Today over at Velvet Ashes we’re discussing The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp. It’s an advent devotional and we’re looking at December 1-3. Here’s a nibble:
It is possible to miss Advent even when it comes over the edges of everything. We picked this book so that as a group we could slow down and focus on what’s important over what’s urgent. The urgent is always going to be there, tugging on us, vying for our attention. May this be a year that we don’t miss advent for all the voices and tasks — real and imagined– calling out. (Question for the comments: what helps you to slow down?)
Feel free to pop in and read more.
On other book fronts, today I’m finishing Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner for a once-a-month in person book club. I’d read it years ago and remembering absolutely loving it! This time through, Stegner’s writing is still stunningly beautiful, but I’m annoyed with one of the characters. Quite annoyed. I won’t say who so as not to ruin it because I would still highly recommend it. It’s the story of two couple’s friendship over a life time and I look forward to hearing what others thought of it when we gather on Tuesday night.
I’m wondering why she didn’t annoy me before? Why I remembered there was an affair, when there wasn’t? If reading something on the beach when I’m in vacation mode predisposes me to be moony over it?
What books have you read more than once? Have they changed over time? (Henri Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son seems to get better with each reading!)
Photo credit: freepik
I loved Crossing to Safety but I definitely had a hard time liking some of the characters. I’m reading through The Greatest Gift right now too.
Ah … I bet I know who you’re talking about :)
Amy, have you ever read Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis? It’s my absolute favorite book, and I could read it over and over and over again. It’s so tight, so compact, so rich, so powerful…. I know a few who actually don’t like it, so I do know my opinion is not the only one. But, oh, how I love that book!
I have … but it’s been years. Sounds like it would be a good one to pull out and read again!
I love Strong Woman Soft Heart by Paula Rinehart. That book rescued me! I read it annually and every time I do I feel moony and grateful all over again :)