Booking It: February Edition

I'm surprised that I was able to read four books in the past six weeks (since the beginning of the year). With a new baby, I'm not able to read as much as usual. And with four children, I'm not able to read as much as I would like. But I wouldn't trade my children for any amount of reading. I think I'm getting the better part of this trade off!

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn is the book that I really want to tell you about because it is such a good book, and if you read it you will learn so much. Li Quan and Ben Fielding were college roommates twenty years ago. Quan became a Christian while in the U.S. and went back to China when he finished his studies. Ben stopped following Christ (probably because he was never a Christian in the first place) and became a businessman to the detriment of his marriage and daughters. As a business proposition, Ben travels to China and stays with Quan to learn more about how to market his company's products there. Ben learns more than he bargains for, as he witnesses the intimidation of Quan just for being a Christian. Then Quan is arrested, and there is nothing even Ben and his powerful company can do to help Quan. Through regular visits, Ben watches Quan deteriorate in prison as he endures beatings and torture. Ben has no idea this is happening today in China, and it changes him. Interspersed through the story, there are snapshots of what is happening in heaven as Jesus Christ and resurrected saints watch what is happening down here on earth, and I found this part especially fascinating. If you want to develop a heart for the persecuted church, I highly recommend this book.

The other books I read this month:

• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. I forget how much I enjoy reading Lewis when I haven't read anything by him in a while. I hadn't read this book before but decided to give it a try after reading Jessica's review last year, and I'm so glad that I did! Lewis takes so many of the truths of Christianity and explains them in practical ways. His illustrations and examples are wonderful, really helping his readers to understand what he is talking about. While this book is geared more toward non-Christians, there is a lot that Christians can get from reading this book. In case you can't tell, I really enjoyed this book!
• Spring Rain by Gayle Roper. After an one-time indiscretion on her graduation night, Leigh becomes a single mother. Ten years later, she has put her life together when the father of her son comes back to town. Leigh has to deal with her continuing feelings for Clay as he deals with his for her. At the same time, Clay's brother is dying of AIDS which adds more tension. Then threatening phones calls come from Leigh's father's former cell-mate; he wants the "treasure," but Leigh has no idea what he's talking about. As they deal with all of these situations, Leigh and Clay grow closer together and overcome their past difficulties with each other. I enjoyed this Christian thriller/romance, and I recommend it if you're looking for a good, fun read.
• Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist. I didn't care for this book, so I don't have much to say about it. The main character Tillie has to chose between having a husband and family and keeping her job; I can't think of a job that is worth giving up the option of having a family, and her aim is to be a lady's maid, a servant. And there were too many bulging biceps and heaving bosoms, especially for a Christian romance. But that was all there was, thankfully.

I have also read several "chapter" books with my daughter, but I cannot remember what they all were. If I were willing, she would love for me to sit down and read her a whole book at one time!

To see what others have been reading, head over to Life as Mom: Booking It.