Sunday, October 26, 2008

What I've Been Reading...

It has been quite some time since I've done one of these posts.  I do them mostly so I can keep track of what I'm reading....and to give my opinions for those of you who are readers.  Enjoy!

The Shack by William P. Young
I read about this one on SEVERAL of your blogs.  Since I enjoy reading, I had to find out what all the hype was about.  After our move we figured out that we have WAY too many books.  We need to downsize, and we are going to try to be more diligent about getting things from the library.  So, off I went....I was 90th on the waiting list!!!  Granted, there were at least 30 copies in circulation across the county, but still!  Okay, now for the actual review...

I must admit, I didn't love this as much as I thought I would (based on the glowing reviews from most of you).  However, after I finished it, I found it was still on my mind....FOR WEEKS!  I guess it impacted me more than I thought.  The author certainly helps to answer the age old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"  He shows how God not only cares about the trials in our lives but actually REDEEMS them for our good and His glory.  I think this one is worth the read.

Completely His (Loving Jesus Without Limits) by Shannon Ethridge
My friend, Valerie, lent me this book over the summer, and I DID read it several month ago (sorry, Val, I know I need to send it back to you soon).  I think she did this as a women's study at her church.  I really enjoyed this book.  The author really captures our God who LOVES us and pursues us with a passion and depth that we can only imagine.  She begins by telling her story of how God redeemed a truly tragic event in her life and changed her forever.  If you struggle with self esteem or feeling like you are truly loved by God, this book will help you to feel worthy and see yourself as God sees you.  Pick this one up!


The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

A classic that I read for the women's book club at my church.  I LOVED THIS BOOK!  You really must read this is you haven't already.  It is Corrie Ten Boom's account of her life during the holocaust and the witness she and her sister had in the concentration camps.  Their story of faith, grace, and sacrifice will change your life.  They truly believed you need to give God thanks and praise for EVERYTHING.  At one point, Corrie is complaining about the lice, and her sister insists they must be thankful, even for the lice.  Later, it is revealed that the guards stay around the perimeter of their work area and do not infiltrate the center because of the lice!  This is the reason they are able to read the scriptures and share the gospel with so many.  There are many examples in this book of how to live your life sold out for Christ.  This one makes my all-time favorites list.


Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers

I don't know what it is about this series that just gets in my head!  This was my fun vacation read, and I devoured it in 2 1/2 days.  Although they are thick, they are quick, and action packed.  I couldn't stop thinking about the characters and twists in the story.  I still maintain my position that these are "chick lit," but this chick definitely likes them.

13 comments:

Mari said...

I've read all of those with the exception of Completely His. I agree with your reviews. I should read the Hiding Place again because it's been a long time since I read it!

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Oh - gonna check out The Hiding Place ASAP...either at the libary if they have it or I'll buy it. Sounds great.

Of course, I should finish at least one of the three I am reading.

Just Mom said...

Oo.. "The Hiding Place" sounds really good!

I read "The Shack," too. I didn't love it as much as I thought I would, either.

Anonymous said...

Recently I finished reading The Shack and was surprised how often my thoughts drifted back to ideas from the story. I have been blessed with a little more time to read will put The Hiding Place on my list...might even take a look at your "chic" recommendation.

~Valerie

Jean said...

There are many things from The Shack that have taken root in my heart. I would like to read it again, but I gave my copy away.

The Hiding Place is truly one of the best. If you ever get a chance to watch the movie (without little people present), it's very, very moving.

Monica said...

Wow! you are quite the reader. I am in the middle of reading the Shack, and I must say, it is not a book that I can't put down. Usually when I start a good book, I read it in every spare minute until it's done. I'll be anxious to finish it and see if it has an impression on me like some of the others have mentioned.

Jessica Brown said...

I LOVE the Hiding Place AND I love Francine Rivers, too! Thanks for the reviews!

Jenni S. said...

Oooo, the Corrie Ten Boom books sounds wonderful. And I totally agree about the Francine Rivers' series - loved them and ate them up! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Anonymous said...

I felt the same as you with the Shack...unusal book, but I couldn't stop thinking about certain parts of it. I'd like to read it again.

Shannon was a Bible teacher at the academy that Alicia attended a few years ago. She said that she is an amaazing woman! I need to check out that book!

Janelle said...

I agree with The Hiding Place. I need to read it again. It has been several years.

I am waiting on The Shack!

John and Amanda said...

We just started reading the shack for PWOC book club! I can't wait!! :) Hiding places sounds like a good read! I'll have to check it out!

Kristen said...

I finally finished Anna. Now I can breathe again and read some fun stuff for a while.

I loved that Francine Rivers series.. it took me a bit to get into the first book but I loved it.

I have been wanting to read The Hiding Place. It will definitely move up on my to read list.

Thanks for your honest great reviews!

Christie said...

Lynn, sorry for being so slow to comment. Somehow when I go to your blog, it doesn't update so it was stuck on 21Oct and I needed to click on the archive section to get it to update.

Anyway, just wanted to say what a small and amazing world it is. I bought the book, the Shack, in the BX about a month and a half ago and kept thinking that I needed to recommend it to you but kept forgetting to. There are definitely some things in it that I question, but all in all it really made me think. I love books that are powerful enough to keep me up at night thinking! (well, at least until I have to get up the next morning)