I've read some good books lately, and thanks to a buying spree of used books on Amazon.com, I still have a couple in the bank.
Here's what I've read lately:
1) A World Lost - by Wendell Berry, an author recommended by my sister in law. It is about a little boy who lost his dear uncle. The title of the book pretty much sums it up: this little boy is devastated. Most of the book is spent describing the effect that the uncle had on both the boy and his family, while he was living and even after he died. The dead uncle is my favorite character! I love how his carefree way of life really gets the goat of many of his family. They are both exasperated and charmed by him!
2) Nathan Coulter - by Wendell Berry! This book recounts the boyhood of Nathan (who grows up to marry Hannah Coulter who has her own book too). Without giving too much away, one of my favorite parts of the book is when Berry recounts in such evocative detail the funeral of one of the family members. A favorite character in the book is the carefree uncle; he will make you laugh. (Wendell Berry must have had a funny uncle in his family to model!) I'm still reading this book.
3) Embrace Me - by Lisa Samson. This has a couple of major plot lines. One involves a group of misfits who belong to a road show. One of them is at her wits end. She is depressed and mad. The other major plot line centers around a former preacher who is also at his wits end. In some some amazing plot twists, they end up in the same town and just when you think they are going to metaphorically crash and burn, God's amazing grace and love come pouring through. Forgiveness is also a dominant theme in the book. It's a little uncomfortable to read, but I'd totally recommend the book.
Here's my still to read list:
1) Tiger Lillie by Lisa Samson - I'm beginning to like Lisa Samson!
2) Searching For Eternity by Elizabeth Musser - I've read The Swan House and The Dwelling Place by her, and I like her books, particularly since they are set in Atlanta.
So many books, so little time! Hmm... I wonder if I should try some non fiction one of these days?