As you pack the new books, don’t forget to throw in a few old ones as well. It was C. S. Lewis who advised, “You should at least read one old [book] to every three new ones. . . . We all . . . need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period.” On our website, BreakPoint.org, we have lists of recommended books that include many of the great classics—including some by Lewis himself. I urge you to check it out. Or call us at 1-877-322-5527, and we’ll be glad to send you our recommendations.

The last thing I want to do is make your summer vacation sound like work. We all need relaxation. But we also need to nourish and re-energize our minds and spirits as well as our bodies, and that can be just as much fun as the video games. So as you pack the electronic toys, make sure you don’t forget the books.

For Further Reading and Information

Today’s BreakPoint offer: The “Recommended Reading List from Chuck Colson and the Wilberforce Forum.”

“C. S. Lewis on the Reading of Old Books,” Jolly Blogger, 17 October 2005.

Jim Tonkowich, “In Praise of Old Books,” BreakPoint WorldView, March 2004.

Michael and Jana Novak, Washington’s God (Basic Books, 2006).

Michael and Jana Novak, “Divining W: Inside Washington’s God,” National Review Online, 20 February 2006.

Michael Novak, “Washington’s Sun God,” National Review Online, 14 March 2006.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060222, “The Victory of Reason: Christianity and the West.”