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What’s on your nightstand?—June ‘11

My bookshelf on ShelfariWe share reading lists on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Jennifer’s.
Here is what’s on my nightstand.

Just started

1. Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives
     by Richard A. Swenson
Most of us need more margin in our lives, more empty spaces to just be. I find it, then lose it, then look for it again. This is a helpful book so far.

2. The Adoration of Jenna Fox
     by Mary E. Pearson
I got this novel off Rebekah’s list (she gave it 5 stars!). It’s one I wish I could just sit and read from beginning to end, but I haven’t let myself. I’m over halfway through this futuristic mysterious story (or Young Adult Dystopian Fiction as Rebekah more accurately lists it) and it’s good.

3. The Weight of All Things
     by Sandra Benitez
Two novels at one time? That’s not like me. But because this one is set in El Salvador, I’m reading it. But I may not finish. It’s sad and I’m not really enjoying it or particularly learning anything.

4. Hinds’ Feet on High Places
     by Hannah Hurnard
Well, I haven’t officially started it yet. But I will soon. This is probably the only book I’ll take to El Salvador (other than my Bible). I’ve read it several times, but it seems so appropriate to read again about Much-Afraid and her transformation to Grace-and-Glory as she journeys to the High Places.

Still reading

5. Christianity & Liberalism
     by J. Gresham Machen
I have mixed feelings about this classic. When it’s good, it’s very good. But some of the writing is difficult to follow. I’m in it with the Reading Classics Together group at Challies; that helps. 

6. The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion
     by Tim Challies
I’m listening to the audio version. But I’m wishing I had the hardcopy too. Tim makes many good points that I need to remember about my own digital habits.

Finished from May’s nightstand

7. A Place for Weakness: Preparing Yourself for Suffering
     by Michael S. Horton
This is an excellent book about how to make sense of life when it gets painful. I loved the discussion of it at Elizabeth’s. You can get the gist of the book just by reading her summaries

8. Pujols: More than the Game
     by Scott lamb, Tim Ellsworth
An inspirational book about a Christian man who happens to be a great baseball player. He has his priorities in order. (And I’m sad he’s currently on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left forearm since June 20. Hope he’ll be back in play for the St. Louis Cardinals by mid-August.)

9. Blood of Paradise: A Novel
     by David Corbett
A novel set in El Salvador. I don’t recommend it, but I’m glad I read it because it reminds me that a world without Jesus is a world without hope. This quote near the end of the book surprised me, and sums it up well:

I have witnessed many wrongs in my life, suffered them myself like anyone, even when I was a little girl. But not until I watched the _____, did I feel myself in the presence of a great sin. And by that I do not mean a terrible evil so much as an aching, sinless sorrow—our exile from God.

* * *

What’s a book you’re reading that you recommend (or don’t!)?

What's on Your Nightstand at _5 minutes for Books_[5]

17 comments:

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

I'm always so inspired by your list, Lisa! I still haven't read Hind's Feet, although Hurnard is another whose books my dear mother-in-law has given me as gifts on several occasions! I'd like to hear more about the Challies book, too.

Janet said...

I read The Next Story recently and liked it, though it didn't make me think as deeply as The Shallows.

I LOVE Hind's Feet too. Last year I found a children's version and read it to my girls. It gives such an inspiring picture of the high places this side of Heaven!

Abi @ the Princess Diaries said...

What a fun reading list! I'm going to have to check out A Place for Weakness. Sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I had Margin on my bookshelf for a long time, but never read it -- not enough free time, I suppose -- HA!

I reviewed the audiobook of the Adoration of Jenna Fox a while back at 5 Minutes for Books. I enjoyed the story, and it was a good listen.

I got the Next Story audio free somewhere when it first came out, but I also had gotten it on Kindle, so it's waiting for me there. I didn't put it on my list this month, but I actually might get to it.

Amy said...

I always look forward to your lists! I read Margin and Hinds' Feet too, both good. I decided not to read Christianity and Liberalism at least not right now with Challies group perhaps I will join in the next classic they read. I am heading to check out The Adoration of Jenna Fox.
Have a fun reading month!
Amy @ Missional Mama

Barbara H. said...

I read Hinds' Feet years ago and need to revisit it some time.

That last quote is weighty.

Brooke from The Bluestocking Guide said...

You have a great list.


Here is mine

Carrie said...

Oh, Margin sounds excellent! And I still want to get to A Place for Weakness.

As always - I like your list!

Peggy said...

Blessings Lisa... WOW girl, that's alot of serious reading and many deep reads! All at once... and I thought 3 was too many!

My favorite and also in my Kindle to read again and again for inspiration is "Hinds Feet in High Places". Good book to take with you. Que Dios vaya contigo! y !Que Dios te bendiga en El Salvador y la gente del Salvador!

You will be reading your name all over so I just thought I'd let you know and tell you I'm sorry that I have not been around visiting here.
But today, I couldn't resist.

Off to Bible study with the Mexican women here and praying for your trip and you! Be filled with God's Spirit and move mountains and change lives as you touch hearts!

Peace, love and JOY,
Peggy

Lisa notes... said...

Muchas gracias, Peggy! So good to hear from you and to receive your blessings. I appreciate your prayers very much. This will be a brand new adventure for me and God.

Por el amor de Dios,
Lisa

Monica said...

Hinds Feet on High Places is also on my "Long" list of TBR. Looks like you've had a busy reading month!

Trisha said...

Great list, Lisa. I remember reading Margin years ago and really liking it. I've gotten so behind on Machen's book now that I think I'll be printing Challies' summaries and going back to them. Happy Reading, my friend!

Susan said...

Wow - another vote for Margins here. I need to read that!

Jen E @ mommablogsalot said...

I've been wanting to read The Adoration of Jenna Fox for awhile, it looks really good!

Katie said...

Just finished The Help. It was amazing!!! Currently reading Good and Beautiful Community by James Bryan Smith, Kite Runner, and ....I can't think of the title of the other book I am reading at the moment, it is a Science Fiction/Fantasy book of my husband's.

I loved Hinds Feet for High Places!!

Lisa Spence said...

Hinds Feet is our selection for next month's book club at my church!

Trish @ In So Many Words said...

I remember loving Hinds Feet - that would be a good one for me to read again.

It sounds like you are definitely read for El Salvador!

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