On Wednesday, the five final titles in CBC’s 2010 Canada Reads book selection were announced. You can read more about that at Canada Reads 2010.
I find myself slightly chagrined. I have not read any of these books, although I have had a copy of The Jade Peony in my possession for several years. And just like last year, I tell myself, I must do better. But once again, it may not happen.
It is not that I feel any need to get my reading list from a group of elites or keep up with some sort of high-brow Canadian culture. It is, rather, that a good book is a good book, and a joy to read. This panel has identified what they feel are great books, and I love a great book as much as anyone else.
It is also not that I do not read because, in fact, I do. But like everyone else these days, finding the time to read has become more of a challenge and my reading time tends to be limited to early morning moments, and late nights before falling asleep. The choice of books selected becomes limited just by the scarcity of reading time. Book time begins to feel like a luxury. Sad day!
Still, Christmas holidays are coming, and that always stimulates hope of curling up with a good book or two for a few hours or even days of enjoyable reading. For me, this season also provides hope that I might be able to shift gears from reading work-related titles to fiction.
The topic of books is no stranger to this blog, and the release of Canada Reads 2010 suggests that perhaps it is time to revisit this favourite topic. Also, as I write this, the sound of ice pellets hitting the window in the pre-dawn light makes the idea of staying in to read a wonderful thought. With all that in mind, let me start the conversation off with my current list of books on the go.
Non-fiction
• Reframing Hope, Vital Ministry in a New Generation by Carol Howard Merritt
• The Tangible Kingdom, Creating Incarnational Community by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay
Devotional
• A Course in Miracles Workbook for Students
Fiction (recently read)
• The Shaman’s Bones by James D. Doss
That is my current meager list of books on the go. Now it is your turn. Read any good books lately? What are you reading now? Anything you would like to share with the rest of us? How about any books you hope to find in your stocking on Christmas morning less than one month from now? Perhaps you can drop a hint or two here!
Enjoy your day.
Posted by Carman
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Lots of books to talk about!
ReplyDeleteNon fiction: I'm rediscovering an old friend, Peter Block and his writings on Community! Much here to muse upon. You can listen to him here
I'm currently reading Sanctuary Line by Jane Urquart. It's about someone who lives and grew up in Essex County, very near Point Pelee, as did I. I like Jane Urquart very much and have read several of her novels.
I recently finished Linden McIntyre's "Bishop's Man." The subject matter is difficult, but don't be put off. It's well-written and helpful for its perspective.
And for a devotional book I love and re-read frequently Patrick Lane's Memoir "There is a Season."
So there's my current reading list. Looking forward to more recommendations.
My reading is limited to snipets here and there. It has been years since I have sat down and read a book. As I commented to Marion during our High Priest Course, it is something that needs to be on my plan for service and is. Our daughter Zamara had problems with reading in her early school years. It turned out to me related to a 'Central Processor' problem. She trained her self do process information differently and today she lives at the library. So now, where did I put that book?
ReplyDeleteThere can be little doubt that the current pace of modern life is changing the way we read. I notice that many publishers of non-fiction are publishing shorter books these days. The same does not seem to be true for novels, although I am not sure as many are making it to print.
ReplyDeleteIt is also true that we read (and write) shorter "snipets" as you say, Wayne. Blogs, social media updates and tweets have become a way to stay in touch with what others are thinking including authors of book titles. I appreciate your comment.
Now what is everyone else reading, and what books are on your Christmas list? Enquiring minds would like to know! :~)
I've been reading Simone Weil -her book The Need For Roots and biography of her life written by Simone Petremont. S.W. was a religious and social thinker in France at the time of WW II. She dealt with politics, spirituality, history, ethics, eceonomics and physics as well as other subjects; Simone had an amazing empathy toward the human condition.
ReplyDeleteJust finished Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. Wow! Kim Sheppard