Two Memoirs and One Reread

December 15, 2015

Two Memoirs and One Reread

As the nights get colder, my husband and I spend most evenings reading together or alone next to our warm bukhari (the name of our coal heater here). Most of my reading is fiction but this month it was nice to include some non fiction in my reading. Here are a few of the books that I read this last month with a list of those books that I am working on. Once again, I am linking up with Anne at Modern Ms. Darcy and other bloggers in her monthly edition of Quick Lit.

Two Memoirs and a Reread:

Roses in the Dust by Erin Brinn

Erin and her family spent a year living in Afghanistan where her husband worked as a doctor for a year training other doctors. Since I live in Central Asia and also have teenagers similar to the ages of her kids, her journey has many similarities to mine. Her writing was honest and thoughtful as she guided her readers through the ups and downs of living in Afghanistan. It was a good glance at the culture and how living in a different culture changes a person.

Unlikely Rebel by Kelli Gotthardt

I was able to meet Kelli when she came to Central Asia and lead a retreat for the ladies on our team. I have been looking forward to reading this book for about a year now. In her book, Kelli takes the reader on the ups and downs of her spiritual journey including her year of saying no. Kelli reminded me that the journey is often hard, and progress may seem slow. She has honest and real approach to life throughout the book which was encouraging me to be real and honest about my faith and journey with those around me.

Intentional Woman by Joan Webb and Carol Travilla

This was my reread. The ladies on our team went through this books together. Since this was my second time going through the book, it was encouraging to see the areas where I have grown but to also be reminded of the areas where I still need to be working. The premise of the book is learning how to be the best me that I can be so that I can glorify God in all that I do. The exercises help you process where you have been and where you want to go. They remind you that you do have a choice. I repeat the exercise on defining my current roles every time I start a new season. It is a great way for me to visualize how much I have on my plate and where I need to say yes and no.

Other books I am reading:

Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist

My honey and I have been reading this book of essays together. Sometimes the essays make you cry. Other times they make you laugh. And even sometimes they make you hungry. Shauna writes about friendships, life, and connecting with others around the table or other places. It has been just the right book for this season for my honey and I. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes that are at the end each essay when we get back to the states for a break this spring.

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

This books was a recommendation from a friend and is actually interesting. I am enjoying learning about the problem solving process that has been behind the progress that has been made on cancer. I am also grateful for the many people who are in this book, and their dedication to fighting cancer. It is because of them that my dad was able to live a longer life and keep his cancer at bay for many years.

Even though this is a busy season, do you have book you are reading that is great for this season? Feel free to share in the comments. (Note: Affiliate links above.)