Jan 2011 Literary Endeavors (AKA - A Month of Books)

One of my 2011 New Year's Resolutions was to read at least 52 books (that's one per week, in case you were wondering...).

Apparently I got a jump start in January, reading 18 total (and starting several others). I figured one way to keep track of my progress is to post a list up at the end of each month. I did the math and at this rate, I'm over 1/3 of the way to my goal...

It's quite a diversity of books...and I'm kind of proud of that :) Also, several of them I listened to as Audio boooks - something I highly recommend doing if you have the opportunity!

How Could you Do that? - The Abdication of Character (by Dr. Laura Schlessinger) - while I don't agree with her methods all the time, I appreciate her strong stance for truth in many areas. I was curious to see how she was as a writer.


10 Stupid Things Women do to Mess up their Lives (by Dr. Laura Schlessinger) - mostly anecdotal. Nothing shocking here.

Rebecca (by Daphne Du Maurier) - I was proud to know that I read this novel before any of my other siblings :)

The Inheritance (by Tamara Alexander)


A Lantern in Her Hand (by Bess Streeter Aldrich) - This author was recommended as highschool or post-highschool literature by "The Book Tree" (which is a book I highly recommend using as a resource for quality literature)


A White Bird Flying (by Bess Streeter Aldrich)


Before you Meet Prince Charming (by Sarah Mally) - this book was sent to me by a friend who wanted my perspective on it. I found it refreshing, although targeted at a much younger audience.

The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe (by CS Lewis - Audio book) - I had never read much of CS Lewis, so figured I'd correct that. Can't say as he's become a favorite author by any stretch...but I can appreciate some of his work.

The Silver Chair (by CS Lewis - Audio book) - by far my favorite of the Chronicles of Narnia - at least so far.

The Last Battle (by CS Lewis - Audio book)

Prince Caspian (by CS Lewis - Audio book)

The Far Side of the Dollar (by Ross McDonald) - quite a study in human psychology and a picture of the rewards of deception.


Blink of an Eye (by Ted Dekker) - Also, another author I've never read before. It was pretty good - somewhat similar, in my opinion, to Oliver North's novels that are based in the present day.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (by CS Lewis - Audio book)


Why isn't a Pretty Girl like you married? And Other Useful Comments (by Nancy Wilson) - Also another recommendation from a friend who wanted to know my opinion on this recently published book. There wasn't anything earth-shattering in it for me, but I am glad it's been written. She says things the conservative Christian movement needs to hear. It was very practical and encouraging.

Building her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women (by Nancy Wilson) - Also very practical for any woman in any stage of life. Definitely worth a read.

Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce (by John Piper - Audio) - probably the single most impacting book I read this month. A survey of his life and work. Inspiring, equipping, challenging. I plan to listen to this over and over and over and over again.


Unplanned (by Abby Johnson) - the story of the former Planned Parenthood director who God redeemed and has made a champion for life and truth. As one who is very familiar with the pro-life movement I laughed and cried...and praised God at the end!