Nightstand (June 2010)

On last month’s nightstand:

What I actually read this month was…
not very much. Last month, I blamed the last few weeks of school and working on thesis–this month, I had a wedding interrupt my daily routines (definitely not an unwelcome interruption!) I’m going to have to stop making excuses and just accept that my life is such that I can’t expect to read a bazillion books a month.

Fiction

• Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser
  I’ve enjoyed all of Nancy Moser’s historical novels–but I think this one is my favorite. Histories do not always make the best novels because our lives are rarely as neat as we demand our fictional tales to be. Nevertheless, Moser does a good job of giving Martha Custis Washington’s story a consistent theme. It’s not an amazing book, but it is enjoyable.
• Winter is Not Forever by Janette Oke

Nonfiction

• The American Bar Association Complete and Easy Guide to Health Care Law
• The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin
  Click the link to see my review.
• In the President’s Secret Service by Ronald Kessler
  My thoughts pretty much echo Susan’s: the behind-the-scenes stuff was great; the whining about not having enough money, enough staff, nice enough supervisors, etc. was tiresome.
• Life’s Instructions for Wisdom, Success, and Happiness
• Make Your Own Living Trust
• Nolo’s Simple Will Book
• The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller
  Click the link to see my review.
• Writing your dissertation in fifteen minutes a day by Joan Bolker
  Intended for doctoral students working on their dissertations, this was nevertheless helpful to me in getting past some of the inner distractions to writing my (master’s) thesis.

Juvenile

• Children’s Picture Books author ANNO-ARNO (44 titles)
  including Kathi Appelt’s Bubba and Beau books
• The Shortwave Mystery by Franklin Dixon

Currently in the middle of…

Nonfiction

• Are Miraculous Gifts for Today?: Four Views edited by Wayne Grudem
  I had this one out via interlibrary loan and had to return it before I’d finished it. I quickly sent in a new request and quickly received a new copy. While I’m not publishing my notes from this title, I’ve been enjoying reading and making notes on the four views represented within. I think I’ve officially decided that this format is the best way to study controversial theological topics–the knowledge that other viewpoints will respond immediately to one’s argument seems to force each author to write with greater clarity and theological depth.
• The Cross of Christ by John Stott
  I’ve just started this title, but I’m already crazy about it. After a hiatus from writing (public) book notes (thanks to writing private ones on Are Miraculous Gifts for Today?), I’m ready to jump back in. I’ll be writing public notes on this title over the course of the next month.
• Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris
  I’ve already read this title through–but then I suggested that our ladies fellowship group read it through and discuss it at our bimonthly meetings. They agreed, so we’re traveling through it slowly (2 chapters a month) and discussing.
• Human Rights: Opposing Viewpoints
  I had to check this out a second time (after the first six-week period). I always enjoy the Opposing Viewpoints essays. Even though I generally end up agreeing with one side of any particular issue, I find it useful to read a variety of perspectives.
• The Myth of a Christian Nation by Greg Boyd
  I’m reading this one (two chapters per week) along with a diverse book club here in Lincoln. It’s definitely been interesting to see the differing perspectives (of book club members) on how the church is to deal with politics. So far, Boyd seems to be taking an almost Anabaptist position (separation from politics). There are some points on which I agree with him–and some points where I differ. I’m interested in seeing him develop his argument over the course of the rest of the book.
• Superhuman by Robert Winston and Lori Oliwenstein
  This is another one I checked out a second time. It’s interesting to read about advances in medicine and the wonders of the human body–but I dislike the authors’ underlying evolutionary and Nietzschean assumptions.
• Whom Not to Marry by Father Pat Connor
  Meh. Haven’t decided whether I like this or not. It’s directed towards women and it’s constantly making statements of “If he…., don’t marry him” but makes very little reference to what the women should be doing. There’s no corollary “If you…, don’t marry.” So basically, it reads like the man has to be perfect, but the woman can be as selfish and immature and irresponsible as she pleases.

On this month’s nightstand:

Fiction

• The Courteous Cad by Catherine Palmer
• The Princess Bride by William Goldman
• Solemnly Swear by Nancy Moser
• Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Nonfiction

• Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Needlework
• Five Aspects of Woman by Barbara Mouser
• Holiday Crafts 2009 by Better Homes and Gardens
• Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
• Stitch Sampler by Lucinda Ganderton
• Theses–as I work on my own thesis
• Wedding planning books
  It’s my habit to use wedding planning books to “review” after each wedding I help with and to organize my notes for what worked/what didn’t work/how I can help things run more smoothly the next time around. Yeah–I’m somewhat over-the-top as a wedding assistant. Oh well!

Juvenile

• Children’s Picture Books author ARNOLD-?
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  I’ll be reading this (and maybe The Horse and His Boy) as part of Carrie’s Chronicles of Narnia Reading Challenge.

Drop by 5 Minutes 4 Books to see what others are reading.