Saturday, September 29, 2007

Fall into Reading



I am finally posting my Fall Into Reading list. It seems that I have an ongoing list (see sidebar) but this challenge, like it's host Katrina, helps me to get to those pesky non-fiction books that stretch me. I have had a couple - even a couple from the Spring challenge, but I am going to give it another shot. So here is my official list.

9 things you simple must do by Henry Cloud: I started this last spring and I am about half way through it. I am actually trying to apply some of the principles. I really want to get this one done.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnne Weaver: Also a hold over from last spring. I keep reading great reviews and quotes on this. I am going to work on this one next - before the fiction....:)

Now Discover your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham: I acquired this book after hearing him speak at a leadership conference this summer. He is a dynamic speaker and I am hoping the book is just as interesting. I am waiting on the husband for this one. He does so much better at non-fiction than I do!

Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels: This is another great speaker and pastor of Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago. I read one of his books, Too Busy Not To Pray, in college. It was eye opening. I have a feeling this book might have the same affect. I am hoping to get to it.

Now on to the fiction:

True Light by Terri Blockstock: This is the third book is a series about how the world would function without anything that runs on electricity. Intriguing for my scientific mind.

Sunrise and Summer by Karen Kingsbury: My book list would not be complete without including one of my favorite authors on my reading list. Continuation of the Firstborn series.

Kingdom Come by Tim LaHaye: Last book in the left behind series. It seems like it might be anti climatic, but I will give it a go.

I am sure that I will be adding to my list as I look at other peoples list and read reviews. I love reading and this is so much fun.

Happy Reading everyone!

Ever After by Karen Kingsbury

This is the next book after Even Now. This book is a tear-jerker ladies! So grab your kleenex and start reading.

I like to read Kingsbury because I learn so much. I am reminded of several things in this book. This first is the reminder of what my freedom costs. My freedom here in the U.S. as well as my freedom from death and fear. It is so ironic that freedom is never free - it costs somebody something, usually their life! So, I thank all those military families that are sacrificing everyday for my freedom.

The second thing that I learned was about the impact that one life can have. Do I have that kind of heart to impact the lives of others? Do I love without fear? We know the characters and their history from Even Now. Emily had prayed, found her parents and brought them back together. This book is the story of how it all works out for her parents, but it doesn't quite end in the way you think.

A wonderful story of hope and sacrifice. Thumbs up from me.

The Helium Murder by Camille Minichino

This is the second book in the element murder series by Minichino. It is a short book and a quick read. I am reading this series because I am using them as extra credit in my chemistry courses. Like me, the fiction is what they would rather read than the non-fiction related to an topic.

The author continues the story of retired physics researcher who has been hired as a science expert to murders. As a result of her problem solving skills, she gets in deeper than she ever intended. In the end of this book, like the first one, she finds herself face to face with the murderer and a gun.

I like that there is the personal struggle of the main character in her relationships and little romance to keep this romantic interested.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

I had to re-read book 6 before I could start book 7. If you are a Harry Potter fan, I am sure that you have already read this book. I find the character of Albus Dumbledore to be a fascinating and wise character and I always enjoy reading the dialogue that Rowling has created for him.

I know that this book creates controversy for the "magic"theme, yet, don't we live in a world of unseen powers of spiritual proportions? I won't say that this has any relationship to that kind of power, but there is a definite fight between good and evil that relates to that spiritual fight that we battle every day. Harry Potter at the end must lay down his life for his friends, in order to save them. Harry's love for other's motivates his actions. Dumbledore says many time throughout this series that the difference between Harry and Voldemort is that Harry knows how to love. Love makes all the difference.

Rowling ties up all the questions from the other books. I think that the entire book series has been well thought out. The characters are lovable and well developed. You are always cheering for the good guys. I truly could not put this down.

Thanks for reading.