The Count of Monte Cristo Check In #1

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Hello Readers!

Time to check in and see how everyone’s doing so far in the book!

Just an FYI, I will be making some references to the movie during the read-along, but I’ll try not to give away anything important so I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it!!

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Confession: I’m probably behind all of you :P. But that is a-okay. Y’all keep plugging along. And any spoilers in comments will not bother me so chat away, if you’d like.  However, a pace of 2.5 chapters per day brings us to chapter 42 so, please no comments about anything beyond that. Thanks :)

Let me just say that it took me a minute to shift gears and get used to how different it is from the movie!! Book shock, much?  I don’t know, maybe that’s just me.  But I am really enjoying it despite the longwinded bits (again, maybe that’s just me!).

I like the fact that you get the political, historical backdrop in the book, although, I must confess, I sort of yawned my way through it.  I also loved reading the father-son relationship between Abbe Faria & Dantes. That was really touching.

But probably the one thing that THREW ME OFF was Fernand!  If you’ve seen the movie, you know what I mean.  Oh my goodness, I was not expecting him to hate Edmond from the beginning.  Well then, this story is going in a completely different direction than I anticipated!  I’m excited to see what happens!

Can’t wait to see how ya’ll are doing so far!

~

GIVEAWAY

I’ve decided to do a giveaway for this read along like I did for The Pilgrim’s Progress. It’s real simple: each comment you make counts as an entry.  The person with the most comments at the end of the event can choose a book from either my CLASSICS CLUB LIST or my READING LIST. So comment away!!

Happy, happy reading :)

the pilgrim’s progress | book review

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I have a list of 13 books I’ve read over the past several months and failed to review and I’m chipping away one at a time.  The first title I need to get done is definitely The Pilgrim’s Progress.  

You may know that I hosted a read-along (my very first!) for this book this past summer. Well, I did a final check-in post but never got around to typing up my thoughts on the entire book!!  So here goes!

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The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

Rating: 3.5 – 4.0

My thoughts:

First, it must be said that this book is not to be rushed through by any means.  If you’ve read it or attempted to read it, you know what I’m talking about!  This book is rich with imagery and meaning and depth.  It’s not just a classic, it is a religious book, period.  The spiritual themes cannot be ignored and a reader with a working knowledge of the Bible will understand the language and commentary.  It definitely deserves a re-read, only, next time, nice and slow!  My copy was great because it had notes, and Bible references in the margins which helped a lot!!  If you’re thinking of getting a hard copy, I highly recommend the Barnes & Noble version like the one pictured here.

There’s something special about reading something written by someone who believes in what they’re writing about.  Bunyan wrote this book from prison where he was incarcerated for preaching the Gospel.  It doesn’t get any more intense than that!

I’m not going to go through details of the book, I already did some of that in my check-ins:

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Final Check In

What I will say about the book is that as difficult as it was at times, it’s a beautiful read.  I think every Christian should read it at least once.  It makes you think and evaluate you’re own walk.  I’m very glad I included it on my TBR list this year and tackled it this summer!

This is also a good time to note that my dear friend, Jobe, from Jobe Reads, won the giveaway and I will be sending her a hard copy of  The Pilgrim’s Progress for her personal library!!

I’d love to here your thoughts about the book!  Did you participate in the summer read-along?  Have you read it in years past?  Or maybe it’s on you list and you haven’t gotten to it yet.  Leave a comment below!!

Happy reading, y’all!

The Count of Monte Cristo Read-Along Begins!

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I can’t believe October has arrived!  You know what that means?  It means that tomorrow we start reading Dumas’ classic, The Count of Monte Cristo!  And I don’t now about you, but I’m really looking forward to it!  

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Since we’ve got two months to read this hefty book, I’ve divided the reading into two parts:

October – Chapters 1-59

November – Chapters 60-118

This will keep me motivated and on point as I squeeze my reading into my busy schedule.  I can read about two and a half-ish chapters a day and finish with a bit of breathing room which I will desperately need!  Feel free to read as your schedules allow you! No pressure :).

I’ll post a halfway report at the end of October and then a full review at the end of the read-along as well as bi-monthly check-ins so ya’ll can post your comments about how you’re getting along!!

I received comments on my announcement this past summer from those of you who were wanting to participate.  I’d love for you to comment here and let me know if you’re still on board!  Or perhaps you are just finding out about the read-along and are thinking of joining.  Glad to have you as well!  Anyone can jump in at anytime, as long as you finish the book by the 29th of November.

I’m thinking about a giveaway. . . details to follow ;).

So, without further ado, let the reading begin! . . . Um tomorrow that is!

Happy reading!!

an old fashioned girl | book review

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The Classics Club has just finished it’s 3rd Classics Spin and I am so thrilled I ended up with the book I did cause it was such a lovely read! *happy sigh!*

781557An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott

Rating: 4.0 – 4.0

My Thoughts:

I think I was in Jr. High when I first read this book.  Reading it again as an adult was a completely different experience and I think I appreciated it so much more the second time around.

Alcott tells the story of 14-year old Polly Martin, a simple, wholesome country girl who is introduced to the fashionable world of her friend Fanny Shaw.  Her old-fashioned manners, notions, and morals clash with the fast, giddy, party-going, boy-chasing girls in Fanny’s circle of friends.  Despite all of Fanny’s trying to make a fashionable young lady out of Polly, Polly stays the sweet, innocent girl whose warm heart and simple ways unwittingly bring sunshine and peace to the Shaw household.

This piece was originally a magazine serial of only six chapters but Alcott later continued the story with the chapter “Six Years Later” when Polly is a young woman of twenty, bound and determined to make her life one of useful purpose.

Being an old-fashioned girl myself, I could totally identify with Polly.  While fashions and styles may change over the decades, our desires and behaviors don’t alter all that much.  There are still high fashions, fads, and alluring pop culture.  Relationships are still formed around the fluff of what looks and feels good and parties still last until dawn.  I think Polly’s success in staying true to her values and goals and seeing how her sweet character changed the lives of those around her makes the story so sweet and heartwarming and reassurance that it’s all worth it in the long run!  Definitely worth a personal copy on my own shelf!

It’s a simple story so I won’t share anymore about the plot but here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

“Young men often laugh at the sensible girls whom they secretly respect, and affect to admire the silly ones whom they secretly despise, because earnestness, intelligence, and womanly dignity are not the fashion.”

“…a principle that can’t bear being laughed at, frowned on, and cold-shouldered, isn’t worthy of the name.”

“…with a very earnest prayer, Polly asked for the strength of an upright soul, the beauty of a tender heart, the power to maker her life a sweet and stirring song, helpful while it lasted, remembered when it died.”

I recommend this book if you’re in the mood for something on the sweet and sentimental side.

“I’m old-fashioned but I don’t mind it. That’s how I want to be as long as you agree to stay old-fashioned with me!” – Johnny Mercer/Jerome Kern

when God writes your life story | book review

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223366When God Writes Your Life Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy

Ratings: 4.0 – 4.0

My Thoughts:

Oh my goodness I looooooooooooooved this book!  I mean, I’ve loved every book I’ve read by the Ludy’s but this was absolutely FABULOUS!!  And in the light of starting my new job and facing my last year of undergrad study, it was perfect timing.

Just as they always do, Eric and Leslie encourage counter-cultural, God glorifying, holiness-pursuing Christianity that defies all things ordinary and mediocre – and I love that!!  In this book they talk about Christians in the past who gave up all for Christ and in return, Jesus scripted extraordinarily adventurous lives for them.  While this often meant suffering and trials and struggles, it also meant peace and assurance that God’s hand was working in their lives and that their ministry was impacting others for the kingdom of heaven.

This is the stuff of Christianity.  And we so easily forget that it can be that way in our lives as well.  The adventure, the miracles, and the victories aren’t to be left in the past but continued into the present because God doesn’t change, the world’s need for Him hasn’t changed, and His commission for His followers has not changed.  God’s dreams for us are big and wonderful and, a lot of times, seemingly impractical or impossible. He calls us to live passionate, sold-out, abundant lives for His glory and for the benefit of those around us no matter the cost.

So what happened to our little-kid passion for achieving the impossible? When did we stop shooting for impossible goals and start aiming for realistic targets instead? As little kids, we dream of a bigger-than-life existence. But eventually we grow up. We lose our “oomph” to keep aiming high. We settle for everyday mediocrity. We stop trying to be heroic and finally accept being average.

As we grow up, the worlds tells us that aiming our lives at the impossible only leads to disappointment. Somewhere along the way, we are persuaded to loosen our grip on our dreams and pitch our tents in the land where everyday humans dwell.

If you’re feeling like your Christian walk is missing something, READ THIS BOOK!!

If you’re feeling comfortable in your Christian walk, READ THIS BOOK!!

If you profess to be a Christian at all, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!

It was amazing and awesome and inspirational and honest and real and deep and I loved it so much!

Happy reading, y’all :)

the pursuit of holiness | book review

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The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges The_Pursuit_Of_Holiness_Ca_large

Ratings: 4.0 – 4.0

My Thoughts:

I got this audiobook as free download from Christian Audio awhile ago.  After having listened to it, I want to get a hard copy to go over what I missed and make marks and notes.

This was a fantastic look at holiness and how Christians should make the pursuit of holiness, not an activity to fit into daily life, but a lifestyle.

We need to brace ourselves up and to realize that we are responsible for thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We need to reckon on the fact that we died to sin’s reign, that it no longer has any dominion over us, that God has united us with the risen Christ in all His power and has given us the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only as we accept our responsibility and appropriate God’s provisions will we make any progress in our pursuit of holiness.

There’s this idea in modern Christendom that we’re human, we sin, that’s the way it is, and there’s nothing we can do about it.  That’s is hopeless theology right there.  Jesus died on the cross so that, through Him, we would have victory over sin.

What I like about this book is that, while Bridges was straight forward and real about holiness and sin, it didn’t feel preachy or holier-than-thou, or over bearing.  While the subject matter was serious, he was matter-of-fact and honest throughout the whole book.  His approach was also very practical, which I totally appreciate!  When reading a book or listening to a sermon, I look for the practical application.

“The Christian living in disobedience also lives devoid of joy and hope. But when he begins to understand that Christ has delivered him from the reign of sin, when he begins to see that he is united to Him who has all power and authority and that it is possible to walk in obedience, he begins to have hope, and as he hopes in Christ, he begins to have joy. In the strength of this joy, he begins to overcome the sins that have so easily entangle him. He then finds that the joy of a holy walk is infinitely more satisfying than the fleeting pleasures of sin. But to experience this joy, we must make some choices. We must choose to forsake sin, not only because it is defeating to us but because it grieves the heart of God.”

Bottom line, this book was deeeeeeeep!  And I totally recommend!  If you have the chance, I also recommend the audiobook, the narrator was easy to listen to and wasn’t super long.  And like I said in my Lies Women Believe review, approach it with an open mind and prayerful heart.  God has amazing desires for our lives and we should be pursuing Him and the things He loves with everything we are.

Happy reading :)

lies women believe | book review

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Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Rating: 4.0 – 4.0

My Thoughts:

I love this book!  I borrowed it from the library and read it and now I want to get a copy for my own personal library.  I was amused by the negative reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.  So many women found DeMoss too legalistic or conservative or uptight and unreasonable.  It’s true her position on many things is counter-cultural and even counter-Christian cultural but I believe her positions are biblical and, therefore, wise.

I didn’t really learn anything new but rather had some things confirmed or backed up.  I appreciate her honesty and warmth and assurance that God is in control and that He is deeply interested in the things that are important to women – our emotions, our struggles, our personalities, and our passions.  He created us with specific desires and gifts and dreams and has specific roles and responsibilities for us to carry out.  And we live in a world that is telling us different.  We live in a culture that totally disagrees and sells us a pack of lies about us, about God, and about His plan for our lives.  This is what DeMoss addresses in her book and I think she did it beautifully.

I totally recommend it and I encourage you to approach it with an open mind and prayerful heart and then share it with your girlfriends!

Happy reading, y’all :)

And the Spin Number is. . .

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Th number for our 3rd Classics Spin is NUMBER 4!!

Which means I get An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott.

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This is a re-read for me which is fabulous because I will not have time for heavy reading during the next month or so.  I just got a new full time job (YAY!!) and I’ll have a full class load this semester (OI!).  As you can imagine, it’s going to take a bit for me to adjust to my new schedule, etc.  Sooooo, a nice, familiar story is just the thing for me now!

How did you all make out?

Happy reading :).

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Days 3, 4, & 5

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I’m going to knock out a few of these today.

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[3] Who are your blogging BFFs?

Besides my real-life BFF, Arielle, who blogs @ Words to Match, and my other sweet blogging friend, Jobe @ Jobe Reads, I don’t really have any blogging bffs!

[4] What’s the last book you flung against the room?

I don’t think I’ve ever thrown a book across the room although, I came close with Robinson Crusoe.  I just gave up and didn’t finish that one!

[5] Recommend a tear-jerker.

When’s the last time I read a book that made me cry?

Oh!  The Fault in Our Stars definitely made me cry.

Yep.  That’s about it. Lol.

This post is linked HERE.

The Pilgrim’s Progress Final Check-In

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Hello Readers!

Today is the final day of our journey through Pilgrim’s Progress!! YAY!!!  I will be perfectly honest with you, I didn’t think I was going to make it through those last two sections of this book!  But I did and I’m soooo glad to be done with hosting my first reading event, you have no idea! :D

As I mentioned in the last check-in, I was kind of weary and wondering why Bunyan chose to continue the book with Christiana’s pilgrimage after all.  After wading through the last 100 pages, my sentiments stayed about the same.  Much of the conversation had to do with recalling what happened to Christian on his journey and revisiting the places he had been.  To be sure, Christiana, Mercy and the boys met some interesting characters (I really liked Great-heart, Mr. Steadfast, and Mr. Valiant-for-Truth).  I suppose I caught a case of you-could-have-said-that-in-half-those-words-why-drag-it-out-itis.  When I take the time to read Part 2 again, sometime in the future, I’m sure I’ll be able to grasp the depth that Bunyan was trying to convey but I was too anxious to be done with the book to get much out of it this time around.  So you can imagine my delight when letters were being delivered from the Celestial City, telling Pilgrims that their journeys were over and the King was inviting them to their eternal reward.  Whoot!  You made it!  Finally!

I did love Mr. Steadfast’s final words as he’s leaving for the Kingdom:

I see myself now at the end of my Journey; my toilsome days are ended. I am going now to see that Head that was crowned with thorns, and that Face that was spit upon for me.

I have formerly lived by hear-say and Faith; but now I go where I shall live by Sight, and shall be with him in whose company I delight myself.

I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; and where-ever I have seen the print of his shoe in the earth, there I have coveted to set my foot too.

His Name has been to me as a civet box; yea, sweeter than all perfumes. His Voice to me has been most sweet; and his Countenance I have more desired than they that have most desired the light of the Sun. His Word I did use to gather for my food, and for antidotes against my faintings. He has held me, and I have kept me from mine iniquities; yea, my steps hath he strengthened in his Way.

Beeeeeautiful!!!

What about you, my dear readers?  How have you made out?  Were you able to finish the book?  Have you already written your reviews?  What are your thoughts about Part 2?  Leave your comments below!

I know my notes were rather anti-climactic, but I can’t help but be honest :P.

I’ll be posting my overall book review over the weekend. Stay tuned!

Have a great weekend, y’all!