Good morning friends,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday yesterday. Today I thought I’d keep it light. I love to read. I read fiction, non-fiction, and cereal boxes. Here are my three favorite books I’ve read this year. Please return the favor and share what your favorites are and why.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann VosKamp


Hands down one of my favorite books of all times! The writing is exquisite and thoughts profound. Her subtitle is A Dare to LIVE FULLY Right Where You Are. I am rereading it now and still find myself catching my breath in wonder.

Bonehoeffer by Eric Metaxas


If you are a history buff and want to better understand the church prior to WW 2 and the life of one of Christianity’s hero’s, Deitrich Bonehoffer, you will love this book. It is rich with history, with passion, and with the thoughts of a man who lived his life fully for Christ.

This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas


Every mother with a teenage daughter needs to read this book together and talk about it. It’s written for the adolescent or even preadolescent girl, but I loved it. A young girl wins a writing award and her prize is a year-long mentorship with a famous author who also happens to be a Catholic priest. The relationship begins to feel oppressive and Olivia is not sure whether to be flattered by her mentor’s attention or scared of his intrusiveness. How can she not be grateful? How can she say “no” to his demands? It’s about stalking, boundaries, inappropriate relationships and paying attention to your gut.

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5 Comments

  1. Anonymous on December 26, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    The emotionally destructive relationship. Is my most favorite book this year! It has given me so much Insight into what I needed to do with my situation. Thank you for writing this. I refer back to this book often!

  2. Carolyn on December 27, 2011 at 1:23 am

    Me too — The Emotionally Destructive Relationship is by far the best book I have ever read on difficult relationships (and I've read several). Can't wait for the sequel soon to come…
    I also loved the biography on Bonhoeffer. What a life of faith he lived. His theology was so different from what many in the church seem to believe today (an easy believism – grace trampling sort of Christianity).
    So, in connection to Bonhoeffer, I highly recommend Jon Walker's book, Costly Grace, subtitled A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship. It, too, is spiritually challenging and thought provoking…

    The other two you recommend, Leslie, sound so good I hope to be able to get a hold of them and read them soon. Thanks for sharing.

    Happy New Year
    Carolyn

  3. Lesie on December 27, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Thank you very much. That means so much to me. Just a reminder that my book, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship is available from Kindle and Nook this week at an unbelievable price of $2.99. It won't be that price long so don't forget to order it or tell a friend.

  4. Anonymous on December 28, 2011 at 4:41 am

    My favorite book this year is Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Oh what a beautiful allegory! A young woman named Much-Afraid who lives in The Valley of Humiliation longs to overcome her fears and travel to The High Places of love, joy and victory. Along with her companions Sorrow and Suffering she goes on a difficult journey to The High Places and is wonderfully transformed along the way.

  5. Anonymous on January 17, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    I so enjoy your newsletter and will read the books you have suggested. I am hoping we can get you to our church in Scottsdale, AZ. I forwarded your recent newsletter to four friends that have spoken truth into my life the past year. Even as a pastor's daughter, Bible College attendee and Christian of many years Satan still desires to deceive and having friends who can see where Satan is deceitful and speaking to it and praying for me has been so helpful.

    Bonhoeffer vs Bonehoeffer, right?? I had to smile when I saw the misspelling!

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