A few heavy hitters, as well as some enjoyable holidays reads are in this month's wrap-up:86) Running a Marathon for Dummies by Jason R. Karp, PhD—If I am ever going to run farther than a half marathon, I don't want to be a dummy, so I read this book! The science is admittedly a little dated, but a lot of it still holds true. Karp writes a lot about the musculature of running, the physiology of running, and more. There are photos of stretches and strength moves to do, plus an interesting (again, dated) list of fun marathons to run. The one caution I would give with this book is his suggestion to do carb-depleted/depleting runs. From what I have read, that is old science, and now dubbed to be dangerous. Don't be a dummy and take old science as new!
87) The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant—This book took me awhile to get into. The story of a spat between Baker Bri and Travel Writer Gerard at The Puff Pastry Shop oozes cheesiness. It ends poignantly with some powerful truths about life and love, however. Readers who get through the corniness of a town named Story with a gingerbread house bed and breakfast and a love lock wall can stand to glean some truths from reading the novel. As with love, commitment to the process is key.
88) The Faithful Way: Remaining Steadfast in an Uncertain World by Cynthia Heald—This is a powerful book! Cynthia Heald, author of the "Becoming a Woman of..." books writes here about faithfulness, and in ways that really resonate with me. She writes first of how "faithfulness begins with ardent love for the Lord and fervent determination to fling ourselves on him in reckless confidence.” I have always thought of faithfulness as something I do, but it is not. It is a work enabled by the Spirit when I chose to love God and place Him first in my life. Heald goes on to write about the practicalities of faithful living: prayer, Bible reading, and being on the watch for sin, to name a few. Each daily reading contains verses to read, quotes from commentaries and other resources, questions for application, and a short prayer. This is really a rich resource. I read it as a book (so more than one reading at once), but could probably gain even more through faithfully reading and meditating on each chapter over a 31 day (or longer!) period.
89) The Christmas Bargain by Lisa Carter—Artist and art teacher Lila Penry cannot wait to get an artist in residence position in California. Sam Gibson is trying to make a life for himself and his niece Emma Cate. Having been raised by a con man, Sam cannot bring himself to accept handouts, but when Lila asks him to go with her to a wedding in exchange for art classes for Emma Cate, he cannot say, “No.” When the wedding weekend ends with assumptions that he and Lila are engaged, he doesn’t want to say, “No,” to that either, but eventually, he does. He says, “No,” because he believes himself unworthy of Lila, and thinks he knows what is best for her. In the end, they both have to seek the Lord, and with the help of Aunt IdaLee, they begin to see themselves as they truly are: truly loved, and capable of giving and receiving love. This is a truly sweet book with some tear-jerking moments and cut-to-the-heart truths. Although it is a quick read, its truths are timeless!
(90) One in a Millennial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls, and Fitting In by Kate Kennedy—Cassey Ho of Blogilates, Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats, and probably some others raved about this book. While I recognized some of its cultural references, I just didn’t find much substance in it. Sure, there is something to be said (written) about millennial culture, but this treatise mostly on the effects of millennial life on self esteem just didn’t do it for me. While nothing in the book overly offended me, once in a while the author used language and or referred to mature topics, so overall, the book just isn’t one I would recommend.
91) Unfollow: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving Extremism by Megan Phelps-Roper—Megan Phelps-Roper was a beloved member of Westboro Baptist Church, until she wasn’t. This book chronicles her living in and leaving of the sect. It tells of those brave enough to engage with her, including her now husband. It reveals her wrestlings and her love for her family, even in spite of the harm done her. In her final chapter, she writes briefly of the importance of engaging with contradictory ideas, while constantly reassessing one’s world view. This book is graphic at times, and definitely emotional. Readers who want to learn more about extremism, though, can learn more about the waves of its torrents by reading.
92) The Bodine Family Christmas by Marta Perry—This short and sweet story follows Lieutenant Travis McCall as he goes to Alabama to spend Christmas with the family of his military buddy Luke. He is healing from injury, and heartbreak, and does not necessarily want to be there. Twin Annabel Bodine literally ropes him into helping at her sanctuary ranch, however. That leads him to help with the church’s living nativity, and meet a boy named Kyle. Both Annabel and Travis have to learn about waiting on God, telling the truth, and facing the past. Although the plot line moves a bit fast and could benefit from some fleshing out, the story is worth reading for some good feels, just like a quick kiss under the mistletoe.
93) The Gingerbread Season by Betsy St Amant—Okay, this book was even better than The Bodine Family Christmas with which it was packaged. It’s still a going home story, but this time for Allie James, a young woman freshly out of a job and moving back in with her parents.She takes a temp job to help revitalize her town, and is highly successful at it, but all the while has to dodge feelings about her boss Jordan Walker, the man who broke her heart years ago at Christmas. Allie has always felt “less-than,” in her family. Her sister Molly is married with a child and owns a successful business. Jordan moved on and made money. Allie has none of that. A small-business loan might out her back on her feet and return her to Kansas City, but is it really the season for that? This story brought me nearly to tears at times because of its poignancy, but ended on such a high note. Christmas is such a great season for redemption stories such as this one!
94) A Family Style Christmas by Aaroline Aarsen — Nurse Caitlin Severn witnesses a terrible motorcycle accident on her way home from breaking up with her longtime boyfriend. Despite attempts not to get attached to the accident victim, she does. Simon Steele is not an easy patient, however. He constantly gives her trouble, pulling her close, and then pushing her away. He has never known the lasting comfort of family, having been raised in and run away from foster homes for most of his life. Caitlin does not know what to do with him, only that she must pray for him, and that she does. Along the way, she learns more about Simon's family, and her own heart. The conclusion/continuation of the story is a sweet one, less about Christmas, and more about family, which is what Jesus coming to earth to be the Savior of the world is really about.
95) Simplify. Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul by Bill Hybels —Bill Hybels may now be a disgraced pastor, but he has some wise words here. He writes of simplicity not as just an earthly practice, but about as a way to live out who God wants each person to be. He advocates for “chair time” with God each day. He suggests a life verse as an anchor. Each chapter includes scriptures, stories, and questions for pondering. While nothing here was exactly earth-shattering, this book did effect me in that it caused me to ask questions about who I am and the purpose for which God has placed me on earth. If you want to read a book about the spiritual practice of simplicity, I recommend this one!
96) Yuletide Homecoming by Carolyn Arsen—Sarah Westerveld returns home at the request of her father. When he has a stroke before she can speak to him, she gets stuck in her hometown, a town she escaped years ago. Sarah planned a trip with friends to celebrate her college graduation, but now she is stuck trying to care for her father. She coaches basketball for a time, but then gets excluded, even from that. She tries to avoid her high school boyfriend Logan Carelton, a man from a family with whom hers has a feud. This book starts a little Montague and Capulet style, but ends with some powerful truths about love and choice. I especially appreciate the author's incorporation of scripture. If you want a book that makes you grateful for the home and family you have this season, this might be it!
What have you read lately? Please share any must-reads in the comments section!
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