My Commonplace Book

Michael Hyatt over at his blog recently reflected on his approach to reading non-fiction. It made me feel guilty for not posting here for a while. More importantly, it reminded me of how “reading and great books are contagious” and I’d remember more if i posted more on this blog about what I’m reading. I [...]

I’ve been wrestling with my reading plan for 2008. Usually, I choose a biblical emphasis and an author or topics or persons to focus on for the upcoming year. I’ll stay with the gospels for another year, with a focus on the Jesus’ commitment to justice. I’d like to research the role of Isaiah’s servant [...]

Preparing to leave for Africa, I should read happy, lighter books. Just finished Elie Wiesel’s book on the horrors of the Holocaust. I had been meaning to read it for years. Very profound and disturbing–but everyone ought to read it. Here’s a famous passage, describing the hanging of a young boy [...]

I love to read. I’m learning to be a better reader. Several years ago, I summarized some of Keith Drury’s work on reading. I thot I’d add these posts to mycommonplace.com–since it’s a blog about what I read and like…and now how I’m learning to read.
Before you read, get ready to read. Your ability [...]

On Thursday we had a meeting of the Inklings. We dined at the Eastgate. I have never seen in my life Dyson so exuberant–”a roaring cataract of nonsense.” The bill of fare afterwards consisted of a section of the new Hobbit book by Tolkein, a nativity play from Williams (unusually intelligible for [...]

Since I’m in continuous meetings for weeks on end, I’m not reading much. So I pulled out an article I wrote several years ago on reading and the myths attached to it.
Several years ago, I ran across a great resource by Keith Drury (www.indwes.edu/tuesday) on improving our reading skills. Many folks have said [...]