1. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
This is an absolutely beautiful book, so if you haven't read it, I'd recommend it. Its subtitle is "non-religious thoughts on Christian spirituality" and it's fitting. Basically, the author just tells stories about his life, relating each event to how it has changed his view of, or influenced his relationship with God. This book is by no means your traditional conservative-Christian way of looking at things-- far from it. The writing itself is simplistic without being dull, and although it can take a little getting used to, it serves the book very well.
I can't recommend this book strongly enough. Even if you're not a Christian and you don't ever plan to be one, it's a moving read. And it's a totally non-judgemental view of Christianity, which is refreshing. Here's a nice little quote:
“I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But I was outside the Bagdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone. I stood there for fifteen minutes, and he never opened his eyes.2. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
After that I liked jazz music.
Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way.
I used to not like God because God didn't resolve. But that was before any of this happened.”
This is one of the most epic books of all time, in the true sense of the word. You may have seen the movie; if you have, imagine that...times 10. Seriously. It has that much more action, intrigue, romance, subplots (oh the subplots!) and revenge.
If you don't know the story, it's basically about a guy who gets framed for a crime and his elaborate schemes of revenge. Napoleon is involved. It's probably one of the most unashamedly melodramatic classics I've ever read, in a good way. I can definitely say that the characters are not realistic, that the plot is really far-fetched, and that I'm completely and totally okay with that. (I can't speak for the writing style as it's been translated from French, but I do have what I believe is the Barnes & Noble edition, which contains lots of helpful footnotes giving historical context and whatnot. I like it.)
Anyway, moral of the story: read both of these books. If you want. I gotta go now! Hope you guys have a great week this week! :)
DFTBA,
Emily
Those are my two favorite books of all time! You have good taste random stranger!
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