Hey, my bookish compatriots!
In the midst of all the immense trauma that's defining our world these days, does it sound petty and small to you if I admit how much I miss the library?
90% of my reading material came from our extensive library system which spans most of Cape Cod plus two islands.
I am lost.
I'm not sure what to read.
I think I have about 11 unread books on my Amazon Kindle on my phone but the font is too small and that venue has never been a relaxing experience for me. I don't have a tablet and I'm pretty sure my husband wouldn't be too excited for me to commandeer his.
I really don't find reading on a screen to be my cup of tea. Give me a big ol' large print book any day of the week.
Well, enough of that! I've got a few books for your consideration this month. A whole bunch of link love. And an important giveaway!
* As an Amazon associate, I earn from your qualifying purchases when you use the links on my blog.
2 BOOKS & A SERIES
➞ The Dutch House: A Novel by Ann Patchett kept me company a few weeks back, a thoughtful, beautifully written tale of what happens when roots of bitterness and unforgiveness take hold of a family and begin to define who they are. A fascinating read.'A richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go.'
Kindle - $14.99
Hardcover - $19.65
➞ I finished my goal of reading Jan Karon's Mitford books. At last count, I polished off 14. Homey, peaceful, consistently soothing ... they've been my cup of tea during an unsettling season. In Which I Find Comfort in a Book Series tells you why.
➞ I polished off Catherine Marshall's classic Christy last week, mesmerizing historical fiction that I first devoured when I was 12 years old. Since its publication in 1967, more than ten million copies have been sold. If you've saved every book you ever got your hands on, I wouldn't be surprised if you found the original dog-eared paperback on a shelf somewhere.
'The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.
But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her--and her one-room school--as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.'
Kindle - $8.69
Paperback - $13.69
Over the years, I've gathered these resources at conferences, online, and in used bookstores and have appreciated their helpful direction for both individuals and the groups I've worked with.
But these two below? These are the ones I've had my clients use on a steady basis.
They're timeless, Christ-centered, eye-opening, and incredibly helpful tools for the healing journey. Written by two of the 'fathers' of Christian counseling, I've seen these pages turn women's lives around.
If ever we needed to put pen to paper to help navigate and clarify what's true about where we find ourselves, it's certainly right about now.
Click on the titles to browse their pages ...
I'm delighted to have a copy of The Freedom From Depression Workbook to send to one random commenter. You might want to use it for yourself or maybe gift to a hurting friend. To get in the running for the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post by Sunday evening, April 19th at six pm {eastern}. US only, please. Please be sure that I have a working link to contact you!
Please Note - If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety please contact your doctor for an evaluation. If you're in crisis, call 911 immediately.
Go for it!
Linda
BOOKISH & CREATIVE LINK LOVE
Anne Bogel
Elisabeth Egan
Jeff Goins
Aytekin Tank
Courtney Carver
Cybil @ GoodReads
Danya Henninger
THE WORKBOOK GIVEAWAY!
Last time my eyes wandered the bookshelves over in the counseling office in The Nest {a peaceful, light-filled haven nestled in the treetops over the garage}, I counted more than 50 different workbook titles. Over the years, I've gathered these resources at conferences, online, and in used bookstores and have appreciated their helpful direction for both individuals and the groups I've worked with.
But these two below? These are the ones I've had my clients use on a steady basis.
They're timeless, Christ-centered, eye-opening, and incredibly helpful tools for the healing journey. Written by two of the 'fathers' of Christian counseling, I've seen these pages turn women's lives around.
If ever we needed to put pen to paper to help navigate and clarify what's true about where we find ourselves, it's certainly right about now.
Click on the titles to browse their pages ...
Carter & Minirth
Carter & Minirth
* * * SUNDAY EVENING UPDATE * * *
Congrats to our giveaway winner,
Jean Wise
@
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Please Note - If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety please contact your doctor for an evaluation. If you're in crisis, call 911 immediately.
*
Well, that's it for this month, gang! I'd love to hear what books you're curling up with ...
Go for it!
Linda
I publish a fresh edition of The Bookbag by the 15th of each month. You'll never know what you'll find! Please subscribe right here so you won't miss a single post.
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Be sure to check out the huge variety of my favorite online reads over on my LinkedIn page! From homekeeping to leadership, books to ministry, culture, emotional health and whatever, I'd love to connect with you there.
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sharing books with
I always love reading your book recommendations! It definitely doesn't sound petty or small to say that you miss the library. I think we all have those little bits of "normal" that we miss - things that usually bring us comfort or joy - and it's especially hard when we don't know how long things will be this way.
ReplyDeleteI had expected to do a lot more reading during this time but it hasn't always been easy to focus. I am enjoying Dangerous Prayers by Craig Groeschel though - the subject matter is challenging but it's easy to read!
Yeah, 'those little bits of normal.' So well spoken, Lesley. I'm guessing we'll appreciate all those gifts so much more when this season passes by.
DeleteI'm hearing about the inability to focus and concentrate alot these days. There's several books I want to read, but for the life of me I can't find that mental energy to go there.
I like what you said about a book that is challenging but easy to read. That fits the bill these days.
Love your post, friend! I'm with you on missing the library. Unfortunately, I've felt off and haven't been reading a lot, but you inspired me! I can hardly believe I've never read the Mitford series! Maybe now is the perfect time!
ReplyDeleteOh, the Mitford series is sweet, captivating, relaxing, Rebecca, with quirky characters that were fun to relate to.
DeletePerfect for right about now. It was calming bedtime reading ...
I love the graphic at the top! I have an iPad mini and use the Kindle app quite a bit. It took some getting used to, but I enjoy it--especially since many Kindle books often go on sale for a dollar or two or sometimes are free. I've found several new authors that way. But reading on a phone-sized screen would be hard. I've done it briefly, in the car or in a waiting room.
ReplyDeleteI love the Mitford series. It's like going back to visit old friends. I've read and enjoyed Christy a couple of times.
I just finished a really good one called The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs. Also Lark Rise, the first book in the Lark Rise to Candleford trilogy by Flora Thompson. Warren Wiersbe has a "Be" series covering almost every book of the Bible. I've gathered several through those Kindle sales I mentioned and have used some while our church read through Ezekiel, Galatians, and Ephesians. One of my favorites this year is The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan about the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
Right now I am reading (or listening to) My Antonia by Willa Cather--the first of her books I've tried-- and Castle on the Rise by favorite author Kristy Cambron, set in three different time periods in Ireland. Also Breaking Anxiety's Grip by Michelle Bengston.
Oh Barbara, you are a voracious reader! I love that you come with your own bookbag full and overflowing.
DeleteThanks for sharing a whole bunch of genres with us today.
Cool!
I'm like you Linda. I want a physical book in my hands. I'm not into reading on a screen in any way, shape or form. It is bad enough to read texts let alone a whole book. I've been reading Glynn Young's blog and he has recommended some books that i kept thinking of getting at the library. Well, that's dead in the water for now. If you ever get a chance, please read Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur. There is a direct follow up to that called Betrayed. it will cure anyone of wanting to be legalistic. It is fiction.
ReplyDelete'it will cure anyone of wanting to be legalistic.'
DeleteI'm in on that. For sure, Bill.
Praise God those legalistic days are over. They certainly were a ball and chain, weren't they ...
I, too, would rather have a physical book in my hand, Linda. I am missing the service of our library terribly. It's one thing I took for granted would continue on. Thank you for your empathy. I especially love the journaling prompts. And what I saw of the depression workbook looked so helpful. Thank you! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThe workbooks are fabulous, Trudy. Truly. I'm glad to promote them once again. They can be real lifesavers, superb clarifiers, a powerful tool for healing and moving forward out of the pit.
DeleteIf ever we needed our heads clear and our minds calm, it'd be right about now. The less baggage we're hauling around, the better we'll be and the more energy we'll have to reach out to others.
I stumbled across your blog months ago and it has been such a sweet, encouraging place. I love to read but am finding myself going to my online games to relax as of late with a tornado hitting my city this past Sunday. I am okay. But it's becoming a lot to process with people I know struggling on top of a ministry setting job where most of the meetings have been cancelled for those I work for. This just sounded like a helpful tool for such a time as this. I unsubscribe from blogs that do not bring me joy or motivation {the financial ones keep me focused during this time of payoff after multiple life events}. Thanks for being a literal place of fresh air during these days.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, so very good to meet you! I'm super glad you've joined the conversation, so grateful to hear that you've found something helpful on these pages.
DeleteAnd you're right, there surely is much to process, so many moving parts to where we find ourselves right now. Just admitting that is what is true is a helpful step, isn't it.
Again, thanks for jumping in today. I hope this will be the first day of many that will find you here right in the thick of things.
Bless you!
Hi Linda! You've motivated me to go look for my dog-eared copy of Christy! I'm a masters in mental health counseling student so would enjoy looking through and using the depression workbook. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh, that's cool, Alicia, that you're hunting for your copy of Christy just like Martha 'two doors down' is!
DeleteAnd I'm always excited to meet another counselor. You are welcome here!
I bought The Dutch House the first week of March (before all this craziness) at Parnassus Books during my trip to Nashville. I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect crawl-under-the-quilt afternoon to begin a new book. Would love to hear what you think, Stacie!
Delete;-}
You've reminded me here that I have a copy of Christy sitting on my shelves downstairs; I ordered it for my MIL when she was with us. I'll have to single it out for my next good read.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Linda!
I love that you already have a copy! I'm guessing you might enjoy it just as much as I did.
Delete;-}
The morning sun is rising high,
ReplyDeleterolling on to noon,
but is compelled to share the sky
with a stubborn crescent moon
which won't give up its pride of place
'till the whole wide world can see
that there is s shining grace
in fading victory.
Two days hence will see its light
o'ershadowed by the sun's brute force,
but soon again comes gentle night
in its monthly moonlit course
to prove that light, like hope, is found
when the world comes back around.
Oh, this is filled with hope right here, Andrew -->
Delete'light, like hope, is found
when the world comes back around'
I love your cartoon, I'm checking out several of your links, and I need that workbook! laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm just plain glad you're here, Lauren!
Delete;-}
Did you know that if you buy two copies of the same books which I have authored then place them next to each other you can read them in 3D? If you place one on your left and one on your right you can read them in stereo. If you throw them away they do not come back, unless they are printed in Australia by the Boomerang Printing Press. Did you also know that they make good presents for someone you do not like?
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name in the competition and if I win please give the prize to the person who comments right after me here. If that person does not live in the USA ask them to move there to claim the prize.
God bless, Linda.
Boomerang Printing Press!!!!!!
Delete;-}
I have come to terms with reading on line. It isnt’ my favourite because I have a hard time seeing clearly.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteAnd there's nothing like the heft, the feel, the scent of a good library book ...
;-}
I'm with you Linda! I miss the library so much! And my app to borrow library books is not working. So I have caroused the bookshelves around my house, even the bookshelf I have for my visiting grandkids. Currently reading Stargirl from that shelf. But I will have to buy The Boat People as it is our book club read for the month. So that one is next! Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteLynn, Ya' know, I thought about checking out some of the books I have stashed here for the grandkids.
DeleteNot a bad idea!
There's something very soothing about traveling down memory lane with our childhood favorites ...
I just finished Light from Heaven (Mitford #9) a few weeks ago because I needed a comfort read. Jan Karon's beautiful writing, idyllic town, and encouraging truths taught through Father Tim are all so timely for me. I also loved Dutch House, which I read a few months back. I am looking forward to checking out some of your links. I hope you are able to find books to read! Do you listen to audiobooks? Overdrive is still running well through our library so I am reading that way along with books off my bookshelf that I had meaning to get to and alas, now have the opportunity! I miss our library too! It is a short fifteen minute walk from our house and I pass by it (and sometimes circle around it) during walks and jogs since it is adjacent to a trail/park I visit almost daily.
ReplyDeleteHere are my March reads: https://elle-alice.blogspot.com/2020/03/march-book-reviews.html
What a super location for your library, a walk or a jog away adjacent to a lovely park.
DeleteJust hearing about it makes me smile, Elena ...
;-}
Oh, Linda ... I miss our local library too. Ours includes a used bookstore, and I had just started keeping an eye out for the Mitford books there so I could have my own set. (I scored two nearly new hardcovers for $4, and then the place shut down.) Anyway, this bookish post was a lovely respite, as usual. I'm almost done with a book about writing ("Write Better" by Andrew Le Peau) and Beth Moore's new book waiting in line on my nightstand. Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteWell, let's hear it for our libraries, used bookstores, and other favorite destinations opening their doors wide ... as soon as it's {very} safe to do so.
DeleteThese days, I'm erring on the side of caution.
* sigh *
Oh, how I love The Mitford series! I've read them all through once and this cradle Episcopalian loved them all! They are my go-to feel good books and you've made me want to start them all over again and I think I will! Reading has been hard for me during these stressful times but I've started reading Grapes of Wrath this week. I remember reading Christy back in high school and would love to read it again too. And yes, Linda, I much prefer holding a book in my hand as opposed to e-reading. I just don't think I'll ever change in that regard. Thank you so much for the reading recommendations! The Ann Patchett novel sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile when a kindred spirit truly gets what I'm saying about the sheer joy and relaxation of a good hardcover book in hand, Gail!
DeleteThe Grapes of Wrath is an interesting read right about now. I'd love to hear your take on it when you're done ...
Linda,
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful read as I miss my library too although I don't make as much use of it as I would like. I'm reading Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila with commentary (which is helpful) and I am dabbling in a few other books. Like you, I prefer books in readable print :-) Hope you had a blessed Easter :-) Thanks for sharing the links. Off to read.
Teresa of Avila, yes, Dolly. Ancient spiritual readings right about now would be very helpful in keeping God's big, eternal perspective in mind.
DeleteI'm loving His Word more than ever ...
Oh.... how I do love talking books with you.
ReplyDeleteI've heard Anne Bogel talk about Patchett and her books, and I guess I'm going to have to do some looking into that one.
And whenever anyone talks about Mitford, I just want to run down to my basement book shelves and bring the whole pile up to my bedroom and start the series from beginning to end.
I've been giving myself some space to read just for fun these days, and so I've got Brendan by Frederick Buechner and Learning to Walk in the Dark by BB Taylor going at the same time. And I'm taking notes in my journal which just feels wonderful.
Take good care of you.
Well, yes, I love talking books with you, too, Michele. You are such a voracious reader of volumes that stretch the mind and soul.
DeleteAnd how come I'm not a bit surprised that you have basement book shelves, friend. I'm guessing they're stacked to the brim with all kinds of goodies you've gathered along the way!
And yes, please, to Learning to Walk in the Dark. For such a time as this, yes?
For most of life I struggle to finish a book... but right now I am 1/2 through my list for the year!!!! Haha. Thanks for the recommendations! It was great finding you in the Grace and Truth Link up!
ReplyDeleteTiffany, hi! I'm glad you're here. And yes, if we can settle down and focus and relax a bit, this could be a season of true comfort reading.
DeleteI always love your bookbag posts, Linda! I now have several tabs waiting on me to be read. :) Heading there now... Thanks for curating these for us!
ReplyDeleteI hope you found a goodie or two just for you, Lisa!
DeleteEnjoy your weekend, friend ...
I always enjoy reading book recommendations. You did remind me about my kindle where lots of book await. Will get that out tonight, Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to rediscover some old favorites, Jean.
DeleteSunday blessings to you ...
Thanks for sharing books as always. I love non-fiction and fiction but find during this season that it is harder for me to concentrate on the non-fiction reads. And, interesting note, I can only read fiction on my Kindle because I love writing notes and highlighting in the non-fiction and find it more user friendly to do it in the book.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you about the non-fiction right about now, Mary. I'm making my way through a book I had so looked forward to reading and am finding I have to re-read sections I just read to fully appreciate what I had, well, just read!
DeleteI really should just put it down.
It's ok ...
All will be well!