So, what is on your bedside table at the moment?
What books are you itching to get through?
For me the reading has been pretty light on the past couple of weeks. My brain fog and regular headaches have prevented me dipping into much at all. So much so that some days even watching tv was too much cognitive effort.
Now, the pile of books beside my bed has been building up. However, I have started all of these books (even the one that only arrive yesterday!) and so am in various stages of each. Here are my thoughts so far...
Books I am Reading
1.The Songs of Jesus (Timothy and Kathy Keller)
Now I am way behind in this yearly read through...but no fret, I can pick up anywhere. I have loved the short snippets that can still my overly busy mind, and refocus me on God.
When I saw this book at the end of last year I knew I had to get it. A good friend (and pastor) once told me that when you are in those dry places and not wanting to open God's word, start with the Psalms, read one a day, reread it, meditate on it during the day. It may speak to you, or it may not on that day, but delve into God's word and He will refresh your soul. (This is of course paraphrased of this friend, because I am not the thinker/wordsmith that he is!)
I am currently re reading Psalm 77, as it really speaks into my life and into chronic illness. I so look forward to writing more on this psalm in the future. Every time I have opened this book the last few times, I have delved back into the entries on this Psalm and have been hesitant to move forward.
I am currently re reading Psalm 77, as it really speaks into my life and into chronic illness. I so look forward to writing more on this psalm in the future. Every time I have opened this book the last few times, I have delved back into the entries on this Psalm and have been hesitant to move forward.
Psalm 77 starts "I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me." So real, so heartfelt. Wow.
2. Started Early, Took My Dog (Kate Atkinson)
A friend recently lent me this one when I was looking for a fiction read whilst away.
I am really enjoying it. Only downside is you need to have good brain capacity to be able to focus and read a large chunk at a time, because at times the story and characters (and time period) jump around a bit. So, with my flaky MECFS brain at times it is a challenge to focus, and I lose where I am up to. I guess that is the thing with well written literary pieces, they engage you on that next cognitive level. I am really looking forward to seeing where this author takes the storyline.
3. Lets Pretend This Never Happened (Jenny Lawson)
I saw this recommendation on someone's blog (thank you, whoever you were with the list of those with chronic illnesses should read). And I was instantly drawn to it. I personally have not been a follower of Jenny Lawson's blog, but I was interested to see how a blogger could turn their ramblings into a novel. This is an example of how. The entries are short. Perfect for my brain, or just before bed. The stories, at times, can be crude, however, I love her relaxed writing style, and conversation with the reader.
4. For the Love (Jen Hatmaker)
The byline for this book is "Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards." That itself says a lot. I also saw this book recommended by someone, or after I had read some other book (sorry, my memory ain't what it used to be!) And when I saw it on sale at Koorong one day as I was wondering through I felt I could invest my hard earned Centrelink dollars into it.
I love Jen's writing style. Simple, fun and realistic. It is about life! Real life. Not the Pinterest life we all want and are striving towards. The chapters are short and sweet, so again a winner in my eyes. looking forward to see where she takes this, and how grace and Christ are displayed.
5. Aches, Pain and Love (Kira Lynne)
As a single woman with a chronic illness I have often pondered how I am to survive singleness and sickness, and realistically where am I to meet someone. Yes, there are always cute doctors at the hospital, but with that whole patient/doctor code of conduct nothing will happen there, and what really could I put on my dating profile "Likes long naps in my bed, watching every possible episode of anything and everything on Netflix, and loves to eat out, just can't eat grains, gluten, and dairy." So, I am so interested to get in to this book, as this is a topic just not talked about. So far I have read the Foreword and the Intro, so more to come.
6. The Gifts of Imperfection (Brene Brown)
Now, my bestie handed me this book after reading it twice, and said I need to read it. The title itself I think is highly applicable. My struggle with perfection with a chronic illness has been a challenge and I will be interested to see where this goes. So far, I have read the preface...and therefore, I can't really tell you much more. However, I have had recommendations of other works by Brene Brown, so I really should get around to reading something.
This is what is on my bedside table at the moment.
What are you reading?
Would love to hear...please leave a comment below.
