Carol asked me what books I’ve read this year would I read again. That seemed like a good enough place to start my reading round-up. I’ve already posted briefly about Sophie’s World, so I’m not going to write about it now.
Three of the books I’ve read so far this year are ones I’ve read before: The Great Divorce, Jane Eyre and My Name is Asher Lev. I anticipate I’ll read all of them again, as I enjoy all of them. I reread The Great Divorce because I gave it to my little sister for Christmas and Jane Eyre and My Name is Asher Lev for book clubs. My Name is Asher Lev is actually my favorite novel of all time. I’m odd like that.
Of the new books I’ve read, I’m glad I own Sally Clarkson’s The Mission of Motherhood because I will certainly read that again. It was a wonderful mix of encouragement and conviction about my ministry to my children and I really enjoyed reading it. I wish I owned What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations for reference purposes, and I’m glad I read it, but I don’t anticipate sitting down and reading it cover to cover again.
I thought The Name of the Rose and Jayber Crowe were excellent, and plan to read more by Eco and Berry, but I think it will be quite some time before I want to read those particular works again. I am indebted to them for introducing me to two wonderful contemporary authors.
I’d never read a graphic novel before, so I didn’t know what to think about Blankets before I jumped in, but it was neat. Not something I’d read again and again, but I’m glad to have read it. Midwives was good in a “trashy beach novel” way. (My definition of “trashy beach novel” is broader than some, and includes authors like Dan Brown). I definitely won’t re-read it, but I would consider another of his novels if I was searching for something light.
That leaves L’Abri. I like reading about the Schaeffers. It got me thinking about ministry, family and hospitality and for that I am very thankful. I probably won’t read it again, at least not for many years, but I appreciated it for what it was (a rosy memoir.)
I could write a lot more. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about these books and I’ll try to keep up with my reading list better in the future!
I would be remiss if I did not mention that if you are interested in Sally Clarkson’s book, the incomparable spunky, funky little Punkie is reading through it and has a couple of good posts about it on her blog.
I know I’ve said it before on this blog’s comments: but I love Eco!!! I’m glad you like him, too. He is…genius.
And the more I read of him, the more I like him. (though not always easy to get in when you have limited reading time *sigh*)
You’re the second person who has recommended “My Name is Asher Lev.” I’ll have to get it. Thanks.
I’ve read one graphic novel…*Maus* by I can’t remember who. I really enjoyed it. It’s about the Holocaust. The Jews are mice, the Germans are cats, etc…..Lizard let me borrow it along time ago.
Kristen, I’ve told you before that I read Asher Lev when I was your age (20 some years back). I’m eager to revisit it, because of your comments.
I’ll never forget listening to an unabridged Jane Eyre on a car trip. I was astonished that St. John was pronounced sin-jin. Which reminds me that I’ve heard Chaim Potok’s name pronounced every imaginable way possible. How do *you say his name?
I say it like my Israeli and American Jewish friends do:
HI-um poe-tahk
I’ve never heard that about St. John!
Maus is by Art Spiegelman. It’s really well done.