Years ago – in a former child-free existence – my husband and I had a book blog. We tended it faithfully for a time and then kids happened. We continued to read but writing about our reads simply disappeared. I miss it.
In our book blog, I had a place to put my thoughts about books. I had a place to simply document the reading of words.
So, I thought I would remedy this by noting my current reads here on the blog. I assume sometimes the reviews will get long, as they did on the original book blog. But at least I will have a space to document the reading of words.
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July 2020 Books
Everyday Faithfulness by Glenna Marshall – a preaching to the choir book, thus far. “Amen,” is thought or outright spoken as I read through this. For more on my thoughts about it read my series You DO Have Time for Bible Study. (available on Scribd)
Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child by Anthony Esolen – the most challenging parenting book I have read this year! It was our book club selection and we truly enjoyed discussing the consequences of modern parenting approaches. The tongue-in-cheek, satirical approach causes one to have to adjust one’s thinking, reset one’s mind. Best read one chapter at a sitting. I plan on reading this again, as well as the follow-up, Life Under Compulsion: Ten Ways to Destroy the Humanity of your Child.(available on Scribd)
Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey – such an appropriate worldview book for such a time as this. I am taking it in very slowly and attempting to “narrate” it for Drew to help digest the depths of it. This book would be well-suited to a book club and I may see if I can galvanize mine to read it with me. (available on Scribd)
The Civil War: A Narrative by Shelby Foote – I came across this massive 3-volume set about the time of my birthday and I put it in my cart on Amazon. It was on backorder at the time and they said they would let me know when it was available. Well, it was available 2 days later and arrived on my doorstep by the end of the week. This is a series to savor and it is SO worth the time and arm-strength required for reading it. Remaining in my mind already are descriptions of an early battle of the Civil War as so bloody it was more akin to “reciprocal murder.” I can hear the author’s voice as I read, thanks to Ken Burns’ exquisite Civil War series.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame – W and I finished this book a couple of days ago. I delighted in it with her as I delighted in it with G. There are so many, many wonderful things to giggle at, wonder at, and ponder as we read it. If you have never read it – you must! It is worthy of many readings! (available on Scribd)
Nothing Ventured by Jeffrey Archer – my favorite modern bestseller author’s latest. It was o-k-a-y. I would much rather re-read some of his earlier and better books. (available on Scribd)
C.S. Lewis – A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet by Alister McGrath – an interesting look into the man. I am listening to it on audio, slowly. It makes me want to read more of Lewis’ works because it tracks the man by his various writings. The narrator of the audiobook, however, is rather dry, so I can only take it in small bites when I want to check-in on Mr. Lewis to see how his life is progressing. (available on Scribd)
Death by Living: Life is Meant to Be Spent by N.D. Wilson – such a lovely, lovely book. Part memoir, part ancestral biography, all beautiful. (available on Scribd)
You may have noticed my mention of availability on Scribd on some of the titles. Scribd is a book app that, in my estimation, is the best place to read books online. Their library of books is vast. Rarely I find a book I want to read that is not in their collection – rarely. I can listen to audiobooks to my heart’s content or read the new-fashioned way through e-books. I highly recommend it. If you are looking to give it a try, they offer 60-days free so you can see if it works for you.
