The Ten Books Club

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I was thinking recently about some goals for my life, and one of them was that I wanted to do some intentional reading in 2008. I read a lot, all the time really, but not very much of it is what you might call intentional or planned or with a purpose. I’ve always been a "jump reader," meaning that I jump from one book to another without ever finishing any of them. I suppose I’m currently "reading" 30 different books in the sense that I dip in here and dip in there and read a chapter or two. But I never seem to get around to finishing any of them. It always sounds impressive to say, "I’m reading 30 books," not that anyone ever asks me. So I thought to myself, "You should do some serious reading this year."That led me to decide that I would read ten substantial books this year, substantial defined as something more than a comic book or a thin paperback. Not something that for me would be an easy read, like a coffee table book about the History of the Chocolate Milk Shake. A substantial book for me would be …1) A book that challenges me,
2) Of longer than average size,
3) In an area of personal interest,
4) That I would actually enjoy reading,
5) And feel good about once I finished.So it’s a personal list, meaning that my ten books wouldn’t match anyone else’s list, but it would be a list that wouldn’t feel like a burden but an enjoyable challenge. And it would take me most of the year to get the job done.Then I decided to break it down further:Biblical studies–2
History–2
Contemporary trends–2
Novels–2
Offbeat–2That last category doesn’t mean strange, it just mean books I wouldn’t normally consider that don’t fit into one of the earlier categories. So far I have picked out my first four books:Commentary on Acts by Darrell Bock
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, ed. by D. A. Carson and Gregory Beale
Boswell’s Life of Johnson
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns GoodwinThe first two are hefty tomes of New Testament interpretation that will take me a long time to read. Boswell’s Life of Johnson is a 217-year-old classic. The book on Lincoln is in the 30 books I’ve dipped into lately. A great study on Lincoln and the men in his cabinet.That’s what I have so far. Since I’ve got a lot of reading already on my plate, I’m in no hurry to fill out the remaining six books. I’m sure one of the books will be about China. I figure that I’ll run into the other books later this year more or less by chance, and I’ll say, "That’s a book I need to read this year."I actually thought about starting a website called "The Ten Books Club" because I think this is a useful idea. That way we could share our reading lists and encourage each other. Maybe I’ll do that eventually. But for the moment let me ask you some questions:What are you reading right now?
What do you recommend?
What book would you like to read this year that you haven’t started?Your responses, recommendations and commentary would be most welcome.

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March 2, 2008, 8:47 AM Helen says:
	Pastor Ray can you say more about how these fit together: 1) A book that challenges me, 4) That I would actually enjoy reading I’m not saying they don’t, but in my experience being challenged, while good for me, often feels uncomfortable rather than enjoyable. Am I thinking of a different sort of ’challenge’ than you meant?
March 2, 2008, 8:54 AM Ray Pritchard says:
	I was thinking of a book that I actually look forward to reading, that doesn’t feel like homework to me or being forced to read a textbook about something in which I have no interest. It might make me uncomfortable as you said but reading it wouldn’t feel like a burden or an assignment.
March 2, 2008, 9:06 AM Helen says:
	Thanks for explaining.
March 2, 2008, 3:30 PM Steve Boisse says:
	I recently finished Team of Rivals after taking two years to read it. I too am a jump reader. I recently started “The Oxford History of the Classical World", have been reading “The Lady in White", “Devotions for Dads” and “Brothers We are Not Professionals” by John Piper ( a book I heartily recommend for all pastors and elders. On hold is “Les Misables” (I’m about 1/2 done). What I what to read is another good biography
March 2, 2008, 4:14 PM karen says:
	I love this idea of a book club and can’t wait to see suggestions of others since I am always looking for something good to read. Thank you very much for your suggestion of reading “Love and Respect,” it was an excellent and insightful book and I’m very grateful for your mentioning it here on this site. I am planning on reading “The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun.” I have read hundreds of excellent reviews about the book so I think I’ll get it eventually.
March 2, 2008, 6:15 PM Ryan says:
	Ray, great blog. I turned off the television 10 days ago and have more time than I ever imagined. As a result I am devouring one book after another. Plus, I am getting more done in a day and have much better concentration. Here are some books that have blessed me this week: James L. Swanson’s Manhunt: The Twelve Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. If you love early American History, this is good. Sex, Sushi and Salvation:Thoughts on Intimcay, Community and Eternity by Christian George. It is well written, easy to read, and I laughed out loud at times. He is 25 years old, and writes like someone twice his age. John, Ron, Buddy and I are reading the 12-part Puritan Series. I’ve just read The Bruised Reed and The Morticifcation of Sin. We are challenging ourselves to read on of these each month in 2008. These are challenging books, definitely not for easy reading. In fact, I read The Mortification of Sin twice because it convicted me so deeply. Tonight I am reading The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis. Wow, I forgot how thought-provoking Lewis is. Next week I have Isaac’s Storm by Larson, Lion in the White House by Donald, and Grace Gone Wild by Jeffress on my list. Intentional reading—I like the thought. Thanks and keep the blogs coming.
March 2, 2008, 9:07 PM Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator	I’m not sure if John Adams by McCullough (shown on the top of your stack) is one of the books you’re considering, but I really enjoyed it. Adams’ first hand accounts of the events that led up to the Revolutionary War all the way through the first 20 years of the newly formed U.S. made me feel like a fly on the wall during an amazing period in history.
March 2, 2008, 9:28 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Steve, glad to know you finished Team of Rivals. I think it’s so good that it deserves more than the dipping in and out I’ve been giving it. Love the other books also. Hey, I’m impressed that you’re reading Les Miserables.” I haven’t read it but Marlene and I did go see the stage version in Chicago a few years ago. Does that count? Probably not. Ray
March 2, 2008, 9:29 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Karen, glad you enjoyed Love and Respect. It remains the best book on marriage I’ve ever read. Practical, biblical, convicting and encouraging. A great read. Ray
March 2, 2008, 9:32 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Ryan, one of my boys gave me Manhunt for Christmas. Of course, I’ve dipped into and enjoyed it immensely. Need to read it all the way through. Just finished Sex, Sushi and Salvation this weekend. Agree with you about the book. I think the twentysomethings will love it. Kudos to you and Ron and John and Buddy for doing the Puritan thing. Wow! That’s some serious reading. I am not surprised that turning off the TV has led to such good results for you. I think we could all do well to follow your example. Ray
March 2, 2008, 9:34 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Derek, I haven’t officially added John Adams to my list yet. I treasure my copy because Steve Meyer gave it to me a few years ago. I have dipped into it and also McCullough’s 1776, a fascinating account of the critical year that led to the founding of the United States. David McCullough makes history come alive. Ray
March 2, 2008, 11:31 PM Lennie says:
	Ray- i am currently reading Maximized Manhood by Edwin Louis Cole. This is an excellent book for men.It has really challanged me! My next read is going to be Love and Respect. Blessings Lennie
March 2, 2008, 11:50 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Lennie, thanks for your comment. I’ve heard good things about Maximized Manhood. I think you’ll enjoy Love and Respect just as much. Ray
March 3, 2008, 7:57 AM Paul Barreca says:
	Ray, I echo Derek’s mention of “John Adams.” It is one of the most enlightening and illustrative bio’s I have read. If you haven’t read “1776” by McCullough you might want to start with that before Adams. It is shorter and broader than his book on Adams. I would like to read all of McCullough’s works. Ryan said he turned off his TV 10 days ago. Bravo. That’s where our reading time goes. FBC runs a challenge called “February Free.” We motivate one another to experience liberation from television for one month (Superbowl optional!).
March 3, 2008, 10:18 AM Judy says:
	I have only just been introduced to Ray Pritchard by 2 friends who are studying “Stealth Attack,” and I have ordered the book! I have recently read “Love and Respect” and as a counselor have already used the concept in a marriage counsel situation. My most recent read is Larry Crabb’s “Soultalk.” I always repent after reading one of his books…this one was no different. Besides these I am working on my Masters degree in Bible & Theology so much reading for course work. I know this website will become one of my favorites. Thank you!
March 3, 2008, 10:35 AM John says:
	Ray, Ryan forgot to mention that he is reading the Cliff Note version!
March 3, 2008, 3:29 PM Chester W Wegner says:
	The Forgotten Man by Amity Shlaes A very good history of the Great Depression. You will not be able to put it down. ble to put it down
March 3, 2008, 4:06 PM Sandra says:
Retired school teacher.	I am reading 2 books now, dipping in and out of one. One is Master of the Senate by Robert Caro. This is a huge book, third in a series of books, about Lyndon Baines Johnson. Fascinating, to say the least. He gives a lot of background about the U.S. Senate and how it hahs operated from the founders on down. The book I dip in and out of is called The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee. Nee’s writing takes a deep, profound look at Romans chapters 5-7 using some of the great verses which capture the essence of the Christian walk. It is the nature of the book that causes me to dip in and out of it: It scrambles my brains, and it takes a while to uncramble them! He views Scripture in a way that is different from the rest of us clucks, and his view makes sense and is quite interesting.
March 3, 2008, 4:07 PM Sandra says:
Retired school teacher.	I am reading 2 books now, dipping in and out of one. One is Master of the Senate by Robert Caro. This is a huge book, third in a series of books, about Lyndon Baines Johnson. Fascinating, to say the least. He gives a lot of background about the U.S. Senate and how it has operated from the founders on down. The book I dip in and out of is called The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee. Nee’s writing takes a deep, profound look at Romans chapters 5-7 using some of the great verses which capture the essence of the Christian walk. It is the nature of the book that causes me to dip in and out of it: It scrambles my brains, and it takes a while to uncramble them! He views Scripture in a way that is different from the rest of us clucks, and his view makes sense and is quite interesting.
March 3, 2008, 5:16 PM Angela says:
Christian homemaker and wife of active duty Army Captain	Hi Pastor Ray! I enjoy your sermons very much and with this blog entry, you have hit upon an issue very near and dear to my heart. My husband constantly complains about the “piles” of books around our home. These are piles that are composed of books read in a similar style to that you describe - whatever I feel like reading at that moment, for however long I have to read (sometimes minutes, other times hours). So they pile up - my stack of “things I really want to read but haven’t finished yet.” It sounds like you have a similar reading probl- ahem, ummm, style. :-) My current list of “books I really will finish this year” includes The Great Influenza (regarding the influenza pandemics), The Persian Puzzle (history of US relations with Iran), Churchill: A Biography, and Fear No Evil by Natan Sharansky. I have also begun, just this year, to truly read and study my Bible. I am very thankful that God has given me the desire to do that - a desire I always wanted to have but never could quite find before. This year I’m really enjoying it and, so far, sticking with it. That may put my other reading list goals at risk, but at least it would be for a good reason! Anyway, thanks again for your ministry. It means a lot to those of us out here in computerland!
March 4, 2008, 11:36 AM Scott says:
	For those interested in biographies I would recommend Edmund Morris’ “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt” and “Theodore Rex”. The first volume covers his life up to the day he becomes President, the second his Presidency. Morris intends to write a third on the remainder of his life. Another good one is “Ronald Reagan” by Dinesh D’Souza.
March 4, 2008, 12:06 PM Jeff O says:
	Hi Ray Here are a few great books that I have read. If you have not already read them, you may find them really worhtwhile: HISTORY * A History of the Ancient World - by Susan Wise Bauer * A Patriot’s Hiustory of the United States - by Larry Schweikart & Michael Allen * Warfare in the Classical World - by John Warry CHRISTIANITY * Think Biblocally - Ed. by John MacArthur * Renewing Your Mind in a Mindless World - James Montgomery Boice LITERATURE * War and Peace - by Leo Tolstoy Right now I’m reading R Kent Hughes’ - Disciplines of a Goldy Man Good reading!
March 4, 2008, 2:31 PM Gloria says:
	I love the idea of a book club. I love books and I love reading, almost as much as I love passing those “great” ones on to someone else. I read a book a couple of months ago that changed my life, my thoughts, and my preconceived ideas about God and who is really is. It is a fictional book, but the author’s insights are incredible. I recommend this book to ANYONE! Please pick up “The Shack” by William P. Young. It isn’t a very long read, but their is so much packed into a little book.
March 4, 2008, 3:03 PM Ryan says:
	Ray, you obviously have an audience full of readers. That is an incredible list of books. As for John’s comments…you should have seen the look on his face when I revealed to him that not all books need coloring. Touche’.
March 5, 2008, 1:03 AM Lacie says:
	Hi, Pastor Ray, My name is Lacie and I am 30 yrs old. I just have to tell you that.. Wow what a great idea! I’ve been wanting to start reading more lately. I feel as if the TV has become an addiction in my life. My brain feels like mush because of all the dumb shows with lack of morality. For example reality televison. Anyways, kudos for the idea! As for the questions.. What are you reading right now? 1.) Woman and Money by Suze Orman. 2.) 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese 3.) A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle What do you recommend? I would recomend Women and Money by Suze Orman. Very informative for a Woman trying to stand on her own 2 feet. I found her book very helpful. Also 23 Minutes in Hell and The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks ( So much better then the movie). I also recomend books by Susan May Warren if you are looking for a good christian story but not a difficult read. I really enjoy her work. What book would you like to read this year that you haven’t started? The Pillars of the Earth
March 5, 2008, 8:31 AM Renee says:
	Hi there, I thought I would drop you a line too. My name is Renee and I love to read, if I’m not reading then I’m crocheting! I am also a “jump reader” I don’t know for sure how many books I’m in the middle of right now, but I will keep reading them all. Although I am going to try to read through one at a time now! I like books that help me grow as a Christian. I am currently reading The prayer that changes everything by Stormie O’Martian, it has opened my eyes to truly learning to praise God! It is a wonderful book. For the married women out there, The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace is a great book. I just bought a book by Philip Yancey called Prayer. I’ve also read 90 minutes in Heaven which I thought was a good book. I have a ton of books by Billy Graham that I am going to dive into this year, thanks to your idea of a book club. I know I need to read more bio’s and history, but right now that just isnt where I am at. Should I pick one out and try it anyway? Thanks so much, and may God bless you.
March 5, 2008, 12:50 PM BARBARA says:
	FAITH AND WORK DO THEY MIX? EXCELLENT BOOK ABOUT THE MARKETPALCE AND A CHRISTIANS PLACE IN IT. BY OS HILLMAN
March 5, 2008, 4:34 PM Todd says:
	I think The Ten Books Club is an excellent idea, I hope you get the website going soon. There are not many people who have the problem of reading too many books. A couple of books that I found particularly inspiring and would highly recommend are i) a biography of George Whitefield (can’t remember the author), an account of one of Christendom’s giants, and ii) Quest for Godliness by J.I.Packer, an excellent introduction to the writings of the Puritans. I am currently dipping in and out of two books, i) Lost for Words by John Humphrys, a humorous book about the deterioration of the English language, and ii) Queen Elizabeth I, Selected Works, beautiful work including poems, prayers and essays. For my next book I plan to read a biography of Isaac Newton, the man who “stood on the shoulders of giants”.
March 10, 2008, 7:08 AM Ray Pritchard says:
	Thanks to everyone for your comments. Keep them coming. I hope we can continue to discuss the Ten Books Club idea this year. I now have my first four books stacked up by my computer— Bock on Acts Boswell’s Life of Johnson Commentary on the NT use of the OT Team of Rivals Looks like about 3500 pages. That plenty for the moment. Definitely enough to qualify as a serious challenge. I’ll keep you updated on my progress. Keep checking the blog for further entries and for more book ideas. Ray
March 17, 2008, 1:46 PM Steve says:
Sir, I do not wish to be on your register or be part of your organization.	One of my goals this year was to finish reading the Journals of Jim Elliot, the Diary of David Brainard, and Augustine’s Confessions. Here it is the middle of March and I don’t think I have made much progress with any of the three. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have finished reading these three books.
March 21, 2008, 8:06 AM Ray Pritchard says:
	Steve, I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I have my first four books on my desk next to my computer. This morning I finally picked up the Commentary on the NT use of the OT. It’s like a reading an encyclopedia but I’m going to stick with it and see how long it takes me to get to the end. At least by putting the books next to my computer, I have to think about them every day. Ray
May 6, 2008, 11:30 AM Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator	I’m currently reading a book I highly recommend. Don Piper, an ordained Baptist pastor from Houston, Texas wrote about his death in a terrible car accident in 1989. He was clinically dead for 90 minutes. His story is incredible, it is a fast read and makes me long for heaven like I never have before. “90 Minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper (not related to John).
December 26, 2008, 2:58 PM Dan J says:
	Article by Karl Rove on the books George W. Bush has read for the past 3 years http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123025595706634689.html
December 29, 2008, 3:17 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Dan, thanks for the link. Amazing how much the president has read given his extraordinary burdens. If he can read so many books, the rest of us have no excuses at all. Ray
January 5, 2009, 5:37 PM Andy A says:
missionary to youth on the West Coast of Florida	You sound like me. I pick a book here and there and before I know it, I am reading 3-5 books at the same time. I am working on a purity seminar this summer for camp so am reading up on that. Here is my first books for the year: Undressed by Jason Illian Not Even a Hint by Josh Harris UnChristian by Kinnaman & Lyons Pagan Christianity by Barna & Viola Sex 180 by Chip Ingram Samson Syndrome by Atteberry
January 16, 2009, 10:16 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	Andy, of the books you’ve mentioned, the only one I’ve read is the Samson Syndrome. Good book, quick read. I was given “Lone Survivor” as a Christmas gift and devoured it quickly. Alas, most of my books from 2008 are still only partly read. Ray