The Expat Book Club

As most of you know, I'm an avid reader. I think this is why most of the time I don't mind taking trains and buses everywhere - it provides a great opportunity to dive into a good book.

A few weeks ago I started to reflect on Lent - how was I going to prepare for Easter?

I decided to give up secular literature and to replace it with faith-based reading. What could be a better way to submerse myself in the reason for the season?

 

My first book? The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. Strobel approaches Christianity the way C.S. Lewis did a few decades earlier - a skeptic trying to make logical sense of Christian faith. 

One of my favorite parts? He visits a scholar from the one, and only, Miami University! Hearing him describe those lovely red brick buildings just tugged at my heart strings....

The Expat Book Club

Any American living in a non-English speaking country will understand me when I say 'English literature is like crack.'

You love it, you need it, and once you get your fix, you can't stop. Soon you find yourself talking to anyone who speaks English to see if they have a spare book to throw your way. And if you do happen to find an English bookstore (I'm looking at you William Shakespear & co.), well, there goes your paycheck.

Luckily, I brought the big suitcase back to the States over the holidays. I was able to import what seemed to be an entire bookcase load of books over to Luxembourg to sustain me.

Currently on the docket? Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingslover


I'm about 50 pages in, but I'm liking this book for a couple of reasons:

1. I love food, food culture, cooking, etc. This book is essentially about a family growing fresh produce, and eating flavorful (seasonal) whole foods.

2. There are recipes included. sold.

3. It's educational. And yes, I miss learning dearly. For the time being, this book is filling that void.

4. It reminds me of those days in New Mexico, trying to coerce the lettuce to grow at high altitude. When I read this book I find myself back on the ranch, knee high in sunflowers, chasing cows out of the pasture...