April Books

In April I read ten books—these are the ones I would highlight.

Marked for Life—The story of Hildegard Goss-Mayr by Richard Deats. I have known Richard Deats for over thirty years and didn’t think I could admire him more than I already do. But after reading this book I admired him more and admired Hildegard Goss-Mayr, whom I have never met. If you want to read about lives that believe in the power and practice of non-violence, read this book. One quote from page 115: “Christians need to be first to advocate nonviolence—not last.”

The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss. If you haven’t read it, go to the library and get it. I’m not sure at all that this is a children’s book. What an ending!

Telling Her Story—Theology out of women’s struggles by Lois Miriam Wilson. This was a short little book but with wonderful ideas for as she called it “Unlocking the Scriptures.”

I also read two books by Cassandra King. She is married to Pat Conroy and I read in a writer’s magazine an interview with the two of them. I had read a few of Pat Conroy’s books but none of Cassandra King. They were light and good reads.

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What are you reading?

I read 14 books in March but the following are the significant ones:

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You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train—A Personal History of Our Times by Howard Zinn. This is the very top of the list for March. I recommend it to everyone. I think it speaks to our responsibilities to the world and gives hope that individuals can and do make a difference.

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A Thorn in My Pocket—Temple Grandin’s Mother Tells the Family Story by Eustacis Cutler. This is one of those books that will lead me to read Temple Grandin’s story herself and to find and watch the video on her life. She is a person with autism who has succeeded in many ways and her mother resisted the advice that was given her in Temple’s childhood.

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Savor—Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr. Lilian Cheung. This is full of some solid nutritional information but what I really got out of it was the Thich Naht Hanh’s mindfulness reminders. I have slowed down my eating; I think about what I am doing; and I am ending up eating less.

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People of a Compassionate God—Creating Welcoming Congregations by Janet F. Fishburn. This was interesting just in terms of reading the stories of five United Methodist congregations who developed a process for becoming Reconciling Congregations. Four of the five did become Reconciling; one did not.

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I’ll ask you three times, are you o.k.? by Naomi Shihab Nye. This book was very short and at the same time interesting—little vignettes she has had as she travels and takes taxis. One of the taxi drivers said that he would ask her three times if she was o.k. He did that—and it became the title of her book.

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101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 3 by David Riklan. My daughter, Donna, has a chapter in this book. I read through it as a day book each morning with breakfast, and got some good ideas.

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Unexpectedly Eighty—and other adaptations by Judith Viorst. Pretty pointed poems on aging. Sometimes sharp, sometimes poignant, but right on the money.

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The Fiddler in the Subway by Gene Weingarten. I’m not much of a reader of essays but I enjoyed this book, especially the Fiddler in the Subway, and Doonesbury’s War and Fatal Distraction.

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I read fiction too—and sometimes light fiction. One of the authors I have been re-visiting is Kristin Hannah. I cry at the end of her books usually. The only mystery writer I read is Robert Parker—I just love the sharp dialogue.

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February Books

In this long, winter month of February I read 16 books and some of them were amazing. Here’s a few:

Into the Nevernight by Anne DeGraaf. I belong to a United Methodist Women’s Book Group that meets monthly and this was our book to discuss in February. It reminded me how privileged a life I live. It’s historical fiction and sometimes is frightening but at the same time compelling. It’s the story of a peace negotiator, of Africa, of the Lost Boys of Sudan…just read it.

Tales of a Female Nomad—Living at large in the world, by Rita Golden Gelman, made me think of how much of a chicken I am—I would never travel as she has traveled after her divorce.

Saving Jesus from the Church—How to stop worshiping Christ and start following Jesus, by Robin R. Myers was a book filled with quotes that you wanted to underline or write down. This too was a Book Club book and made for a good discussion. I have felt for quite a while now that being a Christian for me is about doing. I may never quite “do” enough, but that’s what it’s about.

Hard Times Require Furious Dancing by Alice Walker. Be sure to get this book and read the poem “Calling All Grandmothers.” It is an absolute summons to older women!

The Bomb by Howard Zinn. This book is a small one. It is frightening and disturbing and absolutely necessary to read.

January 2011 – Books Read

I’m thinking that at the end of each month I’ll post some of the books I’ve read that month. My hope is that you’ll tell me some of the books you’re reading and why you liked them.

In January I read 15 books, but these are the ones I really recommend.

From the Hood to the Hill—A story of overcoming, by Barry C. Black. I’ve already written about this chaplain to the U.S. Senate.

Let’s Take the Long Way Home—A Memoir of Friendship, by Gail Caldwell. This book makes you feel lucky if you have a friendship like Gail Caldwell had and reminds you to cherish the time. I loved the quote: “I know now that we never get over great losses; we absorb them, and they carve us into different, often kinder creatures.”

Still Alice, by Lisa Genova is a well written story about a Harvard . linguistics professor who develops Alzheimer’s disease.

A Complicated Man—The Life of Bill Clinton As Told By Those Who Know Him, by Michael Takiff. This was a fascinating read but also an interesting way to write with public quotes and then with interviews.