sharing the love.

I am a lover of books. If I could spend all day reading books (or writing my own), I would be one happy camper. Alas, this is not the case, so I make up for it by reading in my spare time. You know, in between volunteering, Bible studies, and Office reruns.

Here’s what’s been on my nightstand lately.

Under the Overpass. Quite literally changed my life and opened my eyes to a population I previously ignored or misunderstood. Read it. You’ll be glad you did.

Gilead. So, I cried like a baby at the end. My husband saw me crying and asked—in a panicked tone—if I was okay. “This is just,” sniff, sniff, “one of the most beautiful books,” sniff, sniff, “I’ve ever read” sniff, sniff. Oh, marriage. It teaches us so much. Like where and when I should cry over my beloved books. (Alone, and not in bed.)

Matrimony. I came across this recommendation on a fellow blogger’s “to read” list. I read it, and was underwhelmed. It wasn’t terrible, but maybe a book to be checked out, not a book to be purchased.

The Time Traveler’s Wife. A book club read, and a good one. I finished this one in two or three days. I’m still in awe of how the writer created such a realistic fantasy story; in fact, I never thought I was reading fantasy, despite the time traveling element. Her book just proves my theory: a good writer has to have a great imagination.

The Red Tent. I just started this one last night, and so far, so good. I’ll keep you posted on what I think.

I’ve often tried to analyze what it is I love about books, about reading. Some days I think it’s the escape factor. I can really get lost in a good book; I can imagine myself in places I’m not. Other times I just think it’s because of the power of words. I love words, and I love when they come together to tell me something I might have missed before.

Still other times, I think it’s a God-thing. I believe in a God who tells stories, who encourages us to tell our own. So I read and discover.

Next on my list?

For my reading pleasure, a memoir (one of my favorite genres).

Our next book club read.