What's On My Nightstand

You may have noticed the little picture link on my sidebar for "What's On Your Nightstand?" It is a new section of the website 5 Minutes for Books. I decided to participate since it looked like fun.

On the last Tuesday of the month each participant is to post varying versions of What's On Their Nightstand. Anyone can join in the fun, just link over to through the picture link here. The rules for posting a "What's On Your Nightstand?" meme are rather simple and flexible, so my monthly posts on this topic may not always be in the same format. This month I am choosing to list the books I am currently reading and give you the "back story" on why I have chosen these specific books at this time.

For those interested I keep a running list of my "What's On My Nightstand" through the website Shelfari.com. As I mentioned in a previous post, I also keep a list of books I want to read as well as books I've finished reading, the latter also posted here on this blog. I find Shelfari a wonderful resource for keeping track of my books, especially since I tend to select books based on my current mood and often have up to five books going at the same time. So that being said, here goes:

What's On My Nightstand?

I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith. This is a coming-of-age novel about a girl, Cassandra Mortmain, who lives in a run down castle with her family on the edge of poverty. The book spans the course of six months and during this time Cassandra keeps a journal hoping to perfect her writing skills. In the process she finds love and adventure.

Before receiving a recommendation for this book from my friend Suzanne, I had never heard of the book or its author, Dodie Smith. I later discovered that Ms. Smith was also the author of the famous 101 Dalmatians (the book and predecessor to the Disney movie). Suzanne, who is also a member of the book club I belong to, has a great taste in books. On her recommendation alone I added this book to my "To Read list" but it was quickly moved to my "Nightstand" when I came upon an inexpensive copy at the local bookstore. I'm only a few chapters in, but so far it's a unique and enjoyable story. Look for a review on this book in the coming days/weeks.

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Elliot. I've never been a fan of Elizabeth Elliot, though I have read a couple of her books. However, because an older woman (whom I respect very much) recommended this book I went and purchased a copy. I have found, as this woman said, Keep a Quiet Heart is a wonderful book to use for personal devotions, especially for the busy mom. Since each chapter is only 1-2 pages long I've taken to reading a chapter after my Bible reading each morning. The only downside of reading through the book this way is that it is taking a long time to finish, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some books are meant to be devoured and others enjoyed in little nibbles.




Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. This is another book that I had not considered reading even though I have heard it has influenced many a person. But I changed my mind upon the recommendation of my brother-in-law. Thus far I have found Mere Christianity to be very interesting, though at times a little more weighty than I have the attention span available and so like Elliot's book, I am working my way through this book at a rather slow pace.



The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie. I love mysteries, especially those by Christie. Earlier this year I decided to reaed all of her mystery books starting with the first ever published and working through them book by book according to their date of publication. This has proven to be an interesting method since it often means I will read several before reaching another of the same detective. Without looking ahead I am always surprised as to who the main characters will be and what type of mystery the book will include (not all of her books were murder mysteries, some were spy novels). The Man in the Brown Suit is not likely to be a favorite of mine, but I am enjoying it for it's thrilling plot and simple reading. Look for a review on this book in the coming days.

Thus I have currently am working through four books. I'd love to hear what you are currently reading. Please feel free to leave a comment with your "Nightstand" list or link to your blog so I can read your own list or reviews.