My beautiful daughter-in-law, Melissa Strickland, has asked me to list my 10 most influential books; however, at my age, remembering anything is quite a feat. My first books that I discovered on my own were the series of Nurse Sue Barton books written by Helen Dore Boylston. The series of 7 books gave me a burning desire to be a Nurse, even at the age of 8 years old. I evolved from those simple books to some of the old novels that Melissa loved, too. Little Women (I identified most with Jo) . . Pride and Prejudice . . but I also loved the Bronte sisters and equally loved Jane Eyre (Charotte) and Wuthering Heights (Emily). I read Anne Frank when I was a young teenager and became a life-long advocate of the Jewish peoples. I still remain stalwart in their behalf. Because of my interest in that era, I read two books that had a further impact on me at an early age: One was QB VII (it stands for Queens Bench VII) written by Leon Uris. I was so disgusted with the atrocities against innocent Jewish people . . I was relieved to read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and to know that God was with His people, even in those horrible years. I had a lighter side, too. . I loved reading about New York high society in The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton . . a wild lifestyle that was foreign to me in Valley of the Dolls by Jaqueline Susann . . and of course Gone With The Wind as I tried to decide if I were more Melanie or Scarlett. I wanted to be Melanie . . but I soon discovered that Life tself Ibrought out my Scarett side, too. I was so influenced by To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee . . as I already had an inherent desire that everyone be treated equally under the law. Atticus Finch became my new hero and a love of law and trials grew stronger. Im not sure why I read In Cold Blood by Truman Capote . . but it haunted me for years afterward. I loved the book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made written by Dr. Paul Brand . . the foremost Hand Surgeon in the world. His book sealed my questions about Life in such a clinical . . and yet spiritual . . way that I never looked back. His work with a leper colony and how he loved those lost and forbidden people . . spoke to my heart and God seemed to touch me with a love for those less fortunate. The Screwtape Letters was a strong favorite of mine, and made C.S. Lewis one of my favorite authors, which I am quite sure put me on a path toward God with a desire to be constantly aware of Satans power over my mind and emotions. Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan has had a lasting influence on my walk toward eternity. Ive always been cautioned by Christians journey . . and especially that his fight with Appolyon (Satan) didnt automatically give him the victory . . as his biggest battle was always with himself. Ive tried to remember that through the years. There are so many wonderful books Ive read . . but here are just a few. Im so glad Melissa challenged me to do this, especially in a subject that has been a lifetime love of mine. Im really glad it is something that my daughter-in-law and I can share together. I love you, Melissa.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:07:29 +0000
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