books worth reading

I like to read, and one of the big perks of being back in the US is being within walking distance of the library.  No longer do I have to pick my books ahead of time and schlep them with me across continents.  No longer do I have to wonder what to do with them when I'm done reading them.  The library is a brilliant thing!  Because Kyalo & I go to the library more or less weekly, I've been able to pick books up for myself.  Those, in addition to books I had on hand or borrowed from others, have made for some {mostly} happy reading hours.  I thought I'd share the best I've read in the last few months.

Here's what I'm currently reading:

{Amazon Link}

A friend of mine whose family owns a farm in Maine recommended this New York City journalist-turned-New York State-farmer book to me, because I'm always asking her questions about the farm.  She thinks I have it in my blood.  I like the idea of scattering grain for chickens in the morning and collecting eggs in the evening. I do NOT like the idea of every 12 hour, do-or-die milking of a cow; I'm not sure I'm cut out for the work involved.  This book is a wonderful and inspiring read. And maybe someday, I'll get those chickens!

{Amazon}

I'd heard about this book for a while, and when Covenant had it for his required summer reading for high school, it put it back on my radar.  I'm not too far along, but am awed by this true story.

And now for the Do-I-really-have-to-feed-and-clothe-my-child category:

I'd seen The Historian for years on shelves in airport bookstores, and always wanted to read it.  When I saw it sitting -- unread, apparently -- on a shelf at my mom's I snatched it up.  Somehow I missed the fact that it is, essentially, a story about vampires and Dracula in particular.  There were a couple of freaky moments, but it was SO GOOD. I could hardly put it down, and the house may or may not have gone unswept while I read it.  Once I saw that Elizabeth Kostova had another book, I knew I needed (needed!) to get it.  I'm often wary about second books, but The Swan Thieves did not disappoint.  Go pick up either, you will not regret it!

And lastly, another book that I'm reading. . .and have been for a while.

 

{Amazon}

 

This book is kind of a companion (or little sister?) book to Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl Du Wunn's Half the Sky {another worthwhile read, by the way}.  This book focuses on the women of the Christian church, how we've been overlooked, underused, and have so much potential to be true partners with men to change the world. . . especially for the women {and children} of the world who have no voice.  I am not doing this book justice AT ALL.  Seriously, this is a pale and weak synopsis of this powerful and enlightening book.  I think every Christian woman should read it!  I'm actually hoping to suggest it as the next book the book club I have not yet joined will read.  I'm also hoping that isn't too presumptuous on my part! :)

 

There have been a few disappointments along the way, but ultimately, books and I are becoming nicely reacquainted.   So here's my question.  What are books that you recommend? A favorite fiction?  Spiritual?  Parenting? Marriage? A favorite author? I'm always looking for another good read.  Also, if you have toddlers, what books are you reading with them?  Kyalo's books are seriously lacking and I need to start changing that.

Here's hoping I get a lot of suggestions!