6 Books I Recommend – September 2018
Here are 4 non-fiction books and 2 fiction books I recommend from what I finished reading in September, including a 1-minute video review of a favorite.
Once a month we share our current reading list at Jennifer’s.
Books I Recommend
NON-FICTION
1. Bring Me a Vision
A Story of Redeeming Hope
by Pam Ecrement
If you want to hear a real-life story of brokenness-to-redemption, read Pam’s telling of Becky Moreland’s story and the beginning of RAHAB Ministries. I was encouraged by what God still does in the lives of “ordinary” people still today.
[Click here if you can’t see the 1-minute review of Bring Me a Vision]
My book review of Bring Me a Vision
2. A Higher Loyalty
Truth, Lies, and Leadership
by James Comey
I saw this book on the endcap at the library and grabbed it. Regardless of your politics, this book is very interesting. I appreciated hearing first-hand of Comey’s life stories, plus hearing about some of the inner workings of the FBI. It will strengthen your resolve that many good people are there.
3. How to Be a Perfect Christian (a satire)
Your Comprehensive Guide to Flawless Spiritual Living
by The Babylon Bee
You have to be willing to laugh at yourself to read this one. This book is a satire of the ways we think we can become a “perfect” Christian. (And of course, ultimately fail at it.)
My book review of How to Be a Perfect Christian
4. Reframing the Soul
How Words Transform Our Faith
by Gregory Spencer
How we frame our stories makes a difference. This book helps you understand the importance of the frame you use around your life and your faith. I gained a lot from it.
My book review of Reframing the Soul
FICTION
5. Station Eleven
by Emily St. John Mandel
This dystopian novel is gloomy but a riveting read. After a worldwide pandemic erases almost all the earth’s population, we watch how the remaining people survive and live in the years that follow.
6. The Handmaid’s Tale
by Margaret Atwood
Another grim storyline, but again, it was so compelling that I had to keep reading. (This is the book; I’ve never watched the TV show.) In this new social order, women are taken from their homes and forced to live in camps to become breeders. This book is one of most 100 loved books on The Great American Read list. I am reading more of these since the list came out this summer.
Have you voted for your favorite book on the list? I’ve voted for several already, including The Book Thief, such a beautifully-written book.
READING NOW
- Raise Your Voice
Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up
by Kathy Khang - Mudbound
by Hillary Jordan - Resist and Persist
Faith and the Fight for Equality
By Erin Wathen - God of Tomorrow
How to Overcome the Fears of Today and Renew Your Hope for the Future
by Caleb W. Kaltenbach - Remembering Death
The Surprising Path to Living Hope
by Matthew McCullough - Stay with Me
by Ayobami Adebayo
* * *
What good book have you read this month? Please share in the comments.
My books on Goodreads
More books I recommend
My life and reading have slowed to a crawl lately Lisa. I have started several books but found them not that exciting to read or not what I need at the time so I start reading another. I’m reading more for research for future sermons and ideas than enjoyment. Does that make sense? One I am excited about reading is “Therefore I Have Hope” by Cameron Cole. His 3 y/o son died unexpectedly and it is his journey and what he learned. I have a few ordered that I’m looking forward to reading. I’ll comment on them later.
I have read 3 of the 6, and I put the others on Goodreads! I did want to read the James Comey book- I adored Station Eleven and found myself thinking about it for weeks afterward!
I looked at the calendar this morning but got my weeks mixed up – somehow I thought I had another week unto WOYN! Since I had another post this morning, I am debating about going ahead and putting a Nightstand post up now or waiting til tomorrow.
I’ve only voted on the Great Read a couple of times. I don’t really like that we can vote as many times as we want – it seems like that would mean the books that win are not necessarily the favorites overall, just the favorites of those who had more time to do that kind of thing online. I would have preferred maybe 5 votes per person. But they didn’t ask for my opinion. 🙂 My top favorite listed there is the Chronicles of Narnia.
How to Be a Perfect Christian sounds both fun and convicting.
Sweet friend,
What a blessing you are to add Bring Me A Vision and add the terrific video as well. It was great fun to hear your voice and southern flair in this video. I think I need you to add some media training to our relationship. You clearly know a great deal in how you have added media to all your posts.
Many blessings on you for your support and encouragement!!
Love and hugs,
Pam
Station 11 and The Handmaid’s Tale -= two thumbs up! I just finished reading The Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. I have loved him ever since I read IQ84 but he’s one of those authors you either love or you hate. I haven’t found anyone in between. I’m currently reading The Most Dangerous Branch about the Supreme Court.
Pam and Becky’s book was truly memorable … and I loved that you not only wrote a beautiful review but that you did this video for them, too.
You’re a very special lady …
Thank you for these recommendations!!! I am hoping life slows down a bit so I can really get into reading again!! I miss it!!
I loved Pam’s book!
And I haven’t been able to muster up the fortitude to make it all the way through the Babylon Bee book, but my sons have enjoyed it. I think I like my satire in smaller installments.
How many hours a day do you read? You must read super fast!
This looks like a great list of books! I’m always on the lookout for my next read, (even though i’ve currently got my nose in 3). 😉
Thanks for the recommendations, Lisa!
Number 3 & 4 piqued my interest. Thanks for sharing these! Always a pleasure to visit your place. Thank you, Lisa, for your joy-filled faithfulness. Blessings upon blessings!
Station Eleven is on my list.
Trying to read the Tripp book still, haha. And 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. My time has been limited lately and reading has been pushed to the back burner.
Hi,
Great list of books. I tried reading The Handmaid’s Tale, but only got about half way through the book. I’m currently reading 4th of July by James Patterson. Have a great day!
I have four books on the go at the moment and struggle to find time to read any of them. Thanks for the recommendations. I’ll add them to the ever-increasing list!
Loved the video review of the book. Great. I am not sure about The Handmaid’s Tale, it does sound well… awful!
The James Comey book sounds really interesting.
The best book I’ve read lately was The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. I’ve found myself thinking about it for weeks. Such a hauntingly beautiful and inspiring story!