I attended a workshop this weekend on Memoir Writing. As I was listening to the panelists talk about telling an honest personal story, I couldn’t help but think of Mary DeMuth’s memoir, Thin Places. The book officially releases today, but I was provided an advance copy for review. I meant to finish it by now, but a few chapters in, I realize this is not a book to rush through.

Much like Annie Dilliard, Mary invites the reader in to sit a while, giving the rich, poetic imagery time to settle and weave and surround. Her voice is honest, redemptive and raw. And sometimes, because of the subject, difficult to get through. I admit I put it down more than once because it was simply heartbreaking. Sometimes overwhelmingly so. But each time I picked it up again, Mary’s words reminded me of the healing and redemption that come from brokenness.

In her own words: “The end result is story: mine. It’s the story of a little girl who faced sexual abuse, neglect, drug-using parents, fear, death of a parent, and a host of other malevolence.

And yet it’s a hope-filled story, where the bright light of God’s climactic redemption outshines the dark places. It’s a story of God’s nearness when I thought I’d nearly lose my mind and will to live. How grateful I am for the beautiful love of Jesus, how dearly He chose frail me to shame the wise. It’s really His story after all.”

Find out what others are saying about Thin Places.

Visit Mary’s website.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon.

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I never said it had to be big. I only said it had to be a gift. And lately for me, reading fiction has been just that. It is a gift to be able to sit down with endearing, compelling characters and enter into their world of adventure. They expect nothing from me. They simply tell their own story-truth, fears, flaws and all. I love the gentlemanly way of a book, how he holds open the door and waits for me to walk through at my own pace. Lately, that pace has been ferocious as I can’t wait to see what happens next. Today, I am thankful for the power of story.

Take the time to notice the small gifts; messy, lovely or unexpected. Simply link up below with the permalink to the post you wish to share with us. Go here if you have questions on how to do that. Thank you for being an important part of this small community.

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The vacation continues, but I wanted to pop in to tell you I finished The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks. I have to admit I simply did not like it. Somewhere in the comments, someone mentioned they thought Nicholas Sparks characters are rather flat. Though I cannot speak for all of his characters, I agree with that statement in this book.

My first clue was when I was half-way through the book and I was still subconsciously waiting for it to begin. For some reason I just didn’t feel protective or attached to these characters. Unfortunately for me, I am unable to stop a book mid-way through so I read all 420 pages. I won’t go so far as to say I always dislike Nicholas Sparks books, as I enjoyed reading The Notebook and The Wedding a few years ago. I know he is a successful writer and I have respect for writers of fiction. Even if it’s not my favorite.

With that in mind, I took the advice of Kari and Kelly and found The Maytrees by Annie Dilliard at Barnes and Noble yesterday. Lucky me it was on the bargain rack, hardcover for five dollars. I’ve only made it through the prologue, but the language and imagery so far has captivated me. Going from The Rescue to The Maytrees is like the beginning of a literary cleanse.

And? What’s up with me reading books called The something?  Anyway.

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Your suggestions on Monday’s post were so fabulous, I’m going to have a lifetime worth of reading to do. If you haven’t added your favorite fiction to the comments section on that post, please do. I am taking notes and I know a lot of you are as well.

Some of you have asked which books I have chosen to read. I’ve been at the beach for a week now and have yet to find a bookstore or a library next to the pool or along the bike path. Can you believe it? So I have rummaged through the titles here at the beach condo. Lots of C.S. Lewis – love him. Too heavy for June. Lots of Eugenia Price – know nothing of her. The covers look a little…romantic. I finally found this:

I figured Nicholas Sparks is a good enough bet for beach reading. I may finally read the first Harry Potter book when I get home. Reading those for the first time now feels a little like not seeing Star Wars for the first time until three years ago. Though I knew it started with Episode 4, I began with Episode 1 just to see. I do not recommend that tactic if you are seeing them for the first time.

Some other titles that caught my eye in the comments section:

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb (recommended by Emily and June).

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin (after reading how passionate Jennifer G. was about this book I’m ready to see what all the fuss is about!)

The Maytrees by Annie Dillard (recommended by Kelly and Kari and I think I would like anything the two of them recommend to me).

The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger – several people mentioned this one.

The Ramona Books by Beverly Cleary – Every time I see Ramona on the shelves at a bookstore, I am ten years old again, skinny legs folded up on my dad’s recliner, hearing mom humming in the kitchen. I would love to read the Ramona books again. Thanks for the reminder, Megan!

Some of you asked what are some of my favorite fiction books. Reading your suggestions, I realize a lot of us like the same things. No surprise there. Here are my top five in no particular order and with no descriptions because this post is already too long.

1. ‘Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

2. A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken – breaking my own rules here. Totally not fiction, but I have to include it.

3. The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers – Is a love of these books required in order to be considered female? I don’t know for sure. But I did love them.

4. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd – I really liked the characters and the themes and feel in this one.  I also read The Mermaid Chair by the same author and did not connect nearly the same way with her writing or her characters in this book.

5. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare – I don’t remember the details. I just remember really liking it.

There are more. I’ll stop at five. Thank you all for your suggestions and please, keep them coming if you haven’t spoken up yet. I love a good book.

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