Update on "Penny" and BOOKS!

So, may I be the first to thank you for all of you who prayed for my dear friend "Penny." She called me this morning around 8 and said that the hearing has been postponed for 3-5 months because her daughter decided NOT to contest that her husband have full custody for now. Hallelujah, Penny didn't have to testify that her daughter was an unfit parent!!!! What an incredible answer to prayer for Penny and her husband. Now, let's all pray that their daughter comes to her senses and comes back home to her husband and daughters. Thank you for praying.

Now, on to lighter topics...or heavier, depending on how you look at it (Penny is very svelte!!). BOOKS! Those of you who know me well know how much I love to read. Mostly fiction, I will admit, but I delve into the occasional parenting or self-help book as well. Two years ago I started keeping a list of the books I read during a year. In 2006, I read 35 books, and in 2007 I read a whopping 51 books! Now, I will admit that I went on a Steinbeck kick and read a bunch of his 100-pagers (The Red Pony, The Pearl...), but I also read The Grapes of Wrath, not to mention the last Harry Potter, so you've got to give me credit for all 51, I think! I have always "meant" to keep such a list, but have never actually gotten around to doing so before now. I have so enjoyed looking back and remembering all of the books I have read these past 2 years. And yes, since I started keeping a list, I actually DO remember what more of them were about. In case you're curious, I'm up to 14 so far in 2008.

The last book I read was The Three Faces of Eve, which was very interesting. It is a non-fiction book about a woman with a split personality. It was written in the 50's by her psychiatrists, so it got a tad bogged down in scientific details on occasion, but I must say that for the most part, I found it absolutely fascinating. Let's face it, mental illness in general, I find fascinating. Thankful I don't have one, as well. (And, no, blonde-ness is NOT a mental illness, although it does begin NEAR the brain...hmmmmm.)

And, I must plug my newest favorite fiction author. His name is Mark Childress. I had never heard of him, nor has anyone I know ever read his books. I randomly found a book in the library called One Mississippi and just couldn't put it down. I'm hooked! So, if you're a fiction lover (particularly Southern fiction), pick up a copy of my favorite of his books: Crazy in Alabama. It's a little dark, but I thought it was hilarious and the characters are fantastic. If you've heard of him, read him, or otherwise have an opinon about him, let me know! I'm his newest fan.

Enjoy your day, and again, thanks for praying for my friend. She is so relieved and really feels this outcome was an answer to prayer.