I have to say thank you to Katrina at Callapidder Days for organizing this challenge! It was great fun and really encouraged me to catch up on some books I've been wanting to read for some time. It also gave me a great opportunity to look at everyone else's list and pick some new books to read! I so dearly love books and always have. The most relaxing thing I can do in this world is lie on the bed and read. The perfect day off, in my mind, consists of just that and I have let myself get away from that simple pleasure. This challenge helped me to reclaim my love of reading and that leisure time.

I have to admit up front that there are three books I didn't finish. All non-fiction and I think it's probably just not the right time. I believe that sometimes books, like people, come into your life for a reason - there may be something you need to read or learn at that time. So I started but haven't finished the Bill Hybels' book and also "Shepherding A Child's Heart". The Dave Ramsey book on finances is a MUST read in the new year for me, but I decided I'd rather look into another book that was recommended by many bloggers - Blue Like Jazz. I just bought that on Monday and hope to sink into it this weekend.

So, now that my disclaimer is out of the way, on to Katrina's questions!

The Best Book You Read This Fall
I would have to say, without a doubt, that it was "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. This book was so wonderful I couldn't put it down. I'm so thankful for Barb and the other bloggers who recommended this one. I have enjoyed other books by Francine Rivers but hadn't heard about this one and picked it up. When I read the first chapter, I actually put it down, thinking I could not possibly - emotionally - get through this book and its subject matter. But I decided to give it my best effort and I'm so thankful I did. It was simply wonderful and really gave me new perspective on what it means to be redeemed.

The Book You Could Have Lived Without
As much as I like Marilyn Meberg, I'd have to say it was "God At Your Wits End". I think this is one of those books I mentioned earlier - probably one that would minister to me at another point in life but not this one. I did recommend it to a friend, though!

I also could probably have lived without "Unlikey Angel". I was interested in the story but there was little I hadn't already read in the news. I was disappointed that it didn't really provide much information about Brian Nichols after he surrendered - whether she visited him or had had any contact with him. I imagine the answer may be no but I would have liked to know. They spent such an intense time together and it seemed that the Lord was really working in her to minister to him and I just felt like there should have been more.

Whether or Not You Read More than You Would Have Without the Challenge

I definitely read more. I'm often so busy or so tired that I haven't been making time to read and that's a real shame. It's so relaxing to me and I was thankful I found ways to make the time throughout - and I hope I can continue that (even if there isn't a winter challenge!)

The Best Thing About Joining in the Challenge

I think the best thing was discovering new books based on what others were reading and recommending. Also, finding some kindred readers online was very nice!

If You Discovered (and Enjoyed) a New Book or Author After Reading Someone Else's List

Yes, yes! I mentioned finding "Redeeming Love" on some lists. And now I've purchased "Blue Like Jazz" and another book by Donald Miller. I also picked up "The Scarlet Thread" by Francine Rivers (another one Barb has mentioned) and Karen Kingsbury's Red Glove Series. I love finding new books and new authors! Thank you to all who participated and gave me some great new ones!! : )

Any Other Insights, Enjoyments, Thoughts, or Impressions!
I'm really thankful to Katrina for organizing this challenge and letting me be a part of it! I already have a stack of books to work on this winter, whether or not there is a challenge - though the challenge did make me more deliberate and dedicated. I hope there will be others in the future!

Labels: Fall into Reading Challenge '06