“For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.” Anne Lamott
What is on your list of books to read?
A peek at mine...
The End of Your Life Book Club
by Will Schwalbe
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar
by Cheryl Strayed
Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers
by Anne Lamott
A Prayer For Owen Meany: A Novel
by John Irving
... so many more...
I actually finished The End of Your Life Book Club, and it was far more uplifting than I could have imagined. It's Anne Lamott who said something to the effect that "to watch someone dying is learn how to truly live." Will Schwalbe in telling the story of the unofficial book club he has with his mother during the last two years of her life, brings this message to life. Schwalbe also includes the list of books he and his mother read and some of the wisdom garnered from the pages.
I was worried that I would be saddened and less hopeful somehow at the end of the book. But to the contrary, while sad, it left me feeling more affirmed in my own endeavor to truly live with cancer.
Currently I am reading Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Veghese. The lyrical, magical prose of the story drew me in instantly and the depth and richness of his characters make the entire story rich and moving. I'm savoring it slowly.
Yesterday I awoke to extreme sinus pressure in my head and a migraine throbbing behind my eyes. We are due for a major winter storm and the change in pressure and the arrival of the shifting weather announced itself in my head. I am happy to say its been a very long time since I've had a headache like that.
Thankfully, I had just the right meds to keep it somewhat masked and was able to call in a sick day. It was while reading all of the lovely comments left on my post on Wednesday that I realized there is nothing like a migraine to take a girl's focus off her aching arm!
Plus, by late afternoon I was well enough to read and picked up The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle. I'm only a few chapters in as I found it very thought provoking, but am finding more depth to his teachings than ever before.
With a blizzard warning breathing down our backs- we are nestled in- waiting for the "imposter" January rains to turn into authentic January snow, ice and below freezing temps.
And what is on your list of books to read? Will you share?
i like fiction, so i'll share the two most recent ones i read and then share a non-fiction work with you:
ReplyDeletecasting off by nicole dickson--set in ireland, it is the story of a single mom and her daughter who come to an island off the coast of ireland to document the knitting patterns unique to the families there that tell stories. don't have to be familiar with knitting to enjoy the beautifully drawn characters.
the shoemaker's wife by adriana trigiani--set in the italian alps and NYC, this tells the story of two boys who grow up in a convent. i won't share more, lest i accidentally spoil it.
now, here's the most inspiring non-fiction piece i've read in a LONG time:
love does by bob goff. it's part memoir, part story, part message about how bob views life and how he has lived life loving others as Jesus would.
Jenn- we are getting ready for book club and I will bring your suggestions along- they sound so good! We love Adriana Trigiani- this must be her new one someone mentioned :) Thanks for the great suggestions! Hugs sweetie :)
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ReplyDeleteI just finished Elsewhere..and I'm about to go pick up January First at the bookstore. I love true stories, biographies, memiors...
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, Cutting For Stone did not catch my interest. I know it is highly regarded and so I tried it. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, most people do!
I love memoirs too and will check out your recommendations! Thanks for the new look- perfection as always :)
DeleteShortly before Christmas I read "A Light Shining," by Glynn Young. It is a sequel to his first novel, "Dancing Priest." Both were excellent.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I am excited to hear of a new to me author- thank you Susan~
DeleteI am currently reading Margin by: Richard A. Swenson, MD and LOVE IT!!!! Looking forward to reading again when I am done. :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh- Michelle that says a lot about a book- that you want to read it again already :)
DeleteI enjoy reading historical fiction, Vicky. I just finished a book called "Dawn of a Thousand Nights: A Story of Honor" by Tricia Goyer. It takes place during WWII in Hawaii, the Phillipines and Japan.
ReplyDeleteAfter I finish this book I will be reading "With Every Letter" by Sarah Sundin. Again, it takes place during WWII. I read the first three of her WWII novels and could not put them down.
Stay safe and warm during your big storm!
Love and hugs, Eileen
So happy for the suggestions Eileen- I look reading from so many different genres including historical fiction. Thank you!
DeleteHi Vicky, I'm happy to have your book list as a reference. I really need to start reading more regularly again. I remember enjoying "A Prayer for Owen Meaney" years ago. I'm on the hunt for a good historical fiction novel. I have been stuck in The Tudors' era lately. Time for me to find another period to immerse myself in.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to be back reading your wonderful blog my friend :)
Kelly! So glad to have you back friend- maybe a good suggestion will present itself here :)
DeleteI had started The Power of Now a few years back and I think I am due to have another go at it. So much in the words he puts on the page.
ReplyDeleteRight now I am re-reading The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and I am loving it.
I also had a bad migraine two days ago and I hope yours is on the way out. Sending you loving energy xo
Yes- Anyes- my migraine slowly dissipated and I feel much better. Yes- Tolle does pack a lot of profound statements in a short space- definitely worth a re-read. Your book sounds really interesting and I am excited to learn more about it!
DeleteI am almost ashamed to mention the books I am reading in comparison to others listed above. As I have reached the ripe old age of 70, I am enjoying books where I don't have to think. I have read several books about the Amish in the last few months. I am presently reading The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Something about their lifestyle fascinates me. I am envious of their large families and the fellowship they seem to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAs a 15 years breast cancer survivor, I pray for you often. I had my mammogram this past Monday (on my one breast), and it is always stressful waiting for the results. I know that God is in control of every situation.
I enjoy "light" reading as well Francis and have read a few books about the Amish and really enjoyed them too. Thank you for the suggestion and for the prayers as well. Your encouragement as a 15 year survivor means so much to me! Blessings to you!
DeleteHello, Dear! So nice to find your blog ~ (A 13 year survivor here!) ♥ I've come to your blog from the blog of one of my sweet commenters ~ you know how that goes ~ :) ~ Now following you!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to "meet" you!
Hugs,
Anne
Hi Anne- welcome! Wow- 13 years- that is amazing and I am so glad you took the time to leave a comment! I will come to visit you soon :) Hugs to you!
DeleteI've heard of the first one Robin and am so intrigued by it- I'd love to hear your thoughts on it! I will have to look into the other to- thanks for the recommendations :) xxoo Love you too!
ReplyDeleteI have been re-reading some books over the holidays. "Hinds' Feet on High Places" & "Mountains of Spices" by Hannah Hurnard made a huge impact on my personal Christian walk while I was in college. I felt it time to take a second look at them. "The Heart of the Artist", "The Worshipping Artist" and "Worship on Earth as It Is in Heaven" by Rory Noland are giving me a renewed view of what it means to live a lifestyle of worship. And thrown in for good measure, "Inconceivable" by Carolyn and Sean Savage. This one is such an example and challenge to "walk the talk" even when it gets really, really hard.
ReplyDeleteVery useful articles I found on your blog it's really good to read some different post to get some valuable information. I was looking information about Breast cancer gift bags, I am very happy to read it . Thanks for sharing.....
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