On My Shelf helps you get to know various writers through a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives as readers.
I asked Simonetta Carr—author of numerous books, including Church History and the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series—about what’s on her bedside table, her favorite fiction, the books she regularly revisits, and more.
What’s on your nightstand right now?
I have a huge pile of books on my nightstand—some for reference and some waiting to be read. The ones I am reading right now are the following.
First, Michael Horton’s Heaven Came Down (an Advent devotional). As I write this, Advent hasn’t started yet, so I am trying to restrain myself from reading ahead, but what I read in the preface and what I see by peeking ahead is very promising. I also like the idea of having a prayer and some reflection questions for each week.
Second, David Kirwa Tarus’s A Different Way of Being: Towards a Reformed Theology of Ethnopolitical Cohesion for the Kenyan Context. I chose to read this book because I have had the pleasure of corresponding with the author while writing my children’s book on Byang Kato, an important African theologian, and I have a high estimation of Tarus’s work in the African context.
Besides, I am a firm believer in the importance of learning from the global church because we can often get used to our comfortable blinders. This book was written to address the problem of ethnopolitical conflicts in Kenya, but, while some portions don’t apply to our situation, many do. Some of the language might also be unfamiliar to us in the context it is used.
For example, some expressions such as “redeeming the culture” or “liberation theology” might seem either odd or problematic to us, but knowing that Tarus comes from a different geographical and historical context helps me to listen more closely to what he is saying. Faced with grave problems of widespread violence and disunity in his country, Tarus seeks solutions from several sources, giving a large space to John Calvin’s theology and to a true understanding of the doctrine of the imago Dei.
I do have some qualms with some portions of the book (I think he misunderstood David VanDrunen’s position on the two kingdoms), but even these points of divergence have benefited me as they caused me to think more deeply about the issues at hand and compare my views with those of the author.
These points of divergence have benefited me as they caused me to think more deeply about the issues at hand.
Third, Grace in Addiction by John Z. This book was recommended to me by one of our pastors because one of my relatives is struggling with a gambling addiction—which is apparently the hardest addiction to eradicate. The author of this book is a pastor with a history of alcohol addiction and reflects on similarities between AA and the church. It shows why AA has been so successful by harnessing many of the same riches the church has but often fails to employ. Overall, it gives me a new appreciation of those riches.
Last, The Belgian Girls by Kathryn Atwood is a book I promised my friend Kathryn I would review, and it has been sitting too long on my nightstand. (I rarely read fiction these days.) This is a fictional story of two women during the German occupations of Belgium. One of them, Gabrielle Petit, is an actual historical figure—a Belgian spy who worked for the British Secret Service. The book was inspired by her story.
Atwood is an excellent writer who has done extensive research on the women involved in the European Resistance. I like how she presents here two very different women from different backgrounds, united by the same concerns.
What are your favorite fiction books?
As I said, I rarely read fiction. That is not because of a dislike for the genre. It is just that my work as a writer requires me to read a lot of nonfiction books, and I rarely find time for anything else. That said, I do have a few favorites. They’re all books I read long ago, but their endurance in my heart through time makes them more precious.
My overall favorite is an Italian classic, The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni. It is a shame that few Americans are aware of this book. It was written in the 19th century and tells the story of a 17th-century couple who had to overcome colossal obstacles to get married.
Among other things, the book addresses difficult topics such as the state of women who were forced to enter convents and the horrors of the plague. It also includes the wonderful conversion of the villain. The writing is superb, although some of its genius is lost in translation (I have not found a translation that conveys the Italian musicality of the very first paragraph).
I am, of course, a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien’s works (I wrote a book for children about him). And one of my childhood books that I still browse from time to time is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, filled as it is with poetry and wisdom (one of my favorite stories in the book is the decision of the fox to be tamed by the prince although she knew she would suffer when he left).
These are just a couple of my most beloved fiction books. There are many more.
What biographies or autobiographies have most influenced you and why?
Definitely Augustine’s Confessions. His candor is exceptional and invites us to a similar honesty and openness as we search our souls and join the author in prayer. It has inspired me to be equally honest in my writings.
Apart from this, I don’t know if I can pinpoint any particular biography or autobiography. I read so many of them because of the type of writing I do, and I think they have all influenced and shaped me in different ways—some with their honesty and accuracy, some with their ability to portray the essence of a person’s life.
What are some books you regularly reread and why?
I would have to repeat Augustine’s Confessions. I return to this over and over. And Calvin’s commentaries, which are the most insightful I have found.
Apart from these, I like to read The Sidney Psalter by Philip and Mary Sidney. It’s a poetic rendering of the psalms that I find very moving. When I need to be reminded of God’s unending love in Christ, I read Ralph Erskine’s Gospel Sonnets. And when I need to strengthen my prayers for my children, I read Aelred of Rievaulx’s For Your Own People. Aelred was a medieval Cistercian abbot who wrote out of his love for the monks God had placed in his care. I substitute the word “Shepherd” with “mother.”
Also, as strange as it may seem, I often reread The Diary of Michael Wigglesworth. Wigglesworth was a Puritan pastor who struggled with same-sex desires. His thoughts and prayers are so honest and earnest that I find it easy to relate to them in my struggle with different persisting sins.
What books have most profoundly shaped how you serve and lead others for the sake of the gospel?
I would say, once again, Calvin’s writings, especially his commentaries and letters. He was such a warm and wise pastor. I don’t have them in a book; I find them online. For his letters, I have the advantage of knowing some French. And I can say the same about John Newton’s letters. You can find some of them in different editions and also online.
How can parents make teaching church history fun and accessible throughout the years?
Church history is becoming more accessible to kids through books and videos. Exposing the children to these resources is the first step. History is fascinating in itself. But I would encourage parents to look for historical accuracy. Don’t try to paint a picture where Christians are always good and right, or you may have problems when your kids grow up.
Instead, help them to face history with honesty and courage, knowing that we’re all still learning and, most of all, God is still preserving his church in spite of our mistakes. I’ve written an article on the topic that might be helpful.
What’s your best piece of writing advice?
I always quote my mother, who used to tell me, “Don’t write unless you have something to say.” It seems obvious, but this is why I never thought of writing a book until I was 55.
It’s not that I didn’t write before. I wrote poems, personal letters, and newspaper articles (reporting what others said). I also translated books. But it took some time before I thought I personally had something to say.
My mother used to tell me, ‘Don’t write unless you have something to say.’
I’m not saying this to discourage young writers. You might have lots to say very early in life. Just don’t rush it. Read a lot, explore the life around you, listen to people with different experiences and backgrounds, and take time to reflect. After all, the Bible has sobering warnings about a multitude of words, idle talking, and the desire to be teachers.
And if you consider publishing, check your motives. Why is your book important? I see a lot of posts of young authors who seem to view publishing as a personal achievement rather than a service to others.
My mother also used to say “Non disperderti,” meaning “Don’t scatter your thoughts; don’t lose your focus.” I find it’s easy to go down several rabbit trails, especially when I do research. It can be fun (and even profitable) at times, but most of the time writing requires concentration, discipline, and a concerted effort to aim at quality rather than quantity.
What are you learning about life and following Jesus?
I don’t know if I can put this into words. I’m learning on so many levels. For one thing, I’m getting older and can legitimately slow down. So I’m learning the importance and benefits of that. Slowing down helps with seeing things in a clearer light, considering different sides of an issue, carefully listening to others, and just basically loving others for who they are.
It’s interesting to me how we tend to rush through life, eager to accomplish so much, especially in our modern Western world, and then, when our lives get closer to the end, when runners in a race would normally sprint and when regrets would instinctively spur us to compensate, God slows us down. And then we see what is really important—taking time in prayer; taking time to reflect on what we read, hear, and see; valuing others; and learning patience and gratefulness.
So, I don’t know if I can list all the things I am learning, but much of that comes from slowing down.
