Publius has tagged me, so I’ll give the answers to this particular meme. I enjoy books, so it’s not a chore by any means!!

1. Total Number of Books I’ve Owned: I’d say about 320, after an eye straining look at my shelves. This includes mini-books. Some of these books were used for university classes and so they were read once and now sit. I keep them just in case I may need them in the future for research or teaching.

2. Last Book I Bought: I bought three at the same time, so I’ll include those.

New Catholic Answer Bible (I’m interested in the biblical foundations of Catholic doctrine)

Together for Life by Joseph Champlin (I’m getting married soon and this is a practical Catholic marriage prep book)

Catholic Novenas by Rev. Lawrence Lovasik (I consider novenas an excellent devotion. This book calls itself "pocket book series" but it must require someone with larger pockets than me! Still it’s great with nice pictures)

3. Last Book I read: The Christian Tradition: The Spirit of Eastern Christendom by  Orthodox scholar Jaroslav Pelikan. This whole series is informative and well, just plain amazing for anyone interested in the development of doctrine.

4. 5 Books That Mean Alot to Me: This was difficult for Publius and I must confess the same feeling. This list would vary depending on when you asked me, but here are some universal and perennial favorites

  • The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. This excellent book challenged me to actually think and changed my way of thinking on a host of issues.
  • Dialogue with Trypho by St. Justin Martyr. This was the first Church Father I ever read and it started me on the path I travel today. I admired Justin’s intelligence, conviction, and his irenic spirit with which he engaged Trypho. He’s a model of the Christian scholar and teacher.
  • The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Entertaining, beautiful, and has its foundation in Christianity. I get a wonderful feeling of childhood when I read these.
  • The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. See above.
  • Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto (a 15th century Italian poet). This is an epic tale of knights and paladins and romance and intrigue all with a good sense of humor thrown in. Nothing can take me outside of myself quite like this (and the similar and companion words Orlando Innamorato , Jerusalem Delivered, and Morgante).

Like Publius, I will include two books that had a great influence on me, yet are too obvious to list:

5. Tag Five People and Have Them Do This on Their Blog: Let’s see. How about Winterr, Charles, Marie-Linda, Enbrethiliel, Shawn and Andy. It’s 6 people; I know! No pressure for those I tagged, if the even see it.