What's On Your Nightstand - April 2012

It’s What’s on Your Nightstand time again over at 5 Minutes for Books, and I thought I’d share a post this month to try to limp my blog along for another day. As to what I’m reading these days, I’ve once again gotten myself into the position of juggling several books at once. I’ll start with recently finished on my list here:

Recently finished:

The House at Riverton (F) - Kate Morton. I believe I may have mentioned once or a lot how much I enjoy the Downton Abbey series. This book takes place in the same time period and has much the same ‘feel’ as Downton Abbey. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to checking out other books by this author.

Levi’s Will (F) - W. Dale Cramer. After my recent post complaining about Christian books that I find frustrating and dangerous, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention I’d stumbled across this one that I  enjoyed. I read somewhere that, though the book is fiction, it is similar to the author’s father’s experiences having grown up Old Order Amish and left that life behind. I enjoyed this book, and, again, look forward to exploring more titles from this author.

Radical (NF) - David Platt. This was a challenging book, but very gospel-centered. I appreciate how it encouraged me to think about the evangelical Christianity in America and evaluate whether my thinking and living is biblical or whether it is more informed by the ‘American Dream’. Like I said, challenging, but a needed challenge, I believe.

Currently reading:

V is for Vengence (F) - Sue Grafton.  I’ve followed private detective Kinsey Millhone through Grafton’s alphabet series for years and still like the books. Caution for some language, however.

Worship (NF) - John MacArthur. Taking my time reading through this book, and appreciating it very much. Also challenging.

The Transforming Power of the Gospel (NF) - Jerry Bridges. This was being offered free for Kindle not too long ago, and I got it for the Kindle app I have on my phone. I am also appreciating this. I really am thankful for the many gospel-affirming books and resources available and I don’t think I can ever get enough encouragement to think through how the gospel affects all areas of life. It has been very helpful to me in my walk to keep filling my mind with these exhortations to know the gospel and to grow in Christ. 

Speaking of resources for learning to apply the gospel and saturate your mind with it, I found a resource I’ve been really enjoying listening to lately, and this is as good a time as any to mention it and put in a plug for it. It’s ‘Wretched Radio’ with Todd Friel. Really liking the daily radio program. Check it out at www.wretchedradio.com.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Okay, back to reading.....I believe I mentioned somewhere along the way how much I enjoyed The Hunger Games trilogy and enjoyed the discussions it has sparked with my boys.  Here is an excellent review I read this morning, and I found myself nodding in agreement as I read. I especially liked his points #1, 6, and 7, but I agreed with the whole post. I think it is true that an engaged and thoughtful parent can read and have fruitful discussion with his/her kids as they read books together - even if the books don’t have a Christian worldview. My boys and I discussed the very same things he mentions in that post and it was a good thing. 

Anyway, that’s what I’m reading around here these days. Please visit 5 Minutes for Books to join in and see what other participants are reading.