It's your turn! I'm always telling all of you what I've read and what you simply must read . . . and now I'm turning the tables. You tell me!I'm making out a list of what I want to read this year. Nothing is set in stone, obviously, but I still have plenty of room for recommendations. No matter the genre, what do you recommend? Here are the rules:
1. You have to already have read it.
2. You can only recommend one book. Clearly, it doesn't have to be the best book of all time, but give me something you really enjoyed, and want me to try.
3. If I pick yours, and write a review of it, I'll give you the credit.
Leave me a comment and tell me what to read!
28 comments:
I LOVED the O'Malley Chronicles by Dee Henderson. The first book is called the Negotiator. Actually you can get the first three books in the series in one book here...
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=524292&event=CFN
I've got all her books and have read them over and over. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I can't remember if you have already read this---and I know I have recommended it several times to several people already--but this is a fabulous (and very convicting) book to read as a Bible study. "Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I love her transparency and her bluntness. I have been so convicted in almost every chapter of this book! And I am so excited because she is coming out with a teen girl version of this--I am going to do a Bible study with my teen girls in a few months!
In the kids' books realm, Olivia Helps with Christmas is our favorite bedtime story for the moment. Hilarious! Probably more so because I have an Olivia at my house.....I think you can guess who!)
I love the Fisherman's Lady and The Marquis' Secret by George MacDonald. The Marquis' Secret is my favorite. They're well-written and the character development is amazing. Also, there's a good deal of philosophical discussion and great Scottish dialogue.
The Robe by Lloyd Douglas! It's about a Roman Commander at the time of Christ. You can borrow mine!
You've probably read almost everything I have, so there's not a whole lot that I can recommend..but there were some really good short stories that I had to read for my Fiction class, and I think my favorite, (which you might have already read) was The New England Nun by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman I also really liked The Darling by Anton Chekhov their kind of fun to read together and get two hugely different perspectives on how people alter themselves for one another, (or don't alter themselves)...so that's why I'm allowed to say two because they're short stories...:)
-emily
It wasn't the best book of all times and I usually read only historical fiction. (my escape from reality) Anyway, I did enjoy Four Perfect Pebbles. It's written by a lady from Peoria, IL that lived through and survived the holocaust (oh gosh, did I spell that wrong?). Anyway, it's written by her and about her family's journey. I found it very interesting. It's an easy and short read. I know you can get it from the BK ;).
I'd recommend anything by Penelope Fitzgerald. But, since you're looking for a single title, make it The Means of Escape.
This is her only book of short stories and it gives a taste of what you can expect in her nine perfect little novels.
A couple of other items: first, it was great to see a slightly battered copy of Basbanes's A Gentle Madness in the picture accompanying this post. Good to see you also have spent time self-diagnosing this disease we share.
Second, you and your seminary-genius husband need to visit DC sometime. Our guest quarters are done (pics here), and we can always use opponents for Trivial Pursuit: Book Edition.
Thanks everybody for the great recommendations! I have not read any of those, I don't think! I'll be mooching, borrowing, librarying and buying these!
Keep them coming! All you lurkers need to unveil yourselves and recommend a book to me.
I love reading silly and witty chick-lit and have found the May Vanderbilt/ Anne Dayton team to be promising (Christian fiction writers). They have three books out now - my favorite is their first "Emily Ever After". I think they're a good option for older teenagers or college aged young women who like this book genre.
I'm also finishing up "Doing Things Right in Matters of the Heart" and have found it to be outstanding (for single or coupled or married people, alike). Added bonus is it's a short little book; easy to pick up and read a chapter hten put down for several days without feeling the time lapse between readings. By John Ensor.
I broke the rules by posting more than one... forgive me! Sorry! I'm bad at declaring favorites... except for Ben N Jerry's Flavors (Phish Food!).
Thanks Gretchen for this great idea. I havwe gleaned over it and got some good book ideas for myself. :) Am looking for the one from Elise-Doing things right in the matter of the heart. Just love the title. Thanks Elise.
Aunt Diane
Yes, Elise, that book is GREAT! Good choice to put forward. I have read it, but I just might read it again. You are awesome, girl!
I'll have to draw from my own 2007 list, since I can't remember much before then! :) I think you told me that you read "Lies my teacher told me" which would be my top pick, so try "Body Piercing Saved My Life" by Andrew Beaujon. You can read my review on my blog. It was an interesting read, and in a genre that I don't usually dip into.
My favorite book in all of my library..."The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. He got it. He understood that everything was an act of worship even washing dishes in the monastery. Massively instructive and deeply moving at the same time. An annual must read.
Peace,
Paul Dziadul
I have been reading Be A People Person by John Maxwell. I don't know if you have read it, but I am really enjoying it! I have decided to read 50 new books this year. You are my inspiration!! Love ya girl.- Rachel
I don't think I met your husbands future brother-in-law. Yeah, the move may be getting closer...either at the end of Jan. or the end on March. Kinda crazy, I know! I should know more by the end of this week. I'll keep you posted. Take care!
I really enjoyed "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham. I read it for myself and also aloud to my boys last school year. The story chronicles the life of Nathaniel Bowditch, a mathematical genius who was mostly self-taught in Latin, math, and science.
Gret
I'm pulling you in on my political blog! :) I know if you were hear we would be having the best discussions! Dad and I watched some of the primary last night and now I'm totally pumped! I like two candidates and so I'm watching to see how they fair. Our Primary is Feb. 5th so I have to completely decide by then.
Oh MY WORD - I wrote "hear" instead of "here"! Dumb! Next time it will pay to proof read before I hit the send button!
Gretchen,
I know you're not at this stage yet, but I would recommend any of Sally Clarkson's books on mothering. She has a great perspective and inspiring vision for the home and family as a mom's ministry. "The Mission of Motherhood" was the first one of hers that I read and it was deeply impactful to my life as a mom! Her thoughts really encouraged me and helped me to be a more intentional mother. Check it out!
Blessings to you, and happy reading!
Rachel
I would recommend a book (actually a collection of short stories arranged around a similar theme) that won the Pulitzer a few years ago -- The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. Her stories are memorable and so well-written. She focuses on tension that clashing cultures can produce in a person (her focus is India/America). She's my favorite modern author, and I find her writing effortless to read. I'd highly recommend the book.
Still in the spirit of the season, I HIGHLY recommend The Miracle of Christmas by Johnny Mac....You've probably already read it, but it's classic. I try to read it every year in December. Just finished it 3 nights ago....
PS Thanks for your constant encouragement on the blog - you are a faithful friend, Gret.
I"m thinking .....wanting to post something you haven't read, that I have. That may be a stretch! Hee Hee
Of course Im mid way through Team of Rivals and I'm floored by it. I know Josh read it but I can't remember if you have or not???
I'll be back.
Gretchen,
I can't think of one thing that I have read that you haven't that you would POSSIBLY ever want to read! LOL! Meaning I could recommend lots of good books, but you have read them all, and there are a few odd books that I really liked that you haven't read, but I can bet that you would not like them. How strange. Can't contribute. :*(. Oh well, I guess since I can't just pick one Nicholas Sparks book, I just pick the whole series. hahahahahaha..um....joking.
Anna
I HIGHLY recommend "By the Fruit of Her Hands" Nancy Wilson.
Even if you don't do a review...this is an EXCELLENT book for any wife...or single woman.
I would be surprised if you hadn't already read this, but my recommendation is The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It is a wonderful book, and I think she has such a wonderful name :-).
Corrie Beth
Corrie Beth!
My dear cousin named for one of my greatest heroes. Yes, I HAVE read Corrie Ten Boom's books, a good majority of them (if not all).
The Hiding Place is a classic of unparalleled perfection, but I also was quite affected by Tramp for the Lord and In My Father's House (the latter is sadly out of print).
Thanks everybody, for great suggestions! I have never heard of some of these, so believe me when I say I'll be looking for them right away!
Gretchen, my mom just introduced me to your Blog. I will definitely give you a recommendation given the similarity of our interests in reading, but I need to think through how to give you just one!
Steve Hill
Hey, Steve!
This is why I should probably check back for comments on past posts. :) I would love a recommendation from my cousin, thanks!
~Gretchen
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