Right now, my nightstand is piled high with books. Although, it doesn't look very neat, I am glad to say this year so far I am reading much more than Beatrix Potter. Here's a sampling:
1. Gospel Of John:
My Mom's Prayer Group selected the Gospel of John and the Come and See Catholic Bible Study by Fr. Joseph Ponesa and Laurie Watson Manhard, Ph. D.s gospel and Bible study for this semester. This week's homework rea the first chapter of John and answer 21 questions to share with the group. Although, I have particpated in Bible studies before and have studied the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, I have never studied the Gospel of John in this much depth. I am looking forward to the discussion next week.
The Happiness Project wriiten by Gretchen Rubin is the February book of month for "Booking It in 2011" hosted by Life As Mom. I am particpating in this challenge because I thought it would motivate me to read at least eleven books on various topics this year. I will be discussing this book on February 10th, so pick it up at the library, give it a quick read, nd stop back by here for the discussion. In reading this book, I found my next "must read" selection.
3. Story of a Soul:
As I read The Happiness Project, I found out that although the author, Gretchen Rubin is a self-described "reverent agnostic", she found a spiritual mentor in St. Therese of Lisieux. Gretchen ended up reading no less than 17 books on the "Little Flower", and reread her spiritual memoir, Story of the Soul, many times. I am starting this book today.
4. Unplanned:
My friend, Kathy, let me borrow this new release written by Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director who, after witnessing an abortion, joined forces the Coalition for Life, a Pro-Life organization.
Part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, the book of Sirach is really speaking to me at this point of my life. For my non-Catholic readers, Sirach is one of the seven books known as deutercanonical (second canon) in Catholic circles, because they were later additions to the more ancient Hebrew writings. These seven books were never composed or written originally in Hebrew; however the Catholic Church regards them as inspired texts and includes them in the Old Testament. These seven books-Books of Baruch, Maccabees I and II, Tobit, Judith, Sirach, and Wisdom-were known and used by Jews even in the Holy Land, including Jesus and his disciples. However, inthe year 100 A.D. 100, at the Council of Jamnia, the Jewish leaders wishes to purify Judaism of all foreign and Gentile influences, reject the seven books because they were not originally written in Hebrew. Martin Luther, with the Protestant Reformation, chose to adopt the Hebrew canon (39 books) rather than the Greek canon (46 books).
6. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland:
This children's classic by Lewis Carroll is our story time book for the month of January. Although, my girls enjoy picture books, I think it is important to also read text-rich reading so they can expand their imagination and grow in their love for the written word. I do not remember reading the original version of this book as a child so it is an adventure for me too.
7. Happy New Year!
Kung-Hsi Fa-Ts'ai! In contrast to Alice, this book by Demi is richly illustrated and explains the traditions and legends of Chinese New Year. With Chinese New Year fast approaching, we are preparing for it by learning about the customs, cleaning our home, and buying new outfits for the upcoming celebrations.
For more Quick Takes, please hop over to Jennifer at Conversion Diary.
#3--another great one is "The Story of a Family" about the life of St. Therese's parents. It's amazing! My FIL gave it to me when I was a newlywed...no pressure, right?! :)
I would love to read Unplanned too and hope to get my hands on a copy.
Great summary of the difference between the Catholic and Protestant canons. Kind of interesting that Martin Luther chose a translation of the Old Testament that was developed AFTER Christ's life on earth, I always think!
Posted by: Kim D. | 01/21/2011 at 02:01 PM
I've been meaning to comment- I love this post! especially since #6 is one of my favorite books, I just bought #4 and I've been meaning to read #3. In terms of the Bible, have you heard of Truth & Life's dramatized and unabridged readings of the NT? Approved by the Vatican and currently being listened to by me, I can safely say they are AMAZNING! And might be a good way to have the NT subtly listened; I listen to them in the car, and just love hearing the Good Word this way. I thought you might be interested in it too! :)
Posted by: Julie @ The Corner with a View | 01/26/2011 at 03:05 PM