Now that Mama has figured how to “turn on the blog,” as it were, she’s told a couple of her friends about it, and now they “turn on the blog,” as well. And occasionally they ask me questions about it when I see them. And while talking to people about Ye Olde Blogge isn’t exactly comfortable for me, it’s not nearly as bad as, say, Emma Kate introducing me as BooMama to people at her church, an incident for which there are no words to adequately express my embarassment, but my embarrassment was significant enough that EK now owes me a really cute pair of shoes, or at the very least a case of diet Coke.
(I will be available for psychiatric evaluation from 5-7 pm on Thursday. Just be sure to let me know where you set up the couch. And be sure to bring lots of delicious, ice-cold diet Coke. And be sure to send Emma Kate the bill.)
Anyway, this past weekend one of Mama’s very fun friends was talking to me about my blog and asked me if I had ever posted a list of book recommendations. Which of course I haven’t. Because I’ve become a terribly lame reader.
Pre-pregnancy, I read voraciously – usually two or three books at a time – but since Alex came along I do well to read two or three books a year. I’ve tried to do better over the last three or four months by having at least one book on my nightstand at all times, but it’s difficult. I write a lot more than I used to, and it seems like between cooking and cleaning (don’t you even laugh, D. don’t you EVEN laugh), chasing Alex, working, blogging, wife-ing, etc., reading is the thing that gets pushed back farthest on the burner.
(To clarify: reading has not been pushed back as far as, you know, crafts, but those were never really on the burner for me to begin with. Come to think of it, crafts were nowhere even remotely near the burner. In fact, I think that for me, at least, crafts are currently located somewhere just southeast of Idaho.)
And here’s the thing: I miss reading. I really do. But I find that when I do want to read – when I make a special trip to the library or bookstore with the intent of finding a good book – I get completely overwhelmed. I don’t want to waste precious reading time on something that’s not any good; I don’t want to start a book that I’ll have no desire to finish. And inevitably I leave the bookstore empty-handed, usually wondering when people quit writing the kinds of books that I want to read.
Lately it seems like every other blog I happen across has a to-read list for the new year in the sidebar. I can’t even tell you how much that intimidates me because not only are you people reading, but you’re planning it, as well, and I’m pretty wide-eyed at the wonder of it all. On top of that, you’re not reading easy stuff; you’re not grabbing the #1 Walgreens bestseller off the shelf and calling yourself a bookworm. Y’all are reading challenging stuff. Some of it’s not even fiction, and ohmyword I don’t know how you do it.
So, for Mama’s friend who asked about a list – and for me, who really needs a list – here is my humble request. In the comments, give me ONE recommendation for a book that is, in your opinion, a must-read. I prefer fiction, but I’m fine with non-fiction, too.
Also.
Please remember that I have the attention span of your average four-year old, only I can’t even sit still long enough to watch cartoons. So while some of you (SHANNON!) might be intrigued by the idea of tackling Pilgrim’s Progress, I am not. In fact, the prospect of spending precious leisure time fighting my way through classic literature (aside from To Kill A Mockingbird, which is the best book in the history of all time ever) makes me want to throw things. And then chase down the stuff I threw so that I can kick it. Repeatedly. While twitching.
My former English professors must be so very proud.
So hit me with your One Essential Book in the comments. And if you happen to know the the author’s name, pass along that info, too. No need for links – mainly because the links will make my spam filter go cuckoo.
Once I wade through the list, I’m going to pick ten books to tackle this year. And I’m going to put the list in my sidebar so that y’all can point at me and laugh at the end of December when I’ve only read two and a half of them. But I really want to be a better, more intentional reader. And I know Mama’s friend will appreciate your suggestions, too.
By the way: if anyone lists anything by Henry James or James Joyce, I’m totally going to cover my eyes and sing “LA LA LA LA LA LA” and pretend like I don’t see it. Grad school nearly did me in with those two.
Thanks, internets!
I’m so glad y’all read and are smart and stuff. You have inspired me to do better.
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“How To Get Published In Southern Living or Some Other Fine Southern Magazine/Piece of Literature While Simultaneously Losing 35 Pounds For the Book Jacket Photo Op Posing With Paula Deen”
Author unknown. I’ll let you know when it comes out. I’m sure gonna make a bee line to Barnes and Noble when it does.
:>))
OK if you want serious-edifying-makes-you-weep best Christian fiction book ever, I recommend Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
If you want a hysterical-laugh-till-you-wet-your-pants book with no real point other than a good time, read Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. (and the sequels, which are just as funny.)
~Leslie
I’m currently enjoying The Starbucks Experience (it’s not fiction, easy easy quick read, and quite interesting).
Other than that book (and February’s The Little Red Book of Marketing) my reading list comes from a used book store of romance novels (pure FLUFF).
But on my list for this year, Harry Potter #7. OH there’s a good one to start – read the series, you’ll end up hating me because you’ll stay up until 3 AM to finish the darn books and have no energy to deal with life. ;)
First of all, I totally GAVE UP in the middle of Pilgrim’s Progress, remember?
If you want a page turner that happens to be a great classic as well, I recommend East of Eden by Steinbeck.
My two current favorites are Bret Lott (GREAT Southern writer, compared to Flannery O’Connor, which is why I first checked him out) and Sandra Dallas.
Right now I’m reading Abide With Me by Elizabeth Strout, and OH it is scrumptious.
A book from last year I really enjoyed was “The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio – How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less” by Terry Ryan. Non-fiction. Biography. Daughter writing about her mother and their family.
If you’re looking for Christian: “The Mark of the Lion Series” by Francine Rivers. Absolutely awesome!
Oh, and by the way, I posted about book recommendations today, too. Frazzled minds think alike! ;)
I just spent 10 minutes writing about books on my blog– I’m actually giving some away. however my favorite book in the last decade is one I am NOT parting with- “There is No Me Without You” by Melissa Fay Greene.
Life changing.
Mary, mom to many
Beverly Lewis. Any of ‘em. Although, if you start with “The Covenant,” you won’t be able to put them down very easily until you’ve reached the end of that 5-book series. Even a four yr. old wouldn’t be able to. Well, maybe that’s a stretch. But they’re attention-getting, entertaining, uplifting, intriguing, laugh and cry… they’re great when you just want to *read* for the sheer enjoyment of it. They’re about all I’ve read since I became a mama–except for one “how to be a godly wife” book, and that was just the first week he was born, when all he did was nurse and sleep.
And, oh. my. goodness. Do you honestly mean your name is NOT BooMama?! I’m going to have a heart attack. I mean, why wouldn’t a mother look at her newborn daughter and think, “BooMama… what a perfect name!”
“Marley and Me” by John Grogan — it was my pick for Best Book of 2005, and it’s the one that took my mother from a woman who hadn’t read a book in probably 35 years to a woman who can’t stay out of our local library. You’ll laugh yourself silly and might even shed a tear or two. (Okay, you might cry yourself silly, too. :-D)
Any book by Fannie Flagg. She wrote the book that became the movie, “Fried Green Tomatoes.”
I recently finished “Standing in the Rainbow” by Ms. Flagg, and I’m starting “Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven.” She’s Southern and funny and sweet and great and a lot of other stuff that makes me think, “BooMama.”
Enjoy!
PS: I also just posted about books on my blog, because I stay up into the night reading things like this blog and Shannon’s blog.
I just read The Time Traveler’s Wife over a month ago, and it had me thinking and stewing off and on for weeks!
It’s written by Audrey Niffenegger. (I just cut and pasted that name. My word that’s an odd last name, and I know a thing or two about odd names!)
It has some explicit sections in it, so if someone were sensitive to that, it would not be a good choice. But for the most part it was really good.
:D
Anything by Jody Picoult or Francine Rivers!
Well, I read a lot of children’s books – a lot of them are just as good as adult fiction, but you know.. shorter :) There’s some excellent children’s fantasy (other than Harry Potter) out there, I recommend the Old Kingdom Trilogy (Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen by Garth Nix) His Dark Material trilogy (Northern Lights, Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman) and Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Hope that helps!
I would HIGHLY recommend “A Rift in Time” and the sequel “Hidden in Time” by Michael Phillips! Love the suggestions about Francine Rivers’ books, also. Both authors write the “can’t put it down” type of fiction. Suggestion–take the book with you to the bathroom. You have to sit anyway–might as well enjoy the solitude.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Fiction, easy-to-read but can’t put-it-down. A really good story that happens to be the author’s memoirs. I read it constantly, she sucked me into her life. I just finished it and I sad that I’m done, because now I won’t know what’s going on anymore. Also, anything by Maeve Binchy (Tara Road esp.) – excellent story-telling.
ok so i don’t usually go with the crowd, BUT being a reader and writer myself and having a panic attack at trying to suggest just one book for you i reaized… no one else stuck to your rule… and while i want so badly for you to like me :) and to think i’m even remotely hip- i just can’t stick to the rule either- i mean.. no one else did (and no to the whole jumping off a bridge thing if they did too)
I agree with your first poster Redeeming LOve – i’m not a fiction person- it HAS to be incredible… her fiction knocks all other women christian authors just straight off the shelf.
The Red Tent (another fiction- just as awesome… incredible)
Just read: Velvet Elvis by Rod Bell- easy read, about christian faith- powerful stuff.
Praying i’m not excommunicated from your blog for this- i really wanted to obey….
Christian Non-Fiction: “Do You Think I’m Beautiful” by Angela Thomas. A really quick read but very impactful for me!
I was going to say Time traveler’s Wife too, but you already knew that, didn’t you? :-) Ditto what Addie said. All of it.
I finished Moloka’i by Alan Brennert earlier this year. It is about a young girl who contracts leprosy in Hawaii and is exciled to Moloka’i to be raised in the lepor colony. It is ficion but is based on true events so you actually feel like you are using your brain and learning something while you read it:)
Jennifer
Jamie Langston Turner and Lisa Samson are two of my favorite Christian fiction authors. Turner’s novels are a little more “serious” and should be savored, Samson is an edgier writer who colors outside the lines. Glad you did this–I added some “should reads” to my list from the other comments. Happy reading!
I am a reader.
The best book I’ve read since last year is: Water For Elephants, by Sara Gruen. It is an excellent novel.
Oh Boomama, you do know this is impossible for me – ONE book? My pick is also almost always non-fiction, not so much your cup of tea; if you pick a fiction, Redeeming Love, mentioned 99 times already is fabulous, and when you cant get enough of Francine Rivers, grab her trilogy of the Mark of the Lions series. You can eat frozen pizza for a week or so while you tear through them. Non-fiction – I’m reading Blue Like Jazz and have scribbled all over it – he is controversial, sassy, just says it, and has a writer’s heart. Gives you a little window of time to see things a bit differently. I’d rather read than eat.
ONE book???? I just can’t do it.
If you haven’t allready read The DaVinci Code, it’s a good one.
I second anything by Sandra Dallas, particularly “The Persian Pickle Club” which I’ve read twice.
Also- “The #1 Ladies Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith. *Love* this series- it is set in Botswana but is so thoroughly engaging-
::quote from commenter Leslie::If you want a hysterical-laugh-till-you-wet-your-pants book with no real point other than a good time, read Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. (and the sequels, which are just as funny.)–I havent read those but did read one by her called hmm where is it OH yeah the Undomestic Goddess judging by the laugh factor there I will be getting the shopaholic series also :)
Boomama, get Redemption by Karen Kingsbury, thats the title of the first one and the series. YOu will NOT PUT IT DOWN, then that spirals off to the Firstborn series, first book titled that also. Excellent Christian fiction with today issues :) Enjoy and I cant wait to see all the other commenters recommendations! xoxo melzie
Janet Evanovich – The Stephanie Plum books. Start with One For The Money and work your way through the numbers. I am reading them for the second time, I had forgoten how hysterically funny they were. Very easy reads.
And might I suggest now that you have such an extensive list of options you consider a “Book Club” Really it is just another excuse for us girls to have good food, wine, and conversation. On ocassion we actually do read the book…or just go see the movie.
ANYTHING by TED DEKKER (Christian Fiction) My favorite was written by Ted Dekker & Frank Peretti, it’s called HOUSE. A MUST read!!!!!
You might try something by Barbara Kingsolver – I haven’t read her in a while, but I really enjoyed The Bean Trees when I read it in college. She has others – they are not Christian, but they are well-written.
I must go cook eggs for boys.
I agree with Ashleigh about “The Covenant” by Beverly Lewis. All 5 books in the series are sooooo good. My mom read them also and loved them.
Cheryl
Okay, I’m finally delurking to highly recommend Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. Hands-down, the best I’ve read in the past 10 years. It’s fiction, with incredibly developed characters and a plot to keep you interested. It’s a “secular” book — that is, the general public loved it — but the author is obviously a Christian, and the book has big-time Christian themes and references.
Love your blog!
I love “Home to Harmony” by Philip Gulley. It is fiction and is about a minister who gets talked into preaching for the church in the small town where he grew up. Everybody knows everybody and everybody’s business. It’s a very quick, easy read and I laughed all throughout the book. And there’s a whole series, so you can continue the fun! Enjoy!
I am a voracious reader (even more so before Little came along), so it is tough to narrow it down…so many good books out there. 2 of my all-time faves are Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy (much better than the movie IMHO) and Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. I’ve read both several times.
I really enjoy your blog and I’m getting lots of good additions to my reading list from these comments!
I also suggest Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It was the best book I read in 2006. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is entertaining too. I enjoy your blog!
Favorite book EVER is “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver. SO good. Will really make you think.
But…
I just finished “Prep” by Curtis Sittenfield, and it was FAB! Made me so glad not to be in high school I almost wept! Funny and sad.
I’m sitting here racking my brain because, like you, my reading has taken a serious downturn since the birth of the child. I try, I really do, but it just doesn’t happen. I’ve had the Mark of the Lion series sitting on my nightstand since the fall. It serves as a dustcatcher.
That being said, this fall I read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon which was a recommendation from Toni. I loved it. Of course, the other book that comes to mind is Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, but I will be SHOCKED if you haven’t read it already.
How about an online book club? I don’t read much either, but having a reason to discuss it may make me get on the ball. Just a thought!
I recommend the Chronicles of the King series by Lynn Austing. That would technically be five books, but they are great!
Ooops! I meant Lynn Austin (not Austing)/
Um, I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m a literature teacher, and based on what I’ve read of your blog I’d like to suggest two things none of the other readers have suggested:
First, have you considered a book of short stories? They are more easily read in short “Bites” so you may find them less intimidating. I recommend Leo Tolstoy’s short stories, because even my non reading students like Tolstoy.
Second: As far as a novel goes, I always recommend a Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’engle. It has fantastic characters, a completely unique story line, and is an easy read, while being enjoyable. Although, I also weigh in with the many who suggested the Harry Potter series.
I agree with the Francine Rivers recommendations.
Also, The OMalley Series by Dee Henderson. Easy read and Christian.
Ok, it’s not Great Literature, but I’d recommend SAHM I Am by Meredith Efken because it is all about moms on the internet and the whole thing is written in emails between them.
How coud you resist?
I really enjoyed reading the Cape Refuge (title of the first one) book series by Terri Blackstock. Also, last year, I read the Chronicles of Narnia series since I had NEVER read them before.
The Wedding, by Nicholas Sparks. One of the best newish books of all time. Fast read, fiction but you wish it was true.
The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom. Non-Fiction, but short, easy to read, can’t put it down, so incredibly fait-building, YOU WILL LOVE IT. I’m not much of a reader, but I’m recommending this to EVERYONE.
ok, that’s faith-building, just so no one mistakes it for fat-building!!!
Cool! The book I was going to recommend is already recommended so it MUST be good! The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. Good Stuff. A real thinker but easy to read.
Tracy
I have to agree with The Thirteenth Tale. It kept me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping.
Also – I’ll be hosting a Spring Reading Challenge – it has NO PRESSURE, just a fun way to make a little goal and see how far you get (with absolutely no guilt or bad feelings allowed if you don’t reach the goal, or even if you don’t finish one single book). Feel free to join in with your 10-book list. :)
_Father Melancholy’s Daughter_ by Gail Godwin.
And if you’re feeling up for it (or needing more by the end, the sequel is just as good…if not better: _Evensong_, gain, by Gail Godwin. :)
~liz
I’m going with Ashleigh on the Beverly Lewis books, too. I usually read non-fiction, but I picked up The Covenant and just loved it. In fact, in three months’ time I had read all her books. I couldn’t stop!! She sets her novels in Amish families, which is fascinating. The books are fast reads, but you’ll think about them for years afterward.
I really enjoyed Peter Jenkins’ “Walk Across America”, it is a true story of a guy who walked coast to coast in the 70s or early 80s. A great book.
P.S. This is my first time commenting here ever, but I just wanted to say that I really enjoy you blog, BooMama!
The Yada Yada Prayer Group – Awesome series about a group of eclectic women who meet at a Christian Womans conference and are smooshed together by a higher power with a sense of humor and a higher purpose. Seriously – by the time you’re done with the first you’ll be hooked- but don’t worry they are a pretty easy read – and a few truths seep into your heart at the same time. – if you get through one and have no time to read in between “cleaning and cooking” they are also incredibly done audiobooks.
I have to second (or whatever number you are on) Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Francine said this work was her statement of faith – on that note she encourage another writer Catherine Palmer to write a similar book – with a totally different message but an equally profound impact “The Happy Room” is my new good read.
One more – Ted Dekker’s Blessed Child. It deals with the issue of why God heals some people and not others. Two individuals with difficult pasts are brought together to care for a young boy that has been kept in an Ethipian monastary his whole childhood. When he is brought to the US they realize he has an unexlainable gift of healing and an intimate, unaffected relationship with His God…
I could go on…but I’ll spare ya.
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