Thin Stories – April 2017

It’s been a bit too long since my last book review, but I wanted to share with you what I’ve been reading. So grab a cup of something warm add a few new titles to your book list.

Please note, this post does contain affiliate links. Please see my sidebar for my full disclosure. 

The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life by Ann Voskamp
The first book I want to share with you is from my recent giveaway, This book is a breath of fresh air. Voskamp talks about our broken pieces and how God broke Himself to heal our brokenness and works through our hurting pieces. In light of the struggles I’ve gone through recently, these words were especially timely. I needed to be reminded that my pain is, not only an effect of the Fall, but something God is actively using to bring Himself glory and to make me more like Him. My pain is not incidental, God is using it.

Never Unfriended: The Secret to Finding & Keeping Lasting Friendships by Lisa-Jo Baker
Lisa-Jo is someone I want to sit and chat with over tea. I haven’t quite finished this one yet but I’ve been heavily anticipating it and am excited for the online book discussion beginning today. If are looking for fulfilling friendships, want to deepen current friends, want a friend, or are a friend, this book is for you. It discusses issues that cause “Friendship PTSD,” finding healing, and building deep relationships. Relationships have been a part of creation since the beginning when God said, “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1, emphasis mine). Relationships are messy business and since the Fall, Satan has been causing dissension within them. As Christians, we must fight to reclaim them. This book is an excellent starting point.

Les Miserables (Signet Classics) by Victor Hugo
This book will forever be at the top of my favorite book list. After rewatching the movie recently, I was reminded again of the deep love I have for Victor Hugo’s tale of love and redemption. The love story between Cosette and Marius Pontmercy sings in my heart and reminds me what true love looks like. The tragedy of Javert reminds me to withhold judgement and show the mercy I have been shown. The passion of Jean Valjean reminds me to never judge a book by its cover and to trust that God is working. The heartache experienced by all renews my sense of compassion for fellow man and reminds me that every tragedy has a story behind it. I am now working on Notre-Dame of Paris (Penguin Classics) as a follow-up book.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s round up. I would love to hear below books you’ve been reading or what you’re looking forward to. As always, please email me at bailey@ththinplace.net with books you’d like to hear about.