30 Day Book Challenge! Day 5: Stranded

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I am overwhelmed by how many good books there are to read in the world. Overwhelmed, and, truth be told, a little depressed at times. With so many challenging, mind-stretching books out there, I rarely feel like I have time to make it through a "chewing" book more than once. However, this sentiment made today's question quite easy.

Day 5: If you were stranded on a dessert island (and apparently had sufficient fore-warning to pack your bags) which five books would you bring, and why?

Easy. Peasy. This question may as well be, "Which five books do you desperately long to re-read and study?"

1. My Bible

It is, quite literally, my life. I would never want to be anywhere without it.

2. Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton

I only just finished this book in the last week, and I already wish I could go through it again. Actually, I wish I could compare it to the next book I'm going to list, and study it point by point, creating my own references for and/or against every statement Chesterton makes.

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3. The Book That Made Your World, by Vishal Mangalwadi

Even as I read this book through the first time, I mourned the absolute treasure trove of facts, resources, and conclusions that my mind could not, in their entirety, contain. I came away with a good over-view impression, but if I had me some good desert-island-stranding time, I would analyze, compare, and practically memorize all the wonderful insights Mr. Manglawadi shares.

4. Till We Have Faces, by C.S. Lewis

Being a story (and thereby quicker, lighter reading), I have high hopes that I truly may read this again in the near future. Lewis' retelling of Greek mythology's goddess, Psyche, was beautiful. I began it apprehensively, trusting Lewis would come through for me and not be too bizarre. I came away with a new, unspeakable awe for God, which is far too often lacking in the modern Christian's theology. How did Lewis write for this result? I don't know. Which is why it's on the re-read list!

5. The Age of Revelation, by Elias Boudinot

This is one book I actually haven't finished. It is so-so-so-so good, but I was reading it during a time in life when my only book time was 11pm and beyond. Boudinot's writing style (being from the days of our Revolution) and subject matter (the point-by-point refutation of Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason) was simply too thick for such late bedtime reading. I will finish it, though...on a desert island!