The Bookbag is the place where I pull together my latest shareworthy reads ... from real life shelves and online venues. I usually throw in other bookish bits and pieces I've come across that I think you might relish.
A special welcome to all of you from Modern Mrs. Darcy ... and new readers that have subscribed in the last month. I'm so glad you're here.
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Last year was filled with heavy duty non-fiction volumes, the kind of reading that's deeply impactful, thought-provoking, life challenging ... and not always comfortable to wade through.
But right now?
I'm all about comfort reading.
Amidst grieving 3 deaths in 5 months, encountering unsettling family medical issues, and miscellaneous holiday busyness, I've purposely abandoned the books on theology, politics, American history, and burnout that were waiting for my attention.
I'm just not up for all that, ya' know?
And here's what I've reached for ... Jan Karon's classic Mitford Series. I'm headed into book 7 even as we speak. The author has created characters with character, offers up charm with humor, pens entertaining storylines you can easily share with your mother or your granddaughter.
When your proverbial plate is filled to overflowing, the last thing you need are more weighty issues to contend with. Time spent with Father Tim and Cynthia, Dooley and Barnabas, Esther and Mule and all the gang and their small town adventures just might be your cup of tea.
The author says she writes "to give readers an extended family, and to applaud the extraordinary beauty of ordinary lives."
I'm all in.
Karon's books are ones I've gathered over the years, mostly at library bag sales. They're like old friends keeping watch on the book shelves in the loft where we nap in the afternoon and hang out at night in front of the TV. They've been ready and waiting from time to time when I craved some quiet literary companionship that made me smile and didn't make my brain hurt.
Simply delightful.
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THE PSALMS
Earlier this year I started reading the Psalms.
For comfort. Consolation. For hope.
Their familiar cadence spoke peace to my soul. Reminded me of the majesty and faithfulness of God. I underlined. I copied portions in my journal, I meditated on a verse at a time. Familiar chapters eased into my heart during the night watches when my brain refused to slow down.
I've just finished the book.
I think I'm off to the book of James. Such a wonderfully practical, hands-on book. It's been awhile since I read the brother's wise words. I can't wait for a leisurely re-visit.
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MY FAVORITE BOOKS IN 2019
Posted just a week before Christmas, my favorite books probably slipped right under your reading radar. If you missed it, click right here. These are substantial gems that might be worthy of your attention ...
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I CAN'T WAIT FOR
Anne Bogel
'We've all been there: stuck in a cycle of what-ifs, plagued by indecision, paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong. Nobody wants to live a life of constant overthinking, but it doesn't feel like something we can choose to stop doing. It feels like something we're wired to do, something we just can't escape. But is it?
Anne Bogel's answer is no. Not only can you overcome negative thought patterns that are repetitive, unhealthy, and unhelpful, you can replace them with positive thought patterns that will bring more peace, joy, and love into your life ... You'll find actionable strategies that can make an immediate and lasting difference in how you deal with questions both small--Should I buy these flowers?--and large--What am I doing with my life?
Anne Bogel's answer is no. Not only can you overcome negative thought patterns that are repetitive, unhealthy, and unhelpful, you can replace them with positive thought patterns that will bring more peace, joy, and love into your life ... You'll find actionable strategies that can make an immediate and lasting difference in how you deal with questions both small--Should I buy these flowers?--and large--What am I doing with my life?
More than a book about making good decisions, Don't Overthink It offers you a framework for making choices you'll be comfortable with, using an appropriate amount of energy, freeing you to focus on all the other stuff that matters in life.'
Anne is offering generous pre-order bonuses that will make you want to grab this book on pre-order even though it won't be published 'til March. For $11.89 this is a huge deal! I'm putting a copy in my cart even as we speak. And as always, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from your qualifying purchases when you use the links on my blog.
Click here to find out how to get these fabulous bonuses with your purchase:
➩ The free digital Don't Overthink It course
➩ The free audiobook edition of Don't Overthink It
➩ The free ebook of I'd Rather Be Reading
➩ The free digital Don't Overthink It course
➩ The free audiobook edition of Don't Overthink It
➩ The free ebook of I'd Rather Be Reading
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9 COOL LINKS FOR AVID READERS
& BLOGGERS & CREATIVES
How I Read and 2020 Reading Challenges
Lisa Burgess
fascinating, comprehensive tips
for smart, organized bibliophiles
Blogging About Blogging
Laurie @ Meditations in Motion
mighty fine etiquette on
commenting & linking up
habit
Barbara @ One Hopeful Year
sometimes we just need to show up,
notebook & pen in hand
107: 8 Books for Soulful Decisions
Emily Freeman
a lovely bounty from my favorite podcaster
The 100-Person Rule: Why You Shouldn't
Try to Help Everyone
Jeff Goins
an 'aha moment' for those
exhausted by the social media treadmill
Best Christian Book Picks for Avid Readers
Sarah Geringer
a wide array of genres, for sure
Christianity Today's
2020 Book Awards
CT's picks for books most likely
to shape evangelical life, thought, & culture
How to make a book page wreath,
and more book art ideas
Modern Mrs. Darcy
oh these are so very pretty
& quite doable
How to Make Time to Read
Laura Vanderkam
hints for re-directing your
precious reading time
& BLOGGERS & CREATIVES
How I Read and 2020 Reading Challenges
Lisa Burgess
fascinating, comprehensive tips
for smart, organized bibliophiles
Blogging About Blogging
Laurie @ Meditations in Motion
mighty fine etiquette on
commenting & linking up
habit
Barbara @ One Hopeful Year
sometimes we just need to show up,
notebook & pen in hand
107: 8 Books for Soulful Decisions
Emily Freeman
a lovely bounty from my favorite podcaster
The 100-Person Rule: Why You Shouldn't
Try to Help Everyone
Jeff Goins
an 'aha moment' for those
exhausted by the social media treadmill
Best Christian Book Picks for Avid Readers
Sarah Geringer
a wide array of genres, for sure
Christianity Today's
2020 Book Awards
CT's picks for books most likely
to shape evangelical life, thought, & culture
How to make a book page wreath,
and more book art ideas
Modern Mrs. Darcy
oh these are so very pretty
& quite doable
How to Make Time to Read
Laura Vanderkam
hints for re-directing your
precious reading time
Let's talk about your comfort books, the book of the Bible you're reading these days, your favorite bookish links {yes, including your own!}
Read away ~
Linda
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P.S.S.
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