The Bookbag & The Giveaway * November 2018



It's that time of month again, friends, where we're talking books, sharing all those great links and finds, resources and reading-related goodies with one another.

It's like a book club open house.

And I love doing this with you. 

A great big welcome to Modern Mrs Darcy readers.  Each month hundreds of you well-read book aficionados drop in around the 15th for Quick Lit, 'where we share short and sweet book reviews of what we've been reading lately.'  Please know I'm so very happy whenever you find your way here.  Feel free to sit quietly and soak up the conversation ... or jump right on into the discussion in the comment section.  This is a safe and welcoming place, not at all cliquey.

And be sure that if you take the time to leave a comment, I'll be returning that grace over at your place.  That's how we roll around here.

* * * This month, I'm excited to be giving away a copy of one of my ALL - TIME beloved books from one of my favorite authors, Adam McHugh, Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture {revised and expanded}.  Read on ...


  

HERE'S WHAT YOU'RE SAYING
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! 
Beth

I always love your book reviews/recs.  Thank you!

When I read your lists, I am always left wondering if we are bookish twins that were separated at birth . . .
Michele

You always leave us with so many good choices!

I get excited when I see "The Bookbag" in my news reader!  Your books always look so inviting to me too, Linda.

I always enjoy a peak into your book bag, Linda!
June

Linda! So kind of you to share about Rhythms of Rest.  I'm honored and humbled by your generosity. You've got some great recommendations in your list and what a gift to be included among them!



FINEST READS
Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God -
Ruth Haley Barton
I've always considered Ruth to be a mentor-from-afar.  Her books on women in ministry were much-needed companions early on.  And Invitation to Solitude and Silence was an absolute game-changer in my life, kind of a north star reorienting me to what was most urgent and valuable in the growth of my faith.

Earlier this year we did a 6 session discussion on that book right here on the blog.  If you missed it, I encourage you to head here to read through readers' heartfelt insights and hard won observations in the comment sections.  It truly was one of 2018's highlights.

Back to Retreat.  This is a fine book, a lovely guidebook for retreating well.  We're not talking ice-breakers and party games, friends.  We're talking about a gentle invitation to intimacy with God, a 'yes' for souls who are parched and yearning for something deeper that can only be discovered in the still and solitary places.

As Ruth said, 'many of us are looking for more - and we have a sense that there is more if we could create more space for quiet to give attention to God at the center of our beings.'  I've attended one of her retreats and I can testify that not only is our yearning real, but there is a re-fueling for our weariness that awaits those who open themselves up to the Spirit's wooing.

Invitation to Retreat podcasts start this week.  I'm betting they're going to be a rich offering.  Click here to go there.


Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis -
Patti Callahan
In the last year, I've become a great big fan of historical fiction.  And hands down, Patti Callahan's beautiful saga of the intimate relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman is now tops on my list.  Captivating, enthralling, all those good things.  The dialogue is so real and rich, their journey into the depths of intellectual and spiritual truths so mesmerizing.  And yes, love finds a way although there are numerous twists and turns that finally take them there.

This is an absolute MUST READ for your book club.  There are so many layers to unearth and reflect on.  Be sure to tell me what you think.


Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture {revised and expanded} - Adam S. McHugh
Way back in 2009, Adam opened up a whole new world of understanding for this introvert.  Who I authentically was deep in my soul.  How that impacted the way I related, my reaction to stress and crowds and craziness, how I preferred to do community, and the potential for non-Type A people like me to lead in the church.

I saw myself in every page.  It was quite the adventure.

Adam's back with this updated edition with a renewed emphasis on 'celebrating our temperament and embracing the gifts we have to offer society and the church.'  I, for one, am so happy that he's opened the dialogue yet once again and I want to share a FREE copy of this, one of my favorite books of all time with you.

Read on to find out about this giveaway.

And if you want a peek at Adam's writing and our lengthy discussion earlier this year, head right over to my post Adam McHugh Is In the House! where you can get to know Adam and check out a fabulous book open house on his other outstanding book, The Listening Life.


Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff -
Myquillyn Smith
What a fun book to page through!  If your house is kind of blah and uninspiring, Myquillyn walks you through the steps to seeing your home with fresh eyes and getting brave enough to reconfigure what already's there.  She's practical and not at all pretentious, having lived in a number of rentals along the way.

You might be surprised at the order in which she proceeds, but if you follow her lead, I'm guessing you're going to be very, very happy with the results!  This is a laid back, completely unintimidating journey toward clearing out and then cozying up your home, wise suggestions on needed purchases, keeping what you love and use ... and saying 'farewell' to all the random tchotchkes and stuff that's taken up residence in your rooms.

I'd love to hear your stories.




READING & WRITING LINKS
Anne Bogel

Susan Orlean

Michele Morin

Emily Belz




THE GIVEAWAY
To enter the giveaway of a copy of Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture {revised and expanded}, leave a comment on this post by Friday, November 16th at 6 pm {eastern}.  U.S. only.  Please be sure that your contact information is readily available when I click on your name.  You may enter via email as well.  Send your comment to lindastoll @ juno . com

Whatcha been reading in recent weeks?

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FRIDAY GIVEAWAY UPDATE!

Congrats to the winner
Lisa Burgess
@



COMING UP!

The Ellie Clair Art Journal Giveaway

The Chris Tomlin HOLY ROAR CD Giveaway 

Loose Ends newsletters 

The Bookbag posts

and more!


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talking books with