post is about. I will say that The Bible is AWESOME.
Reading works very well as a stress reducer for me. School may be hectic and I may have lots of work to do, but when I start reading a book I’m transported into a different zone where that stuff doesn’t matter. It also pairs well with some of my other favorite hobbies; coffee and relaxing. (Yes, I consider “relaxing” as one of my hobbies)
Anyways, if anyone is actually reading this, I’m interested to know how you like to “get your read on”. All time favorites, enjoyable reads from the past, or even something you found extremely mundane, it’s all fair game. To start it off I will list a few books that stand out in my brain…
Books I Like:
- The Penultimate Truth by Philip K. Dick –> I just finished reading this one and it’s excellent. If you like sci-fi and can deal with some dense reading then you will probably dig it.
- The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien –> Commonly known to be a great book, it definitely lives up to it’s expectations. Experiences and “ponderings” from a writer who served in Vietnam, I found this book moving and though provoking.
- Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing, and Enjoying by Kenneth Davids –> Still working my way through this one, if you are looking for information on any aspect of coffee, start here. It covers the history of coffee, how every aspect of it’s preparation, the differences between different coffee growing regions, and the list goes on. If you like coffee the way I like coffee, then this is a great source of information.
How Long by Charles Bradley Feat. Menahan Street Band
I read these books a couple of years ago, but I still remember them as great books. I package them in a title know as “The Rain Series”. They’re all about a Japanese-American Assassin, John Rain, who is hired to take out some higher up troublesome folk. By his description I could actually picture everything that was going on with ease. I’ve got them around the house if you’d like to read them sir.
Sound like a good read! I looked it up on amazon and I think this is the series you are referring to. Maybe I will take you up on reading those when I get through what the books I have here at my house.
Reading is NOT stupid or a waste of time! Even recreational reading is stimulating your brain, and it’s much healthier to read than to watch tv! I love it. It’s like you enter into a whole new world when you get focused and enthralled with a book.
I never said reading is stupid or a waste of time. Where did you get that idea? But I agree, reading does make you smarter.
Nice blog. First time here. I’m a reader also. Have been all of my life. I would agree about the Bible. It is the reading I start my day with. I do believe it is God’s inspired, inerrant Word. I also start my day with a good cup of coffee (actually two).
I usualy read two to three books at a time. One I am reading now is “Great Coffee” by Kevin Sinnott. It is the first coffee book for me. Also reading “Why Courage Matters” by J. McCain; “Lead to Succeed” by C. Turner and will be starting “The Fatherless Generation” by J. Sowers.
I’ve had Head Hunters by H. Hancock for a long time, originally as an album, now as a CD. One last thing, I think the quote is: “Leaders are readers.”
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill
(Romans 15:13: Psalm 21:6)
Thanks for commenting Bill, we seem to have much common ground! Coffee, reading, God, the Bible and even Herbie Hancock… I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned. If you ever are looking for another coffee book I would highly recommend the one I mentioned in this post. I’m also a fan of C.S. Lewis and Donald Miller, and right now I’m reading a book by Ravi Zacharias called “Has Christianity Failed You?”. (It hasn’t failed me, but the book is great) I usually read multiple books at a time as well.
Is takecourage.net your website? I like the format. Thanks for commenting — it’s amazing the way the internet connects people like this.
Take Care,
Mike
Hey Mike,
Takecourage.net is my blog. It is 9 months old. In the future I’ll look for that coffee book. I am not a real big C.S. Lewis fan. Nothing personal, he just isn’t my cup of tea or better yet, coffee.
Let me go a little old school and bring up Dave Brubeck and Take Five. Or what about Chick Corea and Return to Forever? I am familiar with the Brecker Brothers also. I also like the blues, black Gospel, well there is something good in most music, except maybe country!
Are you familiar with Phil Keaggy? If not, you might like him and you can find him on youtube.
I can’t read C.S. Lewis all-day, every-day but I’ve found much of his writing in his book Mere Christianity quite profound. I saw that you have reviewed some of Warren Weirsbe’s stuff on you site…I’ve been looking in to picking up his New Testament commentaries, as they were recommended by a friend of mine.
As for music, Dave Brubeck’s Take Five is in my regular listening rotation! I like Chick Corea as well, he has some great solos on this Live Five Peace Band album. And Michael Brecker happens to be one of my favorite saxophonists! The things he could do with his horn still amaze me when I listen. Another one I like is John Coltrane.
I am familiar with Phil Keaggy too; in fact the guitar player at my church has his guitar signed by Phil. Hip Hop, Rap, and country are where are draw the line in my listening. I’m a jazz, blues, rock, soul, and funk type of guy.
What about Ronny Laws and his sax play? Since you know RtF, I’m sure you like Stanley Clarke, Al Dimeola and Lenny White. Back in the day, Clarke was setting the standard for bassists. But when it comes to funk, you have to go with Bootsie Collins. Yea, I am down with some P-Funk.
But seriously, regarding Wiersbe’s commentaries. I have the entire set of his “Be” series. They are good, they are more devotional and pastoral than academic. At one time he was a pastor and he writes from a pastor’s perspective. I have liked every book that I have used. He is really a good balance to the authors who are very academic.
I am probably one of the only Christians who is not a C. S. Lewis fan. There are a few quotes of his that are good, but I have not read any book of his that overall I liked. Now to balance that off, my wife and oldest son like his writings. But I will pass on Lewis unless I have to read him.
Clarke, Dimeola, and White are all great players in my opinion. I have this album called Friday Night In San Francisco by Dimeola, McLaughlin, and Paco DeLucia that is OUT OF THIS WORLD. But I have to say I’m not very familiar with Ronny Laws…I guess I have something to look for then next time I go shopping for listening material.
I guess I’m going to have to check out those commentaries then as well, because that sounds like what I’m looking for at the moment. I appreciate the advice Bill, thanks!