For as far back as I can remember, I have been a competitive person. I distinctly remember being about 4 or 5, sitting on a stool at the kitchen counter, peeling potatoes like a speed demon, and furtively stealing glances at my 3 years elder sister who was completely unaware of our "race" and was peacefully peeling potatoes on a stool of her own. So, its not really shocking that my book list has become like a competition with myself and, alright, maybe its a tiny bit competitive with the size of my friend's list from last year.
Some books I've read are just silly "junk food" type books, some I have read with my kids, and some have been really good investments and uplifting books for my soul. I'm a little bit embarrassed to dredge the caverns of my (reading) soul like this, but in the hopes of challenging you to read a bit more, too, here is my "so far" this year reading list…
Cryn's Books of 2014
1) A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
2) The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger -- I really enjoyed this nonfiction account of this crazy storm. It was interesting as a story, but also really informative about weather, sailing, and the sea.
3) Basic Christian,the Inside Story of John Stott by Roger Steer -- This was a very interesting and encouraging read about the life of one very influential theologian and pastor who has influenced many of the well-known theologians of our time. This was an extremely ordinary man with the same struggles and conflicts as many of us. His respect for his father in difficult circumstances, his ordinariness, his hobby of birdwatching and camping with friends, his diligent study, his patience and trust in God over controversies within the Christian faith were all very inspiring.
4) The Giver by Lois Lowry -- A classic, but not my favorite. An interesting and quick read.
5) Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom -- A story about saying goodbye and death
6) Holes by Louis Sachar -- Ok, this one is embarrassing to admit, but what can I say, I needed something to read and someone had given it to the kids. Honestly, ever since Shia LaBeouf starred in the Disney Production of the movie, I was curious what this story was about.
7) Knowing God by J. I. Packer -- This was a tough read and took me a while, but it was a great book and I would definitely recommend it.
8) Bridges with Spirit by Adam Voith -- Random short stories. Meh.
9) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
10) Divergent by Veronica Roth -- I loved the movie, so I had to read the series. Totally addicting teen book series.
11) Insurgent by Veronica Roth
12) Allegiant by Veronica Roth
13) The Maze Runner by James Dasher -- After my experience reading the Divergent series and having to wait for a copy from the library for forever, I decided to get a jump on the Maze Runner series before the movie came out in case I liked it. It was ok. I don't want to see the movie after reading the books. Interesting story, but too gory and zombie like if it turned into a movie for me.
14) The Scorch Trials by James Dasher
15) The Death Cure by James Dasher
16) The Kill Order by James Dasher
17) The Privilege by Kay Smith -- A book about the privilege of being a pastor's wife. Some good nuggets and some stuff to take with a grain of salt.
18) Peace Like A River by Leif Enger
19) Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller -- An illuminating read about the idols all of us collect, sometimes without even realizing. This book has given me news eyes with which to view everything. Where I once was blind to the subtleties of my and other people's idolatry, I am now much more aware and therefore equipped to deal with them. A super quick read.
20) The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller -- A beautiful and uplifting book about the parable Jesus tells about the TWO sons of a certain man and the failings of each son: the prodigal one and the one who stayed behind. And how we often fall into the same trap as either of them. A super quick read.
Currently Reading: 21) Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
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