The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain

Mark Twain is someone who is know to have written about what he knew and 19th century life along the Mississippi River was certainly that. This is one of those unique stories that can be read on many levels. It is an adventure story, coming of age drama, social commentary and even a historical satire. The joy of reading this for a book club is that we were able to talk about it and judge it on all of these levels.

The reader is able to travel down the Mississippi with Huck and Jim, seeing them both imperiled when they left the safety of the river, as they try to escape their own forms of bondage. Finally Huck realizes that he must become "uncivilized" if he is to accept Jim's humanity and yet, civilization is perhaps the most unattractive "character" in the novel. This is bravely told and important reading for modern readers.

Til We Have Faces - C.S. Lewis

This is a re-telling of a classic myth told by my favorite storyteller. The characters stir your passions and are as real as if they were standing before you. As a Greek tale it well describes man's inner self in a language and tone that opens the story up to modern readers, a task, it seems, only Lewis is capable of.

Money, Greed and God - Jay Richards

This book was preaching to the choir but I would suggest it is one of the better treatise on the topic of Christianity and economic policy. I think many would see capitalism as a "frenemy" when it comes to a Christian worldview. Richards does a wonderful job seating the blame for the failed economic systems where it belongs; in the attempted manipulation and intervention by government. Richards doesn't advocate full fledged Libertarianism, but recognizes the dangers of a few "experts" making financial decisions that affect the populous.

Christians shouldn't be ashamed of capitalism. The truth is we haven't really ever seen capitalism allowed to work. It is constantly manipulated to suit one agenda over another. The Christian shouldn't divinize capitalism either. Even a perfect capitalist society won't lead to utopia. We have to have eyes for the world to come and work to make this world as just and fair as possible. Capitalism is just a tool in the tool box.

Idols for Destruction - Herbert Schlossberg

The definition of an idol is "an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship." Schlossberg culls the pages of history and pulls out big picture idols that we may not even recognize as "images" or "high places" of worship. Yet, man is an idol factory (thank you John Calvin) and these are but a few.

Schlossberg's depth of study is truly impressive here. He weaves the idols together, shows their interdependence and leaves the reader armed with knowledge to confront the idols of our age. Unfortunately he also leaves the reader with a sense of morbid depression. It is the short-coming of the book I think. The truth is that there is only hope (socially) in a new Heaven and new Earth. The old are passing away and running headlong into judgment. It is a theme I have to constantly remind myself of when a book like this opens the depth of depravity before me. I wish Schlossberg had said as much.

The Trial - Franz Kafka

This is a very odd story. It is one of many novels that Kafka never finished, although the ending does seem conclusive. It is written in a dream-like style and most commentators think it is a reflection of Kafka's experience under the Austro-Hungarian regime. As a trained lawyer, Kafka would have had a great awareness of the arbitrary and secretive nature of law under a totalitarian government.

While it is easy to interpret the story under the guise of the not-so-hyperbolic picture of the futility of life under these circumstances, I wander if Kafka didn't have more in mind. To me, I find this a compelling allegory and critique of moralism. Maybe I am stretching too far, but some of his language along with the ubiquitousness of the "legal authority," the apparent "freedom" after his arrest and the surety of his condemnation all make me think of moralistic religion. Who knows, maybe his is not trying to be so clever as that. Either way, in Kafka's story the law brings death and no defense could be made in his favor. If it is a look a moralism, or in Kafka's mind perhaps all religion, it is obvious that he never discovered the one aid in the "legal system" on which he could cast himself. In the end he was led to his fate alone and even rushed toward it because resistance was futile. He never met the one who died "like a dog" and endured the "shame" so that he would not have to.

Hard Times - Charles Dickens

Dickens uses art to confront ideology that would have certainly discarded artists had it been able to thrive. 18th and 19th century England is on display as the Industrial Revolution is in full swing. Man is degraded to his economic value, education is attempting to produce rational drones and the city is a metaphorical cancer on nature. Such is the life portrayed in this novel. Dickens makes no apology for his rejection of industry and modernism and he conjures sympathy in the reader.

The characters are less developed than in Dickens' other writing but are memorable for their absurdity, failure and/or innocence. It is an enjoyable story.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn (1850)

Dana says: I have wanted to read this book for a very long time.  This the first Hawthorne book I have ever read I think. The first few chapters were a bit slow and I was thinking, "oh boy, what have I gotten myself in to?" but by the end of chapter 3 I was hooked. I won't comment on the story as most people are familiar with it but I will say reading it along with a few different guides from Leland Ryken (Christian Guides to the Classics on Scarlet Letter and Realms of Gold, chapter 6 on Scarlet Letter) was extremely helpful in understanding the authors intent and worldviews expressed in the book. I will also comment on the fact that this is one of the few books I have read so far that very obviously stands apart in a class of its own and really evidences why it is such a famous, classic, and timeless work. Masterfully written and certainly warrants rereading in the future!  Also, it should be noted that this book produced the best discussion at Ladies Book Club to date.

The Inerno - Dante Alighieri

This is my first go at epic poetry. Dante (the poet) leads the reader (and Dante the pilgrim) through the circles of hell without apology. He lays bare the utter sickliness of sin and the righteousness of punishment. His mind has no want of creativity in his inventions of torchure. Virgil corrects the pity that may be conjured up when we meet some of the residents of Hell, reminding us of the hell they inflicted on others while living.

Dante is fearless in condemning some who were still living, either as future residents in Hell, or in what is perhaps his greatest invention in the story, the soul of a living shell who is then inhabited by a demon. Such was Dante's view of unrepentant sin. He is not politically correct and certainly has a better view of the sin/man relationship than our modern society.

This Barnes and Noble edition was extremely helpful with the detailed notes and explanations that would have left my appreciation of the story far short of what it is.

The Chosen by Chaim Potok (1967)

Dana says: This was my first time reading a book having to do with modern Jewish culture. This books deals with Hasidic Jewish culture which I find to be so extremely different from Old Testament Jewish culture that I don't think I would have recognized it as Jewish if I wasn't told it was. Though some of the culture I find to be very odd there are other parts of it that are very admirable, such as the intense studying of the Torah, Talmud, and religious traditions done by individuals and family members together (fathers and sons). The book also paints an interesting and positive picture of young men who are very serious about and engaged in their academic studies overall which seems so different than the sentiment of today. But this not what the book is about. It mostly deals with family relationships, expectations of parents on children, friendship, and differing views on Zionism in the Jewish community during the 1940s to name a few things. The book is an easy and quick read. I did enjoy it but I am not sure I think is has the marks of a Classic.

Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift

Gulliver's Travels is one of those books that stands clearly as one of the great classics of English Literature. Gulliver's progression from one fantastic world to the next slowly instills a change in the narrator and brings him to the point of despising his own country and even the human race. Though it is really well done, there were a few times that I found the allegory very hard to interpret. Some of the most obvious satire took aim at the corruption of the judicial process, the madness of legislators and the avarice of humanity. At times I found myself laughing out loud especially with some of the descriptions of lawyers and state-funded science programs (the cure for colic was worth the price of the book). The final adventure was in some ways the most ridiculous but was also the most revealing. The satire takes a very serious and sad turn and I was left feeling a little melancholy about my own race.

Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz (1895)

Dana says: I think this is the first book I ever read that upon finishing the last page I immediately wanted to start over again on page one. A captivating story, well written, with a lot to think about. A fascinating look into Rome and the early Christians. My favorite aspect of the book was the conversion of the main character and the way he changes over the course of the book. I also found myself really loving the character of Petronius and wanting to stop and pray for his salvation!  I enjoyed all aspects of this book minus the ridiculous Roman Catholic agenda that is artifically stuck into the story.  This is a small part of the story and the author was a Roman Catholic so I don't blame him but I also don't buy it.   Anyway, this is definitely in my top ten fiction books of all time list.  Highly recommended.

Matt says: I think this certainly qualified as an epic. It is vast, historic and personal. The historical aspect of the book, getting a dramatized vision of life under Nero was my favorite part. The way the Roman's lived, their dying "spirituality," the degradation of humanity all made the world ripe for Christianity. I've often wandered why Christ came when he did, not earlier or later in history, which seems to be so obvious once Roman society is so vividly described. I enjoyed all of the characters. I think the story was artful. The emotional outpourings of love were a little too much for my taste. I would 100% recommend this book for anyone interested in Rome in the 1st century and the spread of Christianity under it.

By This Standard: The authority of God's law today - Greg Bahnsen

First the housekeeping complaints: this is one of the most poorly edited books I've read. I'm fairly sure it was self-published or just not read by the editor. I would recommend reading this book but not this version, or just be prepared for random periods and hyphens to break up the flow of your reading.

Now, am I converted to Theonomy? No. I am more aware of the difficulties associated with both sides of the argument. Most of the book is leveled at those who outright reject the Law which I think is an unfair characterization of "non-theonomic" reformed folk. The Holy Spirit teaches us to love the law and it guides us in obedience and righteousness. The rub comes with the application of the political use of the law and its penal sanctions. To make a compelling argument for Theonomy one needs to define the applicable laws (moral vs. religious vs. ceremonial) without grey zones. Is blaspheme a moral offense? Yes a thousand times! Do we put to death blasphemers as was prescribed in the OT? No, nor should we. Do we put to death adulterers? No, and if adultery is lust in the heart then we would all be guilty. It turns a bit Pharisaical because it deals with the letter of the law (some laws) and neglects the bigger purpose of the law (to drive us to Christ).

I see the problem that civil laws then become arbitrarily legislated. I do believe that civil law is founded only on the immutable Word of God. How I can reconcile all this I haven't quite worked out.

A Christian Guide to the Classics by Leland Ryken

Dana says: This is a great little intro to reading the classics as a Christian. I am extremely grateful for Leland Ryken who has authored a number of books on the topic of literature from a professional (he was a Professor of English for more than 45 years) and Christian perspective. This book addresses a number of fundamental questions and ideas such as misconceptions about classics, what is a classic, why should we read the classics, how not read a classic, how to read a classic, what is a Christian classic, what is a secular classic, and speaks about the greatest classic of them all: the Bible. Ryken's passion for the classics and the importance of reading them is contagious. My only complaint is I wish the book would have been longer!

The Well Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer

Dana says: This is the first book I have ever read from Susan Wise Bauer who seems to be a very accomplished super woman of sorts. This book is about applying the methods of classical education to reading, in particular ways in particular genres. This book had me at page one and held me throughout. Wise Bauer is an excellent writer and teacher and I devoured and enjoyed all that she teaches about reading in this book. In part one she talks about classical education, the art of reading, and keeping a reading journal. Part two is dedicated specifically to the reading of novels, autobiography, history, drama, and poetry with an appropriate annotated reading list in each chapter. I learned so much in this book and especially enjoyed the short histories she gave on each genre. I also came away feeling confident to try some works I have previously assumed too hard for me to read. If you love to read, love to read about reading, and want to become a better reader overall this book is a must!

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937)

Dana says: First book of the year for Ladies Book Club in 2016! This particular Steinbeck book was thrown in the suggestion box which is how I came to choose it. 

I find myself with similar feelings as I had about about East of Eden (which we started the book club last year with- maybe starting each year with Steinbeck will be a tradition?). I didn't hate Of Mice and Men as much I hated East of Eden but it is not an enjoyable story either. That being said I do have to admit that though I had a hunch last year I have now become convinced that Steinbeck is a must read author for me. Even though I do not enjoy most of his content, I am blown away by his form. Steinbeck is a masterful writer. His characters are some of the most realistic characters I have ever read in fiction and his descriptions of the settings where the stories take place are also very well done, placing the reader right in the setting- I swear I can feel the air of the Salinas Valley on my skin when I read him! But his content is hard because it is dark and without hope. There is no redemption. This is his weakness or at least it is in my eyes. One last thing to say is that I was surprised to find that the strengths of Steinbeck's writing are just as evident in a little novella such as Mice and Men as they are in the sprawling epic of East of Eden. Impressive.

The Gambler - Fyodor Dostoevsky

A friend of mine said that as Dickens has mastery over describing a scene, so Dostoevsky can describe the human soul. It seems that is no more self-evident than in The Gambler. It is a tale of addiction told through the lens of an addict.

Alexey is an intelligent man with good employment and a passionate love for Polina, yet a trip to the local casino overwhelms it all. He identifies 2 types of gamblers, those who gamble as a form of entertainment and those driven by unabashed covetousness. He of course misses the 3rd type, the "gambler" who is addicted to the dizzying effect of adrenaline, the rush of winning. Though the stacks of gold on the table add all the more to the excitement of the event he could just as well walk out the door and cast it all to the wind. The real drive is a sort of hypnotism created by the spinning roulette wheel in which all other passion fades away.

In true Russian fashion, Dostoevsky leaves the story and the character with a choice, but it seems if there isn't really a choice at all, that the outcome is "something fated, inevitable, predestined - as something bound to be, and bound to happen." Alexey isn't someone we want him to be, he is someone we identify with and that's what devastates the reader.