Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Leading an Extra Life

I often feel sorry for people who don't read good books;
they are missing a chance to lead an extra life.
~ Scott Corbett ~

I just finished one of those books you race through because it’s so good and then you’re sad because it’s over.

In A Gentle Rain, the main character describes the accepting attitude of the folks that make up his staff of ranch hands, all of whom had disabilities. Ben said , “Most people look at a leaky soul and see nothing but trickles of good intentions falling on bone-dry earth. But these folks? They see a gentle rain."

I’ll be seeking more books by Deborah Smith right away. Gentle Rain was especially meaningful to me as a Florida cracker. This story brought my ancestral history and my imagination to life with stories of the “real Florida”; cattle ranching, Seninole Indians, palmetto scrub, alligators and rodeos. I’m told my ancestors were called crackers because of the sound of the bullwhips popping. My husband has his great grandfather’s bullwhip - a neat piece of history.

Another recent read was John Grisham’s recent release, The Appeal. As usual, I applaud Grisham for his strong characterizations and gripping plot. However, I found this book rather depressing; way too close to the evening news to be entertaining. Greed, corruption, buying candidates, manipulating elections - blech.

I’ll leave you with the name of the best business book I’ve read in ages. Check out Michael Pink’s The Rainforest Strategy for fresh insights and inspiration for business success in tough times. You can get his book for the cost of postage HERE. I also enjoy Michaels’ blog.

In my early morning reading time, I’ve been camped out in Ephesians for the last month. I’m continually amazed that the Word of God is living… no matter how many times you read it, it always speaks something new.

Books are like friends- you can't have too many! What's on your nightstand?

6 comments:

Shelly Wildman said...

Hi Beverly! I just finished Ann B. Ross's newest Miss Julia book, "Miss Julia Paints the Town." Those books are hilarious. I also just read "Deep Dish" by Mary Kay Andrews. O.K., so none of it is very deep reading, but they were fun!

Edie said...

I LOVE to read and have a favorite books list on my sidebar. Whenever I read a book I really like, I usually end up reading several others by that same author.

When my daughter was small I had to stop reading because I'm too easily engrossed in a good book. :)

Mocha with Linda said...

I enjoyed your reviews! And your Everyday Epiphanies is such a neat idea. I think I'm going to give that a try.

Kelly said...

I love to read too, but with writing and raising kids and doing my Bible reading & study time, I no longer have time to pleasure read. Oh, I miss it. But I'm in this season of life. My youngest starts kindergarten in the fall, and I"ll be reading again.

Greg C said...

I am only reading one book at the moment which is the Bible. Today I finished 2 Thessalonians and the first chapter of 1 Timothy. I don't read too much but I am interested in books about places I have been.

So you are a cracker too. I am a second generation Cracker. My gandmother was from Woodstock Ga and my father was born in Florida. Not too many of us around.

Ballerina Girl said...

I love to read too...unfortunately with so much going on here I have left two books standing...
one from Barack Obama and the other Revolutionary Road..(it was made into a movie, so I am not expecting that much from it)
I will look for Gentle Rain...it sounds good!
The puppy is adorable! and oh so true how they truly give unconditional love!
I will take you up on the 40 days of Epiphanies...I do follow Lent and have given up one of my favorites, chocolate, but it is also good to do something positive for others every day!
BG