The kids are on spring break this week, so I’m attempting to spring break with them. I’m a little embarrassed at the stack of books I’m working from. And just to add to the insanity, there are 5 more I’m reading from that aren’t in this picture.
- Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg (I’m always reading this)
- Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeline L’Engle (I’m also always reading this)
- The Messy Quest for Meaning: Five Catholic Practices for Finding Your Vocation by Stephen Martin
- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Reading this one for the 2nd time)
- The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen (I’ve been saving this one for spring break. Will finish this week. Guaranteed.)
I wish I was the disciplined kind of person who could start one book and then finish it, but I’m not. I read books like I eat meals: a little salt, a little sweet, a drink of water, and a green vegetable. I like to mix the delightful and entertaining in with the growing food. And sometimes the growing turns out to be delightful.
In my feeble defense, since I took this photo, I have actually finished three of these books: May B. by Caroline Starr Rose (a lovely novel written in verse that I read in almost one sitting on a Sunday), Quitter by Jon Acuff (I laughed, I cried, I kept my job), and A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meisner (I love all her stuff).
What books are you reading this spring? Do you read one book at a time or from a stack?
Do you know when _The Messy Quest for Meaning_ will be released? I am intrigued.
Jenni,
The release date is late May – I am intrigued too!
Mary´s last [type] ..Open my hands…
Yes! It may come out sooner than May. I got my hands on an early copy because the author is a friend – check out his blog. It’s fantastic. MessyQuest.com
Emily´s last [type] ..books I’m reading
I too read like I eat–I would die if I did neither. I can’t gorge myself on books, but always have something on the go. Always, a couple things, just like a varied menu. Even with a book that I LOVE, I can’t read it non-stop because it fills me up too much. Glad to meet someone else who likens her reading to eating!
Anita´s last [type] ..Hope, A Thing With Feathers
Anita, thank you for describing the way I feel so perfectly. I eat and read together, the same, and I generally can’t do one without the other – even if I’m just reading the logo on the napkins, the menu, the cereal box or the junk mail!
Emily,
Can I just say…I love your writing? Well, I do. I love Grace for the Good Girl and I love visiting your blog.
I used to read only fiction and I read one book at a time. Now I read a lot of different things, like your book! I read a lot of books that are “good for me” and help me grow as a person or help me overcome some issue. AND…I will read bits and pieces of some books. Mostly, though…I like to finish a book I start and I may, at times, be reading more than one book at a time.
Enjoy your spring break!!
Mary´s last [type] ..Open my hands…
i am a one-at-a-time reader, myself. i finished the zookeeper’s wife on monday and am reading escape from camp 14 now. i love international books – true stories, especially. missionary stories when i can get my hands on them!
kendal´s last [type] ..the third cup
I used to be a “one book at a time” reader, but the last five or so years I’ve got about five books going at once
. I read more nonfiction than fiction — but I LOVE a good fiction book! On my blog I share every couple week under QOTW (quotation of the week).
Amy @ themessymiddle´s last [type] ..Not too late to join
It was funny for me to read this post this morning since I wrote last night about my aim to read one classic book each quarter this year. I typically read one fiction book at a time because I love to live in the world of the book that I’m reading. I love to imagine myself there, hear myself using their syntax, see the world through different eyes.
But I can manage to have a fiction book and a non fiction book in process at the time same. I’ve even recently managed to throw in a volume of poetry to the mix. I think this is because fiction, non-fiction and poetry satisfy different parts of me. But I don’t like to mix books from within these categories. I was recently reading a classic that was taking me a long time when a book I’d been in queue for at the library came available. I set the classic aside for two or three days to read the library book and then returned to it. It was like hitting the pause button. That’s the only way I can manage it.
Enjoy your spring break.
AH! I love book list posts!
I absolutely loved the Madeline L’Engle book and have borrowed it out to many of my friends. The “Introverts in the Church” book is actually next on my library list, and the two books that are current or soon to start:
a) currently reading Tim Keller’s The Meaning of Marriage
and will be reading soon, after finishing that one, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can Stop Talking”. (http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com/about-the-book/)
Thanks for sharing, the “Writing Down the Bones” is now on my amazon list!
Sarah M
Sarah M´s last [type] ..Movie Review: Hugo
Quiet is on my list, too. But I couldn’t read 2 introvert books at the same time. I have boundaries.
Emily´s last [type] ..books I’m reading
this was too funny to me, i had to comment… i too “read like i eat” – perfect way to say it!! a little here, a little there… mix in some light hearted fiction with the heavier stuff… yep, that’s me! i just did a post recently about the stack of books i currently have on my nightstand!
i’m currently TRYING to finish bloodlines, by john piper. i’m also re-reading comforts from the cross, by elyse fitzgerald (i think?). + around 5 other books at the same time.
stacey´s last [type] ..An afternoon of crafting*
I know exactly what you mean … I seem to be unable to read one book at a time!!! I’m always hopping all over the place!! … At the moment I am working my way through …
… “Driven by Eternity” by John Bevere (for our women’s Bible study);
… “Organised Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach for Intentional Living” by Tsh Oxenrider (Kindle Version … fantastic so far, though at the moment I am just reading through it … will work my way through the activities when I don’t have so many deadlines looming … uni and quilting!!);
… “French Children Don’t Throw Food” by Pamela Druckerman (fantastic so far … and giving me amazing insights and the like … it so resonates with my thoughts and beliefs – some of which I have stifled because of social pressure!! I am halfway through it, and know it will not only be one I re-read and re-read, but also one that I will take heaps from in regards to my mothering as a single parent … definitely recommend this one!!);
… “The 10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make: Embracing All God Has for You” by Bill & Pam Farrel (fascinating, and definitely challenging me spiritually … great read for single, well anyone really, wanting to turn their focus upon God during the, often lonely time, of being a single, Christian, struggling with that question on “when?”)
I’m actually surprised that I am only reading four atm!! … There are definitely other books I’ve started reading and put down without going back to them, though with plans to go back to them later … there are also heaps of others tempting me to grab them to add to this list, lol! … At the moment, the middle two are grabbing my attention the most, though that is mainly as they have both only recently been purchased/downloaded and I was able to just get stuck into them over the Easter break … I was actually able to grab an hour of reading here and there as my parents were around during the day, so they got a lot of DD’s attention, lol!!
Larissa´s last [type] ..March FNSI Results
I used to be a strict, one book at a time, reader. But, I’m loosening up in my old age.
And while I am still a one novel at a time kind of reader, I may or may not be reading one or two (gasp) nonfictions at the same time. Currently reading Oliver Twist by Dickens, Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow and planning on starting into a text-bookey type read on cerebral palsy. Just finished reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane with my kids (read out loud books are the exception to my one novel at a time rule) and I still feel a little like crying after the end of that book, in a good way.
Megs´s last [type] ..Spring: Love
I’ve always been the one-book-at-a-time type. Until my kindle. Now that I don’t have to keep track of my page, it does it for me, sometimes I switch between a few, the sweet and the savory, with a sip of water.
Mariah´s last [type] ..Two For One: Lemon Cake & American Cheese
yes! love the kindle for keeping track and also the search button that helps me find sections when I forget where I read something that I am trying to share with others.
I’m never just reading one book. I read according to my mood or my needs, which is also how I eat. {Funny, I’ve never thought of it that way.} There are a couple on your list I’m wanting to read as well.
Right now I’m reading A Praying Life by Paul Miller, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, and Harry Potter book 3 (to my kids). I’m re-reading Grace for the Good Girl as part of a weekly book study with 5 friends….which it where I’m headed right now. I’ll be thinking of you. : )
Have a glorious time at the beach with your family and your books. I’m a tad jealous.
Scooper´s last [type] ..Stealth Perfectionism
Reading a bunch of books at once is hardly something to be embarrassed about!
My husband is like that with books, except he actually wishes everything he wanted to read was in news article form. Much quicker to digest! I added a couple of your books to my goodreads, so thanks!
Erica {let why lead}´s last [type] ..10 Ways to Keep Dating—Even After You Have Kids
Love how you compared it to eating: “I like to mix the delightful and entertaining in with the growing food. And sometimes the growing turns out to be delightful.” Beautiful.
I am almost finished with “Craving Grace” too, and I’m excited to say that Lisa will be guest posting over at my blog in a week or two. So excited!
Addie Zierman´s last [type] ..Easter Weekend
I always have several books going at the same time, and within those are books that I read all at once. I read all kinds of books (including some in your picture and list), and am always looking for more good ones so I will definitely be checking out all the books mentioned on this blog and comment section.
Currently I have just finished the Hunger Games series (too many people recommended for me to say no) in two days. I am also reading like I eat with Prayer by Philip Yancey, Illusionist by Frank Perreti, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller, and several tidbits of others.
Soon I shall finally be reading Grace for Good Girl, cause I am pretty sure the hubby bought it off my wishlist for my birthday this week. Yay!
I really need to read Quitter. Your reading habits are much like mine. I have been having nightmares while reading Catching Fire, so I have to take breaks for several days at a time. I’ll have to put the L’Engle and Goldberg books on my list. A life-changing free E-book I’m reading right now is Live Uncaged by Mary DeMuth….so very healing. Have you ever read The Artist’s Way?
Christina´s last [type] ..Paris
I too had major dreams days after reading the hunger series. I think the fact of being written in the first person made it much more real than a third person story. Will be checking out the other books you have mentioned in your comment.
Thanks for your reply Julie. I think there is much to learn from the Hunger Games series but I think you are right…so far I’ve had dreams that I was dating Lenny Kravitz (Cinna in the movie) and Peeta, but they were both cheaters. I’ve also had a lot of dreams about people chasing me..LOL. Now you see why I need to take breaks.
If you go to Mary DeMuth’s blog http://www.marydemuth.com/ you’ll see the link to the free e-book. All you have to do is sign up for her monthly newsletter. Love free books.
Christina´s last [type] ..Rest
I am reading the Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I read one book at a time but often read them as if I was devouring some tasty treat.
I am reading You are Already Amazing, A Heart Like His, and Heaven is Here…I do prefer to read one book at a time, but I was so excited about these that I rotate reading a chapter.
Lisa´s last [type] ..A Last Minute Trip & New Friends
Thank you for your post. I am a ‘reading a bunch of books’ reader and have felt it is a weakness or hindrance at times, and yes embarrassing. In your entry today and the comments it sounds sooo scrumptious, well-balanced, and healthy! … like the food pyramid! I have a Nook Color so it is much easier to satisfy my palate on the go. I am encouraged and will shout it from the mountain top that I read more than 1 book at a time. Well, maybe not that far — I would like to finish one sometimes.
Blessings to you this beautiful spring day.
Reading: Grace for the Good Girl, Beautiful Battle, Spirit Wars, Lioness Arising, Paleo Diet and the Primal Blueprint Cookbook.
Glad to know that other people do that too. I always have several books going. Thanks for sharing books you have enjoyed
I can’t just read one book at a time! I like to read 4 or 5 at a time and books on different subjects. I find it easier to keep my attention that way. Sometimes I’ll read a little of each, each day and sometimes I’ll spend most of my time on one.
Right now I’m reading a history book called ‘It happened in Italy’, a book from the essential Edwards collection called ‘Johnathan Edwards on the Good Life’, two christian fiction books called ‘A Hope Undaunted and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall’ and finally my devotional, ‘Streams in the Desert’
I loved your book ‘Grace for the Good Girl’ It was such a blessing to read and I’ve passed it on to others. So glad I picked it up!
I’m usually a one book at a time kind of girl, but occasionally I’ll read one fiction and one non-fiction at the same time.
I just finished reading Quiet by Susan Cain (a revelation!) and the first Harry Potter book. I know. A little behind the times! I had to shake off the last vestiges of my legalistic church background first, but I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love it. If my children didn’t require frequent feeding, I might go straight through the series in one go! Probably need to stagger it so nobody starves.
I am always reading L’Engle’s book as well. I have never read anything more affirming to my faith and call to write than her book. Love seeing what’s on your nightstand. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on McHugh’s book when you’re finished.
Kimberly´s last [type] ..I’ll be the one in the big hat
I’m currently reading You Can Change with a group of women from my church and I’m reading* yours for the second time. Things are being exposed in my heart, freedoms are being seen, and brokenness is taking place. I’m so thankful for the good and maybe dark place that I’m in. I think that I’m going to look back at this time in life and say, “that was the year that my life changed drastically.”
*I really mean crying through
Meg´s last [type] ..On Having A Daughter
I am inspired to go attack my stack of books. Mulitples at one time is the way I roll. I have to go finish some poor babies I left hanging though. Smiling here, I feel I left them and me hanging.
Love this post. Happy Spring Break reading to you.
Elizabeth´s last [type] ..BEAUTY AND THE BARNACLES
I loved The PeachKeeper, listened to it on audio, so that I could do two things at once. I didn’t think that I would like audio books, but audio/reading works well for fiction especially, since you aren’t usually planning to take notes and underline.
Currently, at your recommendation from a previous post, I’m reading Quiet. Did you read it yet? If not, put it on the top of your pile. For all of us introverts, living in an extrovert world, it is a must read.
Oh, the two books I read before Quiet were Grace for the Good Girl, wonderful author. My friend took quotes from the book to her counseling session! I followed that with You’re Already Amazing, a good pairing. I purchased both as ebooks and can even read on my phone…don’t want to be caught without a few good reads!
Speaking of good reads, do you record your reading on Goodreads.com? It’s a wonderful tool.
Thank you!
I read books one at a time. I also eat my foods one at a time, usually bread, veggies, then meat– Haha! My spring break was a few weeks ago, and I read the Hunger Games trilogy. Right now I’m attempting to read Insecurity by Beth Moore (although most of what I have been reading are textbooks). When I’m finished I’m going to start You’re Already Amazing by Holly Gerth.
Ooo, ooo, ooo! I LOVED “You’re Already Amazing“! So much so, even, that I went out and bought a second copy so that I can share it with everyone who’s willing (mom, sister…), and I don’t have to give away my own copy. LOL.
MizB´s last [type] ..REVIEW: “Starcrossed” by Josephine Angelini
I have been listening to books on audible- I just can’t seem to stay awake for more than a page or two if I actually sit down to read. Just last week I listened to Quitter (love it and I’m keeping my job, for now anyway), Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (also loved- just SO hilarious and really mosly great advice) and The Fault in Our Stars(laughed, cried, loved.) I’m listening to The Hunger Games now & also love. I’ve noticed that since beginning to listen to books, I’ve become more aware of words and their meanings- I always knew that my reading comprehension was poor, but now I have found a way to overcome it, sortof, anyway. It can be expensive, though, to purchase audiobooks rather than regular or kindle version.
mandie´s last [type] ..Inspiration and Passion
I’m reading Catching Fire, too. Love this list.
Jeff Goins´s last [type] ..How the Law of Diminishing Returns Works with Communication
I suppose I am an ADHD-type reader. I read several books at a time, I am re-reading several books, I am reading books for 2 separate book clubs, and i am reading two good-for-me books. I also have my Bible reading and my devotional reading. I don’t read all of it every day, but I have my piles on my bedside table organized so I know where I am reading-wise. My husband says it is a miracle that the table doesn’t collapse under the weight, but the system works for me and I like it. Long live reading!!
I LOVED this post because i am just the same! Always more than one going. I’ve been this way as along as i can remember, which is to say as long as i have been reading. I always had a book under my pillow and one night, after receiving twenty new books for my birthday (in a series I particularly loved), I slept with ALL of them under my pillow. After that I wasn’t so keen on sleeping with books under my pillow.
I love reading tons of books at once because then I can read to match my mood. I just finished Wendell Berry’s A World Lost and Karen Kingsbury’s Longing over my Easter break… with a lot of unfinished books calling my name.
diana´s last [type] ..books I’m reading
My nightstand looks eerily similar to your photo–I have several books going at once too.
Beth Ingersoll´s last [type] ..Subject to Change
I’m curious to hear your thoughts about Introverts in the Church. It was so, so revolutionary and healing for me.
I will only read one fiction book at a time but I always have two or three nonfiction going at the same time. I like to stay focused on the story but then, with the nonfiction, I have time to consider and ponder different ideas and viewpoints.
I’m newly into Tana French’s books- haunting, unpredictable characters. I’m currently in the middle of Jen Hatmaker’s 7, Half the Church, Shawn Smucker’s Building a Life Out of Words, and Shauna Niequist’s Cold Tangerines.
HopefulLeigh´s last [type] ..Choose Your Words, Friends
Thanks for sharing your current (and completed) reads. I am working on a few. Finally finished Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Educating the Wholehearted Child by Sally Clarkson, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (I like to read a kid’s book occasionally) and The Help.
Erika´s last [type] ..Wise Words Wednesday: Good Books & Tastebuds
Well, I have to say….my stack doesn’t stop at my nightstand, nor at the table on MY end of the couch…nope and not at the sofa table behind where I sit next to my wonderful husband~~~~~I actually have a stack in my desk at work!!!! I know, UNBELIEVABLE… HaHa!!!
And what a range of titles too, from Maeve Binchy (my favorite, Quentins) with her Irish tongue to Mitch Albom(my favorite, For One More Day) and his thoughts turned into tales of now and then and then and now. So, yes in a sense, it is like decorating your plate with a little bit of everything to savor by inhaling or by slow, long chewable bites at a time. My comparison would be better described as enjoying a nice cup of coffee with a little cream, watching the steam waft in front of me and feeling the warmth of the drink on my face as I turn the cup up for that first of many sips to savor…..
Read on…Read on and give thanks to Him Always!!!
God Bless all of you who have commented!! Thank you Emily for such wonderful wordly grace!!!
Emily….These books all sound fabulous. Perfect summer reading I think. Of course I always love Nicholas Sparks and love to toss in a few medical and legal thrillers into the mix. Thank you so much for sharing your list. I have my shopping list in hand and will be heading to the book store in the next couple weeks. Emily….I have to say one more thing ….your blog is such a “happy” part of my day. Thank you so much for the gift.
Sally
xxxxx
I usually have one fiction and one non-fiction going at one time. I tend to read the non-fiction at night before bed, on the beach, an afternoon at home alone….when I can concentrate. Fiction is more on-the-go, car pool line, etc.
Oh, sheesh… Now you’ve added 2 books to my TBR list! (“Chasing Grace” and “Quitter” both look fantastic!!!) Thank you, though! I love posts where people share what they’re reading, as I usually find something that appeals to me… Love that you posted the picture, too!
I used to be a one-book-at-a-time girl, too, but now my “policy” is changing… I keep digging into 2 or 3 at a time because I can’t make up my mind about what I want to read, and then I keep going back and forth between them ’til I’ve finished them all. LOL. Oh well. There are worse addictions than reading, right?
~MizB
MizB´s last [type] ..REVIEW: “Starcrossed” by Josephine Angelini
Oh boy am I a stack reader! I often have several going at the same time. I just finished reading your book, Grace for the Good Girl and Renee Swope’s A Confident Heart. Because those books are what I call “heavy duty” and take lots of thought and pondering, I also like to add some inspirational fiction in there to help me escape my world for a while. I just finished reading Loving by Karen Kingsbury and The Beach House by Sally John and am now reading Castles in the Sand also by Sally John. LOVE these books! They’ve made me laugh! And laughter is a good medicine for this soul of mine : )
Pam´s last [type] ..When a project doesn’t turn out quite the way I expected . . . .
I loved Craving Grace. Right now I’m reading My Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos and I’m about to start I Blame Eve: Freedom From Perfectionism, Control Issues, and the Tendency to Listen to Talking Snakes by Susanna Aughtmon (love the subtitle on that one!). Sounds like a great followup in the wake of Grace for the Good Girl!
Glad to see I’m not the only one with stacks of books going on at any given time. Because I do book reviews on my blog and because I just love books so much, I had to start a spreadsheet to keep track of them all. That may be the most dorky and embarrassing thing I’ve ever admitted.
Cara @ WhimsySmitten´s last [type] ..On Quarters and Unbelief
I read “The Girl Who Chased the Moon” by Sarah Addison Allen a while back and I really enjoyed it! Surprisingly so, but the touch of fantasy, although a bit odd, didn’t detract. Her books are whimsical. I just finished all of The Hunger Games trilogy and “Oliver Twist” by Dickens. Now I’m onto “The Turn of the Screw” and I’ve been reading the massive Bonhoeffer bio by Eric Metaxes for several months. I usually read at least 2-3 books at once and try to make it well-rounded: fiction, non-fiction, and spiritual in subjects.
Danielle´s last [type] ..Doll Love
I used to read multiple books at a time but I decided to only read one book awhile ago. I find I get through more books this way because the desire for the next book helps me get through the less attention grabbing but important/helpful books like ones on parenting or similar themes.
I usually just read one fiction book at a time, but a collection of nonfiction in bits and pieces. The Peach Keeper looks really interesting – one to put on my list!
Jessie
Vanderbilt Wife´s last [type] ..Worth the Living
I’m actually reading Grace for the Good Girl this spring… but I can only take it in small doses, it strikes to the quick! Is there a forum somewhere where people are discussing it?
And for fiction I’m reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman….
I’m a grazer, too — with books and food. (I wonder if there’s a connection?) I love to mix and match flavors and textures on my plate.
I also have an odd habit of starting non-fiction somewhere in the middle, wherever happens to catch my interest. Then I read forward or backward from there, or a little of both, or I skip around. Sometimes I lose interest in a topic, shelve it, and come back to it later. A literary smorgasbord, I guess.
I’m a the same way with my book reading. Unless it’s amazing, and then I gobble it up, until my soul is full.
“I like to mix the delightful and entertaining in with the growing food. And sometimes the growing turns out to be delightful.” — I LOVE THIS. Can I use this as “justification” for the ever-present stack of books on my nightstand?! I have a goal of reading 24 books in 2012, so I am forcing myself to be a bit more disciplined in my reading, but I could relate to this post oh-so-very-much.
After several references from you, as well as some of my other favorite bloggers, I finally gave in and ordered a copy of “Writing Down the Bones” — anxiously awaiting its arrival so I can dive in!
Thank you for sharing your list!
Jenna´s last [type] ..[Archives] On the Bookshelf: “Lady Jane Grey” by Faith Cook
i generally like to read one book at a time. though i have pretty much a buttload of books i have to review and i can’t read more than one at a time. i don’t work that way. right now i’m reading she makes it look easy by marybeth whalen. i continually change my order of the books i read. its pretty dumb how often i change my mind
aimymichelle´s last [type] ..its a blog party!
Hello there, simply was aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful should you proceed this in future. Many people might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
Tabatha´s last [type] ..childrens place coupon
“I read books like I eat meals.” Haha that is so me, Emily.
Julie´s last [type] ..Together
Thanks, Emily. You help keep my good girl in place.
AND I love getting suggestions on good books to read. n
Kimberly´s last [type] ..More Than Words