What We're Reading: March

It’s officially Spring! Here are what our staff is reading this month:

Dawn

Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer

What a sweet rom com read.

An innocent case of mistaken identity leads to confusion and a delightful, though clunky, start of a romance.

Henry and Edith find themselves living under one roof but haven’t met – or have they? (Dun dun dun). They begin to exchange notes over mundane housemate details, then ice cream, and before you know it, they are revealing more of their authentic selves to one another than they do to the friends and family in their lives.

I caught myself smiling throughout this clean, easygoing read and the claim that the story is reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail rang true for me.

Bethany

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

In line with the previous two C. S. Lewis titles, my book for this month is The Great Divorce. It’s not a long book, and I know very little about it besides the basics plus an odd fact here and there. I’ve intentionally avoided the details as to experience its surprises firsthand, and I’m excited to see the vivid, classic imagination of C. S. Lewis again at work!

To Read: Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis

Jamey

Escape from the Everglades by Tim Shoemaker

It is often difficult to find new material when I am comfortable with the mini-library I have in my house, but something intrigued me about the Escape from the Everglades by Tim Shoemaker (book 1 of the Highwater Series). Yes, it is designed for teens, but who really listens to those labels? The book is a complete nostalgia trip for me, reminding me of a childhood of checking out an Adventures in Odyssey or Wally Mcdoogle book at the church library after service on Sunday mornings. I love that Escape from the Everglades does not shy away from intense moments such as Parker’s alligator attack in the beginning or his missing friend (no spoilers!) but does so in a way that is appropriate for kids and keeps them engaged with the story. I think what really made this story special was how much Tim understands kids, because young adult novels depend on the credibility of how the kids react and interact with the world they are in, and thankfully Parker and his friends are so relatable and likable. I haven’t found a book series lately that makes me this excited (and upset) that I have to wait a year for the next one like the Highwater Series.

Elizabeth

Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller

I appreciated how Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller encouraged me to shift the lens through which I view my work. I appreciate Keller’s reminder that we do not have to work as a consequence of sin. That God had a perfect design for work in the garden before the fall, when sin entered the world. He is absolutely right when he says that work has beautiful aspects to it that are designed to give us dignity and purpose, give God glory and are a way to serve others. I was convicted when he said work can expose the idols of our heart like money and power and it reminded me that I should take inventory of my heart more often to make sure it is properly focused before work every Monday morning. Preparing myself for work is just as important as preparing for worship. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to challenge themself to develop a more robust and God-centered view of work.

To Read: If I Were You by Lynn Austin