I have been asked to share the 5 titles I’d bring on a deserted island. And I’m not allowed to say The Bible because it is too obvious. Of course, it’d be my first book because man doesn’t live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, and I’d like to live.
I chose to limit myself to five books that are actually on my bookshelf, and I’ve been known to use now and then rather than think of fantastical options that may not live up to their hype.
Top 5 Books to Read on a Desert Island
The Law by Frederic Bastiat
I’d bring Frederic Bastiat’s The Law, written in 1848, so I’d have the words to help my new neighbors understand individual responsibility. I may not have any neighbors at first, but one never knows when a clever pirate will show up, and I want to be ready!
Bastiat said things like:
“It would be impossible, therefore, to introduce into society a greater change and a greater evil than this—the conversion of the law into an instrument of plunder” and “Thus, since an individual cannot lawfully use force against the person, liberty, or property of another individual, then the common force – for the same reason – cannot lawfully be used to destroy the person, liberty, or property of individuals or groups.”
Bastiat would be decidedly against school choice and pro-choice funding. He knew killing a child’s mind is as perverted as killing a child.
The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer
I’d bring The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer (the 1975 edition) so I could preserve and cook like my mother. No air fryers or microwaves in existence when it was written. The only beadmaker was a strong woman’s hands. Women worldwide were known for grabbing the book while being bombed during the 20th century’s massive destruction bred by massive secularism. If I had to go to a deserted island, it’s probably because people I know are being bombed. Nothing new under the sun and all that.
Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew
I’d bring Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew (the original 1981 version—I don’t like versions with “New” in the title) so I could grow food in stunted, barren conditions requiring a lot of conservation of energy and minimal fertilizers. Mel’s chapter called “Extending the Season” is equally important in both hot and cold dry climates. Remember, Antarctica is a desert. I saw the available resources on my trip there, and I’d have to eat a lot of penguins if that’s where I landed. Fortunately, The Joy of Cooking explains how to prepare birds.
Reader’s Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual
I’d bring Reader’s Digest Complete Do-it-yourself Manual published in 1973 because it was written without digital technology in mind. Just the basics. Also, the title and the chapter titles aren’t in all caps, which is interesting to think about—apparently, I would not have been welcome as a Readers Digest editor. The chapters titled “Working with wood,” “Working with concrete,” and “Major and minor exterior repairs” provide useful information. Probably not as helpful as the Primitive Technology guys on YouTube who dig swimming pools with sticks in the sand, but I’ve seen a lot of those videos and would probably remember what to do.
The Chronicles of Narnia
I’d also bring my hardbound version of the complete The Chronicles of Narnia so I could reimagine all the great myths that made civilization civilized.
‘Why have your followers all drawn their swords, may I ask?’ said Aslan.
‘May it please Your High Majesty,’ said the second Mouse, whose name was Peepiceek, ‘we are all waiting to cut off our own tails if our Chief must go without his. We will not bear the shame of wearing an honor which is denied to the High Mouse.’
‘Ah!’ roared Aslan. ‘You have conquered me. You have great hearts. Not for the sake of your dignity, Reepicheep, but for the love that is between you and your people, and still more for the kindness your people showed me long ago when you ate away the cords that bound me on the Stone Table (and it was then, though you have long forgotten it, that you began to be Talking Mice), you shall have your tail again.’
I want to live in a world where I am conquered by great hearts.
And Here’s How You Win the Desert Island Game
If I was allowed to bring anything, I’d rather bring my 5 family members than 5 books. I’d bring David because he is funny, can shoot guns, and knows how to jump out of helicopters. I’d bring William because he loves to think about the transcendent. I’d bring John because he can build anything with a stick and a plumbline. I’d bring Robert because he weep with those who weep. And I’d bring Rob because no duty would be left undone.
And since the Bible says our spouses are one flesh, I wouldn’t be breaking any rules by bringing our daughters-in-law and grandchildren. These women raise curious and imaginative grandchildren, believe homemaking is a worthy endeavor mysteriously connected to eternity, and are as gifted in hospitality as they are in enterprise.
I’d only request that each of them be allowed to bring five books. Then we would arrive with an entire library.
If you’d like more book recommendations, check out Leigh Bortins’ list of best books for homeschoolers.
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