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What are you reading?
I'm reading By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer and The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis. I know, not at all similar! Also listening to Persuasion by Jane Austen on audiobook.
I just finished The Captive Heart by Dale W. Cramer. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the third in this series.And I am in the middle of An Uncommon Grace: A Novel by Serena B. Miller. I was really enjoying this book until I read a short passage that really jarred me as inappropriate. Not in a sexual way, the book is 100% clean, but in a very unaccepting way. I personally like my Christianity a bit more accepting. I'm going to keep reading for now but may end up not finishing this book.
Camille wrote: "I just finished The Captive Heart by Dale W. Cramer. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the third in this series.And I am in the middle of An Unc..." </i>
I'm intrigued by your comments about [book:An Uncommon Grace: A Novel. Will you be writing a review even if you don't finish it?
I could not decide what to read next. So I looked to see how many books I had in my downloaded-to-kindle to-read folder and I used random.org to pick for me. So I am reading A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer.
Diane U wrote: "I could not decide what to read next. So I looked to see how many books I had in my downloaded-to-kindle to-read folder and I used random.org to pick for me. So I am reading [book:A Tailor-Made B..."I like this idea, Diane! I'm currently looking forward to four months of no university reading commitments over the summer, so I may try this method of choosing books:)
Camille wrote: "I just finished The Captive Heart by Dale W. Cramer. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the third in this series.And I am in the middle of [book:An Unc..."
Unaccepting? How so? I'm with Rachel here, intrigued.
For me the point of most of these novels is about learning acceptance between Amish and "Englishers."I found that to be especially true since this book is focused on a very conservative sect of the Amish, the Swartzenrubers. They are very close to all outsiders. But the theme of this novel seems to be a Swartzenruber young man and an English woman forming a friendship, and she seems to make it a point throughout the novel that they are learning acceptance of each other's different ways.
But then, she and he get into an argument over their difference because it frustrates her that he won't put an orange reflective triangle on his buggy (It's not the Swartzenruber way) and as things get heated, he makes it clear he doesn't like that she served in Afghanistan as a nurse-practitioner because he is a pacifist as a Swartzenruber Amish man.
This is all fine and good until she retorts: "If it weren't for the men and women in uniform who protect our country, you wouldn't be worrying about whether or not your buggy had a stupid orange triangle on it--you would be trying to figure out a way to keep your children from being forced to bow to Mecca!"
I realize this may not bother some of you, but I found it incredibly offensive, racist, and close-minded. Yes I am Christian, but I don't hate and fear other religions. Yes, some terrorists are Islamic Muslim extremists, but some "Christians" are also terrorists (e.g., Oklahoma City bombing, Westboro Baptists). But I have known far many more kind, loving, caring Islams than anything else. And none of them wanted to "force us" to bow to Mecca, they just wanted to live their lives without being called terrorists. And that is more than fair, in my opinion.
For me, it is Christians who are so close-minded to respecting other non-Christian religions that give us a bad name. Last I checked, Jesus didn't judge anyone else, or treat them negatively, or make derogatory comments about their religions.
It's just a pet peeve of mine that we are called to be Christ-like and so many of us do what I think is the complete opposite of what He would do, because He made it clear he had respect for all people of all backgrounds, walks of life, and more.
While I absolutely love and respect those who serve our country (much of my family is military), none of them are there to fight the Islamic religion. They are there to prevent terrorists attacks. And assuming that all Islamic people are terrorist is like assuming all Christians are pedophiles because some Catholic priests abused their positions of power. Not only are Catholics not all pedophiles, by far almost all aren't, and beyond that Christians almost all aren't too.
I just wish the author hadn't throw that comment in, she should have said something about "You'd be worried about protecting your children from a terrorist attack." That would be correct. But to imply that we have to be protected from a religion is wrong because most Islamic people just want to live their lives and be left alone, and want nothing to do with us.
So that's my little rant. I hope I didn't offend anyone but I am definitely opinionated on this topic and firmly believe in bringing differing religions together rather than keeping them apart. The latter will incur fear, and fear leads to hate. I want to see this world full of love and respect. And to have that happen, I believe love and respect has to start with me, for all people, no matter how different they are from me.
And yes, Rachel, I will still write a review. I plan to finish the book as of now as nothing else has caused me to feel unsettled, but I will definitely make a point of talking about this issue in my review in the hopes that it causes the author and publisher to think a little bit about this type of comment in their books.
John 7:24... Jesus did judge and make derogatory remarks about the Pharisees and Sadducees. I'm not saying we should go around bad-mouthing other religions, but it's something to think about.
"Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."I guess I look at that as not to judge by appearance, but who you are as a person. And to me religion is judging by an appearance because not all Christians are the same. No two are the same. So I shouldn't judge "Sally" for being a Christian based on another Christian I know. Instead I should get to know "Sally" personally, and learn about her as an entire person. I may not personally agree with some things she says/does/lives, but I still believe I should treat her with equal respect and dignity.
At least that's how I interpret it.
Exactly :) Not all Islams are terrorists. If I get to really know "Mohammad", THEN I can decide if he's a terrorist or not. Innocent until proven guilty.
And above all, Jesus did NOT simply condemn for the sake of feeling good about Himself. He did it out of concern for the erring ones.
Love the sinner, not the sin. That applies to all of us!
(Sermon is over. Sorry... I do tend to get preachy!)
I appreciate your perspective Sarah, I always learn new things from you lovely ladies! I think you are very right!I just didn't appreciate the overall too judgmental nature of that passage of the book is all. :)
Well, Camille, although I see things a bit differently than you, I must say that the Englisher's expression surprised me, too.This is one of my favorite quotes, and I try to live by it:
"...those of us who love freedom want people to be able to do what they want, until they aggress against the persons or property of others. And those who hate freedom want all of us to be forced to embrace the foolishness of their vision of the good life." R.C. Sproul, Jr.
I am reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Reserved it from the library and got to get it read as there are 50 other reserves after me waiting to read this book.
I want to read that Shaz! The movie was so great!
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I know I've been knitting a prayer shawl for a 23 year-old young lady who's had a double mastectomy so my reading has slowed, but what's everyone else up to?
I just finished Beyond Hope's Valley by Tricia Goyer and getting ready to start our group read Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio.
Camille wrote: "I want to read that Shaz! The movie was so great!"Just finished reading The Help Camille. It was such an enthralling read. Really felt drawn into the story and could just imagine the people talking just as it was written in the book. I look forward to watching the movie now.
Now that I have just finished reading The Help I will have to go and look through my book pile now and see what to read next. Just picked up three reserves from the library yesterday.Has anyone watched the movie The Lamp? Just watched that last night and really enjoyed it so now on the lookout to buy the book The Lamp by Jim Stovall and also Just Believe by Tracy J. Trost, Jim Stovall.
I have been reading a fair amount! I've also had a lot of work to do for university, and had a lot to catch up on after spring break.I've just finished reading My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade, an excellent Christian contemporary romance novel. I've also just today finished listening to Persuasion by Jane Austen on audiobook. I have to admit, it's probably my least favourite Austen novel.
Next up is hopefully The Pursuit of Lucy Banning: A Novel by Olivia Newport.
I've actually not read anything Amish this month - insane! I hope you don't all kick me out the group ;)
I have just started reading It Happens Every Spring by Catherine Palmer, Gary Chapman. It is book 1 in the Four Seasons series.
I have just finished reading Need You Now by Beth Wiseman. What a wonderful story!! I could not put it down.I highly recommend it.
Carolyn wrote: "I have just finished reading Need You Now by Beth Wiseman. What a wonderful story!! I could not put it down.I highly recommend it."
Oooh, good to know!!! I was hoping it was going to be good!
Diane U wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "I have just finished reading Need You Now by Beth Wiseman. What a wonderful story!! I could not put it down.I highly recommend it."
Oooh, good to know!!! I was hoping it was..."
I really enjoyed this one as well!
I'm now listening to The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner on audiobook, has anyone read any of her books before? This is my first and I'm really gripped by it!
I have started reading Kathleen Fuller's Hearts of Middlefield, first one is "A Man of His Word" this story is of twins and though they are identical in looks their personalities are so different...
I have read some of Susan Meissner's books! She is a great author. The Shape of Mercy is one of my favorites!
I just started reading "The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club" by Wanda E. Brunstetter.
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Just finished and LOVED Missing -Shelley Shepard Gray.
I am reading fall from pride by karen harper. Very interesting topic. Very interesting how the amish and english are working together to sole the barn burnings.
Joan wrote: "I am reading fall from pride by karen harper. Very interesting topic. Very interesting how the amish and english are working together to sole the barn burnings."I have that book and plan to read it later this month. Let me know how you like it :)
i am reading harvest of hearts by laura v. hilton
I finished (at 1am) The Survivor by Shelley Shepard Gray. I enjoyed the book (I've enjoyed all her books). I just sort of felt like I was left hanging at the end. I'm really hoping she writes more to this series though. I really do enjoy her books. I just got to the end and was like "well what happen with so and so"? I don't like that feeling.I think we should start another thread for what we are reading:)691 post is a lot for a thread.
Melissa wrote: "Joan wrote: "I am reading fall from pride by karen harper. Very interesting topic. Very interesting how the amish and english are working together to sole the barn burnings."I have that book and ..."
I will. Cant wait for the next one.
Just wanted to let you know that the first book in my Amish Quilt trilogy, The Wounded Heart, is a Goodreads Giveaway until Mother's Day. You could win one of 10 autographed copies! http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...Adina
I just finished reading our May selection When the Smoke Clears. I loved it!! Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Shaz wrote: "Now that I have just finished reading The Help I will have to go and look through my book pile now and see what to read next. Just picked up three reserves from the library yesterday.Has anyone ..."
Is this the one with Louis Gossett Jr.? If so that was a great movie!
Carolyn wrote: "I just finished reading our May selection When the Smoke Clears. I loved it!! Can't wait for the next book in this series."
I just finished it today and I feel exactly the same way!
I just finished it today and I feel exactly the same way!
I just heard from Lynette Eason that the second book in this series is "When A Heart Stops" and is scheduled for release on October 1, 2012.
Carolyn wrote: "I just heard from Lynette Eason that the second book in this series is "When A Heart Stops" and is scheduled for release on October 1, 2012."
I'm looking forward to reading it!
I'm looking forward to reading it!
I started When the Smoke Clears last night. So far it is really good! I usually don't read 2 books at a time but I was driving alone to work today and I usually listen to a book when I do. Since I am also reading Patchwork Dreams in paperback, I needed to start another.
Joan wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Joan wrote: "I am reading fall from pride by karen harper. Very interesting topic. Very interesting how the amish and english are working together to sole the barn burnings."I hav..."
Melissa wrote: "Joan wrote: "I am reading fall from pride by karen harper. Very interesting topic. Very interesting how the amish and english are working together to sole the barn burnings."
I have that book and ..."
Melissa: i finished fall from pride. I loved it. Cant wait for number 2 to cime out. I think you will enjoy it.
I have just finished reading a great book by Kit Wilkinson entitled Plain Secrets. This book is one of this month's selections from Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense (LIS) series. Since I have never read anything by this author, I had to read this one right away, and I loved it; I hated to see it end. I hope we will be seeing more from this author.
I've just finished my last exam of my third year of university so now I get to read whatever I want for the whole summer! Right now I'm reading Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings.
I am reading The Journey by Wanda Brunstetter. I really like how the characters flow from her previous books and you can see how they grow and develop. Very good so far.
i just finished a turn in the road by debbie macomber. great read
I am reading the Fields of Corn by Sarah Price, and it is one of those books that you have a hard time putting down...
Fans of Amish Fiction
Books mentioned in this topic
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Sharon Dunn (other topics)Olivia Newport (other topics)
Beverly Lewis (other topics)
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Linda Castillo (other topics)
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Well Net galley took it down before I got to sent to my nook - so this is not what is next.
Looking for suggestions?