Thursday, May 14, 2020

The Bookbag * Old Friends Edition


Hello again, all you book-lovin' conesisseurs!  I'm grateful you've joined me on the porch, ready to put your feet up and join us all in some postive, therapeutic conversation!  For if ever we needed a little bibliotherapy, it'd be right about now, yes? 

I've been using the last month or two to thumb through a few old favorites in addition to whittling down my towering stack of magazines gathered from hither and yon the past year.  They'd been left to rest quietly as I voraciously devoured library book after library book.

Needless to say, that's not happening right now.

Have you adjusted to your public library being shuttered tight?  Loving your Kindle these days?  Or re-discovering a few old, abandoned friends who've been sitting on your dusty shelves, biding their time, awaiting to be cradled and cherished in your eager hands yet again?

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Speaking of old friends, I recently got an email from a dear childhood pal.  She wrote, 'I look forward to catching up on some John Grisham books after I finish my current reading supply!  Any suggestions among his most recent?  I know that you are also a fan!'


Grisham's latest, Camino Winds, is the sequel to 2018's Camino Island.  The author clues the reader in to the plot line right here.  If you're a Grisham fan, you'll probably love this blend of mystery, memorable authors / felons, and surprise twists amidst a hurricane's aftermath.
Kindle - $14.99
Hardcover - $17.37
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Another old friend writes another new book.  And there's no better time, as we continue to figure out our practical responses to the pandemic, to sit down with Anne Bogel's Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life.

Anne offers a bounty of practical thoughts on freeing ourselves from that 'analysis paralysis' that holds us hostage from making decisions and moving forward.  She talks about information overload and perfectionism and gives concrete steps on 'what to do when your brain gets stuck on the bad stuff.'

Decision fatigue is a real and present danger for all of us and her common sense strategies to limiting your options so to ease your decision making process is brilliant and leaves you wondering why you never thought of these steps before.

Each chapter closes with a few simple questions to clarify your challenges and responses to what you're discovering about yourself.

This is a must read, for such a time as this, for sure.
Kindle - $9.49
Paperback - $9.99
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Another old friend I've been revisiting is Sarah Young's Jesus Today: Experience Hope Through His Presence.  

I'm not only paging through this little devotional for my own encouragement, but have started to read to my husband in the morning as we awake or in the evening before we pray and he conks right off to sleep.

It's been eons since I've read to him ... and I think he likes it.  {That I'm reading outloud.  Not that it's been eons!}

Sarah's messages are spot on and I love that she prints the Scripture verses out for the reader's ease.

Again, a must read for such a time as this.  This gem is small enough to tuck in your bag ... and a thoughtful, empathetic gift for a special someone who needs extra helpings of hope.
Hardcover - $11.98
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5 BOOKISH LINKS
Anne Bogel

chasing paper

Libraries Contemplate Reopening
Michelle J. Fernandez

Livia Gershon

Alli Hoff Kosick

Linda
➔  What books are awaiting your undivided attention on your night stand, coffee table, or kitchen counter?

➔  Feel free to share your most recent bookish post in the comment section.

➔  As an Amazon associate, I earn from your qualifying purchases when you use the links on my blog.

➔  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.

➔  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 titles with
Anne  .  Lisa  .  Mary

50 comments:

  1. I've read several very good fiction reads this year, thanks to the Modern Mrs. Darcy. I find myself deep in one I thought was ficiton but turns out to be more memoir called Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gotleib. As it's a subject that interests me, and it's well written, I am not only enjoying it but will purchase it because there are so many places I've highlighted. I'm eyeing that Grisham book now. Thanks, Linda!

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    1. Yep, Lori's book was one of my top 2019 picks ... I cautioned my readers about the language, but if you can put all that aside, it was a powerful read.

      http://www.lindastoll.net/2019/12/my-favorite-books-in-2019.html

      And yes, please, to another John Grisham, Debby. His jaded and wry sense of humor appeals to me right about now.

      I'm not sure why ...

      ;-}

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  2. It's getting hard to lose myself
    in words printed on the page;
    so many books are on the shelf,
    and I hope it's just a stage,
    one like anger and denial
    in the face of coming loss
    of life, forecast as such a daunting trial
    by the likes of Dr. Kubler-Ross.
    Whatever, man, it is OK,
    there's lots for me to do
    to sieze the moment, sieze the day,
    and work this whole thing through
    unto the very final minute,
    savouring, even then, what's in it.

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    1. Man, that you are seizing the moment and the day is such a huge inspiration to all who are finding life scary and uncertain.

      To savor life right about now, is a beautiful gift.

      Thanks for that nudge toward sane living, friend ...

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  3. I'm doing more reading than ever these days, Linda, and I so appreciate the links you've shared here. Believe it or not, I've never read anything by John Grisham. Could you recommend one for a first time reader? Thanks!
    Blessings!

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    1. Martha, hi! Grisham's 2nd book, The Firm {2009}, is said to have launched his stellar career as a best-selling author. Your question prompted me to pull mine off the shelf this afternoon and start yet another re-read.

      Thanks!

      Tom Cruise starred in the movie version in 1993 - here's the trailer -
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auxb3l4Y8j0

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  4. I have Anne's new book but haven't started it yet. I gravitate towards fiction, but I enjoy nonfiction once I get started. I do tend to overthink, so I am sure Anne's book will be helpful. I've not read Grisham yet, but I got one of his books at a library sale several months ago. (BTW, if you like legal dramas, you might watch Bull and see what you think. It's a different angle, but my husband and I enjoy it.)

    I don't use the library much because I have so many books stacked up to be read. If I walk around the library, I know I'll just add more to the stack. :-) But I do use them to put books on hold sometimes.

    I just finished Castle on the Rise, the sequel to The Lost Castle, by Kristy Cambron. This one is set in Ireland and is so good. I'm also reading through the Lark Rise to Candleford trilogy and then want to watch the series while I ride my exercise bike. I'm listening to Amberwell by D. E. Stevenson--I've never read her by I see her name mentioned frequently among readers.

    One that's just been released that I am looking forward to is Katherine Reay's Of Literature and Lattes. All of her books have a plethora of literary references. The first, Dear Mr. Knightley, is still my favorite.

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    1. Barbara, as ever, you come bearing a whole load of interesting reads! We all thank you!

      Anne's book was the first non-fiction book I read after a whole bunch of fiction. It was a distinctive change of pace and super helpful to me personally.

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  5. I just finished "Big Little Lies", which I didn't expect to like but I did. Thank you for the book recommendations. My biggest fear is running out of things to read.

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    1. Oh Laurie, running out of things to read. Now THAT'S an unsettling thought. I hope you find some worthy reads tucked away on your shelves ... maybe some surprises, some old favorites?

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  6. Linda,

    Thanks for sharing your list. I have a few books I am still working through. I'm off to read about how to get away from analysis paralysis.

    Blessings,
    Dolly

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    1. Yeah. Analysis paralysis. I'm guessing that Anne had no idea how her book could impact the way we walk through this pandemic ...

      Good stuff.

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  7. I'm only 4 weeks away from my hold being available of Anne's book! I'm excited to read it. I just got a book in the mail today: The Righteous Mind. I read it a few years ago and loved it. Now my book club is going to start it next week. Our library is now doing curbside pickup and I'm so happy about it. The 2 books I got last week are Beartown and Because Internet.

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    1. Curbside pick-up at the library!!!!!!!

      Yes, please, pretty please!!!!!!!

      I have no idea if / when that'll happen here in Massachusetts, but I'm rejoicing for you down south, dear friend!

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  8. I’ve been reading a book with my daughter. It’s called The god of small things. I’m only a few chapters in. I also ordered Wilding by Isabella Tree which I plan to start today since it’s raining again.

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    1. It's fun to read and chat through a book with a daughter or a sister or someone dear to your heart, isn't it ...

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  9. I've been all over the place in my reading. I just finished Book 2 in Sharon Garlough Brown's Sensible Shoes series--out of order as I had read the other three already.
    And I've been reading a book ABOUT Frederick Buechner, so I read some of his fiction just to get a glimpse of that side of his writing. I like his memoirs better.
    And now, I'm settling into Saints and Scoundrels by Nancy Guthrie, whom I always find to be brilliant and challenging.

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    1. Good morning, Michele! I'm impressed that you're settling into some challenging reads. Your selections are motivating me a bit, too!

      Most of my reading this year has been light and easy. Last year was all about non-fiction that made me think.

      Sensible Shoes sounds a bit fun right about now ...

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  10. Linda, it doesn't seem possible that it's time for another one of your book-bag posts, and yet, here we are. I just finished Andrew Peterson's book "Adorning the Dark" and loved it. I found "What Alice Forgot" on someone's recommended list (maybe Anne Bogel? I can't remember) and got the ebook from my library. It's more than 500 pages and I am amazed at how fast I'm reading! The link about quitting books caught my eye ... I've always felt a little rebellious about the fact that I only got about 70 (or was it fewer) pages into "All the Light We Cannot See" before I just couldn't read anymore. Pulitzer prizes or not, it just wasn't for me. Hugs, friend.

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    1. I know ... where did the month go, Lois?

      Anyway, yes, this is a great time for a 500+ page saga. I'm all in. Martha's question yesterday prompted me to jump into Grisham's The Firm and I'm hooked, yet again.

      And I agree with you about putting books down no matter who thinks they're great, prizes or not. I give it about 50 pages. And if it's not working for me for whatever reason, I move on to something more my style.

      Who has time to waste, ya' know?

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  11. I have Anne's book on my shelf, but yet to read it. I've been more drawn to fiction lately. Right now it is Barbara Kingslover's, The Bean Tree. And next is Where The Crawdad's Sing. And next is...I have a line-up! :)

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  12. Replies
    1. One of only 3 fictional authors whose books I've saved.

      An old friend, indeed ...

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  13. Right now ... to be honest, I am busy writing my next book, and also editing/producing a series of books of sermons for a priest I know.

    My books are on AMAZON. Here's my link as you asked: http://www.holyvisions.co.uk/visionsbookv4.htm

    God bless, Linda.

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    1. HEY READERS - Please do check out our friend Victor's books!

      ;-}

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  14. I've been loving on my ebooks lately, though I really miss browsing through the library! And to be honest, I miss browsing the aisles anywhere haha.

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    1. I'm with you, Tina. TJ Maxx stays still and shuttered just down the street and around the circle.

      Sad ...

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  15. Just finished "The Silent Patient" and was blown away. Maybe I'm naive but the twists REALLY suprised me!
    For a lighter read, I loved "Evvie Drake Starts Over."

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    1. Don't you just love when those twists come out of nowhere and leave you just sitting there, staring ahead?

      ;-}

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    2. Marilyn J DavidsonMay 18, 2020 at 11:24 AM

      I read The Silent Patient a few months ago - yes, it does have some great twists in it! I usually figure them out ahead of time, but that book I didn't!

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    3. Putting it on my 'to read' list even as we speak. Oh I can't wait til the library opens again!!!

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  16. I really loved Don't Overthink It and took so many lessons from it. I'm giving as gifts to girlfriends for birthdays all year. I love the Jesus Calling book, so I need to maybe get Jesus Today!

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    1. Stacie, hi! Yep, Don't Overthink is a perfect gift! I don't know too many people who aren't overthinking something right about now.

      One of my favorite things about Jesus Today is that the Scriptures are right there in front of you.

      So excellent ...

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  17. I LOVE John Grisham's books :). Thanks for the head's up on his new release!

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    1. I'm right in the middle of The Firm as your comment arrived, Anita!

      I'm glad you're here ...

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  18. always fun to see what others are reading and fun to read all these comments too. I can't wait for our library to open back up. I hear soon. I have been reading from my Kindle and tackling all those someday I will read book. I have two Parker Palmer books here right now. Enjoying them. Savoring them.

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    1. Let's hear it for savoring what we read, Jean. Not just galloping through the pages ...

      ;-)

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    2. got the book I won in the mail today. Thank you again!!

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    3. Yay! I was tracking it to be sure it got to your door!

      ;-}

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  19. Thank you for all you do, sweet friend. You are such a blessing to us all. I love and appreciate you!

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    1. Well, likewise, friend! I'm looking forward to sharing your new book with my readers ...

      ;-)

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  20. Oh I love the Sarah Young devotionals. Always seems to be right on spot. I also have started the devotional Embraced by Lysa Teurkerst and love it! I love to read Christian romance and Christian Mystery. I am a huge fan of Terri Blackstock and love anything she writes. Hoping to do more reading this summer. Still working PT so it makes it hard to really sit down and read unless it's at night and then I am tired! LOL! We just finished up our latest Bible study by Zoom so taking a break from in-depth teaching this summer and using my study time to do something lighter. I hope that you have a lovely week dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Cindy ... thanks so much for a few favorite titles and beloved authors! We've got a number of voracious readers around here, always looking for a new-to-them source of inspiration or relaxation.

      So glad you're here!

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  21. Marilyn J DavidsonMay 18, 2020 at 11:25 AM

    I posted a comment last week, but it disappeared into the virtual world! I will try again. I miss my library and large print books! My eyesight has diminished so much that I can't read any of my old regular size print books!! So instead of reading I have started going through some bags of stuff in my messy basement! I recently found a wonderful devotional book that I was given during my last cancer diagnosis/treatment ten years ago. "Journey Into Day" Meditations for new cancer patients - by Rusty Freeman. This book spoke to me during a very dark time when I couldn't hear or feel anything else. It is practical, uplifting and challenging as he shares his personal experience through the cancer journey. Definitely recommend it to anyone going through cancer.

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    1. Thanks for coming back again and giving me another try, Mah. I hate when comments disappear into thin air. And I love when people give me yet another try.

      Thanks especially for the meditations for new cancer patients. I remember when that book was a companion to you ... and sadly, there are many out there who need a faithful guide through one of life's most darkest valleys.

      I'm including a link to make it easier to find -
      https://www.amazon.com/Rusty-Freeman/dp/0817013504/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=journey+into+day+rusty+freeman&qid=1589981118&sr=8-1

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  22. any thing by John Grihsom is good, I read all of his twice...

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    1. Or three times!

      ;-}

      Just finished The Firm a few days ago. What an adventure!

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  23. Are the libraries ever going to reopen?!? They seem to be last on the list around here:( Someone mentioned curbside pickup - really? Brilliant!

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    1. I just found out this afternoon that ours opens for pick up on Tuesday. I'm so excited I can't stand it! I can't begin to tell you how much I've missed the access to new books.

      Keep us posted on your openings there, Jennifer!

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