If measured by total number of books read, 2012 was not a banner year for me in the reading department. I love books and appreciate the authors and publishers which offer them to us. I am happy that things such as celebrity book clubs and Amazon's Kindle have inspired the general public to read more, so that we can keep up with our scholarly friends. I have a few recommendations:
BIBLE -
1. For those of you, who love the feel, look, and even smell of a new Bible in their hands (as I do), I highly recommend The Holman Christian Standard Life Essentials Study Bible. I have thoroughly enjoyed using it in my studies this past year. There are so many great features. My description will surely not do it justice. There are Smart Phone QuickMark scan codes throughout to hear mini sermons on many topics by reknown Pastor Gene Getz. There are accompanying study notes for passage after passage which I have found very useful. http://www.lifeway.com/Product/life-essentials-study-bible-hcsb-p005040137
2. Another Bible I was blessed to receive this year is the Chronological Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation. Excellent notes and study aids. I think people who steered away from the Living Bible translation will find this translation excellent, if they give it a chance. http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/chronological+life+application+study+bible
FICTION:
3. If you enjoyed the No. 1 Ladies Dectective Agency Series on HBO, please consider reading the actual books by Alexander McCall Smith. Delightful reading! Some of the titles include The No. One Ladie's Detective Agency Book 1, Tears of the Giraffe, Morality for Beautiful Girls, and The Kalahari Typing School for Men and The Good Husband of Zebra Drive. So many titles! It's wonderful to discover an author and then learn that he has so many books to offer. http://www.amazon.com/The-Ladies-Detective-Agency-Book/dp/1400034779
4. In the Company of Others by Jan Karon. A treat for anyone who faithfully read all of Karon's Mitford Series books and lamented the end of the series with more than a few tears! http://www.amazon.com/Company-Others-Father-Tim-Novel/dp/B0085RZKAK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357067832&sr=1-1&keywords=in+the+company+of+others+by+jan+karon
5. A 2011 read that stuck with me a long time: Room by Emma Donoghue. The most engaging aspect of the book is the relationship between a mother and her young son. The book is written from a child's point of view (though the book is definitely not for children.). I have not known this literary tool to be as well utilized since Grisham's Painted house written from the perspective of a seven year old boy. I think so many women are able to identify with the character of the mother.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
6. Searching for Heaven on Earth by David Jeremiah. This book is based on a study of Ecclessiastes. Very well-written, though David Jeremiah, accomplished pastor, teacher, writer hardly needs my endorsement.
2013, I am looking forward to reading the first two installments of Neta Jackson's Souled Out Sister series. I have read everything else she's written and always enjoy. Ken has asked me to read Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace... not looking forward to it, as money management is not my forte', though money spending seems to be. I have two new Bible studies lined up for the new year: 1. Embraced by God by Babbie Mason and 2. Luke by Sue Edwards.
