2012: A Literary Review

     The year isn't over yet, but let's face it: I probably won't complete any more books in 2012.  I used to be the reader of my family, but it seems like that has changed (at least for a season).  My kindle-toting dad and sister have me beat by a mile these days.  I love reading, but it seems like I have to gear myself up mentally to start a new book every time I finish one.

     And yes, I read books that interest me, not books that make me look smart(er).  This list is short.  I hope you don't mind excessive comas, parenthesis, and run-on sentences!  Here goes.

The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins: You have heard the hype, and you should probably believe it.  This is the first books series bandwagon that I have joined (seeing as though I have yet to read Twilight or Harry Potter.  Oh, or Fifty Shades).  My friend who worked at Barnes and Noble recommended Hunger Games to me years ago, and I loved it.  Obviously, I had to re-read the book before seeing the movie this year!  Dave actually enjoyed the movie, but I know he'll never read the book.  I am thinking about searching for an audio version for us to listen to on a road trip.  Does this exist?  Anyone?

A Praying Life, Paul Miller: Y'all, read this book.  Please read it.  Maybe I am the only one who gets into a praying funk, but maybe not.  Paul Miller completely overhauled my view on prayer by reminding me how God really sees me.  I read A Praying Life earlier this year in a bible study, and it was amazing.  I was hooked by the first chapter thinking, "Yes, that's me!  Gah!"  Dave and I are reading/discussing it now, and I am already seeing the fruits of that in our day-to-day lives. 

Heaven is for Real, Todd Burpo: This is a quick, easy read.  It's a neat, nonfiction story about a boy who dies on an operating table.  He is miraculously revived, and for a full year following, he casually mentions things to his parents about being in heaven.  It seems weird, but it really makes you think.  Even professing Christians might not spend much time actually thinking about heaven, but this is really food for thought.  The book is so short that I might even call it a bathroom-type reader.  You know, if you like to think about heaven and Jesus while you're pooping.  I don't multi-task, though, so I can't really speak from experience. 

Bossypants, Tina Fey: You know, in case you thought I'm too conservative.  This is a really fun read.  Everyone knows Tina Fey is hilarious, and if you disagree, you probably don't enjoy things like laughter, puppies, hot chocolate, and happiness.  One caviat though: if you have no history watching SNL or 30 Rock, you may be a little bored at times.  She essentially puts together her history through (non-linear) anecdotes, many of which contain references to these shows.  She also seems so spend a little bit of time (in my opinion) trying to clear the air about media interviews/incidents where she came across badly.

Winter Garden, Kristin Hannah:  My sister told me to read this book because it was "beautiful."  She's right.  If you like novels with a little historical fiction and family issues, this may be the book for you.  It goes back and forth between a present-day story and one set in Leningrad, Russia during WWII.  In present-day Alaska, two adult sisters mourn the loss of their father while trying to reach out to their severely private and harsh mother who only seemed to have warmth in her heart for her now-deceased husband.  Their father's dying wish was that he tell the girls "the rest of the story."  The chapters switch back and forth to this story told in fairy-tale style, weaving a beautiful and tragic history that shows them who their mother really is.  Anyway, the story is beautiful, though the ending seems just a teensy bit too easy for me... I can't describe it, but it's definitely worth reading. 

Cutting for Stone, Abraham Verghese: Who are we kidding, I am not even halfway through this one, but it is wonderful already.  Just ask the New York Times best seller list.  I wouldn't call it a difficult read, but the language might be a little awkard if you prefer reading modern/conversational American English.  It's more proper-sounding than that.  My aunt mentioned this title to me, because my cousin's family adopted a little girl from Ethiopia (where the story takes place).  It is a beautiful story so far, with a tone almost reminiscent (to me) of the Kite Runner. I am looking forward to finishing this one.  You know, if I ever stop watching Take Home Chef on Netflix long enough to read something.

The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd Jones: We read this almost every night with Myla before she goes to bed.  Does she always pay attention?  No.  But she now she asks every day, "Bye bye? (bible)" to remind us to read it.  I am not suggesting that children shouldn't hear or understand the actual bible in its traditional wording, but this is an excellent version that shows how everything in the bible really sets the stage for Jesus.  Even growing up in the church with bible "stories," you don't always make the connection as a child (or even as an adult) that everything in God's word points to Jesus.  I have gotten chills before while reading this with Myles.  Case in point: this little treasure from the story of Abraham and Isaac:
     "Many years later, another Son would climb another hill, carrying wood on his back.  Like Isaac, he would trust his Father and do what his Father asked.  He wouldn't struggle or run away.  Who was he?  God's Son, his only Son-- the Son he loved.  The Lamb of God."

Happy reading!