My Favorite Things

I love the moment you discover something you realize you'd prefer to never live without. Whether it's a concrete object, or just a new way of doing something, it's a sweet improvement to life! And so, from time to time you will learn when I discover these things as I plan to share them with you! 

Have you ever heard of The Zion Covenant series? Until my birthday, it was simply a book on my sister's shelf that I never had time to read. I didn't know there were more books... it was simply a cool cover. Well, this all changed when I received the first book in the series as a gift from my wonderful sister-in-law out in Washington. (She is one person who is always introducing new things and processes in my life, so I am not at all surprised she is behind my newest obsession!). 

Rather than making this a structured book review (you can find those yourself!) I plan to simply rave about this series. I confess that I am a picky reader. I am easily bored by cheesy writing. Most of my book collection is filled with history books, theological insights, inspirational writings, and the classics. There are a few fiction authors that have made their way to my shelf, but I have to say that most of it is hardly worth the time. 

*Cue Bodie & Brock Thoene*

From page one of the first book, I couldn't put this series down. Set back in Germany during

Hitler's rise to power, the characters take hold of your heart and draw you in with their musical talents and love of life and liberty.When the first book was finished, I felt I had lost a dear friend. Stuck on an airplane, I had no other choice than to wait to pick up book #2. (And would you believe that after 14 hours of traveling, I was at Barns & Noble before I made it home? No patience to order it!) Each book has been an adventure. Bodie & Brock have truly done their homework, for I have learned so much of the daily struggles of the Jews and the courage they and others faced just to preserve freedom. 

I must add that I have the most precious husband the Lord ever made. I sadly finished the third book in the series the other night, placing it on the shelf with a sigh. When he came home from class yesterday, he came running up the stairs and stuck his hand around the corner before he emerged. In it was a bag with a surprise for me. Book four! :) 

Check out the series, I promise you will fall in love with it as I have!! 

Happy Thursday!

Reading List for 2011

Confession: I'm a bit of a book snob. On average, I have four books going on at once. While this is great when I want to change it up from an informative political read to an adventurous fiction novel, it slows my pace down from maybe a week or two to finish a book, to months to complete them all. It is a problem, I know. That is why this year I am vowing to at least try to read through a singular book at any given time. This will be a challenge (I get a bit overzealous with a new book!) but I am willing to give it a genuine shot. 

One way I plan to implement this challenge is to set my reading list of 2011! I attempted to keep it to ten books, hoping it would set me up for success, but ended up with nineteen. The number is hardly a problem (I imagine by 2012 the actual number will be significantly higher), I am just so excited to read through a number of them that I may find great difficulty sticking to one at a time. 

Nevertheless, I give you my list for 2011 and give you full permission to keep me accountable - whether or not I do! 

Bonhoeffer: Pastor Martyr, Prophet, Spy: This book was the only thing I asked for this Christmas (hence the excited picture in my Christmas post!) I admit I even let out a little scream when I opened it *wink* And it is the top book on next year's list. I've already started it and am completely addicted. The only reason I am not reading it at this very moment is due to this post! Bonhoeffer is my newest inspiration in life.

 

  

The Great Divorce: This book somehow slipped through my reading list growing up. I'm unsure how I have yet to read this one, but I am quite excited to take it in!

Mere Christianity: I haven't picked this book up since I was in high school, and am quite eager to be reacquainted with brilliance of C.S.Lewis' writings.

 

The Athena Project: I first learned of this book on the Glenn Beck program and instantly wanted to read it. I don't read much fiction anymore (though Brad Thor's style is considered "Faction"), but this one made it on my "must read" list -- and under my Christmas tree!! 

 

 

The Real George Washington: I have had this book since my birthday in May, but as previously stated, I always have several books going, and this just hasn't made it up the list yet! But this year, it will happen. I have heard nothing but incredible things. 

The End of Reason: I began this book last winter, but had it stolen from me by my dear husband (which was fine for it sparked his love for the study of Apologetics). So now that it is once again available, it will finally be fully read by me!

Ethics: Bonhoeffer continues to inspire me, and by doing so, I must read more of his works. This book is a must for me.

The Cost of Discipleship: Another must read for me from Bonhoeffer. I can hardly wait to read it - when I buy it of course!

 

The Paradise War: I have always preferred non-fiction to fiction, but this book is an exception for me. I read it once back in high school and was blown away by its plot and character development. Strom got it for Christmas, and I'm thinking it is time for another read! Maybe this time I'll read the second and third installments...

 Pursuit of Honor: Another read I found under my tree! I have heard nothing but good things about Vince Flynn and can't wait to dive into this one!

Redeeming Love: I have read this book nearly every year since I was a freshman in college. It is by far one of the most amazing books I have ever read. And remember, I'm a book snob. I failed to find the time to read it this past year (ya know, working, wedding planning, moving and all that boring stuff!) But this year, it's going down.

 

The 5000 Year Leap: One of thee most understandable books on the Constitution anyone could ask for. I read it this past year, but I want a refresher course due to the great importance of needing to know what I believe. 

Believe it or not, I have never read the Chronicles of Narnia. Shame on me, I know. I watched the BBC movies growing up, and fully enjoy the new versions, but I have never sat down and read through the collection. This year, I have every intention of changing that.

And there you have it. My publicly stated challenge and commitment! 

Bring it on, 2011!