i wanted to read more widely this year – push myself into literary parts unknown. a resolution of sorts. here’s what i have tackled so far:
1. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens (1861) — A classic, as they say. Not sure how this one stacks up against other Victorian novels but i really wasn’t expecting the odd characters and weird circumstances encountered by the protagonist in this coming of age story.
2. In Persuasion Nation, George Saunders (2006) — Fiction. Short stories, letters and other tidbits from the advertising-saturated world of the not so distant future. Interesting and entertaining some of the time, tedious and boring in other stretches, often infuriating and disturbing. Read it on whim. Anyone heard of this author?
3. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, Alfred Lansing (1959) — The true story of a 1915 south polar expedition gone wrong and the leader, Sir Earnest Shackleton, who brought all his men home safe almost two years later. An incredible adventure tale of 27 men pushed to their limits and then beyond. Couldn’t put this one down. My Dad’s library is full of this stuff and I can finally share his appreciation for all things Shackleton.
4. Summoned to Lead, Leonord Sweet (2004) — Hadn’t read any leadership material or Leonard Sweet for years. Some solid content for sure, however Sweet is definitely a fan of milking the metaphor inside out (and then inside out, again!). His case study on Sir Earnest Shackleton got me reading the actual accounts. Only half done and not sure I’ll finish.
5. I’ve got another Shackleton account on the go. Pretty similar to Lansing’s work with more pictures and less detail. The Endurance, Caroline Alexander (1998).
6. Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner (1973) –Buechner is pretty much my favourite auther, at least in the realm of theology. This one’s an A-B-C of faith, a short dictionary of Buechner’s thoughts on some of Christianity’s best, deepest and darkest. I use it as a reference for sermons and pure interest. Borrowed from Queens’ and renewed 20 times or something!
Stuff in the dock… Just started The Meaning of Jesus by Marcus Borg and NT Wright. Two scholars with two visions of Jesus. Meaty. Will take some time. Someone has also handed me a book by John Piper that I will probably read to say I did. Also have Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment waiting to be cracked.
I’m always open for suggestions.
