Book Week seven -- G is for Grace, Gratitude, and Giving

 

Happy Valentine's Day 

Monday is Clean Monday for the Eastern Church and Wednesday is Ash Wednesday for the Western Church.   The beginning of Lent.  For those who don't celebrate Lent, it is a period of 40 days (not including sundays) symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.   Lent is a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence in preparation for Easter.  It is a period of giving - whether it's giving up something, taking up something or giving to others. 

Some folks give up blogging or using the internet all together so if you notice it's a bit quiet around here, and not as many people are posting links to reviews, you'll know why.  I debated about it, but the internet is an outlet that keeps me sane, plus I could hardly skip out on you guys, could I.   Twitter and Face book however, I can live without for 40 days.  I've been limiting my book purchases until I get through the books on my huge, teetering to be read pile.   So I will continue with my book buying ban for the next 40 days.  However my wish list will continue to grow from all the interesting books you all have introduced me too.

I'll be reading some interesting books however.   Whether you are Catholic or not, Pope Benedict is an excellent writer and theologian.   Last year I read "Jesus of Nazareth" (review) which just blew me away and just made me want to read more of his books.  This year I will be reading "The Apostles"  and "Lent and Easter Wisdom" by Thomas Merton.   I read "Seven Storey Mountain" (review) last year which actually turned out to be quite interesting.  Also in store is "Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions" by James Beverely which I received through Thomas Nelson's Book Blogger review program.   It's a comprehensive guide to over 200 religions, sects and cults from a christian perspective.  I've been meaning to read it for quite a while, but it is one of those books I know will take time.  

What do you think of when you hear the word Grace.   Besides Grace Kelly that is.  Theology wise, it is the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them. (thank you dictionary.com)  Which for some reason reminds me of Pilgrims Progress written by John Bunyan.  He also wrote "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" a personal biography.  Pilgrim's Progress is an allegorical tale about a young man named Christian on a journey from his hometown, City of Destruction to Celestial City.  His journey is filled with interesting people - Pliable and Obstinate, Help, Worldly Wiseman, Mercy, Mr. Legality as he travels through and past the Slough of Despond, Wicket Gate, Hill Difficulty and the Valley of Humiliation to name a few.   I read it years ago and thinking it would interesting to read it again.


And on the lighter side - have you heard of "The Guinea Pig Diaries" by A.J. Jacobs.  He also wrote "The Year of Living Biblically" which is a very interesting, educational, fun read. It's all about what  happens when an agnostic Jewish man decides to follow the bible literally for a full year.  Now, with Guinea Pig Diaries, he becomes a human guinea pig.  I haven't read it yet, but plan to. 

Author Birthday's this week are

George Shannon (2/14),  children's author of picture books such as

Norman Bridwell, (2/15)  the brilliant creative of Clifford the Big Red Dog,

 

And the late author Andre Norton (2/17) who wrote over 100 books including many science fiction and fantasy books such as  the Witch World Saga.  Norton was the first woman to be awarded the Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy and the Nebula Grand Master Awards.    

"As for courage and will - we cannot measure how much of each lies within us, we can only trust there will be sufficient to carry through trials which may lie ahead." - Andre Norton

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