What's Still On My Nightstand: April 2010

I am so proud of me! I managed to finish several books this past month, making a pretty good dent in my 'to be read' pile. Even better, I have not bought a single new book since last month's post. Well, technically I did buy one, but I will tell you about that in a minute.

Books I Read:
So Long Insecurity: You've Been A Bad Friend To Us by Beth Moore. If you are of the female gender and have not picked up this book yet...I cannot encourage you enough to do so now. Not in a minute. Now! I love Beth's willingness to talk candidly with her readers. This made the revelations of my own insecurities so much easier to swallow. I mean, if she can admit to some of the foolishness her insecurities have led her to commit, it is easier for me to confront my own. Even if you think you are immune to insecurity, I encourage you to pick up this book. You might be surprised at yourself...and I promise you will be better able to understand those of us out here who willingly admit to ours.

Creative Journal Writing: The Art And Heart Of Reflection by Stephanie Dowrick. Let me be totally honest with you. I only made it about 3/4 of the way through this book. It had some good ideas for prompting you to write creatively...but about halfway through, it started being rather monotonous. I did pick up a few tips for keeping a better record of my thoughts. Things like, recording the time of day as well as the date...and even where you are and your mood as you write.

Bridge To Terebithia by Katherine Paterson. I listened to the audiobook. Having somehow never read it while my kids were in elementary or seeing the movie, I enjoyed the story. It took me less than three days of commuting to listen to the entire story and the post-interview with the writer.

The White Queen by Philippa Gregory. This was my first book to read by this New York Times bestselling author. It was worth the wait. I will try to post a review for "I Read It!" next Tuesday.

Books I Am Reading:
66 Love Letters: A Conversation With God That Invites You Into His Story by Dr. Larry Crabb. This one was added to my nightstand just before last month's posting. So, technically, it is not new. However, while thinking over today's post, I decided this morning to download the audiobook to my iPhone. Hence, the one new purchase. I have been looking for some new devotional material since we completed our weekly Bible study on the life of David. While thinking over how much I enjoyed listening to "Bridge To Terebithia" last month, I thought 'why not get a new book downloaded to my phone?' And if I could do both at once...listen to a book devotional-ly on the way to work...wouldn't that be even better? I heard an interview with the author and the introductory chapters this morning. I will let you know how it goes.

I am still searching for a good workbook style Bible study, preferably with audio lectures, for my quiet time. I just do better when I have to look things up and record answers versus just reading.

Books To Be Read:
Love And War: Finding the Marriage You've Dreamed Of by John & Stasi Eldredge.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence.

Blink: The Power Of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell.

The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller.

Sunflower And The Secret Fan by Lisa See.

I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being A Woman by Nora Ephron.

The Ghost In The Gallery by Carolyn Keene.

and the first three books in the Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich, One For The Money, Two For The Dough & Three To Get Deadly.

So, that is what's 'Still On My Nightstand' this month. Hop on over to 5 Minutes For Books to see what everyone else is reading.