Take and Read: Spiritual Reading: An Annotated List

Rating:
Summary: A continual source of worthwhile reading
Review: I don't think I have ever read this entire book, but every time I pick it up I discover new writers and their books, each with fascinating insights into human nature and the relationship of Christian faith to living. It is especially helpful in introducing the reader to authors and subjects that one is not always even aware of. It's like browsing Peterson's library with him there, commenting on what he enjoyed and was challenged by in each book or what he appreciates about each author.

Rating:
Summary: A joyous adventure!
Review: If you are a Christian interested in growing deeper spiritually, and you view that not as an arduous task but rather a joyous adventure (and if you are not afraid to challenge yourself intellectually as well as emotionally), I highly recommend this book! Reading the previous two reviews, it seems that some misunderstanding about the book's intent led to a measure of frustration. Put simply, this is not a "book" per se. Rather, it is a "book ABOUT books". But what a book!

My church experience has been that contemporary laypeople are not often challenged to embrace the idea of reading (aside from the Bible) as an ongoing spiritual discipline; those of us who do try often have little idea where to begin, particularly in the area of Christian "classics". From what I have seen in some Christian bookstores, "Christianity lite" abounds, and books of questionable value jostle for shelf space along with the gems.

This book was a refreshing entry into a deeper world. To reap its benefits, time, patience and attention is required of the reader, both to search out the books and to immerse oneself in the wisdom they offer -- all of which goes against the culture of "busyness" in which we live.

I have already derived much joy from the books I have purchased upon the author's recommendations. The books are arranged by chapter theme, and cover numerous areas of Christian life and thought. I have given this book over the years to numerous friends and relatives, both pastors and laypeople. Everyone has loved it! Two long-time and highly knowledgeable Bible study teachers "stole" my book and kept "refusing" to return it. They finally returned my copy, filled with penciled notes about how excellent many of the recommendations were, and they ended up working some of Peterson's comments in the chapter introductions into their lessons. Another pastor, one who did not lightly give compliments, wrote an extremely appreciative note thanking me for the "remarkable" book. Yet another recipient told me she anticipated that working through these books would be a pleasurable journey for a lifetime -- my sentiments exactly! Do try this book, and see if you agree!

Rating:
Summary: Spiritual Reading - rediscovering the missing jewel
Review: In this excellent book, Peterson provides a great guide to getting into the sometimes overwhelming world of spiritual classics.

However, a lot of frustration will be avoided if you see this book for what it really is - an arrow pointing toward the books themselves! If you want to see Washington D.C., you'll be very dissapointed if you only study a map of it! This book is simply a map through the overwhelming stack of spiritual classics.

Especially helpful is Peterson's recommendations of specific translations and editions. I'm enjoying the fruits of the time I spent with "Take and Read"!