I thought this was such a great idea for a post until I realized: I don’t have much to recommend. I mean, my job demands a LOT of reading – but I don’t think Understanding Self-Mutilation and the Language of Pain is really the kind of stuff you take to the beach to read with a lemonade, you know? So, I’m asking for your help. What books have you loved enough that you would tell someone to spend their precious vacation time on?
I have one – The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeanette Walls – and I have to warn you: the language is as rough as the subject matter. It’s not “light” but it is riveting.
Also, my friend, Marla, has recommended Dead Heat by Joel Rosenberg. It’s the fifth in a series of political thrillers that actually looks like just the ticket for my summer, so I’m going to start with the first book The Last Jihad on my vacation in July.
So, the question is: what’s the best book ever to read from the comfort of a lounge chair under the shade of a big tree while someone else does your laundry? (It could happen)
Dreaming of hot sun and cold lemonade,
Bo
i am still suggesting the Shack to people, but you have already read that one…
hmmm… most of the books i read are disciplship books or relationship books, all of which you have probably read for work. =)
i’ll think on this and get back to you.
For inspiration during my upcoming airplane time (en route to AFRICA in a few days), I’m bringing a big-hefty book about the life and original journal writings of George Mueller (a well-known missionary from the 1800s – known for trusting God and raising thousands of orphans in Bristol England). At the moment, I’m needing encouragement about deeper prayer and an increased level of faith . . . for God and His heart for orphans. It’s not exactly a lemonaid-sipping book, but I don’t quite have time for that at the moment.
Love you!
Ann
I just read the book Escape by Carolyn Jessop (she’s the woman that escaped with her 8 children from the FLDS polygamous community) She is also the one that got the investigation started that ultimately put “prophet” Warren James behind bars.
I have always been really interested in cults and the bizarrity (yep, made that word up) of the people that buy into them.
This book is especially interesting because you normally don’t get to hear what life is actually like LIVING in the cult, because they’re very secretive.. and not many women make it out of the FLDS..
so all in all – very good read!
you do have to be “prepared” though.. she doesn’t hold much back when she talks about what its like to sleep with a 60 year old man as an 18 year old on her wedding night.. and then what it’s like “sharing” your husband with other wives.. she’s not crude, but she is also honest.
oh, and it reads like fiction even though it’s true.. mostly because the things that go on don’t even come close to seeming real.
and there is a lot of child abuse that you have to prepare yourself for as well.
Cassie – as long as you’re in discipleship mode, you should read Time Peace by Ellen Vaughn. So good.
Kristen – I read some of that at Costco the other day and it was remarkable. And, yes, filled with all manner of bizzarity.
Ann – Me too! I need faith for orphans too! We’ve been putting lots of prayer and planning into how we can help with the educational component of the KKV orphans and while it’s exhilarating, it’s also such a God-sized task that…well…it just requires some big faith. George Mueller’s life is such an inspiration. I’ve been praying for your trip and your orphans and I know God is up to something grand!
Bo – google is so amazing. I was curious to hear the details of the KKV orphans – and within seconds I’m connected to your family’s project in Nairobi. wow.
Christi and I leave for Africa in the morning. We’re both exhausted from a weekend state homeschool conference (where we BOTH spoke!!!) and I’m going to grab ahold of that “something grand” that you’re expecting. (And btw, I enjoyed your Jehosaphat blog.)
By far my favorite book is Authentic Beauty. It’s such an amazing book.
Becky – I’ve heard great things about that book, but I’ve never read it. Thanks for the great suggestion!