I was able to read quite a few books in January. Normally I don’t read this many in a month, but I had several factors in my favor.
First, a lot of these books were really good. The hard-to-put down good. Because they were good books, I was able to read quite a few of them quickly.
Second, a couple of them were short books, as in, I read them in less than an hour.
Third, one night Jason came home from work late (11:00). While I waited for him, I finished one book and read two others.
So without futher ado, here are the books I read in January.
1. Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke
2. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald – This was my first real exposure to George MacDonald; I read this title for a book club I am participating in. I must say I enjoyed this book immensely. I am looking forward to reading the book that follows this one, The Princess and Curdie. This books is supposed to be an allegory . . . but I didn’t get that. I just enjoyed the story.
3. Known Only To God by Martha Cummins Love – Carrie sent this to me after my miscarriage in late December. It was very healing to read this book. This is more of a booklet, and I read (and cried!) through it quite quickly.
4. To Hell on a Fast Horse by Mark Lee Gardner – A biography on Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett. This was a very interesting read . . . if you like this period in American history. I will say one word of caution . . . there is a bit of language in the book when the author quotes various outlaws.
5. The Spirit of Loveliness by Emilie Barnes – Carrie gave this book to me as a wedding gift last October. (This is one of the books I read the night I was waiting for Jason.) It is an easy read, and it is an encouraging read for homemakers. The end of each chapter has many practical suggestions for making my home a haven of loveliness.
6. The Light Princess by George MacDonald – My second exposure to George MacDonald. (This is one of the books I read in less than an hour . . . and the second one I read while waiting for Jason.) This one is also an allegory, and I caught this allegory much better than The Princess and the Goblin.
7. One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook
8. The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander – A novel about the last Tsar of Russia and his family. A well-written novel, with a decidedly unexpected twist in the very last chapter. A word of caution: there is some language, plus a brief description of something scatalogical, as well as somewhat detailed description of the execution of the Tsar’s family. If you are interested in the Russian revolution or Nicholas and Alexandra, this is a fun read.
9. The Martyr of the Catacombs – This short book was written by an anonymous author. It is a gripping read recounting the persecution suffered by the early church. The description of the martyrdom of many believers (while not graphic) is still nauseating. Yet the darkness of persecution provides a background in which to view the awe-inspiring lives of first century believers. Even though this is a novel, the book leaves the reader convicted and inspired to great Christlikness.
10. The Historical Jesus by Gary Habermas – A school book.
11. Exiled to the Red River by Dave and Neta Jackson – A quick, easy read about how the gospel spread about native Americans. This is written as historical fiction for YA readers.
12. Directed Verdict by Randy Singer – Crystal Paine recommended this author. I’ve enjoyed the two books I’ve read so far.
13. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot – An interesting book regarding medical practices in the mid-1900s. (A book for mature readers.)
14. The Justice Game by Randy Singer – I didn’t enjoy this one as much as Directed Verdict, but it was still good.
Dang girl! You really are an avid reader! Look at you go tearing through these books one after another! I always enjoy seeing what you’re reading