Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2009



It has arrived. It is time to dust off my books. Dust off my favorite seat in the house. And, send the kids outside to play (just as it is getting cooler outside, sorry kiddies.)

Callapidder Day's reading challenge has returned.

As I'm gathering my books to make the list I realized something a little disturbing, I am not completely excited about anything I'm planning on reading? What is up with that?

Maybe, because I have more nonfiction books on my list this time. Then there are several books I'm determined to get off my bookshelf this time around, which leads to the question "why have they been on my bookshelf for so long."

This time around I'm staying away from themes, like last year's Jane Austen themed list. Yep, I'm done with Jane Austen (for now) but that is all for a later post.

Despite my lack of reading enthusiasm (I'm sorry, I don't mean to bring down the festivities) I have no doubt, once I start reading these books, I will LOVE them, and wonder why it took me so long to read them.

Fiction:
The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz.
A fiction book based on real life events. Yes, I will enjoy reading this book.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
This is one of the books which has sat on my bookshelf for a number years, at 656 pages long it is a tad bit intimidating for this stay-at-home mom. I haven't even read Harry Potter, thank goodness for books on CD. It is also about as close as I will get to any books dealing with vampires.

The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith
Another installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

Malory Towers series and St. Clare's series by Enid Blyton
These are two series, about two fictional English girl's boarding schools, I read, and re-read and read again, in elementary school. In fact I read them so much that my books are now in a rather fragile state. Through several connections, thank you Stewart, I now own a brand new set of each series, just waiting for EM when she is reading. Until then I think I'll be revisiting these series' ... again.

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Non-Fiction:
Girl Meets God by Lauren F. Winner
I began this book over the summer, set it aside for a few other books, and just returned to it. It follows the author through one year of her life, a year she attempts to reconcile her Jewish Orthodox upbringing to her Christian beliefs.

Play by Play by Neal Conan
I believe this book was on my spring list, still trying to get to it.

Taking Charge of ADHD by Russell A. Barkley
I'm determined to get through this book, at least the chapters I marked to read ... oh, last winter.

Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Another ADHD related book I'm determined to get through. This one has a little fun to it. After spending 8 years with my child it is a relief to know he is not the only one who 1) can't sit still ... I mean can't stay still, nor quiet 2) can't stand the change of clothes that comes with a change of seasons 3) doesn't likes sandals 4) everything with him is in the extreme 5) did I say can't sit still? let's try can't stay within his own personal space box.

Devotional:
Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore
Yes, I'm working through another Beth Moore Bible study. I love her studies, but I'm having a little difficulty finishing them with the rest of the gals in my study.

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
Oh, don't we wish it was that easy.

The Upside Down Kingdom by Donald B. Kraybill
Our church is reading this book for the fall quarter. The author gives a lot of historical details on religious life during Jesus' time. This history major is enjoying all the details.

OK, since completing this list I'm feeling a tad bit more excited. Looking at these books at first I was feeling lukewarm fondness to my list. Now that it is in type I'm feeling more motivation to read, and even a little excitement for some of the books.

Happy reading everyone.

15 comments:

MizB said...

You've got some good books on your list! Girl Meets God is one of my FAVORITE books! I love Lauren's writing style!

Living Beyond Yourself was a good study, but I think "Breaking Free" is still my favorite. I love ALL of Beth's studies (and am SOOOO excited, as our Ladies' Bible study group is starting her "Esther" study tonight!!!), but some hit me more than others. ;)

Discerning the Voice of God is another that our group has done together, and it was good... not a favorite of mine, but still powerful, nonetheless.

I hope you do enjoy these, regardless of how you're feeling right now! ;)

~MizB

Lora @ my blessed life said...

What a great list! I haven't read any of these books. Girl Meets God sounds very interesting. I hope you post reviews:)

Katrina @ Callapidder Days said...

I hope your initial hesitation gives way to lots of enjoyable reading this fall! I'm right with you on the Spirited Child. That book sits eternally on my shelf for easy reference. :)

I've been (sloooowly) working through Living Beyond Yourself on my own...in between other studies or devotionals. It's good, but I have trouble keeping with it for too long at a time.

Thanks for being part of Fall Into Reading '09!

Shelly said...

I think I may need to read that book about ADHD. It might have some helpful tips!

Susanne said...

From reading other's lists and comments I don't think you are the only one who went through a bit of a reading slump. I think we're all looking forward to some reading time this fall.

Your list looks very good. I just might have to take a look at some of those.

Just Mom said...

I like your lists! I haven't picked up a No. 1 Ladies Det book in awhile - need to look for the newer ones.

Have to admit it made me chuckle that you're having trouble with the ADD books - lack of atetntion while learning about a lack of attention - tee hee. As the mother of a an ADD son, I completely understand not getting things done - too busy helping him get his things done.

Enjoy the challenge!

Karen Sue said...

I love Beth Moore. I did many studies with a group my MIL headed, then my kids got busy with sports and the timing just wasn't right. But 3 moms and I got together this summer at 6 a.m. and did the Esther study together. They are teachers and a teacher's wife, so school time is not a good chance, but summer was key for us.
Girl Meets God sounds good and I'll just have to pick up some from your list, too.

Nina said...

Enjoy reading the books on your list.

Robin M said...

Spirited Child is a well referenced book in our house. You have a great list of books. Enjoy!

Michelle said...

I Love Beth Moore.
I did `Living Beyond Yourself`. It was awesome.
Enjoy.
Joyful

Nise' said...

My group just started Esther this week too! I have read some good reviews for The Historian.

Jolanthe said...

I'm wondering if there are any new books in the No. 1 series...and I never did start on his other series either...hmmmm....

Emily said...

I'm definitely interested in reading your thoughts on Raising Your Spirited Child- I haven't read it but as a teacher, I get a lot of questions/comments/concerns about ADHD and related issues and it would be nice to have some resources to point people towards. Happy fall reading!

Susan {LilbearMe} said...

I've wanted to try a Beth Moore study but wasn't sure which one to begin with. I hope you'll do a review to let us know how you liked it! :)
~Lilbear

Unknown said...

Hey! Let me know how you liked the Commoner and the Historian. Am looking to try authors I have not read before.