The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis

Wow, where to start with this one. Although both Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra both have some slow spots, taken together these are some of the best novels I have read, and are at the top of my "all-time favorite" list along with Lord of the Rings.

If you've never read them, you should. I have for a long time wanted to lead a reading group through them; I may do that still. Most folks I talk to have never read any of them. If you want to really plumb the depths, read Abolition of Man and The Problem of Pain along with them.

Divine Comedy, by Dante

Another classic I missed in High School. I was surprised by two things: 1) the amount of political commentary throughout, particularly in Inferno and Purgatorio, and 2) how pastoral and encouraging this work was overall. It was very difficult to follow from the audiobook (although the reader did a great job), and I probably missed 75% of the nuances, but in the end I was glad I slugged through it.

Paradise Lost by John Milton

This was another audiobook (unabridged). I had only been through some of the first sections in High School, and it was good to listen to it all the way through. Very Puritan, but a worthwhile read.

Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI

I had seen this book blurbed favorably by Joel Garver in "Modern Reformation" of all places. I can honestly say that I haven't read a better, more pastoral, more moving presentation of the life of Jesus.

Benedict XVI, previously Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, has been a well-known theologian in Catholic circles for many years (he was apparently John Paul II's chief theological adviser). The breadth of his understanding of biblical theology, and his thorough critique of much of modern liberal theology, shines through this book; although this book is not "academic" in its focus--it is quite pastoral, and even devotional. I highly recommend it.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

This one was an audiobook (unabridged). What a great book--I listened to it twice. A deep, rich presentation of sin, grace, and forgiveness, and the "bigness" of the Church behind it all.

Book List To Come

Someone asked me the other day what books I'd read recently. I couldn't remember. Is that bad?

I decided to start posting a book list here on our nearly-defunct and now Edema-less blog. Why here, and not on Musing? Well, I didn't want poor George to be implicated if some of my reading was considered, er, heretical, particularly as he is in the middle of a job search. He doesn't need my baggage.

So, anyway, I'll try to use this space to keep up with books I've read and my thoughts (however superficial) about them. Feel free to comment.