Monday, August 4, 2014

Whatcha Reading?

I've been mulling over writing this post on books.  I'm interested in hearing about the volumes that have turned your world upside down OR the ones that are simply keeping you company this summer.  And since we've got a whole bunch of kindred spirits around here, I know other readers would appreciate learning about your best reads, too. 

I've been spending time with my feet up, engrossed in John Grisham novels in recent days.  I've polished off his first five.  It's just me and him on the back porch, usually accompanied by a tall, frosty iced tea . . . and flocks of squawking birds at the feeder not too far away.

Sorry, nothing profound or life-altering.  It's just where I am right about now.




Little miss grandgirl #4 is captivated by the LITTLE HOUSE series and I can't wait to continue our quiet reading as we cuddle close.  And Myquillyn Smith's THE NESTING PLACE was just plain fun summertime reading.  If you're a fan of her blog, her little guidebook will bring a smile to your face as you realize that you have full permission to {gasp} paint 'good wood.'  Or put a nail or two in your walls.

My counseling clients and I continue to gently page through JESUS CALLING at the end of our sessions together.

I've read a good chunk of MAD CHURCH DISEASE by Anne Marie Miller.  If you've ever been in the midst of any kind of church crazymaking, this book will minister deep.  I promise.  And I'm using THE MESSAGE to slowly make my way through the Bible, chronologically.  These days I'm immersed in the Gospels.  And I've got to tell you that I'm more in love with Jesus than ever.

These thoughts all come together to bring me to this 2012 post, the 10 books that changed my faith.  I thought these selections were significant enough to invite you take the time to click on the link.  And if you're interested, here's the 10 books I reference for daily life.

I find it curious that not much has changed since I cobbled together these lists two summers ago.  And in some ways, that might be a very good thing.

Or not.

So . . . what books and magazines are you reading this summer?
 
Paper or screens?
 
And where's your favorite place to curl up with a page turner? 
 

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/   visiting with Kristen & Holley   /

41 comments:

  1. Books are my BFF. I keep four or five going at the same time--and turn to one or the other depending upon my mood. I am currently reading a biography of C.S. Lewis., a Beth Moore book, Get Real by John S. Leonard (a book about sharing our faith), A Million Steps by Koontz (a hiking book), Hinds Feet on High Places, Quiet, and two historical fiction novels. WELL maybe a few more than four presently! I am going through a period of historical fiction this summer for my light reading--have loved those books. I also purchased The Message and am enjoying the contemporary wording of the age old story. OH and I read many blogs almost everyday. Not much television watching goes on here!

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  2. Good point, my friend. Who needs TV when you've got a whole stack of books {and some great blogs!} to sink your teeth into?

    I loved Susan Cain's QUIET. And a whole series of historical fiction can be a wonderful way to spend some down time.

    Thanks for jumpstarting this conversation, Lulu! I think it's gonna be a good one!

    ;-}

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  3. My daughters loved The Little House books--both to read on their own and to be read to. If I ever have granddaughters, I hope they'll like me to read them to them.

    I have Jesus Calling in hardback but I think I'm going to get it for my Kindle for next year. I found I'm much more consistent with a daily devotional if it's on my Kindle (for some reason!).

    I'm currently enjoying Brian McLaren's Naked Spirituality.

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    1. Jesus Calling is also available in one of those 365 day flip calendars which I think would make a lovely birthday or Christmas present. The best price seems to be at ebay.

      If you love reading, please run, don't walk, to Lisa's blog. She often shares and reviews and discusses all kinds of books. I love it there. She's a real sweetheart!

      ;-}

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  4. I'm so glad you linked us to those other posts. I love knowing what books have impacted others. I so wish I had more time for reading. But . . . as you know I am slowly making my way through The Love Dare. I do love that I am taking this one slowly. I also dabble with reading The Five Love Languages and just recently started reading Beyond Ordinary. Sense a theme? lol. I am also enjoying Preemptive Love by Jeremy Courtney. It challenging to read in some ways but also oh so good.

    I do so love Jesus Calling. I actually pulled my copy out today and I'm contemplating sending to my son (currently on deployment). He's not a believer so I'm pondering. I may send him Love Does instead. Your thoughts? I'm trying to gently encourage him. He has been somewhat receptive.

    I've missed you this past week. Love your comments at my place. They make me smile no matter what you write. It's been a crazy few days. My dog just had ACL surgery. Oh my. He's miserable currently.

    Believe it or not I can actually say, MY HUSBAND WILL BE HOME NEXT MONTH. :))))

    Okay, enough from me. Always good to me here visiting you.

    Have a wonderful week, Linda.

    xoxo

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    1. Loved your cozy visit, Beth! THE LOVE DARE is such a great book - I'd encourage anyone who's married to launch into it and live it out, no matter what their marriage is looking like.

      A good question to ask yourself as you figure out what gift to give is, 'what message do I want to send?' or 'what do they need most right now?'

      I'm sure you're counting those days til your man returns ... how joyous the anticipation!

      Hugs.

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    2. Thank you, Linda. Good question to ask. I went with Love Does as it's light and rather funny. I think something lighthearted is both good for introducing Him more to the love of God and also comforting for his long days ahead at sea. Blessings.

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    3. God speaks through our laughter as well as our tears, doesn't He, Beth. I pray that as you share this resource that has brought so much strength to your marriage with your son, that he will respond, not only to your love, but to the Heavenly Father's wooing.

      Blessings ...

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  5. For silly fun, I'm reading through Artemis Fowl, a series for youngsters about a 12-year-old criminal genius. They are clever. For more mature fun, I'm reading through Philippa Gregory's books about the wives of Henry VIII. A Woman After God's Own Heart is also on my reading table, as well as a study on Esther.

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    1. We all need a whole lot more silly fun! I love settling in with a little one and a Curious George book or two. Or good ol' Dr. Suess.

      Thinking of you this week, friend ... thanks for weighing in with your favorites!

      ;-}

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  6. Just so you know how different everyone is, I just finished reading Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. Book was for my bookclub, story about Louis Zamperini, who just passed away last month, in his 90's. He was an Olympian runner, was in World War II, his plane was shot down, spent around 40 days in a raft, was captured by the Japanese and was a POW for a few years. When he got home, he was saved at a Billy Graham crusade in Los Angeles. Incredible life. The book is currently being made into a movie by Angelina Jolie. I read when I can, which is usually between 11:00pm-midnight, laying in bed, trying to concentrate while my husband snores! Favorite Christian help-book is Boundaries, written years ago - but has great advice.

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    1. I hear you, Marilyn ... late night is my favorite time to read, too, although I'm not too picky! And I live and die by the whole Boundaries series ... Cloud and Townsend are just about the best psychologists out there. Their books are just super.

      And on that happy note, I'm off to continue reading MeKeown's Essentialism ... living life by choosing to do what's essential, not what everyone and their brother wants to hang on you. Doing less, but doing it better. Good, good stuff.

      G' night all ...

      ;-}

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  7. Fun post, Linda! I will definitely be checking out your links! I used to read ferociously, going through 2-3 books or more a week until my life changed a couple of years ago. I have a different set of responsibilities now and not much time to read. About 6 months ago I had to upgrade to a smartphone and discovered I could read Kindle books on my phone. So now I steal moments while waiting at doctor's offices, or just plain waiting, etc. I'm currently working through a re read of Hinds Feet in High Places {joining with Barbie at My Freshly Brewed Life) and Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis. It now takes me weeks or months to get through a book, but that's okay - I'm just enjoying reading again :)

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    1. Aren't those stolen moments here and there so sweet? Kind of a recalibration in the middle of whatever is going on around you - especially at a doctor's appointment!

      And I love how you've taken the pressure off yourself and get through a book when you get through it. No rush. Just savoring.

      Cool, June!

      ;-}

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  8. Great post! I've been re-reading some of my favorites this summer, some pieces by Banana Yoshimoto and Haruki Murakami (they are both Japanese authors, but their books are translated in English), and some short stories by other authors. I also recently started reading 4-hour work week, just because it was sitting in my husband's bookshelf. xx

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    1. Books that reflect the rich beauty and mystery of our heritage. This is good. So good. And you're making me long for those Scottish hills right about now ...

      Thanks, friend!

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  9. How could I not weigh in on this post!!! It thrills me to see what people are reading!!! I always love to throw in a few "beach reads" for the summer. Nancy Thayer and Mary Kay Andrews are my favorite. They are just light and airy reads that can take me away to a nice place. Every summer I re-read my favorite book "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (awesomeness!!!) and maybe a Dickens or Twain book for good measure. Can't beat the classics!! For a little fantasy and magical read you can't beat Sarah Addison Allen! I could go on and on but I shall restrain myself. Grisham is on my list for the Fall! Happy reading!!!

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    1. There's nothing like a great librarian to add to the discussion! Thanks for some beach read goodies, Val ... and a needed reminder that the classics are usually classic for a very good reason ...

      ;-}

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  10. My recent reads have been 'Kate and William' and 'The Stars Shine Down' by Sidney Sheldon. I picked up a Sheldon after ages and loved it so much so that I have resolved to read all his books :)

    Next on my list is 'The Sisters'. Picked it up because I was missing mine :)

    Happy Reading!!

    P.S.- Linda, you are currently listed as a No-Reply-Blogger. I figured it out while I was trying to reply to a comment you left on my blog. Anyway, I replied to it on my blog but I don't think you'd get a notification for that!

    -Tanya
    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/

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    1. So sweet you picked up that book because you were missing your sister, Tanya! Now that you mention it, I think I'll give mine a call 'cause I'm thinking of her lots today!

      Yeah, I know about the No-Reply-Blogger thingy. Sigh. This site is set up with another Creekside staffer as the email contact. But I DO visit every commenter and stop in and say 'hi,' and often read the responses there. And I love when we start dropping in back and forth ... and before long, we get to know each other.

      And that, my friend, just might be the best part of blogging!

      So glad you're here today! Truly!

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  11. So I guess I've got a bit of a combination of things I've been reading of late. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison and have just started on The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I tend to be a very slow reader is the problem. A paragraph, a passage, a meaningful sentence sometimes, and I have to pause and ponder and think on it. Sometimes a good thing, sometimes not. I'm not the person people like to lend books to for example.

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    1. Being a slow reader can pay big dividends! It lets us enjoy the journey. It let's us savor what we're chewing on, making even the simplest reading a feast. Instead of racing ahead toward the finish line, we get to sit with what is true for the author ... and decide how we want to respond.

      Good observations, Micah ...

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  12. Oh how I miss the summers of my youth when I could curl up with a pile of good books and read the days away! Hard to find the time these days, but try to squeeze in a few minutes here and there... Reading 'Let's All Be Brave' by Annie Downs. Loving it!

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    1. Yeah, we don't all have the luxury of sitting with our feet up. Sometimes keeping a book propped open on the counter for a stolen minute or two is the best we can do. And let's hear it for audio books!

      Thanks for being here Kathryn. I always smile when you show up!

      ;-}

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  13. I love this idea of sharing your favorite books: here's one that I hated to end and totally not my usual read.
    this is a link to the author's website. It was a great summertime escape to get lost in and its an unbelievable true story : http://www.windsofskilak.com

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    1. Thanks, Summer! I headed right over to the website and this looks so GOOD! Looks to be available on Kindle and in paperback. And their blog looks to be really interesting ...

      I love Alaska!

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  14. Currently on my desk is, "Pursue the Intentional Life" by Jean Fleming. I am also working my way through the Bible Study, "Children of the Day" by Beth Moore. Almost done with both & I would highly recommend them :) Love reading posts about what others are reading so I enjoyed this post!

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    1. Good Morning, friend! This has been a fun post to write and to converse over. I'm thinking it's going to become a quarterly staple around here. I love the sheer diversity at what we're all bringing to the table. So cool.

      Thanks for your suggestions!

      ;-}

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  15. I just downloaded a truck load of books to my kindle. I'm a little late getting into the whole reading on a device thing. But when you can download books for free or even.99, I'm in! I recently downloaded Angie Smith's, Chasing God. And a couple of books by Annie Downs that I think me and my daughter will enjoy. And then of course some John Grisham type books, he is one of my favs to read too! :) Have a fun summer reading!

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    1. I know what you mean about free books for the Kindle! I haven't connected mine to wifi for weeks, and I know it will download probably a hundred books when I do. I just wish that organizing and deleting titles on the device was quicker and easier. I heard that you can manage them on the Amazon site, but I haven't figured out how.

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    2. Sounds like you've got a super collection at your fingertips, ladies! Enjoy every page, my friends!

      And let's hear it for FREE books!

      YAY!

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  16. I love questions like this and I love reading. My tastes tend to be a bit eclectic. Recently I have read the last half of the Temperance Brennan novels by Kathy Reichs, Helping those in Grief by H. Norman Wright, Dying Declarations by Resnick, Blessed are those who Mourn (don't remember author), Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton, The Wizard of Oz by Baum (this was audio book), and currently I'm reading All Things New by Lynn Austin.

    I like to read just about anywhere and some books have been on kindle and others in paper form and one audio. I've kept a list of the books I've read over the course of many years and am having fun watch that list grow this summer in a way that it hasn't in awhile.

    Thanks for sharing Linda!! I enjoy John Grisham too.

    Blessings, Dar

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    1. You've got a little bit of everything right there, Dar! What a vast selection!

      Eclectic can be a very good thing!

      ;-}

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  17. Great topic, Linda! I have been reading books for review, because I've been backlogged with those. You know that I recently finished "Jex Malone," a young-adult mystery for girls. Since then I've read "Impervious," which I thoroughly enjoyed.

    I generally have one fiction and one nonfiction book going, but this summer I've been keeping it lighter by sticking with fiction.

    My favorite place to read is in my recliner, which is in front of the fan!

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    1. I'm with you, Melissa, in saying 'yes please'' to a good recliner. And double 'yes pleases' for a front row seat right in front of a spinning fan!

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  18. I've been reading D E Stevenson, Patrick Taylor - and loving every page of them! I'm ready for a reading holiday - a day where I can take off, curl under a blanket - and just read. read. read!

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  19. Love your post, Linda. So glad we are neighbors over at Holley's place :) I really enjoyed following your links to the books that are so special in your lift also...the photo of your NIV Life Application Study Bible looks just like mine, and all your references to the margin notes in your Bible started me thinking about taking a photo of some of my margin notes for future blog posts...thank you!

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    1. Yes, Beth, how fun to end up as neighbors week by week at Holley's place! And yes, after doing a bit of reading in Psalms and Proverbs last night, I looked in the front of my Bible at the date inscribed ... it's 25+ years old. Heart of my hearts that book is ...

      Thanks for being here this morning, friend ...

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  20. James Patterson is my favourite author - if you're looking for a lighter type story read Sophie Kinsella or Kristin Hannah, so many good books -

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    1. So many books to read ... and so little time!

      ;-}

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Welcome to the table, friend!

This is where we gather and hang out. I'd love for you to pull up a chair and jump right into the conversation. Or simply say 'hello.'

l'll be dropping in to visit you sometime soon ...

Linda

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