Many Books...Little Time

I've always been an avid reader, but over the past few years, the time that I could spend lounging about, reading to my heart's content has greatly diminished. At first, upon realizing that I was going months without picking up a book that didn't have to do with our homeschooling, I felt bitter. Then the realization came that 'to everything there is a season', and this was my season to be mothering, raising a family, homeschooling. I felt selfish for wanting to take time for myself. I'm slowly learning that I NEED to take time for myself, without feeling guilty. I am not God, nor does He expect me to be able to keep up with everything and everyone without having my batteries recharged.

I do not believe in coincidence. I do not believe that things just happen. I DO believe that God has a plan, and that he orchestrates it beautifully, even when we cannot see the entire picture. Over the summer, I received five books. I didn't spend a dime to get them. They just came to me, and I thanked God for sending them my way.

Yesterday, I finished the first one, and I'm in the middle of two more. So, how did I receive the books? Well, one day as I was reading Beck's blog, Frog and Toad are Still Friends, she was talking about how most Christian fiction is syrupy, no real storyline, and quite frankly, unreal. I laughed when she wrote:

"- but mention Christian literature and those aren't the types of books that I think of. No, I think of stuff like this:

"I love you Annabelle," Josh said, nervously.
"Oh Josh! Annabelle said. "I love you too."
They held hands and looked at each other rapturously.
"You know what we should do now?" Josh said, excitedly.
"Yes I do, said Annabelle. "We should pray."
And they prayed together all night long, over and over again. "

As I was reading over the comments, one caught my eye.

I hope you all don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. There's great fiction out there that doesn't camp on adverbs and schmaltz.

I loved Gilead. I nearly cried over the prose. I loved Peace Like a River by Leif Enger for the same reason. Oh and The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin. And This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella. Wow. Great stuff.

I hope to think what I've offered is worthy too. My first novel made it to the finals of the Christy awards, and I was very impressed with the other two books in my category.

Anyone here: If you want my first novel, Watching the Tree Limbs, I'll send it to you, autographed and free.

Email me at maryedemuth at sbcglobal dot net or visit me at www.relevantblog.blogspot.com.

Mary E. DeMuth

So, I thought to myself, "Sure, I'll read her book!" I contacted Mary, told her that I saw her comment on Beck's blog, and requested a copy of her book." She promptly mailed it out, and I received it within a week.

I started this book on Monday, and finished it yesterday. It is not filled with fluff, and artificial sounding Christians, but characters who are very real. It was a good read, and I'm anxious to get the sequel, Wishing on Dandelions.

Several weeks later, I received an email saying that I won three more of her books. She was having a giveaway on her blog, and unbeknownst to me, my name was entered because of my first comment to her. I love surprises! Another week passed, and I received another package.

I haven't started this one yet.

I've started this book, as well. It's more a devotional- type book with very short examples of what God can teach us through our mothering. I'm enjoying it.

I've not yet started reading this either.












The fifth book that I've received came from my secret sister, who isn't so secret. Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper, was recently gifted to me. I'm enjoying reading about each woman. Thanks, Ally!







I'm so glad that I'm finding the time to read again. I won't be reading a book a day like I did years ago for quite some time, but the time that I do find for myself is very enjoyable.

How about you? Have you read anything worthwhile lately?