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All I need to have a perfect vacation is a comfy chair
and a good book. I don't have to visit exotic tourist spots or dine in the finest restaurants. I don't even have to leave
my own home. Nope, give me a great read and a place to prop my elbows--no Calgon necessary. Here are some I've read recently
& not so recently, and some I've read over and over again. Pull up a chair. . .
 Books That Have Changed Me
The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman, 1995
This book has affected the way I communicate love to everyone in my life. I can tell you the love language of all of
my closest friends, my children, and of course my husband. It transformed my relationships. I'm not overstating it when I
say I use what I learned from this book everyday of my life.
The Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie Omartian, 1997
I had never, (and I'm not proud of this) ever thought of my husband as a child of God until I read this book. It made
an immediate and everlasting difference in my marriage.
The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls, 2006
This memoir depicts triumph over abject poverty and neglect. No one who reads it will ever forget it. The story is unbelievably
true, gut-wrenchingly poignant. Now, when my children complain, I say, "Wow, Jeannette Walls didn't have these luxuries when
she was a child." And my children embrace me and thank me for all the ways I've so lovingly provided for them. They tell me
what an amazing mother I have been and how they don't deserve such a giving, generous, and well, gregarious too, parent.
I say, "That's enough now, just get back to your chores." And they thank me for another opportunity to swab the toilets. The
Glass Castle. It will change your life.
Where the Heart Is, by Billie Letts, 1998
A novel set in Oklahoma about a pregnant teen who is abanoned at a Wal-Mart. For years I thought of Novalee every time
I went to Wal-Mart. Billie Letts is a master character creator. Read everything she writes: The Honk and Holler Opening
Soon, and Shoot the Moon, for starters. Her next book is due out in June 2008, Made in the USA.
The City of Ember, by Jeanne Duprau, 2004
This one is children's lit but I've recommended it to everyone I know. I loved this book about a concrete city and its
two adolescent heroes. You'll fall for Lina and Doon like I did, I know it, and you'll want to read the sequel, The People
of Sparks, which I liked even more than the first book. Both books tell the story of getting along--of unity in the face
of adversity. The truths told here transcend their fictional setting to the real world we struggle to understand ourselves.
NOTE: The prequel, The Prophet of Yonwood is third in the series and I loved it as did my sixth grade niece.
The fourth and final book, The Diamond of the Darkhold, answered a lot of my lingering questions
and kept me turning pages right to the end. So, you know what? Just go buy all four.
Isaiah
I don't have a favorite book of the Bible. I have ones I'd prefer to skip. . . But if I were to pick one book of the
prophets, I'd go for Isaiah. Have you read it lately? Well, here's an idea. Start with chapters 40 through 55. You'll be refreshed.
As for the minor prophets, have you read Habakkuk lately? If life's not making sense to you, check this little book out. You'll
find you are not alone in wondering how everything fits together in God's holy plan. And you'll find that Habakkuk finds peace
in God anyway, even when he doesn't understand. That works for me.
On Writing Well, William Zinser
The best book I've read on writing since I read Strunk & White's Elements of Style. . .the first time. It's
a fun, easy read. You'll love it.
Communicate to Change Lives, James Watkins, Wesleyan Press, 2007
At the 2007 BRMCWC (two pictures of Jim Watkins are included on this page--did you find them?) I attended Jim Watkins' class, Communicate to Change Lives. I loved it so much that I wanted to take the whole thing
all over again. Lucky for me, I had purchased his book. It's a great training tool for anyone---both writers and speakers.
And when I say that, I mean if you write emails or speak to people. You don't have to be a mega-published
super-speaker celebrity type (or even want to be) to benefit from the tips and tools Jim offers in Communicate
to Change Lives. Buy it, read it, and see how God can use your words to glorify him.
Stein on Writing, Sol Stein
Michelle Cox said it was her favorite book on writing. She said buy it and read it. I always do what Michelle says. I've never been sorry.
Fiction
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by Mark Haddon, 2004
Christopher, a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome, has led a pretty sheltered life. Well, he had, until he came
upon Wellington the dog in a less than vital state. After that, Christopher's life get's complicated. Mark Haddon must have
spent a lot of time around someone with Asperger's because Christopher's character is perfectly designed. I found this book
both delightfully funny and painfully poignant.
I'll Watch the Moon, by Ann Tatlock, 2003
I almost put this one under Books That Changed Me. It's that good. Set in a boarding house in the 1950's, it focuses
on difficulties unique to its time period while drawing in universal struggles that are, sadly, timeless. Ann's
characters are lovable and infuriating, amusing and annoying. Read this one, and then go buy the rest of her novels. You'll
be glad you did.
between, georgia, by Joshilyn Jackson, 2007
Southern fiction, set in Georgia, with a character who is deaf and blind. Plus, there's a good bit of Baptist mixed in.
Gotta love that combo. For a preview, check out the quote on my quotables page.
Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen 2007 This bestseller called to me for months until I finally
gave in and purchased for my Holy Land trip read. I finished it and passed it on to my roommate and then another of our co-travellers.
We all loved it.
Told in flashback by a 90 something year old, Water for Elephants is, among other things, a love story between
animals and their humans. I found it intriquing, compelling, and thoroughly enjoyable. Don't miss this rare romance of
a different color.
Margaret and Mommy
Read. . .
My youngest child and I spend a lot of time reading together. By the way, if you don't read to your children, it's not
too late to start. Margaret was born in 1998. As I write this, she is nearly 11 and I still read aloud to her every day. I
stopped reading to the older two when they were younger than 11, but I did read to them until they were in 2nd or 3rd grades.
Read to your children. It's the best savings account you can start for their college education--plus you make some big deposits
into your future relationship as well.
So, here are a few of the book series Margaret and I have enjoyed together. (Note: Margaret loves animals and fantasy,
preferably in the same book. I love historical fiction, memoir, and biography. We read what she likes. That's the rule.)
The Warriors Series, Erin Hunter
The premise sounds ridiculous; I'm aware of this. But you try reading one book, just one. And see if you too don't find
yourself hooked on these fanciful finds.
So here you go: four clans of cats in the forest--all with different skills, goals, and habits, all governed by the same
"warrior code. I know. I know. But try them. And you might find that you are like me--anxiously awaiting the next book in
the third series, The Power of Three.
The Mistmantle Chronicles, M. I. McAlister
Lovable critters living peaceably on an inaccessable island. What could possibly go wrong? Murder? Kidnapping? Natural
Disasters? Yep. All that. At least. And McAlister keeps you wanting more from these furry friends and foes. Margaret and I
can't get enough.
Redwall Series, Brian Jacques
With over 20 books in this growing series you'll have plenty to read before you finish this fantasy adventure series.
The good guys are badgers, hedgehogs, squirrels, mice, shrews, and other lovable rodents. (Use your imagination on the lovable
part.) The bad guys (you'll find this less of a stretch) are rats (see), stoats, weasels, foxes, and more. You'll enjoy the
lives, loves, and legends of these delightful woodlanders and dastardly villains.
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Now that I'm in seminary, I read mostly required text. But I've also kept up my book queue so when time presents itself,
I'll be ready. Here are a few that are waiting for me:
Addiction and Grace, Gerald G. May, 1988
Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller, 2003
A Cup of Wrath, Mary Glazener, 1996
Remember to Forget, Deb Raney, 2007
Lost Boy No More: A True Story of Survival and Salvation, Abraham Nhial and DiAnn Mills, 2004
Marked for Life: A Memoir, Joie Davidow, 2003
No Man is an Island, Thomas Merton, 1955
The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen, 1992
A Room Called Remember, Frederick Buechner, 1992
Secrets in the Dark: A Life in Sermons, Frederick Buechner, 2007
Telling the Truth, The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale, Frederick Buechner, 1977
The Preaching Life, Barbara Brown Taylor, 1993
Non-Fiction
Killer Angels, Michael Sharra, copyright 1987 by Ballantine Books
Technically fiction, this work is more history than novel.You'll get to know the players and the strategies of the Battle
of Gettysburg. Compelling.
 MANHUNT, copyright
2006, by James Swanson,William Morrow of HarperCollins Publishers
The first time I watched Apollo 13, I knew how it would end. It's history,
afterall, so no surprise endings loomed around the specially effected corners. Still, I watched it, sitting on the edge of
my couch, feeling my heart race as the actors relived the astronauts ordeal. I found my self so caught up in the story, I
forgot I knew the ending.
Fastforward to 2006 and James Swanson's NY Times Bestseller Manhunt: The 12-day
Chase for Lincoln's Killer. When I was a child, I read every biography of Lincoln I could get my hands on. Yet, despite
the volumes on Lincoln's life I've read, I really didn't know much about his death. I did know the scant details, though.
I knew how the story would end.
But as I read Manhunt, I fell into the story as if I were a petticoat
clad shopper overhearing the local gossip around Washington in April of 1865. And my 19th century self could not get enough
news to satisfy my curiosity. I couldn't wait to find out if that cad Booth would really outsmart the entire Union army. There
were times when. . .whoops, I started to spoil the ending for you.
Manhunt is intriguing. It is entertaining. And it is 100% history. Swanson's research
has been so thorough that he has woven a tattered tale back together again in seamless, novel-like prose. It's the kind of
history I would love to write one day. It is the kind of writing that made me fall in love with history as a child, and the
kind of writing that keeps me smitten even as an adult.
So read Manhunt by James Swanson. It's got a great ending.
The Measure of a Man, copyright January
2007 by Sidney Poitier, HarperCollins Publishers.
In this collection of reflections, Poitier thinks back on how he became a person his father could be proud of: a man
of integrity, committed to excellence and devoted to family. The subtitle, A Spiritual Autobiography, tells you this
is not a cozy memoir or a birth-to-now history. Rather, it's the story of the private enlightenment of one of America's
classic celebrities.
The Measure of a Man kept me turning pages until the very end. I highlighted a number of inspirational quotes
and passages. No doubt, I'll be quoting this one. But while I read the book cover to cover, finding treasures of truth
along the way, I found it disappointing mostly. For me, Poitier's writing was laborious and confusing at times. Often
I had to re-read full sections aloud to grasp Poitier's message. It reminded me of reading the book of Romans in the Bible--though
not nearly so rewarding.
Still, I'm glad I read it. For one thing, the book inspired me to rent Poitier's movies. On the big screen, Poitier's
message needs no explanation. His artistry shines and his skill delights. So, this time, I'd say skip the book and just rent
the movies. There, in his films, you'll see that Sidney Poitier is positively beyond measure.
Life Beyond Measure, copyright April 2008
by Sidney Poitier, HarperOne Publishers.
I enjoyed this book even more than the previous book. For one thing, Poitier's writing improved over his first memoir
(or his editors did). Perhaps it's the style--this one is written as letters to his great-granddaughter. The intimacy of this
second book lets us hear Poitier's voice more clearly. Also, it seems to me Poitier is more candid here. I learned more
here about the struggles he faced in the early years of his career; I found his triumphs poignant and inspirational.
However, some of the things Poitier reveals about his beliefs I think are flat wrong. I don't really like knowing
that he is as far off my beliefs as he is on certain things--like faith--because I like him so much; I want us to be kindred
spirits I guess. But, in fact, it's okay. Because I don't agree with anyone all the time--even kindred spirits.
Raised in Captivity, copyright 2003, by
C. McNair Wilson, A Crossroad/Carlisle Book
People say he's larger than life. He says he's exactly the right life size. All I know, is when I tried
to post his picture on my website, I couldn't shrink it down to fit. All the others would accept the edit, reduce their size,
and post to my site. Not McNair's. His picture, even when edited, took up my whole screen.
Some (I'm guessing those who think they know McNair better than most but have really only heard him speak more
than the rest of us) would say that this kind of techno-nonsense is proof: McNair is indeed, very literally, larger than life.
I'd say read the book. Don't cheat McNair or anyone else by setting them outside the limits of creation. I'd say read
the book and you'll see that McNair, like me, like many of you, had a real, normal-size life that was often viewed through
a steeple shaped magnifying glass. Maybe it still is.
I read Raised in Captivity between naps on the way to D.C. (Luckily, I wasn't driving. Never a good idea to
read and drive and I've not had much luck napping in the driver's seat either.) Like McNair, I was raised by free-thinking
church folk. My dad was a Southern Baptist pastor; McNair's a church school administrator. Both his father and mine allowed, even encouraged, independent thinking. So, going into the read, I knew I would enjoy the book, because I'd enjoyed
McNair's speeches and I had a similar upbringing to his. What I didn't realize is how heartily I could recommend it to you--the
average Josie--as just a really fun and enlightening book.
See, McNair's story is mainly a story of a boy finding his place in this world. It's the story of a boy who grew to a
man, wanting to glorify God in places other than VBS and church choir. It's the story of an artist and a writer, a brother
and a son. It is a lot like my story. I bet it might be a little like your story too.
Also, McNair discusses "churchianity" and the issues that impact American culture. Whether you agree with him or
not, I think you'll find McNair's take on fundamentalism, legalism, and other churchisms thought provoking. And my daddy says
it's good to think. McNair's did too.
Theological
or Spiritual Books
Grace Eventually, Anne Lamont
Know that I don't agree with even close to everything that Annie believes. But I like her (just like I like a lot of
people who are very different from me.) And I'm blessed by her writing. I liked this book a lot--listened to it in my cutie
new Honda Civic on the way to class at Gardner-Webb.
Leaving Church, Barbara Brown Taylor
I love the way Taylor, an Episcopal priest, puts her words together. Reading this book, I felt as if I
were looking over her shoulder into her study, her kitchen, or her back yard. She presents here her struggle with church and
describes her journey out of formal religion and back to God. I enjoyed reading her writing. I sympathized with her frustrations
(I'm a preacher's daughter and sister, after all, and a seminarian to boot) and understood why she made the choices she
did. And, I still feel comfortable pursuing a career in a Baptist church. While Taylor had to leave church to find God, I
plan to use the lessons I learned at my father's knee, and at my brother's side to remain in communion with the
Father, even while I serve his children in the church.
Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Beautiful book on the community of faith. Don't miss the introduction by John Doberstein especially if you aren't familiar
with the life of Bonhoeffer.
The Shack, William P. Young
If you're like me, you'll have to struggle to get through the pain of the first part of this book to the soothing
message between its covers. One thing to remember as you read: few hurts as deep as this main character has experienced
can ever be fixed in a weekend--no matter how great the weekend is. Also make sure you remind yourself--if you need to--that
this book is FICTION. It is one person's view of God, of the trinity. Remembering those few things, you can find hope and
reassurance in this book that Eugene Peterson calls "this generation's Pilgrim's Progress."
The Practice of the Presence of God,
Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection
Every single sentence in this teeny tiny volume challenges me to walk closer to Jesus. My copy past wrinkled and went
straight to crinkled. It is one of the most influential books I've ever read on Christianity.
Travelling Mercies, Anne Lamont
A great memoir that I pick up and put down and enjoy all the time.
Wisdom Distilled from the Daily by Joan Chittister
Chittister is a member of the Order of Saint Benedict. This rich book outlines her relationship with Christ. It is a
treasure.
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