Book Talk: New Reads for This Month

I love a good book talk. Nothing too formal, just a casual talk about the pages that have been turned and the thoughts that lingered after each book was closed. Ready? Let’s talk books!

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Here’s what I read this month:

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Prayer book of the month: Prayer by Timothy Keller

This one was harder to read than I expected. That is not to say it wasn’t worth it. The back page has a few notes of quotes I liked and I certainly did underline quite a bit. But it read a bit like a textbook. It wasn’t touchy-feely, which is perhaps, what I am more accustomed to in this prayer journey.

Something I loved – This encouragement to pray with friends: “By praying with friends, you will be able to hear and see facets of Jesus you have not yet perceived.” (Timothy Keller)

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Page turning fiction: Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

I read this mostly at night after my house was quiet. It was time for me, and I loved it. The only problem was one chapter turned into far more, keeping me up late. It was worth it, reading the story of walking with Mara through unimaginable tragedy, even though she resisted God at first. It was honest, real and so relatable. Ruchti’s books always have a way of bringing out the real emotions while guiding us to God.

Something I loved – It was so honest. There was no pretense or pretending. This quote was a favorite: “It was time for the sacred to win out over scared. How curious that those two words were so different but shared the same vowels and consonants with only two of them reversed. Scared could, theoretically, be converted into sacred with very little effort.” (Cynthia Ruchti)

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The book that surprised me: Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel

I didn’t expect to love this book. In fact, it sat in my library book bin for two renewal cycles before I even picked it up. I fully expected to skim it and move on. Bogel surprised me with honest stories, practical strategies, but most importantly, a thoughtful friend who understands. I’ll probably end up purchasing this to read it again, I loved it so much.

Something I loved – It was so easy to read, but still full of depth. “It’s hard today, but it won’t stay hard forever.” (Anne Bogel)

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A Bible study revisited: It Is Well by Sarah Morrison

This is my second study from The Daily Grace Co. The first one was He Leads Me and I loved it. Seriously, it goes in my top 5 ever. For some reason, I started this one months ago and set it down. Maybe it wasn’t the right time. I’m so glad I picked it up again. It Is Well walks you gently, like a friend (or maybe a loving grandma) through the scriptures I thought I knew about worry and anxiety. I discovered new truth each day I opened it, and I’m so glad I did!

Something I loved – There is so much life in these words! This reminder was so helpful: “There is no boundary or limit to what we can go to God for.” (Sarah Morrison)

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I’m so excited for some of my books to share next month! I have great ones all queued up and ready to discover.

I’d love to hear what you read this month and what’s next up on your to be read list! Share in the comments!

Connecting with great writers at the following linkups: Hello Monday, Inspire Me Monday, The Happy Now Blog Linkup, Tell His Story, Recharge Wednesday, InstaEncouragements, Tune In Thursday, Heart Encouragement, Friendship Friday, Grace & Truth, Grace at Home, Anything Goes.