After feeling too unwell to read anything of substance besides Harry Potter lately, it's nice to feel brainy enough to think about delving into some meatier books. Not that I mind reading Harry Potter -- I adore the series and think that Rowling is a genius. But reading something a bit more mature than juvenile fare will be a nice change.
Last night I just started Les Miserables, one that's been on my list for quite a while. I keep hearing how wonderful it is, and as I know very little about it, having never seen the musical, I'm looking forward to a new literary gem. However, it's a bit heavy to take in the spa to read; my arms can't support its weight on their own. It's definitely a sit-on-the-lap book at over 1200 pages hardbound.
Recently I read The Way of the Pilgrim, a Russian classic about a man in search for how to pray without ceasing. The entire book revolves around the "Jesus Prayer": "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner." I haven't quite finished the sequel yet, aptly named The Pilgrim Continues His Way. I am planning on finishing it soon -- it's lovely and it definitely made a nice devotional when I subbed for Sunday School a few weeks ago.
I've also been reading a bit here and there of A Mother's Rule of Life. Written by a Catholic homeschooling mother, this book returns to the idea of a monastic rule along the lines of St. Benedict or Mother Teresa, as a way to keep our priorities straight as busy homeschoolers. I like what I've read thus far, plus it reminds me to read St. Benedict's Rule, which has been sitting in my bedside book stack for quite a while now.
Now I will admit that I picked up a stack of mysteries at the library today, which may mean that Les Mis gets postponed for a bit. I'm trying all new authors and have no idea if I'll like them -- Ghostwalk by Heather Graham, The Bookman's Promise by John Dunne, and Deadly Admirer by Christine Green. I despise racy mysteries, so I hope that they're clean, intriguing, and well-written; we shall see.
So that's what I'm reading. How 'bout you?
Little thoughts from my mind to yours about living a contemplative life in a far too busy world.
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