While I'm sure that I loved books and reading, it wasn't until I read Anne of Green Gables that I became completely enchanted with reading. Lucy Maud Montgomery's series was the first in which I lost myself, immersing myself completely in Anne's world. I have vivid memories of reading the books with my mom, curled up beside her, listening to her weave the tale of Anne and Diana and their life in Prince Edward Island. We came across the word "fortnight" and it was a completely unfamiliar to us. We, of course, looked it up and learned that it meant two weeks (but how much lovelier of a phrase!). My dearest friend Sarah and I even dressed as Anne and Diana for Halloween one year. I wish I had a picture to share because we really made quite the convincing pair. I do remember feeling slightly crestfallen that no one recognized us. How could the entire neighborhood be completely unfamiliar with Anne and Diana?
Having weeks of vacation (and a very lovely porch equipped with a hammock!) stretching before me, I took very seriously the choosing of books for this journey. Of course, a good bit of my reading time has been spent reading Barnyard Dance! and Goodnight Moon but I have managed to sneak in some of my own books as well. Just as I was preparing for this trip I read this post on Desiring God's blog. It encourages readers to take seriously the choice of reading material. He points out that we have limited time and that we should maximize that time to read books that will encourage and uplift us. While I am a firm believer that fiction makes our lives better and that a well written novel can change our lives, I also believe that a great deal of my reading time should be spent with books that challenge me and grow me. So with that said, here's what I've been reading at the beach:
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy & Kathy Keller
Radical by David Platt
A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg
I recommend them all!
The Mean of Marriage has provided Ben and me with hours of conversation as we seek to deepen and grow our relationship with one another. I've learned a great deal from Tim Keller through his books and sermons (available on iTunes) and am thankful that he and his wife chose to write on this subject. I know that it is impacting our marriage.
Radical carries the subtitle "Taking back your faith from the American Dream." This is one of the most convicting books I've read in a long time and will most likely be the subject of another post. My dear friend has just finished this book and Sarah, Diana of many years ago, is also reading it. This book is challenging me on the deepest levels.
Havel Kimmel is phenomenal and A Girl Named Zippy is nothing less than perfection. She tells stories from her childhood in a way that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. I have read this book every summer for the last four years or so and I'm pretty sure I've read it a couple additional times as well. I just cannot get enough of this one or the one that follows: She Got Up Off the Couch.
I started reading blogs about six years ago and somehow stumbled upon Orangette. I don't remember how I found her blog, but I've been a faithful reader ever since. I've long wanted to read her book, A Homemade Life, but it just hasn't happened until now. Her stories were lovely and I'm looking forward to trying a recipe or two from her book.
So there you have it. Good books are truly a gift and one I'm grateful for daily. Try any of these and I feel confident you'll find yourself thankful for the gift of words as well. But you don't have to take my word for it...
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