Happy first day of Autumn! It's been awhile since I've put up a blog post, but I'm hoping to get back to it again. Life just seems to go by, and the longer you take a break from something, the harder it seems to get back to it.
I thought I'd start with what I'm reading right now.
Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley
Yes, I'm still reading this one! It's one of those books that you can read a chapter and put it down for awhile and easily pick up again. I just need to pick it up more often. : ) I'm about half way through and it's really interesting.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard
I'm almost finished this one and discovering things I didn't know about the Romans and how they lived. The author takes the time to inform the reader about the misconceptions we may have through our modern eyes. For example we often think of the Romans as conquering lands, and yet that is not how they thought.
The author says here:
"It continues to be convenient to measure Roman power in Italy in terms of geographical area. Yet Roman dominion was primarily over people, not places. As Livy saw, the relations that the Romans formed with those people were the key to the dynamics of early Roman expansion."
I'm right at the part of history where the Christians come in, so I'm interested to see how this author talks about them concerning the Romans. So far she has stated that Nero set fire to Rome (64 AD) and blamed it on the Christians, which was horrifying, yet true.
Lots of interesting things to learn and think about from this book.
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden
This book is a 1906 nature diary, sorted into the months of the year. Each month has diary entries, poetry, paintings by the author, as well has a short history of each month.
The art work is beautiful, showing you lovely birds and butterflies and plants, from the authors walks in the English and Scottish countryside. I'm reading through the September chapter now, so almost finished.
Shine Like the Dawn by Carrie Turansky
I'm about half way through this one and really enjoying it. The novel is set in 1903 about a young lady's struggle with trust, and how God draws her to Himself through these struggles. I enjoy Carrie's writing and stories. Hoping to finish this one soon.
I'm also reading the book of Matthew. In chapter 13 the disciples are asking Jesus why he was speaking to the crowds in parables. If you want to know you can find out in Matt. 13:10-52 : )
What are you reading? Feel feel to share in the comments!
Note: Painting above: Autumn Walk In The Park is by Georgi Dimitrov
I got The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady at a library sale, but just added it to my stack without looking at it yet. I'll have to start looking through it month by month.
ReplyDeleteI have a book like you mentioned--Loving People: How to Love and Be Loved by John Townsend. I go for period without picking it up. I just recently determined to concentrate on it and finish it.
I finished Anna Karenina a couple of weeks ago. It was much more interesting than I had thought it would be. I also read Kill Order, a hot-off-the-press book by Adam Blumer. A very suspenseful read about a man whose doctor implanted something in his brain during cancer surgery which allows him to be controlled by someone else.
I just started reading On Writing Well by William Zinsser.
Sounds like some interesting books! I thought Anna Karenina was interesting as well. Her story line was maddening, but I enjoyed Levin's story and character. Hope you enjoy The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. The art is beautiful!
DeleteSo good to bump into you over at Mary's today! My To-Read pile grows by leaps and bounds because of these wonderful kinds of book posts!
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by Linda!
DeleteI'm currently reading The Cast by Danielle Steel and Halsey Street by Naima Coster.. neither of which I'm loving.
ReplyDeleteHope you find a book you enjoy soon. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYou sound like someone who enjoys history, like me. I love seeing what others are reading. Visiting you today from the let's have coffee link up. laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteYes history is one of my favorite genres to read. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteNice reviews! We studied all the parables in my Bible study during Lent this year. It was very interesting and led me to think, in everything I read, about the author's reasons for telling that story.
ReplyDeleteYou may like John MacArthur's book called 'Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told' I thought it was super interesting and informative. Thanks for stopping by Becca!
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