February Book List

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
Like Carrie Fisher herself, this book is manic-depressive, but interesting. I admire her sense of humor about tough things, and laughed out loud several times. A good quick read.

The Luxe and Rumors by Anna Godbersen
For years I've been attracted to these beautiful book covers in stores, but I assumed it was just another A-List, Gossip-Girl-esque series. Turns out, it's Gossip Girl circa 1899. This story is full of intrigue, secret loves, Victorian gowns, and people of honor vs. people behaving badly. I was totally sucked in and put a hold on the second book immediately! The overall tone reminds me of Caroline B. Cooney's Both Sides of Time quartet (I mean that as a compliment), which makes sense since it takes place in the same time period. I thought the author's plot choices at the end of the second book were especially brave. I read the third and fourth books yesterday, so you'll have to wait another month to hear about those. Oh and Diana is my fave.

Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Henri J.M. Nouwen
A book of musings on the meaning of being God's Beloved and how it translates in our lives. My friend Alanna gave this to me for my last birthday, and I'm sorry it took me so long to finish it! After a long pause, I tore through the last half of the book in one night (and highlighted plenty). This is wonderful and affirming stuff. Anyone have other Nouwen recommendations?

Heavens to Betsy and Earth to Betsy by Beth Pattillo
Betsy is an associate minister at a downtown Nashville church, dealing with the struggles of women in ministry AND her sudden romantic feelings for her best guy friend. The sequel, well, let's just say a wedding is involved, but it doesn't go the way you would expect. I liked these novels (but preferred the first one) and especially enjoyed all the Nashville references. :) It's hard to find good contemporary Christian fiction, but these struck a good balance.

The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen
I connected deeply with this novel, and I can't really explain why. I sort of related to the main character, Lindsey, who goes home to start over after her fast-paced life in NYC gets derailed. For the first time in years, she has to spend time with her twin sister, Alex, who's everything Lindsay is not. Then some unexpected turns in Alex's life force both women to confront who they really are. There's also a great cast of supporting characters. I loved it!

Books for February: 7
2011 year to date: 13