It’s weird to be writing this post, a post that seemed so far away as I opened my first book of the Summer and envisioned writing about it later on. And yet here we are! August has passed. The nights are growing colder. The sun is setting faster. Summer has come to a close.
During the shutdowns due to coronavirus that started back in March, I made a little pact with myself. Since the libraries were all closed, I decided I wouldn’t check out or purchase a new book until I had read all the books I actually owned, or that my parents owned. At the time I envisioned finishing this challenge by the end of the year perhaps.
Well it turns out my parents and I own quite a few books which I haven’t read yet and the challenge might take just a little bit longer than I originally thought, but here’s a short synopsis of the books that I was able to get through this Summer! Links to amazon are attached to the titles!
Book 1. Called for Life.
This incredible biography is the true story of Kent and Amber Brantly, a Christian couple from America who moved to Liberia in 2013 to provide medical care to the hopeless and dying during the Ebola Epidemic. It was very strange to read this book amid our own 2020 pandemic and compare the worlds reaction to Ebola to our reaction to COVID-19 when the physical effects of the coronavirus can in no way be compared to the harrowing effects of the Ebola virus. Kent and Amber’s story speaks volumes about loving our neighbor no matter the risk, as Kent himself actually contracted Ebola as he served to help others dying from it.
Book Two. Heidi.
Shirley Temple’s “Heidi” movie was one of my favorite movies growing up. I loved the story about little orphan Heidi who is sent to live with her gruff and grumbly grandfather in the heart of the Swiss alps. So when I found this 1926 copy at a book shop a few years back, complete with full page illustrations, I just had to get it. I’ve read abridged versions of the story before, but this was the first time reading the full classic by Johanna Spyri. It definitely did not disappoint! The descriptions of life in the mountains, a hard, but simple life, and the importance of family and relationships is depicted beautifully throughout this precious children’s story. I can’t wait to read this treasure of a book to my own children someday.
Book 3. Hope Heals.
Hope Heals is not a book you can read and then put back on your shelf to forget about and collect dust. It is the stirring account of a young couple whose entire world was shaken, just a few short years after they were married and only six months after their first son was born when Katherine Wolf suffered a massive brain stroke without warning. It was a miracle Jay, who was attending law school, was home with her, it was a miracle she survived surgery, and it was miracle after miracle that allowed their love for God and each other to grow instead of collapse during the many years of recovery and trial that followed for them. Reading this couples story of hope even amid so much heartbreak was so beautiful and so encouraging.
Book Four. The Pilgrims Progress (Pt. 2)
Last Fall I finished reading John Bunyan’s famous classic of the pilgrims progress. What many don’t know, is that the original book is actually split into two parts, the second part centering around the pilgrim’s family and their journey to the celestial city as they come to faith after the pilgrim leaves. Since I wanted to say I had read the entire allegory, I picked up the book again to read the second half. After reading it, I understood why it has been cut out of many of today’s versions since it is basically a repetition of the pilgrims journey. I definitely don’t think there is anything wrong with reinforcing the joys and challenges of the christian life however, and I enjoyed reading what was essentially the pilgrims progress from a woman’s point of view.
Book Five. Kisses from Katie.
Kisses from Katie is the true story of Katie Davis, a young woman who laid aside the expectations and ideals of our society to move to Uganda and obey the words of the bible which instruct us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. To be honest, it was a little hard to relate to her story as it would be impossible to tangibly help others in our country the way she helped others in Uganda. However it was beautiful to read testimony after testimony of the difference you can make in a persons life by simply loving them and meeting their needs. Included in the book are excerpts from Katie’s journals and pictures of her life as a missionary and mother, making it a very personal account of her work in the red dirt of Uganda.
Book 6. The Wright Brothers.
If you read my blog post a few months ago about the Wright brothers, then you already know I loved this book! The Wright Brothers by David McCullough tells the story of the men who taught the world to fly, and it is as dramatic and exciting as it sounds! More than that, learning about Wilbur and Orville’s incredible courage and character inspired me to steadfastly pursue my dreams and what I believe in, no matter who or what might stand against me. I probably never would have picked up this book had I not decided to read every book my family owns, so this is where my little challenge definitely came in handy!
Book 7-8. Hinds Feet on High Places and Mountains of Spices.
Hinds Feet on High Places and Mountain of Spices are a series of beautiful allegories written by Hannah Hurnard regarding the christian life. These books are similar to the pilgrim’s progress, but are, in my opinion, much more relatable. They tell the story of Much-Afraid and her transformation into Grace and Glory through the power of the shepherds love and her journey with suffering and sorrow. The author interweaves scripture and prose throughout the narrative of Much-Afraid’s life, giving these books incredible depth and beauty. This series was my mom’s favorite series when she was a young woman, so reading them and knowing the challenges and experiences she was going through while reading these books, definitely made me feel closer to her.
Book 9. Hearts of Fire.
The last book I read this Summer was a collection by voice of the martyrs of eight women’s true stories of dedication and passion for Jesus. From China to Pakistan, Russia and Japan, it was incredible to read about different women from different cultures in different time periods, all demonstrating the same audacious faith and hope in Christ. It gave me courage to know that if I ever go through a similar experience, I will have the strength I need to suffer for Christ’s sake, not because I am righteous or fearless, but because God is a God of incredible grace and love which when we fully grasp, compels us to risk everything to follow him!
And that’s a wrap! Those were the nine books I stayed up late reading, cried over at times and learned from this Summer. Moving forward perhaps I’ll do a little book review every month or so, or post somewhere on the blog what I’m currently reading since people seem to enjoy getting recommendations.
Comment down below one of your all time favorite books and don’t forget to have a beautiful day!
