Daron's comments (member since Apr 13, 2009)

Daron's comments from the Fans of Tristi Pinkston group.

For my list of most influential readings... Can I include a short story? How about a thesis? A Movie?

The Book of Mormon, Bible, D&C, Pearl of Great Price
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith
Gospel Doctrine by Joseph F. Smith
The Star, short story by Arthur C. Clarke (my favorite short of all time. You can read it online)
Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis
The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien.
The Timely and the Timeless, Hugh Nibley
The Lachish Letters, Hugh Nibley
Enoch the Prophet, Hugh Nibley
Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis
Spiritual Progression in the Last Days, Blaine M. Yorgason
Windwalker - Movie, Blaine and Brenton Yorgason
Seeker of the Gentle Heart, Yorgason and Yorgason
The Auto Biography of Parley P. Pratt
The Millenial Messiah, Bruce R. McConkie
Jesus the Christ, James E. Talmage
Reflections of a Scientist, Henry Eyring
Ben Hur - Movie
The Signs of the Times, Joseph Fielding Smith

These are the "works" which have most influenced me in my life. Not a lot of fiction on there. For a historical fiction writer, I think you would REALLY like the book Seeker of the Gentle Heart, Tristi. That is one of the few fiction stories I have ever read multiple times.

As I look over this list, I realize there is a pattern. Very, very few (The Hobbit for instance), are not religious in some way, or centered on Christ, or have easily recognizable religious symbols in them. These books, movies, writings are the basis of who I am, I suppose.

I know some would argue with me about Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series, but if a returning king, and a white tree, and victory of good over evil are not religious symbolism, I don't know what is.

My most favorite RECENT fiction (stories I enjoyed the most, even though I wouldn't necessarily call them influential):

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Harry Potter 7 - Deathly Hallows, J. K. Rowling
Strength to Endure - Tristi Pinkston (No, I am not being a suck-up, this truly is one of my recent favorites)


Daron