For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.
Anne Lamott
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I've finished ...
35 books this year. 24 were fiction. Mmm ... what's that saying?
I'm savoring ...
Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado, during my morning devotional time. Once again, I'm realizing my unworthiness even as I'm bowled over at the undeserved grace God continues to lavish on those who love Him, even if we don't do it as well as we could. A true refresher course for long time believers ... and a down-to-earth invitation to faith in Christ for those who've never been touched by His sweet unmerited favor.
Max is substantial, yet not at all ponderous. He writes with a smile on his face and freedom in his heart. Joy flows from his pen. Thanks to a kind son-in-law for loaning me his copy.
I'm peeking at ...
My dear friend Pam Ecrement sent me a copy of her brand new Bring Me a Vision: A Story of Redeeming Hope, a real life chronicle of her connection with Becky, whose life was 'broken in childhood, shattered by repeated abuse and emotional neglect, marked by loneliness and disappointment, and scarred by shame and darkness.'
As a counselor, I'm particularly intrigued at gaining additional insight into the power of the counselor / client relationship that wends its way through this book. If your own personal experience resonates with Becky's, if you're curious about what counseling might look like, or you're already a fan of Pam's deep wisdom via her blog, do order your copy right here.
I'll be sharing my review soon. Promise.
I pre-ordered ...
by Myquillyn {The Nester} Smith
AND
by Anne {Modern Mrs. Darcy} Bogel
If you preorder either of these books, there are all kinds of truly generous goodies that are yours for the asking.
Click here to find out about Myquillyn's Free Cozy Minimalist Home Seasons + Celebrations Online Classes {$116 value!} ... October 3 deadline!
And click there to check out Anne's Free 7 Days to Get More Out of Your Reading Life class and the Free audio version of I'd Rather Be Reading ... September 3 deadline!
Anne is also sharing a free PDF of the introduction and first chapter. What a lovely 20 page gift for all her fans awaiting the book's debut. Click here for the sneak peek.
The Listening Life Study Guide
This 8 page, free downloadable guide is welcome news for all of of us who benefited from Adam McHugh's best selling The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction.
Get your Study Guide here. It's filled with soul-stimulating questions and powerful conversation starters. For sure, the book and the guide would be a dynamic way to kick off your fall leadership meetings, book club, or small group. Thanks, Adam.
And if you missed our Book Open House discussion on this best seller, go right there to catch up on the conversations. Thanks to your candor and wisdom, I do believe those posts have been one of this blog's highlights in 2018.
I'm thinking of my NY Book Club friends ...
&
Sarah DiGiulio
Emily Freeman
The Editors of CT Pastors
Joel Friedlander
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What's in your bookbag?
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sharing good reads with
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I'll have to look up Anne's book - though I tend not to get to books about reading because I am reading others. :-) I remember when Lit! went around a few years ago - I have it on my Kindle app, but haven't gotten to it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the "getting lost in a book" post.
I just finished this month The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser (very good) and Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo (not a fun book, but it has some good qualities.) I'm currently reading Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate and Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure. Soon I am going to go back over Jen Wilkin's Women of the Word and then hopefully read both her new books.
Re reading more fiction than nonfiction - I tend to do that, too. I can only read so much nonfiction at a time (other than biography) before it's all swirling in my head and I am just not getting it any more. Fiction "grabs" me and teaches me even if it's a made-up story.
I'm absolutely with you, Barbara, too much nonfiction makes my head spin. I do read it, but it's slow and focused reading, and often not relaxing. Thank you for letting me know I'm not the only one!
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I've been reading a lot more fiction this year too and am thankful for Anne Bogel's summer reading list to help introduce me to new authors. Now to check out a few of your links. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI spent a bit of time with Anne's fall new titles post last night and added 4 - 5 books to my library request list.
Deletehttps://modernmrsdarcy.com/hot-fall-books/
What would we do without her?
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You are such an incredible resourcer of great books, Linda! I know I can count on you to find the latest inspirational read or two! Wish I could be there on that floor with your other book club friends. But I will have to settle for second best ... coming here to visit you in cyberspace. I'll definitely be checking into Pam's book! Thanks for all the picks of the day, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you again, friend! I hope you've had a restful summer ...
DeleteIt's been awhile since I've read Max Lucado's Grace, so I love being reminded of it here, Linda. Yes, I feel this too when I read his writings: "He writes with a smile on his face and freedom in his heart."
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading Pam's book as well, feeling both sadness at the brokenness but anticipation of knowing that good things will be around the corner as I keep reading!
My book club is about to get started on Gretchen Rubin's The Four Tendencies. I'm exciting about that one. But I also think The Listening Life would make a fabulous in-person book club too. Going to get the study guide now for future use....?
I so love talking books with you, Lisa! You always bring so much to the table ...
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Love the picture of your old book club in NY. Nothing is better than getting together with a bunch of people with different opinions and insights on a book. You learn so much from each other!
ReplyDeleteYou've been so fortunate to have been in your book club since day 1, Mah. It's time for me to hear again what you guys have been reading.
Delete* Readers - Little Sister and I Chat About Her Book Club
http://www.lindastoll.net/2017/04/little-sister-i-chat-about-this-months.html
Hi Linda. You are a prolific reader. I am currently reading "Immeasurable" by Skye Jethani. Wonderful book on Church,Inc. Just finished Acts of God and After 50 years of Ministry both by Bob Russell. I plan to use AoG as a small group Bible study. Summer slows my reading down drastically. Hmmmm wonder why?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing what you're paging through, Bill. Appreciate your pastor's heart and perspective ...
Delete35 books so far this year? Wow, Linda ... I think it's accurate to say that you'd rather be reading! (Which sounds like a great book, by the way, as does the "Cozy Minimalist Home." I'm looking forward to Kate Morton's latest, "The Clockmaker's Daughter," which comes out in the fall. I've read some fiction on the treadmill as usual, but elsewhere in the house, I'm slowly working my way through "Mere Christianity" for the first time. C.S. Lewis's voice in this book reminds me of the tone of the Narnia books, which might be why I'm really enjoying it. :-)
ReplyDeleteYep, I've got Kate Morton's book on my library's to-borrow list. The Lake House was so fabulous. Mere Christianity is quite a classic, Lois ... I'd love to hear your review when you make your way through it.
DeleteAnd my hat's off to you on that treadmill. You go, girl! I'm so impressed ...
Thanks for sharing these recommendations, Linda! I'll have to check out the Listening Life study guide. I'm looking forward to getting into It's All Under Control by Jennifer Dukes Lee.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on Jennifer's book, Lesley!
DeleteThe Cozy Minimalist book looks good!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to settle down into my old sofa with it in hand ...
DeleteRead less past 7 months — blame it on my houseguest and binge-watching Madam Secretary. BTW excellent series with a wonderful family life portrayed.
ReplyDeleteRead some interesting stories- Without You, There is No Us; Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith; The Other Einstein; As Bright As Heaven; The Hate U Give and Emotionslly Healthy Leaders.
I struggle with non-fiction and find it quite laborious. Love fiction and memoirs but reading is the second relaxing thing I do. Wonderword is the other - thanks to you, Linda
I love Wonderword! I think I'll pull that out tonight and do a few! I'm not into anything laborious right about now ...
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* Readers - Here's Volume 45
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449480543?ie=UTF8&tag=atthecrossroa-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=1449480543
I love hearing about new books. I just finished Debbie Kitterman's, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement. It comes out on Aug. 21. I'm also loving books by Lynn Austin for my fiction reading. I will be reading "It's All Under Control" by Jennifer Dukes Lee and The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin as part of their launch teams. I'm looking forward to both. So tell me some of the fiction you have read this year.
ReplyDeleteThe Ministry of Ordinary Places has me intrigued, Mary. And I'm seeing Jennifer's book here and there, too. Thanks for bringing them to the table ...
DeleteThis has been a lean year for me in the reading. The ones I did read are old ones I had already which I love to do every so often. It interesting to see what I underlines a few years ago and what I underline today. Thanks for the list of the book all gave, I will be drawing from the list in the future.
ReplyDeleteBetty, yes, yes ... I love re-reading the ones that never left my heart and mind. So good to page through them yet one more time, isn't it ...
DeleteStill have Listening Life on my nightstand pile. Someday soon ...
ReplyDeleteI'm imagining a wonderful, huge nightstand to hold all those hoped-for books! Love the image, Barbara ...
DeleteHi, Linda! I’m visiting from Holley Gerth’s Site. I love to read. It is true we can learn so much by reading. Thank you for the book recommendations. I enjoy Max Lucado’s writing so I’ll look that one up. Sounds like you’ve been a busy reader! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteIt's been good to meet you early this morning, Aixa! Let's hear it for Holley and all the sister bloggers we've met at her place ...
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I read 2 Anne Lamott books this summer - one fiction and one non-fiction. Loved the non-fiction one; the fiction one, not so much. My last few fiction books have been disappointing. I need to get on a better roll.
ReplyDeleteGive Susan Meissner a try! I've absolutely loved her books this year {except the one with the ghost, whatever it was}.
Deletehttp://susanlmeissner.com/
The Listening Life is sitting on my to-read shelf. Thank you for sharing the study guide! It will help me get more out of the book once I get around to reading it (and the 50+ others waiting to be read on my literal shelf and my Kindle).
ReplyDelete50 books! Oh that sounds absolutely overwhelming to me.
Delete3 seems to be the right number around here. Any more than that makes my eyes glaze over.
I'll blame it on old age ...
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Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to Anne's book myself. I have preordered it and can't wait. Enjoy your day.
I enjoyed the '7 Days to Get More Out of Your Reading Life' class that came with the pre-ordering. Anne is simply delightful, so smart, and super-engaging. I'm a fan ...
DeleteI always enjoy seeing what others are reading. Right now I am reading "The Struggle is Real" by Nicole Unice. Not done yet but enjoying it very much. I am also using "Devotions of the Greek New Testament - Vol. 3" for my morning time because Volumes 1 & 2 were excellent!
ReplyDeleteYep, peeking at other people's bookshelves is a favorite activity ... whether online or in person.
DeleteThanks for sharing a favorite quiet time tool, Joanne ... I try to change up that devotional time often to keep things fresh and alive. God understands ...
Just published my latest, and first, murder suspense book - Mystery at Status Manor. Takes place in a Downton Abbey type household.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Congrats, Victor!
Delete* Readers - Head over to read a sample and pick up your Kindle edition for $1! British humor at its finest!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DLWWWWY?ie=UTF8&tag=atthecrossroa-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B07DLWWWWY
Thank you so much Linda for your support. I write humourous books primarily to attract new readers to my more serious Christian books.
DeleteGod bless you always.
One of the best things about blogging is the kindness and support we lend each other. Bless you ...
DeleteHI Linda! Thanks for some wonderful suggestions here. I love Max Lucado. His books are always spot on. I haven't read Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine yet. It sounds great so maybe it's time. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteConnie, hi! I'm halfway through the book ... it's truly soul-moving. A must read.
DeleteVisiting from Modern Mrs. Darcy. Thanks for the reviews! I love your Anne Lamott quote, too!
ReplyDeleteRuth, thanks for coming by! Hundreds of Anne's readers have stopped in and it's been a fun day. I really appreciate you taking the time to say 'hi' ...
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Linda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your list. You've been reading a lot. I finished and enjoyed The Gift by Richard Paul Evans. Fast read; heart-warming. Nonfiction...one of my favorites that I finished was Anatomy of A Soul By Dr. Curt Thompson. Blessings to you :-)
Thanks for giving us a peek into your reading life, Dolly!
DeleteFiction, eh? I'd love to hear what genre, Linda. Contemporary Christian Romance here. I just finished a Denise Hunter novel. Maybe I should say devoured? Love, love, love.
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying more historical fiction the last few years, Kristi ... Susan Meissner is simply captivating!
Deletehttp://susanlmeissner.com
I always enjoy a peak into your book bag, Linda! A friend and I have been reading through Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache Series this summer. I think we're on book nine... I've also been reading, for the first time, The Harry Potter series. Yes, I realize I'm at least a decade behind the times, lol.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to have a reading buddy and make your way through a series together. Love that, June!
DeleteThe Bookbag is such a great name for this round up!
ReplyDeleteAnd I also have Pam's good work in my pile, waiting its turn. I'm looking forward to it, and am also a little overwhelmed by the number of new books that are coming out this fall! Seems as if every week has another launch (2 next week!).
We are blessed in this country to have access to Christian reading.
And I'm blessed to be reading your month-end thoughts!
There's always time for a conversation about a good book or two, isn't there!
DeleteYes, we are blessed to be free to read whatever we choose. I'm thinking of those around the world that are not permitted to have a Bible. God have mercy ...