What I've been reading...

The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens was my book club's January pick.  If you can get through the first 3/4 of the book, than the last 1/4 is worth the read. 

Crazy Love by Francis Chan has been gaining popularity in Christian circles.  I read about it on several blogs, and then a friend recommended it.  Patrick read it first and thought I would like it.  I did.  It was a wake up call to the fact that God loves me more than I could ask or imagine, and I do not live my life each day as though I believe that.

I read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen last weekend. I'm not sure if I want to recommend this one. I heard about it from several people, but it has gotten mixed reviews among those I know who've read it. I was captivated by the story, which centers around the traveling (train) circus of the 20th century. Life in the circus was shady at best and dark at worst. There are a few R rated scenes, and sometimes I came away from reading just feeling "dirty." Overall, it drew me in, it was quick, and the writing quality is above average.

Never Give In (The Extraordinary Character of Winston Churchill) was December's book club selection. This book is not one I would recommend because of the poor writing. Our group agreed that it made us want to read more about the life of Churchill, but this book was redundant at times and lacking in detail in others.





You should read this one.  Porn Nation is Michael Leahy's story of overcoming an addicion to pornography.  An addiction that ultimately cost him everything...his marriage, his relationship with his sons, his job, money, and most of his friends.  He shares about his recovery and sheds light on how dangerous and slowly addicting porn can be.  With our kids now using the internet before they even know how to write, it is something we need to be educated about.  This is a great story of redemption.  Oh, and he is an excellant writer.