Summer Reading

So what are you reading this summer? That question was posed last week in my online writers group, The Christian Writers View 2. Not only was it fun to see everyone’s lists, but it also provided some great ideas for future reads. The “what are you reading” idea has actually been on my list of possible posts for several weeks now so let’s jump in and see what we come up with, okay?

I’ll go first :) A few years ago, I finally started reading the Left Behind series of books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. I know — I guess you could say I’ve been “left behind” everyone else on this front :) Right now I’m on book 10, The Remnant. I’ve taken a break from it, though, to read The Shack by William P. Young. This book has generated a lot of buzz so thought I’d better check it out before I’m way behind the times on it as well. I’m about halfway finished and am not sure what I think yet… Of course, I always read the newspaper (such as it is in our small town) and always have my stack of magazines next to my spot on the couch as well :)

This past year I’ve also begun reading some classic books on the craft of writing. The one I’m reading right now is On Writing – A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. Crazy, huh? Little Cheryl reading Stephen King :) Since I’m not exactly into terror (hey, there’s a big difference between disaster and terror flicks!), I’ve never read his books or watched the subsequent movies, but this book comes highly recommended by those in the writing industry. Granted, I’ve had to skim over some “colorful” language at times, but his insight about writing has proven to be invaluable.

Now to devotional reading — I realize that’s quite a jump from Stephen King, but jump with me, if you will :) As you might have already guessed, I’m currently reading the devotional books in which my devotions have recently appeared. The One-Year Life Verse Devotional is my early morning one, and Daily Devotions for Writers has become my nighttime one. I also manage to fit in a women’s daily devotional magazine called Journey.

The best devotional reading I do, though, comes straight from the Bible. Nothing can replace the wisdom, power, and hope found in the Word of God. Moses told the Israelites that God’s words “are not just idle words for you–they are your life.” (Deuteronomy 32:47) How true. God’s Word is, in fact, my lifeline.

Now it’s your turn. Don’t worry — you don’t have to go into as much detail as I have. That’s just the writer in me. Everyone jump in and leave a comment. C’mon and join the fun! What are you currently reading?

*P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for the Stay Cool Summer Giveaway (deadline June 24). See June 1st post.

*Flickr photo by katerha

Comments

  1. I just finished reading “The Heavenly Man” which was an amazing story about a Pastor from China who was imprisoned, persecuted multiple times and escaped China. It was very humbling to read and definitely made me think twice before complaining about my circumstances. A very inspiring book.

  2. One of my favorite Christian fiction authors is Tracie Peterson. I have been checking out books from the library and reading quite bit since May. In the past I have read several of her series, and this summer I read the “Yukon Quest” series, which is really good. One of my favorite sets I think. I just looked it up, it looks like characters from this series are in the “Alaskan Quest” set. Guess I’ll have to check those out! :)

    I also have found some of her older books to read. A few of them are collections of 4 shorter books that are interwoven with the characters. I’m currently reading “Castles” which is pretty good. I also read “New Mexico Sunrise” and “New Mexico Sunset” which are really good stories.

    I’ll keep rambling about these books, I really enjoy the ” Shannon Saga” books as well as the “Bells of Lowell” books. I also started reading “The Broadmoor Legacy” and book 2 comes out in September! Oh, and I like the “Desert Roses” books too :)

  3. Cheryl, I too love reading and for some reason I always read more in the summer.

    I just finished Josh Grogan’s Marley and Me. Great fun, but I also experienced a deluge of tears. Sweet read.

    Now I am reading Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Jumping into his style was like diving into a cold pool, but soon I got used to the water and now I am swimming in his language, enjoying the ride.

    Next up? I think I am going to try a book called Girl Meets God. I can’t recall the author but I know it is a memoir that has been recommended to me.

    Blessings on you and your fun blog!

  4. Debbie, Kristin, & Robbie, thanks for sharing! Looks like we’ve got quite a variety of recommendations going so far.

    Debbie, I bet I would like “The Heavenly Man”, and Kristin, I had a feeling you might mention Tracie Peterson :) Robbie, I noticed that you, too, are a contributor to “Daily Devotions for Writers”! Neat, huh? :)

  5. I am currently reading The Shack, by William P. Young. So far I absolutely love it. What has touched me so deeply is how the Trinity, in human form, came down to meet this man and heal his pain. I am only half way through and I can’t wait to finish it.
    Blessings,
    Nancy

  6. Nancy, I’m not finished with The Shack yet either, but I, too, love the loving, healing way the Trinity is pictured. One thing I’m kind of concerned about, though, is all the teaching/preaching that is done through the dialogue — so many words being put into the mouth of God, so to speak, that are not directly from the divinely inspired Word of God. Some of it seems right on to me, but other portions I’m not so sure of… I’ve been wondering what other people are thinking of it. Thanks for sharing.

  7. Cheryl,

    I write for childrens. So, this summer I have a stack (about 3 feet high) of middle grade and young YA fiction to read. I’m hopefully learning a lot by osmosis as I enjoy these books.

    Blessings,
    Jean
    http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com

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