It has been cold here in Texas (relatively speaking) which means it’s been “reading weather”. This month I’ve read the following books:
1. Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life by Crystal Paine I must say this is the best book I’ve read on this topic. Crystal gives practical advice from a Christian perspective.
2. Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul by John Eldredge, Stasi Eldredge I began reading this book about a year ago, got distracted, and put it down. I recently re-visited it and am glad I did. I highly recommend this for all women and especially women in their late teens and 20’s. I wish I had the truths they teach engrained in my heart when I was younger. I think it would have saved me a lot of heart ache.
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (written by the author who also wrote The Kite Runner) A story about Afghanistan spanning from before the Russian invasion to modern day. A real page turner that depicts the plight of Afghan women and the negative effects of war on this country. WARNING: This book has some disturbing depictions of spousal abuse and I do not recommended it for young teens or sensitive readers.
4. These High, Green Hills (Mitford Years #3) by Jan Karon Book 3 in the Mitford series. An easy, enjoyable read about the fictional town Mitford and the lives of Father Tim, his wife Cynthia and the quirky townspeople of Mitford who become like family. I read this book at bedtime. It’s fun and fairly predictable so you can read and not get so caught in the book that you stay up all night.
5. Living Beyond Your Feelings: Controlling Emotions So They Don’t Control You by Joyce Meyer This book was o.k. A good percentage of the material was covered in her previous works.
And Now for my February Reads:
A. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White (I began reading this book in Jan. and will finish soon) A must read for all writers. As a side-note, the co-author is E.B. White, the author of Charlotte’s Webb, one of my all time favorite books.
B. Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book and since the movie is expected to be released in March, I thought I’d give it a try.
C. Out to Canaan (Mitford Years #4) by Jan Karon #4 in the Mitford series. A continuation of the “happenings” in the sleepy town of Mitford.
D. What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey I am wanting to delve into the topic of “grace” and how it applies to my life. I yearn for a greater understanding so I thought I’d read this classic book.
E. Lord, I Need Grace to Make It by Kay Arthur This is a book I bought at Goodwill a while back and thought I’d read it in conjunction with Phillip Yancey’s book
F. Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy A time management book that is recommended on the Money Saving Mom web site.
G. The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life by Bruce Wilkinson I went to a prayer meeting recently and our pastor went through this quickly. I read the book years ago and thought it might be time to re-visit.
I. Jesus, the One and Only by Beth Moore, Dale McCleskey I ordered this book on my Kindle when Beth Moore released several free book in December. I look forward to this study. I think this will mesh perfectly with the two books on grace since there would be no grace if it were not for Jesus.
Concerning Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst, I started the study and go side tracked. I’m going to put it aside and will continue at a later date.
This is a very ambitious reading list, 8 books in one month but I look forward to the wonderful hours spent reading.
Have you read any good books lately? Let me know what you’re reading. I’m always looking for a good read.