December “To Be Read” List

Hello, Fellow Book Lovers!

I’m very excited to share with you my VERY FIRST public “To Be Read” (sometimes called a “TBR”) List. I always enjoy seeing what other people are reading and I find out about many great books from my fellow readers.

Before I started Book Blogging, I kept my TBR as a private note saved on my phone; however, now that I have my very own website, I wanted to share my TBR publicly. Hopefully my list will inspire you to pick up a book and get lost between the pages this holiday season!

 

Books I’m Reading for Review

 

I was delighted to discover that people will give you free books in exchange for an honest review!  I just think that this is one of the greatest things in the world. Who doesn’t love free books?  In the past, I wrote book reviews in my personal journal. Now, I share them publicly in exchange for free books! 

I’m currently reading the following books and will be reviewing them soon. I have lots of opinions and I am happy to share them!

1. The Midwife of Borneo: The True Story of a Geordie Volunteer by Wendy Grey Rogerson and Barbara Fox (To take a peak at the first few lines of this book, check out my post from “First Line Fridays!”) I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, a site that connects readers with new books.
2. Made for the Journey: One Missionary’s First Year in the Jungles of Ecuador by Elisabeth Elliot. I received a free copy of this book from Revell Reads & Baker Publishing Group. I’m interested in reading this book because I have always wanted to go on a mission trip to another country.
3. Grief Day by Day: Simple Practices and Daily Guidance for Living with Loss by Jan Warner. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I’m very interested in this book because grief counseling is part of my job. Furthermore, the holiday season can be particularly difficult for people and families who are grieving.

 

For My Job As A Pastor 

 

Preaching is one of the most important aspects of my job as a minister in the United Methodist Church .  In order to write the best sermons and deliver the most effective messages, I must always be reading. Therefore, I am reading the following books this advent in order to enrich my preaching:

4. Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas by Jorge Avecedo and friends. This short book is part of a well crafted small group study that I might teach next year during advent.

5. The Redemption of Scrooge by Matt Rawle. This book is also part of a small group study for advent. Rawle’s work was recommended to me by one of my colleagues.

6. Awaiting the Already: An Advent Journey Through the Gospels by Margery deVega. I specifically selected this text because I’m interested in the comparison of the birth narratives and how the different gospel writers emphasize different aspects of Jesus’s divinity. I also wanted to support another woman writer.

7.  Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. This book is part of my church’s book club. Although it is not specifically an “advent book,” it explores deep themes and ideas that I might be able to use as sermon illustrations. (For a peek inside this book, see my post from “First Line Fridays!“)

 

Just for Fun! 

 

I’m in the mood for some Christmas cheer. I selected the following books because they look like good holiday inspired fun!

8. A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews. I’ve seen several other Christian bloggers writing about this novella. It seems like a fun clean read and I enjoy the time period. I also try to support fellow indie authors when I get the chance.

9. A Gift From Tiffany’s by Melissa Hill. One of my church people recommended this book to me several months ago. I always try to read books that my congregation recommends to me, although sometimes it takes me a while to get to them! This book was loaned to me during the summer and now it’s Christmas time already- but at least it’s the perfect time to read this book! Plus, the edition that they loaned me was large print, which was incredibly thoughtful of them.

 

What are you reading, my fellow book lovers? Let me know in the comments! I would really enjoy hearing your book suggestions!  Also, don’t forget to Subscribe so that you never miss a post!