Since my kids aren't in school yet, I don't really have the summer to break up our normal routine of life. But I did just turn in my book manuscript, so in some ways it feels like I am on summer break as I wait for edits to start. Also, because I am not working on my book right now, I am able to read things that have been on my list for a while now. Here is my summer reading list and some favorite podcasts I am enjoying right now. I'd love to hear what's on your list, too!
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson: I have heard about this book for a while now and am finally getting around to reading it. It is a gut wrenching look at what is called "The Great Migration," when hundreds of thousands of African Americans left the Jim Crow South with the hope of a brighter future elsewhere. I'm not done with it yet, but it's hard to put to words what it is doing in my heart right now. This story needs to be told, and as one who has not experienced such oppression, I want to listen to it well.
Harry Potter series: I originally planned on reading these in the weeks before the twins were supposed to be born, but they came eight weeks early and I never got around to it. I'm excited about it!
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: I haven't read this since high school. I started reading it again a few weeks ago and was reminded again why this book stands the test of time.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller: A good friend loved this book so much that she bought it to read again after returning her copy to the library. I'm a few chapters in and it does not disappoint.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott: In college we had to choose between one of three writing books for a class I was taking, but I chose a different one. I always am looking for ways to improve my craft, so I figured it was time to read this one.
God Dwells Among Us: Expanding Eden to the Ends of the Earth by G.K. Beale: This is one I wanted to read for my book research and didn't receive until the manuscript was pretty much done, so I'm going to read in order to see if it fits in there somewhere.
The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Books by Nancy Guthrie: I am going to start leading our women's bible study next year, so I am preparing for it this summer. We are doing this one in the fall. I just finished 1 Peter by Jen Wilkin (which we are doing in the spring) and it made me excited for our bible study semester to start. I'm excited to work through Nancy's study in anticipation of studying it with the women of our church. If it's like her others (we've done all but this one), it will be a rich time in the scriptures.
Favorite Podcasts
I don't have a lot of other favorite things these days, besides books I'm enjoying. But podcasts are my other favorite thing to enjoy. I love listening to podcasts when I'm running, cleaning or doing household projects, or driving in the car alone. Sometimes I listen when I'm getting ready (if there are no little children around). Here are some of my favorites--and I'm always looking for new podcast recommendations, so let me know what you like!
The Briefing by Albert Mohler: I don't get to watch or read the news as much as I would like. This podcast helps keep me current, while also helping me think through it from a biblical worldview. The twins love Dr. Mohler, too.
Help Me Teach the Bible by Nancy Guthrie: If you love teaching the Bible and want more training from top theologians and thinkers, this podcast is super helpful. Nearly every episode walks through a book of the Bible.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: I like this one for staying current on what's on television or coming at the movies. They deal with pop culture from a thematic angle, which is also interesting.
Capitol Hill Baptist Church sermon podcast: I started listening to these sermons weekly when Seth was a baby and I wasn't able to go to church as regularly. I like that they have a plurality of pastors who preach.
TED Radio Hour: I don't listen to every single episode, but the ones I do listen to are really interesting.
Fresh Air: I don't listen to every episode of this one either, but she is really good at getting people to tell their stories.
So, what's on your list?