Reading Between the Lines: A Christian Guide to Literature (Redesign) (Turning Point Christian Worldview Series)

This was a great book; Veith’s purpose, from the preface: “My purpose is to promote critical reading, the habit of reading with discernment and an awareness of larger contexts and deeper implications….It’s method is to draw lines—distinguishing between words and images, the Greek and the Hebraic, the Modern and the Postmodern—and to show how Christianity intersects with them all.”Veith accomplishes his purpose through his examination of the different genres of literature, and along the way, he reminds us what the classical definitions of tragedy, comedy, etc., are and the purpose behind these genres. In setting the stage, Veith analyzes our media saturated culture and proposes his book as a “guide to literature”. Since this is a Christian guide to literature, Veith explains the importance of reading to Christians, and reminds the reader that “(u)niversal literacy, taken for granted today, was a direct result of the Reformation’s reemphasis upon the centrality of Bible reading, not only for theologians but for the spiritual life of every Christian.” (As I read this chapter, I thought of a John MacArthur sermon I had listened to in which he said that the way to learn God’s will is from the Bible, and the way to do that is to put our heads down and READ it!) He also posits that our current dependence on technology results in a “new primitivism.” Veith also goes into great detail on the traditions of literature, from the Middle Ages to post-modernism, which was extremely helpful. These last four chapters are probably the best part of the book. I also learned a tremendous amount from his chapter on poetry. Veith liberally uses literary examples throughout the book, and the endnotes provide a gold mine of further reading.This book is also a good reference tool and one I intend to go back to again.

Dr. Veith, like C.S. Lewis, has the wonderful ability to communicate insights and wisdom to those who are unlike himself. I am a stereotypical engineer with an underdeveloped appreciation of arts and literature. His books however, have motivated me to explore and discover new worlds offered by both. Reading "State of the Arts" led me to acquiring Rembrandt's paintings, "Storm on the Sea of Galilee" and "Raising of the Cross" - both have become my primary source of solace in times of anxiety. I have also purchased a membership to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and eagerly look forward to what I might discover on my visits.I am only part way through, "Reading between the lines," but clearly recognize the master's touch. I was sitting BAM (Books a Million) with my grandson after finishing the chapter on fiction and began reading Madeleine L'Engles, "Wrinkle in Time." I had to put down the first book to finish the second; I don't think Dr. Veith would have forgiven me if I did not. While L'Engles' book is already biased toward the scientific type, I could now read with a consciousness of how she used the characters, plot, theme and setting to fire the imagination while telling her story.I don't know what the value of Dr. Veith's books are to those who have already cultivated a taste and knowledge for good art and literature but if you are like me, wanting in those areas, but would like to venture into that other world this is a great place to start!

If you're a Christian, this book is a must. It will make you a better reader and will challenge you to read better books. Veith gives useful guidelines for evaluating and critically understanding all types of literary works from poetry to novels to non-fiction. Yet, he recognizes the sheer joy of encountering a great literary piece and never places such a premium on critique that reading becomes clinical or stale. Veith wants readers to have the skills to understand a great book or poem, but he also wants readers to appreciate a great book or poem for its sheer aesthetic beauty.

Gene Veith's goal is to promote reading with discernment, and to get people to experience the pleasure and value of reading. The opening chapter explains why reading has always been important to Christianity (from a biblical perspective). He gives good examples of narrative, fiction, Non-fiction, fantasy,poetry, and more that he would consider to be redeeming literature that teaches good lessons. He also delves into literature from different eras, such as the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment, the modern and the post-modern eras. I especially enjoyed his treatments of Faustus, Dante, and Crime and Punishment. Recommended for lovers of good books and for those who should love books more.

The only problem with this book is that it has the wrong title. It shouldn't be called a "Christian" guide to literature, but simply a guide to literature. I heartily recommend this book to both my Christian and non-Christian friends.Mr. Veith clearly explains the importance of literature in our modern society. His description of the different literary forms gave me a new appreciation for some genres that in the past I had avoided. This book is important to both the avid reader as well as some one who would like to develop an appreciation for literature. It is most appropriate for anyone who has an interest in literature, not just Christians.

An excellent guide to literature. Clear, well-written, enjoyable. I came away from this with a greater appreciation for literature in general and poetry in particular. Highly recommend this book. Literature students especially would benefit from reading this before anything else.

Required textbook for class. It's a good read though. Arrived on time with little issue.

This book covers so much in helping the reader to understand literature and to read between the lines as to what the author is trying to say and how he says it. I especially like the chapters on the different elements of fiction. I am using this with my composition/literary analysis home school class this year, and have used it in the past as well. It is a great book!