Reading Between the Lines

A Christian Guide to Literature

By: Gene Edward Veith Jr.

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

This is a guidebook for those who want to learn how to recognize books that are spiritually and aesthetically good - to cultivate good literary taste. Gene Edward Veith presents basic information to help book lovers understand what they read, from the classics to best sellers. He explains how the major genres of literature communicate. He explores ways comedy, tragedy, realism, and fantasy can portray the Christian worldview. These discussions lead to a host of related topics: the value of fairy tales for children, the tragic and the comic sense of life, the interplay between Greek and Biblical concepts in the imagination, and the new "post-modernism" (a subject of vital importance to Christians).

©1994 Gene Edward Veith, Jr. (P)1994 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Great Reference Book for Recommendations

I learned a lot from listening to this book. About the history of styles of writing, origins of different genres, ie, poetry, fiction, and fantasy, and the value of each.

I learned that some of the authors such as Jonathan Swift and Tolkien, whom I assumed were simply secular writers are actually Christian authors with a broader "reading audience". I love the Appendix at the end, with a summary of Authors and book recommendations.

Good material, especially the last few chapters

Though dated, this is a good introduction to a Christian reading of literature that is neither condescending nor trite. I appreciate it being available in audio form and will want the paper book for the evenhanded treatment of post modernism alone. The narrator's voice is somehow harsh and sharp. It almost hurt my ears, and sometimes he mispronounced. I would not prefer to hear him again. It may be the recording.

Now I know how behind I am on my reading!

This book is like a college literature appreciation course....in the best sense. There are many suggested authors and explanations of why a good work of literature is good... He covers stories from every age and genre. It's a great book for any reader! Highly recommended!!

Eye opener for novice book lover and Christian

I find my self in a place in life that books are the main thing keeping me for going into a depression so reading books of value is bringing me closer God and enjoying life more and growing my personal paradigm.