Wednesday, May 27, 2009

My summer of all things lovely reading list - June

As I write this, the Direct TV satellite radio is on the 1960s channel playing a Beach Boys tune, the sun has decided to shine upon the flowers on my deck after they have enjoyed a gentle rain, fried chicken is "oven frying", and the sound of my neighbor's lawnmower is heard in the distance... already the sounds and smells of summer even if we are in the last week of a May which has been quite cool (warming up fast, I may add).

If I didn't feel the affects of age, I'd be ready to grab the Coppertone, spray on some Heaven Scent or Wind Song, pick up the latest copy of Seventeen Magazine, put the top down on the Mustang, turn the radio to WLS Chicago... and head out to pick up my girlfriends. All of which did happen in my youth. :)

Instead I put the dishes to soaking, took an Advil for my hurting shoulder, placed the reading glasses on the end of my nose... and typed away on the laptop. The only computers I knew of in my high school years took up entire rooms which were temperature controlled. Technology isn't all bad. :)

So... what is my "summer of all things lovely" reading list for this summer? I've decided most will be books I already own with the few exceptions of books to review and rare library finds. Rare because I tend to stay out of the temptation of the library this summer... except for the DVD section of the library near campus which has the best selection of British comedies. Laughter is good for the soul, too.

I do enjoy library books, especially when I can check them out to decide if I want to purchase or just keep borrowing a book. For instance, after reading through Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen a couple of times, I knew I wanted to buy it with amazon credit right away. However, as much as I enjoyed The Gentle Art of Domesticity, I'll wait for it to come down in price and hopefully be able to buy it used. Such options can only be made by viewing them first. Libraries are a good thing. Just not what I need this summer.

(To answer the comment, I am very fortunately to have not only a huge county library but also a library near the University. I have library cards for both. Each library has amazing book sales, where I have purchased most of my books. Our Goodwill and the Mission Thrift Store also has good books... cheap. I am a very blessed frugal Bibliophile.)

I've decided I'm going back and reacquainting myself with old friends... titles and authors. Those that calm my soul, lift my spirits, and remind me of the lovely in life. So for June, I have taken off my shelf...

Three books by one of my favorite authors, W. Phillip Keller. Strength of Soul: The Sacred Use of Time and Taming Tension are two re-reads, actually books I've read over and over and over. Love those two books. I've also decided to read his A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 during this time as I've been spending a great deal of time reading that Psalm recently. Keller was a wonderful writer, naturalist, and poet... he had the gift to be able to see God in the world around him and share what he experienced with his readers.

I have John Eldredge and the late Brent Curtis' book called The Sacred Romance on the stack of re-reads next. The was one of my life changing books, one that I nodded and smiled as I read it the first time... they knew how I felt, they had experienced the same emotions as I have when I felt the Presence of God in my life.

They, too, knew what it was like to begin to stray off course and have the Hound of Heaven reach out and retrieve the one He loved. It is time for a re-read. (Eldredge is one of those writers people seem to love or um... not love. Obviously I enjoy his writing very much.)

I started Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers about a year ago and then passed it to my husband who needed something to read at the time. I never got back to it, although I've planned to from time to time. I immediately took it off the shelf for my "all things lovely" reading.

I also plan to re-read First We Have Coffee by Margaret Jensen. Stephanie mentioned it in the comments of the "I Heart Hobbit Houses" book list. Another lovely book to bring a smile.

I will continue reading Stand by John Piper and Justin Taylor as my "quiet time book". Since each chapter is self contained, I can easily read and re-read them as desired. Christopher may get it back someday. He's busy with a Calculus summer class soon, anyway.

As there is plenty of housework, lawn work, and gardening to do in June... this will probably be enough books.

July will bring more opportunities to read... I'm thinking E. M. Stevenson books (I have two sent to me by lovely blog friends and one I bought cheap through Amazon) and a couple Elizabeth Goudge possibilities, and maybe a Gladys Taber... although I do love her most in the Autumn. We'll see as the summer progresses. :)

Picture: Daniel Barger; allposters.com

14 comments:

Kim said...

I love Francine Rivers and Leota's Garden is one of my favorites! I meant to post it to your Hobbit House list but never had the time...we have eight children...go figure! Hope you enjoy it!! Blessings, Kim

Scrappy quilter said...

Wonderful books to read. I've read Leota's Garden. Love Francine Rivers. I've also read First we have Coffee years ago. I'm not one for re-reading books although there are a couple I've re-read....Frugal Luxuries and The Simple Living Guide. Another must read over and over again is Abba's Child by Brennan Manning. (It's an incredible book!!)

My list of reading is long this summer as well. Hubby and I have taken to reading late into the evening. It's a joy to spend the quiet time with him and to have books from the library. There are a few I might buy, however the majority of them are brought home from the library. We use 3 different libraries as well as inter library loans. We keep them busy.

Vee said...

Just found my "First We Have Coffee" book this morning. I had looked and looked and looked after reading your list the other day and couldn't find it. Finally, I decided that I must've donated it. But, no! This morning I opened my eyes and I was turned straight to the bookcase and my eyes focused in on the very book. Yay! I'll begin re-reading it today.

Sounds as if you have your June list well in line. Most of your books I've not heard of so will have to add them to my ever-growing search list. I find that we have similar tastes and oh my! I'd love to have a fresh bottle of Wind Song even today. ;D

Cherrie said...

In my Ladies of Faith book club, we read Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers for the month of April. It is a very good book. Redeeming Love is another good one.
Take Care,
Cherrie

Anonymous said...

And the book recomendations keep coming...thank you ladies for more titles!! :) Jody

Lisa's Blessed A Latte said...

Loved Leota's Garden....the end through me for a loop...Very Sweet blog you have here.

Anonymous said...

I have The Sacred Romance in my stack of books to read. I recently found it in the clearance section at Half-price Books for $1.

I'm writing down some more titles to search for...will it ever end? I hope not! Now, where is my copy of First We Have Coffee...

Friend Debra

Sharon Goemaere said...

I am going to check out some of these books and such Brenda!I know our local library has some of them!I have several new posts at my blog and hope to see you there some time!Blessings~Sharon

Scrappy quilter said...

I just noticed Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers was mentioned in a comment. That is another awesome read. Sophie's Choice is another one by her which I really enjoyed.

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

I'm about a third of the way through Leota's Garden and I am enjoying it. I love the writing. I will have to find more of her books when I finish. I loved your Coppertone, Wind Song, pick up your girlfriends deal. Did we really realize how lucky we were back then? I know I didn't. It sure founds good to me today.

Peggy said...

I just picked up a copy of Jane Eyre while on a my business trip.
Peggy

Quinne said...

Hi Brenda :) I enjoy reading about what you are reading! A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm is one of my favorites - I'll have to pull it down again soon, as it has been a while.

I chuckled at your review of Andy Stanley's book (prev post)- the part about the repeats. Jamie, my husband, listens to AS on the internet sometimes, and we found the same to be true in his preaching. It does center around making certain that everyone understands, but it took a little getting used to for us as well :)

Love to you and hugs, Q

Kim said...

I love the idea of a summer reading list. I'm going to think on that. My goal for this year is to read one book a month and so far, I am on target. I LOVE A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. It was a life-changing book for me. You may already know this, but I thought I would mention www.half.com to you. I buy a lot of books there for .50-1.00 plus shipping. If you buy more than one from the same buyer, you can save on shipping.

Terra said...

Hi. I am a frugal bibliophile like you. Two days ago I bought 15 books at the annual book sale to benefit the public library.
I feel so rich with my stash of books, only $21.
I enjoyed reading about books you like, and added a few to my "to buy" list.
I am a writer and a librarian & sometimes my husband and I say we are "bookaholics."