What Are You Reading?

The number one gift I request at Christmas time is books. I love to learn, be inspired, and also just see how other people write. I keep a list going all year long and then hand it to my husband right after Thanksgiving. Hey, I'm easy to shop for, right?

So far this year, I'm reading an eclectic group of books (though I'm hoping to add more to my list!):

1. Fasting, by Jentezen Franklin - I read this book last year and was so inspired I'm reading it again. Highly interesting, motivating and good enough to convince me to actually do it.

2. Stuff Christians Like, by Jonathan Acuff - I read some of this guy's blog and laughed my head off. He's hilarious. I've already peeked into this book and have laughed out loud a few times--a good sign.

3. Grace (Eventually), by Anne Lamott - I'm reading this primarily to gain a better understanding of Lamott's writing prowess and to improve my own writing abilities. I'm sure it will be fascinating, though I probably won't agree with her on many spiritual points.

4. The Read Thread, by Ann Hood - I read a rave review of this novel, the only one in my selections, and felt compelled to ask for it. About an adoption agency that places Chinese babies with American families.

5. Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman - Who doesn't want to know how this mom and wife of Steven Curtis Chapman got through the tragic accidental death of her precious little girl? I started this a few days ago. It's gripping, deeply emotional, and I absolutely adore Mary Beth's frankness.

6. Understanding the Dreams You Dream, by Ira Milligan - I'm a dreamer. God speaks to me through dreams regularly and I long for deeper, scripturally based understanding. A friend owns this book and after a quick peek, I knew I had to own it.

7. Out to Canaan, by Jan Karon - (my absolute favorite novelist ever!) - I originally read the entire Mitford series about 10 years ago, and they're so charming and beautifully written I decided to give them another go (this is #4 in the series). The characters are so real and the dialogue so authentic you'll swear you're eavesdropping on real people. Touching and meaningful.

How about you? What books are you currently reading, or which books do you plan to read this year?


14 comments:

Ginny said...

Love your choices. I may try a few of yours for myself! I am currently reading Immanuel, Reflections on the Life of Christ by Michael Card. It is easy reading yet a great insight in following the life of Christ, and Michael is a wonderful song writer also.
The other book is Overcoming Life's Disappointments by Rabbi Harold Kushner. His books connect the stories of Scripture to our everyday life and are very thought provoking.

Julie Gillies said...

Interesting book choices, Ginny. They sound deep and inspiring!

Walk In Truth said...

Hi Julie,
I hope your having a nice day.

I have not read any of the books you have listed, but they sound interesting.

I'm reading:
"Beginning At The End" by Cherie Hill.
After reading her book "Be Still", I couldn't
wait to get started on this one.

Also reading: "How To Listen To God" by Charles Stanley, and his book "How To Reach Your Full Potential For God. Lastly, I'm reading "Big God" by Pastor Britt Merrick.

To be honest with you, I never really started reading books until about 4 1/2 years ago.
It's a very long story as to why, but just let me say
that our God is a God of miracles :o)

God bless your day,
Michele

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I love to read the Mitford series again and again . . . whenever my husband travels . . . because it brings me joy, even when my other joy giver is away.

I am really enjoying books by Mark Buchannan.

I read Mary Beth's stunning book, too. I want to read it again soon.

Fondly,

Glenda

I Greet You said...

Got a Kindle for Christmas. Many classic Christian ebooks are inexpensive or free. Am reading the free ESV Bible, Practice of the Presence of God (Brother Lawrence), Daily Strength for Daily Needs (Mary Tileson), The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime (Phyllis Tickle), The Imitation of Christ (Thomas a Kempis), Morning and Evening: Daily Devotional Readings (Charles Spurgeon). Others have been downloaded but not yet begun. Love Andrew Murray too.

Unknown said...

Dear Julie, Thanks for the quick review of each of your selections. I've felt compelled to study fasting as well and think I may crack open your choice.

On my nightstand right now is:
- Thin Places by Mary DeMuth
- Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
- Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna
- For the Write Reason by Marybeth Whalen

I always have a stack half open and half finished...always beckoning me for more of that 'free time' I'm supposed to have. :)

What's the word on your book?

Unknown said...

I'm reading Rooms by Jim Rubart. It's a great book!

Karen said...

I love books, too. I'm reading the Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass and just finished, An Absence so Great by Jan Kirpatrick.

Anonymous said...

Love Mitford! Thanks for the recommends. I just finished Fannie Flagg's latest, ordered a Dorothy Whipple (vintage), reading Joyce Meyer's Power Thoughts & Devotions, also Emmet Fox, and Pen on Fire.

Julie Gillies said...

Wow, I am loving reading about everyone's interesting book choices. I'm adding several of your selections to my wish list.

Thanks SO much for sharing here!

Cheryl Barker said...

I loved the Mitford series, too, and also enjoy reading Anne Lamott and studying her writing technique. Right now I'm just about to finish A Sweetness to the Soul by Jane Kirkpatrick -- a lot of rich description in her work. This year I'm also reading Jesus Calling by Sarah Young as part of my devotional reading and will soon be reading some classics since I got to download several of those free on my Kindle. Also have a copy of Susan Meissner's White Picket Fences on hand. Not sure which I will read next! :)

Tea with Tiffany said...

I'm reading "Learning to Soar" right now and LOVE it!!

I love your list of books. Books are my friends. Or so I tell my husband anyway. :)

Tana said...

I want to read Fasting! All great choices. I read an abundance last year and my goal this year is to read twice as much. I hope I can pull this off.

Melanie said...

Curious about #6...

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