Thursday, October 14, 2010

October: Day 14

Day 14 - a non-fictional book


I don't read a lot of non-fiction actually, at least not without an assignment of some sort attached to it. After being in undergrad (both L & me), and then L being in seminary, we had a lot of non-fiction flowing through our house. I was able to take grad classes for free, so I ate up everything I could, but when I browse books at the library, (yes, I still use a library. proudly.) I examine all genres, but most of the time I walk away with fiction books.


One book that stands out in my mind though, is Barbara Kingsolver's book, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle". In seminary, we had several friends that read it, and I borrowed a copy from one of them. She's hilarious. And she and her family purposefully lived intentionally in a way that was hard for a year, yet still fulfilling. After that year, they didn't stick to the whole regimen they had established, but they made changes in the consumer choices they made, and retained some of the practices that they had deemed healthy for themselves. 


It was inspiring to us, as we were living in a way that could facilitate some of the the goals we had for our lives...some of what she demonstrated in her book...but on a smaller level. I feel sad looking back at how excited we were about this book though. Without making a bunch of excuses, and rambling, life happened and we weren't so focused on those goals we had made. Then our daughter died, and everything fell to the wayside. I feel like a huge part of who we wanted to be, as individuals and as a couple, fell apart in order to just survive each day after that. I suppose there's always a chance to reassess goals and implement fresh ideas though.

6 comments:

  1. So true. When life happens, sometimes you have to just take a step back and reevaluate your life and then let God take the rest. I will say that I never read much non-fiction either, but there are some great books that helped me when we lost our son. I can share if you ever want me to.

    Hang in there!!!

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  2. I would love to read more and Barbara's book has been on the top of my list for a long while, sigh. You are right in realizing that there is always a fresh chance and new opportunities to implement change. But sometimes, life takes unexpected turns.

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  3. This is on my to-read list . . . somehow I keep putting it off. I'm going to move it closer to the top. Loved Poisonwood Bible.

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  4. I loved Poisonwood too. I read this book too. It really is such an important message. I always remember her talking about baby carrots, and how children think they come out that way. What we do to food--oy.

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  5. I love Barbara Kingsolver, but I haven't read this one yet. She is so ethical, smart, and a great writer. I didn't know that your husband - or is it you and your husband? went to seminary. What sort of seminary? Are you leading a church? I'm so curious. I've thought of that occupation, but my beliefs don't fit as neatly as they ought to any one theology...

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  6. Love that book! Did you read her fiction book Prodigal Summer? That one is good too. She is such a great author.

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