Book Reviews (January 2012)
Posted by Alan on January 29, 2012
While my reading intake has slowed down considerably (two kids, one on the way, and a home renovation in progress) I have, never-the-less, still been able to enjoy a couple of books a month.
This month, I set out to read two books that were vastly different, yet, in reading them, I found them to be amazingly similar in their views of this world, and the lives we are called to live as we sojourn through the lands of our days.
The first was Money, Possessions, and Eternity, by Randy Alcorn
The second, The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan
Money, Possessions, & Eternity
Author: Randy Alcorn
Year Written: 1989
Other Books by This Author that I Have Read: None
Pages: 520
Review: Hands down the best book I have read regarding how a Christian should view work, finances, giving, saving, and leaving an inheritance. The book was further enhanced for me when I did some digging into the life of Randy Alcorn. I will say, that I am not a fan in any way, shape, or form of the Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Make-Over” as it actually misses The Gospel completely. Alcorn, however, goes right to the heart of The Good News of Jesus, pleads for a return to a Christianity that sees giving as one of the chief aims of those who walk in the Covenant of Grace, and actually calls Christians to a life of setting a reasonable budget… and then giving the rest away. I was challenged by the book and humbled by the life of its author.
“The believer’s view of reality should be radically different than the nonbeliever’s. We should live differently because we see differently.” -Randy Alcorn
The Pilgrim’s Progress
Author: John Bunyan
Year Written: 1678
Other Books by This Author that I Have Read: None
Pages: 474
Review: In a word… WOW. I could not believe I had never read this book. Everything is so incredibly well orchestrated that it is no wonder this is the 2nd best selling book in history (2nd only to The Bible). The pilgrimage is highlighted by aptly named characters (pliable, worldly wiseman, faithful, hopeful, talkative, lord hate-good, etc..) and in-depth descriptions of the challenges that all believers face while sojourning through this world (Slough of Despond, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Vanity Fair, Delectable Mountains, and the Celestial City). The ending to the first part has a gut-wrenching twist to it. I can’t recommend this book enough. Buy the one that is translated into modern English for easier reading.
“a man there was, though some did count him mad, the more he cast away the more he had.” -John Bunyan
