I had a professor in graduate school who was pretty strict on us, but who absolutely made church history come to life. When a student one day asked why we were always given such a heavy amount of reading and loads of homework, the professor exclaimed, "...Because when you leave here I want you to know something!"
Indeed. Given our Lord's commission, and the state of the culture in which we all are called to minister, we'd better be as well-equipped as possible. Christian friend--Invest in your mind and soul! Begin reading the books that will equip you to grow spiritually and impact our culture for God's glory.