Here's a look at what I'm reading this month!
RECENTLY FINISHED READING:
The Distant Hours: A Novel by Kate Morton
A sufficiently mysterious and slightly creepy story that kept me so engrossed that I never, no, not once, peeked at the ending, highly unusual for me
Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks
It's about the bubonic plague and as such it is a sad and horrific story but one that I liked. Very much.
CURRENTLY READING:
All the reviews are spot on: this is a timely, well-expressed, engaging albeit challenging look at the gospel and its implications for real life.
Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian by John Piper
We are reading this as part of my pastor's Wednesday night study and it has provoked some interesting and intense discussion.
Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family by Condoleezza Rice
I know the title claims ordinariness but I think I must humbly disagree. Condoleezza's accomplishments are anything but ordinary and I'm enjoying this glimpse into her background. Her affection for her parents is obvious as is her gratitude for their many sacrifices on her behalf. I like Condoleezza and I like her all the more as I read her story.
READING NEXT (MAYBE):
Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
I saw this reviewed at Semicolon's blog and I'm intrigued.
To the Last Man: A Novel of the First World War by Jeff Shaara
Maybe it's Downton Abbey (LOVE!!) but my curiosity about the first World War. has been piqued. After reading and loving Michael Shaara's war novel The Killer Angels I'm interested in reading one of his son's novels. And, while I'm delving into WWI fiction, I may also read the classic All Quiet on the Western Front by Eric Remarque.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Will I like it? I don't know but, again, I'm interested. I think.
Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke
Reading a book about reading books? Why not?
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
Still planning to read through this with a couple of other blogging friends.
Growing Up in Grace: The Use of Means for Communion with God by Murray Brett
I received this as part of a giveaway on another blog ages ago and I suppose I'd forgotten all about it until I spotted it on the bookshelf today!
Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind, follow my whim, and read whatsoever I choose as time and books allow! It's the same old conundrum: so many books, so little time (and money).
What are you reading this month? Let us know in the comments or link up at 5 Minutes for Books where you can also check out what other bloggers are reading!
Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind, follow my whim, and read whatsoever I choose as time and books allow! It's the same old conundrum: so many books, so little time (and money).
What are you reading this month? Let us know in the comments or link up at 5 Minutes for Books where you can also check out what other bloggers are reading!
Looks like you've got some good things on all your lists...I have the Condeleeza Rice book on my list to read also. Right now, I'm working on The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Eliott (that's what I read in the carpool line) and The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart.
ReplyDeleteCurious to hear your thoughts on One Thousand Gifts. I read it in the midst of all the internet brouhaha. I neither disliked it as much as the haters nor liked it as much as the fans.
ReplyDeleteI read In Cold Blood when I was in high school. It gave me nightmares! It is a gruesome story I have never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed The Year of Wonders as well. I've always been more of a fan of WWII novels but I'm starting to get into WWI-era stories as well. I've never read In Cold Blue but it does look fascinating.
ReplyDeleteDoes reading a book about reading books count as reading a book?
ReplyDeleteOnce again I find some interesting things to add to my 'want to read' list while reading your list. :-) And I LOVE Downton Abbey too!!!!!
ReplyDeleteStaci, I guess there are few voices missing in all the conversation around Ann Voskamp's book, and that is ours. Can't wait to hear your thoughts, my friends!
ReplyDeleteI began One Thousand Gifts several months and while I didn't finish it at the time, I completely agree with your view here: I neither disliked it as much as the haters nor liked it as much as the fans.
ReplyDeleteI just finished "The World-Tilting Gospel. Great book. Am back to reading John Piper's "Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God."
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie version of "In Cold Blood," (had to look away in parts) and don't think I'd like to read the book.
I think it kinda funny that you loved a book about the bubonic plague. Of course, that's the book on your list that I find most fascinating so there you have it! =D
ReplyDeleteI need to read The World-Tilting Gospel. It's here on my desk. So close I can touch it. I need about 40 more hours a week!
I agree: the plague is a strange and, in some sense, horrible setting for a book. But, as equally horrible as it sounds, I liked the book! A lot.
ReplyDeleteI want to read "Think" too!
ReplyDeleteLast week's episode was particularly good I thought!
ReplyDeleteOf course!
ReplyDeleteI've read the first Mysterious Benedict Society book and liked it very much. I need to pick up the others in the series!
ReplyDeleteThe World-Tilting Gospel sounds like a great read. I'll add it to my list. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy reading!
After you mentioned "The Distant Hours" I tried to get it at my local library, but had to get another book by her, "The House at Riverton."
ReplyDeleteIf you like Downton Abbey, you'll love The House at Riverton. Same time period, same Upstairs, Downstairs type story line. So good.
Got to go to the bigger library in the next town today. So now I'm reading The Distant Hours. I've been overdue to find some good fiction, so I appreciate the recommendations. :)
I will definitely look for that one! Thanks for the recommendation. Our library is small, with limited selection, as well. It's sometimes frustrating because I'd much rather borrow a fiction book in the event I don't really like it!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed several Kate Morton books, starting with The Forgotten Garden. They definitely have that gothic, absorbing atmosphere. I really liked Lit! too.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing what's on your book list. :)