They're Taking Over My Nightstand

To be quite honest, I've gotten a little book-happy lately. Part of it may be that I'm saving up for a new camera, so I've been staying busy by reading more therefore to curb my shopping cravings. I tend to get the same kind of spending buzz by just going to the library to return my books and then walking out with 3 or 4 more...free. The library is a beautiful thing my friends.

I've decided this month to participate in What's On Your Nightstand by 5minutesforbooks.
So here goes:

I'm currently reading Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards. I came across it at the library and so far after reading the first 40 pages, I'm really enjoying it! I think its gonna be a good one even though its a bit hefty, but I'm excited to finish it.

The other book I'm reading right now is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I downloaded the PDF version at work and read it when things start to get slow. So far I'm getting flashbacks of Pride & Prejudice, which if you'll remember wasn't one of my favorites. Hmmm....but I'll press on!

Through the month of August, I read the below books:

Then the books I've managed to accumulate on my nightstand either through the library, Bookmooch, bought on sale at B&N or receiving as advanced reading copies - I'm hoping to tackle the majority of these through the month of September:

My goal this year was to read 20 books...ahem. I read 8 in August alone. Ok, so I misjudged myself. I've never set a reading goal before and by next year, I'll have a much better idea of how to challenge myself!

Where The River Ends by Charles Martin

I have read a number of touching and beautiful love stories, but "Where The River Ends" is in a class all of its own. A friend of mine had recommended I try one of Charles Martin's books after finding out how much I love Nicholas Sparks. His style was similar but also distinct. I found myself marking page after page of quotes I didn't want to forget - but in reality, I'd quote the entire book here because the whole thing was so deeply moving. I found myself wiping tears away long after I turned the last page - this one will stay with me for a while.

The premise of the book is of a couple, deeply devoted to each other who face a battle with cancer. And together they're tested to walk out their vows down to the very last promise. Abbie, a Senator's daughter made herself a life as a famous model and her husband of 14 years Doss is an artist. Once Abbie is diagnosed with cancer she makes a list of ten things she would like to accomplish by the end of her life, but this list in no way overshadows their deep love or commitment to face future obstacles as one.

There is one quote from the book that I have to include here where Abbie is talking to Doss about his paintings:

"If you want to make great art, something that can reach beyond time and space, find someone who isn't [beautiful] and show them that they are. Paint the broken, the unlovely...and make them believe."

You can find many stories of individuals who have had to face cancer and disease alone, but this story stands out to me because it shows how to married people choose to fight this disease as one and the toll it takes on each of them.

Every element that makes a good story can be found within these pages; love, sorrow, fear, courage, weakness, strength, adventure, suspense and serenity. If I was asked today by anyone what book I would say is a must read, I would say this one. It has made me grateful for every precious moment I have to love and be loved by an amazing man.

Charles Martin made a lasting impression with me and places himself at the top of my favorite authors. I'm also excited to say that this Wednesday, he will be at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Green Hills doing a book signing!

For more info on Charles Martin and the six other novels he's written, you can visit his website by clicking here.

Description: A powerfully emotional and beautifully written story of heartbreaking loss and undying love.

He was a fishing guide and struggling artist from a south George trailer park. She was the beautiful only child of South Carolina’s most powerful senator. Yet once Doss Michaels and Abigail Grace Coleman met by accident, they each felt they’d found their true soul mate.

Ten years into their marriage, when Abbie faces a life-threatening illness, Doss battles it with her every step of the way. And when she makes a list of ten things she hopes to accomplish before she loses the fight for good, Doss is there, too, supporting her and making everything possible. Together they steal away in the middle of the night to embark upon a 130-mile trip down the St. Mary’s River—a voyage Doss promised Abbie in the early days of their courtship.

Where the River Ends chronicles their love-filled, tragedy-tinged journey and a bond that transcends all.

Rating: *****

Recommend: Without a second thought!

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne

Our small group from church picked The Irresistible Revolution as our next study book. Every week we would discuss our thoughts on the next chapter and it was amazing how many opposing and also unifying opinions came out of our discussions. I think it is very important to take a teaching book and break it down into bite size pieces and then compare it against the word of God. I'm blessed to be in a small group where everyone is comfortable to speak freely whether it be in agreement or disagreement to the status quo. We challenge ourselves and each other to know God in a greater way and how we can live out our lives demonstrating this.

With that said, this book brought some fascinating and yet challenging discussions between us. Shane Claiborne does not mince words by any means whatsoever. At times, that's the way I would prefer it, just say what you mean and don't come up with some fancy over-analyzed theory on your viewpoint. And boy did he say what he meant. I found myself agreeing with how he challenges the church to truly act as Christians are called to by getting to know the poor and showing love to our neighbors. But then I would strongly disagree with how he believes we should not be fighting this war we're in but instead showing love. I know that God is love and his greatest command is to love our neighbors as ourselves. But at the same time, though we serve a God who forgives and heals, He is also a jealous God who can show wrath. I don't believe that God sending His Son Jesus in the New Testament, completely changes God's character from the Old Testament. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, therefore His character has not changed. It's just that now because of the New Testament we have been allowed a place to find forgiveness and communing directly with the Father through His spirit, finally giving us the free choice of accepting eternal salvation.

Shane is extremely passionate about the poor, the needy and loving others within the community he is a part of The Simple Way. I believe, unlike many of us Christians today, what makes him stand out, is that he actually has the courage to walk out the destiny God has called him to. I was awed by the time he spent with Mother Teresa and the lepers, but does that mean that all Christians are meant to go to Calcutta? No some of us are called to witness to those sitting in the cube next to us, at the table we're waiting on, the elderly man across the street - and that does not make him a better Christian or any of us less of one.

I was taken aback by Shane Claiborne's view on the church, and was left more with the impression than rather him supporting the idea of an actual building where people come together to worship, he believes the church can be anyone meeting anywhere and giving their 10% tithe to anyone. Hmmm...this brought up a lot of heated discussion and we really contemplated on both ideas.

In the end, I'm glad I read it. At times I found myself on the verge of tears convicted by my selfishness and other times I wanted to throw the book across the room in complete disagreement with him. But when its all said and done, not all of us as Christians are going to see everything the same way, and that's really ok. One church or even denomination is not more important or more enlightened or more loved by God than another, the body consists of hands, feet, arms and legs and they each have a different role and view from their place on that body.

So would I recommend this? Yes, because we all need to get out of our boxes and be challenged to see things from another Christian's viewpoint and allow God to be the one that shows you where you need to go from there. And to Shane, thank you for having the courage to write what God has so passionately laid on your heart to share and not being afraid to offend us Christians by writing it. We need more believers like that!

Description: Using unconventional examples from his own life, Shane Claiborne stirs up questions about the church and the world, and challenges readers to truly live out their Christian faith.

Rating: ****

Recommend: yes for everyone.

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

A friend of mine had suggested I try out one of Sophie Kinsella's books, because she is a huge fan of the Shopaholic series. And after page one I realized I was into the story of Lexi who finds herself tired and fed up with where she's at in her life and wishing she had the life she'd always dreamed of. You know the saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side?" - well this story is a great example of what happens when you wish your life was completely different, you then get your wish and realize that what you originally had wasn't really so bad after all.

I rarely find myself actually laughing out loud from a book, but there were times I found myself laughing so hard that I was wiping the tears from eyes. Some of the humor in that book, reminded me of the intimate and yet hilarious conversations you have with your best girl friends that bring you to the verge of almost peeing your pants. With that said, yes, there was some adult humor in there that I would say is more appropriate for married women, but holy cow was it ever so funny!! I loved the storyline and humor throughout, and if it wasn't for these darn Olympics that have me glued to the television at all hours, I would have finished it in a couple of days.

I look forward to checking out some of her other novels from the Shopaholic Series. If you ever need a fun, light read for the beach, Sophie Kinsella's your girl!

Description: Lexi wakes up in a hospital bed after a car accident, thinking it's 2004 and she's a twenty-five-year old with crooked teeth and a disastrous love life. But, to her disbelief, she learns it's actually 2007 - she's twenty-eight, her teeth are straight, she's the boss of her department - and she's married! To a good-looking millionaire! How on earth did she land the dream life??! She can't believe her luck - especially when she sees her stunning new home. She's sure she'll have a fantastic marriage once she gets to know her husband again. He's drawn up a 'manual of our marriage,' which should help. But as she learns more about her new self, chinks start to appear in the perfect life. All her old colleagues hate her. A rival is after her job. Then a dishevelled, sexy guy turns up...and lands a new bombshell. What happened to her? Will she ever remember? And what will happen if she does?

Rating: ****

Recommend: For those who enjoy chick-lit.