My Summer Reading

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich
I've read all 13 Stephanie Plum novels. This one is the same as the others--a light read with amusing portions, but containing smutty language and adult situations. Absolutely no redeeming value.


Dialogue Magazine
I almost always sit down and read my Dialogue the minute it arrives. My favorite article in this issue was Cetti Cherniak's "The Theology of Desire" (Part 2 in a series). Loved her discussion on artists and all those who exercise creative agency. Another great piece was Wrathall's "Trial of Faith." Wrenching.


Religious Literacy by Stephen Prothero
Written in the same vein as "Cultural Literacy" by Hirsch, Prothero makes a great case for the need for familiarity with world religion. Go here to test your religious literacy!


The Secret of Lost Things by Sheridan Hay
This novel's themes of loss, power, love and impairment resonated with me. How can we regain the things we lose, or cope with never finding them again? Which of our secrets are destructive, and which are necessary?


Lucy's Book by Lavina Fielding Anderson
I wanted to read this to get Lavina's take on the changes that were made to this memoir in it's various publications, and on Lucy's role in the early church. I haven't been disappointed! I'm still working my way through this one--I've had to renew this library book twice. That never happens! When I get some extra $$$ I will add this to my collection.


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
I have to reread the last two Harry Potter's before the new one comes out, so I can remember what is going on! I just finished all 870 pages of #5--now, can I read #6 by Friday night??


Sunstone Magazine
I've finished the latest issue of Sunstone--Enjoyed reading Margaret Toscano's "Are Boys More Important Than Girls?" I heard her give this talk at last year's Symposium. To read it online, click on the Sunstone link!


Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
I'm done with Book 6 and now I've refreshed my mind on all the events of the previous Harry Potter books. I still can't believe Dumbledore really died in this book. I'm ready for Book 7 to come out, and I sure hope it explains Snape's treachery and why he was so trusted by Dumbledore!


Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay
Another fun summer read. This book combines fantasy with a bit of Celtic and Roman history. It's entertaining, but nothing special. This book is supposed to be more contemporary than his other works. I think I'll try his earlier fantasy novels. His Fionavar Tapestry series and "The Last Light of the Sun" are international bestsellers.


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
I read it! and I'm not telling.


Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
I read this novel of nineteenth-century China for a Book Club group. I'm driving all the way to Highland to reunite with some friends I knew in Houston. We will spend the night and discuss the book. This one's worthy of a blog post, too!