Favorite book.
Written by Annie on February 28th, 2008
My grandmother would consider this her favorite blog post ever. Can people in heaven read blogs?
My favorite book of all time is Christy by Catherine Marshall.
It is the true story of a young woman (Catherine Marshall’s mother!) in 1912 who hears that there is a need in the Appalachian Mountains- the children need a teacher. And she can’t resist God calling her to go there. She packs up her safe life and moves, alone, to Tennessee. [Hmmm....]
I don’t remember the first time I read the book. The truer statement is I don’t recall a time when I didn’t have the book by my bed. I mean, I wasn’t three, but I have loved it for years. In total, I’ve read it close to 50 times. Start to finish. [I know that's bizarro. I never claimed to be anything else.]
I’ve been sitting at this point in the post for about 10 minutes. And I can not figure out what else to say. I feel like I need to say, “This is my favorite book because…..” and then discuss the characters and the setting and the plot. But I can’t come up with an answer that I think will satisfy. Instead, I will just say what is true.
Because this novel moves me.
That doesn’t make you want to read it, I know. Nor does it make Christy stand out from any other book you’ve read before.
But it is different. I love it. It speaks to my soul. It changed me. It changes me.
I am a better person, a better teacher, a better Christian, a better woman, because of this novel and the real life example set by this woman.
I met Catherine Marshall’s grandson one time. He was dating a friend of mine. As we were introduced, my eyes filled with tears…. while we were shaking hands. I proceeded to talk too much about how wonderful his family members were. Awkward, to be certain.
But that is the power of a beautiful written word. And a beautifully lived life.
Check Shannon’s blog for other bloggers’ favorite books. You have a blog? You have a fav book? Join in the fun!!
28
AM
I don’t think of Traveling Mercies as a book about religion at all, but rather as a handbook, or maybe a sort of owner’s manual, for people who are trying to live faithfully: which is to say, learning to cooperate with grace–even (or especially) when real life rears its very confusing head. It’s a book about some of us who–surprising even ourselves–came to believe in a loving God who is with us always–even on bad thigh days, even in the midst of homework wars with our children–a God who does not roll His or Her eyes at us even when we are trying to buy cars or date, who does not forsake us even when we whine or are bad to each other. It is about my experiences with a God who loves me, chooses me, and forgives me, every step of the amazing way.
[Reply]
28
AM
Brevity is the soul of wit.
[Reply]
28
AM
I love Catherine Marshall! That’s funny you fell all over her grandson. It’s kind of like when you go to a concert and meet the band and can’t think of anything intelligent to say. I hate when that happens!
[Reply]
28
PM
I LOVED Christy. Wanted to be her even. I think I’m still working on it. Maybe even wishing I’d chosen Tennessee instead of South America!
[Reply]
28
PM
I also loved this book. When I first read it, I almost died when I thought she was going to end up with the preacher. Now when I read it I chuckle at his poor fate. I also loved it when she gave the little girl the shoes…I’m not making that up, am I?
[Reply]
28
PM
I had a crush on Kellie Martin … does that count for a offbeat, quasi-affinity for the book? That I’ve never read?
qngtga
Quick nirvana good times … go Annie!
(I’m tired of getting Q’s in my veris.)
[Reply]