Sometimes I read to learn. Sometimes I read to get motivated. Sometimes I read to be challenged. Sometimes I read to get through those books that I feel I “should” read.
But as I looked over my shelves last week, trying to decide what I wanted to put on my Spring Reading Thing list, I found myself drawn to a variety of books, but I also found myself drawn to books that will comfort, inspire, and entertain. And isn’t that one of the greatest things about reading? There are books and genres for every mood, “deep” books and “fun” books to fit the different stages we find ourselves in, books written to suit every feeling imaginable.
So my spring reading may not be particularly difficult, but I’ll be getting through some books that have been on the shelf for a while, books that I’ve been meaning to get around to, and most of all, books that I know I’ll enjoy.
I’ve tried to make my list mostly “even” — five fiction and six non-fiction. I can tell you right now, though, that I know I’ll blow through the fiction and start scrounging around for more. That’s okay. As long as I read the five I’ve committed to AND get through the six nonfiction.
Nonfiction
Reading with Babies, Toddlers, and Twos by Susan Straub and KJ Dell’Antonia — C.’s far past this stage, but L. is just starting to really enjoy our times reading together, so I’m hoping this book gives me some great ideas and suggestions.
Friends for the Journey by Luci Shaw and Madeleine L’Engle — This book looks very interesting. It’s a book about friendship written by two amazing ladies that reads a bit like a joint journal, touching on everything from poetry to marriage to recipes. I love L’Engle and am looking forward to the glimpse this will give me into her personal friendship with Shaw.
My Heart’s in the Lowlands by Liz Curtis Higgs — A kind of travelogue of Higgs’ recent trip to Scotland. To be honest, I never read travel books, so I’ll be curious to see how I enjoy this genre. It looks great.
Me, Myself, and Bob by Phil Vischer — A behind-the-scenes look at Veggie Tales and its creator. Veggie Tales videos command a sizeable portion of our DVD shelf, so it’s only right that I learn a little about how it all came about.
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh — A classic that I’ve never read. It’s about time.Writer Mama by Christina Katz– I’ve started it, but haven’t finished it. What I’ve read so far is a great mix of inspiration, practical advice, and information on the business of writing/publishing.
If, by some miracle, I finish all of these, I’m planning to move on to Sacred Parenting or The Mom Walk.
Fiction
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson – I’ve read many good reviews about this book, and it’s been on my shelf for quite some time, but I haven’t so much as cracked open the cover. I’ll be cracking open that cover soon, though.
More Twisted by Jeffery Deaver — A collection of short stories written by a master of suspense. Deaver is known for his twists and turns, and I’m always up for a rollicking suspense ride. I just started this book and am already enjoying it.
Saint by Ted Dekker — Saint comes to me highly recommended. With one exception, I’ve enjoyed all of Dekker’s books that I’ve read, so I have a feeling I’ll like this one as well.
Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke – Pure light, fluffy, cozy mystery fun. With recipes!
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire — I’m very curious about this book, described by one Amazon reviewer like this: “This most wonderful, magically inventive novel details everything you could have imagined life in Oz was like before the great tragedy of Dorothy’s arrival.” I have no idea what to expect from it, but that’s part of the fun.
Other Reading
Fire and Ice by Erin Hunter – I also plan to keep up the momentum that started with Jennifer’s Read to Me mission by c
ontinuing to read through the “Warriors” series with C.. I have no doubt that when we finish this one, we’ll pick up the next, Forest of Secrets.
David by Beth Moore – I’m working through this book in my personal devotions and plan to continue through it.
And now — because who doesn’t like to see a picture of a stack of books? — here’s a visual of my list:
Don’t forget to visit the Spring Reading Thing post and check out what other participants are reading!
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
Great list Katrina…did you know that you are held personally responsible for extending my Amazon wish list!!!
After reading your list I realized that I meant to add Gilead to my list for the Spring Challenge! I knew there was one I had forgotten but until now I couldn’t remember which one it was!
Happy Reading!
Love this list, and I really love your thoughts on books and why you read them. My list is not quite as “challenging” as last time either, but I hadn’t really analyzed why.
I tend to zoom through the fiction really quickly, too.
I think I will add Gifts From the Sea and Saint to my want-to-read someday list.
Katrina–
I devoured “Gift from the Sea” in a day this past weekend–some great ponderings in there! I look forward to seeing what you say…
Great list! Friends for the Journey seems like a book I’d absolutely love. I can’t wait to check it out. You reminded me to add Wicked to my list. I love love love it so far (Wizard of Oz fan) but I just can’t seem to get myself to finish it.
Thanks for hosting this fun challenge! Here’s wishing you luck with your list & happy reading! =)
This is a great list! I loved Wicked… – I should re-read it again soon!
Thanks again for hosting this great reading event!
I’m also listing a Marilynne Robinson book in my booklist called Housekeeping. It’s come highly recommened by my avid-reader-mom.
~liz
http://www.smithical.com
You’re so like me with blowing through fiction and chugging through non. I admire your ambitious non fiction list. I thought I was doing good with two on mine! :v)
My daughter is a huge Ted Dekker fan!
I love your stack of books! Thanks so much for doing this, Katrina. I’m having a blast. I just ordered Writer Mama from Amazon. Me, Myself and Bob is on my wishlist — I’ve heard it’s very good. Also, I loved Wicked. Gregory Maguire is a very gifted storyteller. Enjoy getting lost in the pages!
~TaunaLen
I wish I’d thought to write a description/reason for each book in my list! Very cool idea. Maybe for the next challenge….
Wicked is an interesting book, but I was surprised at how political it was. I much preferred the musical to the book. Very rare for me to not prefer a book to its dramatization!
Thanks for hosting this Katrina! Great list. I am going to write down a few of your titles for future reference. I would love to hear about Wicked!
Loved “Wicked”! It is a bit dry and long in parts, but the overall feeling I was left with after reading it was “That was a great story!”
I also liked the sequel “Son of a Witch” too.
My kids have always loved Veggie Tales, so I will definitely add Me Myself and Bob to my summer list. So far, I have loved all of Ted Dekker’s books, Saint was no exception.
**Gasp**!!
We both have Key Lime Pie Murder listed!!! Don’t you just LOVE her books! Have you tried any of her recipes yet? I want to, but too busy reading!
I also have Me, Myself and Bob on my list!! Forgot to list Saint, and I have Skin on order…too cool!!!
Great list! I can’t wait for your reviews. I can add the really good ones to my Summer reading list
Thanks for hosting and lighting a fire under my “reading list”.
Oh My!! You have two books on your list that I want to read!!
Wait – make that 3! I want to read Saint. *sigh* It’s here in my book stacks somewhere.
Can our lists be growing lists?
This is great, Katrina! I think one of the cool things is that I will have a huge resource for finding new authors and books to read. How exciting!
Gift From the Sea literally changed my whole attitude about my life. I’ve said many times that it’s truly my all-time favorite book and I’ve been re-reading it, twice a year, for seven or eight years now. You will be moved.
When you’re done, I’d love to know which shell you most closely identify with.
Wicked is great. Beckyb from In the Pages pointed me over here. This is a great idea. Now I’ll have to figure out my list.
What a great list! L’Egle is a personal favorite, but the book on your list is one I have not seen. Excited to see what you think. I think you will love Gift from the Sea.
Wow! What a fabulous list! Glad I didn’t read it before I made my list…I would have felt pressured to be more well-rounded. lol
The Warriors series is my bookworm daughter’s all-time favorite series!
Can’t wait to read your reviews!
I’ve been on break–like a total blog break wherein nothing blog related has entered my mind–and I nearly forgot that the Spring Reading Thing is due to begin! OF COURSE I want to be eligible for prizes, so I’m off to make my reading wish list!
This is fun!
I enjoyed your list and now I’ve extended my TBR because of it! I enjoy Madeline L’engle, too, and “Friends for the Journey” is one I’ll have to check out. “Gift from the Sea” — all time favorite. I’ve read it throughout my life and find something new everytime. It’s time to read it again.
Thanks for putting together this challenge!
The Key Lime Pie Murder looks like a great gift for a friend. I’ve always wanted to read Gifts From the Sea also, but my list is already too long. I thought of about four more books I wanted to read today. This would be how I get so distracted.
Great List. I’m currently reading Mixed Signals by Liz Curtis Higgs and it’s proved to be very enjoyable so far.
Some of these books sound so intriguing…and even that Me, Myself and Bob sounds so much fun!
(I hope to have my list posted Friday!)
Blessings!
Great list Katrina and, of course, I love the picture of the books! I’ll be anxiously awaiting your thoughts on Wicked. I’ve started it 4 times and given up every time. I finally gave my copy away.
Great list Katrina. I love Dekker! Enjoy…. it is goooooood! LOL Happy reading!
Saint is good. It’s better if you’ve read Showdown first. You can do them separately and be fine though.
I tried to read Wicked but didn’t get very far. I’d like to see your review of it.
About 15 years ago my best friend and I got to hear Luci Shaw and Madeleine L’Engle read from Friends for the Journey, which had just been published. They signed our copies for us, which was so cool. It’s a beautiful book.
And Gilead is incredible–I read it when it first came out, but I’m still haunted (in a good way) by the characters.
Annie
http://superfastreader.com
What a gorgeous pile of books. I completely forgot to put Gilead on my spring challenge list. Oh, well. I’ve just posted my list for the challenge at http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com
I, too, am curious to see what you think of Wicked. Personally, I couldn’t stand the book–and didn’t finish it. I rarely ever do that, no matter how terrible the book. Although I loved Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (by the same author).
Love your list Katrina, and have to tell you I borrow a lot of my reads from your ongoing lists-did you finish the book about Sue Monk Kidd? Just wondering if you enjoyed it. Thanks for hosting the Reading Challenge, it is a lot of fun, especially browsing other bloggers lists! Have fun finishing your list!
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
No, I haven’t finished Sue Monk Kidd’s book yet, although I intend to. I read the first couple chapters and enjoyed them. But it’s one of those books I want to ponder, and I’ve been so sleep-deprived lately that I don’t have the mental energy to ponder! So I will come back to it, but not just yet. Glad you’re enjoying checking out everyone’s lists. I am too!
Hiya. I just read my first joanne fluke – fudge cupcakes murder was the title I think. Yes, fluff,. Yes food. I am doing a little review of it on my site at Cooking with Ideas — http://www.cookingwithideas.typepad.com
Just wondering what Ted Dekker book you didn’t care for. I only read one and really liked it – won’t tell you what it is in case it was the one you made “exception” for! We just got the Phil Vischer booke up here in Canada and I was intrigued by it – I think I’ll put that one on my list!
Cheryl – I wasn’t crazy about House. I didn’t necessarily think it was horrible, it just didn’t click with me. The others by him that I’ve read, though, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed!