I enjoy reading. The written word provides a way to see things from a new perspective, learn new ideas, visit faraway places and find new connections. I enjoy reading poetry and history, science fiction and biographies, novels and essays. I try to read broadly and regularly to widen my world and deepen my experience.
I was sitting with a new friend recently and we had some time on our hands. After sharing with each other about families and where we worked and lived, we got to talking about books. He told me about some of his recent favorites and I did the same for him. Now my list of books to read includes some books that I’d never heard of before. I look forward to getting to them.
So, friend, here’s what I’d like to do with you. I’ll share some recent books I have enjoyed and I will ask you to share some titles with me as well. I would be happy to include some of these on my list.
I recently read The Overstory, by Richard Power, a wonderful rich novel that tells multiple stories about the way in which we are connected to one another and to the natural world around it. I also read two books by George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo and The Tenth of December. Both use very creative ways to structure storytelling and language. I also read Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad a memoir by a woman that writes about her life with cancer. I am working my way through a selection of short stories by Ted Chiang called Exhalation.
I would love to hear from some of you what you’ve been reading and what are some favorite titles that you might want to recommend to me.
Be well, be joyful, remember each day that you are God’s beloved.
Pastor Steve