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Writers to Read: Nine Names That Belong on Your Bookshelf
A quick walk through any bookstore reveals one obvious truth: there are more books than anyone can read in a lifetime. With so many books, articles, and Web sites vying for our attention, we must choose wisely. But what does that actually look like? In Writers to Read, Douglas Wilson—someone who’s spent a career writing, reading, and teaching others to do the same—introduces readers to nine great authors whose work deserves to be read. Whether it’s G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, or Robert Capon, the well-known and less-known authors Wilson examines are all masters of creative writing and worthy of study and enjoyment. Those looking to become better writers or better readers will find this book to be an invaluable guide for wisely selecting their literary mentors.
168 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2015
18 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Wilson
295 books4,575 followersI write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 3, 2022
CAUTION!
DANGER!!
TURN BACK NOW!!!
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!
YOUR FATE IS UPON YOUR OWN HEAD SHOULD YOU PROCEED!!!!!!
Here's the hazard: If you already have a to-read list longer than the actuarial tables deem reasonable, reading this book, even if it is on that list, will not shorten it.
Of course if you take a the-longer-the-better approach to your to-read list, preferring to swim in it like Scrooge McDuck in his piles of money, then carry on with Writers to Read. Noooooo problemo.
DANGER!!
TURN BACK NOW!!!
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!
YOUR FATE IS UPON YOUR OWN HEAD SHOULD YOU PROCEED!!!!!!
Here's the hazard: If you already have a to-read list longer than the actuarial tables deem reasonable, reading this book, even if it is on that list, will not shorten it.
Of course if you take a the-longer-the-better approach to your to-read list, preferring to swim in it like Scrooge McDuck in his piles of money, then carry on with Writers to Read. Noooooo problemo.
January 4, 2016
Livro útil para quem desconhece ou quer conhecer mais sobre G. K. Chesterton, H. L. Mencken, P. G. Wodehouse, T. S. Eliot, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, R. F. Capon, Marilyn Robinson e N. D. Wilson. Cada capítulo, dedicado a cada um dos 9 escritores, termina com excelentes sugestões para o leitor se aventurar nos livros produzidos pelo escritor em questão. Fiquei aliviado ao saber que preciso ler apenas uma vez “Silmarillion”, e aprendi que devo ler “Hobbit” e o “Senhor dos Anéis” continuamente, em diferentes períodos da minha vida.
Read
September 4, 2015Wilson recommends the following 9 writers as those who have impacted his reading/writing life:
1) G K Chesterton
2) H L Mencken
3) P G Wodehouse
4) T S Eliot
5) J R R Tolkien
6) C S Lewis
7) R F Capon
8) M S Robinson (Marilyn Robinson)
9) N D Wilson (Nate, his son)
Of those listed, I will read all of them except for Capon & Wilson. I'll read Robinson's fiction but I avoided reading much of the chapter about her; I could tell from Wilson's description that I would be disappointed in her and that he was going to give away too much of the books that I still want to read.
I am probably most surprised to find myself wanting to read Mencken. He sounds like a heck of a writer, but a scoundrel.
1) G K Chesterton
2) H L Mencken
3) P G Wodehouse
4) T S Eliot
5) J R R Tolkien
6) C S Lewis
7) R F Capon
8) M S Robinson (Marilyn Robinson)
9) N D Wilson (Nate, his son)
Of those listed, I will read all of them except for Capon & Wilson. I'll read Robinson's fiction but I avoided reading much of the chapter about her; I could tell from Wilson's description that I would be disappointed in her and that he was going to give away too much of the books that I still want to read.
I am probably most surprised to find myself wanting to read Mencken. He sounds like a heck of a writer, but a scoundrel.
Want to read
May 17, 2018Related essay here (how to read like a methodical madman). Endorsed by Greg Thornbury, Joe Carter, David Goodwin, Tony Reinke, and Joe Rigney.
I read Ch. 7 (Robert Farrar Capon) on Oct. 16, 2015, and Ch. 9 (N.D. Wilson) on July 28-29, 2016.
You can read reviews at Patheos, The Gospel Coalition (Louis Markos), and Reformed Forum.
N.D. Wilson
137: "Meaningless Disclaimer"; $ success; source of N.D.'s name
138-39: 3 major influences
139: real life ending up in Nate's books
139-40: "read the story you are in"
140: education at Liberty and St. John's College
140-41: getting into publishing with Aaron Rench
141-42: Shroud of Turin
142-43: theme 1: "finding fathers" in Nate's fiction and nonfiction [see Tilt 110, where Nate talks about having "orphaned children" as an author, for a good purpose]
144: "archetypal adventure" of "finding the Father"; the archetype of killing the dragon and getting the girl depends on a more foundational story of a faithful son sent by a father (reconciliation/reunion); "most of his books are fantasy literature"; theme 2: "regained perspective" and Tolkien's "escape to"
144-45: examples of "escaping from" for the purpose of escaping back to
145-46: myth; our world is magical
146-47: theme 3: multiple sensations; story grip
147: theme 4: courage as a mean between extremes
147-48: theme 5: allusions; my connection?: paying attention in books —> paying attention in life ("Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl focuses on a way of seeing. With this book [Death by Living], the focus is on a way of living, a way of receiving life" (Death by Living xi); see theme 2); allusions in Leepike Ridge (Odyssey) and Boys of Blur (Beowulf); "this world is meant to be lived in"
149: list of his entire (book) corpus
I read Ch. 7 (Robert Farrar Capon) on Oct. 16, 2015, and Ch. 9 (N.D. Wilson) on July 28-29, 2016.
You can read reviews at Patheos, The Gospel Coalition (Louis Markos), and Reformed Forum.
N.D. Wilson
137: "Meaningless Disclaimer"; $ success; source of N.D.'s name
138-39: 3 major influences
139: real life ending up in Nate's books
139-40: "read the story you are in"
140: education at Liberty and St. John's College
140-41: getting into publishing with Aaron Rench
141-42: Shroud of Turin
142-43: theme 1: "finding fathers" in Nate's fiction and nonfiction [see Tilt 110, where Nate talks about having "orphaned children" as an author, for a good purpose]
144: "archetypal adventure" of "finding the Father"; the archetype of killing the dragon and getting the girl depends on a more foundational story of a faithful son sent by a father (reconciliation/reunion); "most of his books are fantasy literature"; theme 2: "regained perspective" and Tolkien's "escape to"
144-45: examples of "escaping from" for the purpose of escaping back to
145-46: myth; our world is magical
146-47: theme 3: multiple sensations; story grip
147: theme 4: courage as a mean between extremes
147-48: theme 5: allusions; my connection?: paying attention in books —> paying attention in life ("Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl focuses on a way of seeing. With this book [Death by Living], the focus is on a way of living, a way of receiving life" (Death by Living xi); see theme 2); allusions in Leepike Ridge (Odyssey) and Boys of Blur (Beowulf); "this world is meant to be lived in"
149: list of his entire (book) corpus
November 8, 2018
A quote that's been attributed to a few different sources goes something like this: "The Gospel is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread."
Something similar could be said for readers in search of a good book. A story - whether fiction or nonfiction - that rings true. In search of an author whose words, whose presence in the forms of stories on a bookshelf, grow into a transforming friendship.
Douglas Wilson is that kind of beggar in this book. Just telling us where to find bread. Some of the very best bread.
The author shares easily-readable biographical information about 9 authors who have impacted his life through their writings. A few personal favorites of mine: N. D. Wilson, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis. A few that some friends have been trying to get me to read for a while: M. S. Robinson and P. G. Wodehouse (next year, I promise). A couple that I have not yet read at length but hope to do sooner than later: T. S. Eliot and G. K. Chesterton. And then two writers that I had not heard of but will likely add to my Goodreads to-read list at Wilson's recommendation: R. F. Capon and H. L. Mencken.
I especially appreciate the lists he provides, "If you read nothing else" from each author, providing a great reading list that could keep an avid reader occupied for many a happy hour.
Something similar could be said for readers in search of a good book. A story - whether fiction or nonfiction - that rings true. In search of an author whose words, whose presence in the forms of stories on a bookshelf, grow into a transforming friendship.
Douglas Wilson is that kind of beggar in this book. Just telling us where to find bread. Some of the very best bread.
The author shares easily-readable biographical information about 9 authors who have impacted his life through their writings. A few personal favorites of mine: N. D. Wilson, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis. A few that some friends have been trying to get me to read for a while: M. S. Robinson and P. G. Wodehouse (next year, I promise). A couple that I have not yet read at length but hope to do sooner than later: T. S. Eliot and G. K. Chesterton. And then two writers that I had not heard of but will likely add to my Goodreads to-read list at Wilson's recommendation: R. F. Capon and H. L. Mencken.
I especially appreciate the lists he provides, "If you read nothing else" from each author, providing a great reading list that could keep an avid reader occupied for many a happy hour.
January 6, 2016
This book did what I believe it was meant to do: I now have several new books high up on my to-read lists. There would be more, but many of these authors I've loved and been reading for years. This fact, however, did not diminish my enjoyment in the least. I love Wilson's exuberant writing style & relished his love for authors I love.
November 26, 2015
bought a ton of HL Mencken after this read.
September 10, 2022
Good. The writing felt much warmer in the chapter about Lewis. Was it due to Doug’s affection for Lewis or Lewis’ likable character? I can’t tell, but that was my favorite chapter. The chapter on R.F. Capon was also enjoyable. I wasn’t familiar with a couple of the authors, so I plan on reading their material.
March 17, 2020
A fun reference book. Appreciated that each chapter wasn't just a list of books from the respective author and that it instead focused on a distinctive from the author. Gleaned some things I didn't expect to - the importance of metaphor and food as fellowship are two examples so such things.
September 4, 2021
Very good intro to some really good authors.
August 6, 2022
Fun read.
January 3, 2017
P.G. Wodehouse and H. L. Mencken. If this were Jeopardy, you would get some $$ for offering the answer in the form of "Who are two authors that Josh is now reading as a direct result of Doug Wilson's Writers to Read?"
Wilson covers nine influential authors in only the way that Doug Wilson can. My choices to adoringly invest time into Tolkien, Chesterton, Lewis, and Robinson were all reaffirmed. And I learned more about each of them as well. My curiosity about the works of T.S. Eliot was fanned, and I was surprised at how convinced I was that N.D. Wilson might end up one day in serious conversations about the great authors of the 20th century.
The greatest impact of this work was in regards to the new names. Wodehouse, Mencken, and Capon were all foreign to me. I had read none and heard of none (at least to the point I could remember). Wilson quickly convinced me that time with Wodehouse and Mencken would yield an exceptional return.
As far as it concerns Capon, I remain unconvinced that I could (or would want to) make it through a volume of his. But I'll make a deal. As soon as I exhaust the works of Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, Robinson, Eliot, Wilson, Mencken, and Wodehouse, then I will take the time and make the effort to dive into something by Capon!...maybe. :-)
This is a great book. I always love how Wilson writes, even if I don't agree with(or care about) what he is writing. It is a special treat when the how and the what are both excellent and combine to give me such an edifying and enjoyable reading experience. Writers to Read provided me with just that experience.
I received a copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
Wilson covers nine influential authors in only the way that Doug Wilson can. My choices to adoringly invest time into Tolkien, Chesterton, Lewis, and Robinson were all reaffirmed. And I learned more about each of them as well. My curiosity about the works of T.S. Eliot was fanned, and I was surprised at how convinced I was that N.D. Wilson might end up one day in serious conversations about the great authors of the 20th century.
The greatest impact of this work was in regards to the new names. Wodehouse, Mencken, and Capon were all foreign to me. I had read none and heard of none (at least to the point I could remember). Wilson quickly convinced me that time with Wodehouse and Mencken would yield an exceptional return.
As far as it concerns Capon, I remain unconvinced that I could (or would want to) make it through a volume of his. But I'll make a deal. As soon as I exhaust the works of Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, Robinson, Eliot, Wilson, Mencken, and Wodehouse, then I will take the time and make the effort to dive into something by Capon!...maybe. :-)
This is a great book. I always love how Wilson writes, even if I don't agree with(or care about) what he is writing. It is a special treat when the how and the what are both excellent and combine to give me such an edifying and enjoyable reading experience. Writers to Read provided me with just that experience.
I received a copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2023
So fun.
April 28, 2021
Each short chapter of this book is composed of three sections: “a writer’s life,” which is obviously biographical in nature; “digging deeper,” in which the author examines themes he sees in the works in question; and, “if you read nothing else,” composed in every case except one of recommendations for where to begin with the works of each author in question. The exception is his son. In that section, he lists every book his son has written.
I definitely found the gross nepotism of including his son in a list of eminent authors like this to be off putting, especially since I, for one, was not as impressed with my foray into his son’s books as he was.
Other than that, I did enjoy this introduction to the other authors, particularly the ones I haven’t yet read.
“Everything is connected. Everything matters. Nonsense tolerated anywhere will metastasize, and the results are always ugly. ‘When the people have got used to unreason they can no longer be startled at injustice.’”
“The death of common sense in ordinary affairs signals the death of decency everywhere.”
“The same thing is true in the realm of aesthetics. Relativism has compromised us here as nowhere else. A clearheaded man will want to say that some music, paintings, sculpture, etc., are just plain dumb and stupid. But we immediately hear the retort, ‘Who is to say...?’ Our inability to identify rotten fruit in the branches means that we are especially unable to identify a problem at the root.”
“Machen had the courage of his convictions, and he had a brain, and he used both of them in the battle. That is enough to earn the respect of anyone whose respect is worth having.”
“I never want to see anyone, and I never want to go anywhere or do anything. I just want to write.” Wodehouse
“For example, (Eliot) spoke there of the illusion (still widespread, despite everything) that ‘there can be culture without religion. We may go further and ask whether what we call the culture, and what we call the religion, of a people are not different aspects of the same thing: the culture being, essentially, the incarnation (so to speak) of the religion of a people.’”
“But by far the most important channel of transmission of culture remains the family; and when family life fails to play its part, we must expect our culture to deteriorate....When I speak of the family, I have in mind a hind which embraces a longer period of time than this: a piety toward the dead, however obscure, and a solicitude for the unborn, however remote.” Eliot
“Here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron; here is a book that will break your heart.” Lewis on “The Lord of the Rings”
“The Reformation was a time when men went blind, staggering drunk because they had discovered, in the dusty basement of late medievalism, a whole cellar full of fifteen-hundred-year-old, two-hundred proof Grace - bottle after bottle of pure distillate of Scripture, one sip of which would convince anyone that God saves us single-handedly.” Capon
“Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives.” N.D. Wilson
I definitely found the gross nepotism of including his son in a list of eminent authors like this to be off putting, especially since I, for one, was not as impressed with my foray into his son’s books as he was.
Other than that, I did enjoy this introduction to the other authors, particularly the ones I haven’t yet read.
“Everything is connected. Everything matters. Nonsense tolerated anywhere will metastasize, and the results are always ugly. ‘When the people have got used to unreason they can no longer be startled at injustice.’”
“The death of common sense in ordinary affairs signals the death of decency everywhere.”
“The same thing is true in the realm of aesthetics. Relativism has compromised us here as nowhere else. A clearheaded man will want to say that some music, paintings, sculpture, etc., are just plain dumb and stupid. But we immediately hear the retort, ‘Who is to say...?’ Our inability to identify rotten fruit in the branches means that we are especially unable to identify a problem at the root.”
“Machen had the courage of his convictions, and he had a brain, and he used both of them in the battle. That is enough to earn the respect of anyone whose respect is worth having.”
“I never want to see anyone, and I never want to go anywhere or do anything. I just want to write.” Wodehouse
“For example, (Eliot) spoke there of the illusion (still widespread, despite everything) that ‘there can be culture without religion. We may go further and ask whether what we call the culture, and what we call the religion, of a people are not different aspects of the same thing: the culture being, essentially, the incarnation (so to speak) of the religion of a people.’”
“But by far the most important channel of transmission of culture remains the family; and when family life fails to play its part, we must expect our culture to deteriorate....When I speak of the family, I have in mind a hind which embraces a longer period of time than this: a piety toward the dead, however obscure, and a solicitude for the unborn, however remote.” Eliot
“Here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron; here is a book that will break your heart.” Lewis on “The Lord of the Rings”
“The Reformation was a time when men went blind, staggering drunk because they had discovered, in the dusty basement of late medievalism, a whole cellar full of fifteen-hundred-year-old, two-hundred proof Grace - bottle after bottle of pure distillate of Scripture, one sip of which would convince anyone that God saves us single-handedly.” Capon
“Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives.” N.D. Wilson
January 6, 2020
Wilson is a writer par excellence. So when he suggests books you know you want to read them.
The only thing that did baffle me is the inclusion of his son in this list. I’m not saying he’s not a good writer, he certainly is, I’m just saying that the tone in the book shifted majorly in the final chapter addressing the work of Nate. More than this, if there were nine writers to read and one of them primarily wrote children’s fiction, there are many authors I could think of before Nate. This said, I think I’d do the same thing if I had a done who was as good a writer as him.
Nevertheless, this book is still a wonderful primer on the literary style, biography and substance of each writer and a book all should read to begin the year.
Thanks Doug.
The only thing that did baffle me is the inclusion of his son in this list. I’m not saying he’s not a good writer, he certainly is, I’m just saying that the tone in the book shifted majorly in the final chapter addressing the work of Nate. More than this, if there were nine writers to read and one of them primarily wrote children’s fiction, there are many authors I could think of before Nate. This said, I think I’d do the same thing if I had a done who was as good a writer as him.
Nevertheless, this book is still a wonderful primer on the literary style, biography and substance of each writer and a book all should read to begin the year.
Thanks Doug.
September 10, 2021
Douglas Wilson is a highly intelligent individual. I highly value his recommendations. The aim of this book is to introduce the aspiring writer to some of the greatest writers of all time. After getting to know these writers, I realized that a passion for the Lord will drive you to write amazing things. This is prominent especially in the life of C.S. Lewis. It is clear from his life and writings that he was both passionate about his craft, as well as a strong biblical man. I also picked up on this about Douglas Wilson, who I greatly respect. If you aren't interested in the craft of writing, that shouldn't keep you from enjoying this book. Through this book, you will at least meet some extraordinary authors.
April 23, 2018
I don't understand the love for this book. it's not even worth the pages it is printed on. The writer is a sarcastic and biting human that doesn't bring much appealing to Christianity. He's a shill for his school and son in a gross manner.
If you want to read the authors he promotes, great! Don't waste your time with his poor writing and his ascerbic style. He states near the end of the book that it's time for you to get to reading the other authors. Save the effort and time and skip this book. Follow his advice from the start.
If you want to read the authors he promotes, great! Don't waste your time with his poor writing and his ascerbic style. He states near the end of the book that it's time for you to get to reading the other authors. Save the effort and time and skip this book. Follow his advice from the start.
August 31, 2022
This is a fun read. A lot of people have opinions on many things surrounding Douglas Wilson. However, whether your opinion is positive (myself included in this group) or negative, it is easily acknowledged that he loves literature. So it was great to sit back and experience him showing off his passion for books in an engaging way. I especially enjoyed when he gave recommended readings from these authors.
There is richness to find and enjoy in Wilson’s writings on theology and family. When you need a breather, pick up book and share in the passion of literature with a true student of it.
There is richness to find and enjoy in Wilson’s writings on theology and family. When you need a breather, pick up book and share in the passion of literature with a true student of it.
January 23, 2022
For an author who wants to make the common man acquainted with some great authors, he doesn’t make his own writing very accessible. The first chapter especially, is filled with obscure words and dense theological terms and jargon. There were moments of clarity though that were very profound, so I pressed on. Either he lightened up or my brain adjusted, as I got further into the book, and by the end I was sold. I highly recommend reading this. And now my tbr list is even longer.
March 20, 2025
Enjoyed this read. Pastor Wilson mentions 9 authors you should on your shelf, why to do so and where to start. I was aware of 5 out the 9 and came to appreciate those five more with an added appreciation of what he said on the other four. Definitely going to read through those other four and dive further into the five I am both aware and have read from. Great book for all readers and those who wish to write themselves.
October 9, 2015
9 Names that Belong on Your Bookshelf
In a life time of reading, we make friends with a variety of authors, usually total strangers to us in real life, but nonetheless, known and beloved, because we have come to know them intimately through their books. In Writers to Read, Douglas Wilson invites his readers into the circle of friends he has formed with nine favorite writers whose dates straddle the twentieth century, whose nomenclature leans toward the use of initials, whose faith commitments are all over the ecclesiological map, but whose writing and thinking are sure to be as iron sharpening iron — the best sort of friendship.
What sets these writers apart and makes them worthy of space on our crowded bookshelves? In Douglas Wilson’s delightful enneadic biography and book review, five resounding reasons surfaced:
1. Their gift of seeing — G.K. Chesterton was a master of paradox who had a “way of turning everything upside down so that we might be able to see it right-side-up.” Robert Farrar (R..F.) Capon was able to portray grace in his writing to display the inexhaustible gift of God that cannot be overdone (although he tried), but his real gift was in writing about food, observing what “went on the table and what went into getting it there.”
2. Their artistic imagination — N.D. Wilson happens to be Douglas’s son, a fiction and fantasy writer and a creator of villains and plots involving great danger. He and Chesterton agree that stories with intense plots do not teach children to be afraid. “They have dragons under the bed already. They had the fear already. The stories actually teach children that dragons can be killed.” I still need to be reminded of that and applaud a writer who can bring them into being on the page.
One of my favorite authors, Marilynne Robinson, is also on Douglas Wilson’s list (rendered M.S. Robinson for his purposes), and her ability to create a world and to populate it with believable characters is unrivaled. When I read Gilead for the first time, I found myself checking and re-checking the back cover author bio to assure myself that the book truly had not been penned by an elderly parson writing his son’s “begats” in the twilight of his life.
3. Their use of metaphor — P.G. Wodehouse is first on my list of untried authors from Douglas’s recommendations, and I can hardly wait to dive in, because, apparently, “the metaphors and similes found in the work of Wodehouse cause the reader, even if alone, to laugh like a hyena with a bone caught in his throat;” and since we’re on the topic, that quote is evidence that Douglas Wilson is also no slouch in the creation of similes.
It will surprise no one to find that T.S. Eliot is also on this list of nine with his “streets that follow like a tedious argument,” and his description of fever singing “in metal wires.” Wilson’s most encouraging and heartening contribution regarding Eliot came from Thomas Howard who explained Eliot’s “habit of treating us as though we know as much as he did.” This is a great relief to me.
4. Their distinctive voice — The only atheist on Douglas’s list, H.L. Mencken came across as the skeptical cynic in his writing, but with a deep vein of kindness and an ability to convey fascination. Too, having read out loud four and a half (we bailed out on The Silmarillion) of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, his love for language and his lyrical depiction of camaraderie and adventure are magical. All who have been drawn into the warmth of The Fellowship will enjoy Douglas Wilson’s analysis of the uniqueness of Tolkien’s fictional world.
5. Their ability to be both fun and good for you — In all feigned humility, I must call attention to the remarkable restraint that I have exercised to this point in not including C.S. Lewis in any or all of the previous categories, but perhaps this final quality summarizes him best and touches all the others as well. Douglas Wilson helps us to see that the “mainspring” of this ability in Lewis is “the idea of aching after joy.” As a romantic rationalist he fused logical reasoning with glorious imagination that turned every description and dialogue in his work into a feast for the heart and for the mind. Who doesn’t love a talking beaver with great theology?
Although the biographical information provided in Writers to Read is informative and includes a thorough probing of influences and motivations which set the stage for digging deeper into the authors’ works, it is the final section of each chapter that presents the not-to-be-missed material. “If You Read Nothing Else” points out a short selection of titles from each author, narrowing down the dizzying list of great books to manageable proportions. Douglas Wilson goes one step further in his Afterword with his “you-can-do-it” encouragement to become acquainted with his nine friends. As a book-blogger, I love reading about books and authors, and I make an effort to read as much and as broadly as I’m able, but few have made it into such an entertaining journey!
This book was provided by Crossway in exchange for my review. 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.”
In a life time of reading, we make friends with a variety of authors, usually total strangers to us in real life, but nonetheless, known and beloved, because we have come to know them intimately through their books. In Writers to Read, Douglas Wilson invites his readers into the circle of friends he has formed with nine favorite writers whose dates straddle the twentieth century, whose nomenclature leans toward the use of initials, whose faith commitments are all over the ecclesiological map, but whose writing and thinking are sure to be as iron sharpening iron — the best sort of friendship.
What sets these writers apart and makes them worthy of space on our crowded bookshelves? In Douglas Wilson’s delightful enneadic biography and book review, five resounding reasons surfaced:
1. Their gift of seeing — G.K. Chesterton was a master of paradox who had a “way of turning everything upside down so that we might be able to see it right-side-up.” Robert Farrar (R..F.) Capon was able to portray grace in his writing to display the inexhaustible gift of God that cannot be overdone (although he tried), but his real gift was in writing about food, observing what “went on the table and what went into getting it there.”
2. Their artistic imagination — N.D. Wilson happens to be Douglas’s son, a fiction and fantasy writer and a creator of villains and plots involving great danger. He and Chesterton agree that stories with intense plots do not teach children to be afraid. “They have dragons under the bed already. They had the fear already. The stories actually teach children that dragons can be killed.” I still need to be reminded of that and applaud a writer who can bring them into being on the page.
One of my favorite authors, Marilynne Robinson, is also on Douglas Wilson’s list (rendered M.S. Robinson for his purposes), and her ability to create a world and to populate it with believable characters is unrivaled. When I read Gilead for the first time, I found myself checking and re-checking the back cover author bio to assure myself that the book truly had not been penned by an elderly parson writing his son’s “begats” in the twilight of his life.
3. Their use of metaphor — P.G. Wodehouse is first on my list of untried authors from Douglas’s recommendations, and I can hardly wait to dive in, because, apparently, “the metaphors and similes found in the work of Wodehouse cause the reader, even if alone, to laugh like a hyena with a bone caught in his throat;” and since we’re on the topic, that quote is evidence that Douglas Wilson is also no slouch in the creation of similes.
It will surprise no one to find that T.S. Eliot is also on this list of nine with his “streets that follow like a tedious argument,” and his description of fever singing “in metal wires.” Wilson’s most encouraging and heartening contribution regarding Eliot came from Thomas Howard who explained Eliot’s “habit of treating us as though we know as much as he did.” This is a great relief to me.
4. Their distinctive voice — The only atheist on Douglas’s list, H.L. Mencken came across as the skeptical cynic in his writing, but with a deep vein of kindness and an ability to convey fascination. Too, having read out loud four and a half (we bailed out on The Silmarillion) of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, his love for language and his lyrical depiction of camaraderie and adventure are magical. All who have been drawn into the warmth of The Fellowship will enjoy Douglas Wilson’s analysis of the uniqueness of Tolkien’s fictional world.
5. Their ability to be both fun and good for you — In all feigned humility, I must call attention to the remarkable restraint that I have exercised to this point in not including C.S. Lewis in any or all of the previous categories, but perhaps this final quality summarizes him best and touches all the others as well. Douglas Wilson helps us to see that the “mainspring” of this ability in Lewis is “the idea of aching after joy.” As a romantic rationalist he fused logical reasoning with glorious imagination that turned every description and dialogue in his work into a feast for the heart and for the mind. Who doesn’t love a talking beaver with great theology?
Although the biographical information provided in Writers to Read is informative and includes a thorough probing of influences and motivations which set the stage for digging deeper into the authors’ works, it is the final section of each chapter that presents the not-to-be-missed material. “If You Read Nothing Else” points out a short selection of titles from each author, narrowing down the dizzying list of great books to manageable proportions. Douglas Wilson goes one step further in his Afterword with his “you-can-do-it” encouragement to become acquainted with his nine friends. As a book-blogger, I love reading about books and authors, and I make an effort to read as much and as broadly as I’m able, but few have made it into such an entertaining journey!
This book was provided by Crossway in exchange for my review. 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.”
April 20, 2019
This is a book from a writer who reads good writers. The 9 authors Wilson mentions are prolific in their field. Some I have read, others are future new reads, but with each author comes a thorough reason why they should be read - as if their writing didn't speak for itself. Particularly fascinating portions for me were the Lewis and Chesterton sections.
August 10, 2020
I found it interesting and refreshing to see how a theologian--a Reformed theologian, at that--assess and appreciate the literary styles of authors from vastly different backgrounds and across while still bringing in their thematic relevance to Christian concerns. While keen and objective, his tone exuded a winsome joviality that made this book a pleasant read.
August 28, 2019
Amazing. For non-readers, this will give you an appetite for reading. For readers, this will fuel that appetite while satisfying it along the way. Wilson always shows you the world from upside down and still makes it feel like home. Just so much fun
October 6, 2019
Especially enjoyed the chapters on Chesterton, Lewis, Tolkien, and N. D. Wilson, because I’ve bonded with their books for years, and now I’m also looking forward to getting to know Wodehouse and Marylin Robinson better.
September 22, 2021
Great recommendations all, with the leg work done of pulling out the best parts for us gleaners. If it were my baseball team, I'd try really hard to trade one or two for Bunyan, though I doubt his allegory would amount to many runs. I just really like him.
May 26, 2017
Read this if you want to write well.
November 3, 2018
If you've ever read much of Doug Wilson, you already know he likes these particular authors. I mainly read this book to find out what books by those authors he recommends. It's light and enjoyable.
December 3, 2018
Very helpful, and provides a good list for reading.
March 21, 2020
Enjoyed this and I'm using it to build a reading list.
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