As it is World Book Day, I wanted to finally get back to posting some book recommendations, based on what I have been reading recently. It has been far too long, and the list I’ve put here is just a tiny reflection of the books that have touched me in the last couple of years. Nevertheless, they are well worth a look.
Love, Interrupted by Simon Thomas
This was the book I was reading as I sat next to my mum while she took her ten-day journey to heaven. I read it at all hours of night and day, as we took it in turns to sit with, and care for, mum. Simon’s loss was unexpected, quick and heart breaking and he pulls no punches with his honesty about what life was like for him and his son in the first year after his wife died. The writing is raw, for which I am truly grateful – we need more books like this.
A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser
This is my current read, which I started while staying down with my dad just after mum died. It is a man’s honest experience of a freak car collision that caused the death of his wife, mother and daughter. He and their other children survived. Since then, he has wrestled with what happened, and with his faith, but has come to the conclusion that loss gives us a chance for our souls to grow. When I was looking for books about grief this was one that was recommended by many and I can see why. There is much to challenge and stretch, but it is also like having a companion for my grief journey.
The Promise is His Presence
by Glenna Marshall
I read this book last year, but have just been putting together an interview with Glenna for Woman Alive (and with so much material there may be a blog too!) After facing infertility, chronic pain and huge hurt as her and her husband ministered to a new church, God took Glenna on a journey of discovering that, when it comes down to it, his presence truly is all that matters. Again, a really challenging, but equally life-changing book.
Embraced by Lysa Terkeurst
I am using this devotional each day. The entries are quite short and easy-to-read but, so far, most of them have really spoken to me, as Lysa shares honestly and openly about her own struggles. There are 100 devotions that cover all sorts of everyday issues, inviting us to see how God longs for an intimacy in our relationships with him – wanting to embrace us with his loving arms.
Isaiah’s Legacy by Mesu Andrews
I love Mesu’s writing and was eagerly anticipating receiving this book. I saved it for when I knew I’d have a few days when I could devour it – and was quickly drawn into the story. It actually deals with a lot of darkness and sin from an ugly time in the story of God’s people, so be warned. But there is grace and redemption too…