2012 Books

It's time once again to start my yearly list of the books I have read. This will be my 6th year to record this information here on this blog. It has been helpful for me to be able to look back at what I have read and to recall what I thought about it or how it impacted my life. (Or its lack of impact if I can't even remember what the book was about...)

As always, the rating:

1-3 I wish I could burn all copies of this book.
4-6 Had a few things going for it, but definitely not my favorite.
7-8 I enjoyed or got something out of this book, worth reading.
9-10 One of the best, highly recommended.

Abba's Child by Brennan Manning 9 It's only fitting to begin the year with this book, one I started in December but finished today. It perfectly sums up the transformation I have gone through over the past year as I have come to find my identity in God alone. This book is worth any price just for the one chapter called "The Impostor" because it lays out the false self vs. true self so clearly. However, the entire book is inspiring and encouraging.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy 7 No, I never read it in high school or college. I knew it's famous. I knew it's supposedly good. Other than that, I had no clue what it would be about. (I didn't even know what a pimpernel is.) I was pleased with this classic novel focused on a daring Englishman's rescue of doomed French aristocrats. Full of twists, turns, and fabulously well-written inner dialog from the main character Lady Blakeley. Very enjoyable!

Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen (compiled by Christensen and Laird) 8 Using Nouwen's notes, class material, and other writings these authors created a book on Nouwen's view of Spiritual Direction or how maturity is developed in self and others.

The Pursuit of Man by Tozer 10 Best book on the Holy Spirit I have ever read. I can't imagine a better one exists. Gave words to my experiences of late, challenged me to continue to seek God's presence. Loved the message of this book.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey 7 Attention holding magical story set in Alaska in earlier part of 1900's. An older, childless couple and their relationship with a child whose origins are unclear. Nice historical novel as well because of the setting.