The gang over at 5 Minutes for Books is hosting a new monthly carnival called What’s on Your Nightstand?, an opportunity for us to chat about what we’re currently reading. Click the graphic to get more details, and then join in the fun!

So, what’s on my nightstand? Here you go:

My current fiction read is The Cure, by Athol Dickson. My friend, Jennifer, sent me this book, and it looked intriguing. To be honest, though, the beginning of this book? A little slow. Now keep in mind, I’m a girl who likes action, suspense, thrillers. So any time a book starts off with too much of an introspective slant, I am tempted to quit. But usually, I persevere. Because it feels wrong to not finish a fiction book…unless it’s really bad.

I persevered with The Cure, and I can honestly say, now that I only have about 1/4 of the book to go, the pace certainly picked up. Exciting things started happening, a hefty dose of mystery was introduced, and I found myself wondering how things would turn out for the characters. I would definitely read another book by Dickson and am thinking of making it Winter Haven, which Lisa reviewed here.

My current nonfiction read is Journaling as a Spiritual Practice. InterVarsity Press sent me this book out of the blue, and I jumped right in. I am not a faithful journaler, but this book is tempting me to start up again. The author’s focus is on how journaling can help us recognize God’s work in and around us, but she also talks quite a bit about faith in general and the Christian life. My favorite quote so far?

“Christian faith admits that the worst things, the things we are most afraid of, could indeed happen to us, but they are nothing to be afraid of. Our courage rises because we know…our lives — no matter what happens to us — belong to God. We know and believe God is with us in and through it all.” [p. 46]

Finally, my current Bible study is Premium Roast with Ruth. I’ve mentioned the Coffee Cup Bible Study series by Sandra Glahn before, and I really can’t say enough good things about them. They’re super-portable, doable, deep (but not overwhelming), and I learn so much from them.

True confession: I’ve also been picking up Writing Motherhood and Looking for God, and reading bits and pieces of them as well. I can’t help it — I’m always “reading” multiple nonfiction books…even if I never actually complete them. But since I’m not completely committed to these books right now, I didn’t include them in the official list or picture.

So what’s on your nightstand? Write a post and sign up at 5 Minutes for Books. Inquiring minds want to know!