The lawn has gone dormant and the jingle bells have ceased clanging ringing.  This can mean only one thing-I FINALLY have time to indulge myself with books. (Our community built a brand-spanking new, fancy-schmancy library just five minutes from our home. Thanks to falling leaves begging to be raked and nonstop holidays, it took us nearly two months to enter its doors.)  In the past month or so, I have managed to knock out four books (some on loan from afore-mentioned library), and have started a fifth. LIFE IS GOOD! So, here’s a brief synopsis of what has been (or currently is) on Joan’s nightstand:

have a little faith by Mitch Albom.  This is my fourth Mitch Albom book and one that I purchased so I could add it to my collection.  It is the true story of Mr. Albom’s encounters with his Rabbi (who asks him to write his eulogy) and a Detroit pastor who ministers to the poor and homeless in his community.  It is yet another “little book” with a BIG message!

For Christmas, a friend sent me the second book written by Jeannette Walls, Half Broke Horses. (Ms. Walls is the author of the bestseller, The Glass Castle.) Her latest book is the embellished story of her maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, born in 1901 in west Texas. This is a great “chick read”, as it captures the story of a strong, courageous woman with perseverance that is admirable.

My next two reads are by an author that had somehow escaped my literary radar. Jen Lancaster managed to release several hysterically funny biographies without so much as a blip on my screen. Over the course of nine bedtimes, I managed to whip through Pretty in Plaid and Such a Pretty Fat. I have finally found a woman who swears TONS more than I do! The books were an easy read, and offered many opportunities for laughing out loud.

My current book-of-choice is Grace (Eventually)-Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.  I just started the book last night, but was a fan early on after reading a quote by Kathleen Norris, which is included on page 11 in the Prelude. Ms. Norris says, “Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can’t imagine.” LOVE THAT! I have read two other books by Ms. Lamott, and have never been disappointed.  I’m sure that this one will make number three.

I hope that the slower pace that January tends to offer has left you with time to pursue your hobbies/passions. Before you know it, the birds will be chirping and the grass will be growing, and I will once again be a slave to my little plot of land. ARGH!!!!