Sunday, January 15, 2017

Feeling Kinda Bookish in the Dead of Winter

There's no better time to curl up with a meaningful book than right now in this, the dead of winter.  It's too cold / gray / windy / icy to be anywhere else than under a cozy blanket, a mug of something steamy at hand, Christmas lights still perched on narrow windowsills, refusing to be boxed up as they keep on twinkling their cozy warmth.

I've been paging through ...

The Power of the Other: The Startling Effect Other People Have on You from the Boardroom to the Bedroom and Beyond - and What to Do About It
- Dr. Henry Cloud
For decades, this psychologist has been a major player in the Christian counseling field.  In recent years, Cloud's emerged as an insightful, energetic leadership coach.  Working with major players in the corporate world, his perceptive observations, laced with dry wit, are simply superb.

Bottom line?  The best and brightest leaders don't simply focus on building their own personal skills, knowledge, and talent but become most effective and successful when they draw on 'personal and professional relationships that fuel growth and help them surpass current limits.'

We don't accomplish anything of value all by ourselves.  Strong healthy relationships are absolutely vital and can impact us in ways we never dreamed.  And because we're all leaders in some way, I'm recommending this book highly.

No Tomorrow
- June Caedmon
Many of us have been inspired by June through her breathtaking photography and steady, gentle wisdom on her blog.  If you're looking for an easy yet substantial read, this lovely book of fiction will be just your cup of tea.  Well written, set in Hawaii {sigh}, here's a story of a couple wrestling with past trust issues, stark health realities, and fear of the unknown future as they figure out if they truly belong together.

This is a book to keep on your coffee table, to share across the generations, to donate to your church library.  A wonderful mid-winter read.  Simply delightful.

Just like the author.

Best Friends Forever: Surviving a Breakup With Your Best Friend
- Irene S. Levine, Ph.D.
'Being betrayed by a friend whom you once considered an intimate is as jolting as being rear-ended at a stoplight' {page 70}.

If you've been there, you know that this kind of breakup is akin to making your way through divorce.  It's excruciating, traumatic ... and sadly, most of us have experienced this all too common heartache.

Amazingly, I've never seen a book on this subject before which is odd since best friend breakups are not particularly rare.   Well-researched yet super easy to read, Levine shares many stories that will hit home, plus some poignant insights on building as well as ending female friendships ... and the need for forgiveness as you both move on.

Book club discussion questions are included.  Need I say more?

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Yes, please, more bookish stuff ...
Four Reasons to Slow Down - 'I want to stop aiming at volume so I'm freer to linger, meditate, memorize, and record what I need to press deeper into my soul.'

17 New Books to Read in 2017 - Emily Freeman shares brand new releases coming our way.

Why You Need a Reading Plan - Ann Voskamp's building a monthly community around 'life-giving, life-transforming' books.

Beth's Big Book Club - Beth Moore's The Undoing of Saint Silvanus webcast is this Friday, January 20th.  Read my review right here ... and then sign up to join the party.

What's in your bookbag these days?



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talking books with 
Anne & Holley & Brenda

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if you liked what you read,
I'd love if you'd subscribe & share
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60 comments:

  1. As usual, you help me to keep up to date on the latest and best books out there, Linda. I didn't know that Henry Cloud has a new offering and it sounds like a great one! And the book on best friend break-ups is a rare topic but common problem. In fact, I've had three such break-ups over my lifetime. I think I'd probably find a lot of food for thought in that book as well. Thanks for cozying up with a good book so we can join you in that rich ritual, my friend!

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    1. You've nailed it, Beth, this rich ritual. Seems like everyone 'round these parts loves a good book discussion. I miss being in a book club ... I guess this is my answer to one right about now.

      Thanks for kicking off what I KNOW will be a fun conversation! Just wish it could be in person ...

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  2. My dear friend, I'm so glad you liked Petra & Tony's story. But more than that, I'm honored that you would spend your time on this little-known author and share your experience with others. Thank you.

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    1. I'm honored to know you, to share your work, to be in relationship even from afar, June. You have blessed me on many levels during the past few years, and all I can do is offer a simple 'thank you, bless you, friend.'

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  3. Hi again, Linda. Great to see your list. I love Henry Cloud's books; they are so accessible and practical. However, I haven't read this one -- I will make a point of checking it out.

    I read the Best Friends book very recently too and it was pertinent because I have had that experience, losing a very close friendship after nearly 30 years. The only slight objection I had to the book was how many of her examples were women in their 20's! Perhaps she just made some of the ages up to keep the women anonymous, but I found it strange (I have a feeling most of the women reading this book would be a bit older). Other than that, though, I found it very good and extremely helpful, ultimately.

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    1. Hi Jeannie ... I have a feeling many others are going to be echoing your sentiments about the Best Friends book. I only wish I had known about it before now ...

      Better late than never, huh?

      Funny that we're reading the same things ...

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  4. Linda,
    Sigh, what a lovely picture you paint of reading :-) Thanks for the recommendations. I always appreciate suggestions. Blessings as always on you and your family...((hugs))

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    1. I love reading. Always have!

      Attention Readers --> be sure to check out my review of Dolly's book, 7 Days of Soul Care: A Guide to Letting God Do the Extraordinary With Your Ordinary
      http://www.lindastoll.net/2016/11/a-short-stack-of-soul-stretching.html

      What a powerful way to kick off 2017!

      ;-}

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  5. You know I love a good book post. :) Thanks for the recommendations, Linda. I'm going now to check out Ann's 12 books....

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    1. Right now she's talking about her first selection ... no doubt she's going to be serving up some top-notch soul stirrers!

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  6. Hi Linda! Thank you for sharing the name of Dr. Henry Cloud. I have never heard of him, he sounds great. I'll have to look up some of his books. I have visited with June in the past, and had no idea she was a writer, so that was a fun discovery too.
    I think it's wonderful to take some time during these dark days and curl up wth a good book. That sounds like a heavenly way to pass the hours. And learning as you read? The best of all.
    Hope you had a blessed Sunday!
    Ceil

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    1. To wrap up the Sabbath chatting with friends is just wonderful. I only wish we could all be gathered together on comfy sofas with yummy snacks as we hang out together!

      Meanwhile, Attention Readers --> Be sure to read Karen Lange's interview with Ceil
      http://karenelange.blogspot.com/2017/01/meet-blogger-with-ceil-ryan.html

      ;-}

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  7. Love your list! What a joy to see June here. I love her words. I also love Beth Moore's book. Such a fun summer read. Keep sharing! I love new book ideas.

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    1. I'm glad you're here, Mary!

      Attention Readers --> Be sure to check out my review of Mary's book Brave Faith: A 31 Day Devotional Journey
      http://www.lindastoll.net/2016/11/a-short-stack-of-soul-stretching.html

      ;-}

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  8. Hi Linda,

    Thanks so much for giving a shout-out to my book! Wishing you the best for the New Year~

    Irene S. Levine (author of Best Friends Forever: Surviving a Breakup with Your Best Friend

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    1. Irene, I'm honored you've taken the time to say 'hi.' Your book's a gamechanger, for sure, a healing path for those who've been wounded by someone dear.

      Thank you.

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  9. Oh it sounds so lovely, a warm cozy place to read with a lovely cup of hot tea to sip on, and thank you for the recommendations, I will visit June, I always love to meet new bloggers. Have a lovely cozy week ahead and happy reading :)

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  10. Love this post with the book recommendations - a number of them sound great! Now to be honest, the vision of you sitting under a blanket with a hot cup of tea and reading is bringing the green eyed monster out in me!! My current schedule has me busy most of the time so when I do have a chance to read - usually between 11pm-midnight - my mind isn't ready for calm, meditative reading, instead it is usually a suspense thriller before I go to sleep. Some sisters are very different - hopefully our lives will be in sync some day in the next decade!!

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    1. Farewell, green eyed monster.

      Hello sisters who love reading very late at night!

      Now do tell how reading a suspense thriller can lull you into restful sleep?

      ;-}

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  11. Just finished Beth Moore's Undoing......it was good and I could hear her southern cliches coming through. Fiction writing is a mystery to me. Where does all that information come from when it is not real? I read in Jesus Calling that the mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind. Maybe fiction is a good way to discharge scenarios that swarm around in the head.

    Great list of reading material. I am also following your lead on great suggestions.

    I am glad someone else feels the same way about those twinkly Christmas lights.😊

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    1. You present an interesting perspective on the possibility of penning fiction as helpful therapy!

      I'd venture to say that writing just might even beat out talk therapy. But then I'd have to look for another line of work ...

      ;-}

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  12. You are so right...Henry Cloud never disappoints with his insightful writing! Thanks for the heads up on this and the other books you mentioned. I agree 1000% about this time of year, reading, a steaming cup, cozy, and I still have my mantle and Christmas tree up because of the warmth it adds to our family room. (I did promise my sweet husband that by the end of the week I would relinquish it.) Love and hugs, my friend!

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    1. I can't say good-bye to Christmas this year either, Pam!

      ;-}

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  13. Hi Linda! My reading list is sort of eclectic. I am reading "Same Sex Attraction and the Church." "People to be Loved." "Being There." "Charis" and several others.

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    1. Life's eclectic, isn't it ... makes sense that our reading reflects that reality!

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  14. Thanks for always sharing your reading choices, Linda. And for making reading sound so cozy. :) I'm sure Henry Cloud's book is good. I once read his Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life. So insightful and helpful! I am finishing a library book before its due date first before I read June's book. I'm looking forward to it. I am among the many who have been inspired by her breathtaking photography and gentle wisdom. :) As for the last book, it's good that someone writes about a topic that happens often in life. Personally, I know how devastating it can be to be betrayed by a friend I thought was a forever friend. Thanks again, Linda. Love and hugs!

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    1. Boundaries - a CLASSIC series! In fact I recommended Boundaries in Dating just yesterday.

      Necessary Endings ... a more recent must-read. Great stuff.

      And check out Cloud & Townsend's videos
      http://www.cloudtownsend.com/video-advice/

      A true treasure trove ...

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    2. Thank you, Linda! A treasure trove indeed! I just enjoyed listened to the insightful advice in the "Emotional Struggles" one. I like that the videos are only about five minutes and straight to the point. I saved this link to include in my Hope Harbor links at the end of the month. Thanks again. :)

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    3. Cool! Thanks for spreading the good word!

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  15. Always thankful for your sharing your reading recs with us. Henry Cloud--I must try--he is a wise man! As for loosing a best friend relationship---sounds a lot like divorce.
    Blessings, My Friend!

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  16. Thanks for sharing these recommendations, Linda. They sound good- I'm especially interested in the Henry Cloud one as I've read his book on Boundaries. So many great books and so little time is always the struggle, but I've finally started reading The Listening Life. I've only read the intro but it's good so far!

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    1. I can't wait to hear about your take on The Listening Life, Lesley. Just incredible ... and my favorite book from 2016.

      Can't wait for Adam McHugh's next volume ...

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  17. Always been a very big fan of Dr. Henry Cloud. Never Go Back is one of my favourites, and of course there's Safe People and Boundaries, (co-authored with John Townsend) that I think EVERYONE should read. A leadership one not directed at only Christians is Integrity and excellent too. I'm curious about No Tomorrow and Beth Moore's book is the spring pick for the book club. So much great to read out there, and just go to trust God He lead me to the perfect ones for me as it can be over-whelming. This year's focus is more non-fiction so far as I embark on more learning in Christian Coaching and leadership, but have to fit in the odd fiction since good fiction writers make me a better writer too!

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    1. Safe People is superb. Yes. I think I need to unpack my books soon so I can dig it out of hiding.

      There's some great books out there on Christian coaching and leadership ... I look forward to hearing about what you're reading, Lynn!

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  18. Oh, Linda, I love a nice juicy book list! And thanks for introducing me to the Modern Mrs.Darcy site. Looks very interesting!

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    1. And Anne aka Modern Mrs. Darcy throws the best monthly gathering around, Michele! Hundreds of avid readers drop by whenever I link up a Quick Lit post.

      And that's just plain fun!

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  19. Linda, thanks again for these wonderful book recommendations. I was particularly touched by "The Power of the Other" as it deals with relationships. We are called by Jesus to be in relationship with God and others, and I think this has to be a must read for me. So many books, so little time! :)

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    1. And you said this -->'So many books, so little time!' And I couldn't agree more! I finally am returning a book to the library that I tried and tried to get into but just couldn't. I kept yawning, my mind kept heading in other directions.

      I'll give a book a chapter or two and if it's not working for me, I'm going to call it a day.

      My new reading policy.

      ;-}

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  20. So maybe I missed it, but do you know how many books you wound up reading in 2016? I got to 40 and was so excited. This year, I've already blown through 4, halfway through my 5th book...maybe I should start blogging about that too! ;) Love that you are also a fellow reader!

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    1. 44!

      http://www.lindastoll.net/2016/12/6-books-to-give-to-own-2016s-finest.html

      It was a very good year to read, wasn't it ...

      Would love to peek at what you're reading, Nicki!

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  21. these sound great! and I have never seen a book on friendships breaking up. have a lovely day! stay warm...

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  22. You always have some compelling reads to share. Keep them coming!

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    1. Are you finding time for a good book in the busyness of this season? I'd love to hear what you're reading, Debby!

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  23. Ooooh yes, bring on the books! We have had beautiful and warm weather, but are going to have a bunch of rainy days soon. Perfect excuse to curl up with books!

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  24. I enjoyed your recent blog about books you are reading and was wondering if you and Tim ever read books together. My husband and I enjoy reading books on his Kindle. He reads his Kindle while it reads out loud and I follow on my ipad. Does that make sense??

    Anyway, we are always looking for books we would both enjoy and I didn't know if reading was something that you and Tim did together or not.

    Thanks for your insights. Your words are a blessing to many, including me.

    {via email}

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    1. I love how you read with each other, J! Your story's a perfect example of how technology can bring a couple together. I love this.

      We don't do alot of reading together, although recent days have found us side by side in our chairs at the fireplace, each of us with our nose in some kind of reading material.

      It's quiet and cozy and kind of intimate.

      Anyway, if you'd share some of the books you've read together, I'd be most interested! And would love sharing your list, too ...

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  25. Hi Linda,
    Great recommendations! I love the mix of fiction with some knowledge-adding and emotion-building selections. I really want to read more fiction but once I get to the library (my favorite place to be!) I see all the cooking and food memoirs, biographies and histories and I never quite make it to the fiction section! Maybe I should just order on Amazon and when they arrive at my door, I can start reading! :) xoxo

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    1. It's kinda cool when we see what we're drawn to when it comes to reading. It morphs and changes as our interests evolve, but we still seem to be drawn back to the familiar, whatever feeds our souls.

      Also cool is that I was reading and writing at your place as you were here.

      Don't you just love when that happens?

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  26. Thanks for posting these book reviews and links to books! As a fan of Cloud and Townsend's "Boundaries", I will be looking for Cloud's book you reviewed. If I may, I make of books I read during the year and post it before Christmas so that people have time to purchase them as gifts etc. - Here is my most recent offering - if it isn't imprudent to post; thanks: https://moreenigma.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/in-time-for-christmas-books-of-2016/

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    1. Yay for boundaries! The book, the healthy concept, the key to sane relationships!

      Thanks for sharing your list, Rusty. It's never too late for a great book, is it!

      I'm glad you're here today ...

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  27. Hi Linda, Dr. Cloud's books have reshaped my life for the better, and I'm sure this one will be no exception. Thanks also for sharing the link to Emily Freeman's site. Lots of good finds there as well.

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  28. Ooh, I love book talk! :) Thanks for sharing those reviews, Linda. My bookbag is stuffed right now. A lot are writing books. Another is "Essentialism." I've heard good things about it, so I'm looking forward to reading. Another is (in)courage's new book, Craving Connection. Fun book. :) Thanks for sharing, and thanks for linking up with #ChasingCommunity today, friend. xoxo

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    1. Thanks for sharing a few new-to-me books, Brenda!

      ;-}

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  29. The book nerd in me loves this post. Thanks for alerting me about June's book. Love her (and had no idea!). Yay for her!

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    1. June's got lots of fans ... no wonder, huh?

      She's lovely, lovely ... and you are, too. I'm glad you're here today, buzzing around. Your visit makes me smile.

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