The folks at 5 Minutes For Books host What’s On Your Nightstand? the fourth Tuesday of each month in which we can share about the books we have been reading and/or plan to read.
Since last month I’ve finished:
(All links in this section are to my reviews.)
Beyond the Shadows by Robin Lee Hatcher (audiobook) about a woman whose husband is an alcoholic. Very good.
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns, about a small-town Southern community’s reaction when a widower remarries just three days after his wife’s funeral. Not crazy about it but it did have some good points.
Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury. End of the Baxter family saga.
Lost Melody by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith (audiobook). A promising classical pianist is severely injured in a subway accident, ruining her career hopes and dreams. Then she begins to have a recurring nightmare and an impression that she’s supposed to warn her small seaside town of a coming disaster. Mixed emotions.
Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan, about a woman recovering from alcoholism and learning how to respond to her controlling husband.
The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. Two children are sent on a quest to find a lost prince held captive by an evil queen. Good stuff. A part of Carrie‘s The Chronicles of Narnia Reading Challenge and July Book Club choice.
I’m currently reading/listening to:
The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis.
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. A former maid is the only living person associated with an old manor house and has a secret she’s kept quiet all these years. Pretty intriguing so far. I’m sorry to have listed this here. The story ended up being very sordid with some use of vulgar language and I cannot recommend this book or author.
Not By Chance: Learning to Trust a Soveriegn God by Layton Talbert. Excellent.
Roots by Alex Haley, audiobook. This book was not on my radar at all, but I was looking for a new audiobook and scrolling through the classics listing at Audible.com, and saw it. I don’t know that I’d call it a classic just because it is not that old. But it’s pretty fascinating. I do have another reason for reading it (listening to it) that I’ll share later.
Up next:
I still haven’t decided whether to join in the summer Louisa May Alcott reading challenge but since there is only one more month of summer, I guess I’d better decide soon. I always enjoy a visit with her books. I have The Discovery by Dan Walsh on hand and I’ve got about 38 downloads on my Kindle app, so I should probably work on a few of them.
Happy Reading!
Stray Thoughts 
I remember watching the Roots mini-series in high school, but I’ve never read it. Enjoy!
-Dawn, 5M4B
I’m with Dawn, I remember the movie but have never read it. I just finished The Horse and His Boy and just started Prince Caspian. For the LMA challenge I read Little Men and Jo’s Boys… moved on to other challenges. Lost Melody sounds pretty good!
I’m very enthusiastic about a book I recently finished, WE ALL MARRIED IDIOTS: THREE THINGS YOU WILL NEVER CHANGE AND TEN THINGS YOU CAN by Elaine W. Miller. It is biblical, simple, not long, and very good marriage counseling. She is a good writer, and the messages were crystal clear. Loved it!
I’m presently reading RAIN DANCE by Joy DeKok. So far, excellent. It’s about two married young women, one who has an abortion and one who can’t conceive. It covers their struggles, joys, and sorrows. The book has a strong Christian message, delivered realistically. The characters are human. One of the women is a Christian, and the other sees Christ in her. It is a great story and moved me to tears.
I’d intended to read a classic next but got drawn into RAIN DANCE. Maybe after this!
Well, now I am very curious why you selected Roots (which I hadn’t heard of) but you’ve piqued my curiosity! I’ll be watching for an explanation and your thoughts on that!
I’ve liked Hatcher in the past and look forward to revisiting her. I’m curious about Roots now….
Is it really the end of the Baxter saga? 😉 I enjoyed her books for awhile but thought that they should have ended long ago. I haven’t read the last 10 or so.
Also meant to add – I hope you have a great reading month in August!
I always like reading about your reading list! I am currently reading a couple of biographies – one on Condi Rice’s parents, and one on Queen Elizabeth.
I haven’t read “Roots” but I remember the miniseries and we made our kids watch it a couple of years ago (we were living overseas and so they weren’t getting any American history at that point).
I remember liking “Cold Sassy Tree” just fine but not loving it, like you. I want to read “The House at Riverton!” Can’t wait to see what you think.
–elizabeth (5MFB)
I, too, am eagerly awaiting your review of the Morton book!
Alex Haley’s grandmother (maybe the one in Roots, but I’m foggy on the details, so don’t quote me) was a slave on a plantation in a neighboring county back in the day. I still haven’t read or seen Roots, though. 🙂
Not By Chance sounds good. The doctrine of Providence alternately challenges and reassures me. I am so thankful that God is in control of all things–and I’m sure that reading an in-depth study of Providence could only strengthen my faith.
Add me to the list of those curious about your reasons for reading Roots. That’s one book I’ve never had any interest in reading, although I’ve figured I’d get to it eventually since my library owns a copy.
I have so many downloads on my Kindle, too. I’ll never get around to all of them. But when they’re free, it’s hard to resist.
I’ve never read “Roots” either (I’m intrigued about your other reason) but I’m sure I’d enjoy it. I only saw part of the miniseries years ago.
I went through the Chronicles of Narnia books a few summers ago and thoroughly enjoyed them all. Would love to do it again sometimes.
I don’t think that I have read any of the books you mentioned, wow. I can; however, relate to having too many downloads on my Kindle, esp the freebies!
Amy
I’ve never read “Roots” but remembering watching the series when I was a teen. I’ve a Kate Morton book waiting for me in my basket but can’t remember which one it is.