All I read while in school and while working were books, journals, info to improve my knowledge professionally. As I retired I got Audible to listen as we drive on trips and as I do stuff around the house or just sit and relax. I will select from some of these suggestions. Thanks Beau for putting this thought out there.
I graduated with my bachelors degree in 2022. It was then I started reading only fiction obsessively! It basically consumed me. Now I will be starting seminary in August so I know I have to find balance… But unfortunately, for a while, I won’t get to read as much fiction. But I’m definitely gonna take a look at some of your recommendations before August!
I worked on the campus of the Harvard School of Public Health for a few years. I’d See Dr. Farmer now and then. I remember listening to him give a talk once. This was in Boston, right in the middle of the Major League Baseball playoffs in 2007. The Red Sox were in the middle of it all (and would eventually win the World Series). Dr. Farmer made reference to some “sporting event that was happening” in town. It got some laughs, but I could tell he was also serious. As a huge Boston sports fan, I was amazed and somewhat surprised he could live in Boston and not care about the sports. I think that moment, that brush with Dr. Farmer, played a part in helping reframe how I live in the world.
I agree, Bob! There are some amazing ones out there. This year I am hoping to read a couple of memoirs. I haven't heard of these but I will add them to my list! Thank you!
Are you going to make a list of suggested fiction books for guys like me who want to dip their toe in the waters of fiction but don’t know where to start?
Beau my story is a bit opposite. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family not grounded in any faith, but with a great love for literature. I found Jesus/Jesus found me as I was on the edge of entering junior high through a pastor in a small Southern Baptist church, Danny Cone, who had a passion for youth. He taught me about story and Jesus. I loved Danny and Jesus, and found myself talking to God like God was there, and consuming my Bible as story, the only way I knew to read anything.
Then the church voted Danny out for “ spending too much time and money on youth”. This was so shocking to me it led this teen to a long period that lasted into my mid 20s of private agnosticism, going through the motions, looking for something that made since, failing terribly at trying to be the Christian woman identified by that denomination, thinking of myself as too faulty to really be good enough, or incapable of walking the narrow path. And I no longer had conversations with God, my prayers rote or desperate or angry. I so wanted my junior high self back. And Jesus.
But then I discovered Narnia. With female characters living courageously. A journey /epic story pointing to all things being made right in the end, and that all is not as it might seem. Then Lord of the Rings. The I discovered Dekker.
Long story short, I got into counseling with a qualified person who while Christian did not beat me up with scripture and ruled. She helped lead me out of some very dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, and through self forgiveness and forgiveness of the flawed humans who raised me, etc.
I will turn 60 this summer and it has been an amazing journey. My path now is similar to your as far as finding a community centered around Jesus and his teachings, and loving God and others through our words, thoughts and actions.
Going to subscribe.
This is non fiction, but all about story. Seeing Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Dr. Kenneth Bailey.
Hi Kelly! Wow, what a journey. Thank you for sharing all of that with me. I especially loved hearing how literature has played a role in that. I’m honored you plan to subscribe. Truly. I don’t always get it perfect, but I’ll certainly be honest about it. So glad you’re here.
But let’s be honest, Beau… sometimes we just need some fluff anyway!
It’s watching but not reading… but I enjoyed Star Wars: Skeleton Crew immensely. Partly because I could do it without thinking. lol. After years of thinking about what the Bible said about everything, I enjoy mindless stories too. (Mindless isn’t the best word, but you get it.)
I totally get it. I joke with my wife all the time that reading isn’t just luxury for me…it’s therapy! Ha. And you’re exactly right, it’s a brain break of sorts!
All I read while in school and while working were books, journals, info to improve my knowledge professionally. As I retired I got Audible to listen as we drive on trips and as I do stuff around the house or just sit and relax. I will select from some of these suggestions. Thanks Beau for putting this thought out there.
Let me know your thoughts if you end up reading any!
I graduated with my bachelors degree in 2022. It was then I started reading only fiction obsessively! It basically consumed me. Now I will be starting seminary in August so I know I have to find balance… But unfortunately, for a while, I won’t get to read as much fiction. But I’m definitely gonna take a look at some of your recommendations before August!
Good luck on your seminary journey! That’s awesome! And thanks for reading. I look forward hearing your thoughts. 😊
True stories also inspire me. Mountains Beyond Mountains, The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer to Cure the World, and Strength in What Remains.
I worked on the campus of the Harvard School of Public Health for a few years. I’d See Dr. Farmer now and then. I remember listening to him give a talk once. This was in Boston, right in the middle of the Major League Baseball playoffs in 2007. The Red Sox were in the middle of it all (and would eventually win the World Series). Dr. Farmer made reference to some “sporting event that was happening” in town. It got some laughs, but I could tell he was also serious. As a huge Boston sports fan, I was amazed and somewhat surprised he could live in Boston and not care about the sports. I think that moment, that brush with Dr. Farmer, played a part in helping reframe how I live in the world.
I agree, Bob! There are some amazing ones out there. This year I am hoping to read a couple of memoirs. I haven't heard of these but I will add them to my list! Thank you!
Are you going to make a list of suggested fiction books for guys like me who want to dip their toe in the waters of fiction but don’t know where to start?
Yes! Here are some I would recommend if you are just getting started:
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (might make you cry- in a good way)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Narrated by Death. Yes, really.)
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (one my my all-time faves....beautiful story of friendship)
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer (whimsical and heartwarming)
Tress of The Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson (hilarious fantasy adventure)
*feverishly runs to library*
This is a great list! To it I would add All the Light you Cannot See by Anthony Doer, and most recently, James by Percival Everett.
Beau my story is a bit opposite. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family not grounded in any faith, but with a great love for literature. I found Jesus/Jesus found me as I was on the edge of entering junior high through a pastor in a small Southern Baptist church, Danny Cone, who had a passion for youth. He taught me about story and Jesus. I loved Danny and Jesus, and found myself talking to God like God was there, and consuming my Bible as story, the only way I knew to read anything.
Then the church voted Danny out for “ spending too much time and money on youth”. This was so shocking to me it led this teen to a long period that lasted into my mid 20s of private agnosticism, going through the motions, looking for something that made since, failing terribly at trying to be the Christian woman identified by that denomination, thinking of myself as too faulty to really be good enough, or incapable of walking the narrow path. And I no longer had conversations with God, my prayers rote or desperate or angry. I so wanted my junior high self back. And Jesus.
But then I discovered Narnia. With female characters living courageously. A journey /epic story pointing to all things being made right in the end, and that all is not as it might seem. Then Lord of the Rings. The I discovered Dekker.
Long story short, I got into counseling with a qualified person who while Christian did not beat me up with scripture and ruled. She helped lead me out of some very dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, and through self forgiveness and forgiveness of the flawed humans who raised me, etc.
I will turn 60 this summer and it has been an amazing journey. My path now is similar to your as far as finding a community centered around Jesus and his teachings, and loving God and others through our words, thoughts and actions.
Going to subscribe.
This is non fiction, but all about story. Seeing Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Dr. Kenneth Bailey.
Blessings in your journey.
Hi Kelly! Wow, what a journey. Thank you for sharing all of that with me. I especially loved hearing how literature has played a role in that. I’m honored you plan to subscribe. Truly. I don’t always get it perfect, but I’ll certainly be honest about it. So glad you’re here.
But let’s be honest, Beau… sometimes we just need some fluff anyway!
It’s watching but not reading… but I enjoyed Star Wars: Skeleton Crew immensely. Partly because I could do it without thinking. lol. After years of thinking about what the Bible said about everything, I enjoy mindless stories too. (Mindless isn’t the best word, but you get it.)
I totally get it. I joke with my wife all the time that reading isn’t just luxury for me…it’s therapy! Ha. And you’re exactly right, it’s a brain break of sorts!