I don't know what has gotten into me. During the past two years, I was usually reading 4 or 5 books at one time, mixing things up a bit by spreading my time between a few genres. But, right after Christmas, my reading came to a standstill. That was right after I picked back up with my embroidery projects and I've spent many evenings working on those projects since. Many pillowcases. Many bibs. Many stitches. I'm currently working on a table runner with my favorite flower, the pansy. But, it is taking a long time... I guess all of my reading didn't cease. I've consistently continued with my studies in the Old Testament, and they are also taking a much longer time than anticipated. But, the blessings are well worth it. I'm moving at a slower pace because I am attempting to write summaries after each chapter, diagram family trees, and create lists to help me remember portions of the law. I did a terrible disservice to my brain in my younger years by training it to remember great amounts of information for tests - only to turn around and dump it soon after "when I didn't need the facts anymore". So, in recent years, I've been struggling to remember some of the most basic facts while trying to hold on to them so tightly that my memory cannot let them go. But, just days later, I find myself having to turn back to chapters that I thought I knew like the back of my hand. It makes me frightened to think what my memory will be like when I am 70 and 80. I truly need your prayers about this, that God might help me better grasp these verses that are invaluable.
With all of that said, I'm getting antsy and anxious, and I miss my other reading. I've gone up to my little library. But, nothing on those shelves is looking good at the moment. So, I need some help in finding some good reads for the spring and summer... perfect for afternoons and evenings in that backyard hammock that I've mentioned so many times. Brother Paul suggested "John Adams" or "1776". What do you think? Would you be willing to write about your favorite books or about a book that has intrigued you lately? Or, is there a book to which you return over and over? Anything that just pops into your mind? It can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, deep or light, mystery, biblical, inspirational, historical, romantic, Christian living, ... No matter the type, I would love to know what your suggestions are. So, go through your own libraries or "Top Ten" lists and suggest away, please.
15 comments:
Brother Paul is right. Anything by David McCullough is a good read. This semmester I read. Truman, by him, and while I thought he was a nice guy. I really fell in love with him this semmester. I great read, and reminded me that morals did die in the 1700 or 1800s.
Other than that, mother and I have been for several years reading some Christain fiction books. There are several good series. Alot of them are historical fiction, with a very Christain twist. Not PB, but not bad. We have really enjoyed the Amish series most. It's the one thing we do together. If you might be interested in any of them let me know.
Last suggestion. If you are up to somewhat heavy reading. One of the BEST books I have ever read is "The Age of Reagan" by Hayward. Though as a disclaimer I am a historian.
Ok I lied. One more. A book that I have read over and over and over since I was about 12 or so, is "Walk Two Moons" by Creech.
If you want more info let me know in the next few days. Sometime next week I'm going to pack up all of my book and let Gary carry them and the bookcases to Florida, next weekend. snif snif
Thanks for the tip about the m&m picture. I am not sure I like mine enough to leave it up there, maybe I'll make a new one.
I couldn't figure out how to save my m&m. I do think you should teach me one of these days how to embroider.
I could go on about this until the end of time. : )
The one book I return to over and over is Alice in Wonderland.
Have you read any Marian Keyes? Brilliantly funny, chick lit genre, really enjoyable light reading.
One work of fiction I adore that is a fascinating, extremely imaginative, pan-theistically oriented tale is American Gods, by Neil Gaman. It's no David McCullough, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as a fun summer read and am going back for a second reading soon.
Strem - I recently borrowed 1776 from Brother Paul and I really enjoyed it. I had read McCullough before, but it had been several years. It has rekindled a strong craving for history.
So, right now I am reading John Adams and Truman (both by McCullough) and have ordered Mornings on Horseback (about Theodore Roosevelt) and The Path Between the Seas (about the Panama Canal) all by McCullough too.
I really like his style. He gives good facts in a atypical style, not the typical boring history textbook manner, but as a romantic telling of real events. His ability to describe a person, by teaching first about his grandparents and parents and other individuals in their life gives a great sense of how they became the people they were.
Anyway - you're welcome to borrow any that I have anytime you're ready!
Hope you enjoy the reading, whatever you pick.
Dani: I would love to know the names of the fiction series to which you're referring. I wonder if they are the same books Sister Lydia has read. And, I'll definitely check out "Walk Two Moons."
Siren: I must admit I have never read Alice in Wonderland all of the way through. I know, shame on me. But, your comment has made me seriously think about doing so soon. In fact, I might already have it up in my library. I also think I've read some Marian Keyes books, but my memory is failing me. Thanks for the tips. (I know you love books like I love books. Probably more. So, feel free to keep suggesting!)
Wow, Brother Chris. It looks like you're hooked. I haven't read anything by him yet... so it looks like it is time to get crackin'!
Brother Paul also told me about Blood Brothers - the book that I think was on your piano when all of us were at your house Wednesday. That sounded fascinating.
Yeah, I guess I am bit hooked. I go through spells where I "binge-read." I get hooked on one particular author theme and run into the ground. Then switch to something else.
Blood Brothers - yeah I need to get started on it so I can return it to Bro. Paul. I have a couple others that I've bought (Flags of our Fathers and something else) that I need to read too. Plus, the typical need for reading my Bible more, and the good theology books on my shelves. One day I will retire just to read. :-)
strem:
A good light hearted read is A series of Murder Mysteries by Charles Merrill Smith. They are the Reverend Randolph series. I think there are ten all told. The theology is not to accurate but they are very enjoyable.
strem: sorry forgot to sign the last blog. ALAN
A few ideas that might be outside the usual....
Blue Like Jazz & Searching for God Knows What (Don Miller) -- Don has some poignant (and some hilarious) observations regarding current Western thought patterns and how the Christian gospel has been reduced by many into a bullet-point, formulaic theology -- far removed from it's intended comprehensive, relational power. Very clever. Very smart. Very insightful.
No Man is an Island (Thomas Merton) -- Pretty chewy stuff, written in solitude by an American scholar/poet/monk. Raises the value of community: one body, many parts.
Brother Alan, I have never heard of that mystery series, but I will check it out.
Mike3e: I don't know how many times you've suggested the Don Miller books... but I had forgotten once again. I have never heard of the No Man Is An Island book (even though I LOVE THE TITLE REFERENCE), so I need to do some research on these. Thanks for the tips. I value your opinion very very much!
A dear sister wrote to let me know about this blog created by a book reviewer. A book reviewer that seems to have morals and standards - especially when it concerns young readers, no less! How refreshing.
I have very much enjoyed the Saturday book reviews which are created by the various readers of the blog. Such a wide variety of books and people. I believe it is worth checking out, and the reviews has helped my book list grow. Now I just need a blog to help my budget grow!!! :)
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