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October Reads (2018 Edition)

October Reads (2018 Edition)



This past week I read you can tell a lot about a person by the books on his or her bookshelf.  In my case, it would be the books on my kindle.  What would you find?  First of all, you would notice the Christian Living section but probably not realize that many still have not been opened. Then you might gravitate to the young adult section that has a lot of fantasy/sci fi we have been read by our whole family.  Next would be more fiction such as mysteries, chick lit, and even political thrillers.  I don’t even have a favorite section.  I like them all.   What I read depends on the day, my mood, and what’s available.

Here is a sampling of the books I read this month.



1.  Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon

Big D was assigned this book for his Design class this semester.  My husband and I, both intrigued by the title, decided to read it.  Each night before bed, we read a little bit of this short book.  The ideas were practical and great for getting the creative juices growing.   

My favorite idea was how having limits actually increases our creativity.  Living in a country where we don’t have access to a lot of things, I love this.  I could wait until I have exactly what I need, or I can choose to try to make it work with what I do have.  



2. The Side Roads Series by Sally John

This three novel series is about relationships especially marriage relationships where the past gets in the way of the future.  The stories start with the main characters having a triggering event that sends them on a journey of self discovery or in many ways a journey of God-discovery and forgiveness.  The author does not shy away from the hard or have easy answers which I liked.  


In the first book, Ransomed Dreams,  I  cheered for the priest as he pushed the husband to start to find healing.  In the second, Desert Gifts, I mourned for a couple who had lost their way, and I wasn’t sure that a happy ending was possible.  In the third, Heart Echoes, I made a note to myself to talk to my kids about earthquakes as I read about forgiveness and facing your past.  Great reads but lots of emotion.

A quote from Ransomed Dreams,

We no longer have to make every decision based on fear.  It’s time to move forward, to make decisions based on hope.  Don’t you think?”


3. The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber

This YA book plus its sequel, Reclaiming Shilo Snow are fast paced with fun characters.  The books are about a love between a sister and brother, dealing with broken relationships, and learning to forgive.  But they are also about aliens wanting to take over earth and some really cool virtual technology.  





4.  The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel Rosenberg

This modern day political thriller asks what if a Russian leader decided he wanted more— more land, more power..  The book is told from two viewpoints.  The first is from Oleg, the son-in-law of the Russian leader.  The second is from Marcus, a Marine and Secret Service agent.  As you read, you might notice similarities to today’s news which is kind of scary but also intriguing.   I am looking forward to the next book in this series.



5. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile

Some people on our team read this book and were talking about it as well as what their enneagram number was.  Out of curiosity, I decided to check it out.  The Enneagram has 9 types labeled by a number.   It sounds simple but can get confusing when they add in wings and what it looks like if you are healthy or if you are stressed.  It was an interesting read and would certainly be helpful if you had a person in your life that clearly fit one of the numbers. 

I figured out I am probably a 5 and my husband a 1.  As I read about being a 5 (an investigator), it did help me understand some things about myself and that I am not the only one who does certain things.  On the other hand, my husband read that section and thought only part of it fit me.   It is good to remember that things like this are tools to help us better love and relate to those around us.  They are not meant to stereotype or label.  I love towards the end this quote from Thomas Merton.

The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our image.  If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them.

What kind of books are on your bookshelves or kindle?  Do they describe you?  Any good suggestions on what I should read this month?

Blessings, TJ
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