Dennis' Pile of Books: August 2014

Welcome to Dennis' Pile of Books

If you were to walk into my office, either at the church or at my house, one thing you would most likely notice many, many books. I have piles of books everywhere so it seems. I love books and surround myself with them wherever I am (at work, on vacation, in the bathroom... you get the picture). So welcome to my pile of books!

On one of my other blogs (Immersed in Mystery) I have a running list of books I have recently read, and ones I am currently reading. In the past few months I began writing short comments after each book title, these were sort of like mini-book reviews, really mini. I thought that rather than lose these comments in the future (I only keep 10 titles on the list at any one time) I would create a blog dedicated to the books I have read.

Having this blog dedicated to the books I have read will also allow me to expand on my comments, perhaps even expanding into a full book review on occasion. Each book will have its own entry, and after the initial 10 entries future books will be noted in this blog when I finish them (in other words the date of the blog entry will indicate the date I finished that book). Mostly this blog is for my own benefit (to help remember all I've read), but I also like to share good books with others. Occasionally I feel the need to warn people about a disappointing book - our free time is scarce enough as it is, no use wasting it on a book that isn't worth the time or effort.

I welcome other comments on these books, it is always interesting to hear how others react to a book I've read - so feel free to leave comments on this blog. And I'm always open to book suggestions from others, I've encountered some great books because of other people's suggestions. Enjoy browsing through my pile of books.

Monday, August 25, 2014

C.S. Lewis Called Him Master: Exploring the Life & Adult Fantasy Works of George MacDonald

by Charles Seper

Focusing primarily on the books Phantastes and Lilith Seper unfolds the many layers and meanings woven into these book by MacDonald. It has been many years since I read either of those books, but Seper's exposition brought many scenes from those works back to life in my memory. This is the first I have encountered someone who identifies MacDonald as a Christian mystic, but after reading his reasoning I am inclined to agree with the author.

At the Back of the North Wind

by George MacDonald

One of George MacDonald's most popular books, which I have read before. This time I was struck by how the experiences and behaviour of the young protaganist Diamond reminded me of someone who has experienced a Near Death Experience, which is indeed what it means to go to the back of the north wind.