Comments on: Tips on reading well

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:03:47 +0000

I will have the joy of facillitating a book cafe’ in a local used book bookstore in Sept. Thanks for the summary. It is very encouraging and I will be encourages to think out of the box.

By: Jason Coker

Jason Coker — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:48:58 +0000

I took a ton of flack from my pre-teen daughter a few years back when I was reading Adler’s book. “If you don’t know how to read a book, how are you supposed read a book about how to read a book?”

She was so bothered.

It’s one of the best books ever. Mortimer Adler FTW!

By: Jason Sheffield

Jason Sheffield — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:41:08 +0000

I’ve found that I must find a successful way of reading. So I can’t have 3 deep theological books going at the same time. You have to find a good rhythm and mix of books.

For me it a a spiritual formation, historical, fiction, mixture. This helps me finish books. If i get bogged down in one I can switch over to the next,

But thats just me

By: Tom Meyer

Tom Meyer — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:23:22 +0000

I’m not unhappy that you don’t read fiction. I’m happy that you love to read and are willing to share that love. It’s important to read what you like otherwise you will not enjoy reading. I think you are a bit too adamant against fiction. I think in some cases, fiction can communicate an important message better than non-fiction. I want to share three titles at this time.

Midworld by Alan Dean Foster It’s science fiction. I read this book when I was 13 and again at 36. Loved it both times. A story of good vs evil and the power of nature and love. I’ll loan you my copy if you’d like to give it a go.

The Soloist by Steve Lopez, you’ve probably heard of it about the homeless violinist. I was enthralled with this story and the movie is nowhere as good as the book. The book discussion group will be discussing The Soloist on Feb 10 at Super Foodtown.

Homer & Langley by E.L. Doctorow, Another story I couldn’t put down. It is fiction based on true events. The story of two brothers who lived in a brownstone which was filled to the brim with the things they collected over their lifetime. The men’s book discussion group will be discussing this book on Feb 8 at the library.

By: J.R. Briggs

J.R. Briggs — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:17:08 +0000

Tom: that’s a great one. Thanks for adding it to the list (though you are probably not happy that I don’t read fiction, right?)

I’ve considered joining a book discussion group at the library in the past. I’m just waiting for the right time – and the right book! – to come along.

By: Tom Meyer

Tom Meyer — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:15:12 +0000

Hey JR, It’s great to see something like this shared outside of my profession. I just want to add,

Read to your children and let them see you reading.

Perhaps you’ll consider joining one of our book discussion groups at the library.

Best,
Tom

By: DougG

DougG — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:19:21 +0000

JR,

One I use, especially with history and/or a critical look at a subject, try to read countervailing arguments (aka if the book has a certain political bent, try to read something with the opposite bent). I just finished Niall Ferguson’s “Colossus: The price of America’s Empire” (2004) which bashes alot of historical orthodoxy (from his view), uses alot of references/stats (which were in and of themselves fascinating), and was amazingly accurate about current events now 5 years later. In my study of the OT and the Exile of Judah, I have read many “liberal” historians (many deny God) and once I get over my anger over certain things, I do learn new things about the era.

Thanks, DougG

By: J.R. Briggs

J.R. Briggs — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:37:37 +0000

John: good suggestion about putting the book down. Its hard to do, but I agree!

John and Geoff: I’d rather just watch the movie

Seriously though, I am pushing myself to read a Hemmingway story some time in 2010. Some time…

By: geoff holsclaw

geoff holsclaw — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:58:22 +0000

JR, great post.

I totally agree about that chapter in Spiritual Leadership. I really changed how I thought about reading when I first read it.

do you have a role for the “classics” of literature, of fiction? Homer, Chaucer, Shakespeare, etc?

By: john chandler

john chandler — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:14:49 +0000

JR,
From one person who “reads too much” to another…great stuff. A couple thoughts:

1) Don’t be afraid to quit reading a book you can’t engage with. (I’ve had a sicknesss where I felt like I needed to finish every book. Jon Tyson talked me out of that.)

2) I think you already know I disagree with you about fiction. Fiction is art, especially when it’s done well. Art wields a greater power to move and shape us than raw information. Put another way… http://www.somestrangeideas.com/2009/02/04/a-thousand-splended-suns/