Due to the immense** popularity of this blog, I’ve garnered a reputation as a book gal.
Mostly, this means I get invited to all Usborne Book parties (in case you’re interested, I’ve decided to universally RSVP “no” to these invites). However, sometimes fun ideas come my way.
Awhile ago, a friend of mine approached me with the idea of starting a book club at our church. I think I was chosen 1.) Because I like books, and 2.) Because I’m on the younger side of church women and should attract my fellow youngin’s.
We read our first book, Kisses from Katie, by Katie Davis in October. The discussion was great, and I got to host in my rarely used living room (rarely used because the TV is in the other room).
This month, I suggested we read This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick. I chose it after reading many reviews (I hadn’t read it before), so I’ve been a bit nervous, just in case the book is awful. It’s a book about loving where you live. Every chapter brings new ideas to feeling more connected and attached to your town, even if you’re a new transplant.
For the record, I think it’s interesting, but I’ve been slogging through it. I usually feel this way about non-fiction books. It’s a list of study after study, and, frankly, a lot of the studies reveal really obvious results.
And, due to all the slogging, I’ve spent the month dreaming of my to-be-read pile. Since I have a few books I’m dying to read, I thought I’d share those most-anticipated titles with you.
Archenemies by Marissa Meyer
In terms of young-adult–especially YA sci-fi–you can’t do better than Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles. OK, I’ve read more fantasy than sci-fi, so maybe you can do better, but I’m fairly set in my opinion. Archenemies is the sequel to Renegades in Meyer’s new trilogy. It’s superhero based, which adds an interesting plot. I was first on the library waiting list for this beauty, and I’m itching to finish my book-club book to crack this cover.
On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter
Denise Hunter has been my favorite Christian fiction author for some time. Francine Rivers and Liz Curtis Higgs are also on the list, but as for modern romances, I like Ms. Hunter. I’ve read The Convenient Groom (read the book, don’t watch the movie) numerous times, and I love it every time. I tend to pre-purchase her upcoming novel so Amazon will lovingly place it on my doorstep on release day.
The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen
I happened to grab Kiss of the Spindle, a steampunk retelling of Sleeping Beauty, off a library display. Thankfully, it was a “proper romance” (a.k.a. “without graphic sex”), and I loved it. There’s also a steampunk Beauty and the Beast retelling, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, which I’d recommend. I love finding a new author, especially one who is writing new books so I can wait in eager anticipation.
Giving It All Away…and Getting It All Back Again: The Way of Living Generously by David Green with Bill High
My folks read this book and immediately recommended it to us with a “this changed our life!”. Even at 30, I’d like to get started on living generously. In fact, I’d like to be weirdly generous throughout my life. I’ll let you know how this one goes.
OK, for the record, I’m looking forward to book club, but with two chapters still left to read (and book club is tomorrow night!), I’m ready to move past my assigned title and onto my current dream list.
What have you read and recommended lately? I’m all ears!
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**And by “immense,” I mean my mom is thoroughly enjoying my brilliantly witty thoughts.