But the most important thing to do with a book is to read it.  Particularly the good ones.  And it is always helpful to stop occasionally and think about one’s reading habits, about how one might read better, and how one might find more worthy reads.

Here are 5 articles and resources I have found helpful in thinking about my reading.

1. Some Thoughts On The Reading Of Books by R. Albert Mohler.  Six points on reading from a man who reads a book or so every day and who has a library of tens of thousands of volumes.

2. Read Until Your Brain Creaks by Doug Wilson.  Seven points from a great reader and writer who is often reviewing and commenting on his reading on his blog.  Whatever you think of Wilson’s particular opinions and views he will never bore you.

3. Here is a series of articles by Tony Reinke, a good blogger and inveterate reader as well: 1. Capturing Reading Time, 2. Read With Pen In Hand, 3. Read With Purpose In View.

4. Here is a link to a table of contents for a great series on reading called On Disciplined Reading by Dr. Bruce Ashford of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

5. And here is a post for the truly intellectually courageous who desire to take their brains beyond the call of duty: Setting A Reading Goal by Trevin Wax.  That one is for the true Marathoners.

Extra: A kick in the seat of the pants by the great Seth Godin, Deliberately Uninformed.

I found this through Tony Reinke’s Miscellanies blog and with him I neither endorse the Letterman show. However, this is absolutely hilarious.

The lists of recommended summer reading have been rolling out lately and some of my favorite bloggers and authors have done so. It’s always useful to see what other people are reading and particularly what they consider to have been good reading!

Al Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has published three blog entries giving an annotated list of recommendations:

Ten for the History Books — Summer Reading Part 1
Ten for the History Books — Summer Reading Part 2
Books for Guys — Maybe for Dad, Maybe for Son, Maybe for You

Al Mohler also put out a thoughtful look at the threat to libraries posed by the Internet and the digital revolution: The Citadel and the Open Space – Will the Library Survive in the Internet Age?

C.J. Mahaney, leader of Sovereign Grace Ministries and friend of Al Mohler’s, responded with his own, lighter, reading list:

Books for the Beach

And lastly, Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, and author of the recent The Reason for God, a very good read itself, has given this list:

Summer Reading List

Enjoy! I hope you find the time…