CatholicMom-booknotes-logoSomehow, I have about 500 books on my currently reading list (OK, I exaggerate: it's only 12. But still. TWELVE?!?), and I have only finished one (no exaggeration. Only ONE.). Ahhh, well, spring break need week means I will likely tear through a whole pile of books...

Recent Reads

Frozen Footprints, by Therese Heckenkemp (Tumblar House, 2012, fiction)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Warning: do NOT pick up this book if you have (a) life responsibilities, (b) less than 24 hours to commit to reading it continuously, and/or (c) the inability to walk away from a stirring and compelling storyline. I should have taken my own warning and saved this book for vacation... It should go without saying that I loved this book--I was on the edge of my seat and I caught myself almost praying for the characters (I modified my prayers and prayed for those who may be caught in similar situations). This is a fast-paced thriller by a Catholic author, though calling it a "Catholic book" makes it sound like faith is shoved down your throat, which it is NOT. You could let your teen read it, but make sure you treat yourself to the adventure of reading it before you do! Highly recommended from me!

Current Reads

Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat, by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC (Marian Press, 2010)

I'm reading this along with a small group of women. And I realized, about two minutes into that first small group meeting, that I not only hate small group sharing, but that I also have some major issues with, well, the things we're going to be talking about.

I've only read the first set of readings (the retreat just started), but I'm already noodling and thinking this is God at work in my life. I'm a big fan of Fr. Gaitley's writing, and this is going to be fabulous. And maybe a little painful. Because growth is painful, a lot of the time, at least for me.

Love Among the Chickens, by P.G. Wodehouse (fiction, available free as an ebook)

I had it in my mind to read something by Wodehouse after I interviewed Daniel McInerney at Integrated Catholic Life and he cited Wodehouse as one of his inspirations and someone he hopes to have the same effect as with his writing.

And oh wow! This book is delightful! I laugh and I shake my head and I turn the page. Then repeat. I would have been done with it if I wasn't trying to read 17 books at once...

The Secrets of Happy Families: Surprising New Ideas to Bring More Togetherness, Less Chaos, and Greater Joy, by Bruce Feiler (William Morrow, 2013)

Someone recommended this book to me for a couple of reasons, and I have to be honest: I didn't think I would enjoy reading it. But oh! Three or four chapters in, and I've already shoved it under my unsuspecting husband's face with a loud, "You HAVE to read this RIGHT NOW." It has me thinking about my family in ways I just haven't before, in ways that are good and stretching and sort of wonderful. You'll hear more from me about this, I'm sure.

Why the Mystics Matter Now, by Frederick Bauerschmidt (Sorin Books, 2003)

Another book I'm reading because someone recommended it (the same someone as the last book, incidentally). I'm trying not to rush through it, to take each chapter on its own terms and to give myself time to take it in.

That isn't the easiest way to read quickly, but, surprisingly, this isn't really heavy reading (at least not where I'm at in my reading of it). I like how it's introducing me to the mystics individually (I've read about two so far) and even a bit slowly. So far, good book.

And, I should note, I'm also still reading a half-dozen other books too. I sort of hate when I get all out-of-control with books like this...but there's a part of me that doesn't mind: they're all so different! I'm hoping the different speed of things during Holy Week will give me a chance to actually finish some books too...

 

What have YOU been reading lately?

*Are you on Goodreads? I'll see you there!

Curious about what my ratings mean? Here's an explanation of what the stars mean to me.

Be sure to check out our Book Notes archive.

Copyright 2013, Sarah Reinhard