Books I Read In May

May was a very good month for books in my world! And I was late getting this posted because I was wrapped up in the next book. I suppose that's the definition of irony to a bibliophile.

It was also a variety of titles and genres this month, which always keeps my brain working and interested. Do you find you read different types of books to match your mood or your circumstances or what's happening at that moment? I can definitely tell the difference.

On a trip to the book shelves at the thrift shop, I found a choose-your-own-adventure book based on a classic game from my childhood: The Oregon Trail. Part of a series that takes you from Missouri to Oregon with lots of adventure along the way, this story was just plain fun. There are 20 different endings, but only one is good - just like the game - so of course I had to back up and try different choices so I didn't die. Repeatedly. And I'm still working on it.

Earlier this year I discovered author Lloyd Devereux Richards and his three thriller-mystery novels on Instagram. Not only is he a great writer, but he's also a philanthropist, giving his book royalties back to his community. I'd read the first one, Stone Maidens, and thoroughly enjoyed it, and immediately bought the next one to continue the story. As soon as the third (The Runner) was released, this one a stand-alone book with new characters, I read them both in a matter of days. Suspenseful, clever, a little language to get through, but great twists and endings you'll never see coming.

Our pastor preached a message on Mary and her alabaster box two days after I finished She Did What She Could, so my heart was ready for it. We often make excuses for ignoring the Holy Spirit's prompting in our lives, walking past everyday situations where we could have an everlasting impact. Mary did what she could with what she had in that moment, and she is now forever paired with the telling of the gospel because of it. Imagine what we could do for the Kingdom if we're aware and willing to do whatever God calls us to do.

Ordering Your Private World is Gordon MacDonald's best-selling book about building a strong spiritual life from the inside out. And talk about convicting - I am the only one who can cultivate my spiritual life, and I have no excuses. It's up to me to prioritize Bible study, prayer, time management, and sabbath to be ready, willing, and able to do what's required in the moment. It's such a well-written book, and it's now well-highlighted throughout as well! The study guide in the back would make it great for personal study or a book group title.

And my second-favorite Dave Barry book wraps up my May reads. Dave Barry Slept Here: A Sort of History of the United States is one of my go-to books when I just want to laugh out loud. His sense of humor is my sense of humor - everything in history happened on October 8 to keep things simple, we never quite get to the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, and everyone gets a new nickname. If you've never read Dave Barry's Book of Bad Songs, read them back to back and get a new outlook on life!

What was on your book pile in May?

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