I first read this book when my son, Nate, was in preschool in preparation to start homeschooling. I just read it again as I plan his final year in school and his final English literature class.

In this easy-to-read book, author, Terry W. Glaspey, provides an introduction to the classic books of the Christian tradition and to some of the great books of Western civilization. He begins by explaining the value of reading books from the past, particularly those of the Christian classics: "Our imaginations are not nourished by an exclusive diet of the new. The growth of the moral imagination requires us to partake of the rich feast of the past."

Chapter 3 offers an annotated list of works, starting from the Apostolic Fathers to modern authors such as Madeleine L'Engle and Charles Colson. Glaspey introduces this list by stressing that isn't a canon. Readers may want to add or subject from it. Also, he states that it covers a broad spectrum of Christianity, meaning it contains authors that contradict each other on some points of doctrine or religious expression.

Next, Glaspey discusses why Christians should read the Great Books and other secular works. First, he points out that all truth is God's truth, even if it is written by an unbeliever. Moreover, understanding how others think in our culture will help Christians better communicate the gospel to our culture. The author points out that Apostle Paul quoted a pagan poet during his Mars Hill sermon to help connect the idea of the gospel to what his audience already knew. Obviously, Paul was familiar with some Greek writings.

Chapter 5 lists many great works that many readers will recognize, starting with the ancient Greeks and moving to modern authors such as Arthur Miller and John Updike. Some of the books listed may offend some, but Glaspey includes them because of their influence on modern Western culture.

Following this list is a chapter on children books from preschool to young adult, then another chapter explaining how to use the lists and how to run a book club. An appendix provides a list of books, which are written by authors from various worldviews, on the human condition that may be used to start a discussion with nonbelievers and introduce the gospel.

For anyone who wishes to read great books but doesn't know where to start, I recommend this book.
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