I keep writing blog posts in my head, but not getting them posted. So, I yanked this Book Meme from the newly houseblessed Deb,

1. What book have you read in the last six months that has really stayed with you? Why? I read A Thousand Splendid Suns in November, and I really thought it was, if possible, stronger than The Kite Runner. I really liked what it had to say about friendship, women surviving in societies where they aren’t valued, the US interactions with Afghanistan, and keeping normalcy during uncertain times. It is my Book Club book for this month, and I look forward to our discussions.

2. What is one of your favorite childhood books? I was not only a reader as a child, but a voracious re-reader. I’d have to say, like most girls of my generation, the answer would be the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

3. Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? Do tell. I love the Psalms , because I find they echo our human emotions - whatever I am feeling will find an expression the Psalms. I also love that we sing so many of them in Orthodox worship. Another favorite is Judith , and for the New Testament, I’d say the Gospel of Luke

4. What is one book you could read again and again? I tend to be a re-reader by nature, but I’ll say, Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver. In fact, I should put that in my (towering) to read pile

5. Is there a book you would suggest for Lenten reading? What is it and why? Like Deb, I think the default is Great Lent by Father Alexander Schmemann. It is a wonderful history of Lent and features commemorations of the entire season. Each year, I learn something new.

For the last two Lents, I have also had the pleasure of reading Kh. Frederica’s First Fruits of Prayer: A Forty-Day Journey Through The Lenten Prayer of St.Andrew which has an excellent translation of the Canon of St. Andrew along with insights and questions (some I liked better than others). I will probably read it again this year.

And because we all love bonus questions, if you were going to publish a book what would it be? Who would you want to write the jacket cover blurb expounding on your talent? Hum. If I were to wake up with a literary ability, I’d want to get a huge advance to trace Eleanor of Aquitaine’s travels and write about her history. Not that it hasn’t been done a bazillion times, but it’s my question, my book. I’d want all my blogging buddies to say, “I hosted Mimi on her book tour, and we stayed up all night chatting and drinking tea. Much recommended”

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