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Faith Books: 5 Things I Loved about Book Girl

4/4/2019

14 Comments

 

This year, I decided to create my own personalized list of slow faith books to read and I have been sharing my thoughts about them here.

Usually, I write one faith-book post each month. But this month, I'll post about one book each week, beginning today, with Book Girl, which was a delight to read...


"Do you struggle with loneliness, do you yearn for a beauty you can barely describe, do you hope for friendship, or do you just need some courage to keep fighting the small battles of the everyday? Then pull up a chair, brew a cup of tea, and join the fellowship here as we read our way back to beauty and courage, to laughter and strength, to life in its fullest grace." 
-Sarah Clarkson, Book Girl

faith books, book girl, tea and books


Five Things I Love about Book Girl

book girl, faith books, faith books for women
First of all, I have to say that I adored the book from the moment it began. And I felt the connection to her that she seemed to want to create. Here's what I loved most...

(1) The beauty of her writing - she reminds me of authors like C.S. Lewis whose books you enjoy partly because of the way that they write them. 

(2) The idea that children can be storyformed - makes me wish I could have emphasized books even more in my own parenting, although I did create a reader just like my parents did for me.


(3) "What is it I hope to become?" - she suggests this as a final criteria for deciding whether a book is a good choice. She urges good writing and suggests avoiding anything that doesn't leave you with hope for the possibility of goodness.

That's not exactly the way she says it, but that's what it meant to me. But finally, a book should be able to help you on your journey to becoming what and who you believe you are called to become. And I love that idea!

(4) She suggests that reading can be used as part of a spiritual practice. Now, this seems obvious if what you are reading is a devotional or a book based on your religious beliefs. But what if it's fiction? Because I love to read, I love this idea that what you're reading could become part of a spiritual practice.

(5) Her encouragement that books can give us and nurture hope - books that help you understand that change toward the better is less likely to be instant magical transformation, but a gradual mending of what is broken. She tells a brief story of deciding to resist despair, and talks about books that helped her see past or around moments of sadness and grief.

If you have read the book, yourself, I'd love to know your thoughts. And if not, does it seem like one you would be interested in reading?

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Would you like to see links to all the faith book posts I've written, all in one place? Get access to my lifestyle library. It includes posts about deepening your faith, meal planning, hygge at home, perfecting your morning routine & other lifestyle topics.
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See you next time!

Love, Jeanine




14 Comments
Aletha McManama link
4/4/2019 09:23:46 am

Jeanine, I haven't read "Book Girl", but from what you've described above, I may put this one on my summer reading list. I love to read during the summer when my routine is a bit more relaxed and I find myself reading for hours on warm, summer nights. I love to read when I have the time to do it. It helps me escape from adulting as they say. Hahaha!

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Jeanine Byers link
4/4/2019 08:16:39 pm

Yes, escaping from adulting can be just the thing!! I definitely recommend it as a summer read.

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Karen link
4/4/2019 10:26:55 am

I haven't read this one but it is going on my reading list. I love C S Lewis, and am fascinated to find out more about the idea of Story Forming. Thank you for sharing.

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Jeanine Byers link
4/4/2019 08:17:20 pm

I love C.S. Lewis, too! His writing is exquisite.

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Bonnie Anderson link
4/4/2019 11:36:02 am

You make me want to read this book. I agree with what you say about wanting books to help you become what you're meant to be. In a time where it seems you can be whatever you want, books may help steer you to the truth of what you are supposed to be. Good post.

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Jeanine Byers link
4/4/2019 08:18:51 pm

Oh, that's great! Love that idea of books steering you to the truth. I think the best ones do.

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ginia link
4/4/2019 11:48:05 am

wow! i have to read this book. i myself have always found solace im books and feel a deep spiritual connection with reading. loved reading ur perspective.

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Jeanine Byers link
4/4/2019 08:20:05 pm

Oh, thanks!! I bet you'll love it. The same has been true for me. I have always loved reading and books have often given me the solace I needed.

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Paul Taubman link
4/4/2019 12:31:06 pm

"She suggests that reading can be used as part of a spiritual practice" Wow! Reading that Reading is good! What a cycle :-)

Reading a good book always prompts new thoughts for me! Especially reading a book about faith or development.

Thanks!

Reply
Jeanine Byers link
4/4/2019 08:21:10 pm

It does for me, too, Paul! It's so neat the way books can help clarify your own thinking and help you see things in a different way.

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Shrilekha link
4/4/2019 01:53:09 pm

Reading is itself a spiritual practice. Simply loved the sentence...do you yearn for a beauty which can just be described. Wow

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Jeanine Byers link
4/4/2019 08:22:27 pm

I love it, too!! And the idea of reading - even fiction - as part of my overall spiritual practice is a wonderful thought. Because reading comes as easily to me as breathing.

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Martha link
4/4/2019 11:13:27 pm

No this sounds like a book I'd really enjoy! Thanks for sharing Jeanine!

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Alice Gerard link
4/5/2019 01:56:32 am

That book sounds interesting. I'd like to know more about story forming. And I read every day. Mostly fiction these days. Since I can't really travel very far right now, books provide me with my adventures.

Reply



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    Jeanine

    Contemplative, mystic spirit, spiritual coach, master Reiki practitioner, and a spoonie living with ME/CFS who writes about spiritual awakening, spiritual self-care, self-love and the enlightenment path.
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