For as long as I can remember, I've been a reader of biographies. The first book I remember checking out from the library was "George Washington: Boy Soldier". Something like that. I must have read a hundred or so of those written-for-kids biographies. I still remember a lot of them. It comes in handy when watching Jeopardy. (Don't worry, I also read a lot Trixie Belden mysteries and Sweet Valley High romances.)
As an adult, I still love to read biographies and various history books – this is my favorite section of Barnes and Noble to browse when I have the time. Most recently I finished “Bonhoeffer” by Eric Metaxas. This book received a lot of attention, and rightly so. I’ve known the basic story of Bonhoeffer for a while (German pastor who died because of plotting against Hitler) and I know he’s famous for defining cheap grace in “Cost of Discipleship”. But let me say loud and clear that knowing basic facts do not at all give justice to this extraordinary man. I was fascinated by the post WWI German culture, how Hitler convinced so many people to follow him, but also how many Germans did not at all follow him and wanted him gone. Bonhoeffer stood very tall very early on as one who could clearly see Hitler for the maniac that he was. But he didn’t simply remain an aristocratic academic – he acted on his convictions and led the church to hold fast to the gospel.
I know some people think I’m crazy for reading stuff like this, but I just can’t get away from it. Fiction novels are wonderful, no doubt about it. A story like “Bonhoeffer” seems fictional (who could make this stuff?), but it is TRUE!
For those readers who like biographies and history, this is a winner. Don’t be intimidated by the number of pages!
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