Friday, April 3, 2009

new material

I love to read. I don't know if I can honestly classify it as a passion at this point in my life because there are only so many hours in a day I have to dedicate to it, and those are usually late at night, which makes it difficult to burn through a book like I did in my younger (pre-kid) years. But I do love it.

I can remember connecting with literature for the first time when I was in second grade and I began checking out the American Girl books from the school library. I fell in love with Samantha first before moving on to Kirsten and Emily. Then a few years later I discovered a new genre that I couldn't put down. Mystery in the form of Nancy Drew novels took over my 4th and 5th grade years, turning me into a verifiable book worm. I read nearly two hundred mysteries over that time, and I don't think one single plot ever disappointed.

From that point on, I was hooked. I was the dork who held onto the summer reading list each year to make sure that I had a suggestions handy when I went to the library. I re-read required reading in the summers because I had enjoyed the books so much the first go around.

I love almost all genres, although I am not a huge fan of sci-fi, but deep in my heart I am a lover of the classics. Dickens is my favorite, followed by Jane Austin, and Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre ranks right at the very top as well. I also love a well-written historical fiction novel, because it brings together my two favorite subjects (and consequently, my major and minor). Recently I've read a few political books, the Twilight series, a trilogy of mysteries by Tasha Alexander, and a book by Randy Alcorn on stewardship.

Books are amazing. To me there is nothing like reading a book and connecting with a character to the point that you wish you could know that person, or becoming so involved in the plot that it is painful to walk away, even briefly, to attend to real life. For me, a good book is preferable to a movie any day of the week, and it is light years better than wasting time on the computer.

Which brings me to my point. I am in need of some suggestions for a new read. I finished Wuthering Heights last week, and since then I have found myself wasting ridiculous amounts of time on here simply because don't have anything to pick up and throw myself into. It's always better to me to read something on recommendation, and if you share a comraderie with me in this regard, I would really love it if you'd share one or two of your favorites. Maybe we can even start a little bloggy book club =). But in the event that doesn't work out, I really would like some suggestions!

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have you read the Cape Light series by Thomas Kincaide/Katherine Spencer? Those are great reads, and a new one comes out every Christmas season.

AllTheKingsBlessings said...

Have you read the Karen Kingsbury books? They are all great and get you totally hooked on her wonderful characters!

Anonymous said...

I just finished reading the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury. Now I am starting the Firstborn series which is a continuation of the same characters. I also read Francine Rivers' A Voice in the Wind and am looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.

Laura Schachter said...

I am reading "The Forgotten Man". It is a very fair and honest history of the Great Depression. Very timely. It really correlates with current events and makes you ask why we are trying the same things that did not work back then.

Anonymous said...

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Kim said...

I have wanted to read The Host by Stephenie Meyer...I have heard it is hard to get into at first, but then really good. In fact, it is sitting on the end table next to my couch. I would love to have a bloggy book club. What did you think of Twilight? Did you see the movie?

Anonymous said...

You might like the David McCullough novels- 1776 is pretty good, and John Adams is great as well. They are history novels and very well-written.

Anonymous said...

I think you will love Francine Rivers. Start with Redeeming Love, and then read the Mark of the Lion series (A Voice in the Wind is the first one in the trilogy, I think). A Christian girl in ancient Rome. They are amazing.

Tina

Jena said...

Anything by Karen Kingsbury ( I have some you can borrow if you would like) she is great and her characters become like your own family. I also like Francine Rivers.

Carolyn said...

You cannot cannot miss reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. Christian fiction - a refreshing look at God, Jesus and the Spirit - will brighten your spiritual outlook.

Britt said...

Read the Twilight Saga's.Its basically a modern day Romeo & Juliet.Very good books.

Unknown said...

I have read a few books by Dean Koontz, and really enjoyed the action and creativity so far! The Husband, The Good Guy, and Life Expectancy are all great and will definitely suck you in! :)

Shannon said...

I love Karen Kingsbury when I want some good, lighter reading. But I recently read an older series by Bodie Thoene. The Zion Chronicles. They are extrememly well written and thought provoking.

Unknown said...

have you read any of Francine Rivers' books? I LOVED Redeeming Love - it's the story of Gomer & Hosea in the bible, told during the time of the CA gold rush. . .so sort of modern day. I also love her Lineage of Grace series - 5 short, easy reads about 5 biblical women who each played an important role in the lineage of Jesus.

Adam & Amy Wilson said...

I love recommending Stepping Heavenward (by Mrs. E. Prentiss- she wrote the hymn "More Love to Thee, O Christ"). Adam and I finally finished A Tale of Two Cities, so I can speak from experience now that Stepping Heavenward is a far cry from Dickens, but if you haven't read it- I'd say it's worth it. I always hate recommending something because I never know whether someone will enjoy something that I have, but here I am being wild and crazy and offering up my recommendation. I've read it twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. Give it several chapters in, if you do decide to pick it up...it gets better as she grows. (If you are already into another recommendation, I'll bring it when I see you in June)

Unknown said...

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is an incredibly moving book about the story of Dinah. Based on truth, but very fictionalized b/c the Bible doesn't elaborate much on her story. It's probably been 6years since I read it and I could definitely read it again!

my Beautiful Little Bird said...

my very favorite fiction book is The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. It's about a man writing a story for the girl he left behind. It's not really a gushy love story. It's more about how love can transcend time and generations. I absolutely love it!

Anonymous said...

I'm not exactly sure what kind of books you're looking for... but Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is incredible. It's the story of Hosea... with modern twists. It is very well written, and is worth every moment spent reading it! :)
... Her Mark of the Lion series is just as good! :)
... and Oooohhhh... Someone said before me that the Red Tent was good. I second that! :)

Anonymous said...

The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury is incredible. She really draws you in. you really do feel like you know the characters(or at least you would like to!) This series is modern day. Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series is very good also, set in Ancient Rome. It is more of a historical fiction.

Jenny Thomas said...

I actually have just finished 12 of Karen Kingsbury's Baxter series books... in under 2 months... that's how much I liked them! Start with the Redemption series and you'll be hooked!

Gretchen Goode said...

Because you love Jane Eyre, you should read The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It is about a young woman who loves books! She is invited to interview and then to write the biography of England's greatest fiction writer, whose life has up to this point been a complete mystery. The language is beautiful, and there is a mystery.

Emily said...

My ultimate favorite (and a quick read, which is good for us mommies!) is Our Town by Thornton Wilder. An oldie, but a goodie. I'm in the middle of The Shack...no opinions of that yet. I saw someone suggested The Host. I am a major Twilight lover and read this one too. It took me a while to get over the fact that I didn't get to have my Edward (I know, I'm obsessed!) but it was pretty cool.
Oh, and what about the Harry Potter series!?

Emily said...

Oh, and if you haven't read A Thousand Splendid Suns it's absolutely amazing (and totally heartbreaking so be warned).

milehighmom said...

I just finished Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It is loosely based on the book of Hosea in the Bible. It was excellent and I would highly recommend it.

L said...

Jodi Piccoult it pretty good....Nicolas Sparks too :)

Lauren in Srping, TX said...

Because you have girls you should really try the Lucy Maude Montgomery books - Anne of Green Gables saga. There are 8 in the collection. I did not start them till I was in college 13 years ago - but have read them all at least once a year since - so sweet and beuatiful and the humor is simple and charming - wrapped in a wholesome lovestory.

Brooke said...

Same kind of Different as Me was the best book I have every read. Just don't read it in a public place unless you want everyone wondering why you are crying? I was so moved by this book.

Brandi said...

I totally agree with everything you said! We need to have a mini book club meeting to disucss WH since no one else wanted to participate. My friend Emily read it too.

Noah's Mommy said...

For a light read The Secret Lives of Bees is great.

In Definition said...

I'm about to begin Anna Karenina by Tolstoy for the second time...it's a long one so it will keep you busy for a while but definitely worth every minute!

Lee said...

1. Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
2. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
3. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
4. A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle
5. Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset

Anonymous said...

Angie - I love karen Kingsbury and have almost all her books if you would like to borrow any. I'm also a fan of Beverly Lewis. Livona (I love your hair!)

Jennifer said...

My vote is for the Karen Kingsbury ones too...have read over 15 of her books and am addicted. They are a great read but be forewarned that once you read one, you must read them all! I also enjoyed In Search of Eden (adoption themed fictional novel) by Linda Nichols.

Gram said...

East of Eden - Steinbeck
Anna Karinina - Russian novel
Bliss - takes place in Istanbul
Kabul Beauty School
City of Refuge (one explicit sex scene i didn't like but a good account of Katrina Hurricane-novel)
Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
The Dark Tide - Andrew Gross (mystery)
Safely Home - Randy Alcorn (Christian persecution in China - good novel/plot)

Anonymous said...

Make sure you let us know what you decide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Megan @ SimplyThrifty said...

I just finished the Twilight series today...sigh. I always hate ending a series. One of my favorites authors is Brock & Bodie Thoene. They write Christian historical fiction. I don't think I've ever read any of their books that I didn't like. One of my favorite series was one that took place in Ireland although I don't remember the name of it. I also really like Michael Phillips/Judith Pella books. My favorite series from them was the Stonewycke series. There are actually two sets.
I'm going to have to look through some of the suggestions you received. I don't like reading books unless they've been recommended to me because I have the hardest time picking books on my own.

Pat N Fl said...

1st I have to agree with everyone else about Karen Kingsbury as I think I have read and own all of her books. But I just finished Appomattox Saga Book 1 by Gilbert Morris and it is fiction based on the Civil war and is 3 books in one. I am waiting for book 2.

read2kds said...

I just finished a GREAT piece of historical fiction called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society...it is post WWII and it is fabulous! I also adore Twilight...:-)

Blessings,
Amy in NC

Brandi said...

Angie, I'm so glad you wrote this post. Now I have lots of good recommendations for things to read. Let me know when you finish The Shack. I want to discuss it.