I love non-fiction. I know that puts me in the minority, but give me a good book full of fascinating info and I am a goner. Here are three good ones I devoured in August:
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but am not obligated to give it a good review.
In Gulley’s latest book he explains some of the key beliefs in the Quaker faith. These pillars are simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. I really enjoyed this easy to read peek into a faith I really didn’t know much about.
On Simplicity he writes: “What is needed is a new measure of success, for it is clear the further acquisition of good is not only unsustainable but also ultimately unsatisfying.”
With quotes like this and the included questions in the back of the book, this would be a great topic to study in a small group or Sunday School class interested in learning more about Quakers. Not only will you learn more, you will have lots of material to ponder and discuss.
By the way, this book isn’t officially released until Sept. 17. For more information and to read a sample chapter, click here.
Don’t you just love discovering a true story full of adventure and courage that you never heard of before? In my writer’s heart I would love to find that magical story and bring it to life.
Cate Lineberry has done just that.
The Secret Rescue is the forgotten story of American nurses and medics who crash land in a plane behind Nazi lines in WW II. They wander for months over rugged mountain terrain during a severe winter in order to escape. They face life threatening attacks and conditions beyond our imagination.
The story will restore your faith in ordinary people rising above their circumstances and the hope found in others, perfect strangers, risking their own lives to save them.
It is a great story of courage and survival.
Ever have a book that you highlight so much you could have colored every word? Noticing God is that book for me.
This book explores ways to experience God in sudden mystical ways and in ordinary daily living. Peace calls this the spiritual discipline of noticing God.
“God’s presence pervades our world. God is not in hiding. The problem is with us. We don’t know where to look or what to expect…We need to learn to notice.“
This is another good book for small group discussion. Questions are included in the back of the book too.
What have you been reading lately?
I’ve read the Gulley fiction books too and really liked him. It does show that a writer can write in both fiction and non fiction but many have trouble doing that. I will go reread your review of the Bloom book too.
Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing!! will check it out
Wow! All three books sound fantastic! I’m adding them to my reading list. I’ve read several of Phillip Gulley’s novels, about a Quaker minister in small-town Indiana. He tucks truth and life-lessons into his very engaging stories. And his humorous writing style has me saying to my pastor-husband, “Listen to this–you’ll love it!”
I recently finished reading Jon Bloom’s book, Not by Sight. In fact, I wrote a review about it a few posts back at http://www.nancyaruegg.com on August 13. The post is entitled, “Imagine.” (I don’t know how to set up a link, or I’d make it easier to find!)
How exciting that you ask! This week I am helping an author friend, Frank Borne, share about his book, ” But for the Grace of God.” It is a fiction book based on his life that shares a story of a young boy who learns his father had become an abuser to his second family and survivor’s guilt. He is a great guy! Check him out.
I am so glad we connected Susan and happy to have you as part of our group. I live in the very NW corner of Ohio probably as far away from you and still be in Ohio. You will love the Secret Rescu with your interest. Yes I think it could be appropriate for youth but check it out for sure.
by the way, I do know a little about SE Ohio. Been to Fly and my in-laws used to live in Vinton County.
I had a great month of reading. You know sometimes you start a book and give it up and become discouraged but these three really hit the spot with me. Funny I too have a huge stack of books waiting for me too. Writers are readers!
I really liked the book Clella. What an interesting spiritual discipline don’t you think? Noticing God. very powerful!
Hi Gloria, I think Gulleys book will be a great resource for you about the Quakers. I enjoyed it.
amen Mia
the secret rescue sounds like my kind of book. i’ve been reading for school lately and am ready for one just for me. and here’s a long weekend….off to the downloads!
I am so glad that I found your blog! Thank you for the e mail! We are also fellow Buckeyes(: Ilive in a small town in southeastern Ohio. I love WWII history and plan to download The Secret Rescue on my NOOK tonight! My daughter is in jr high. Is this appropriate for her? thank you friend! Susan
Looks like you found some winning titles, Jean. I’ve got a HUGE stack of books on my bedside table, but these look like worthy additions. 🙂
I am ordering Noticing God. Thanks.
Jean, I am in contact with a young Quaker girl and her closing statement to me was “I’m holding you up to the Light.” I want to know more about her faith. I’ll look for these books.
Dear Jean
So many of the world’s people doesn’t know their God and many,many,many sit in the church pews for years with their minds veiled by the evil one.
Blessings xx