Tuesday, January 8, 2008

The Book Meme

I was tagged for this Book Meme by Bev. I was so excited about this for a couple of reasons.

One, because I love books and thought this would be fun to share with you guys. I will say that it was much harder than I thought it would be and I am sure I have left out MANY important books from this list, but hey, it's a start!

And two, because it gave me an opportunity to tell you a little about my friend Bev, who has made such an impact on my life in the short time I have known her in this little world of blog.

Bev LOVES the Lord and she exudes His presence and Holy Spirit. I can say all this and I've never even met her. You might recognize Bev by the comments she leaves on my blog. She says things like this...

"You smell good mommy (in reference to something Richie said)...hey, you smell good to me too II COR. 2:14 for you have been the fragrance of Jesus to me Alana...i smell such loveliness..."

and this...

"you've got me smiling over here and laughing too...touched by your grateful heart...wonder what your beautiful LORD is thinking about you right now? zeph. 3:17"

I'm just going to be honest and tell you the first couple of times she left a comment, I thought, " This poor lady is confused...she must have the wrong blog, that doesn't sound anything like me".

I'm not kidding.

But after several more comments, I figured that she MUST mean me. And then I had this profound realization that the Holy Spirit was reminding me (through Bev) ever so gently and sweetly how GOD sees me. And...I just love that.

And now, I will ever so abruptly switch gears to the Meme.

BOOK(s) THAT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE

Nice Girls Don't Change the World by Lynne Hybels

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

True Faced by Bill Thrall, John Lynch, and Bruce McNichol


Honestly, I think the words "changed my life" are a little strong, but all of these books definitely made an impact. I'm sure there are more, too, but can't come up with them right now.

BOOK(s) I'VE READ MORE THAN ONCE


Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Mr Brown Can Moo by Dr. Seuss

Curious George by H.A. Rey

Oh, you mean grown-up books? Honestly, I can't think of any. I don't like to
watch movies more than once (except for Anne, of course) and I don't generally like to read books more than once, either.

BOOK(s) I WANT ON A DESERTED ISLAND

Surviving on a Desert Island for Dummies

BOOK(s) THAT MADE ME LAUGH

??

Apparently, I'm only into depressing literature because I can't think of one book that made me laugh.

BOOK(s) THAT MADE ME CRY

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Seriously, I was a sobbing, heaping mess!

BOOK(s) I WISH HAD BEEN WRITTEN

Parenting 101

Quickly followed by 201, 301, and 401, then Graduate Level Courses, and Doctoral Studies.

BOOK(s) THAT YOU WISH HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN

?

BOOK(s) CURRENTLY READING

The Bible (Cover to Cover Chronologically)

Praying God's Word: Overcoming Spiritual Strongholds by Beth Moore

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

BOOK(S) I HAVE BEEN MEANING TO READ

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

March by Geraldine Brooks

And now I get to tag some people. I'm the most excited to tag Carissa at The Life and Times of CarissaLil for this because I have a feeling she will just EAT THIS UP! Can't wait to hear your answers!

I'll also tag Janelle at Snot and Kisses, Melissa at Breath of Life, Heather at A Woman's Worth, and Jennifer at Meditations and Musings because I know you all are avid readers. However, if I didn't tag you and this sounds like something of interest, please join us! Also leave a comment to let me know so I can come by and read your answers...I am so curious about everyone's responses to this one!

17 comments:

His Girl said...

boom boom boom, mr. brown is a wonder... boom boom boom, mr. brown makes thunder!!!

i haven't read that book in 7 years, but it's still etched in my mind forever... ah, that i could say that about more scriptures!!!

enjoyed this post!

Janelle said...

That looks like fun! I have a long list of reads, so I will hop to it tomorrow.

I also need to check out Bev's blog. She sounds just awesome!

Celeste said...

Bev sounds great!

I must admit that I'm glad that you didn't tag me because I haven't read a non textbook in awhile!

I love Goodnight Moon. I bought both kids copies of the Golden Book about Kindergarten so that I can start your tradition.

I hope all is well! I haven't seen you in a long time!

Anonymous said...

Hey now...I was looking for a comment from Bev. Oh well, I 'll have to stop by and check again.
Thanks for tagging me for the Meme. It's right up my alley. I'll try and get to it this weekend and let you know when I get it posted! :)

Loved your answers by the way. I am the same way about books and movies too. Although, I will say that I have watched Miss Congeniality and Dead Poets society more than once! :) But that's it.

You've listed some great books!

Fran said...

Thanks for asking but I tried to participate in this and am still blank on titles.....i wonder whats going on with my sweet little head these days?? No memory...no memory anymore. all I can remember is what to get from Target.

Carissa said...

oooohhhh...i WILL eat this up! what fun! loved your list. and that bev sounds cool. i wish i thought and commented in scripture. how encouraging! think you are great alana! me

Shelley said...

I love that Bev is such an encourager to you. That is special. And I gotta say I am so glad you didn't tag me! 'Cause I haven't managed to finish a "real" book in appx. 7 years. My list would be something like..."I liked this book, but didn't finish it..." in EVERY category! I do love Goodnight Moon though!

Earen said...

Wow, so many books I haven't even heard of...of course I'm not a huge reader nor do I have alot of time for it. Thanks for sharing!

Toknowhim said...

I think this is my first visit to your bloggy. I have seen your comments before and decided to stop by and say hi. I agree about Bev... she has a way with words that encourage the soul...you are right that she says things that you don't necessarily see in yourself.

Feel free to stop by my blog, and if you come today I am hosting my "Know & Tell" meme that kind of helps us bloggettes get to know each other a little bit better.

Blessings to you!!

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

The fact that your "books read more than once" list is strictly children's books cracks me up!

Anonymous said...

I loved your books read more than once list! They probably could have been your books read a million times! :)

Darlene R. said...

Oh man, I have read LOTS of books! Like you though, they are mostly for kids!
I'm reading "Praying God's Word" by Beth Moore, too. I am also doing the Prayer Journal, It has been a huge blessing!

For fun... I read blogs! :)

Melissa said...

Mine's up! Thanks for the tag.

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

You are
Real inside/out
Riveting inside/out
Ravishing inside/out
So surprised with your timing and tender words about me.
I've just had such a difficult past 24 hours. And here you post this today. Psalm 119:103 - how sweet are your words to my taste. I think your beautiful God instructs your tongue to know the word to sustain the weary. Isaiah 50:4. We all live with ourselves, Alana. We all need a word of encouragment. You give us love and laughter through your blog. You have such a way with words. What a gift. And your book list gives me a little insight into your humble heart. The rest of Isaiah 50:4 says that He is going to awaken you tomorrow morning to listen like one being "taught." You're hungry. You're teachable. I just love that about you!
Tender thanks tonight for touching my heart! Bev

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

Alana, I just posted a "thank you" on my blog and this is what I said about you - Psalm 45:11 the King is enthralled with your beauty. Your inner beauty of love and laughter just comes out with delight. Thank you for loving me Miss Crunching Leaves!

Pam said...

Can't wait to pick up a few of these! Thanks for sharing.

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Bev sounds great! What a beautiful spirit and an encourager!

Now, definately read Mere Christianity - you won't regret it!

I am going to check out the reading the bible cover to cover post a bit more cause you know I am doing it too! If you post some of your thoughts, I'll look forward to it!