Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Reader Interview: Paul Robertson

Current position/title: Youth Culture Specialist, Youth Unlimited/Toronto YFC, Associate Staff member of CPYU.

Location: Toronto, Canada

CPYU: Have you always been a reader? If not, how did you become one?

PR: I have always loved to read but more so now than when I was younger. My parents were not readers but it seems I always had things to read.

CPYU: What are your reading habits and practices?

PR: I keep a file in my Internet favorites called “Books”. Whenever I read an article that refers to a good book, I go to my favorite online bookstore, look it up, and then add that link to my books favorite’s folder. About every two months I order all my books online, free shipment, and usually appear in my mailbox within two days. I tend to accumulate books and do lots of reading while on holidays at my cottage. I also keep a couple of books in the washroom… great place to get some reading done.

CPYU: Name 3 books that have been very influential in your life and one sentence that explains why.

PR: The Upside-Down Kingdom by Donald Kraybill. An absolutely refreshing look at what it means to be part of and a builder in the inverted kingdom of God here on earth.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonheoffer. A classic look at the grace of God that should be read once a year to remind us how far we’ve wandered from original grace.

I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe. A fascinating look at the clash of cultures based on Wolfe’s observation of American campuses and how the world slowly wears down Christians.

CPYU: If you could meet any author, living or dead, who would it be and what questions would you ask him or her?

PR: Tony Bennett – Did you and a buddy really rough up Don Rickles in the early days for making fun of you?

CPYU: According to a recent study by the National Endowment of the Arts, very few young people are reading. Do you have any ideas on how to get young people to read?

PR: Parents need to read to their kids and be seen reading by their kids.

Related Links:
Paul Robertson's website

List of seminars by Paul Robertson

Popular article by Paul Robertson - "Tattoos: A skin-deep reflection of adolescent life"

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