Humor | Non-fiction | Fiction | Spirituality/Christianity | Politics | Cartoon | Children's | The Craft of Writing | Parenting | Relationships/Marriage | Apologetics | History |

Books have been my trusted companions since the age of four, a vital and essential nutrient to my literary soul. But I won't categorize any one as my "favorite" for that would imply all others as menial, perhaps even lackluster. And that my friend would be a mistake to the deepest degree! Great books are to be inhaled and savored. Page by page. Crafted scene by crafted scene. Teardrops to unbridled laughter. Take your time as you consider as few of my suggested titles. Then choose one, (yes, that's difficult for some of us readaphiles to do!) tuck yourself in a favorite chair or porch swing, grab a drink, switch off the phone ringer and ahhhh . . . . . . . relax.

Humor

Letters from a Nut by Ted L. Nancy
Do you like quirky, off-the-wall, odd ball humor? Then this book is just for you! Ted L. Nancy is a supremely off-kilter alter ego who sends patently ridiculous letters and queries to (and receives surprisely earnest responses back from) corporate honchos, entertainment conglomerates, national publications, politicians, celebrities, and heads of state.

Didn't My Skin Used to Fit by Martha Bolton
Ever laughed at a Bob Hope joke? Do you remember a crazy woman by the name of Phyllis Diller and her hilarious send-ups? Well, if you answered yes, you have most likely been exposed to the droll wit and sharp observations of this fabulous author! Martha Bolton is full-time comedy writer and the author of thirty books (that makes me tired just typing it!). And she is a friend. A friend who can make me laugh so hard I snort. Need I say more?

Back to Top

Non-fiction

Inside the Kingdom - My Life in Saudi Arabia by Carmen Bin Ladin
Ms. Bin Laden, previously a sister-in-law of Osama Bin Laden and author of this international bestseller, gives a shocking account of what it's like to be a woman--even a wealthy woman from a priviledged family--in Saudia Arabia today.

Are You There Alone by Suzanne O'Malley
Further investigative information about criminal law and mental illness in the account of Andrea Yates and the death of her five children. It isn't an easy read but one that certainly sheds light on the horrific details leading up to that horrendous day.

How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlin
It takes a book reader to know a book reader! Eighty-four glorious pages to encourage your reading soul.

Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity by Lauren F. Winner
Ms. Winner is one of my favorite writers and Real Sex is an essential read for single Christians grappling with chastity, for married Christians committed to monogamy, and for those who counsel them.

The Christian Imagination Editor: LeLand Ryken
A like-minded friend mailed this to me and I stayed up until 2:30 am reading through it! Essays discussing the relationship between imagination, belief, and words. SHEER heaven for this self-professed, unashamedly, addicted reader! Swim in the thoughts of J. R. R. Tolkien, Annie Dillard, Flannery O'Conner, Luci Shaw, C. S. Lewis, and T. S. Eliot. Randy Alcorn summed it up perfectly in his backcover endorsement, "Whether you restrain your appetite and consume this book over months or gorge yourself in a day or two, you'll find this a literary feast to be read with pen or highlighter in hand."

A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
The same "Imagination" friend hooked me up with this delightful memoir of growing up in Mooreland, Indiana. Haven a/k/a "Zippy" is my age and her clever storytelling took me back to 1978 . . .76 . . .72 . . .

Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler
I loved this book! Biblical "characters" all too often become just that--characters. Flat, one-dimensional, personalities that we heard about as children and all too quickly dismissed as adults. Feiler walks us through the desert of Abraham, the journeys of Abraham, and reveals a multi-dimensional flesh and blood man who changed history.

Invisible Eden by Maria Flook
I confess, I'm a true-crime consumer. From Ann Rule to those quickly thrown together paperbacks that garner the shelves of the public library . . . I've read most all of them. Invisible Eden probes the unsolved murder of Christa Worthington, found murdered in Turo, Massachusetts, just after New Year's Day in 2002. You won't find ghastly crime scenes depictions or morbid photos, instead you will read a mesmerizing story of a career woman's attempt to start over and reinvent her life. As the bookflap reads, "Maria Flook searingly evokes her [Christa Worthington] search for a safe haven, her many tumultuous relationships, and the evidence linking family, strangers, lovers, suspects, and innocents to the tragedy that both shocked a seaside town on Cape Cod and horrified the nation." I found this to be a most compelling read.

Leadership by Rudolph W. Giuliani
TIME magazine aptly writes, "For having more faith in us than we had in ourselves, for being brave when required and rude where appropriate and tender without being trite, for not sleeping and not quitting and not shrinking from the pain all around him, Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of the World, is Time 2001 Person of the Year."

Roaring Lambs and Final Roar by Bob Briner
Excellence in all things was this author's battle cry.

Back to Top

Fiction

Dying for Chocolate by Diane Mott Davidson
Superb fiction with eccentric characters that you quickly come to know and love. Davidson has an entire series centered around a mystery-solving caterer named Goldy. I devour these books in under a couple of hours!

The Seven Last Year by Carol Balizet
This book came out years before the Left Behind series. I read this in the early 80's and still think it's a great book for those interested in "end times" fiction.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
I'm on page 189 and I'm going to ask my friend, Rhonda Templeton, to teach me how to pronounce his name like I actually know what I'm talking about! :o Dostoevsky is quoted everywhere and I ignored him in college so I figured it was time to jump in and read of Raskolnikov and his angst.

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

Joy School by Elizabeth Berg
It's official . . . I am an Elizabeth Berg fan to the nth degree! I have devoured four in the past two days and have mourned each time the last page was turned. Elizabeth develops her characters with nuanced grace and never fails to reach my heart as a woman, a reader, and fellow lover of words and relationships.

Ordinary Life by Elizabeth Berg

The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg

Open House by Elizabeth Berg

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
A fast, easy, fiction read. I finished it off on a flight from Moline, IL to Tampa, FL, and laughed out loud more times than the passenger seated next to me thought appropriate. I LOVE laugh-out-loud books. And for those who have read my own non-fiction book regarding my life and finances, well, you'll understand why I like this one so much!

Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner
Relax, it's not what you think! Weiner's snappy "full-size" main character won my heart and I cheered for her until the delicious end.

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis
No one does fiction like C. S. No one. This classic vision of the Afterworld takes the reader on an incredible voyage through Heaven and Hell. C. S. always makes me think--and I love to think!

Foul Matter by Martha Grimes
Publishers Weekly writes: " . . . Insider publishing lingo, a quirky plot, atmospheric settings and Grimes's dry sense of humor make this a delectable bonbon of a book." Julie writes: What a hoot! Writers with "issues" will agree, this "inside-insider" fiction has it all. A top-selling suspense novelist, a pure literary writer, a much-coveted and requested editor, publishers looking for the upper hand, and even a hit man, or two. (Hmm, I never heard mention of THIS marketing strategy in meetings!)

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
How did I overlook listing this fan-tab-u-luss book?! Francine is hands down my favorite Christian fiction writer. Her characters breath and cause me to invest myself in the story they are living. Redemption weaves its way in and through all her books but it is done in such a manner as not to preach, but gently win her readers with the irresitable love of God.

The Interruption of Everything by Terry McMillan
Maybe it has something to do with the fact I celebrated four decades of living this past year but the words on the book jacket sprang off the page and into my reader heart...."but at forty-four, Marilyn's got too much on her plate and nothing to feed her passion. She feels like she's about ready to jump. She's just not sure where."

Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picolt
There are very few fiction writers who leave me hoping for more books and fast. Ms. Picolt is one of them. Never one to shy away from difficult and timely issues she does just that with the mesmerizing characters of Vanishing Acts. Her ability to juggle varying POV (point of view) with natural aplomb and keep the story moving is, well, incredible. If you see me hanging around the Barnes and Noble delivery door you'll know who I'm waiting for!

The Romanov Prophecy, The Amber Room, and The Third Secret by Steve Berry
Oooo! Historical intrigue, corruption in high places, political zigs and zags...I love it, I love it, I love it. Grab one of these on your way to the airport for a long flight or when you have down time at home or the beach. Once you start, you're not going to want to stop!

P. S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahren
Months after her husband's death, Holly receives a package of letters that he's left for her, instructing her to perform a series of unexpected tasks and all the while helping her move on after devastating loss. (It'll make you cry and hug your loved ones!)

Back to Top

Spirituality/Christianity

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Truth will change your life. Truth coupled with grace will change the lives of those around you. Brennan speaks to the misfit in all of us.

Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton

Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar
It was purchased with the intention of my husband reading it. However, I sat down, read the opening of chapter 1 and was gone--hook, line, and sinker. Farrar challenges us as believers to not only finish the race of faith--but to finish STRONG! On those days (and they are many) that I feel I'm limping toward the checkered flag, Steve's words of encouragment keep me pressing on. Knees buckling and all.

Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner
What a fun and intellectual read. (And yes, the two can and do work together!) With winsome charm, Ms. Winner takes us along for the ride on her quest for spiritual truth and encapsulates the essence of the Judeo-Christian faith. It did my Anglo-Saxon-Protestant-female soul good to be reminded of the rich Jewish tapestry from whence my faith grows.

Sacred Readings by Kenneth Boa
Given to me by a literary soul-mate, I've found this book to be just the non-traditional "devotion" book that I've been looking for.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Bonhoeffer, a Luthern pastor during WW II, refused to compromise and would not bow beneath the oppressive hand of Nazi Germany--and it cost him his life. Christian musician, Steve Camp, wove Bonhoeffer's writings throughout his songs in the 1980's. Cheap grace. Christ calling a man and bidding him to die. The sufficiency of the Cross.
All these themes resonate in the writings of this modern day Daniel.

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
You'll want to pick up a copy of this new release as soon as possible! A witty and provocative book about Christian Spirituality.

Sabbatical Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen
One of the great spiritual writers of our times--Journey allows you to travel with Henri during the last year of his life. Vulnerable. Real. Nouwen's words will speak to both your intellect and your heart.

Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott
Newsweek magazine summed it up: "The book's truest testament is the unflinching way it makes room for the author's uncertainites, the way that, for her, faith may have less to do with the answers than with finding a way to deal with the questions, large or small." The scandalous grace of God is woven throughout Anne's life and story and I delight in her "coming to faith" across the lily pads of the Divine.

The Wisdom of Pelicans - A Search for Healing at the Water's Edge by Donald McCullough
It's endorsed by Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu for goodness sakes! Upon first glance, I thought this would be an effort to read--let alone finish. Well, I was wrong. Dead wrong. McCullough speaks to the broken places and dark corners in each of us. And you'll learn an interesting thing or two about pelicans in the process.

Accept No Mediocre Life by David Foster
Break out of the sameness around you and embrace the adventure of being free to do, be, and have everything God has in mind for you. And no, Mr. Foster isn't promising boat loads of money and fame. Rather, he longs for you the reader to do, be, and have a life that goes beyond the labels, libels, and limitations, others (and perhaps ourselves)have tacked onto our life.

Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli
This ones been around a few years but I'm sure a few of you have somehow missed it. Well, don't miss it any longer. Mike wrote one of the most honest books about faith, life, authentic Christianity, and being a spiritual misfit, to ever come down the publishing pike.

Back to Top

Politics

Back to Top

Cartoon

CLASSICS OF WESTERN LITERATURE: Bloom County 1986-1989, by Berke Breathed
I love comics and there has never been a better one than Bloom County! You'll fall madly, deeply, and passionately, in love with a vain, yet naive, herring-lovin' penguin named OPUS as well as a sexist male named Steve Dallas. Bill the Cat, Portnoy, and an adorable-paranoid-angst ridden character named Binkley round out the cast of eccentric characters. Trust me, I can identify with characters such as this!

Back to Top

Children's

Pippi Longstocking in the South Seas by Astrid Ericsson Lindgren
Every girl needs to read about this red-headed dynamo! From the tree trunk full of gold to her over-sized shoes and heart--Pippi is one of my all time fav . . .oops, all time great reads!

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
A classic--bar none. My children moaned and complained when they first saw the "old" cover of my beloved copy. Complaints soon gave way to smiles and cheers as they found themselves caught up in the story of four intrepid children. To quote my four-year old son at the time, "You just gotta read that book, Mom!"

Back to Top

The Craft of Writing

On Writing by Stephen King
The man can write and he does a marvelous job of encouraging the rest of us.

The Forest for the Trees by Betsey Lerner
Are you an aspiring author? Do you write on any blank piece of paper available? Are you convinced that the world needs to read YOUR words--and then shove those words into a desk drawer? THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!! Delightful and packed with common sense borne out of experience, Lerner's guide will lead you down the path of publishing queries and frustrations. Buy this for any "aspiring" author you know.

The Writer's Book of Hope by Ralph Keyes
An endorsement by editor extraordinaire, Betsy Lerner, (see aforementioned The Forest for the Trees) told me this was a no-brain MUST READ. Packed with practical informative counsel as well as quotes lending a peek into the thought process of such literary giants as F. Scott Fritzgerald, Sue Grafton, and Somerset Maugham. You underline and highlight page after page of this encouraging book.

Write Away by Elizabeth George
Still struggling to write The Great American/International Novel? Well, struggle no more. Dive into richly detailed overviews of the craft of fiction writing which includes setting and plot to technique and process. Ms. George states, "I have a love-hate relationship with the writing life. I wouldn't wish to have any other kind of life...and on the other hand, I wish it were easier. And it never is. The reward comes sentence by sentence. The reward comes from creating a character who lives and breathes and is perfectly real. But such an effort it takes to attain the reward! I would have never believed it would take such effort."

Back to Top

Parenting

Professionalizing Motherhood by Jill Savage
Founder and Director of the fabulous Hearts at Home, Jill has penned a first-rate book that will help mothers maximize their talents and strengths to their fullest. If you're looking to expand your professional career as a mother, you'll want to pick it up! Check out Hearts website at http://www.hearts-at-home.org

Delight in Your Child's Design by Laurie Winslow Sargent
I'm always and forever looking for books I can recommend to parents which tackle the subject of children and temperaments. Ms. Sargent does an outstanding job helping moms and dads alike better understand, nuture, and enjoy their child's unique traits and temperament.

Back to Top

Relationships/Marriage

Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve by Lewis B. Smedes
I discovered this gem when I was working on a book of mine dealing with forgiveness. Dr. Smedes provides practical answers to agonizing questions and does so with grace and a geniuness that quickly won my heart as a reader. Any book by Dr. Smedes is worth your time and money.

The Walk Out Woman by Dr. Steve Stephens and Alice Gray
The subtitle says it all....When Your Heart is Empty and Your Dreams Are Lost. Whew! More than a few women have found themselves in a marriage quickly losing hope. Dr. Stephens and Ms. Gray offer wise advice and proven methods to help you move toward your spouse rather than away as well as helping you find love rather than lose it--or walk away.

Back to Top

Apologetics

He Is There and He Is Not Silent by Dr. Francis Schaffer
From 1983 to 1986 I inhaled the philosophical and apologetic writings of Dr. Schaeffer. His provocative thoughts and challenges to those who call themselves Christian changed my life. I know that sounds cliche' but it's true.

How Now Shall We Live by Charles Colson
If you're interested in more thought on christian worldview this is an excellent book to add to your collection. I used it as a guide for a women's class and throughly enjoyed the discussion it spurred.

Jesus Among Other Gods by Dr. Ravi Zacharias
I'd buy anything Dr. Zacharias wrote--even his grocery list! I know of no other man who is as well-spoken, thoughtful, and intellectual acute. Your brain (and heart) will thank you.

Back to Top

History

Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides
My eleven-year old history buff purchased this hardcover book with his own money! He hasn't quite finished it yet (kinda like me and Dostoevsky!) but in the mean time his mother has.

Things We Couldn't Say by Diet Eman with James Schaap
The inspiring true story of Diet Eman, a young Dutch woman who, with her fiance, Hein Sietsma, risked everything to rescue imperiled Jews in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. It is an unforgettable story of heroism, faith, and above all, love.

I Will Bear Witness: A Diary of the Nazi Years by Victor Klemperer
A spell-binding day-by-day account is a MUST read. The Los Angeles Times called it, "One of the great testimonies of our century..." Those who do not know the past are surely doomed to repeat it--may we read and learn in order to ensure the atrocities spoken of in these pages never are re-inacted.

Back to Top