My Spring-Summer Book List!
- chaseypittsley
- Apr 4, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 22, 2021
Hey everyone, it's Chasey here. This week, I will be sharing with you five books directly from my spring and summer reading list. I don't have much time to leisure-read during the academic year because of my busy college schedule, but I've slowly compiled a list of books I plan to enjoy over the summer when I have more free time. Also, since I've moved back to my hometown from my college campus because of COVID-19, I've had time to start my reading list between doing house chores and tuning into my online classes.
Before I get started, I would like to note that this list compiles both the teen and adult genres, and includes both fiction and nonfiction. Since starting my freshmen year at college, I've been inspired to expand my horizons when it comes to books, and that's one of my goals for this summer. Now, without further ado, on to the list!
(All images courtesy of Amazon.com)
Five Books from My Reading List
1. Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
This book was a recommendation from my British Literature professor, who told us that this was his favorite novel. I've never really read C.S. Lewis before, but I'd thought I'd give it a whirl since, for one thing, my professor has read a lot of books, and if he says this novel is excellent, then it must be worth a read. The other reason why I picked Till We Have Faces is because I've been told it has some memorable moral lessons and themes within its pages.
In all actuality, I've already started reading this novel because I was so excited to pick it up. I'm about a third of the way through, and let me just say that Lewis truly is a masterful writer; the novel has done well in holding my interest so far, and I'm excited to continue reading this retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche as depicted through the perspective of Psych's sister, Orual. I'm also looking forward to the lessons to be learned from following this tale.
2. Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein
I'd like to start off by saying that I may have a minor obsession with historical fiction. So when I spotted this novel while carousing Amazon, I knew I had to put it on my reading list. I have ordered Cate of the Lost Colony, but I have not starting reading it yet. As mentioned above, I am reading Till We Have Faces, and I'm not one to try and take on two novels at once.
Anyway, according to the summary, this novel is about a girl, Cate, who is a maid to Queen Elizabeth Tudor during her reign in the late 16th century. After her forbidden romance with Sir Walter Ralegh is uncovered, she is sent to Roanoke Island in the New World. As she waits for Sir Ralegh to follow her there, she falls for the Croatoan Indian, Manteo. Ultimately, she must choose between her life in the New World, and her longing for her home back in England.
I am so pumped to begin this book because I haven't read much fiction that takes place during the first years of the English colonies in the 16th and 17th centuries, and I am curious to see how Klein recounts the history of that period while also spinning a dramatic and meaningful romance.
3. Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey
I first came across this book in my Humanities class. My professor had us read a few chapters as part of a reading and reflection assignment. Let me tell you, Love Thy Body is unlike any book I've ever read before. It is a nonfiction work, and it delves into why issues like transgenderism, homosexuality, abortion, and hook-up culture are so prominent in today's society. Pearcey carefully explains why they decrease human rights and how we should go about addressing these topics. She also sheds light on why they have become accepted in modern culture and why they are ultimately destroying our morals and our bodies.
Now, as you could probably already tell from the description, Love Thy Body is not what one would consider a "light" read. Pearcey does not shy away from controversial topics but instead presents them just as they are. However, that's exactly why I'm so interested in this book. It made me see abortion, homosexuality, and hook-up culture in a new light and gave me insight as to what drives these issues today, and I've only read two chapters! I'm so excited to hop out of my comfort zone with Love Thy Body and gain more knowledge into what so many people take a face-value.
4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This is another work that was recommended by my British Literature professor, and also another book by C.S. Lewis (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors). Mere Christianity is the transcription of a series of radio lectures given by Lewis during World War II. He lays out a logical foundation for the truth of Christianity. Lewis disproves assumptions that being a Christian involves sightless faith and unimportant stories. He describes Christianity as a relationship with a graceful, just God who gives his children free will. In short, Lewis makes the case for Christianity.
I've always been interested in the logicality behind Christianity. As a Christian, I know that God loves me so much that he sent his Son to die on the cross for my sins, but hearing the tangible evidence for my faith only adds on to the never-ending graciousness and love of a personal, gentle, and perfect God.
5. To Best the Boys by Mary Weber
When I found To Best the Boys on christianbook.com, I knew I had to get my hands on it soon. Even though this novel isn't really in the Christian genre, and the summary describes it as a fantasy, it is a clean read with some memorable themes representing issues in today's society.
To Best the Boys takes place in the fictional town of Pinsbury Port and focusing on a sixteen-year-old girl named Rhen. She lives with her mother in a society where females are severely undervalued. When the annual Labyrinth Examination rolls around, a competition for males that gives them a chance at admittance to Stemick University, Rhen wants that scholarship, so she disguises herself as a boy in order to enter the contest. While Rhen is in the maze, she must work to conceal her true identity and come to terms with what she's really working toward. The summary also mentions a bit of gore in the beginning, so be warned.
Well, there you have it! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, and I hope you were able to find possible inspiration for some good books! Please don't forget to subscribe to my blog using the subscription box at the bottom of the page (you'll receive updates whenever I post!). To end off, here are some words of encouragement from Psalm 91:2-4 (NLT) -
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Blessings,
Chasey 📚
Comments