Reading: Productive Opportunity or Stolen Time?

The book on my coffee table mocked me every time I went past. My work life consumed my time, and I missed the carefree days of nothing to do but read. These days, work often invaded my home time (UGGHHH!) and I felt the world of enrichment through reading slipping away. Have you ever experienced that?

I picked up the book and decided I needed an evening to relax and invigorate my soul. Somewhat guiltily, since this seemed like stealing time from urgent matters, I immersed myself in the book. It was 1 AM when I finished, and exhausted but delighted, I fell into bed.

In January 2019, I read a blog by Anthony Moore which challenged me greatly. He read a book a week as part of his personal development as an author. I decided to experiment to see if I could accomplish that as well. I knew my full-time job prohibited that sort of intensity, but since I was commuting an hour-and-a-half each day to work, I realized I could listen to audiobooks!

Immediately, I dusted off my iPad and looked at the Phoenix Public Library collection of electronic materials. Overjoyed with the knowledge that I can access one of the nation’s largest collections, I began my journey.

I listened to stories while driving, cleaning, cooking dinner, or doing work in my garden. I also had some print books I added to the mix after I left the world of full-time work, and in a year, I made it through 66 volumes! Plus, I read through the whole Bible (which I am roughly counting as 20 books based on the 1189 chapters, since many chapters are short). Such a grand adventure! I LOVED being immersed in so many stories–some recent publications and some classics–and believe I am much richer for it.

Here is my 2019 list alphabetized by authors. In the next post, I will share my growing list for 2020. Periodically, I will offer commentary on selected titles. I am honored to include your comments on books from the list that you have read or some of your favorites.

Allender, Dan: To Be Told Book and Workbook
Andrews, Mesu: Of Fire and Lions
Austin, Lynn: Return to Me
Banger, Janet and Geoff: George Muller
Birdsall, Jeanne: The Penderwicks
Blume, Judy: Fudge-a-Mania
Bruce, F.F.: New International Commentary of Hebrews
Bunn, T. Davis: Firefly Cove; Miramar Bay
Callahan, Patti: Becoming Mrs. Lewis
Carr, Robyn: The Summer That Made Us
Dickens, Charles: David Copperfield
Dubus III, Andre: The House of Sand and Fog
Ferrante, Elena: My Brilliant Friend; The Story of a New Name
Ferriss, Tim: The 4-Hour Workweek
Flanders, Cait: The Year of Less
Forna, Animata: Happiness
Gaiman, Neil: Norse Mythology
Gay, Roxane: Hunger
God and Multiple Human Authors: New Women’s Devotional Bible (NIV)
Graham, Lauren: Talking as Fast as I Can
Gray, Shelley, Shepard: The Patient One; Hopeful
Hollis, Rachel: Girl, Wash Your Face
Horn, Dara: Eternal Life
Karon, Jan: Home to Holly Springs;
Keller, Timothy: Prayer
Kondo, Marie: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
L’Engle. Madeleine: A Wrinkle in Time; A Swiftly Tilting Planet; The Wind in the Door
Lenski, R.C.H.: Commentary on the New Testament (Hebrews)
Lewis, Beverly: The Ebb Tide; The Love Letters; The Wish; The Proving
Lewis, C.S.: The Pilgrim’s Regress; A Grief Observed
Locke, Tembe: From Scratch
Macomber, Debbie: The Inn at Rose Harbor; Rose Harbor in Bloom; If Not For You; Country Bride
McGrath, Alister: If I Had Lunch with C. S. Lewis
McGraw, Eloise Jarvis: Mara, Daughter of the Nile
Mellody, Pia: Breaking Free Book and Workbook
Murray, Andrew: The Holiest of All
Palermo, Michael: AARP Crash Course in Estate Planning
Patchett, Ann: State of Wonder
Ramsey, Dave: Financial Peace
Ross, Ann B: Miss Julia Stirs Up Trouble; Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover; Miss Julia Lays Down the Law
Rove, Karl: Autumn; Winter
Sharp, Ronald Farrington: Living Trusts for Everyone
Shetterly, Margot Lee: Hidden Figures
Smith, Alexander McCall: Emma
Tracy, Celestia: Mending the Soul Workbook; Mending the Soul Youth Version
Tracy, Steve: Mending the Soul
Travis, Randy: Forever and Ever Amen
Vance, Ashley: Elon Musk
Wingate, Lisa: Before We Were Yours

“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
Job 28:12

How do you carry out your reading adventures? Do you read for fun, information, understanding, or wisdom? Please share some of your favorite books below.