Author * Speaker
I’m WAY behind on book reviews! There are some great reads here, and a few duds. First, my two favorites: The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories by Marina Keegan What astonishing writing. This collection is divided between the author’s fiction and non-fiction pieces. The fiction is searing and raw, the non-fiction shows an amazing degree […]
Read MoreThis book charmed me! I just loved it – an inspiring story of Brenda Spahn, a wealthy, social climbing woman whose life is changed after a brush with the law almost lands her in prison. Through a series of improbable events, she ends up running one of the most successful post-prison rehabilitation programs in the […]
Read MoreRestless: Because You Were Made for More by Jennie Allen is a fun push to believe that God made you with specific gifts and talents you should embrace and grow, rather than shrink away from. The book is a mix of personal sharing by the author, suggested exercises, and vision casting for the larger things you […]
Read MoreIt’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed books here, so I thought I’d offer some recommendations today. Whether you’re planning a vacation or looking for an entertaining distraction to take your mind off this arctic cold, here are some great reads to consider: MEMOIR: Cut Me Loose: Sin and Salvation After My Ultra-Orthodox Girlhood by Leah Vincent Official […]
Read MoreI’m rereading a Madeleine L’Engle book this morning, Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art. Her writing is filled with wisdom and flights of fantasy, and her cadence feels old-fashioned and slows me down. Every third or forth page I find myself tearing up, which makes no sense because today is a gorgeous, sunny day […]
Read MoreThe People Factor by Van Moody is the best book on relationships I’ve ever read. That sounds like hyperbole, but this is the first time I’ve ever had a complete “Oprah Moment” and thought, I want to buy 1,000 copies of this book and give it to everyone I know. I can’t think of anyone […]
Read MoreI expected to love this book. I’m an Ann Patchett fan – I like the passion with which she defends books and bookstores, and how blunt she is about the writing process. She’s decidedly unromantic and controlled, which makes her writing interesting and unique. Her memoir Truth & Beauty is on my top-five all time […]
Read MoreToday began with me making a nice big mug of coffee. I brought it back up to bed, got situated reading and sipping and doing my usual waking up routine…and then I coughed. Unexpectedly. With a mouthful of coffee that went EVERYWHERE. My bed looked like a fireworks explosion in a cafe au lait theme. […]
Read MoreThis interesting question came from Jordan Seng’s blog this morning. He is a pastor in Hawaii many of us know and appreciate from his time here in Boston. (His book, Miracle Work, is like a behind-the-scenes explanation of the theological underpinnings of the faith life I found when I first came to church here in […]
Read MoreThe upside to a week of sick days is you can get a lot of reading done. My TBR pile did not disappoint. Three recommendations for you as we head into the new week: Stitches by Anne Lamott I finished this ten minutes ago. I think it’s her best work, or at least my favorite […]
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Trish Ryan 