Summer bliss equals a cold drink, a spot of shade and a good book. You supply the first two ingredients and our Gethsemane Library promises the last one. Check out these new titles:
"Outcasts United" by Warren St. John. This book is the Hopkins Community Read about an immigrant soccer team and its remarkable coach.
"How We Age: A Doctor's Journey Into the Heart of Growing Old," by Marc E. Agronin, MD. Through personal experiences of his patients and their families, Dr. Agronin examines what aging means today, how our bodies and brains change over time and how these changes influence new understandings of aging.
"American Grace: How Religion Divides Us and Unites Us," by Robert D. Putnam and David E. Campbell. Based on two of the most comprehensive surveys ever conducted on religion and public life in America.
Surprising trends help us better understand our nation today.
"The Postmistress," by Sarah Blake, weaves together the stories of three very different women, loosely tied together by a letter, during the war years of the 1940's.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson. This witty novel is a love story between a proper English widower and a Pakistani widow who owns a local food shop. A great read filled with quirky characters, humor, and pathos.
"Prayers for Sale," by Sandra Dallas. The story of an unlikely friendship between two women fueled by the Great Depression. One of the women is 86 years old and the other is 17.
Children's Books
"City Dog, Country Frog," by Mo Willems. Dog meets Frog and bond together in a sweet tale of friendship.
"Children Make Terrible Pets," by Peter Brown. Find out what happens when Miss Lucy, a dancing bear, adopts Squeak, a young boy. Do children make terrible pets?
"A Sick Day for Amos McGee," by Philip Stead. Who will care for the animals when Amos McGee, the city zookeeper, gets sick? This book is the 2010 Caldecott Medal winner.
Thank you to Gethsemane members for offering book recommendations for our library. Check out what your fellow members have been reading:
While We Were Far Apart by Lynn Austin
This novel was reviewed by one of our members: "I received this book in the drawing at the Sisters in Spirit Women's Retreat. It's a wonderful story and now I'd like to contribute it to the library."
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A. J. Jacobs
A. J. Jacobs decides to dive in headfirst and attempt to obey the Bible as literally as possible for one full year. The result is a fascinating and hilarious exploration of religion and the Bible.
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl Wudunn
"Challenging, stirring, urgent, compelling ...if you have always wondered if you could change the world, read this book." Our Gethsemane women's book club passionately agrees.
Dream Work by Mary Oliver
"Dream Work" is a collection of 45 poems written by Mary Oliver, an American Pulitzer Prize poet. It is a beautiful, insightful collection meant to be savored again and again.
We welcome all ideas for adding various types of media to our library. Keep your suggestions coming!
February is Library Lovers month. What a perfect time to wander into the Gethsemane library and peruse the shelves to your heart’s desire.
Did you know that your library loves you, too? To show that love the library committee is offering prize drawings to anyone who checks out one or more items during the month of February. Prizes include sticker books for ages 2-4, Target gift cards for 5-12 year-olds, and restaurant gift cards to ages 13 and above. Everyone is a winner because the enjoyment of a good book is the best prize of all!
New titles such as these are sure to get your heart racing:
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson and his family live in a Victorian parsonage in England. On a whim, Bryson “journeyed” through the rooms of his home and “wrote a history of the world without leaving home.” Through his curiosity and research the reader discovers how the intimacy and possessions of one’s home reflects both the world’s history and current culture. A very informative and entertaining read.
American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us by Robert D. Putman and David E. Campbell
This book explores how the role of religion has changed over 50 years and the resulting effects on U.S. democracy and civic life. Though today’s politics are polarized, Putman and Campbell point to hopeful statistics that predict possible unity among all beliefs. They are encouraged by community volunteerism, friendship among all people, and inclusion of the younger generations. Find a detailed review of this book is the January 2011 issue of The Lutheran magazine.
The Gethsemane Library offers these new books to enrich your long, summer days. Families, check our webpage for a link to some outstanding summer reading programs for kids.
Historical Fiction
The Hidden Flame, by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke, is an epic tale of romance and intrigue set in first-century Jerusalem.
Though Waters Roar is Lynn Austin’s newest novel that traces the stories of four women who dare to challenge their society’s feminine expectations.
Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett, is a spellbinding tale of ambition and power that tells the story of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, a monk driven to build the greatest cathedral in the world. (An Oprah Book Club selection.)
World Without End, by Ken Follett, picks up the story two centuries after the townspeople of Kingsbridge finished the exquisite cathedral that was the heart of the Pillars of the Earth.
Contemporary Fiction
Beguiled, by Deanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand, is set in the historical city of Charleston, South Carolina. It blends romance and suspense as two people tackle the question of who is the thief terrorizing this historical city?
Fall to Grace, by Kerry Casey, is the story of an eight year friendship between two boys of different backgrounds, but similar tragedies. This book was an all-congregational read at Pastor’s Sarah’s previous church.
Leaving Yesterday, by Kathy Cushman, is a contemporary re-telling of the prodigal son. Is Alisa’s son truly ready to seek help or is he covering up past and new temptations?
Watch Over Me, by Christa Parrish, tells of a baby girl abandoned in a field. Ben and Abbi seem like the obvious couple to serve as foster parents, but the newborn’s arrival challenges their already precarious marriage.
Run, don’t walk, to the library and be the first to check out our new books. Following is a sample of some of the titles that will intrigue, entertain and educate the entire family:
Adult Fiction
Patty Jane’s House of Curl by Lorna Landvik
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
The New Woman: A Staggerford Novel by Jon Hassler
The Preacher’s Daughter by Beverly Lewis
A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
I Am . . . Biblical Women Tell Their Own Stories (fictional autobiographies) by Athalya Brenner
Adult Non-Fiction
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Bipolar Disorder by Francis Mondimore
Great People of the Bible: The Apostle Paul, DVD
The Wonderful, True Story of John Hus, DVD
The Journey Towards Wholeness, video set
Upper Elementary Fiction
The complete four book set of the Landon Snow series by R. K. Mortenson
Each Little Bird That Sings (National Book Award Finalist) by Deborah Wiles
Picture Books
47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea
God Gave Us You
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
The Forever Dog
Our library offers varied materials to deepen your Lenten experience. Look for devotionals, fiction, non-fiction, picture books, and videos. Some intriguing titles include:
The Man Who Buried Jesus is a novel narrated by Nicodemus. John Walsh writes this story of historical fiction as a detective tale.
In Judas: Betrayer or Friend of Jesus?, William Klasson traces the ways Judas is portrayed in the four gospels. Could he have meant no harm when handing Jesus over to the religious authorities?
Two books by Max Lucado, And the Angels Were Silent, and The Final Week of Jesus, follow Jesus on his final journey and give us insight on our final journey.
The Tale of the Three Trees and Benjamin’s Box are enchanting children’s tales full of treasures and surprises.
Mike Thaler has just released a fourth book in his popular "Tales from the Back Pew" series. The book is entitled Easter Egg Haunt and humorously tells of a young boy and his Sunday School classmates who learn the true spirit of Easter while decorating eggs for the church Easter egg hunt.
My name is Anna Arneson. I read books from the Gethsemane Library. They are always good. You should check out books from the library too. I am the new library assistant.
Snow Happy to be Here is a really fun story about where snowpeople come from and how they come to life. The pictures are really nice and the story is easy to read.
Dazzle the Dinosaur is a book about a dazzling egg and the amazing little dinosaur who hatches from it. The story is about friends and bravery.
The library seeks your input and support in two special ways.
We are inviting members of the congregation to participate in an all-congregational read that will take place this summer. The topic is “Spiritual Friendships,” one of the Elements of a Living Faith. Please recommend titles, fiction or non-fiction, that can be enjoyed by anyone, male or female, young or old, and convey “spiritual friendship” as one of its main themes. Place your suggestions in the basket on the library desk.
Recycle your 2008 Christmas cards. The library committee will transform them into boxes to be used for a particular project. Intrigued? Watch future newsletters for opportunities to help us out! Drop off your cards in the basket labeled “Place cards here.” Thank you!
Savor and then check-out the new books on display in the library. We keep adding additional titles to entice you. These are just two of the many new books which will "whet your appetite!"
City of My Dreams by Per Anders Fogelstrom, translated by Jennifer Brown Baverstam
This remarkable novel tells the story of Henning Nilsson and his family in nineteenth century Sweden. Fifteen-year-old Henning, barefoot and penniless, leaves the country in search of a better life. His story mirrors the growth of Stockholm as both struggle with the Industrial Revolution and the opportunities and mishaps toward the acquisition of dreams. City of My Dreams, the first book in his five-volume Stockholm series, broke the record for bestsellers.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
This novel, written by the author of the bestseller, The Kite Runner, returns to Afghanistan during the reign of the Taliban, the aftermath of the Taliban’s rule and the country’s rebuilding. It traces two generations as they struggle to survive, raise families and find happiness. Unlikely relationships among characters are formed and sustained through common trials and shared joys. This book offers a deeper understanding of Afghanistan as it weaves a gripping tale.
Money and the People You Love, by Bruce Helmer
Financial advisor, Bruce Helmer, popular host of the WCCO radio show, “Your Money,” has learned that relationships are the single greatest influence on how people use their money. Imagining their financial futures, people focus on family, friends, faith communities, and charities. In Money and the People You Love, Helmer offers a new approach to financial planning based on this universal principle.
American Gospel: God, The Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation by Jon Meacham
Read the following reviews written by two of today’s eminent authors, and note that this book was chosen as a text for one of the Lay School’s courses offered this fall at Luther Seminary.
"In his American Gospel, Jon Meacham provides a refreshingly clear, balanced, and wise historical portrait of religion and American politics at exactly the moment when such fairness and understanding are much needed. Anyone who doubts the relevance of history to our own time has only to read this exceptional book.” - David McCullough, author of 1776
“Jon Meacham has given us an insightful and eloquent account of the spiritual foundation of the early days of the American republic. It is especially instructive reading at a time when the nation is at once engaged and deeply divided."
On September 12 and 13, 19 women gathered in The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery. Pastor Laurie led the group in a study of the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, as a guide in reflecting on our own lives. It was a wonderful, spirit-filled experience.
While the participants wish everyone could have shared in the ‘high’ of this retreat, we do want to strongly recommend the book that was used for our study. It’s "The Book of Ruth: Twelve Moments in Every Woman’s Life" by Joan Chittister. The words are powerful. . .the art is inspiring. It’s truly a VERY special book. We encourage you to read it!
Now that the school year is upon us, it’s time to put your feet up and relax with a good book. Our library has many Christian novels to entice any reader. Check out some of these new books and favorite authors:
New Books
- A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman
A heartfelt novel about love, loss and redemption.
- The Restorer and The Restorer’s Son by Sharon Hinck
Sharon is the featured speaker at the GCW Fall Salad Supper. The Restorer was a finalist in the 2008 Christy Awards (best Christian fiction).
- The Serpent Garden by Judith Merkle Riley
A blend of biography, history, romance and danger.
- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
A retelling of the book of Hosea set in the California gold rush days of 1850.
- Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky
A fictional account of the 1894 Hinckley fire and how the town was restored through faith.
- Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate
A fun read packed with colorful characters and rollicking escapades.
Favorite Authors
- Agatha Christie
- John Hassler
- Jan Karon
- Beverly Lewis
- Janette Oke
- Eugenia Price
- Lori Wick
Now it’s your turn to "soak up" a good book! Enjoy!
Kids and families, get a head start on your VBS Rain Forest Adventure by checking out some intriguing books. These books highlight the beauty, mystery and wonder of exotic animals and plants that inhabit rain forests and jungles.
Over in the Jungle: A Rain Forest Rhyme by Marianne Berkes
Count, clap and sing to a favorite children’s rhyme while learning about jungle creatures. Delight in Jeanette Canyon’s polymer clay illustrations. No wonder this is an award winner!
The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry
A recipient of numerous book awards, this is the story of many different animals that live in a great kapok tree in the Brazilian rain forest and how they try to convince a man not to cut down their home.
God Made Creepy Crawlies: by Sally Anne Conan
With playful verse and vibrant illustrations, this book explores unique characteristics of a wide variety of animals.
Sharing Nature with Children: by Joseph Cornell
Parents and teachers have been using this classic for years to teach nature awareness and appreciation. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, discover why it has remained so popular.
P.B. Bear’s Jungle Adventure: by Lee Davis
A teddy bear, along with his buddies, a stuffed rabbit and dog, visit their monkey friend, Milly, in the jungle. Besides being a delightful tale, this is an excellent book for beginning readers.
This is the Earth God Made: by Lynn Downey
A rhyming text tells the story of the beautiful world that God made and includes creative activity suggestions.
When the World Was New: by Alicia Garcia de Lynam
This book gently explores the questions: When the world was new, what would have happened if God had not made the sun, stars, living creatures, etc? How would our world be different?
Rain Forest Open Your Eyes to a World of Discovery: by Elinor Greenwood
One of the Dorling Kindersley (DK) series of non-fiction books for children, this treasure presents amazing photographs and facts about each layer of the rain forest.
Owen and Mazee The Language of Friendship: by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu
An orphaned baby hippo and grumpy 103 year old tortoise form a lasting friendship. This true story tells of their first remarkable year and a half together.
Men, are you angling for a good book? Cast your bait and reel in one or more of these. You’re sure to find something that will hook you!
Fiction
Chicken Soup for the Little Soul: The Best Night Out With Dad by Jack Canfield
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
The Presence of Angels by Michael Sherer
The Twilight of Courage by Bodie and Brock Thoene
Non-Fiction
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonheoffer
The Myth of a Christian Nation by Gregory A. Boyd
Love, Dad: Letters of Faith to my Children by Herbert Brokering
Love, Dad: A Father’s Daily Epistles to his Two Boys ... Written on the Run and Left on the Breakfast Table by Patrick Connolly
Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker
Conversations With Poppi About God by Robert W. Jensen and Solveig Lucia Gold
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
Truman by David McCullough
90 Minutes to Heaven by Don Piper
God’s Politics by Jim Wallis
All men who check out material during June are automatically entered to win the fishing gear on the display table.
Ladies, blossom this spring by reading one of these books that are "hand-picked" especially for you in honor of Mother's Day by the members of the church library.
Non-Fiction
Love, From Grandma by Becky L. Amble
The Wisdom of Daughters by Reta Halteman Finger and Kari Sandhaas
Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs
Second Wife, Second Life By Marjorie Holmes
Where Does a Mother Go To Resign? by Barbara Johnson
Kindred Sisters by Dandi Daley Mackall
Prayers From a Mother's Heart by Judith Mattison
The Life of Katie Luther, Vision Videos
Fiction
Hidden Places by Lynn Austin
Papa's Wife by Thyra Ferre Bjorn
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
Mary Called Magdalene by Margaret George
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingslover
City of Angels by Tracie Peterson
The Serpent Garden by Judith Merkle Riley
Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate
All women who check-out a book during the month of May are automatically entered to win the lovely plant on display.
Men, don't despair! June is your month!
Yes, we have magazines, too!
Please check out the library display table and find magazines for the entire family to enjoy. We currently subscribe to four periodicals:
- THE LUTHERAN MAGAZINE shares stories about God’s people and challenges Lutherans to nurture awareness of Christ’s presence in their own lives and in the world.
- THE LUTHERAN WOMAN TODAY provides inspirational articles that strengthen and expand faith. A highlight is the yearly Bible study that continues in each issue.
- THE LITTLE LUTHERAN is a durable magazine for children ages 6 and younger. Each issue includes stories, songs and activities intended for faith based adult and child interaction.
Checkout is easy. Just sign your name and the name of the borrowed magazine on the clipboard, located in the basket.
Magazines that have been suggested as possible future subscriptions include.
- WEAVINGS
- SOJOURNERS
- THE CHRISTIAN CENTURY
Please let us know if you have a suggestion for another periodical to include!
A Little Bird Told Me . . . These Books Are "Tweet!"
Check out the newest additions to our Gethsemane Library. These new books can be found on the second shelf immediately to the left as you enter the library.
Adult Non-Fiction
- Riches Stored in Secret Places by Verdell Davis
- Light In My Darkest Night by Catherine Marshall An intimate glimpse of her season of disappointment and anger with God, offering hope to anyone who has ever experienced spiritual silence and darkness.
- Second Wife, Second Life by Marjorie Holmes
- How To Survive the Loss of a Love by Melba Colgrove, PH. D., Harold Bloomfield, M.D., and Peter McWilliams
Adult Fiction
- Home To Holly Springs by Jan Karon The first of the Father Tim series by the popular author of the Mitford series.
- The Restorer by Sharon Hinck The first in the Sword of the Lyric trilogy
Children
- The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen ages 4-8
- Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis ages 4-8
- Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Parks When her brother, Mick, is killed, Phoebe Harte’s world was turned upside down. Here is a very real look at a difficult subject by one of today’s most popular authors. ages 9-12
- Landon Snow and the Auctor’s Riddle and Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidan by R. K. Montgomery ages 9-12
Lenten Offerings in Library
Begin your Lenten journey with resources from our Gethsemane library. Browse our display and allow these inspiring materials deepen your reflection and renewal. May these suggestions enrich your experience of the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord.
Staff Picks:
- Walk With Jesus by Henri Nouwen
Discover the 15 Stations of the Cross, painted by Sister Helen David, with Henri Nouwen. Even as humanity is broken, the cross promises healing and hope.
- The Final Week of Jesus by Max Lucado
Max Lucado guides us on a journey from Jesus’ sacrifice to his ultimate victory.
- The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Heiggs
A farmer’s daughter receives a mysterious gift which she neglects and then discards only to find out on Easter morning how special it is.
- The Tale of the Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
Three trees dream of grandeur and then discover the greatest recognition comes in humbleness.
Three Youth Join the Library Birthday Club
Best wishes and thank you to Jack, Sarah, Aliese, and their families for donating books in honor of their birthdays.
Jack’s books, Landon Snow and the Auctor’s Riddle and Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidam, begin a fantasy series about a boy who is swallowed into the pages of an ancient bible. Sarah’s donation, Butterflies Under Our Hats, a beautiful picture book, tells a folktale about how hope is discovered if we just look under our hats. Aliese’s choice, The Restorer, is the first in a fantasy series about a young mother who finds herself pulled through a portal into a foreign culture and reality. Look for a video of Jack, on the Gethsemane web page, receiving his birthday favor as a gift from the congregation. Please consider donating materials to our library in honor of a special young person.
