So based on a request from the wonderful Kate, here is my summer reading pile. There usually isn't any rhyme or reason as to why I pick such books and you will notice that sometimes huge contradictions exist. Links are to the books on amazon so you too can put them on your wishlist so that when you have to make a purchase for someone else, you can easily add one of these books to get the super-saver shipping when you spend 25.00.
Finished:
Shanghi Girls by Lisa See - I loved reading this account of two sisters as they move from China to Los Angeles. Moving and inspirational, but the ending slightly let me down.
Honky by Dalton Conley - This is SJC's freshman seminar choice and it was a touching memoir of a young white boy growing uo in the projects of NYC where he was the minority. Enjoyed this a lot.
Yes! Attitude by Jeffrey Gitomer - Adored this little book! Totally need to integrate some of the ideas. I just loved the anecdotes and advice.
Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell - I struggle with my faith - A LOT, but Rob Bell's books always speak to me. Bell is a minister in Michigan and this book details how Christians need to reach out to the poor, displaced, disadvantaged. I was blown away by his message.
God is not Great by Christopher Hitchens - I told you, I read contrasting things. This book was a good read, though wouldn't say incredible. I did appreciate Hitchens' criticism of all religions, not just the top three we think of.
Currently Reading:
Columbine by Dave Cullen - I have been reading this for a few months. I like it, but find it a bit disjointed going back and forth in the story. But I love true crime books, so I'll eventually finish it.
We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land by Jimmy Carter - I love this man. The book resembles Carter's Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid that I read a year or so ago, so this is a little boring.
Wicked by Gregory Maguire - Loving this
Open the Door by Joyce Rupp - with my prayer group, we meditate on a day each week. This is a powerfully spiritual book and it is an awakening for me.
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins - I know about evolution, but not enough. Dawkins knows a lot. And so I am loving how he discusses intelligent design vs. evolution in an easy-to-understand way with lots of humor thrown in.
To-Be Read
Simple Happiness by Jim Ryan - A recommendation from Paige.
20-Something Manifesto by Christine Hassler
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy - I have owned this book for so long that the pages are yellow.
Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama - Started it a while ago and need to get back into it.
Son of the Witch by Gregory Maguire - Sequel to Wicked
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Prayer by Joyce Rupp
I reallllly want a book club...anyone at all interested. I promise I won't make you read the boring non-fiction I do adore :)
Happy page-turning!
3 comments:
All wonderful choices, Kathleen. How is Jimmy Carter's book? I really want to become more informed on the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and need a starting place. Also, I would love to do a book club of you are seriously considering starting one. Happy 4th of July!
Kathleen this was an awesome and impressive list! I love now that it is summer that I have time to read more. Kate and I are so cool, haha, that we do the adult summer reading club at our local library every summer. We always read anyway, but you get prizes and a free ice-cream party at the end of the summer.
I liked the Carter book and finished it this weekend. I will lend it to you. He does have a 2 state solution bias, but explains the history of that region simply and perfectly.
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