One of the nicest things friends do is to fill our lives with smiles. Friends hang in. Even if they can't get there or be there in the moment, they come when they can.
So it is for my friend Peg. She's a busy executive with multiple responsibilities, and she's written about what she's reading this summer. Peg says, “We read Sea Glass . . . I enjoyed the novel and reading about that time in history. I've been on the road quite a bit and heave been listening to a book that I have realized is based on a true story. The Innocent Man by John Grisham -- to tell you the truth I could not finish the book, it was very disconcerting. I have listened to my first book by David Rosenfelt and love his style of writing. Open and Shut was the book and I plan on reading/listening to more.”
Peg also read Three Cups of Tea:One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations, by David Mortenson. It was, she reports, “very interesting.” Peg also commented that she has “not read Pillars of the Earth yet, but this has peaked my interest.”
It's interesting how many “readers” are actually “listeners” who take in a book however they can. Technology gives us so many new options!
I must admit I'm tempted by the Kindle -- the price is still too much for me to indulge in one but it's tempting to be able to carry so many books in such a small package.
No matter what the options are, the important thing is the story, the information. No matter how it's delivered, a book is a good thing.
Showing posts with label reading lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading lists. Show all posts
Friday, August 1, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
And More Books . . .
We read books for a lot of different reasons – to be entertained, to be informed, to be provoked. Books can make us uncomfortable or they can comfort us, and both kinds of books are important. A good book is like a visit with a friend – it nourishes us one way or another.
My friend Bobbie is reading Jan Karon's Mitford series. She says, “I am really enjoying it. I'm on the second of six. This is about a town called Mitford and an Episcopalian minister named Father Tim., the church and twon people and their lives.”
Bobbie adds, ”These books were a gift from a friend which makes them more special to me.”
Isn't it neat when someone gives us a book they think we'll enjoy? Some of the best books I've read have been gifts, or recommendations from a friend. That's what happened with my friend Norma. She says, “For my birthday my daughter gave me five books, which I'm sure she carefully chose for me. One of the books is 'What Now?' by Ann Patchett, and she tells how we ask ourselves that question when transitioning from one stage of life to another and how we should find joy in our journey.”
Norma adds, “I thought it was interesting that as she was preparing the commencement speech for her alma mater, she consulted her college professor and wanted his opinion after all these years had passed. I enjoyed this book very much.”
Norma is also reading Marley & Me by John Grogan. She says, “Marley is a very rambunctious dog who the author and his wife acquired as newlyweds to prepare them for having children. This is a very humorous book that has you laughing out loud as he describes in great detail their dealings with Marley and the various situations they encounter. I hated to see the book come to an end.”
On her bookstack of books to be read, Norma has The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. She says, “I am anxious to get started – but it may be awhile because I am getting ready for a visit from our five grandchildren.”
Norma also makes an interesting observation. She says, “I wish I were (a more avid reader) because readers are very knowledgable and can contribute so much to conversations. I'm trying to read more, but the weeds in my garden keep calling to me.”
It's just my opinion, but I think Norma's choices reveal a fine reader!
My friend Bobbie is reading Jan Karon's Mitford series. She says, “I am really enjoying it. I'm on the second of six. This is about a town called Mitford and an Episcopalian minister named Father Tim., the church and twon people and their lives.”
Bobbie adds, ”These books were a gift from a friend which makes them more special to me.”
Isn't it neat when someone gives us a book they think we'll enjoy? Some of the best books I've read have been gifts, or recommendations from a friend. That's what happened with my friend Norma. She says, “For my birthday my daughter gave me five books, which I'm sure she carefully chose for me. One of the books is 'What Now?' by Ann Patchett, and she tells how we ask ourselves that question when transitioning from one stage of life to another and how we should find joy in our journey.”
Norma adds, “I thought it was interesting that as she was preparing the commencement speech for her alma mater, she consulted her college professor and wanted his opinion after all these years had passed. I enjoyed this book very much.”
Norma is also reading Marley & Me by John Grogan. She says, “Marley is a very rambunctious dog who the author and his wife acquired as newlyweds to prepare them for having children. This is a very humorous book that has you laughing out loud as he describes in great detail their dealings with Marley and the various situations they encounter. I hated to see the book come to an end.”
On her bookstack of books to be read, Norma has The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. She says, “I am anxious to get started – but it may be awhile because I am getting ready for a visit from our five grandchildren.”
Norma also makes an interesting observation. She says, “I wish I were (a more avid reader) because readers are very knowledgable and can contribute so much to conversations. I'm trying to read more, but the weeds in my garden keep calling to me.”
It's just my opinion, but I think Norma's choices reveal a fine reader!
More Books . . .
It's hard to imagine a world where books were copied by hand, and so were incredibly precious and expensive. It is so easy for us to take books for granted! But we exchange ideas and stories and news so easily because we have books – and magazines and newspapers and brochures and online – let's hear it for the printing press!
More book reports are coming in. Angie reports she's been “reading a variety of things lately . . . including Good News About Injustice by Gary A. Haugen,” who is “the president of the International Justice Mission, and he writes about God's heart for those who suffer injustice.”
Angie says, “I am really enjoying it so far and look forward to finding out more things that I can do to be involved with bringing justice to the oppressed.”
Another book Angie is reading is Writer Mama by Christina Katz. Angie says, “This book is so informative. It has a lot of good ideas of ways to start a writing career while raising kids. It includes some helpful tips that I've already taken advantage of.”
Angie is also reading The Shack by William P. Young. She says “I heard about this book at my writing conference and how it is shaking the publishing world. It is a bit controversial but I found it to be a fresh perspective on where God is in the middle of suffering and how he helps us through hard times. I'm glad I read it, to check out the controversy and at the same time be encouraged.”
Nikki is reading Heaven by Randy Alcorn. She says, “I love it! It has really opened my eyes to how heaven might be and has definitely encouraged me to have more of an eternal perspective here on earth! We have such hope in Christ and this book even helps you visually imagine what heaven may be like, which is something we can joyfully anticipate and look forward to!”
Nikki goes on to report that “It has short chapters, so I can read one each evening before bed without falling asleep! It is awesome and I highly recommend it. It came highly recommended by my mother-in-law – who even bought copies to hand out as gifts!”
Nikki's observation fits in nicely with my friend Rosemary's criterion for a good book: It has to be something she can hold up in bed easily!
More book reports are coming in. Angie reports she's been “reading a variety of things lately . . . including Good News About Injustice by Gary A. Haugen,” who is “the president of the International Justice Mission, and he writes about God's heart for those who suffer injustice.”
Angie says, “I am really enjoying it so far and look forward to finding out more things that I can do to be involved with bringing justice to the oppressed.”
Another book Angie is reading is Writer Mama by Christina Katz. Angie says, “This book is so informative. It has a lot of good ideas of ways to start a writing career while raising kids. It includes some helpful tips that I've already taken advantage of.”
Angie is also reading The Shack by William P. Young. She says “I heard about this book at my writing conference and how it is shaking the publishing world. It is a bit controversial but I found it to be a fresh perspective on where God is in the middle of suffering and how he helps us through hard times. I'm glad I read it, to check out the controversy and at the same time be encouraged.”
Nikki is reading Heaven by Randy Alcorn. She says, “I love it! It has really opened my eyes to how heaven might be and has definitely encouraged me to have more of an eternal perspective here on earth! We have such hope in Christ and this book even helps you visually imagine what heaven may be like, which is something we can joyfully anticipate and look forward to!”
Nikki goes on to report that “It has short chapters, so I can read one each evening before bed without falling asleep! It is awesome and I highly recommend it. It came highly recommended by my mother-in-law – who even bought copies to hand out as gifts!”
Nikki's observation fits in nicely with my friend Rosemary's criterion for a good book: It has to be something she can hold up in bed easily!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)