By "worth reading" I’m actually referring to two
different interpretations/meanings of the phrase...
First, and I'm sure what most of you assumed this to be, are my
personal recommendations of books I've read that I feel are "must
reads"... in other words, I think they are worth being read... they
have something I consider of value ...
Secondly, I want to challenge you to give thought to everything
you read... and ask yourself if it is worthy of your time, is it
suitable for your mind, heart, and soul's consumption and consideration, and is
it going to help you grow in maturity, knowledge, spirituality, or encourage or
inspire you to do more for your fellow man, to live a life of significance, and
take action in your community and the world.
You may think that sounds kind of "heavy" and I need
to lighten up... but there are so many things I want to accomplish, learn,
experience, etc. that I've decided to be stingy with my time and more selective
with my "input"... I don't have time to waste on things that do not
fall into these categories...
This doesn't mean that I don't do what most consider
recreational reading... fiction, mysteries, etc. I most certainly do... but
what you'll find below in my recommendations are many books by my favorite Christian
fiction writers... they write the murder mysteries I've always loved but
their characters are flawed individuals like us... who need God in their lives
and the prodding and direction of the Holy Spirit.
We need examples of how those everyday folks like ourselves
handle the tough situations -- relying on God for their strength, protection,
and direction. I hope your interest is peaked by this introduction to some of
my favorite authors... enjoy!
I'll add to this in the next couple of days with specific books
and series by these authors but if you're interesting in checking them out
now... they are: Terri Blackstock, Dee Henderson, and Karen Kingsbury and these links will take you
to their respective Amazon author pages.
Terri Blackstock has written some awesome series
but her latest series is my absolute favorite... very timely and thought
provoking... I highly recommend it... it is the four-book set (Last Light,
Night Light, True Light, and Dawn's Light) pictured next to her photo
(above, far left). I'm thinking about reading them again and perhaps hosting a
Christian fiction book group in our home... let me know if you'd be
interested...
Do Hard Things -- This is without a doubt,
one of the best books I've ever read... inspirational, encouraging,
motivating... the subtitle is "A teenage rebellion against low
expectations"... You really must read it... either get a copy from
your library or from Amazon... and then pass it on to someone else! Over the
past two years, I've probably handed out about 50 copies of it to teens,
parents, and other BabyBoomers...
It was written in 2008 by (then) 18-yr-old twin brothers, Alex
& Brett Harris, whose father is a minister. They were home-schooled and
excelled in debate throughout high school. They’re in their second year of
college now (and have written a follow-up book Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are).
They maintain an incredible website/blog and
have put on summertime, one-day conferences all over the country.
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