It is a sad reality of our modern life. Over 100 TV channels and not a blasted thing worth watching. Okay, there are a few decent shows, but one can only watch the same episode of Grey’s Anatomy or Law & Order so many times. If television’s vast ocean of entertainment has dried up for you, maybe it is time to try something new: curling up on the sofa with a good book.
To help you find a good one, The Waltonian has put together a list of books recommended by both students and faculty. The suggested titles include:
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer draws a clear and sharp distinction between what he terms “cheap grace,” or grace without discipleship, and “costly grace,” which can only be obtained by accepting and living for Christ. A must-read for anyone wondering what it takes to achieve salvation in Christ.
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. This masterpiece has something for every-one-swashbuckling adventure, romance, suspense, magic. As good as Peter Jackson’s films are, the books are that much better.
Lament for a Son by Erik Volterstort. Written after his son’s untimely and tragic death, Lament documents Volterstort’s outpouring of grief over his heartbreaking loss and his finding peace in God. This book is for anyone who is suffering the loss of a loved one or searching for comfort.
The War by Geoffery C. Ward and Ken Burns. The story of World War II, told by the men and women who fought it, The War is an eye-opening chronicle of the most destructive war in history. A great choice for anyone remotely interested in this devastating period in history.
Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Hope by Richard Foster. In Prayer, Foster helps the reader understand the many forms of prayer and explains what it means to practice prayer. In addition, Foster clears up many of the common misconceptions about prayer and shows it prayer can move one to personal transformation and to a deeper, stronger relationship with God.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. In what is perhaps Christie’s most well-known work, detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder on the most famous train in the world, only to discover the victim was not who he seemed and all of the other passengers share a strange connection. Perfect for all mystery lovers.
The Gospel of the Kingdom by George Eldon Ladd. Gospel of the Kingdom serves to present the contents and purpose of Jesus’ ministry to the casual layman. Ladd shows the reader how Christ’s ministry and lessons are still very relevant in the present day. This will make a good gift for anyone who is interested in coming to know Christ the Savior.
Rebel Train by David Healey. Loosely based on true events, Rebel Train tells the story of a group of Confederate Raiders on a mission to hijack the train carrying President Abraham Lincoln to his famous Gettysburg Address. Complications and double-crosses ensue when the train’s original crew gives chase and the Union payroll also carried on the train becomes the target of murderous thieves. A definite pick for Civil War buffs and those looking for a good adventure book.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury’s shocking dystopia may be more significant now than it was in 1953. An eye-opening read that frighteningly parallels our own society.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare. A tragic tale of revenge and madness in 16th century Denmark, this play is one of Shakespeare’s crowning achievments. Definitely a must-read for those into the classics.