“It is a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done before. A far better resting place I go to than I have ever known.”

~ A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens

Well hello, friends! Welcome to the Five Fall Favorites event! Come sit with me and let’s talk about books. Yes, over here by the fire where it’s warm. Now that the weather is FINALLY starting to feel like autumn, I thought I’d make a nice big bonfire and we could make s’mores!

Today I want to tell you about five of my favorite books about real heroes. And by “real” I don’t necessarily mean “not fiction.” In fact, I think only one of the heroes I’m going to talk about is someone who actually existed. No, by “real” I mean people who are heroes in the sense that we all could be if we choose. Not because they’re born with superpowers or some other mind-blowing abilities, but because of virtues like courage and self-sacrifice that anyone can practice, though it’s not always easy. That’s why I love all these books — they can help inspire us to heroic virtue ourselves!

Yes, everyone take a marshmallow — here, I have some straightened coat hangers for us to roast them on.

So, first I want to mention The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien. Maybe that doesn’t seem like a book about real heroes to you — I mean, most of the characters aren’t even human! And very few of us have or ever will be asked to take a ring of power to the fires of Mount Doom for destruction. (Not to mention that it’s technically a series, not a single book, but hey… I couldn’t mention just one of the three! It’s a single story!)

Here’s why I consider this to be a story about real heroes — Frodo Baggins isn’t anyone special. He’s not especially strong, unusually smart, or insanely talented at anything. All he is is dedicated. All he is is brave. He just is willing to sacrifice everything for the home and the people he loves, and many people he doesn’t even know and never will. The same could be said of most of the other heroes in the book (particularly one of my favorites, Sam!). They are heroic because they choose to be, not because they are intrinsically special or because it’s easy or convenient. They see hope when all hope seems lost. They press on when things are dark. And they don’t give up. That’s why I love this series.

Oh, sorry, yes, here are the graham crackers for the s’mores! I have plenty. And chocolate too, of course — what good are s’mores without chocolate?

Next, I thought I would mention Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. This one is also fiction, though it’s a retelling of the story of Hosea, so it’s sort of true as well! This book was actually recommended to me by my counselor when I was having a very hard time understanding God’s love for me — that’s how well it relates to real life. And the “real hero” featured in this one is Michael Hosea, who of course represents Hosea (and therefore God). I highly, highly recommend this one (though not for younger readers… if you know the story of Hosea then you know why). Michael is a real hero because he chooses to be obedient in loving someone to whom he is committed, even when it is the furthest thing from easy. It’s not only inspiring for us when it comes to loving others, but it is a vivid picture of God’s love for us!

The fire is dying down a bit, isn’t it? Here, I’ll throw a few more sticks on. I have a pile here right next to my chair. There, that’s better! I see we still have a few more marshmallows to roast!

So the next book I want to mention does feature a truly real hero, though the book is not entirely nonfiction. It’s called Stephen: A Soldier of the Cross, by Florence Morse Kingsley. I know some people prefer its prequel, Titus: A Comrade of the Cross, but personally I enjoyed Stephen a lot more and found it much more compelling. I never paid much attention to the story of Stephen in the Bible until I read this book, but after reading it I understand his courage in standing so firmly for what’s right much more clearly. And boldness and courage in living — and dying — for Christ is something heroic that we are all called to!

Yes, it’s getting a little colder as it gets later, isn’t it? I usually prefer warmer weather, but I have to say sitting outside by the fire is one of the things I love most about fall and winter.

Next I get to mention one of my favorite books of all time — in fact, if I had to choose a favorite book, I might say this one. Maybe. It’s hard to choose. But anyway, the book is A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. I love everything I’ve read by Dickens, but this one is especially brilliant, and the courage of one very unlikely hero will never cease to affect me. If you haven’t read it I don’t want to say too much, but two words: Sydney Carton. And then two more words: read it! It can be a little slow at first, but believe me, once you get into the story, it is so very worth it.

Oh, I hardly noticed the stars coming out — they are so beautiful out here! I guess I’d better wrap it up before it gets too very late.

So, last but definitely not least, another one by a favorite author, Runt the Brave by Daniel Schwabauer. It’s the first in a trilogy and is about a little mouse named JaRed (his family calls him “Runt”) who must face up to a foe that even the strongest in his community are afraid to confront. If that sounds familiar, it should — it’s a retelling of David and Goliath. But not just any retelling. This book (and its sequel, Runt the Hunted) touched me in a way that few books have. The author (who I have had the privilege to meet and speak with) has an incredible sense of story and character that I look up to, and he has been one of my most influential writing mentors. I call JaRed a real hero not only because he’s based on one of the classic heroes of the Bible, but because his courage in the face of terrifying circumstances inspire me. I can’t recommend the book highly enough!

Well, that’s all for today — thank you for joining me! I want to meet with you all again tomorrow to tell you about five more favorites, but for now, why don’t we go inside — and maybe settle down with a good book? We just might discover a few ordinary heroes.

Be sure to visit all the other Five Fall Favorites posts up today, and come back tomorrow for another category!

Also be sure to enter our giveaway — my book Implant is just one of many great prizes included!

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