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Daniel Dignan

Fill The Stage

“Character is Destiny”

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Knowing God

July 18, 2025 by Daniel Dignan Leave a Comment

I read this book when I was 19. I have read many great books, but this is one of the only books that has made me a happier person. The author helps readers study the Bible and gain insight into what God is like.

David, an Old Testament king, devoted a lot of time to getting to know God as a teenager by studying the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). He wrote this about God: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, English Standard Version)

What did you find most helpful about the book?

Filed Under: Christian Classics Tagged With: J I Packer, Knowing God

Pilgrim’s Progress

July 10, 2025 by Daniel Dignan Leave a Comment

This is a story about a man’s quest to find the most valuable of all treasures. It is one of the most read books of all time. Abraham Lincoln was deeply influenced by it. Charles Spurgeon, England’s greatest preacher, read it every year. Interestingly, the author, wrote it in prison.

The story has two parts. In part one, a man named Christian journeys to the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces numerous dangers and encounters many people, some of whom assist him, while others attempt to hinder or kill him. Part two is about his wife and children as they make the same journey, facing many of the same dangers, as well as new ones.

Two paths, described in the Bible, are represented in the story: the path that leads to life with God and the path that leads to life without God. One commentator said that the book helps readers learn how to live and die well.

I recommend purchasing a book with illustrations.

Here is a map of the main character’s journey:

This conversation about the book will give you an idea of what to expect:

What did you like about the book?

Filed Under: Christian Classics Tagged With: John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress

The Death of Ivan Ilych

July 5, 2025 by Daniel Dignan Leave a Comment

A successful middle-aged judge suffers a freak accident and faces a slow, terrible death. His family does little to help him, as his pain and depression increase.

As he suffers, thoughts of his life — childhood happinesses, ambitions, what he lived for, and his personal conduct — crowd into his mind. He wonders if he lived life as he should have.

Leo Tolstoy is one of the greatest writers in history. He’s known for books like War and Peace, which is a very long novel. This is a short book and a shocking read. It makes one stop and take stock of life. (Better to think seriously about life while you are young than when you are old.)

At the end of the story, a significant event occurs.

What do you think happened at the end of the story?

Filed Under: Christian Classics