OK for Now by Gary Schmidt

What an easy, enjoyable read.  Written in the perspective of a young 8th grader who moves to Maryville NY with a troubled family.  The mother holds the 3 boys together emotionally, as the father is a drunk, liar and all-around jerk.  The small town offers Doug special people who take an interest in him -Lil, her dad, some teachers, some delivery clients , and Mr. Powell -the librarian and artist-- they all add their twist to Doug's new life and he, in turn, becomes stronger and more hopeful.  The author totally writes in the vernacular of the kid and it's great.  He also uses the venue of art to help Doug see himself and others (Audobon's pictures of birds -- one noble, one courageous, one coming alongside a friend, one finding a way out of an impossible situation..).  Difficult, fun, great ending.

Sensible Shoes by Sharon G Brown

What a terrific spiritual formation book.  This relates the story of 4 very different gals who get thrown together in a spiritual direction class which meets weekly.  What a great mix -- fearful Meg transformed by God into a bold woman who wants to make a difference; controlling Charissa who carries baggage from her past --voices that say her approval comes from other people and accomplishments; self-sacrificing Hannah, a pastor who doesn't know how to relax or pray-nor how to be vulnerable; and honest Mara, full of a past of bad choices --but wanting to dig out.  The 21 ladies that studied this book together were changed -- characters that have flaws which hit each of us right where we live.  Additionally, the author introduced us to some ancient disciplines from the early church-- lectio divina, prayer labyrinth, prayer of imagination, examen -- all practices which we attempted to use to determine if any would assist us in our walk with Jesus.  I personally faced some of my past hurts and gained understanding in why I need approval ; why I only attempt jobs/ responsibilities that I can succeed at; how legalism and judgmentalism have shaped my view of God.  One great eye-opener:  my past failure of inability to rise early to spend time w/ Jesus.  I relayed to the gals that God began waking me up at 6:15 (my old CBC failure) --one morning I rolled over and God literally spoke to my heart -- "I am inviting you".  It hit me ==the living God, Creator of the universe wants me to rise with him --He is inviting me!!  This incredibly hard discipline has now become so much easier -- it is not a hassle nor a "chore" to do!  One morning when I was extremely tired, I said to the Lord -- "I need a little more rest" and God said to me--""That's all right, Honey --we will catch up later".  It felt like an entirely new relationship, that He was not judging me or wanting me to be afraid of His disapproval!  I am feeling loved by Jesus and it has been good.  I am being reminded by the Holy Spirit to let some things go, to "lean" into Him, to not work so hard at appearances, whether mine or my house!!  Yea!!

An Invisible Thread by Schroff & Tresnowski

This was a recommended read from Mel!  Kind of reminded me of "Same Kind of Different as Me" in that it was the story of a remarkable lady who noticed a boy in the city where she worked -- and stopped to talk to him.   That was the beginning of a unique relationship --a boy with a family of drug users and sellers, all living in a 1 bedroom apartment.  At age 8-9 he understood more of the streets and saw his various family members shoot up in front of him.  The lady, in the publishing business, began to meet with him every week and fed him McDonald's.  It was the triumph of one person making a huge impact in a life who could have gone down the tubes.  She gave him hope and showed him what life could look like and he made it out of that lifestyle.  No references to God's leading in this, but she definitely had his guidance whether she knew it or not!  Protection and courage in unsafe places and scary situations.  A great story of redemption.