One of the most vexing questions facing the avid reader is what to read next. The sheer quantity of material that is available is overwhelming. The words of the preacher in Ecclesiastes 12:12 are remarkable for having been penned some several thousand years before Gutenburg. Even so, it seems evident that the problem of prolific papyrus has only intensified in modern times.
James Sire, in Habits of the Mind (watch for a review) puts it rather playfully: "Heaven will be a place that fulfills my longest longings. Either I will have time to read all the books that I have not read before or I will receive something even better." He continues with some practical advice: "Read the best books available on the topics that are most relevant to your call in life."
Well, that narrows it down somewhat, but here C.S. Lewis throws another wrench into the whole sad affair: "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once."
Time is short. Read wisely.
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