The Return of the Native, by Thomas Hardy. I read this book for the first time in high school, and somehow it resonated deeply with me and my circumstances as a young boy in rural Mississippi — Egdon Heath, the characters, the plot, human struggles and dreams of another world. Like the main character in the novel, I managed to escape to a more modern environment and a wider world, but never lost that connection to my roots and all the tensions and infatuations of that isolated environment. Later in life when I would return for visits to my hometown, as I would round the curve approaching town, I would imagine myself as Clem Yeobright returning to Egdon Heath, accompanied by all the dramatic emotions of that powerful novel. Aah, nostalgia!
AI helped me recall the nature of John Piper’s observations on the power of books to have a profound impact on people’s lives. But he also cited thar some times it can be a single sentence or single idea in a big that can change the direction of a life. This underscores the power of the word(s). Keep on writing Doug!
John Piper has often spoken about the transformative power of books, particularly in his writing and teaching. He believes that books have the potential to change lives profoundly, but he goes further to emphasize that it's not always the entire book that makes an impact. In his observations, Piper notes that sometimes a single sentence, paragraph, or even a solitary idea from a book can be life-changing.
In his reflections, Piper has pointed out that these "single sentences" can hit a person at just the right moment, conveying truth or clarity that the person desperately needed. This is why, despite the length or depth of a book, the power of just a small part can be what the Holy Spirit uses to bring about significant personal or spiritual transformation.
For example, in his teachings and writings, Piper has cited moments in his own life when a specific phrase or passage from works by Jonathan Edwards or C.S. Lewis opened his eyes to new theological insights or a deeper understanding of God’s character. These instances demonstrate how even a brief but potent thought can spark a lasting change in someone’s perspective or direction in life.
I do not know the title of the book that was thrust into my hands by my MIL in the late 1980s but it opened my eyes to more! She insisted I read this book which was written by some anti Madeleine L'Engle crusaders out of Iowa. I was intrigued and fell in love with Madeleine who became my spiritual companion as I journeyed through the Dominican Center @ Marywood's spiritual formation program and Spiritual Director practicum some 20 years ago. Here, you invite this reader to pick up, even as I spend a Sabbath on the couch, with L'Engles Walking on Water. Thanks, Douglas.
Just one? I didn’t start reading until later in life but I loved Buechner’s Godric for its beautiful prose writing and the humility of Godric.
Another not well known author I got introduced to through the periodical Weavings is Wendy M. Wright. Her book The Vigil:Keeping Watch in the Season of Christ’s Coming is well worn. She introduces some Orthodox history, poems, hymns plus her own experiences. With chapter titles of Waiting, The Coming, Living the Season and Keeping the Vigil she takes you on a spiritual journey through Advent into Epiphany. A favorite quote on our bathroom mirror is the reminder: true repentance begins with the felt knowledge we are loved by God.
Forever Amber! My first banned book. Banned by my mom. I found it on the dryer. She was going to throw it out. I read it under the covers. I was about 12 and it wasn't until I'd read it for the 10th time that I understood everything that was going on. I just thought the story was exciting. Still one of my favorites!
1944. Kathleen Windsor. 17th century England. It must have started my love of historical romance, which is why I know about demobbed soldiers, and English corn laws, and how the Duke was suffering from ennui! Lol. Banned in Boston for numerous mentions of sex, disrobing, ridiculing marriage etc. Over 2000 reviews on Amazon. Book is great. Movie is terrible
The Return of the Native, by Thomas Hardy. I read this book for the first time in high school, and somehow it resonated deeply with me and my circumstances as a young boy in rural Mississippi — Egdon Heath, the characters, the plot, human struggles and dreams of another world. Like the main character in the novel, I managed to escape to a more modern environment and a wider world, but never lost that connection to my roots and all the tensions and infatuations of that isolated environment. Later in life when I would return for visits to my hometown, as I would round the curve approaching town, I would imagine myself as Clem Yeobright returning to Egdon Heath, accompanied by all the dramatic emotions of that powerful novel. Aah, nostalgia!
Wow, thanks for the recommendation! Am embarrassed to admit that I haven't read anything by Thomas Hardy. Will to fix that soon.
Philosophers Who Believe: The Spiritual Journeys of 11 Leading Thinkers Paperback – October 29, 1997 Kelly Clark-Editor
AI helped me recall the nature of John Piper’s observations on the power of books to have a profound impact on people’s lives. But he also cited thar some times it can be a single sentence or single idea in a big that can change the direction of a life. This underscores the power of the word(s). Keep on writing Doug!
John Piper has often spoken about the transformative power of books, particularly in his writing and teaching. He believes that books have the potential to change lives profoundly, but he goes further to emphasize that it's not always the entire book that makes an impact. In his observations, Piper notes that sometimes a single sentence, paragraph, or even a solitary idea from a book can be life-changing.
In his reflections, Piper has pointed out that these "single sentences" can hit a person at just the right moment, conveying truth or clarity that the person desperately needed. This is why, despite the length or depth of a book, the power of just a small part can be what the Holy Spirit uses to bring about significant personal or spiritual transformation.
For example, in his teachings and writings, Piper has cited moments in his own life when a specific phrase or passage from works by Jonathan Edwards or C.S. Lewis opened his eyes to new theological insights or a deeper understanding of God’s character. These instances demonstrate how even a brief but potent thought can spark a lasting change in someone’s perspective or direction in life.
I agree with you (and John Piper). I'm thankful that my parents didn't try to censor my reading list.
I do not know the title of the book that was thrust into my hands by my MIL in the late 1980s but it opened my eyes to more! She insisted I read this book which was written by some anti Madeleine L'Engle crusaders out of Iowa. I was intrigued and fell in love with Madeleine who became my spiritual companion as I journeyed through the Dominican Center @ Marywood's spiritual formation program and Spiritual Director practicum some 20 years ago. Here, you invite this reader to pick up, even as I spend a Sabbath on the couch, with L'Engles Walking on Water. Thanks, Douglas.
What a treat to read this - not because of your MIL but what followed. Good for you!
and the timing of this share makes me smile- I just learned that this week is "Banned Book Week." Thanks for your question and reply, Douglas.
Just one? I didn’t start reading until later in life but I loved Buechner’s Godric for its beautiful prose writing and the humility of Godric.
Another not well known author I got introduced to through the periodical Weavings is Wendy M. Wright. Her book The Vigil:Keeping Watch in the Season of Christ’s Coming is well worn. She introduces some Orthodox history, poems, hymns plus her own experiences. With chapter titles of Waiting, The Coming, Living the Season and Keeping the Vigil she takes you on a spiritual journey through Advent into Epiphany. A favorite quote on our bathroom mirror is the reminder: true repentance begins with the felt knowledge we are loved by God.
I thought I'd be lucky to get one, but I'm thrilled to a get list! Thanks. I love the quote too.
Forever Amber! My first banned book. Banned by my mom. I found it on the dryer. She was going to throw it out. I read it under the covers. I was about 12 and it wasn't until I'd read it for the 10th time that I understood everything that was going on. I just thought the story was exciting. Still one of my favorites!
I love that story! I don't recognize the title, but I understand the curiosity. Now I'll have to look up Forever Amber.
1944. Kathleen Windsor. 17th century England. It must have started my love of historical romance, which is why I know about demobbed soldiers, and English corn laws, and how the Duke was suffering from ennui! Lol. Banned in Boston for numerous mentions of sex, disrobing, ridiculing marriage etc. Over 2000 reviews on Amazon. Book is great. Movie is terrible
CHASING AFTER WIND: A PASTOR'S LIFE, a memoir... Is that cheating?
Thanks, Jonathan! Am grateful for your friendship.
With a review like that, how can I resist! I'm interested. Thanks for being a reader, Dani!
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel José García Márquez has meant much to me throughout my mostly private long life. - Catherine Kendall
One of the best novels ever!