The Shack

The Shack

This book was yet another great surprise. William P. Young accounts for his friend Mack, who has a super tramatic event occur in his life. This heart-breaking story leads to the greatest discover: The Trinity. This book describes God's love for us and the idea of the trinity in a whole new and exciting way. Even if you are not a believer, this book is a wonderful read. The first couple chapters will hit you hard and shock you, but stick it out because the book is an amazing story. I left reading this book a better person (or so I'd like to think). It really had me up in arms about some things in a good and bad way. I was really impressed by the story even if the writing itself was a little unimpressive. Read this book!

Eat, Pray, Love

Wow. This book has meant something different each time I have read it (or listened to it). Yes, I have the audio on my iPod. I first listened to it last summer driving between OP and Lawrence all the time. I heard about the book after seeing Elizabeth Gilbert, the author, on Oprah. Yes, I have a short obsession with Oprah (that may still be going on, but you will never really know). This book is about finding one's self in the midst of the craziness of life, which I just love. If you are interested in the audio, it is great. The author is the reader of the audio, which is awesome to hear her quirky jokes and tones. The first time I heard the book, it comfirmed my decision to enroll in Italian. On my recent treck to Iowa, I listened to Elizabeth talk about her travels to Italy, which of course hit close to home considering I leave to study abroad in Italy next week. Also, in a very brief moment, Elizabeth mentioned New Zealand, which was just too much to handle.

The book is divided into three different parts: Eat, Pray and Love (hints the title). I will not lie to you all. I have listened or read Eat three times now. I have listened to almost half of Pray twice now and never made it to Love quite yet. However, by the end of the summer. I will have listened or read the whole book and revise my blog on it. The Eat portion of the novel is worth about ten million reads, but I might be bias with my new obsession of anything Italian.

Sex God

Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections

between Sexuality and Spirituality

I am currently reading Rob Bell's Sex God. I honestly am on like page 20, but so far so good. It was a gift from the lovely Nina Humphrey. So, we shall see how I like it. I will let you know what I think.

I read this book when I was in Italy. This book is one of those you need to take for what it is. Rob Bell has a lot of interesting things to say, but I also felt like he didn't say much.

I would have appreciated more direct statements rather than beating around the bush. However, Bell did approach tough subjects in new ways with interesting ideas about things.

I may reread this book at a different time in my life. I do think books come to us at times in our lives when we really aren't ready for them.

Captivating

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul

The lovely Eldredge couple made this book to truly touch women's hearts. I read this book at a time when I was kind of questioning the new feminist movements influence on me. Haha. Meaning I was enrolling in Women Studies and trying to prepare myself for the 'crazy' feminist ideas to be pressed upon me. This book taught me it is okay and beautiful to be vulnerable. I saw firsthand the beauty in that this winter break. Also, this book was a beautiful conversation piece with one of my new best friends. Surprisingly this book brought us together in a very unlikely place: my Women Studies class. Now Katelyn Schutlze, you have to finish this book. It has been a whole semester. :) Ev ery women should read this. It gives a great picture of God's intensions for us. Although, the beginning was a struggle to get through because of how lovely dovey sappy it is. I simply have a tough exterior that was hard to tear down to really dive into this. However, there is not a week that goes by that I do not refer to this novels ideals. And women, once you read it, pass it on to a man. They should get a clue about these ideas.

Through Painted Deserts

Through Painted Deserts: Light, God

, and Beauty on the Open Road

Another great surprise. Don Miller's writing is quite interesting and has you flipping page after page wanting more. His ac count of his travels really reveal something about himself that shows adventure, love and the work of God. I love it when travels are so much more than the destination. Most journeys are that way and this book is no different. If anyone wants to road trip to Oregon after reading this book, call me.

Finding the Open Road

Finding the Open Road: A Guide to Self-Construction Rather than Mass Production (Roadtrip Nation)

This book really changes your perspective on what it means to be successful. In a world full of pressure and conformity, this book really gives a great perspective on success, self and life. I really love the ideas they give about making life decisions. It was meant to be a coffee table book because I liked the cover and now it is making my number one summer read. Enjoy! Please let me know what you think of it. Also, if anyone wants to set up some interviews and roadtrip the nation with me, I'm down.