Any suggestions?
As far as devotional reading, I've been slowly working my way through BIBLE DOCTRINE by Wayne Grudem and revisiting DON'T MAKE ME COUNT TO THREE by Ginger Plowman. On my to-read list is one my friend Danielle recommended recently, TREASURED: KNOWING GOD BY THE THINGS HE KEEPS by Leigh McLeroy.
What have you read lately that has been good food for thought?
HERE GOES MY LONG LIST OF FICTION...
I've rated each of the following accordingly:
* (1 star) It was okay. If not my cup of tea, maybe it's yours.
** (2 stars) Good. One to borrow from a friend or the library.
*** (3 stars) Very good. Well-written. Definately worth your time.
**** (4 stars) Excellent. On all levels. One for your personal library.
MY SISTER'S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult (***)
I'm only giving it 3 stars because I could see the "twist" coming. MY REVIEW.
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA by Arthur Golden (***) MY REVIEW.
SHANGHAI GIRLS by Lisa See (****) MY REVIEW.
ALL SHE EVER WANTED by Lynn Austin (****)
One of her best in my opinion. MY REVIEW.
LIFE WITHOUT SUMMER by Lynne Griffin (**) MY REVIEW.
THE SHACK by William P. Young (**) MY REVIEW.
PERSUASION by Jane Austen (****)
Though it lacks the sparring dialogue of Pride and Prejudice, it's probably my favorite Jane.
CHANGE OF HEART by Jodi Picoult (***) MY REVIEW.
CANDLE IN THE DARKNESS by Lynn Austin (**)
A PAINTED HOUSE by John Grisham (*)
DREAMERS by Angela Elwell Hunt (****)
An engaging look at Joseph, son of Jacob, and what his life might have looked like in story format.
BROTHERS by Angela Elwell Hunt (***)
This is a sequel to DREAMERS and centers around Joseph's brother Simeon, as he is held captive in the vizier's house until his brothers return to Egypt with their father and Benjamin.
THE WEDDING by Nicholas Sparks (*)
Nice and fluffy.
THORN IN MY HEART by Liz Curtis Higgs (*)
There were definately parts I liked, but there were also parts that really bugged me.
THE LUCKY ONE by Nicholas Sparks (*)
More warm fuzzies.
GAP CREEK by Robert Morgan (**)
Picked this one off the shelf. It earned itself an Oprah's Book Club sticker--so that's something. I'm still deciding if I liked it for that reason or in spite of it. :o)
EVE'S DAUGHTERS by Lynn Austin (***)
Makes you seriously consider the life decisions you make--hopefully with the hindsight of past generations and with fresh faith for those who will come after you.
VEILED FREEDOM by Jeanette Windle (***)
See my upcoming review.
THE ROAD HOME by Tommy Tenney (**)
A modern-day Ruth and Naomi with Lancaster County flavor.
THE DEBT by Angela Elwell Hunt (***)
A story that captures what can happen so easily in our churches and in our hearts.
THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards (*)
Maybe I should try to re-read this one, now that I'm not in the early weeks of caring for a newborn. I got halfway through it and decided it was too bleak to finish, and I hardly ever do that.
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini (****)
This was my second time through this captivating book. Even so, I asked for a copy for Christmas. It'll be on my yearly reading list now. :o)
REVEALED by Tamera Alexander (****)
REKINDLED " " (****)
Little-known author from what I can tell, but this and the sequel are well-written and extremely enjoyable. I actually liked the second more than the first, but you HAVE to read them in order to fully appreciate them.
WHEN THE HEART CRIES by Cindy Woodsmall (****)
WHEN THE MORNING COMES " " (****)
WHEN THE SOUL MENDS " " (****)
My favorite Amish/Mennonite series--definately more substantial than a lot of books in this genre.
THE YEAR OF PLEASURES by Elizabeth Berg (**)
This was given to me by my local library when I won the weekly draw among the adults participating in the summer reading program. It's not big on plot, but Berg's descriptive writing is a feast for the senses.
ATONEMENT CHILD by Francine Rivers (****)
Aside from books 1 & 2 in her Mark of the Lion series, this is a personal favorite of Rivers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Right now I'm reading BIRTH: THE SURPRISING HISTORY OF HOW WE ARE BORN by Tina Cassidy.
Next up:
CROSSFIRE by Jeanette Windle
THREE CUPS OF TEA by Greg Mortenson
MY LIFE IN FRANCE by Julia Child
ROOFTOPS OF TEHRAN by Mahbod Seraji
And sometime this year I simply must get to reading ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoy. It was on my list last year and, well...I got intimidated.
Happy Reading in 2010!
9 comments:
That's interesting, Cousin, but what I'd like to know is wheverEVER do you find time to read??? I mean, I'm single (for 46 days yet ;-)and I don't get anywhere near that many books read in a year's time. Wow. :-)
~Judi
Judi, I usually read in the evening after the kids are in bed or while I'm pedalling away at the gym. I also decided there really wasn't much that benefitted me on TV. :o)
You've got an excellent excuse in my opinion! Congratulations!
I was surprised by Candle in the Darkness. I loved it. Sorry you didn't so much. :)
How about some classics? I am reading more of Anne of Green Gables this month (I wrote a post today on the LLL blog.) I want to read a few other children's classics...or listen to them on audio.
Like you, I've determined that as much as I enjoy reading Amish books...there isn't much substance.
A few other authors I like Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock-both suspense.
As for nonfiction I am reading A Praying Life by Miller?? It's good.
MY LIFE IN FRANCE by Julia Child is on my reading list for this year too. And yes, you MUST read Anna Karenina! So good. But get a good translation. Mine was great, I'll look it up and let you know who the translators were.
I like your star rating. I think it will be another thing that I steal from you! :) Now, you need to tackle the 50 Book Challenge!! Yeah, I don't think I will make it this year, but it is fun to try. As far as The Memory Keeper's Daughter goes, it does get better. So, I would recommend reading it to at least finish it!
But Anna Karenina on the other hand...more power to ya! I had to read it in high school. I think I finished it, but it was WAY too long for me! (At least at the time)
One of my all-time favorites: Dear & Glorious Physician, by Taylor Caldwell. Hard to find, so I suppose you could borrow my copy! It's a fictionalized account of Luke's (as in the Gospel writer) life. If I remember correctly, the author spent about 12 years researching everything on Luke before writing!
I have read a few of those. The Memory Keeper's Daughter was good, but I could see not wanting to read it at that point in your life.
I loved MSK, and A Thousand Splendid Suns was incredible.
I LOVED this post. I have been so into reading the past few years. This was a great way to summarize your year of reading...but too much work for me. ;o)
You must read Anna....it's one of my favorites.
Three cups of tea is pretty good too. I'm anxious to see what you have to say about it.
Thanks for your note! And, speaking of my "excuse", could I please have your mailing address? I'd like to send you something. :-)
~Judi
Wow, quite a bibliophile, girl. You go!
I read A Change of Heart after reading your review. I loved the self-deprecating humor of the female lawyer from whose perspective it's written. I can't tell you how much I laughed, and I sure enjoyed the twist of plot. Three stars from me, also.
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