Butterflies in the sky… I can fly twice as high…
Ok, who else remembers Reading Rainbow? Come on, didn’t the ba-da-bum that played whenever the kids gave a book report just jump into your head? You know it did….
Anyway, I’ve finally had more time to read. I set a goal of 18 books this year. I knew it would be a stretch, but I didn’t know how tough it would be! Usually one book a month would be no trouble at all. With 18 as my goal, I’d just have to read 1.5 books a month. Pretty decent for a readaholic like myself.
But I can’t blame Peanut. Or my active little Bean. It’s been la•le that’s slowed me down. I’ve thrown myself into my bid’niz this year and am trying to make it work. (As you can tell from my numerous bid’niz related posts….. By the way, I still have a Giveaway going on. Ok, the shameless plug is over….)
Back to the books! I finally hit 10 and I am surprised by what I’ve read this year. One characteristic: They’ve all been short. Also, I’m surprised by how many nonfiction books are on the list. I’m normally not someone who enjoys nonfiction (except a good memoir or biography).
So, out of the 10 books I’ve read this year, here’s my top 3.
Boundaries with Kids by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
I really don’t read a lot of parenting books. I don’t like books that tell you what to do and act as if they have the only right way. This book is absolutely not like that at all. It talks about setting healthy boundaries for your kids, helping them to know consequences, and preparing them for an independent life as an adult. Lots to think about for a mom of a 2 year old, I know. Still, I’ve already used several of the techniques it talks about with Bean and it absolutely works. She understands what it means to obey & disobey, she knows that I love her and therefore want her to learn how to be a disciplined person, and she accepts her consequences much better. It’s not a terribly long book and it’s written in a very conversational manner. I’d highly recommend it to everyone who either has kids, works with kids, or knows kids. In fact, if you even encounter a child in a grocery store or walk within 100 yards of them in any public place, you’re better off if you read this book.
Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom
Here’s the sequel for The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. It’s got some amazing stories about this great lady. She has some stories of forgiveness that amaze me and bring chills. This simple book of simple faith stories sticks with you — I often remember what she went through. She’s also incredibly real. At no point does she claim to have it all together or claim perfect holiness! She’s frank with her weaknesses and with God’s power to heal and help. This book is a great faith-builder.
The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis
Oh, I love this story. Some people have called it the weakest of the Chronicles of Narnia. I couldn’t disagree more. It is truly the most different in character and tone, but the story is so beautiful. The way Aslan is portrayed in the book is heartwarming and fierce and beautiful and strong. I re-read this one more than any others in the series. Love it. Love it. Love it.
Yes, I ganked the pictures from Amazon. No, I don’t have permission. Feel free to turn me in.
I have a couple of other books I’m reading now, but soon they’ll be finished. I’m stumped as to what to read next. What are you reading now? What suggestions do you have? I’m ready to get back to fiction. What are some great stories you’ve read? Warning: I find 92.7% of all “Christian” fiction to be absolute drivel. A roomful of monkeys with typewriters could come up with better plots. Just because I have several “Christian” books in my list doesn’t mean I only want to read spiritually-themed books. Suggest books you’ve enjoyed regardless of the faith of the author. If it’s actually good and not craptastic, then suggest it — even if it is “Christian” fiction. Why do I use the quotes? Well, that’s a topic for another post….
Hooray for me blogging about something other than my shop or my kids!
The mab Blab 
Tara
Since you suggested possible non-Christian fiction, have you ever read Jodi Picoult? Her books are gritty, but they are so good. They are totally once-reads for me, because their subject matter is usually something I can only handle one time around. They really resonate with me because most of the stories involve a mother that has had something happen to her child and she’s faced with these huge ethical decisions – really makes you wonder, even as a Christian, how would I react if that were me in this situation? They just made a movie of one of her books, My Sister’s Keeper, and that one had me bawling.
I also recommend Margaret George if you like historical fiction. Brevity is not her strong suit (her Cleopatra book is over 900 pages!) but she’s phenomenal.
As far as other really good reads, A Thousand Splendid Suns. This one also made me cry. I haven’t read the Kite Runner yet.
I just bought 3 Cups of Tea, The Queen of Hearts, and The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society. I hope to start those soon, when I get some free time (HA!).
You should become a blogger book reviewer and get free books. I signed up with Tyndale, Bethany, David C. Cook, & Random House. They send you free books and all you have to do is read and review. I’ve got 3 I need to read right now.
We should start a seminary wives book club! 🙂
mab
Hmmm… free books? I can do that! I think I’ll have to go sign up. Thanks for the suggestions and the input! Talk to me sometime about a type of book club we used to do in Central Asia. It was different than the usual kind, but it gave me great insight into others’ personalities and I read all kinds of books I wouldn’t ordinarily have found.
Right now we’re all reading “Going on a Bear Hunt.” It’s a deep, deep read.
sarahh
I remember Reading Rainbow really well… and now I have the theme song in my head. Thank you very much. 🙂 I’ll have to think about book recommendations… I haven’t read much fiction since… yes, that would be before college! So, really, I should take suggestions from you. I have the Narnia series. Do I need to read them in order? I’ve read 1&2– can I skip to the one you like?
I’ve heard that Same Kind of Different as Me is good, but I haven’t read it myself.
mab
If you keep reading, the one I like is #3 in the series. 🙂 So, you can read them in order and also skip to the one I like all at the same time. I haven’t heard of the other book…. I’ll have to keep it on my book radar. Beep…. beep…. beep….
Jennifer
My grandmother was friends with Corrie Ten Boom! I will have to tell her the name of this book and she if she freaks! It is now on my to read list!
Teresa
I LOVED Reading Rainbow!!! Totally awesome!!!
Okay, here are some books I have read and liked lately:
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn, and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.
I also read all the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series books this summer, but I think you already read those.
Teresa
Okay and I just have to add, I think my favorite Reading Rainbow is the one with the fire truck and ladder, where they all dance around and sing. Do you remember that one?
KarenD
I bought the boundaries book. And I certainly remember RR with Lavar Burton!
Katie
Hey mab! I have to strongly second the Jodi Picoult suggestion! She is my ABSOLUTE favorite author in the whole world. So go for that for sure. I too have recently read several non-fiction books, which is also out of the norm for me, but I really enjoyed both. Life of a Female Nomad by Rita Goldman (? I think that’s the last name) and My Lobotomy by Howard Dully. Really interesting! Um … what else … Me and Emma by Elizabeth Flock, We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel … something that starts with an S I think … most of Nicholas Sparks books, especially True Believer and At First Sight (sequel to True Believer) … that’s all I can think of! Enjoy! Will you post other suggestions you get? I’d love to hear others’ recommendations!
Or I could just check back on the comment section here, I suppose!
Katie
oops – just saw your books list link!