What's on our Bookshelf? Blogger favourites
Welcome to our literary series on the blog, “What’s on Our Bookshelf?” where we’re delighted to share our reading recommendations with you. Whatever your genre of choice, we’ve tried to include something for everyone. This month we’re sharing some of our favourites from the Hearts+Minds blogging team. Enjoy!
Fiction
First up is a novel set in The Balkans, filled with hope, truth and redemption. Island of the world by Michael D. O’Brien is a captivating novel that brings you on a journey, stirs something deep within you and stays with you for a long time to come. For me this has been one of those novels which has left a lasting impact on me.
So next up is another brilliant book by the same author! These books have a loyal fan base and it is easy to see why. Father Elijah: An Apocalypse can be described as a thriller in a sense. It captivates the reader and leads one to contemplate the false realities we are sometimes confronted with in this world. Another page turner from Michael D. O'Brien - highly recommended!
Non Fiction
The Little Big Things by Henry Fraser is an inspirational read about a boy who dived into the sea and became paraplegic; unable to move arms or legs. This memoir tells of how he coped and struggled with things especially optimism and good humour and resilience. He had a huge amount of support from his family and the story traces how he learns to appreciate the value of little things such as fresh air, sunshine, water and a smile from someone. This is a story of true resilience and survival; well worth a read. The author becomes an artist finally and manages to show his own exhibitions.
Funny, heartwarming and inspiring are the words I would use to describe Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle. This is the story of a real life priest in Los Angeles who goes about tackling gun violence by running a business which employs ex-convicts. His motto? “Nothing stops a bullet like a job.” Highly enjoyable and an enlightening read. Be warned, you will laugh out loud reading this book and you may also cry. It is that beautiful!
Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st-Century Memoir by Madeleine Albright is a witty and honest account of America’s first female Secretary of State. Albright reflects on her career and how she loves the challenge of continuing her work when she is beyond the normal age of retirement. She offers a frank account of life where, for more than twenty years, she juggled the business of writing, fighting for democracy, speechmaking and campaigning for political candidates all with the job of being a grandmother. It offers an interesting insight into the political situation while she worked under President Bush and President Clinton and she shows how futile and wasteful the whole Gulf War effort was.
Spiritual reading
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is a must read for anyone intrigued about Christianity or indeed those on any stage of their journey in the Christian faith. It’s simple, easy to read and humorous. C.S. Lewis has a unique ability to present complex concepts in a very clear and understandable manner. In addition to some very profound writing, I also laughed out loud on numerous occasions.
Next up is The Road To Daybreak by Henri J. M. Nouwen. This book stopped me in my tracks. It’s the story of how this world renowned author and theologian had his life changed forever when he moved to the United States to teach at an elite Ivy league institution. The book follows what happened when Nouwen accepted the invitation to live at L’Arche, a community for adults who have intellectual disabilities. His ability to describe his experience of being humbled, and the profound impact it had on his spiritual life, makes this one well worth the read.
We’d love to hear your reading suggestions. What’s on your list?