I love a good read. My definition of a good read: Any book that edifies by means of learning, enjoyment, or relaxation in a way that draws me closer to God. Olympian Eric Liddell said, “When I run, I feel [God’s] pleasure.” If I may borrow the phrase, When I read, I sense God’s vast imagination. 

My own imagination was sparked recently when a friend asked me to list 10 books that I most love and that have shaped my life in a significant way. What an enjoyable assignment, I thought. This is what I wrote: 

The Bible, God’s love letter to us, transcends all books and is in a category alone and beyond the scope of this or any list. With that in mind, here goes:
1) The Bible (I couldn’t resist).
2) The Dick and Jane children’s book where they visit the farm. I believe it was called Surprise Party. This book, which I read when I was five, opened up a world of words and wonder for me.
3) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. My favorite book as a child. Made me realize it wasn’t that strange to be collecting frogs in the rain.
4) Anything by Charles Dickens. His books always could transport me to another place and time.
5) Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe. Yes, he could be somber at times; but at his best, he was brilliant and insightful.
6) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I don’t read many mystery books today, but as a teenager, I was enthralled by the detective’s clever solutions.
7) Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Apart from the Bible, the best book I’ve ever read showing that morality, necessarily, has to come from a personal, all-loving God. If that last sentence doesn’t make sense, you would enjoy reading this book too.
8) The Seeking Heart by Francois Fenelon. Written in the 17th century, it’s still my favorite devotional.
9) The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas. One of many such books on the defense of the Christian faith that could have filled the 9th slot on this list. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel and Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell are among the others.
10) The Dictionary. For the simple reason that, as one comedian put it, “It has all the other books in it.”

It was an enjoyable exercise. Though, admittedly, the assignment would have been easier if the list were expanded to 20!

How about you? Which books would be on your list? List one or more that come to heart and mind.

In the meantime, I hope this encourages you to read a good book today, especially The Good Book.

Kevin Murray
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