I started 2012 by tracking my reading, but petered off in about May…not even half way through the year. Pretty pathetic. But I’m making a good effort this year to try again. So here it is – January 2013: What I read
I actually read quite a bit in January because I had my usual “It’s right after Christmas and I never want to see another craft again” kind of mind set for a couple weeks. Also, I am mondo pregnant, and reading helps keep my mind off the uncomfortable condition of my body.
January 2013:
5 books, 5 magazines, 3,183 Pages
Beyond Humanitarianism: What you need to know about Africa and why it matters by Princeton Lyman and Patricia Dorff
I saw this book recommended in a Sojourners Issue some time in 2012. It seemed right up my alley. It really was, but I wish it had been written more recently. 2007 wasn’t that long ago, but it was a bit too long for the context of me wanting to know what is going on in Africa. The book did really make me think, though. I naively thought of Africa as a place to focus humanitarian efforts. I hadn’t really thought of it before in terms of politics, and how it affects the U.S. in economics, etc.
All is Grace by Brennan Manning
This book is Brennan Manning’s memoir. I had been trying to get my hands on it for months, but our library didn’t carry it. Luckily, my mother-in-law provided for Christmas! It was an inspirational read. Manning has some important ideas about God’s love for us all.
The Known World by Edward P Jones
An interesting fictional look at slavery in the U.S. I did not know that there were free black people in the south who owned slaves. A somewhat heart breaking book, but as usual, it got me to think.
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
This was my second read through of this book. I couldn’t put it down…again. Reinforces the pointlessness of World War I! I love the characters in the book.
Winter of the World by Ken Follett
My real reason for rereading Fall of Giants was because I received the sequel from my parents for Christmas. Winter of the World picks up in the 1930’s where the first book left off, and continues with the next generation through World War II. Another very good book.
Sojourners Magazine (November and December 2012, January and February 2013)
As you can see, I got a bit behind on Sojourners, but caught up this month. As usual, there were excellent articles. Interesting information and articles on the death penalty, a subject I’m very passionate about.
National Geographic Magazine (January 2013)
This issue focused on explorers…both now and in the past. There was an interesting article about some of the first people to explore Antarctica.
I’m now in the middle of a book about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. My reading will probably slow way down after the baby comes. But for now, I’m soaking up as much as I can.