Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

Jul 13, 2012 CJ Bowen rated it 3 of 5 stars

A helpful into to book-reading. I'd find this most useful to give to high schoolers just embarking on a mature reading life. Where Veith (Reading Between the Lines) focuses more on what gets read, Reinke focuses more on the activity of reading. Both are good; a book that combined their strengths, included a reading list, and avoided the imagophobia and internet-bashing would quickly displace both of them as my go to book. But for now, Reinke's book is quite serviceable.

Reading Notes:
Chapter 2:...more A helpful into to book-reading. I'd find this most useful to give to high schoolers just embarking on a mature reading life. Where Veith (Reading Between the Lines) focuses more on what gets read, Reinke focuses more on the activity of reading. Both are good; a book that combined their strengths, included a reading list, and avoided the imagophobia and internet-bashing would quickly displace both of them as my go to book. But for now, Reinke's book is quite serviceable.

Reading Notes:
Chapter 2: Not at all happy with the cliched "word vs. image" battle. God gives us both, and they shed light on each other. Word became flesh. But Reinke is far from alone in his characterization.

Page 73: point 6 - non-christian literature does not "beg" questions; it raises them, or asks them, or prompts them. I'll take anything other than beg. Pet peeve.

Random specification: Specific tangents that eat up several paragraphs abound - women should read theology, pastors shouldn't abuse business books, etc. While often helpful, these applications are very random - who is the book written for? Why was this specific group chosen to receive pointed application at this time, while dozens of other groups are left to make their own applications? I have no idea.

Page 122: "Don't read fiction with the hope that it will shape your worldview." What? How can it not? Reinke rightly points out you shouldn't look for a thesis or propositions in fiction, but a thesis and propositions are hardly the only shapers of worldview. I'm tempted to argue that good fiction has a stronger shaping influence on the heart and emotions than non-fiction. I think what Reinke means to argue is that you shouldn't allow the emotive elements of fiction to cause you overthrow the cognitive truths more propositionally presented in non-fiction. But fiction cannot be reduced to a giant fallacious appeal to emotion. Fiction has the ability to highlight and poke holes in bad propositional beliefs, and following Reinke on this point would handcuff us for no good reason. Arguing as Reinke does that "Scripture alone should inform our worldview" is an abuse of sola scriptura, not a well-informed use of it. Scripture is the supreme written norm for our worldview, but hardly the only source that influences or shapes it. This pgh. meant well, but was very poorly articulated.

Chapter 12: Marginalia - I'm one of those people who doesn't write in books, and I don't plan to start. I do keep commonplaces, and I do engage with books in other places, I just don't mark up my books. I find marginalia to be a hindrance in re-reading and in borrowing; maybe I treat my own library like a library. Underline or highlight me unconvinced.

Chapter 13: Reading Together - Really, really liked this chapter. What Reinke describes is more than a book club, because it is more about the people than about the books. People growing together around good books. I want that to describe most of my life.(less)

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Oct 16, 2011 Shelley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity, non-fiction, on-reading, theology

This is a great book written for Christians on the topic of reading literature. It's not some sort of CliffsNotes for the Left Behind series, nor is it a tract that condemns books written by non-Christian authors, or those that contain sex and violence. Instead, the author argues why Christians ought to be reading people, people who read fiction and non-fiction, of both Christian and secular varieties.

Even though the point of the book is to convince non-reading Christians to care about reading,...more This is a great book written for Christians on the topic of reading literature. It's not some sort of CliffsNotes for the Left Behind series, nor is it a tract that condemns books written by non-Christian authors, or those that contain sex and violence. Instead, the author argues why Christians ought to be reading people, people who read fiction and non-fiction, of both Christian and secular varieties.

Even though the point of the book is to convince non-reading Christians to care about reading, this is not just a book for non-readers, as the foreword sort of suggests. If you are a Christian who already loves to read, you will find a kindred spirit in Tony Reinke.

The first half is a theology of reading books. In this section, Reinke addresses relevant topics including the significance of God's providential decision to reveal himself in a book, the relationship between regeneration and reading, the difference between print and visual media, what it means to read from a Christian worldview and how to do it, what Christians gain from reading non-Christian books, and the role of imagination in the pursuit of godliness.

The second half is practical in nature, suggesting strategies for distinguishing what to read from what not to read, as well as strategies for reading well.

What I appreciate most about this book is the colorful chorus of voices invited to weigh in on the topic of reading. You'll find quotes from important Christians in church history including Spurgeon, John Owen, David Wells and John Piper, literary giants like O'Connor, Eliot, Dostoevsky, Camus and Donne, as well as brilliant secular thinkers like Neil Postman and Harold Bloom. This is only a small sampling. Reinke is a humble man who doesn't need to brag about his own prolific reading; his bibliography speaks for itself. And he makes wonderful recommendations for what to read next. My Amazon wish-list grew significantly with each page-turn.

I would definitely recommend this one to my Christian brothers and sisters, particularly those who are in the unique position of instructing Christian young people. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book could potentially be life-changing for the Christian young person who feels unwilling or unable to make reading a priority in his life.

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Dec 07, 2011 James Korsmo rated it 5 of 5 stars

"A wide gap separates a reader who simply consumes books from a reader who diligently seeks wisdom" (178). In this thoughtful and practical book, Tony Reinke argues for the value of reading as a Christian discipline, and helps encourage readers to develop wise reading habits. It is a book in two parts, the first being a "theology of reading," the second being a collection of practical advice for becoming better readers.
The foundation of Lit! is the contention that God's illumination can come to...more "A wide gap separates a reader who simply consumes books from a reader who diligently seeks wisdom" (178). In this thoughtful and practical book, Tony Reinke argues for the value of reading as a Christian discipline, and helps encourage readers to develop wise reading habits. It is a book in two parts, the first being a "theology of reading," the second being a collection of practical advice for becoming better readers.
The foundation of Lit! is the contention that God's illumination can come to us through books, and that truth and beauty are gifts of God that can be reflected in Christian and non-Christian books alike. But equally as foundational is that God's truth is most fully embodied in Scripture, and all other reading that we do must be filtered through the truth of Scripture. "We must be determined to read the imperfect in light of the perfect, the deficient in light of the sufficient, the temporary in light of the eternal, the groveling in light of the transcendent" (28). This means we must always be on the lookout for an author's worldview and the truths she or he is implicitly or explicitly conveying, even as we also seek out the beauty of God's truth, which can be expressed in unexpected places or ways. This means that, once we've developed a foundational knowledge of Scripture and the worldview it builds, we should be eager but discerning as we seek out the illumination of truth wherever it may be found, even in non-Christian works which may have important insights or perspectives to lend.
The second major section of Lit! is a practical guide to reading, both for those who are not already readers and for those who are. Reinke gives advice on what to read, as well as on how. The advice tends to be very practical, and really emphasizes that reading should be intentional. We should be thoughtful in the books we choose, and deliberate in the way we read. One of the nuggets I helpfully gleaned from him is that we shouldn't hesitate to drop a book part way through, or only read selectively, if that best suits our purpose or if we are finding that it isn't worthwhile. So many of his other suggestions comport well with my own discoveries and habits as I have developed as a reader, such as marking in your books (I highly recommend marking in your books, and Reinke makes a good argument for why, as well as describing how he chooses to do it), reading multiple books at once, and reading reviews, for instance. He also helpfully discusses how the internet is effecting our reading habits and our ability to concentrate, something I worry about with myself and even more for my children, calling us back to the development of sustained concentration.
I loved this book. As a passionate reader, this book resonates with my reading heart. For those of you who already share this passion for reading, this book can help provide both practical advice for honing your skills as well as helpful theological context in which to place your reading. And it is just simply a pleasure to read a book that extols the virtues of something you love. But this book is also for those who don't read, and who don't really want to. He makes good, simple arguments for why and how people who don't have interest, time, or enough perceived ability can and should begin to develop this most important and nourishing habit. There may have been one or two places where I didn't particularly agree with his advice (one specific instance comes when he encourages readers to write questions you want answered in the front cover before reading it, which is fine, but he then asserts that one way to find holes in the authors arguments is by seeing if he answers your questions; while I agree that we should read critically and curiously, and that we should look for holes in the author's arguments or logic, the fact that the author doesn't answer the questions we asked at the outset may reflect more the author's purpose than a failure of argument). In all, I warmly commend this outstanding little book. It is well written, thoughtful, and readily applicable. It will ignite or deepen a love of reading.(less)

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Nov 08, 2011 Nate LaClaire rated it 5 of 5 stars

In Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books, former journalist Tony Reinke offers a theology for reading as well as practical suggestions for reading. Using scripture and a great deal of additional research, Reinke provides Christians with a deep, multifaceted look at the topic of reading.

Pastor C. J. Mahaney’s foreword does a thorough job at setting up the book by describing the important part that reading has played in his life and Christian walk. Reinke then begins the book by explaining what...more In Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books, former journalist Tony Reinke offers a theology for reading as well as practical suggestions for reading. Using scripture and a great deal of additional research, Reinke provides Christians with a deep, multifaceted look at the topic of reading.

Pastor C. J. Mahaney’s foreword does a thorough job at setting up the book by describing the important part that reading has played in his life and Christian walk. Reinke then begins the book by explaining what the title of the book (Lit!) represents: while short for “literature,” it also reminds us that “the glow of God’s creative power is all around us” (pg. 16) and, most importantly, emphasizes the fact that Christian readers are illuminated by the light of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). Therefore, says Reinke, we see God’s truth in all literature. The author then dives into the topic, covering everything from the biblical foundation for reading, to the benefits of reading non-Christian books, to Reinke’s own formula for determining what he reads, to finding time to read. He ends the book with a look at the five marks of a healthy reader.

If you’ve read my blog before, you probably have already determined that this book covers a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I love to read, although I go through periods where I fail to set aside proper time to do so. I found the theological portion of the book enlightening. Reinke makes many excellent points for why to read a wide variety of literature and how our faith relates to our reading. I also found the practical portion of the book incredibly helpful. His tips on reading fiction, reading non-fiction, choosing books, setting aside time to read, taking notes, and many other topics are very useful.

I urge you to read this book whether you enjoy reading or not. If you don’t enjoy reading, perhaps it will help you to find enjoyment in the practice and to grow in your faith as a result of it. If you already enjoy reading, I think you’ll walk away from the experience ready to grow your love of reading and with a new appreciation for the importance of it. I know I did.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advance reading copy of this book free from Crossway via netGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Dec 12, 2012 Megan Larson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-living, reading, theology

I love to read (sometimes). I love books (too much?). I love lists of books (way too much). When maturity reigns, I love wisdom, truth, and beauty from books. Tony Reinke's Lit! is a thoughtful, helpful, challenging book about why, how, and how much a Christian should read.
It is thoughtful because, before delving into the "how-to" of being a good reader, he addresses the theology of reading for Christians. I felt these first six chapters actually could have used a bit more editing for concisenes...more I love to read (sometimes). I love books (too much?). I love lists of books (way too much). When maturity reigns, I love wisdom, truth, and beauty from books. Tony Reinke's Lit! is a thoughtful, helpful, challenging book about why, how, and how much a Christian should read.
It is thoughtful because, before delving into the "how-to" of being a good reader, he addresses the theology of reading for Christians. I felt these first six chapters actually could have used a bit more editing for conciseness, but nevertheless his points are crucial if our reading is to be communion with God and not simply an intellectual or aesthetic exercise. Be patient, and don't skip this part. It fleshes out the supremacy of Scripture, the need for Gospel lenses in reading, why words trump images in communication, what makes a biblical worldview and how to interpret other worldviews, the value of, and standards for choosing non-Christian literature, and the necessity of imaginative literature for the Christian.
Part two is called "Some Practical Advice on Book Reading." I was challenged to make concrete priorities to guide the books I choose (so simple, but I hadn't formally done it), and to ask questions before reading that I expected to be answered. I was granted permission to stop reading a book that didn't answer the questions (shocking!) or to read isolated sections of non-fiction books that are pertinent without feeling pressured to finish the whole thing (what?). When to read fast, when to read slow, the value of fiction, why and how to scribble in the margins without getting bogged down, how to guard my reading time and make sure deep contemplation is not destroyed by internet habits (ouch!), and how to come away with the nuggets I'll go back to again and again. I also came away with a whole list of other books to read (one of my favorite things).
The dust is still settling from my reading of this book, and I'm challenging myself as a seeker of wisdom not to bounce on to the next thing (more Reinke advice), but I am ready to take away a couple more nuggets now: as I have mulled over this book in Kindle format, attempting to read it as I would prefer to do, marking and writing, flipping back and forth, going over notes and highlighted sections, I wanted to throw the Kindle across the room. The codex prevails for deep reading! (Then again, I think I got this book free on Kindle.) But perhaps my take-away is that, if a book is good enough to motivate me to do that, it's good enough to buy a hard copy. Also, and most importantly, I was reminded that Christian reading, just like Christian everything-else, is for God's glory and should be purposeful. I'm thankful for all of these challenges and genuinely feel better equipped to read "Christianly." (less)

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May 27, 2012 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

As I started reading this book, I thought, "How interesting! A mixture of all the things I've read about reading lately, in a easy-to-chew-and-digest format!" And I felt a little smug, sort of like a Dickens fan reading the Cliff Notes version of Bleak House. But as I got further into Lit!, I realized that Reinke has done a great job of choosing and presenting important aspects of reading. He explains why the Bible is the best thing one could ever read, and how that knowledge should shape and in...more

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May 24, 2012 John Gardner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Originally posted at Honey and Locusts.

When I first saw the title of this book, I thought, "If ever there was a book written just for me, this is it!"

I was wrong.

Tony Reinke's guide to reading is a book with MUCH broader appeal than just bibliophiles like me. The back cover states that this is a book for those who love to read, hate to read, don't have time to read, read only Christian books, aren't good at reading, or can't decide what to read. It seems like that covers just about everyone, and...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Katelyn Irons rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-for-christian-book-preview

In Tony Reinke's Lit! A Christian Guide to Reading Books, he helps Christians answer such questions as, “Should I put down my Bible to read this other book?” ”Is reading non-Christian books sinful?” “Where should I draw the line on what is too worldly?” His slang term, "lit," stands for three things: literature itself; the light of the "glow of God's creative power;" and the fiery conviction as Christians that we should shine for Him.

"Books will complicate your life," Reinke says in his first ch...more

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Apr 08, 2012 Mathew rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: theology

Overview

Go to your local bookstore or if you’re lazy go to Amazon.com and search for “reading.” You will find an assortment of very good books about the topic of reading--organizing your reading, reading faster, or maybe increasing reading comprehension. What you will be hard pressed to find is a book that offers practical advise but first develops a robust theology of reading. Tony does just that in Lit! A Christian Guide to Reading.

A Theology of Reading

Tony begins by saying,

Even in its fallen...more

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Apr 08, 2012 Scott Asher rated it 4 of 5 stars

There are tons of books that call Christians to live intentionally: have a plan, have a goal, work towards that goal. Mostly, these books deal with intentional Bible reading, church going, loving neighbors and so on. I’ve read books on how to watch movies, but I’d never seen a book focused on reading intentionally until now.

Lit!
A Christian Guide to Reading Books
by Tony Reinke
Crossway
September 2011

Reinke takes reading and breaks it down to the basics then builds up a case for reading as a way to...more There are tons of books that call Christians to live intentionally: have a plan, have a goal, work towards that goal. Mostly, these books deal with intentional Bible reading, church going, loving neighbors and so on. I’ve read books on how to watch movies, but I’d never seen a book focused on reading intentionally until now.

Lit!
A Christian Guide to Reading Books
by Tony Reinke
Crossway
September 2011

Reinke takes reading and breaks it down to the basics then builds up a case for reading as a way to find divine truth. The first several chapters (Part 1) are spent on the so-called basics of Christianity, including the author’s testimony, and an orthodox break down of Christian theology. This is important to building the firm foundation we need when approaching sources of information (both from “Christians” and “non-Christians.”)

Part 2 is all about fleshing out the subtitle of this book: a Christian Guide to Reading Books. (Since the book hasn’t given its life to Christ, I recommend instead “A Christian’s Guide to Reading Books” hence the title of this review.) Here Reinke spends time giving advice on how to read, what to read, how to decide what to read and so on. He make the case that if the average reader spent an hour a day on reading we could have read his book 2.5 times in a single week. As a big believer in reading being a requirement for continued human growth, this resonated with me. I found his comments about using an e-Reader to be too much opinion based on his experience and detrimental to his overall message. After all, if reading is a discipline we should develop then we can approach any reading device (paperback or eReader) with the same discipline. And I’ve found that many people who would not carry around a book will carry around their eReader.

This is a book that is a must read for all Christians who want to flex their brain muscles and live intentionally interacting with and understanding the culture around them as well as preparing for those interactions. A smart and well written love letter to reading in general and a call to read better. Highly recommended.

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Published at BookGateway.com. This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
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Mar 31, 2012 Ryan Adair rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-living, personal-development, wordsmithing

This book was wonderfully written and incredibly engaging. I would recommend it to any Christian looking to fuel their reading habits. I couldn't put it down, reading it in two days.

The first part deals with the theology of books and reading: the scriptures being primary, understanding everything we read in light of them and having a biblical worldview, how personal sin and the gospel shape all we read, and an interesting chapter about the importance of words in an image-saturated culture. Part...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Bluerose's Heart rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, favorites, non-fiction

Lit!ended up being one of those books that I can call "life changing". Really! While there was no need to convince me of the importance of books(because I have a book obsession), Reinke did convince me of so many other things. He opened my mind to many new ideas, and reminded me of many things I already knew. He also made me realize I need to keep books in their place, and never let them become idols!

Lit! is divided into 2 sections. I'm embarrassed to admit that I dragged through most of the fir...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Scarlett Sims rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: leisure, net-galley, nook, real, religious, literature

As a Christian and a voracious reader, this book seemed like a perfect fit for me. However, once I started it, I realized I wasn't really the intended audience. Reinke speaks mostly to people who don't already read a lot. On the practical side, he gives advice on finding or making time to read. Speaking specifically to Christians, he explains that even secular books may contain God's truth and that we shouldn't shut those books out of our life. Another important point he makes is that books that...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Paula Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars

Do you love reading ? Well, I guess if you don't then you wouldn't be reading this review for starters :). Are you a Christian ? Now that's the big question - Do you follow God or are you of the worldly ways ? As a big reader and I do mean BIG , I tend to read alot of everything, I have a very eclectic taste in books. The other thing though about me is that I am a Christian, I go to church most sundays , I read my bible every now and again, I listen to worship music on my Ipod, I read Christian...more Do you love reading ? Well, I guess if you don't then you wouldn't be reading this review for starters :). Are you a Christian ? Now that's the big question - Do you follow God or are you of the worldly ways ? As a big reader and I do mean BIG , I tend to read alot of everything, I have a very eclectic taste in books. The other thing though about me is that I am a Christian, I go to church most sundays , I read my bible every now and again, I listen to worship music on my Ipod, I read Christian fiction and non-fiction books. This brings up my main question - Am I still considered Christian-like because I read books that are wordly like e.g Dystopian Novels, Erotica Fiction, Supernatural and Paranormal Fantasies and because on my Ipod amidst the Christian music is Pop, Rock, Alt.Rock, Punk etc . I believe that in a way as long as you have given your heart to the lord and follow in ways that are Christian-like then it really shouldn't matter what you read or listen too as we do have to put into the perspective , that we are living in the WORLD and are surrounded by worldly things every single moment of the day.
Lit ! by Tony Reinke is the Christian's Guide to Reading Books , it was an interesting guide to flick through and one that will be sitting on my shelf as a vade mecum - which I found out yesterday was the latin word for ready reference. In Lit ! Tony talks to us about different genres of books and the theological discussion about them . This book will challenge what you read, how you read, and how much time you set aside to read. It will also inspire you to read books you might not normally read; for me that is more classic fiction, more poetry, and more of the Christian classics. If you are an avid reader like me, this book will deepen your passion for good books. And, if you are not a big fan of reading, this book may inspire you to crack open a few more books.
Once again, Lit ! by Tony Reinke is a book that I recommend all avid readers - Christian or not to read through and have on hand.
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Jan 22, 2012 Daniel Henderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I read the press release about Lit! I was very excited to read the book. I read a lot of books and was excited to receive practical advice on how to read in the light of a Christian worldview, and what to read.
The first thing that I really appreciated about the book was his emphasise on scripture as ultimate. He explains that we should seek to read as much scripture to saturate our mind—to shape our worldview by scripture, not Christian books. He then shares a wonderful analogy of the bible...more When I read the press release about Lit! I was very excited to read the book. I read a lot of books and was excited to receive practical advice on how to read in the light of a Christian worldview, and what to read.
The first thing that I really appreciated about the book was his emphasise on scripture as ultimate. He explains that we should seek to read as much scripture to saturate our mind—to shape our worldview by scripture, not Christian books. He then shares a wonderful analogy of the bible being solid Gold, and Christian books being gold leaf—this is striking imagery to show us as Christians the treasury we have in God’s Word. If anything is to be taken from this book, i believe the supremacy of scripture over all other reading material will have this greatest transforming effect over your life as a Christian.
The next section which helped me out quite a bit was the section on writing, and highlighting in our books. This was helpful to me, and as I have started writing in my books and writing questions that come to mind, I have benefitted much more from the books I have read. And, I believe we should take Tony’s advice in practice and will benefit greatly from doing so.
The final point from the book I will share is how new media has changed our evolution in reading.
Traditionally, a reader selected one book and sat alone in a reading chair. When great ideas were encountered,the reader internalized those ideas and reflected on them…Now, when we come across an idea that we like, we are tempted to quickly react, to share the idea with friends in an email, on Facebook, or on a blog. (Page 142)
With the advent of Facebook and twitter, the step on contemplating and internalizing truths we read is beginning to be lost from our reading. This is an important step to be changed by what we read, and have a chance to hold it up against the truths of scripture before sharing it with friends.
There is so much more in this book that makes it a must read for anyone looking for a clear biblically driven model for choosing books to read and building a library. I will recommend this book to all my friends from pastors, to seminary students, and laypeople alike.(less)

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Nov 27, 2011 G. A. Dietrich rated it 5 of 5 stars

A book on how and why to read a book? Yes, that is exactly what Tony Reinke'sLit! A Christian Guide to Reading Booksis all about.Reinke's purpose in writing this book is to study reading from a Christian perspective (26). He does this by breaking his book into two categories, which I will explain anddissectbelow.

The first section is a theology of books and reading. In this section Reinke lays out thebeginningsof literature with God writing with his fingertip the 10 commandements. He also interac...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Brian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-on-books, books-on-reading, christian

C.S. Lewis wrote, "The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable."

I've been reading Tony's blog for years and get many great insights into God and reading, so I thought I'd read his first published book and see if he could teach me some more about reading. Though nothing here is really ground breaking for a bibliophile it was still useful in many ways.

The book is broken up in two sections: One on the Theology o...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Tima rated it 3 of 5 stars

The purpose of this book is to encourage non-reading Christians to read and to educate them on how to choose good books and to enjoy what they read.

Part one is the theology of books and reading. I have to admit that this really bored me. I LOVE to read and I just couldn't get into it. Once I moved on to Part two - Some Practical Advice On Book Reading - it became easier reading and the advice presented was thought provoking.

Some of the subjects that he hits on are how to find time to read, what...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Courtenay rated it 3 of 5 stars

It is important to understand before reading that this book was written for non-readers. I found it to be patronizing in parts, and that is likely why. He does make some good points and some suggestions that I will definitely take into consideration.
I think he did drop the ball on exploring Christian literature. He explains that Christian literature can be more dangerous than non_Christian literature because we assume that it is safe, but he doesn't delve too deeply into that point. (and he ment...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Mark Nenadov rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading, christian-living

Highly recommended! There is a ton to gain here for the Christian, whether or not they love to read.

Christians have been (and ought to be) people of words and people of books. Tony builds a sturdy, textured theology of reading. He then proceeds to outline practical advice regard reading.

A skillful, imaginative approach to reading is recommended. Rather than just giving trite platitudes or pat answers, Tony rolls up his sleeve and gets down to the hard work involved. His writing is rather explora...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Gavin Breeden rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-books

Lives up to its promise: "a Christian guide to reading books." The first half of the book provides a foundation for thinking about reading Christian-ly. The second half is practical tips and suggestions about how to be a better reader. This is the best way to set-up the book, but the inherent problem is that the people who really need the tips and suggestions in the second half might have trouble getting through the first half. That's not to say that the first half is boring or difficult. I went...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Coyle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: political-theory-christian

This is an excellent little book that is both a meditation on and guide to reading from a Christian perspective. It is deep without being heavy, if that makes any sense. What I mean is, it is theologically acute without being grammatically obtuse: it is easy to read without being shallow. The book is broken into two sections: the first giving a theology of books and reading, the second giving practical guidelines to becoming a better reader (or even a reader at all, if you’re starting from not r...more This is an excellent little book that is both a meditation on and guide to reading from a Christian perspective. It is deep without being heavy, if that makes any sense. What I mean is, it is theologically acute without being grammatically obtuse: it is easy to read without being shallow. The book is broken into two sections: the first giving a theology of books and reading, the second giving practical guidelines to becoming a better reader (or even a reader at all, if you’re starting from not reading or a dislike of reading).

The first six chapters introduce a theology of reading, which in one sense is a sad commentary on the state of modern Christianity (particularly modern Evangelicalism, given that that demographic is his target audience). The fact that Reinke has to begin by arguing that it’s okay to read books other than the Bible suggests that we are far too much under the influence of isolationist strains of mid-20th century Fundamentalism. Not that this is a new problem: Calvin had similar issues with the Anabaptists, and the early church struggled to articulate exactly how profitable pagan works were. But it is a sharper problem today given the general decline in reading overall. It’s not just that Christians now are only reading Christian books (though that can be a problem), it’s that we’re not reading at all. Some of the practical causes of this are talked about in the second section of the book (namely, sin and electronic media, in that order of influence). Our laziness keeps us from digging into any but the fluffiest of books, and our being shaped by television and the internet cements in place the bad habits begun by our sin. (Not that television or the internet are inherently sinful!)
Reinke attempts to provide a corrective to this problem, by arguing (in broad strokes):
1) Christians should read because God communicates with us through the written word.
2) Salvation enables us not just to read, but to read properly. That is, we can enjoy books as they were intended to be enjoyed.
3) Reading, language, and books best communicates the reality of the world (as opposed to images).
4) Reading both shapes our own worldview and informs us of the worldview of others.
5) Reading exposes us to the right questions (and even occasionally the right answers) about God, man, and the world in general.
The second section gives practical advice on how to read. There is far too much here to really do justice to in a summary, but some of the highlights included:
1) Prioritize when choosing and pursuing books.
2) Read a mix of fiction and nonfiction.
3) Make time to read, even if only in bits and pieces here and there.
4) Avoid distraction. Particularly distraction such as the Internet and television which, if taken in sufficient doses, can actually damage the mind’s ability to process large amounts of information.
5) Don’t be afraid to interact with a book, including by writing in it (if you own it- don’t write in borrowed books).
6) Read in community. While reading is an individual pursuit, comprehension is a community affair. Reading with others corrects us when we stray and makes the process more enjoyable.
7) Regularly reevaluate yourself as a reader (he gives five points that apply to mature readers).
Reinke also gives a lengthy set of guidelines for parents and pastors, but as I’m neither I’ll skip over those.

I highly recommend this book if you’re a reader, and even more highly recommend it if you’re not.
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Oct 16, 2011 Mandy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favs, i-own, kindlebooks, mandys-reads, read-in-2011

MY REVIEW:

I never thought I would enjoy reading a book about reading as much as I just did.

About a month ago I had the opportunity to review this book and I turned it down. Then just two weeks ago I began seeing some posts on Crossways' blog about this book and it looked more and more intriguing with each post. So curiosity got the best of me and I bought the book for my Kindle and now here I sit typing my review after having just finished this great read.

Lit! is not a book about other good boo...more MY REVIEW:

I never thought I would enjoy reading a book about reading as much as I just did.

About a month ago I had the opportunity to review this book and I turned it down. Then just two weeks ago I began seeing some posts on Crossways' blog about this book and it looked more and more intriguing with each post. So curiosity got the best of me and I bought the book for my Kindle and now here I sit typing my review after having just finished this great read.

Lit! is not a book about other good books. It's not a recommendation list, nor a break down of good genres to read. Instead Lit! is about reading and how to make wise decisions in your reading. Reinke takes us back to the The Book of All Books - the Bible - to understand why we should read, how we should read, and to help us pour a solid foundation built on Scripture for our reading habits. Then in section two he breaks out the practical application and tips for better reading practices.

I really like this book overall and would highly recommend it to anyone - teens to adults. I appreciated Reinke setting a solid base in section one of the book, but personally I found it a little hard to get through. However, in all fairness, I believe it was due to the fact that so much of what he wrote was just reiterating what I already know and believe. For those who have never given any thought about to the reasons why they read the first section will be of great benefit. The second section was very helpful and I liked the wide variety of suggestions and ideas that were presented. No matter what kind of a reader you consider yourself to be you will find something to challenge you within these pages.

Lit! is a short read, making it easy to read in just a few hours, and sums up the authors opinions in thorough but to-the-point chapters. It truly renewed my desire to read, kindled the passion to pursue reading in a way that glorifies God, and breathed new purpose into developing sound reading patterns. Whether you are old, young, new to reading, don't like to read, or read like you breath...this book is for you. Enjoy!

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Nov 19, 2012 Timothy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: brain-food, criticism, doctoral-reading, education, philosophy

This book is much more for somebody in the beginning throes of an appreciation for reading than I am. He was preaching to the choir most of the time, and though I can shout a hearty "Amen!" I didn't learn much that was news to me. Instead, the book served to organize some thoughts that are a part of my daily, background bibliophilia. I don't need anyone to tell me that there is value in great books, or even in underlining them (which I seldom do).

However, he does raise at least that point for de...more This book is much more for somebody in the beginning throes of an appreciation for reading than I am. He was preaching to the choir most of the time, and though I can shout a hearty "Amen!" I didn't learn much that was news to me. Instead, the book served to organize some thoughts that are a part of my daily, background bibliophilia. I don't need anyone to tell me that there is value in great books, or even in underlining them (which I seldom do).

However, he does raise at least that point for debate. Adler too (from whom he gains some important thoughts) speaks convincingly of reading slower and marking for thinking. And all that is fine and good, but it does not necessarily follow that reading slower and more thoroughly is better than reading prolifically. It is eminantly easy to say we must slow down and read with attention, but then in the next dip of the nib say we must make more time to read. Doing both is not so easy. Which will it be? Will I make more time so I can read more, or make more time so I can read the same amount or less? For me the answer is not so obvious. There is too much reading to be done to try to read so thoroughly.

Reinke sounds like a conservative evangelical. His objectives read like a cautionary tale. I love his enthusiasm for books, but I'm not sure it is all that helpful. He speaks much of reading non-Christian books, but does not name many. He speaks of important authors, but he could have peppered his chapters with many more recommendations. I found his direct references to good or great books to be far too lean to accomplish his goal.

His chapter on encouraging children to read was well considered. He is right in this chapter and another about the dangers of electronic media toward reading habits. Unfortunately it came across sounding like an old geezer complaining "these kids spend too much time with their nose in a flashing screen." If Plato was wrong about the value of books (an interesting reflection), then what's to say our hidebound culture is not wrong about electronics, being as prejudiced against this new way of learning as Plato was about his. Of course, Plato was not threatened by a nuclear EM pulse.

Lit! is a good book to suggest to someone who likes books but is struggling to figure out how to philosophically guide his reading habits or who is frustrated with guilt over enjoying a broad reading diet. It's a good book to encourage those who are discouraged by the vast sea of non-readers we are all surrounded by. I'm not sure it will change anybody's life.(less)

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Nov 04, 2011 Cliff rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've read two books in the last six months that I wish I would've read before I started teaching. One of them is "Teaching to Change Lives" by Howard Hendricks and the other is this book, "Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading" by Tony Reinke. The former is a inspiring book on education written by a Christian theology professor, and the latter is a insightful book on literature written by a Christian journalist/researcher. Both look at two of my greatest passions--education and literature--from a C...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Bill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-about-books, christian-life, theology, favorites

Loved this book! Reading books about books always feels kind of indulgent, but this book by Tony Reinke is genuinely good. Given that I invest so much time in reading, and value it so highly, it really makes sense to think carefully about why I read, how I read and what I read, and "Lit" nails all those issues and more. The "theology of books and reading" in the first 6 chapters was enlightening and encouraging -- highlights being the biblical primacy of words over images, the importance of a bi...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Jimmy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reading about reading can seem somewhat pardoxical (especially since you are reading it), but I don't think it's at the point where it's irrational. In the same way that a person reads a logic textbook even though we do "know" the laws of logic intuitively, so a Christian reading a book on reading might help them to become more conscious and aware what it is one is doing when they, and further refine one's reason for reading. In that vein, I've enjoyed reading Tony Reinke's work titled "Lit! A C...more Reading about reading can seem somewhat pardoxical (especially since you are reading it), but I don't think it's at the point where it's irrational. In the same way that a person reads a logic textbook even though we do "know" the laws of logic intuitively, so a Christian reading a book on reading might help them to become more conscious and aware what it is one is doing when they, and further refine one's reason for reading. In that vein, I've enjoyed reading Tony Reinke's work titled "Lit! A Christian Guide to Reading Books." I was wondering if it would nothing more than a repeat of the classic, "How to read a book." Reinke's unique contribution is his attempt to lay the foundation for a theology of reading, which is the subject of the first half of the book. I enjoyed how he pointed out that as Christians, we must get our worldview from the Bible, and that it should not be from other source of literature. Using the analogy of a "touchstone" which tests for real gold, Reinke wonderfully explain that every literature must be evaluated through the lens of what Scripture tells us reality is. Only then can one find the joy of even benefiting from non-Christian literature if one is already strong in one's foundation in the Word and reading with a discerning spirit. The second book has been equally as helpful, with practical consideration and tips about how to read, developing a habit of reading, etc. I thought the practical suggestions were suprisingly good, especially since at first I was kind of skeptical if the author would just present things so common sense that everyone could have said it themselves, but it surpassed my expectations. Here in the second half of the book, the author also discusses about reading together as a community, and for the benefit of others and with others, and the importance of asking others for recommendation. As a pastor and a father of a young five month old daughter, I also appreciated the chapter on what pastors and parents can do to foster the desire to read among kids and other Christians. The biggest change in my life from reading this book is a reconsideration on my part concerning reading fictions; I've always though fiction were of little significance, but it has made me want to revisit the issue again. I would recommend this book for veteran readers and those who struggle to read as well.(less)

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Jan 01, 2012 Bethany rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I think should be required reading for every college freshman.

Reinke is very linear, which I appreciated. This book takes a journey through the philosophy of reading well (or perhaps moreso choosing well) so you're an intentional reader and can actually DO something with what you read. And then he walks the reader through some practical issues of how to read well what you choose - how to maximize your efforts for the greatest outcome.

He makes a strong preliminary...more

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Oct 15, 2011 Debi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I cannot rave enough about this book. While the target audience is those who don’t read much, or perhaps those who would like to read more but don’t, there is still much to be gained from this book by an avid reader. It reaffirms much of what the avid reader already knows – the benefits of reading, finding time for reading, reading for edification.
First, the book emphasizes the importance of Scripture and reading the Bible should be our top priority. Then the argument is given for how reading bo...more

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Jan 14, 2012 ladydusk rated it 3 of 5 stars

Own.

This book came highly recommended from all sorts of places (Challies, World Mag, and the referrals on the book itself: Ryken, Alcorn, Packer) and I really wanted to love it. I at least wanted to like it, not feel merely [eh] about it. Who am I to disagree with all those professional writers?

Last year I loved Alan Jacobs' The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction and Marilyn Chandler McEntyre's Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies and I hoped that this would be a nice continuation in...more

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