September 9, 2011
In the past week or so I have read 3 fantastic books that I have to share w you. They are very different in some obvious ways:
1 fiction, 2 non-fiction
1 author is a dog, 2 are people
1 was on my NEW IPAD, other 2 were paperback
1 was borrowed, 2 were owned
But the one thing all three had in common was that they were all very uplifting, encouraging, happy books. Kind of a variation for me in some ways. I remember going to Barnes and Noble w my family once on vacation and Elli snorted as I came out of the Business section with a book on improving communication, “Why don’t you ever just read fun books?”
A book a read last year or so was We Need to Talk about Kevin, about a boy who is a sociopath and becomes a school shooter (movie debuted at Cannes this year). It was quite chilling and was hard to shake when I finished. Related to that was Room, which I posted about last year about this time.
So that is what I am trying to do now—gather “fun” books that have positive messages. Although I am worried perhaps Paul would have preferred I spend more time in the communication/self-help section and being a step parent has made me NOT read scary-children type books. I’d love to hear what you are reading or what books are on your favorite-of-all-time-will-read-over-and-over list.
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo
This book was recommended to me by my friend/Wednesday morning running buddy Ruthan (also one of “The Favorites”). I had seen it several times, picked it up in Target more than once, but not taken the leap. I saw it in her house one Wednesday when I went to run and she said it was a sweet, but powerful book that I had to read. I bought it and it sat on the bookshelf for several weeks until she asked me if I
finished it yet. Two days later I had finished it.
Yes—it is that good. Just like the little boy in it imparts wisdom beyond his years after a trip to Heaven during surgery, this small book packs a powerful message in its fast-paced read. It asked and answered questions I have about Heaven and since it was the experience of a 4-year old boy, I understood much more. It did not feel preachy at all. Instead it really made me want to read more about this Heaven stuff.
In general it was a very positive, uplifting feel good book!
Stay tuned for installments # 2 and 3!
