Sisters' March Reading Challenge

 

Charity and I enjoyed the March Reading Challenge so much. The amount of challenges was much less than the Brighter Winter Challenge and felt more doable. Here is a review of what we did for the challenges.

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1. Read a book set in Ireland (in honor of St Patrick's Day).

Charity: Let Me Die in Ireland by David Bercot

Several years ago I read this book for the first time and it impacted my life deeply. Reading it again only challenged me more. St. Patrick’s life is surrounded by many myths and this book seeks to bring a story to tell the truth about this man of God. Not only is his life story fascinating and educational, it also bears testimony to what it looks like to be a part of the Kingdom of God.

Gina: A Slip of a Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff

 This is a free verse novel about the Irish Land Wars. I listened to it on audio and the reader's Irish accent added a lot of pleasure to the listening experience. Nory Ryan's Song is by the same author and also about the Irish Potato Famine, and I may have enjoyed it more since it is in prose not in verse. 

2. Read a book written by a female missionary.

Charity: Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose

As a young wife, Darlene traveled into the jungles of New Guinea with her husband. They were ready to serve God among the unreached. But World War 2 and the Japanese invasion of the island would change her plans. This is her story of God’s faithfulness even while facing unimaginable suffering. Gina and I place this among our top favorite books by a missionary. 

Gina: God's Guidance: A Slow and Certain Light by Elisabeth Elliot

I had read this book as a teenager and thought it would good to reread the wisdom in these pages. Elliot writes Scripture-saturated books. This one starts with a study of the Lord's Prayer then proceeds into a discussion of finding God's leading and will.  

3. Read a book about food.

Charity: Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

This memoir was the product of an impulsive thrift store buy. Though it’s focus is far from just food, she still had me drooling over her descriptions of Italian cuisine. Through the pages of this book she tells about the beauty of Italy, the trials of renovating an ancient house, the culture in small Italian towns, and, most of all, the amazing food that is placed on her table. My favorite part is her two chapters of recipes. Some day I hope her meals will grace my table in PA.

Gina: Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memior by Ruth Reichl

All of Reichl's memiors are a step into an unfamiliar world of food and culture. Save Me the Plums tells of her years as the editor of Gourmet magazine. I liked Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires more but this trip into the high-stress magazine world and high society of New York City was fascinating.

4. Write out a quote and tape it to your mirror.

Charity: “I have been safer here, overshadowed by Your love, than I would have been anywhere else on this earth outside of Your will” - Darlene Deibler Rose

Gina: "God gives us more than we can handle because what we can't handle drives us to dependence on Him." - Masonheimer

5. Mail a book to a child, invalid, or friend.

Charity: I was overjoyed to have an excuse to send a book to a friend who recently moved away. I sent a book by one of my favorite authors, Elisabeth Elliot. A few months ago, during a hard week I picked up her book Keep a Quiet Heart, and it was perfect for those days. Each chapter is an excerpt from her newsletter, so it is short and could be used as a devotional. 

Gina: My mother-in-law, who spends most of her days alone, told me that she looks forward to a good book so I ordered a copy of A Chance in the World by Steve Pemberton to be mailed to her house. I've never read this book but it had been recommended to me. Maybe I can read it next.

If you did one or more of the March Challenges, we'd love if you shared in the comments.

Check back on April 1st for the April Reading Challenges.