~*~*~What I’m Reading~*~*~
Current Fiction:
Although Martin named this the “Murphy Shepherd Series,” I can’t help calling it the “Keeper Series” since all the books have the word in their titles. This is the fourth in the series, and I’m expecting it to have every bit as tough an impact as the others. Charles Martin truly knows how to cut you to the core.
At their core, the best authors are masters at manipulating their readers’ emotions. They make you laugh, cry, cringe, tremble. They can make your heart pound, make you nibble your nails to nubs. They can enlighten you, make you think.
Charles Martin is the best of the best. I’ve been expertly manipulated in his previous three books in this series, and I’ll willingly let him do it again.
Current Nonfiction:
Last year I tried including more nonfiction in my TBR list, and I picked up this one in late December. I was drawn to the subtitle: “How to Stand Strong in a World Turned Upside Down.” Considering the fact that I sincerely believe the world has turned upside down, I thought that’s what the book would be about. Living in this crazy world and leading with my faith.
Well, that’s not quite what it’s about, and I’m a little disappointed. But it’s not bad–it’s about when your personal world goes all topsy-turvy. So, basically, I’m reading this about three years too late. My own years of personal insanity ended in 2023. Still, the information is wonderful for those I know who are going through rough times right now, and the book supplies me with advice (if needed) and words of encouragement. Though this isn’t what I expected, it’s definitely a worthwhile read.
This Year’s Study Bible:
I love this primarily because a Messianic Jew wrote it, but it’s difficult to read primarily because a Messianic Jew wrote it.
David H. Stern’s intent is to remind Christians of the Jewish roots of their faith. The notes he provides about Jewish law and traditions are always wonderful, often touching, and usually eye-opening. There are so many Aha! moments in which I reach new understanding of Jesus and His heritage. It’s an enrichening experience.
On the flip-side, his intent to keep all things Jewish means that the names of both the books of the Bible and many of the people in it are their transliterated Hebrew names. When reading the Old Testament, that can be a bit cumbersome. He uses many Hebrew words and phrases also, some I love and can remember, and some I love but still have to look up their meaning.
All that being said, this is my second year trying to finish this. I love it, and I’m not sorry, but it’s wreaked havoc on my “finish the Bible in a year” challenge!
Books read in 2025
A total of 21 books–not bad!