Summer Reads

As busy moms, we don't often get the time to read a book with more than 20 pages or that doesn't start with 'Once Upon a Time'. So when we do get the chance to lose ourselves in a book, we want it to be worth the investment of our time. There's nothing more disappointing than reading 300 pages of mediocre plot and boring characters.

That's why at our MIA Coffeehouse in May, we provided a list of books that were recommended by avid readers whom we respect. These are tried and true books.

Every Monday throughout the summer, I'm going to highlight a few of those books from that list as well as some of the books all of you recommended on your sign in cards. In the comments, please feel free to chime in on what you're reading this summer or about a particular book listed.

I've set a goal to read two books a month this summer. That's a tall order because I can't remember when I actually started and finished an entire book that didn't have pictures on every page. You can track my progress in the sidebar here.

The Sunroom by Beverly Lewis

I just finished this book last night. The Sunroom was recomended by Lisa Dorr who said that it was a bit of a "tear jerker." I like tear jerkers. I also picked it, well, honestly, because it only had 143 pages and I wanted to feel the thrill of finishing a book quickly as incentive to keep going.

The story is set in Lancaster County, fancy that, and follows Becky Owens, "a talented and passionate young pianist on the verge of adolescence when she learns devastating news about her beloved mother. As the daughter of a country preacher, Becky knows the significance of sacrifice, and in her 'arrangement' with God, she vows to exchange her most cherished possession for her mother's life. But a realization of the power of music and a lesson in unconditional love compel Becky to rethink her bargain with God, and the sunroom becomes a place where miracles happen."

This short book packed a lot of punch and definitely delivered. I got drawn in quickly and, yes, it drew a tear at the end. Definitely a great, quick read.

If you'd like to read The Sunroom, I'd be happy to pass it along to anyone.

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell
This is one of those books where you'll be reading along and all of a sudden the light bulb will go on and you'll have a greater understanding of why your kids act and react they way they do. Recommended by Patty Kobzowicz, if you're already finding the summer challenging with the kids, this book may help ease the tension.

"Kids desperately need to know how much you love them. but if you don't know their special "love languages," you might as well be speaking gibberish. Every child (like every adult) expresses and receives love best through one of finve communication styles. If your language is different from your child's you'd better learn to translate---fast. Learn your children's love languages, and you'll discover how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection and commitment that will resonate in their souls---and inspire them for the rest of their lives."

Teaches you how to discover your child’s love language and then how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection and commitment that will resonate in their souls.

This book is available here and here. It may also be available in CCC's bookstore, but don't quote me on that.

River Rising by Athol Dickson
Pastor Dave Hess enjoys reading suspense novels and recommended this page turner because of the "colorful author who keeps you on the edge of your seat while blessing your heart."

Welcome to Pilotville, Louisiana, 1927, isolated outpost on the Mississippi River--a stilt village bounded by swampland to the horizon, accessible only by boat, an island of brotherly love in a sea of racism. Meet Hale Poser, a stranger with a bad hip who's come looking for his roots-- a humble man, a righteous man, a miracle man.

In the swamp beyond the cypress and the tupelo and veiled by Spanish moss lies a lingering evil. For years it slept in dreadful isolation. Now comes Hale Poser, and it will sleep no more. It will rain down on Pilotville, it will rise up like a river, and nothing but a miracle can stop this awful flood.

River Rising can be purchased here.

Summer Reads

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2007/06/summer-reads.html