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?

..........................................................................................................

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.

What I've Been Reading.

I thought it was time to share what I've read so far this year.  I have gone through stages this winter in which I devour three books in a week, then weeks go by when I don't read any books at all.  I'm always looking out for new things to add to my library queue, so feel free to drop me some suggestions- I love suggestions!

Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems,

     by Cesar Millan

     In which I realized I parent like an alpha pack leader. 

A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan

     Stone-cold bummer.

The Paris Wife: A Novel, by Paula McLain

     I could not put this book down!  It was amazing.

A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway

     Hemingway's fictional take on the same story; interesting stories about Fitzgerald to boot.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed

     Mixed thoughts.

The Next Best Thing, by Jennifer Weiner

     I read this from a friend's book list.  Meh- but it was a fast read.  It's sort of one third Bossypants,  one third Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?/ last third light chick lit.  (But does not hold a candle to anything written by Tina Fey or Mindy Kaling.  It reminded me why I almost never read this genre- blah.)

     Also, I brought it to one of the girls' orthodontist appointments and our ortho said, "I just finished that book two days ago!"  To which I said, "I just picked it up on hold at the library yesterday."  She said, "Well I got it from the library too- must be the same book!"  (Same neighborhood.)

     We shared a little moment.  I love our orthodontist.

The Pleasures of Cooking for One, by Judith Jones

     Lovely little book full of wonderful, small recipes and big wisdom.

The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food, by Judith Jones

     Another one I couldn't put down.  Also, after her first lovely description of a recipe from her childhood I thought, "Man, I wish this book had a companion book of recipes!"  In faith I flipped to the back and saw to my delight that it did, indeed, contain dozens of recipes for the foods she talks about throughout her memoir.  Perfect.

Girl in a Blue Dress: A Novel Inspired by the Life and Marriage of Charles Dickens, by Gaynor

     Arnold

     I'm about a third through, so it's too early to tell, but, my enjoyment is probably lessened as I so recently finished The Paris Wife, which I can't help but compare it to.  But really- it's good.  Very "Dickensonian" characters.

Binding.



A few weeks ago the back 50 pages of this well-loved paperback fell away from the binding.  (We bought it in like-new condition; it's gotten some love since then!)

It was brought to my attention that Daddy had told Patience to recycle it and we'd get a hardcover copy.

I had a, "Do I even KNOW you?!?" moment and was completely shocked.

I am not a saver and any time something is broken or getting shabby, you can count on me to want to replace it for something bigger and better the minute it would be reasonable to do so.  Jim is the opposite and will hold on to things as long. as. possible.

And so, our opinions reverse when it comes to books.  He is practical and heartless, and I am under the impression that a book is better with time; better the more worn and loved-out it looks and feels.  In addition to this, YOU JUST DO NOT THROW OUT A PERFECTLY GOOD BOOK!!!!

I actually shed a tear while explaining this to Jim, who laughed at me.

I got my way, and like the librarian I am in my heart I reinforced it with care.  Patie says it's actually even nicer to hold now- it lays open better and is more sturdy. 

2012 Books



This year I took a lot of recommendations from friends.  I wanted to take on a big mix of fiction, especially things I wouldn't normally seek out on my own.  Some of it was great, some was just not for me- but I'm glad I went for it anyway.  I haven't gotten a lot of reading done this fall; but I'm carving more time out for it now that the weather is cold.  (Right now I'm reading A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan.)

Here's what I read in 2012:

The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan

Reading with the Stars, A Celebration of Books and Libraries, Compiled by Leonard Kniffel

77 Love Sonnets, by Garrison Keillor

The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English, by Roy Peter  
     Clark

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God, by 
     Timothy and Kathy Keller

Small Things with Great Love: Adventures in Loving Your Neighbor, by Margot Starbuck

Fannie’s Last Supper: Re-creating One Amazing Meal from Fannie Farmer’s 1896 Cookbook, by 
     Chris Kimball

Night, by Elie Wiesel

Home: A Memoir of My Early Years, by Julie Andrews

Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life, by Lauren F. Winner

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand

Mudhouse Sabbath, by Lauren F. Winner

Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity, by Lauren F. Winner

Beyond the Mirror: Reflections on Death and Life, by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship & Life Together, by Mark and Grace Driscoll

Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis, by Lauren F Winner

State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

My Own Two Feet: A Memoir, by Beverly Cleary

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, by John O’Donohue

Girl Walks into a Bar: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters and a Midlife Miracle, by Rachel
     Dratch

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie
     Barros

To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings, by John O’Donohue

The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom, by Christine Valters Paintner

No Man is an Island, by Thomas Merton

Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture, by Makoto Fujimura

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff

Spotlight: A Close-Up Look at the Artistry and Meaning of Stephenie Meyer‘s Twilight Saga, by
     John Granger

When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God, by T.M.
     Luhrmann

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, by Deborah Moggoch

The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make it Happen, by Gary Chapman

The Host, by Stephenie Meyer

Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer

The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield

The Knife of Never Letting Go: Chaos Walking: Book One, by Patrick Ness

Dark Places, by Gillian Flynn

The Casual Vacancy, by J.K. Rowling

Divergent (Book 1), by Veronica Roth

Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women, by Carolyn Custis
     James

We Only Know So Much: A Novel (P.S.), by Elizabeth Crane

Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters, by N.T.
     Wright (1/2 of it)

The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien

As Always, Julia: The Letters of Julia Child and Avis DeVoto, by Joan Reardon

The Distant Hours, by Kate Morton

The Things That Matter, by Nate Berkus

Hogsmeade.

This day.  It was just awesome. 

Jim and I were able to take Grace and Patience aside for a day and finally visit Hogsmeade.  It's hard to explain what these books mean to us; the beginning of a lifetime of voracious reading for the girls, the bond we can share with them as fellow Potter nerds- it's just special.

Rowling's creation is like a fine croissant.  An expertly crafted recipe inspired by centuries of experience, followed to the letter, layer upon layer upon layer falling together- and yet at first bite you need know none of this.  It is simply good.  That is the amazing thing about Harry Potter. 

It was very special to walk around this place and, in a small way, see these wonderful books come to life; sharing it together.  Just incredible fun.

After arriving we stopped at Ollivanders first.  Of course every Potter reader worth their salt knows this is an outpost of the true Ollivanders, which is in Diagon Alley.

The queue was short, because it was early in the day, and then it was time to enter the shop.  Guests are admitted in small groups- adding to the intimacy of the experience.  The Ollivanders employees are incredibly well-trained and absolutely wonderful.  In all other places in the park I enjoyed the atmosphere and the fun of seeing so many details come-to-life, but, the man in Ollivanders was so in character and invested so much in what he was doing that I found myself forgetting he was playing a part.

We told the girls very few details about what we'd experience in Florida- they just had the basics.  This way, if we missed something, no one knew to be disappointed.  So they didn't know what was coming at the Wizarding World, other than Hogsmeade, Honeydukes, etc.  That was exciting enough.

They didn't know, for instance, that Ollivanders was not just a trip through a shop, but was first an experience- a wand choosing ceremony, in which one child is chosen from each group (15-20 people) to experience the ceremony for themselves, just like Harry.

And so we entered into the dark, hushed shop, and this amazing, kind, incredible "wandmaker" turned. to. Grace.  She had no idea what was coming and was stunned.  He asked her name, and began presenting wands for her to try.  Wand after wand, none "fit".  She spoke lumos and got lightning, etc.  (Yes of course this is all pretend but it seems so very real.)

And then he presented her with a birch wand, 13 inches, reasonably pliable, unicorn hair core.  He (again, wonderfully in character like the kindest, wisest, most wonderful Santa Claus of a man you have ever met) told her this wand was particularly well-suited to those as loving and creative as she, that it would be especially useful in spells of protection and healing.  He seemed such a spot-on judge of her character; it was disarming.  (Full disclosure, this is when I lost it and started to cry.)

She took the wand, and, well, it chose the wizard.  It was wonderful and so well-done.  And, she had no idea to expect it, which made it all that much better.

When the ceremony was through we were shown out of the shop.  Everyone cleared out, and as we passed the wandmaker Patie said nothing but stopped in front of him and looked up.  He could have brushed her away, reminding her it was time to exit, but he didn't.  He was so kind (especially in knowing she was Grace's sister and would feel left out.)  He suggested a wand that would be particularly good for charm work, and she was more than satisfied. (Patie identifies very much with Hermione, who is also particularly good at charms.)

It was just a wonderful, wonderful experience we'll never forget.  Grace has been high as a kite about it ever since (once the shock wore off.)

Honeydukes, The Three Broomsticks, Hogwarts, Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, all of it was wonderful.  I'll let the pictures say the rest.

Happy Birthday, Harry.



Ain't No Flaw in a Ravenclaw...

Like I said in this post, Jim and I were both sorted into Ravenclaw House on Pottermore.

Grace and Patience joined Pottermore once they had finished the series.  As they were sorted using different questions, on separate computers, in separate rooms, the Sorting Hat declared Patience a Ravenclaw almost instantly and we were so excited!  The hat took time sorting Grace and we waited and waited and waited, (as I silently repeated "Not Slytherin! Not Slytherin!" over and over to myself...)

Suddenly the page popped up and declared, "Ravenclaw!"

It was so exciting.

We're keeping the blue and the bronze in the family and it is so fun to enjoy nerdery (and amazing books) with our kids.

Pottermania.

We finished the series together, then they went right back to the beginning and started over again.

Books.



I haven't posted a reading list for a while.  Here is what I've been reading lately- but let's start with a few books I got into, but never finished.  Sometimes that happens.  You start a book and then for whatever reason you're just not into it, even if it had potential to be good.  Maybe you go back later, maybe not-  I was in a very busy season this spring and didn't have time to finish books just to say I'd done so.  

Here are the books I didn't finish but might someday:

Poisonwood Bible: A Novel, by Barbara Kingsolver

King’s Cross: The Story of the World in the Life of Jesus, by Timothy Keller

Into the Silence: the Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest, by Wade Davis

Here are the books I read:

State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

My Own Two Feet: A Memoir, by Beverly Cleary

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, by John O’Donohue

Girl Walks into a Bar: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters and a Midlife Miracle, by Rachel Dratch

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barros

To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings, by John O’Donohue

No Man is an Island, by Thomas Merton

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp


Throughout the summer I am working through a twelve week course with this book, and I'm really enjoying it:

The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom, by Christine Valters Paintner

I'm also working through this book, in small bites- it's better that way:

Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture, by Makoto Fujimura

And right now I'm reading:

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, translated by Julie Rose


Just a little something interesting: A month or so ago I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and I learned in the foreword to Les Miserables that Hugo wrote the book while exiled on that island during a long exile.  Also, this translation is really amazing!  It flows so well, the language is beautiful, and though Hugo felt any translation was censorship, translations are, in this world, necessity.  I'm loving this one, and am glad I do not need to learn French to enjoy it.  Moving on.

I'm also reading:

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff

And that is all.



Pottermore (An Unabashedly Nerdy Post)

Fellow Potter nerds already know this, but Pottermore.com recently opened to the public.

I had a few predictions about this- I knew it would take us on a very thorough, personal journey through the books, and I knew it would be low-impact visually (not a ton of bells and whistles.)  I also assumed it would be excellent.  And it is.

Firstly, the store opened and we were finally able to purchase the audio books in mp3 format.  I was actually happy to give them some money, as until now all of our books have been purchased secondhand, and we had gotten the Audio CDs from the library.  As I'm a great supporter of secondhand things and the public library, I hope you can appreciate what this says about how much I love these books and how much we plan to use the audio versions.  Until now, mp3 versions of the books haven't been available.  eBooks are now available too, though I can't see a need for those.  (But what I would have given to have not been that mom at swimming lessons last winter, toting around Goblet of Fire!)

The entire first book is available to experience on the site right now, and more will be added over many months/years.  This is a very good thing- it builds anticipation, and you can't just devour the experience all at once.  Users (particularly children) are encouraged to savor it.  Here are some of my first impressions:

1.  The format is lovely.  Very clean, it has a simple design that doesn't sacrifice appearances.  The site works in a way I would expect from Rowling.  One must read and read and read the material.  There is little instant gratification but instead you need to observe carefully and work through the scenes patiently.  (Those who do so are rewarded.)  And as I said, simple doesn't mean boring.  The scenes are beautiful, lit wonderfully, and detailed- right down to dust motes in the library.

2.  My favorite treat as a writer and book lover is all of the wonderful "extras" J.K. Rowling has given along the way.  We get not only additional information about characters not given in the books, but we get personal glimpses into her writing process, how she selected various names and places, and the whys of it all.  Granted she still keeps the lion's share to herself, but I really enjoyed learning all I could about her writing process and some of the background information that inspired the books.

3.  The first book is a special treat as we "attend" Hogwarts with the characters, shopping for supplies at Diagon Alley, including a pet, and are even matched with a wand and sorted into a house, based on some relatively insightful personality testing (which is not the same for everyone- Jim and I answered many different questions, a few were the same.)   

The lowdown: 

You might be aware that all first years are allowed one cat, rat, toad, or owl.  I of course chose a lovely owl- a barn owl to be exact.  Jim chose a screech.

My wand: Hornbeam with a core of unicorn hair (phew- I so badly wanted a unicorn core!), twelve and a quarter inches, supple.

Jim's wand: Ebony with a dragon heart string core, twelve and a half inches, and hard (though I might add, not unyielding.)

I was sorted into Ravenclaw (Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure!) and later Jim, too, was sorted into Ravenclaw right along with me.  I was there while we waited for the "hat" to declare his fate-  oh man, this is ridiculous but I sort of shrieked out loud when it was revealed.  I was just so happy that we weren't in opposing houses and that we both, in our own ways, possess the qualities of true Ravenclaws...

Now that I have worked through the first book, I don't really have a reason to go back again until the next is revealed.  It's just a wonderful experience that allows readers to dive deeper into the story once they have completed the series.  They could also work through the chapters online as they read them at home as well.  This site has staying-power, promotes literacy, and is a delight to those who love the books.

Grace and Patience are in the middle of Book 5 right now and Jim and I have really loved experiencing this series again through their eyes, sharing it with them.  I can't believe how accurately they remember all the details or how excited they are about the story- I knew they would love it, but they've gone above and beyond.  It was a perfect time to introduce them to it- I am so glad we let them dive in. 

My initial reservations were twofold:  is Voldemort too intense?  And,  is the storyline too intricate toward the end?  For the latter, well, as I said, they have blown me away with their powers of reason and retention- when you are really listening and enjoying a story, it's "easy" to absorb it all.  It is not over their heads in the slight.  And as for Voldemort- he is truly evil- but with your Daddy right beside you and the knowledge that- though you don't know how the story will go- evil will be defeated in the end; it is a brave adventure to take.  I can honestly tell that they have been empowered by taking it, which has been very neat to see.

I'd also add that essentially everything we need to know for living can be found in Harry Potter-  I'm having a hard time thinking of a life experience that couldn't have an object lesson or parallel attached to the series.  Just like Narnia, Hogwarts is a place we go to understand our own world better. 

Reading....

Recent reading rundown....

Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline, by Lauren F. Winner

Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity, by Lauren F. Winner

Beyond the Mirror: Reflections on Death and Life, by Henri J.M. Nouwen

The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter*

*I have waited for almost a year for these to be released for eReaders.  I knew I would really dive into them, and wanted my notes and highlights to be organized on my Kindle.  I actually started this one and loved it- like I knew I would- then I disciplined myself to put it away.  I want to devote more time to it, and to Alter's other books.  And that is time I don't have right now.  Once the semester is done, though, I'm planning to spend all summer with them.  There is just one of my nerdiest summer goals!  I have more!

Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis, by Lauren F. Winner



Read That.

Here's a list of what I've read lately...I'm going through a "memoir" phase, most likely thanks to the topic of yesterday's post.

Fannie’s Last Supper: Re-creating One Amazing Meal from Fannie Farmer’s 1896 Cookbook, by Chris Kimball

Night, by Elie Wiesel

Home: A Memoir of My Early Years, by Julie Andrews

Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life, by Lauren F. Winner

And I am reading this one right now....

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand

Read That.

Here's What I've Been Reading...

The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan

Reading with the Stars, A Celebration of Books and Libraries, Compiled by Leonard Kniffel

77 Love Sonnets, by Garrison Keillor

The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English, by Roy Peter Clark

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God, by Timothy and Kathy Keller



And I just started...

Small Things with Great Love: Adventures in Loving Your Neighbor, by Margot Starbuck





"Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jan Brett



Grace has been obsessed with Jan Brett books this season since she did a unit on the author at school. 

She loves the stories, the B stories, and the illustrations.  She has spent tons of time on Jan Brett's website- which is a super wonderful place for an older child to explore.  It is full of fun information and instructional videos teaching us how to draw her characters for ourselves- all very charming and neat.  You can even save the files to your computer to use anywhere- how generous!  This one is Grace's favorite character- and there's a cute surprise guest.

Grace has drawn quite a bit from these videos, and I would post a picture of her work if I had one...another day.  Brett is a lovely woman and a wonderful teacher as well as storyteller.  These books are especially great in winter and of course can be found at your local library.  Enjoy- we certainly have.

2011 Top 10 List: Books Edition



I read some amazing books this year.  In the spirit of top 10 lists, I thought I'd throw together a list of the ones that impacted me the most. 
I essentially went over my list of books I'd read over the year and picked the ones that I got emphatic about, telling friends, "YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK." etc.

Whether it was insightful or beautiful or moving or wise or entertaining or all of the above, I would call each of these a very good book.

In no particular order.............

1.  Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just, by Timothy Keller

2.  The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mocking Jay, by Suzanne Collins

3.  Harry Potter, Books 1-7, by J.K. Rowling

4.  Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas

5.  Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L'Engle

6.  Bossypants, by Tina Fey

7.  Evolving in Monkey Town, by Rachel Held Evans

8.  Art and the Bible (Ivp Classics) by Francis A. Schaeffer

9.  The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne and My Life in France, by Julia Child and Alex Prud’Homme tie for this spot- books I've read in the past and re-read this year because they were so good.

10.  Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me: A Memoir...of Sorts, by Ian Morgan Cron

To re-cap, here is a full list of what I read this year- I love seeing other people's reading lists, so I will include my own.  If you have read any of them, or need some suggestions and want to chat about books let me know- I have a few friends who are a great source for reading inspiration (you know who you are) and I LOVE talking books with you ladies!  Oh, and here is a link to a useful list of children's books (that adults enjoy) as well.

Also, for other ideas, here is a list of what I read in 2010 and several of the books I read in 2009 (before I kept better track).  Looking forward to lots of reading in 2012!


What I Read in 2011:

The Hunger Games Trilogy, by Suzanne Collins

   The Hunger Games (x2)
   Catching Fire (x2)
   Mocking Jay (x2)

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne

Art and the Bible (Ivp Classics) by Francis A. Schaeffer

Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just, by Timothy Keller

A Retrospect, by James Hudson Taylor

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, by David Platt

The Story of God, the Story of Us: Getting Lost and Found in the Bible, by Sean Gladding

Besides the Bible: 100 Books that Have, Should, or Will Create Christian Culture, Dan Gibson

Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen

The Life of Harriet Beecher Stowe by Charles Edward Stowe

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte

Harry Potter, Books 1-7, by J.K. Rowling

   Socerer’s Stone (x2)
   Chamber of Secrets (x2)
   Prisoner of Azkaban (x2)
   Goblet of Fire (x2)
   Order of the Phoenix (x2)
   Half-Blood Prince (x2)
   Deathly Hallows (x2)

The Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller

The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, by Mark A. Noll

The Diary of an Old Soul, by George MacDonald

Phantastes, by George MacDonald

Looking for God in Harry Potter, by John Granger

Spoken from the Heart, by Laura Bush

Love Wins, by Rob Bell

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by J.K. Rowling

Restless Spirit: The Life and Work of Dorothea Lange, by Elizabeth Partridge

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas

How Harry Cast His Spell: The Meaning Behind the Mania for J. K. Rowling's Bestselling Books, by John Granger (x2)

Evolving in Monkey Town, by Rachel Held Evans

50 Photographers You Should Know, by Peter Stephan

The Poor Will Be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty, by Peter Greer and Phil Smith

Jayber Crow, by Wendell Berry

Leavings, by Wendell Berry

Eat This Book, by Eugene H. Peterson

What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets, by Peter Menzel

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua

Veganist, by Kathy Fretson

Bossypants, by Tina Fey (x2)

Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art, by Madeleine L'Engle (x2)

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher

The Complete Stories, by Flannery O’Connor

Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer

Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer (½ of it)

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar, by Sharon Eliza Nichols

Wicked, by Gregory Maguire (½ of it)

Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

Nice Girls Don’t Change the World, by Lynne Hybels

Y is for Yorick: A Slightly Irreverent Shakespearean ABC Book for Grown -Ups, by Jennifer Adams

Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me, by Ian Morgan Cron

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), by Mindy Kaling

Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, by Julie Powell

Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom, by Julia Child

My Life in France, by Julia Child and Alex Prud’Homme

The Gift of the Magi



Yesterday, in the shower (where all great ideas are formed), I was thinking about O. Henry's short story The Gift of the Magi.

I was hoping to read it and thought perhaps it would be free for Kindle- like most great books are- and it was. 

 

Booking.

I took four classes online this semester (Art History, History of Musical Theatre, History of Jazz, and Adulthood), and eventually many of the extras in life have had to be busted to the back of my list so I could concentrate on that.  So, if it wasn't a person (make time for people!) or groceries, or some other thing that can't be ignored, I pretty much haven't spent time with it since August.  That includes cleaning my house. 

The classes have been fun (for the most part), and full of interesting information (a LOT of information) and while they are enriching and useful and all of that, they are also a lot of work.  I will especially appreciate them when they are over (I'm taking three more next semester).  Then I can exhale and enjoy how much smarter I am for the rest of my life. 

Right now I'm heading into finals week with 4 A's (thankyouverymuch) and my compulsive desire for positive reinforcement is being fed nicely.  After so many years of work without instant rewards, I had no idea just how much I'd LOVE being evaluated constantly.  It's a rush, and so much easier than the other (more complicated) parts of my life.

Every weekday has been pretty much the same... 5:30 wake up call, morning routines, drop off, Yoga, shower, random tasks, class, lunch, Hudson's Quiet Time while I work on class, pick up the girls, snacks and all the stuff the kids need to do, spend time together, make dinner, go to swimming lessons etc, eat dinner when Jim gets home at 6:45, Jim puts the kids to bed, spend time with Jim, collapse into bed, rinse and repeat the next day.  Saturdays are our designated Sabbath, and so we work very hard to keep it clear, and Sundays are for church and Life Group and catching up on random things and usually I have class work or papers to write.  And that's my life!

So- I haven't had a lot of variety.  At first I carved out time for blogging a bit, because it's important to me, but that eventually got set aside as well.  Because it's getting colder and there's less happening and honestly, after reading and writing for class all week, the last thing I feel like doing is sitting at the computer, thinking of what to write, and then writing about it.

But books- books are welcome here.  They provide variety, and in this season fiction, especially, has a dear place in my day.  The older I get, the more I understand how crucial good fiction is.  I fantasize regularly about Christmas break and all the fun things we'll do together, and aaaaall that time I'll get for books- I'm currently getting my reading list ready, but any suggestions are welcome from those of you out there in the void who've read a good book.

So all that to say, I'm looking at Christmas vacation and gearing up for some extra reading.  On that note, here is what I have read in my free time this fall....

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar, by Sharon Eliza Nichols

Wicked, by Gregory Maguire (½ of it)

Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

Nice Girls Don’t Change the World, by Lynne Hybels

aaand...

I re-read The Hunger Games Trilogy over the last week or so (initial thoughts here).  I read it for the first time last December, and something about the Christmas tree and the cold...I had an itch to read it again.  Oh, and the trailer I saw a few weeks ago had a bit to do with it too.  Looks so well-done.

(FYI, it is JUST as addictive and thoughtful the second time through.)

Books.

I realized yesterday that I haven't posted any books for a while.  Here's what I've read lately-

 

 

 

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

 

 

 

 

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

 

 

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

 

 

 

 

Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher

 

 

 

 

The Complete Stories, by Flannery O'Connor

 

 

And I'm about to start reading...

 

 

 

 

The Woman in White, by Wilkie Collins

 

So Close.

In all it's simplicity, it communicates SO MUCH.  Best movie poster. Ever.

We won't be able to see it right away, but, you can bet these Potter-Nerds will get there.