Fall into Reading - The Results

It's hard to believe - but Winter is here - the Fall just flew by! Of course, us mild weather Californians are believing it's really winter. As I type this the thermometer tells me it's in the 30's - that's super cold for me!!
I've enjoyed spending much of my time this Fall being spurred on by the goals I set in Katrina's Fall into Reading Challenge. I set some lofty goals, met most of them, read some great books, and have added many more to my wish list.

• Best book I read this Fall: I am so not good at these questions. Pretty much it seems whatever book I am currently reading is my favorite. I liked almost all the books I read - and most for very different reasons. Redeeming Love is one of the most incredible and heart wrenching works of fiction I've read. The Disciplines of Grace has transformed my daily walk with God. Disciplines of a Godly Family has added some new traditions to our family.
• The book I could have lived without: Watership Down. In fact, I did live without it. I just couldn't get into a book about bunnies. So instead of reading it, I switched to Persuasion. And I loved, loved, loved me that book!
• The best thing about joining the challenge: I am a good book starter, but not always a good book finisher. This challenge encouraged me to finish books I had started and also to start and finish books. I read books that had been sitting on my shelf for a long, long time. I'm thankful to finally have read so much of what I had been wanting to!
• Did I discover a new author or book from someone else on the list: I'll let you know in the next few days. I'm looking forward to heading over to Callapidder Days to read everyone else's results!

Now, on to the actual, brief, reviews of the books I read this Fall:

• Fields of the Fatherless was a quick read, but very important to me as an adoptive mom. Definitely showed God's heart for the fatherless and also how His transforming love can change their lives! Inspiring, encouraging, convicting.
• The Discipline of Grace had been on my shelf for a while. I had started and stopped many times. So thankful to have finally finished this important book. "Daily preaching the Gospel to myself" has transformed my spiritual walk with God. Thought provoking, life changing.
• Reading GirlTalk was just what I needed as Kelsey prepares to turn 11 next week. More than ever, I am convinced and convicted that I need to have Kelsey's heart as we enter these teen years. Helpful, practical.
• Many new traditions have been instituted since reading  Disciplines of a Godly Family. This book was full of encouragement and practical advice. I can't wait to share with you later about the Christmas morning tradition we have taken from this book. Practical, timely, full of Biblical wisdom and advice.
• I had originally intended to read Watership Down, but replaced this selection with Persuasion by Jane Austen. I have many friends who recommend her books, and I finally decided to give her a try. So glad that I did! I'm hooked. Love, love, loved this book! Funny, sweet, engaging.
• Redeeming Love came recommended by many friends. Whew. What a book. It's a retelling of the Biblical account of Hosea. This was a hard, hard read. Not because the language or style was hard, but because it didn't mince words or the realities of child abuse and prostitution. Many times I felt punched in the stomach, but boy, am I glad I persevered. Beautiful, haunting.

The next two books weren't on the original list, but I came across them and just had to read them:

• Carried Safely Home is probably the book I had hoped to write one day. Written by an adoptive mom, it chronicles the spiritual journey as well as the physical journey to their children. Beautifully done and so full of Biblical truths. Hopeful, Biblical, beautiful.
• The Copper Scroll is the fourth book in a series by Joel Rosenberg. These are fun, fast-paced books and I've enjoyed blazing through them all. They aren't raunchy, overly bloody, filled with bad language or anything of the like. Simple, fast-paced, enjoyable.

These last two books are on my original list, but I just haven't quite made it through them yet. Here's why:

• War of Words is a small book that packs a big punch. It is about getting to the heart of communication struggles by getting to your heart. It is from out of your heart that your words flow . . . so if my words aren't so pretty, then my heart must not be, either. Yikes. Ouch. Still working on it.
• Heaven by Randy Alcorn is a book I refuse to rush through. It is huge. And it is powerful. I've never studied Heaven closely, but I am about to now. I wanted to wait and read this when nothing else is pressing in close to be read. I want to savor it, learn from it, draw near to God and His glories while I'm reading. I can't wait!

So, there you have it. I read eight books this Fall - many more than I would have had I not set lofty goals. I'm so thankful to God for the written word. So many times He uses it in my life to draw me closer to Him and give me rest for my soul. I pray that while I'm busy reading, that I never forsake reading the Ultimate Words - His Words. The truth is - they are the only Words that can make lasting change, give lasting hope and bring everlasting Life!

Comments

[Shalee]

I love that you gave brief reviews of each of your reads. It does feel great to know that we read so many. And like you, I refuse to run through a book that needs to be savored!

[tricia]

Thanks for doing the reviews on each book - it's really helpful and gave me some new ideas of books to read!

I totally felt the same way you did about Redeeming Love!

[Jennifer, Snapshot]

I love your take about the books you read. It made me feel like I know you hearing your thoughts on them.

I read my first Jane Austen (I think)--Northanger Abbey. I will read more, too.

[Katrina]

Thanks for the update, Karen! And for giving us a little glimpse into the books you read. I have the two "Disciplines..." books you mentioned on my list of books to check out further - they sound great. Thanks again for joining the challenge!

[Debi]

Oh, your list is great! I really like Discipline of Grace by Bridges also and that is one of my want to re-read. Redeeming Love is an awesome book! So glad that you were able to read that. Thanks for sharing your list. It's so fun to see what others have read and enjoyed.

[on the Rock]

Merry Christmas to you and all your family! May you be lifted in the true spirit of God's love!

[Barbara H.]

I want to read Persuasion -- I loved the film of it with Amanda Root. I read Redeeming Love a few years ago. Francine Rivers is a wonderful author. War of Words sounds....convicting! I hadn't heard of it.

Thanks for the reviews!!

[Jane]

Yes, we did meet through the Fall Reading Challenge I think! Well, after reading this I have added to my list Carried Safely Home and Fields of the Fatherless. Most of the other ones I have already read or plan to read, so we must have similiar tastes! Loved the Barbara Hughes one, Noel Piper has written a good book on family traditions too. Heaven is my next book to read....I have glanced at some of the chapter headings and can't WAIT to get into it! Thanks for you great reviews Karen and Happy Christmas.