What I've Been Reading...

Here's a run-down of what I've read in the last few months with some quick commentary.  Many more are the books I checked out and tried to read, but didn't follow through. 

I think these lists are better with links, but I'm just not going to get to it. 

Read anything good lately?

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Waking the Dead, by John Eldredge

     Perennial favorite.

Wonderstruck, by Margaret Feinberg

     Good little read.

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv

     This brought up so many good topics, and perhaps more questions than answers as to the "future of our society."  That said, one thing is certain:  Get outside without an agenda.  Often.

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker
    
     Great of course.

Love & War, by John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge

     This book, and Timothy and Kathy Keller's book, are two of the best practical, honest books on marriage I've ever read.

Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers, by Anne Lamott

      I really do like Anne Lamott, but honestly, this one felt a bit contrived.  Meh.  I'm glad I got it from the library. 

Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus, by   
     John Eldredge

     I enjoyed sitting with this book- really, really enjoyed it.

Code Name Verity, by Elizabeth Wein

     Awesome fiction, very worthwhile read.

Angry Conversations with God: A Snarky but Authentic Spiritual Memoir, by Susan E. Issacs

    This memoir is interesting, and very good for discussion-  allows for subtext and thoughtful reading without explaining how we should feel about her life.  It's good to read with a friend.  I read this, then Jim did as well.

Mans Search for Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl

     Dear Don Miller, I finally read it.  You're right, it's good.

Instant Mom, by Nia Vardalos

     Loved it.  Love her.  Loved everything. 

Relish: An Adventure in Food, Style, and Everyday Fun, by Daphne Oz

     Light reading- eye candy.  Get it from the library.

C.S. Lewis- A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet, by Alister McGrath

     Similar to an Eric Metaxas biography, like this one or this one.  Very good.

Servants’ Hall: A Real Life Upstairs Downstairs Romance, by Margaret Powell

     I wanted to like this more than I did.  Not that engaging.  It was like a very very long episode of Downton Abbey in which nothing awesome happens.

Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale, by Ian Morgan Cron

     Simple little story- for more from Cron, read his biography, which is one of the best I've ever read.  Here's a video I saw from him recently.

The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi, by St. Francis of Assisi

     Inspired by previous book...

Americans in Paris: A Literary Anthology, edited by Adam Gopnik

     Loved it but only read the portions I was interested in.

Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way, by Shauna Niequist

     Loved it, of course.