What are you reading right now?
I am normally a nonfiction reader so this will surprise those of you who know me – I actually read and finished a fiction book this past week. I also enjoy several nonfiction ones in my improved practice of making the time for self-care in reading. This was one of my goals for 2020.
The spiritual practice of reading feeds the mind and the heart. New ideas stretch our imagination and shape our faith. I love opening my eyes to see the world in new ways, in God’s way.
What am I reading?
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michelle Richardson.
This is the fiction book I mentioned above. I did enjoy the story and couldn’t put it down once I get started. Based on historical facts about in the 1930s in Kentucky where women rode mules or horses to deliver books and reading material into the hills of Appalachia – of course, anything doing with books appealed to me. The main character is a traveling librarian, part of Roosevelt’s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project.
One other interesting historical fact in this book is the story of the blue-skinned people in Kentucky, an extended family whose skin tone was blue, stemming from a recessive gene disorder.
I like books with a strong woman character who shows courage and strength. What I don’t like is a book that is predictable about the resolution of the story. Unfortunately, this book is one I could anticipate how everything would be wrapped up at its conclusion.
God’s Best During your Worst by Robin Luftig
I know the author and knew she had had a brain tumor. This is her story and how her faith and family gave her strength during such a difficult, uncertain time. What a witness.
This book also gives resources and Bible lessons for anyone facing a challenge that threatens their or their loved one’s lives. Robin offers a workbook style of questions and writing space to chart your own journey. I felt as if Robin was speaking just to me as she shared her story full of real-life questions and fears with wisdom and faith. This book full of encouragement guides the reader from panic to peace and the presence of God.
We Will Feast – Rethinking Dinner, Worship and the Community of God by Kendall Vanderslice
This challenging book focuses on the value of interactions with faith over dinner and how the table becomes a place of worship. Hospitality is not one of my gifts and reading this book encouraged me to open my doors more often and enhance any opportunity around a meal.
The dinner church movement is growing, and this book gives many examples. I know a couple of local people are so excited after reading this book, they have already scheduled the author to come here later in the year. Yes, I will attend!
This book will nourish your faith in many ways and motivate you to practice community around the table.
What are you reading?
Thanks for sharing these books, Jean. I have had a horrible reading month. I’ve been trying to read just one book for weeks now and I can’t seem to finish! And it is a great book at that! ha. It is “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.” It is nonfiction but reads like fiction. Hopefully this week I’ll finish up and then get back on my reading track again. 🙂
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek sounds intriguing. I never heard of blue-skinned people! Did that happen as a result of exposure to bluegrass?! I just started The Land and the Book–plucked from my husband’s shelves–about Israel. Our Bible study group just started Joshua and I thought more background about the land might be especially interesting. Am also reading a historical fiction/mystery by Stefanie Pintoff. So far so good. But I hate to recommend a book until I finish, just in case the ending is disappointing! Another novel you might enjoy, Jean, is Francine River’s Redeeming Love, based on the book of Hosea, set in the Old West. It offers WONDERFUL imagery of God’s love for us!
Hi nancy – the history of the blue-skinned people and the prejudices against them is fascinating. I had never heard of them before either so have done some extra reading since the book. Wow your book suggestions sounds great oo. Thanks
Well, I am working through 2 books at once, which I usually don’t do, but more than 1/2 way through both and hope to wrap up by this weekend. Upon your recommendation, I am enjoying the “Brain -Powered Weight Loss” book and then also finishing up Kathie Lee Gifford’s book, “the Rock, the Road and the Rabbi”. Have been a bit derailed this last week with some extra chores, visiting my brother before he had a much needed procedure, but hope now to settle in and finish both. Thanks for the new suggestions, the “God’s Best During Your Worst” sounds like an excellent read right now. Thank you and hopefully you had a wonderful silent retreat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘🛐
Oh I do read multiple books at once so welcome to the club! As a side with all the craziness going on, my silent retreat was canceled I will need to blog about that at a later date. Disappointed but understandable. Take care!
All these books sound intriguing, Jean. I’m currently reading 1776 by David McCullough. Fascinating look at early American history and the revolution. It’s non-fiction, of course, so it really might appeal to you.
Hope you and yours are staying safe during this virus outbreak!
Blessings!
We all need good reads, especially right now. I love David McCullough books. so detailed. You too stay safe.