Some say summer smells of fresh mown grass, bouquets of pink peonies, campfire pits on still July nights… but I’ve always thought summer was heavy with the scent of adventure on pages and stacks of old books and canvas hammocks
swaying to the rhythm of time-worn words.
Up On the Stack and Smelling of Summer:
Raising Kids for True Greatness: Redefine Success for You and Your Child
The Farmer and I listened to Dr. Kimmel speak a few years ago at a Focus on the Family event and what he said changed the course of our parenting. As our children head into the teen years — what does success look like? How do we raise them for His glory? The Farmer and I plan to read this one aloud together each night, a few paragraphs just before turning out the light…
Crime and Punishment
– Dostoevsky’s classic novel paralleling the story of salvation. I’ve long said I was going to read the great Russian authors and I’m very much looking forward to this read – this is the summer to finish my first Dostoevsky. Isn’t summer the time to explore and try new, always-longed for things?
Knowledge of the Holy
– Tozer is first on the stack and I’m carrying this one around too in my bag — my while-waiting-out-and-about-book — and I’m underlining and thinking and seeing God. And then when slipping to bed, I seem to keep seeking this one out again, to revisit pages and truth. Five star and highly recommended.
The Maytrees
– I’ve begun Dillard’s novel once before, and kept re-reading the pages, so captivated by the spare wonder of the words — that I never finished it before having to return it to the library! I’m listening in audio this time! :) A lyrical read to listen to while putting away the laundry…
An Introduction to the Devout Life
– Francis De Sales classic has long been on my want-to-attempt list. So this is my summer to begin…
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream
– Caleb nabbed up David Platt’s book before I could get to it, so I am anxiously awaiting my turn. I’ve heard that this book could change everything and start a faith revolution. This is a book I’ve been hungering for. What if we all became Radical Jesus-Followers?
The Books of Friends:
And too, some books that friends have sent that are sitting waiting for me to crack open on a quiet dusky evening on the front porch swing:
God in the Yard: Spiritual practice for the rest of us
– L.L. Barkat, who writes thoughtfully, sent her words and I unpackaged them thankfully and her year in her yard seeking God intrigues. Have you seen that her God in the Yard is on the most memorable tour too: The Currant Lemon-Thyme Journey. Congratulations, L.L.!
The Mailbox: A Novel – I rarely read fiction but Marybeth Whalen generously sent this way her very own debut novel about a divorce and remarriage, tender and bruised places in my lifestory. And while I’m not familiar with NYT best-selling author, Nicholas Sparks, apparently this novel reads similarly? Warmest congratulations to Marybeth on her first novel releasing with David C. Cook!
Small Steps for Catholic Moms
– And while I am an evangelical Protestant, my wise and beloved friend, Elizabeth Foss sent me a copy of her latest book, a treasure trove of one daily quote, one prayer and one simple faith action — small daily steps in our keeping company with Jesus — arranged by one virtue per month for twelve months of the year. This volume feeds soul-starved Catholic mothers exactly what they need: small daily meals that serve a rich, spiritual feast — Christ nourishment that offers practical ways to become like Christ in our domestic churches. If you are a Catholic mother, highly recommended.
The Family Read-Aloud Book Pick:
And though I’ve laid out the classics like Swiss Family Robinson and Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe for hammock afternoons for childern, I’ve slated this Newberry Medal winner as our family summer read-aloud:
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
— One of Caleb’s favorite reads from the younger years, one I fondly remember as this epic, fictionalized account of the historical navigator Nathan Bowditch, an inspiring study of character, determination, ingenuity. I remember the wonder of this one — and can’t wait to read it to another set of curious young minds. The perfect summer read to spark creativity and exploration!
And if you don’t have time to read books:
just take a moment to read a sentence. Because it is sentences that changes lives.
John Piper:
What I have learned from about twenty-years of serious reading is this: It is sentences that change my life, not books. What changes my life is some new glimpse of truth, some powerful challenge, some resolution to a long-standing dilemma, and these usually come concentrated in a sentence or two. I do not remember 99% of what I read, but if the 1% of each book or article I do remember is a life-changing insight, then I don’t begrudge the 99%.
Even if you have 5 minutes to read a handful of sentences…
Read books to let one sentence find its way into your life… to change your life.
The sun’s shining. The hammockis waiting. Summer smells of fresh hope!
(To Read All of Our Booklists –
take your time and breathe in deep and wander through the library stacks here )
Photos: summer book reading happily begun here…
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