Thin Stories: August Book Reviews

The year is rolling by faster than I care for and August now upon us. The days stretch on and the humidity causes my stationary envelopes to seal. It’s too hot to do much of anything so more often than not, I find myself pouring over the pages of a book. Typically, it is one of Shakespeare’s plays as that’s been my course this month but there are a few moments when I’ve manage to sneak in some pleasure reading. Here are a few of my favorites.

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Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World That Loves to Be Noticed by Sara Hagerty

Remember a few months back when I read Present Over Perfect? I enjoy it but was slightly disappointed. Well, I’m happy to announce that Unseen is everything I hoped Present Over Perfect would be. It is a delightful telling of Hagerty’s experience searching for purpose and finding God in the hidden, unseen, unwitnessed places in her life.

This is a beautiful, Biblically-grounded book for anyone who wonders if their work, their daily keeping on keeping on, matters to God. It’s a door into the quiet place where we can simply sit and know that He is God. At the end of every chapter are extra passages of scripture to search for God’s heart and love for you and for those quiet, unseen things that you do for His glory.

I must disclose that I did receive a complimentary free copy of this book. My decision to include it in this months review and my opinions are all my own. Currently, it is not yet available but you can pre-order on Amazon and enter your order number here for some amazing pre-order gifts here.

31 Days of Prayer During Infertility by Lisa Newton

Infertility is such a hard journey. But I’m so grateful for the friends, like Lisa Newton from The Amateur Nester, that I’ve made in this process. Her site has been such a encouragement to me from day 1 of my infertility journey and her book has lived up to all of my expectations.

This is a 31 day journey through scripture, exploring a different areas to seek after the Lord in prayer during the trials of infertility. This book has challenged me and caused me to grow and use this challenge as an opportunity to see these days as a way to develop perseverance and greater character. Newton breaks down a different characteristic to focus on each day in prayer. There is scripture to explore and to encourage you in the pursuit of each virtue or understanding. There is also ample room for writing our your prayers and pouring your heart before the Father. While this is a hardship I wouldn’t wish on anyone, Newton’s book has helped open my mind to the ways God can use this to mold me into the image of His Son.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

Since I am reading the words of Shakespeare this month, I wanted to share one of my favorite plays. This is a wonderful tale of adventure and mishap. You will be delighted to hear of lovers’ quarrels, fairies up to mischief, and an attempt to put on a proper play. With all of the tragic Shakespearian plays, it is always delightful to read a tale that ends with everyone living happily ever after. I particularly recommend reading this book while doing all of the voices.

This version is particularly helpful as it has updated, modern English directly next to the old English that Shakespeare wrote it. It has made this beautiful play accessible to a new, modern audience and will pull at their heartstrings just as it did the original crowd in London.

I hope that this inspires your reading list as you move into the fall. Soon, the days of lazy summer reading will be behind and the days of cozy, tea by the fireplace reading will be at hand.

What have you been reading? Do you have any summer favorites you find yourself returning to this time of year?