by Cathy Baker @cathysbaker
My name is Cathy Baker and I am a book snob.Β
Okay, perhaps snob is a little harsh, but I am a bit of aΒ persnickety reader.
I admit I’m not an avid reader of fiction, and when I do read it, the pages turn slower. I prefer the feel of a book in my hands over the strain on my eyes reading my e-books, but I still have plenty of those as well. I prefer new books over used ones. They smell better. Is that bad? I tend to buy books based on covers and Amazon reviews. And finally, I prefer to purchase books instead of borrowing from the library only because I love to mark up my books. Fiction or non-fiction, we never know when an idea will spark, or when we’ll run across a new word we want to add to our ever-growing notebook of words. {Okay, maybe snob isn’t such a stretch after all.}
Finally, I refuse to read (or finish) anything that doesn’t hold my attention. Life’s too short. For this reason, and many more, I’m especially excited to share what I’m reading these days, mainly due to the first one.
Finding Grace, by Allison Green Martin
Allison and her uber-talented mom, Jane, attended our local writer’s group a few years back {when this book was in the works}. They drove from NC (an hour) to attend so their dedication to doing the work was never in doubt. I was excited to be a part of her critique group for this book and you can only imagine my surprise when I discovered my name in her acknowledgements section! {Thank you again, Allison!} We never know what blessings will come from being a part of a critique group. π
Finding Grace, Allison’s debut novel, is one of those books you can’t put down, which is saying something from a sparse fiction reader. Her attention to details and the fluidity of the story is superb. You are sure to fall in love with “Grace”. I especially love the fact that the novel is set in Shady Grove, NC. Bravo, Allison!
The Simple Living Handbook…Discover the Joy of a De-Cluttered Life, by Loriless Lippincott
With a tremendous decluttering effort on the horizon, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the book but it was the word “Simple” that initially caught my eye.
As a sentimental semi-hoarder {did I just admit that?} I found a few pointers especially convicting enlightening:
“You are not your stuff and your stuff does not define you. Your stuff is not your memories {Ouch!} Your stuff is not your friend–he or she may have been with you or given it to you, but your friend will not vanish as a person if you get rid of the stuffed poodle.” Nothing really new here, but it’s a good (and quick) read.
The Life Giving Home…Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming, by Sally and Sarah Clarkson
Okay, so this one just arrived in the mail last week, but I had to include it. I may not be able to share what I’ve read or learned, but I can give you the reasoning behind this purchase.
I love this line on the back cover: Secrets to making home the place your family longs to be. At first glance, I felt it may not be a good fit since our kids are now grown with kids of their own, but our season in life doesn’t diminish my desire to make my loved ones feel loved.
This introvert has much to learn so I was delighted to stumble across this find, especially one with such rave reviews (5 stars). π
Okay, your turn! What are you reading these days? Do you think you’ll try one or more of the above books?
And don’t forget….
Imagine sipping tea in a rose garden. {No fancy gloves required!} Because this is one of my all-time favorite teas, I had to share a canister with you in this month’s giveaway.
{I’m assuming you’re a tea drinker if you’ve read this far.} Next
Wednesday, March 2, I’ll announce the winner of the random drawing done
via Random Name Picker.
For each comment you leave between now and next Monday’s post, I will
add your name to the list for drawing. Thank you and good luck!
Thanks for including me in your list. What an honor! I'm reading The Life Giving Home too and loving it. Sally Clarkson is one of my favorite authors and this one of hers in particular seems so necessary while I'm the throes of raising two small children. π If you're a fiction fan, you really can't go wrong with anything by Robin Jones Gunn.
There is no way you could not be included, my friend! What a wonderful novel! Let me know what you think about The Life Giving Home. I plan to start it tonight. π I've not heard of Robin Jones Gunn but if you recommend her, I'll definitely spend time checking out her work. Thanks so much, Allison! God bless…
Oh. My. Goodness. Allison, I love your cover and can't wait to read the book. π It sounds like my kind of reading!
And I HAVE to get the declutter book, too! I'm the worst about saving things because they belonged to someone special or given to me by someone special. "You are not your stuff and your stuff does not define you. Your stuff is not your memories {Ouch!} Your stuff is not your friend–he or she may have been with you or given it to you, but your friend will not vanish as a person if you get rid of the stuffed poodle." <<<I NEEDED to hear this.
And to answer what I'm reading now, I'm reading Lynette Eason's latest book, Always Watching. Exciting! And yes, I can't put it down!
I'm also reading Jim Watkins' new book, The Imitation of Christ. Jim updated and edited it with today's language and I'm loving it! So much easier to grasp than the original version I tried to read years ago.
I look forward to reading Lynette's book. I've heard only great things about it! I meant to ask you to bring Jim's book to this month's meeting so I could take a looky. π No doubt it's excellent.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Vonda! You are quite the avid reader, my friend.
Ok, I've definitely got to get the book on Decluttering. I have two desks in my office and I can't see either one! (and that's not new, I'm afraid.)
As to what I'm reading these days, I'm about 2/3 through James Patterson's 2nd Chance. I read it when I go to bed. I know that sounds weird, but I never claimed to be normal π I'm also reading Edie Melson's book Connections.
You're not alone, Ellen! π The decluttering book is a win/win purchase. ha! I've never read James Patterson's books but he is one prolific writer! Edie's book is great, isn't it? So helpful!
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share. π Blessings!
Cathy,thanks for the great recommendations. I also appreciate the other comments on books to read in the future. Hoping to get back to reading soon.
Thank YOU Dee Dee for stopping by! We may have to set you up with audio books. That would be one option to bypassing the pain in your hands. I'm glad you like the recommendations. I hope to be able to introduce you to Allison in the future.
Love from breezy SC!