Wednesday, July 14

Summer reading (and a book giveaway)

Amanda at Serenity Now is having one of her fun Dishing It parties today, and her topic is a great one: summer reading.

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Oh, how I love to read. Left to my own devices, I'd spend hours on end with my nose in a book. There aren't enough hours, though, so I'm picky about where I park my nose. For me, a book needs to be at least one of three "E's":
  • Entertaining
  • Educational
  • Edifying
And if a book is more than one of these, it's a real winner.

We went to the beach last week, and I read two (count 'em! Two!) novels. My son Preston has been hounding me to read some of his favorite authors, so I gave in and read Michael Crichton's A Case of Need. Preston seemed happy to say "I told you you'd like him" when I asked what Crichton book I should read next. As it turned out, Next was the Crichton novel Preston recommended I read next! These novels were both entertaining and certainly thought-provoking if not educational. I give them 1 1/2 E's.

Next up for me is Longing for God: Seven Paths of Christian Devotion by Richard J. Foster and Gayle D. Beebe.



You've read Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, haven't you? If not, click here and order it. Believe me, you'll be glad you did.



About Longing for God John Ortberg says, "This is a feast for the mind and the soul. This is the best and richest of Christian thinking and soul-making made accessible to everybody. It would be very hard to read this without having your heart grow." Sounds good, doesn't it? This is going to be at least a 2 E book.

And as for the giveaway, there's one more book that's been in my hands this summer:



Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff. If you like tongue-in-cheek writing, you'll like Jon's book. Be warned: Jon's an equal-opportunity offender, so you'll have to bring your sense of humor with you when you read his book. But underneath Jon's sarcasm beats a heart aflame with a white-hot love for God.

I am proud to say that Jon Acuff is the oldest son of two of my dearest friends in the world, Mark and Libby Acuff. When Jon was visiting his parents recently I bought a few copies of his book: one for me, a couple for gifts, and one for you. That's right: I got Jon Acuff to autograph a copy of Stuff Christians Like for me to give away. Leave a comment on this post to enter. I'll use a random number generator to select a winner from among the commenters on Sunday, July 18.

**Note: You don't have to be a blogger to comment. My blog is set up to accept comments from anyone, including people who prefer not set up a Blogger account or even remain anonymous. Just click on "Comments" or "Post a Comment" below and you'll be directed to a form. If you do choose to comment as "Anonymous," though, be sure to leave some kind of name or contact information in the form--that way I can get in touch with you if you're the winner!**

Happy reading!

24 comments:

  1. Maybe #1 will be the winner?! Sounds like a good and funny read, I'd love to win. :) Thanks for the giveaway!

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  2. I stopped by to see what books you were recommending, but found you're actually giving one away! I just recently heard about "Stuff Christians Like" and thought it sounded interesting.

    I like your three E's. What a great way to pick books =)

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  3. Okay, I have to be honest. I don't read a lot of Christian books, even though I looove my God, I like fluff. However, I think I would really enjoy the Stuff Christians Like book. I love christians with a sense of humor! Sounds great to me!

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  4. I read Celebration of Discipline a long time ago. It would be worthwhile for me to read it again, and Longing for God sounds really good!
    Thanks for the giveaway! It sounds like a fun book.

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  5. Oh Longing for God sounds great, I'm definately interested in that one. :-)

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  6. I would love to read Jon's book. I know his brother, Josh, and he is a great guy too!!! What a family!

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  7. I'd love to read his book. The others sound great, too. I'm currently reading "8 Weeks to Optimum Health" so a fun book would be great! Have a great day!

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  8. I've heard about "Stuff Christians Like." I assume it's a play on "Stuff White People Like," which was a very funny blog turned book. Sounds fun.

    I admire you for choosing books that fit the 3 Es. :) Lately, I feel as if my brain can't handle any more vital information, so I've been steering clear of non-fiction and getting by with fluff. ;)

    I actually love Michael Crichton. Timeline is my favorite. It starts off slow, but gets very good!! See if your son has read that one. :)

    Thanks so much for joining the party.

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  9. I love the three E's guideline!

    I haven't read any of the books you've mentioned, but I've heard of "Stuff Christians Like." I'd love to read it.

    My email is in my profile. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  10. Just found your blog from the Renovare mailer! I am re-reading Celebration of Discipline right now, and it is wonderful. I think I've read some of that 'Stuff Christians Like' on a blog and thought it was hilarious. Would love to win the book. Otherwise I will prob ably be ordering it.

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  11. Just found your blog from the Renovare mailer! I am re-reading Celebration of Discipline right now, and it is wonderful. I think I've read some of that 'Stuff Christians Like' on a blog and thought it was hilarious. Would love to win the book. Otherwise I will prob ably be ordering it.

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  12. Just found your blog from the Renovare mailer! I am re-reading Celebration of Discipline right now, and it is wonderful. I think I've read some of that 'Stuff Christians Like' on a blog and thought it was hilarious. Would love to win the book. Otherwise I will prob ably be ordering it.

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  13. I have visited Joh Acuff's website several times and always come away with a twinkle in my eye and a chuckle on my lips.
    What a great giveaway! How COOL that you know his parents!!!

    I love a good summer reading list. ;)

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  14. Thanks for sharing your reading recommendations!! I haven't read these books, but they look like very inspiring books. I think it is awsome that your son is recommending books to you!! My 3 1/2 yr old son loves to read. I hope it is something he will continue to love as he grows older.

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  15. I really need to read to read something besides "fluff"
    Would love to read this book you are giving away!

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  16. I'd love to read this book. My email address is cwray@cox.net. Be sure to let me know when I win!

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  17. I love Michael Crichton books, they are always very interesting! Your book list is very intriguing! I will defnitely be checking out some of your recommendations! Have a great day!

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  18. Yay! I've been wanting to read his book. The blog is hilarious! The Man and I just listened to a Michael Crighton novel on the way to MI and back: Prey. It's riveting, disturbing, educational. It kept us awake which was the point.

    There are few things better than great summer reading!

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  19. Fun!! I love to read, too. Last week I checked out 2 videos and 2 novels from my church library. Six days later, I returned the books, because I was already finished with them and had to renew the videos! I've recently found Cathy Marie Hake's fun books ... perfect for the summer, and I'd give them 3E's!! Blessings!

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  20. Hi Richella, I love to read and would do it all summer long , if I didn't like to knit so much too ;) I love reading in the Fall and winter too when it's cold or raining outside. I must admit though most of my reading is fiction and for fun.

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  21. I love reading - it is my favorite thing to do and a great stress reliever.

    I have seen this book a couple of times lately and it looked quite interesting. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

    hspruitt{at}junoDOTcom

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  22. Richella, I came over to visit from My Three Boybarians -- I was thrilled to hear there's someone else here in Bloggerspace who care about grammar. Once I saw your reading post, I knew we were kindred spirit, and I'm just become a follower. I'll be back!
    A big Anne Shirley wave from Cape Cod,
    Jude at
    dolcecapecod dot blogspot.com

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I read every one; they make my day. If you have a specific question, please be sure your email address is attached to your profile or leave your email address in the comment; I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Every blessing!