Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Gratitude for Books

Beth Revis, the author of one of my favorite young adult books, Across the Universe, is putting on this awesome contest, centered on showing gratitude for books. How could I not enter? This is right up my alley.

The "assignment" is to write about the book you are most thankful for. I've been thinking this over since she first posted about it, on October 31, but for the life of me, I can't pick just one book. It's impossible. So I'm going to narrow it down to six. For now.

1. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
This novel blew my mind, and made me feel more excited about literature, and the amazing things that can be done in/through/with it. It challenged my faith, my sense of right and wrong, and in the end strengthened both. And her style, her undeniable style, unfolding the story so expertly, so that I was hanging on every word, rereading passages just for the poetry and beauty. It woke me up, and threw me headfirst into the reading frenzy I've been in for the past three years- going from reading maybe fifteen or twenty books a year to over one hundred, easily. This book awakened a deep passion within me.



2. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (Prince Caspian, in particular)
Yes, this is also what Beth Revis wrote about, but I would be doing by self a disservice if I left the series out. It's what pops into my head first when someone asks about my favorite book. I cry every time I read them, and I try to read them once a year. Lucy is my hero, in every way. Just typing the name Aslan gives me goosebumps. It is so purely beautiful, magical, wonderful... Every time I read it, I learn something new. I feel closest to God when I read about Narnia, and I long to bury my face into Alsan's mane. I could go on, and on, and on about these books...



3. Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie
Peter Pan evokes the same emotions as Narnia. And the best, most thoughtful, most beautiful gift I've ever received is the first edition Peter and Wendy. Eric tracked down a copy for me, and it is, by far, my most prized possession. And the love, how he knows my soul, the thoughtfulness Eric showed still brings me to tears. I'm so blessed to have such a man. The two go hand in hand now, the magic of Peter Pan, the beauty, the joy, and the love of my life. With Eric, I've grown up, and don't regret or fear it, like I used to.





4. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
I haven't yet found a more exciting, romantic book than the first time I read Les Miserables in the seventh grade. Eponine is still one of the greatest characters of all time. And as I've moved through each stage of my life, so has this book. Each time I understand it differently, and appreciate it even more (even though each time I didn't think it was possible).





5. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
Apart from the Bible, this book has been instrumental in forming my faith as it is today. It introduced me to Jesus as more than just a good teacher, a good man, a good prophet. It introduced me to Jesus as the creator of the universe, the smartest person/being to ever exist, and therefore worthy of adoration and obedience. It taught me to actually live out my faith with authenticity, rather that acknowledging it but doing nothing about it. And so much more than that. I think just about every page has something highlighted, including the footnotes. It's a wealth of knowledge and insight.


6. The Bible
Because, really, how could I not include this? I probably should have listed it first, but ending the list seems fitting, too. What can I say about it? I think it speaks for itself.













1 comment:

Anonymous said...

*moves The Handmaid's Tale to the top of tbr pile* I feel the same way about your other choices. Can't wait to read The Handmaid's Tale... I'm sure I'll love it as much as you do!

 

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