“I cannot live without books.”
Thomas Jefferson and I have more in common than hair color, you know.
Once upon three weeks ago, after commenting on used book stores being another option to build a larger LDS themed library** Proud Daughter of Eve asked
What books do you have in your library and which ones are your “must haves?”
My answer lacks most of the detail I think she’s looking for. My excuses reasons: our home library isn’t catalogued on our computer yet; of the 8 fathoms of books we own fewer than a quarter would be religious in nature; it’s 4am; frankly, I’d hate to bore anyone still reading at this point. Oh and I want reader responses, so mine should be limited to encourage greater participation, right? Right.
Genres that I collect:
Note–Ensign magazines used to be on this list, but having them online at lds.org gave me back at least 2 cubits of shelf space. Same with Official General Conference Proceedings (not exactly the same as the Ensign conference issues) publications. I’ve kept October 1978 and October 1980 though–a prize for anyone who knows why the latter one kept its spot.
Authors I adore:
Three recommended titles that I purchased second-hand:
Okay, bibliophiles, here’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for.
What LDS/religious themed books do you have in your library and which ones are your “must haves?” **
**Edited to clarify the intent to elicit suggestions for her LDS themed library
April 24th, 2006 04:34
I have a huge library what with my children’s selections, my husband’s selections and mine. Everyone in my family reads and loves to read so we do have books here.
I have a lot of psychology, self help, religious, mysteries, romance and sci/fi books as well as biographies. I have all the Harry Potter books, most of CS Lewis’s work and a lot of books by Gerald Young, BlaineYorgenson and Max Lucado as well as all the Little House on the Prairy Books
A few of my favorite authors include:
Spencer W Kimball
Gordon B Hinckley
Gerald Lund
Richard Paul Evans
CS Lewis
Nicholas Sparks
and John Grisham
My Must Haves are:
The Book of Mormon
The Doctrine and Covenants
THe Bible
Helping and Healing Familes
Family Home Evening resource books
The Fix it and Forget it Cook book
Writing For Emotional Balance
Yoga and Stretching
and
Overcoming Depression workbook
April 24th, 2006 08:53
Well I have definetly had much the same lists on my site, but I’m afraid I have lots of “fluff” too. I love Katherine Kurtz, she is my must have! I love Lynn Kurland, and Chaim Potok, the Chosen is an absolute must for me. Of course I like Jane Austin, and to complete my fluff is Madelein Brent. For my more serious, C.S. Lewis, and I adore Jay and Don Parry, I would suggest any books by these two as they really discuss the scriptures. I have several church books and for the most part I love them all. I agree with you on In the Eye of the Storm, but I love The Fire of Faith much better! I think a wide variety of books help keep a person rounded and grounded. Knowlege comes in so many ways, and well reading is the best way to get it!
April 24th, 2006 09:48
That’s quite an exhaustive list, Kimberly. I meant to focus on religious titles, as that was the context of PDoE’s question but I realize that I didn’t make that clear in my post. I’ll add that as a post-script for future commenters. As such I’d assume the scriptures are standard fare for an LDS home library.
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Tigersue, I don’t think I have anything by the Parry brothers(?). I’ll add them to the list for the book section next time I’m at Deseret Industries. Indeed, knowledge comes in many ways–out of the “best books” is one of my favorites!
April 24th, 2006 10:40
I don’t really have anything yet but I’ll share a list of what I do have. I don’t know what I consider a must-have yet; I’ve got more reading to do before I can pick one I think.
“How Greek Philosphy Corrupted the Christian Concept of God” by Richard R. Hopkins. It has some interesting points and insights but is written in a very scholarly tone and I got bogged down about halfway through.
“Believing Christ” by Stephen E. Robinson. I think I was wrong about not having any must-haves. I found this one simple, clear and powerful. My husband and I usually have very different interpretations and beliefs about things in the scriptures but the “Parable of the Bicycle” has found a place in both our hearts.
“The Mormon Faith” by Robert L. Millet is more for friends with questions than for myself.
“Our Search for Happiness” by M. Russel Ballard, given to me by the missionaries. I know I tried to read it but to be honest, I don’t think I liked it much.
“The Holy Temple” by Boyd K. Packer. I’ll have to get back to you whenever I finish it.
“Humble Servant, Spiritual Giant” by Blaine M. Yorgason (got it free at LDHarvest when I bought some other things). As much as I liked the opportunity to learn more about a prophet and his experiences, the tone of the book is too “worshipful.” Just about everything the man did seems to have been a divine hint of his future. Eh.
April 24th, 2006 11:37
Hugh Nibley, “Approaching Zion” and “The World and the Prophets”.
“Believing Christ”
“Jesus the Christ”
“The Lord’s Question”, by Rassmusen
Anything by C.S. Lewis
Anything by Elder Maxwell
April 24th, 2006 12:03
I also can vouch for C.S. Lewis, though perhaps not *everything* he’s written. He is most definitely Protestant in his views, and some of his opinions on women (and Eve in particular) can be troubling if not taken with a grain of salt. His book Perelandra (fiction) was the most problematic for me.
April 24th, 2006 13:28
I, too, adore Sheri Dew. She is such a pillar of strength, but still so relatable. By her, I have “Go Forward with Faith” (her biography of President Hinckley, which, and I’m not one for biographies, is fascinating), “No Doubt about It,” “If Life Were Easy, then it Wouldn’t Be Hard”
I have to mention “Women of Covenant.” by Jill Mulvay Derr, Janith Russell Cannon, and Maureen Ursenbach Beecher. It’s a history of Relief Society, and while fairly academic in tone (not *too* dry, though, still a good read), it contextualized my own participation in Relief Society and literally breathed into it a whole new level of meaning.
As much as the scholars out there will howl at this statement, it must be made: I adore “The Work and the Glory” series by Gerald Lund.
There’s a book of quotations that I’ve actually leant out or lost that I used to ADORE. “Words for Women: promises of prophets.” I forget who compiled it, but I’m out of time and need to get back to homeschooling. More later!
April 24th, 2006 13:34
I have to say, I would have listed the complete scriptorial works, had it not been pointed out that “any” family would list those, and sadly enough, I don’t think that is the case. But, I undestand where you are coming from.
My Must haves, would include…
Secrets by the Jorgenson Brothers in my opinion every bishopric should have to read that book.
Zion: Seeking the City of Enoch by Barkdull & Richardson & the rest of the titles in the series. I think there are some great truths written in those pages.
The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Kimball
There are a great many more, and honestly in my “library” there are probably more non lds books than not. I would very much be lost with out the standard works though. I was several years into my marriage before I had my own copy of the standard works. I am grateful to my toenails that each one of my family members have their very own copies. I wish I had grown up with such luxurey.
April 24th, 2006 14:28
Actually, I liked “Perelandria” (I thought the conversations between Eve and the devil were interesting), but not, I suppose, as a theological work. I pretty much do like anything by C.S. Lewis, but I would probably only put a few on my “religious books” shelf.
April 24th, 2006 14:33
Taking the Scriptures, writings of past prophets of this dispensation, and the “Missionary library” of classics for granted, here are some of the other religious authors I particularly enjoy:
President Hinckley and President Faust
Elders Maxwell, Oaks, Holland (and his wife Pat), Eyring, and Bednar (I’ve only read talks of E. Bednar so far, but I’m eagerly awaiting his first book as an apostle)
Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy (and his wife Marie)
Hugh Nibley
C.S. Lewis
Two books by faithful LDS women that I refer to often and recommend/give away to others:
“Selected Writings of M. Catherine Thomas” (Part of the Deseret Book Gospel Scholars series)
“Confronting the Myth of Self-Esteem:Twelve Keys to Finding Peace” by Ester Rasband
April 24th, 2006 14:56
Téa, Thanks for this post. I love to get ideas for reading from other people who opinions I respect.
Naiah, I too, enjoyed “The Work and the Glory.” Elder Lund’s trilogy on the life of Christ didn’t sell as well, but I gained a lot of insight from it, and plan to reread it this summer.
The following statement may raise some eyebrows, but I would put many of Orson Scott Card’s fictional works in my “religious” category, because I find eternal truths realistically and artistically portrayed in them. I have probably reread some of his works more often than other works of fiction.
April 24th, 2006 15:13
Lisa I was going to add Miracle of forgivness to my list… I too have more non lds book than lds books and my must haves if I had to narrow them down would be the Standard works and the Mircacle of Forgivness…
April 24th, 2006 15:13
Proud Daughter of Eve, it’s small but growing and it looks like you’ll get some great recommendations here. Thanks for generating this discussion in the first place =) I’ll add the Richard Hopkins book to my list too.
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Kristy, I have a couple of Nibley books but not those two titles. More for my list! I miss Elder Maxwell too. Eloquence, gospel perspicacity and valiant testimony of Jesus all in one humble man–truly inspiring.
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Starfoxy, Kristy makes an interesting point about distinguishing the fiction from the religious tomes. Does anyone else have find that they have more difficulty enjoying an author’s fiction but in light of the same’s religious texts, or vice-versa?
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Naiah, I loved having her be part of the Relief Society General Presidency! There’s a woman I wish I had as model when I was in speech & debate–powerful and personable in her speaking style.
Have you read her Ezra Taft Benson biography? It was very interesting to me as I joined the Church shortly before he died, helped me to know more about him as a man and as servant and prophet of God.
Women of the Covenant, Words for Women, you know I’m getting so many recommendations I have to thank Proud Daughter of Eve again =)
Historical fiction can be delightful, Naiah, so let them howl…
Do tell more when you have the chance!
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Lisa M, wow, I had no idea that there would be families without the complete set of Scriptures in their homes, especially if they are financially able to purchase books and if they are available in the right language. I thought they were referred to as the standard works because they were, well, standard. The missionaries made sure I had a complete set before I was baptized–is perhaps the exception, rather than the rule?
Secrets, The Zion series, on the list. Is the latter fiction or non-fiction?
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Kristy, see my note to Starfoxy above. Your comment is generating some thinking–perhaps even another post?
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RoAnn, thanks for those recommendations as well! And thank you–it has been a very informative discussion, hasn’t it?
I just finished Sarah and Rebeccah of Orson Scott Card’s Women of Genesis trilogy. Any of his titles you find particularly inspiring?
April 24th, 2006 15:14
By the way, If anyone out there needs of a set of Scriptures, or just some of the individual books, I recommend lds.org and the online order Church materials option, mail-order or in person to a distribution center (usually combined with or next to a Beehive clothing facility), or at the Deseret Industries thrift store for inexpensive used copies. If these options are still beyond your budget, contact someone in your congregation’s leadership, or even drop a line here, I’ll see what I can do. Lisa’s right, no one should be without at least one copy, even if the whole family shares it. We can work together to have the Word of God no longer be a luxury.
April 24th, 2006 15:36
Yes, Téa, we could use another post on fiction recommended by and for the kind of readers who are visiting this blog. I’ll hold off on specific Card titles until then
. . .except for mentioning Card’s other religious historical fiction works: “Rachel and Leah,” the latest in the Women of Genesis series, and “Stone Tables” which is about Moses.
April 24th, 2006 15:46
Hi there,
I thought I would tell you about Don Parry. He was in my mom and dad’s ward when Michael and I moved back from Wisconsin, at the time he taught Gospel docterine. I,of course would debate him from time to time, not to cause contention but because I really want to understand things, not just because “someone says so”. He once told me that he appreciated it because he made him think! He is a professor at BYU in the ancient scripture and language department, he is very proficient in Hebrew. He is a true scholar and has one of the kindest hearts I know. I never miss and education week, when I go and attend one of his classes. Jay is his brother and usually they present together. I have their books on the Book of Revelation, Signs of the Times, and Death and the Resurrection, I really want the one on the book of Isiah. I hope that helps you understand why I think so highly of them, it truly is a personal knowledge of dealing with them. Don also became my Mom and Dad’s bishop and was a wonderful steward to them, he moved so he is no longer in their ward.
I have read Orson Scott Card, but I’m not a particular fan of his, I think he tends to put Women down too easily in his books. It doesn’t keep me from reading but it does keep him off my must have list. I do have Saints, and that is where he really gives Emma a bad rap.
I also agree with Lisa on the book Secrets, it is very, very powerful. In that same way the book One Tattered Angel would also have to be a must have.
There are really wonderful books out there but the one I notice missing from everyones list including mine that should be there…..
Jesus the Christ, this book has touched my heart so much, and is the only other one I can think of besides the hymn book that I would have to have with my scriptures.
April 24th, 2006 16:08
Tanya—Secrets is a good book. I read it a few months ago and as a victim of child abuse I really could relate—It was haunting how much I could relate but a good ones. One tattered angel is good also. When ever I am with Lisa’s son, Ethan he reminds me of Charity from that book! I am almost finished with Jesus the Christ and it is definatly a great book!
April 24th, 2006 16:10
The book “One Tattered Angel” has been something I have read and re-read, and re-read again and again, I almost have it memorized by now. I didn’t mention it, because it is a survival manual for me, and not sure I would have put it on my “spiritual list”. Though now that I think about it, I wanna slap my forehead.
The Zion books are fiction. For me, very interesting. I enjoyed the parallels.
As far as the standard works go. I was raised in a very active LDS family, but not a very spiritually active one. I receieved a copy of the Book of Mormon when I was baptised. I got the other books, one by one for seminary. Though I had a bare bones copy of the Doctorine and Covenants but never the Pearl of Great Price. For my fifth anniversary, I received a quad as a gift. It has been one of my most treasured posessions. Though I lived in a home that could have afforded them, it was never an important thing, and one that in reflection I very much missed. Then again, never have I ever seen either one of my parents read the scriptures, unless preparing for a talk.
The comment about Orson Scott Card, was interesting. I have never noticed him putting women down, I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for that.
Its funny, in the 80’s we belonged to the Deseret Book Club, where you got two hard back books per month. I ate them up. From the Jack Weyland books to Alma Yates (one of my most favorite youth writers of all time), to some of the more doctorinal books. There are a BUNCH of books that are hillarious, NOW.. that were written by women about their roles in the LDS world. Its funny how our roles over time change, or at least our perception of them.
I have read Ezra Taft Bension’s book and LOVED it. I also loved N. Eldon Tanner’s, which I thought was amazing. I recently read Joseph Smith:The Man and Seer.by Hyrum L. Andrus Which I loved, but I am not sure it would be my favorite or a main stay.
I love.. very much the RS books each year. I do keep a copy of them in my 72 hour kids.
April 24th, 2006 16:42
Tigersue, Thanks for the heads-up on Don Parry.
“Jesus the Christ” definitely deserves special attention. It is part of the “Missionary library” I mentioned. (That specialized term refers to church books approved for missionaries to read, in addition to the scriptures, while on their mission.)
Re O.S. Card: From what I have read, he is an author who shows great respect for women in general, portraying them as equally as intelligent, wise and capable as men, while also recognizing they have the same tendencies to error, foolishness, and downright evil as men have. But I haven’t read “Saints.”
April 24th, 2006 17:38
RoAnn said:
The following statement may raise some eyebrows, but I would put many of Orson Scott Card’s fictional works in my “religious” category, because I find eternal truths realistically and artistically portrayed in them. I have probably reread some of his works more often than other works of fiction.
I say:
Yes, me too! I’ve got a number of his “Women of Genesis” series. (I wasn’t sure whether I was happy or not when I heard he was going to do them; I’d been planning to do the same thing since high school but he beat me to it!) I debated whether or not to list them with my others and decided against it though because I didn’t feel that spiritual enlightenement was their primary goal.
April 24th, 2006 17:55
Re: Saints:
I love my copy of “Saints.” I think Emma does get a bad rap but then I also think she deserves a hard look; from what I can tell she gave up on the church. I think it’s understandable given the trials she faced but I also know many other women faced the same trials and yet remained faithful. The main character of “Saints” was based on Eliza R. Snow and I don’t think she’s portrayed as unreasonably good. Other people may feel differently, however.
As for Scott Card treating women badly: say huh? I’ve been reading him for years and never felt that. I’d be interested to know why you felt that way, Tigersue.
I’m glad you liked my idea Téa. This is turning out to be a great discussion. I’m kinda miffed I didn’t think to start it on my blog!
April 24th, 2006 18:10
PDoE, I’m sorry Card beat you to stories of the Genesis women! How about writing a novel about Esther or Ruth? I agree that Card’s primary goal in writing is not spiritual enlightenment, and thus his books would fit better in a list of inspiring fiction.
April 24th, 2006 19:26
Any questions about comments that have been deleted or edited from this thread, should be directed to me, privately, via email at naiah at synthian dot org.
April 24th, 2006 19:39
The Bonds That Make Us Free by C. Terry Warner.
I can’t recommend it highly enough. He’s a BYU professor and it isn’t a particularly difficult read, but it’s a life-changing one.
April 24th, 2006 20:52
One quick note - Jesus the Christ is very good on a lot of levels, but it is dated as far as its reliance on Hebrew scholarship. (As is to be expected for a book written several decades ago). As a result, it repeats some pieces of misinformation that are now discredited (such as the “camel through the eye of the needle” interpretation which has been disproven).
April 24th, 2006 22:53
16 — Put women down? Scott’s not the guy who invented the idea of showing Emma as something other than sweetness and light, and I think his characterization of her is exceptionally sympathetic without being phony. Emma is a very complex character in Mormon history, and giving her a whitewashed presentation would hardly be fair to her.
I’ve read almost everything he’s written, and I can’t think of a case where he has put women down for being women ever. He has had female characters who weren’t pleasant or good, and he’s had male characters who weren’t pleasant or good. I don’t think his wife or mother would let him have a happy life if he tried putting women down for being women (I’ve met him, his wife, his mother and his daughter, for that matter, and his female assistant, and a female co-author of his, and there isn’t a remotely weak or wimpy bone in any of those bodies as far as I could tell — his life would be very ugly if he made mysoginistic statements or was unfair in his characterization of women).
If you could reference stories he’s told (or columns he’s written) that you think put down women, I’d be interested in knowing which ones and why. As I said, I’ve probably already read it, and I’m certain his wife has already read it because she’s read everything he’s written, including things he’s never published. I’ve gone to her before to clarify things that folks have had to say about things he’s written before, and she’s a great source.
April 25th, 2006 05:54
I’m not sure putting women down is the right idea of what I’m trying to express. What I mean is when I read his books I’m not sure I walk away thinking what marvelous people. I find them interesting, but it isn’t what I think of when I want to read stories of women. That doesn’t mean I don’t find them interesting, it doesn’t mean I don’t think they have faults and problems, I just don’t find them realistic in my mind. Most people who have read my posts on my blog and others know that I’m not a feminist in anyway, so this isn’t really a thought of a man treating women poorly or not. It is just how I feel when I read his books. Maybe it is because I am an opinionated woman that has delt with infertility issues that makes me more sensitive. I don’t know. I find his books interesting, I’m just not sure I put them in the category of inspirational for me. I hope that clarifies that a bit more. I also know that I’m not the only woman that has felt this way with his stories. The only other thing I would say is what a great world we live in where we all can be touched by different things. What works for one person may not work for another, good literature is just an example of that concept. I also know that I could never write with the talent that Orson Scott Card has. My comments in no way should reflect on his ability or God give Gift to research and write. I respect an authors gift of prose to use it has that person see fit.
April 25th, 2006 09:15
27 — Okay, that’s something less clear on the original point, but I think I’m starting to get where you’re coming from.
Scott’s books aren’t (usually) intended to be inspirational. They are intended to be powerful. To tell real stories with power and truth in them in such a way that they will reach and have an impact on his audience.
Now, it’s possible that you’re just not in his audience — not everybody is. And certainly not everything he writes is a home-run. Some of his stories make me extremely uncomfortable, and not always in ways that I am happy to expose myself to again (some discomfort is good when it pushes you into a good direction, but sometimes it’s just painful with no particular direction). For instance, I did not enjoy Hart’s Hope — it just wasn’t a hit for me. I was kinda mixed on Folk of the Fringe — that last part just got weird. But I love Lost Boys, and the Ender (and Shadow) serieses.
It’s good that we have our own places to go to find inspiration. Some find it with Scott’s writing, and some don’t, and it’s fair both ways.
April 25th, 2006 11:51
Here is what I have to say about books:
“I must read to live and I live to read”.
April 25th, 2006 14:27
By the way, if you’re about to buy a new copy of some old book at Deseret Book or Barnes and Noble or wherever — DON’T.
First, check out abebooks and campusi. Abebooks.com ; campusi.com . There are a lot of good quality used copies of books that you can pick up for $5 or $8 or something, rather than shelling out $20 for a new copy.
Of course, if you want a new copy, buy one. But if you just want a reader’s copy, then you probably want to check out the online used bookstores - they are the best. Your book budget will go a _lot_ farther if you buy used except when you absolutely must buy new.
April 25th, 2006 15:15
It is my philosophy that as long as one can read and enjoy reading and have a library card one never ever be bored.
RoAnn mentioned LDS fiction so I decided I would write some of the LDS fiction books that we have and that I enjoy.
I have always enjoyed Anita Stansfield’s books. Some more than others.
Right now I am really into Betsy Brannon Green’s books. Hers are suspense and very intriguing. Her first book was Hearts in Hiding and is just being republished with a new cover and recipes too! My mother says that Miss Eugenie’s “tea cake” recipe from her book is the best sugar cookie recipe she’s ever tried.
I also like Jeanne Hansen’s books as well as Dan Yates. Also there is Gerald N. Lund, Dean Hughes, Michele Ashman Bell, Lynn Gardner, and a new one I hadn’t heard of before is Amy Maida Wadsworth. And I can’t forget Jack Weyland. Incidently, he and his wife are ordinance workers here in the Idaho Falls temple.
Gerald Lund’s One in Thine Hand and also Alliance and Leverage Point are all really good books as well as his Work and the Glory Series and his series about the Savior’s ministry was also very good as was the Fire and the Covenamt about the Wiley and Martin handcart companies. Then there is Ron Carter who has been doing the Prelude to Glory Series about the Revalutionary War and the Faith of our Father’s series by NC Allen about the War Between the States are also very good. I have most of these altho’ I have borrowed some from my mother and had to get the last of Ron Carter’s books from the library. There are enough LDS fiction authors now that we really need not have to read anything else if we do not wish to. I do enjoy reading LDS authors. We also have many doctrinal books that I acquired when I married my husband. I’ll list some of them another time.
April 26th, 2006 14:58
I am impressed that people have such lists. I think I need to read some more in this genre. I haven’t read most of the books listed.
I did love the Bruce Hafen book I read in college about the atonement. And I also loved Esther Rasband’s The Myth of Self Esteen about finding peace/happiness last year that I highly recommend.
I wouldn’t exactly say I can’t live without them though……but I’m certainly glad I read them.
April 28th, 2006 15:22
Tigersue and I would be lost wihout books. I saw so many on the previous posters that I have read and enjoyed.
The only thing that has ever baffled me in this world is how people really don’t like reading. I understand it better now, but there was a time I just couldn’t understand because books have been taking me away from it all since I was a child.
Even simple things like “Anne of Green Gables” or “Little Women” or “Raggedy Ann and Andy” taught me good things about how we should treat people or how we should behave or even have a sense of humor because people will be around us more if we can manage to laugh.
May 8th, 2006 11:42
I love to read and I love getting recommendations from other people. Tigersue: I thought I was the only one who loved Madeliene Brent for fluff!
I like Dean Hughes series on WWII and the Vietnam era. I also adore Sheri Dew.
People may protest but my favorite childhood series was the “Betsy-Tacy” books by Maud Hart Lovelace. I think it’s better than “Anne of Green Gables” It’s about Betsy and her friends and family growing up in Minnesota pre WWI. The first book starts at age 5 and continues through elementary school. There are four books for each year of high school, two books about the same people and town but not Betsy as the main character and then a book about Betsy in Europe and then her wedding. Love it!