Comments on: Recent Reads

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:06:50 +0000

In reply to Kay in UK. :)

By: Kay in UK

Kay in UK — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:00:06 +0000

Florida?! Oh, if only ……! 🙂
Have a wonderful time!
xxoo

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:56:51 +0000

In reply to Ember.

I think you would like Wendell Berry, Ember…you two are kindred souls. 🙂 Very interesting insight about anxiety vs. true dislike in a book. I think I tend to start prejudging a book if I don’t find a character I like or am intrigued by. And you make an excellent point about the book Leaving Church…yes! It’s just about a change of vocation, not about her departing from her faith! Also…when I get home I’ll have to share my thoughts with you on Lamott’s Help, Thanks, Wow, which I just finished this morning… 😉 xxoo

By: Ember

Ember — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:55:22 +0000

Crumbs, Julie – what an impressive list! I might have a go at Wendell Berry’s fiction, and the Anthony Trollope book Kay recommends (above). Right now this minute I’m reading Patricia Cornwell’s “The Front” and enjoying it a lot. It’s been a bit of a breakthrough to me to discover that what I sometimes mistake to be taking a dislike to a book is not really that but is because I get anxious when I think something bad is going to happen to a character. I’m learning that the trick is to keep reading not throw the book away in a rage.
That Barbara Brown Taylor book you mention (Leaving Church) is excellent, but I find its title misleading – it’s not about leaving church at all but about leaving a particular professional role within the church – and I think more readers might be attracted to the book had this been clear. x

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:53:49 +0000

In reply to Kay in UK.

I enjoy your book recommendations Kay…thank you! I wonder if the friend you mention has been hurt by people in the church, or discouraged by unanswered prayer? I know of people who leave their faith behind due to those two hard things. Thinking of you and Alan today…from Florida! Xxoo

By: Kay in UK

Kay in UK — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:43:32 +0000

Well, Julie, you know that I’ve read Hannah Coulter and I loved it! I’ve recently read some books by Ronald Blythe. He writes a column for the ‘Church Times’ and his books about Wormingford are so evocative of a rural England that is fast disappearing. Just like Wendell Berry, Blythe writes in a slow, gentle, timeless way that is very soothing.
At present,I’m reading ‘The Small House at Allington’ by Anthony Trollope. This is the book I chose for my book club to read this month, though I think some of the members aren’t thanking me for choosing this book! 🙂
I’m looking for some new reading material, but as I’m feeling quite shocked and saddened by the announcement of a former Christian acquaintance that he has ‘given up on all religion’, I am definitely looking for books that build up my faith and don’t try to introduce alternative thinking.
I think I might go and order the book you mentioned by Paul E. Miller and the book by Lysa Terkeurst.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:38:53 +0000

In reply to Helen in Switzerland. I'm so glad to know you're enjoying it Helen! I'll be anxious to hear what you think of the ending.... Xxoo

By: Helen in Switzerland

Helen in Switzerland — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:15:05 +0000

I’m almost through with The Hawk and the Dove – which you recommended a while ago – and I’m loving it! I read a little in bed every evening and take time to really savour it!