Book Review: Indelible Ink

It will come as no surprise to you if I tell you that books are essential to life! I agree with the editor of Indelible Ink 'that books exercise an incredible influence over us -- they play a significant role in the process of our continual, lifelong creation.' If you read widely in Christian literature you would have heard the names of many great writers including John Stott, Joni Eareckson Tada, Charles Colson, Josh McDowell, Calvin Miller, Dallas Willard, J I Packer, Donald G Bloesch, Kenneth N Taylor, Gary R Collins, Phillip E Johnson, Edith Schaeffer, Watler Wangerin Jr, Ravi Zacharias, and Larry Crabb. All of these writers have had an incredible impact on their readers. But all of these great writers were influenced and shaped, at least in part, by the books that they read. Scott Larsen has gathered together 22 international writers who discuss the books (other than the Bible) that have most shaped their faith. Indelible Ink is an absolute delight to read. It is fascinating to hear from these writers what books have changed them -- and they range across all types of literature: fiction, biography, theology, devotional works, history, commentaries, and reference books. Indelible Ink is not just a list of the books these authors have read. They discuss, in depth, the ideas of their favourite authors so, on the way, we are introduced to a diverse array of spiritual truths and their importance. The writing styles of each author differ, as one would expect in a book like this. Some are more interesting than others. The 22 main essays are supplemented by brief lists of favourite books from about 130 other authors. If you are a narcolibric (Calvin Miller's term for those of us addicted to books), then Indelible Ink will bring you a few surprises and you will discover even more to add to your list of books to read!