Summer Book and Podcast Reviews

It's time for book reviews. This has been a good year for books. But, is there ever a bad year? I think not.

My reading life has taken me from the depths of sorrow to the heights of joy, with everything else tucked in between these two extremes. I've ventured out of my favorite genre this year, that being memoir, and found novels that have been a delight.

My favorite book of fiction this year is The Guernsey Potato Peel and Literary Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. I listened in audio form as I traveled to West Virginia in January. Not only did the trip seem short, but there were times I stayed in my car and continued to listen after I arrived at my destination. The story is set in the Guernsey Islands, located between France and England, during World War II. The voice of the British narrator captured my attention as she described the small island and its importance during this unforgettable time in our history. Written in letters to and from the main characters may not be to everyone's liking, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story woven through correspondence. I give this book 5/5 stars without blinking.

If you're interested in the spiritual discipline of resting on the Sabbath, I recommend Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller, and Rest of God by Mark Buchanan. Each of these books dive into the Fourth Commandment of God: Remember the Sabbath and Keep it Holy. A commandment rather than a suggestion, the Christian Church is the worst offender. Every meeting and practice known to man is scheduled on this holy day. I include myself in the offense. These books give practical and spiritual ways to reorganize your life to allow the time needed to develop an intimate relationship with Almighty God. He designed and created us for rest. Again, I give 5/5 stars to each of these books.

I'm an unashamed book nerd who reads for pleasure, knowledge, and inspiration. Another book I've grown from spiritually is Hearing God by Dallas Willard. This is one of the best books I've ever read on developing an inner life with Christ. I intentionally read this book slowly so I didn't miss a thing. He explained every way possible to hear the voice of God, through scripture, the Holy Spirit, personal relationships, sermons, books, and life experiences. I learned the meditating practice of "lecto devino" in reading scripture.

A second book in the same vein is Prayer by Timothy Keller. It was the perfect sequel to Hearing God. I think I can safely say most Christians profess a desire for a fulfilling prayer life, yet many fail to make it a spiritual discipline. This book taught me how to pray according to scripture. I'm careful to recommend books to my readers, so again, these last two books earn 5/5 stars.

Before I close this post I wanted to share a new podcast on the inter web. The Next Right Thing, hosted by Emily P. Freeman, is one you need to check out. The description says: "For the second-guessers, the chronically hesitant, or anyone who suffers from decision fatigue." It is so much more than her description. She offers listeners spiritual and practical insight to the everyday issues we all face; how to face the day by including the Presence of Christ in the simple as well as complicated moments of life.

Let me know if you pick up any of these books. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.

I'd love to encourage you to visit your local library. There's a world of free information at your fingertips. A library card allows you to browse any topic you're interested in, place holds on books for quick pick-up, access to various classes, movies, audio books, guest speakers, free wi-fi, and a quiet environment to work. My rule of thumb for books is I normally buy anything I may want to highlight or bookmark, and most fiction I read comes from my local library. It's saved me mega bucks, and just visiting my library makes me feel smarter.

Also, if you like podcasts, What Should I Read Next, and From the Front Porch are great resources for finding a book that's right for you.

Happy reading, friends!

My Favorites...Online and Off

Now that a new year has begun and we've settled into the winter slump, I thought I'd share some of my favorite on-line hangouts, as well as a book or two.

I love listening to podcasts when I'm walking, driving, or any number of daily activities. Podcasts can be educational, enlightening, and most of all entertaining. The hosts become your virtual friends in this crazy, noisy world we live in today. Most of the ones I listen to have been recommended from bloggers I trust. Clicking on the titles will take you directly to the shows.

~My Favorite Podcasts~

Sorta Awesome with Megan Tietz 

This show has three co-hosts who rotate with Megan. They cover every topic under the sun from books, parenting, cooking, self-care, pop culture, and my favorite topic, personality types. They are fun, positive women in this R-Rated world we find ourselves in. You would not have to worry about young ears if they happened to be in the car with you or come into the room while you're folding laundry.

What Should I Read Next?

The newest podcast on my playlist has jumped to the #2 spot. The author of the popular blog, Anne Bogel, who writes at Modern Mrs. Darcy, just launched her own podcast on January 10th. If you love books and reading you'll want to subscribe. Her voice alone is worth the listen. It has a soothing quality that has me checking my downloads for new episodes. Her blog, as well as the podcast have the ability to entice a non-reader to make a trip to their local library. 

Personality Hacker

If you're interested in learning about personality types via Myers-Briggs, you'll love this podcast. It has taught me invaluable lessons about the wiring of my brain. I've been able to use the information in everyday living.

The Simple Show with Tsh Oxenreider

The Simple Show is another voice that speaks on many topics such as parenting, books, writing, and traveling, while striving to live a simpler, uncluttered lifestyle. She has excellent guests that help make this one of the top podcasts on the web. This is another kid friendly podcast.

~My Favorite Books of 2015~

2015 was a great year for books...but is there ever a bad year? Not for me. I could bore you with my endless list, but these are the ones that stood out and beg to be read again and again.

My number one book would have to be Wild in the Hollow by Amber C. Haines. Her writing is like medicine for my soul. She has a way of communicating through the written word that helped the broken places in my life find healing. She writes with authenticity and from the raw pain of God's redemption and restoration of her broken life. Her life is a testimony of God's faithfulness and love when we least expect or deserve it.

Simply Tuesday was released in August of 2015. I began reading it right away, but it's a book that needs to be read slowly and thoughtfully because of the nuggets of truth in every single page. The author, Emily P. Freeman, is one of the deepest thinking people I've ever encountered. In this, her fourth book, she writes on finding space for your soul to breathe. She calls us to a life of deep devotion to Christ, of sitting in His Presence, of being present in the ordinary days of life. I can't recommend this book with enough stars. But don't hurry through it, you don't want to miss a single word.

Another book on my favorites list that had me gushing about its content is Emily Whaley and her Charleston Garden. Emily and co-writer William Baldwin penned a lovely book about gardening, life in the south, and all things Emily Whaley. I loved this little book so much I drove myself to Charleston for the day to see the 30 x 100 foot patch of ground they wrote about. The private garden was alive and well many years after her death in 1988. She described life in the low country of South Carolina before it became a vacation destination. Her depiction of those years left me wanting to read more of this fascinating woman and her life in Charleston. 

I'll stop for now. You're either on overload from too much information, or you can't wait to check out these great books and podcasts.  

Until next time...

Cindy