I just finished The Barbizon: The Hotel that Set Women Free by Paulina Bren, an account of the ebb and flow of cultural perception of women’s ambition during the 20th century. It was an engaging read, but now I am taking a mental break with Nora Roberts’ romantic suspense, Under Currents.
I'm currently reading the new Tolkien collection, "The Fall of Numenor," which is a terrific omnibus of all the Second Age material (plus gorgeous illustrations by Alan Lee)! I'm also reading "Captive Flames", a collection of sermons by the 20th century English Catholic priest Ronald Knox. Check out Cluny Media's website because their edition of "Captive Flames" is on sale for $10 this month! I'm also working my way through "John James Audubon: Writings and Drawings" published by Library of America. I've started collecting LoA's beautiful volumes. In fact, with some Christmas money I just acquired their Robert Frost poetry and prose collection and the AJ Liebling collection of World War II journalism.
Haley, I wanted to ask whether, as a single man, I would benefit from reading "The Grace of Enough"? I don't have a family to support, but I am trying hard to live simply and to eschew throwaway consumerist culture.
I think you would like The Grace of Enough, Thomas. I wrote it with a wide audience in mind, so it's not written for parents or married couples only. It touches on a lot of our family experiences but I tried to highlight principles that would be beneficial to single folks as well.
I'm currently re-reading a book our priest wrote (published by Scott Hahn's company) titled, "As I Have Loved You". It's about the nuptial relationship between God and man, and it has been the best at revealing to me how this relationship applies to me.
Speaking of "The Grace of Enough", my brunch group was just talking this week at our meeting of how fun it was to have you visit us after we had read the book. Thanks again!
Currently reading Bakhita: from Slave to Saint by Roberto Ítalo Zanini for myself, and Introduction to the Devout Life by St Francis de Sales for a small group. And sprinkling in stories here and there from an Edgar Allen Poe anthology.
I love hearing you affirm that different seasons of life require different discernments as a family! My oldest is now in 2nd grade; we moved a lot in her first 5 years, but I am so glad we will (should) be in a long-term spot now for a good solid chunk if not “forever” so all the kids can have school and community stability and roots. And so I can too! It’s hard work making new friends every couple years. Maybe I will have an “old friend” from the same town for once (in several years I mean) ha!
It does feel really different with big kids, doesn't it? With very little ones it felt like all they needed for stability was US but now as they are older putting down roots with friends and extended family feels increasingly important.
"What are you currently reading?" is catnip to me as a question so here I am! Currently reading Seek You by Kristen Radtke, a graphic novel about loneliness. Very interesting, and very fascinating to read in that format. I have to remind myself not to focus on the text, that the pictures tell as much as the words, which is not a statement often said about non-fiction books. Also currently reading Infinite Regress by Joshua Hren, which I ordered after finding out about the "Catholic MFA" program he has started and being intrigued by the setting (Milwaukee, a town I lived in and loved for several years). I'm reading it, but I don't get it, much like my relationship to Flannery O'Connor, an author he loves. I hear the illusions, I recognize the intent, but it just doesn't engage me and I'm not enjoying it. BUT I felt the same way about Faulkner and Hemingway in high school and I have come to appreciate (if not enjoy) those two, so . . . check back in 20 years??
I just finished Everything Happens For A Reason: and other lies I've loved by Kate Bowler and I'm working through Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life of the World by Kyle David Bennett.
I read A Ring of Endless Light several times as a teenager and loved it. I'm inspired now to read it again as an adult, I'm sure it's way different. It did inspire me to read her other works and I'm a big fan
I second Emily's comment about being glad you're writing again! I've followed your blog for years, and I've missed the sneak peeks into what you're reading. Currently, I'm reading Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery, and On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson.
Just discovered the Inspector Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny. One of life’s great joys - finding a new author you love with 18 books in the series!! I’m also midway through Cardinal Sarah’s Power of Silence, it’s such a lovely book to pick up during Adoration or another time of prayer.
I’m currently reading Horse by Geraldine Brooks and Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other by Graham McTavish and Sam Heughan. And of course about to start your new book this week. By the way, A ring of endless light has been my all time favorite book since I first read it 30 years ago!
Currently reading Everything Is Illuminated in print and re-listening to A Wrinkle in Time. Also listening to a podcast that’s reading through St. Faustina’s diaries.
I'm just here to say that I'm glad you're writing again. Podcasts just ain't the same.
Thanks, Emily!
I just finished The Barbizon: The Hotel that Set Women Free by Paulina Bren, an account of the ebb and flow of cultural perception of women’s ambition during the 20th century. It was an engaging read, but now I am taking a mental break with Nora Roberts’ romantic suspense, Under Currents.
I'm currently reading the new Tolkien collection, "The Fall of Numenor," which is a terrific omnibus of all the Second Age material (plus gorgeous illustrations by Alan Lee)! I'm also reading "Captive Flames", a collection of sermons by the 20th century English Catholic priest Ronald Knox. Check out Cluny Media's website because their edition of "Captive Flames" is on sale for $10 this month! I'm also working my way through "John James Audubon: Writings and Drawings" published by Library of America. I've started collecting LoA's beautiful volumes. In fact, with some Christmas money I just acquired their Robert Frost poetry and prose collection and the AJ Liebling collection of World War II journalism.
Haley, I wanted to ask whether, as a single man, I would benefit from reading "The Grace of Enough"? I don't have a family to support, but I am trying hard to live simply and to eschew throwaway consumerist culture.
I've heard great things about Knox!
I think you would like The Grace of Enough, Thomas. I wrote it with a wide audience in mind, so it's not written for parents or married couples only. It touches on a lot of our family experiences but I tried to highlight principles that would be beneficial to single folks as well.
I'm currently re-reading a book our priest wrote (published by Scott Hahn's company) titled, "As I Have Loved You". It's about the nuptial relationship between God and man, and it has been the best at revealing to me how this relationship applies to me.
Speaking of "The Grace of Enough", my brunch group was just talking this week at our meeting of how fun it was to have you visit us after we had read the book. Thanks again!
That was so fun! I'm so grateful you asked me to join you!
Currently reading Bakhita: from Slave to Saint by Roberto Ítalo Zanini for myself, and Introduction to the Devout Life by St Francis de Sales for a small group. And sprinkling in stories here and there from an Edgar Allen Poe anthology.
I love hearing you affirm that different seasons of life require different discernments as a family! My oldest is now in 2nd grade; we moved a lot in her first 5 years, but I am so glad we will (should) be in a long-term spot now for a good solid chunk if not “forever” so all the kids can have school and community stability and roots. And so I can too! It’s hard work making new friends every couple years. Maybe I will have an “old friend” from the same town for once (in several years I mean) ha!
It does feel really different with big kids, doesn't it? With very little ones it felt like all they needed for stability was US but now as they are older putting down roots with friends and extended family feels increasingly important.
Love it!
Love YOU!
"What are you currently reading?" is catnip to me as a question so here I am! Currently reading Seek You by Kristen Radtke, a graphic novel about loneliness. Very interesting, and very fascinating to read in that format. I have to remind myself not to focus on the text, that the pictures tell as much as the words, which is not a statement often said about non-fiction books. Also currently reading Infinite Regress by Joshua Hren, which I ordered after finding out about the "Catholic MFA" program he has started and being intrigued by the setting (Milwaukee, a town I lived in and loved for several years). I'm reading it, but I don't get it, much like my relationship to Flannery O'Connor, an author he loves. I hear the illusions, I recognize the intent, but it just doesn't engage me and I'm not enjoying it. BUT I felt the same way about Faulkner and Hemingway in high school and I have come to appreciate (if not enjoy) those two, so . . . check back in 20 years??
I just finished Everything Happens For A Reason: and other lies I've loved by Kate Bowler and I'm working through Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life of the World by Kyle David Bennett.
I read A Ring of Endless Light several times as a teenager and loved it. I'm inspired now to read it again as an adult, I'm sure it's way different. It did inspire me to read her other works and I'm a big fan
I second Emily's comment about being glad you're writing again! I've followed your blog for years, and I've missed the sneak peeks into what you're reading. Currently, I'm reading Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery, and On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson.
Just discovered the Inspector Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny. One of life’s great joys - finding a new author you love with 18 books in the series!! I’m also midway through Cardinal Sarah’s Power of Silence, it’s such a lovely book to pick up during Adoration or another time of prayer.
I’m currently reading Horse by Geraldine Brooks and Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other by Graham McTavish and Sam Heughan. And of course about to start your new book this week. By the way, A ring of endless light has been my all time favorite book since I first read it 30 years ago!
Currently reading Everything Is Illuminated in print and re-listening to A Wrinkle in Time. Also listening to a podcast that’s reading through St. Faustina’s diaries.