March of the Books

We're squeaking in under the wire for the books of March. Hope you find some new friends among them as I have. As always, please share what you're reading and let me know if any of these become favorites. Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren F. Winner.

I was sad when I found out that this book was coming out, in fact, I wrote a whole post about that. Lauren is one of my heros, I appreciate the way she thinks and the way she does faith and this book was about the aftermath of her divorce and the death of her mother. It broke my heart. The way she met her husband (written about in Mudhouse Sabbath) has always made me hopeful and sentimental. Her optimism and questions have encouraged me to no end. So, I started this book with trepidation. I loved it. Yes, it was hard to read in places, but life is hard to live. This book is hard to explain, and even harder to process, but I would recommend it to those who have been Christians for a while, to those who know what it looks like to wonder at God, or be angry with Him, or those who have considered walking away and then wondered "Lord, where would we go?" This book is for you. I plan to return to it again and again, season by season.

The Thorn and the Blossom by Theodora Goss.

I checked this book out because of the strange format. The book itself is double sided (a two-sided story) you read one side, from the perspective of one character and then turn it over and read the other side of the story. If you should read this, be careful not to drop it, it takes a while to re-fold it into a perfect accordion, not that I would know. The story itself was not life-changing, but it was interesting and a very quick read.

The Adventures of Herge by José-Louis Bocquet and Jean-Luc Fromental.

This is a graphic novel biography of Herge (the author of the Tintin books). I have read these books for years, loving the character of Tintin and his dog Snowy. It was interesting to get a little more insight into the creator of these tales. If you're a fan of Tintin, check out this very unique biography!

Praying For Strangers by River Jordan.

I’ve read River’s fiction, at least some of it, and I’ve enjoyed it. This is something different, a journal of sorts about her resolution to pray for one stranger a day. It’s moving, inspiring and it reminded me of the power of prayer, and it was amazing to see all the little connections and the ways people (including River) were encouraged.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson. 

By the same author as 13 Little Blue Envelopes comes another young adult novel set in a hotel. I love stories about hotels, I will probably have to write one one of these days, but this one was not as great as I would like. I'm coming to grips with the truth: teen fiction is not written with me in mind. I love a good teen book (ie: I Am the Messenger, Heist Society etc) that seems to transcend the age of the characters, but this one was just a little predictable for me.

Here is New York by E. B White.

This is a lovely “travel” piece which ends up being a bit of a homage to New York and what it used to be. I enjoyed it, as much for it’s philosophy as for what it gave me in information. A quote I loved: “Creation is in part merely the business of forgoing the great and small distractions.”

Trading Christmas by Debbie Macomber.

I love stories where people switch places with one another. This was a romance, so the writing was not awesome. It was a little short which made it a little rushed, but it was cute and schmaltzy and generally the sort of thing I like to read/watch around the holidays. Of course, I read it in March, but it's close to Christmas right?

Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark.

This is a story about an etiquette expert who has spent her life escaping from her famous family (her dad is a celebrated chef in New Orleans) until one day when her father is shot. Before he goes into his coma, he leaves her with a message and she must try to figure out what it means with the help of a friend. I have read almost all of the books by Mindy, which were mostly grouped into series'. I like the idea of stand-alone books and these certainly do the trick. This one is filled with mystery, intrigue and the interesting history of New Orleans, among other things. I enjoyed each heart-pounding moment.

What are you reading?