What I’m Reading: August Edition

It’s that time again – time for me to share what I’m reading this month. Actually, I didn’t read that much this month, or rather, I didn’t read that many books because I was busy preparing for school, which began this week. My goal is to jump into reading a bit more now that school has started. I do have two recommendations for you: a novel and a Bible Study (I completed the Bible Study this spring). Here you go and I hope you enjoy!

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry. Berry shines the spotlight on Hannah Coulter and her life in Kentucky, beginning around the end of the Great Depression. As I read this book, it reminded me of listening to my Grandma tell me stories about her past. It helps, too, that I have family roots in Kentucky, so I could picture the scenery in my head as I read it. I enjoyed this book for those very reasons. I also enjoyed it because of the actual story. The character takes you back to a time where life seemed simpler, yet somehow complicated by fractured relationships and world events and the matter-of-fact way people handled these situations. This book is a part of Berry’s Port William stories, the rest of which I look forward to reading.

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I have to admit, I love Priscilla Shirer. She has a way of telling you a personal story and then turning it into a life lesson about the Lord. She also digs deep into the Word of God and explains, in detail, what that particular passage means. This study focused on how to discern God’s voice. Her points were valid and backed up by Scripture. One of my many takeaways from the study was if we are truly seeking after the Lord and His ways, and for whatever reason, we begin to go down the wrong path, God will be quick to steer us back onto His path because He doesn’t want to see us wander (Psalm 119:10). For some reason that assurance freed me to pursue what I thought He was leading me towards without fear of making a devastating mistake. There were so many other nuggets of wisdom I will cherish from this study, which is why I highly recommend it.

I hope you enjoy these reading suggestions. I plan on having more next month. Until then, happy reading!