Friday, January 11, 2008

Tagged...

I've been tagged by JOSH. Here are my answers...

1. One book that changed your life. (I'm going to cheat and go with two.)

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul and Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott. I know, strange combination. I'm not a Calvinist like Sproul, nor am I near as liberal as Lamott. In my early 20's Sproul's book revealed to me in a meaningful way how far the distance is between me and God. In my late 20's Lamott's book helped me see how small that distance is. (I'd pay a few bucks to see Anne Lamott and R.C. Sproul hanging out together.)

2. One book that you have read more than once.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Of all the "classics" I've read, this is by far the best.

3. One book you would want on a desert island.

Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. Being on a desert island would probably be what it would take for me to finish this book I've read the first fifty pages of about half a dozen times.

4. Two books that made you laugh.

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Sedaris is about the funniest writer around.

5. One book that made you cry. (I'm going to cheat with two again.)

The Poisonwood Bible
by Barbara Kingsolver and Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. If you've read them, you'll know what I'm talking about. The first one-- Ants. The second-- The next to the last chapter. (Runner up-- The Kite Runner.) (I cry a lot in books.)

6. One book you wish you'd written.

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.

7. One book you wish had never been written.

I can't think of one for this.

8. Two books you are currently reading.

Fundamentalism and American Culture by George Marsden and Life of Pi by Yann Martel. (I've been reading the second one for years now. I can't get through the first third.)

9. One book you've been meaning to read.

Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama. Hey, I like the guy. Who doesn't?

10. Five people that I tag: Jessica W., Jason, Blake, Tracey F., Jeanne D.

4 comments:

Jeanne Damoff said...

Wowees! I'll get on that.

Good list--at least the ones I've read. I actually loved Crime and Punishment. It's not an easy read, but what a fascinating glimpse into a mind trying to rationalize guilt. (And failing, hence the "punishment" part of the title.)

Unknown said...

I second you on the David Sedaris. "Holidays on Ice" is a great one ("No, we want the OTHER Santa!"), as are "Barrel Fever," "Naked," and (you're totally right) just about anything he's ever written.

Candace Shaw said...

Craig,

I asked Josh this as well, but I've been asked to present on the Emergent Church to a class of college students prepapring to go on a mission trip to NYC. Do you have any suggestions for good resources to use?

Thanks!

Unknown said...

it will be a while...but i'll do it. hope things are good.