JANTE, Yes, I read I Heard the Owl Call my Name in my late teens, and remember its feel, its mood, its sadness and beauty vividly. I need to re-read it. Thank you for reminding me of it.

Other books that have been deeply influential include D. Stephen Long's The Goodness of God, John Eldredge's Desire, The Practice of the Presence of God by Br. Lawrence & a few select sermons by John Wesley from the collection of volumes so titled.

You don't need to finish a book, just read the paragraphs which grab you. Michael Hyatt the blogger says publishing's dirty secret is that most books are at least twice as long as they need to be.

I also started a reading recovery plan this year. http://networkedblogs.com/xyTMu. But if your plate's full; it's full. You WILL have more time as your son grows older.

PENELOPE, you know I haven't read anything by Amy Carmichael, though a mentor gave me a book of her poetry. I will look her up, maybe start with the biography. And haven't heard of Isobel Kuhn. So, thank you so much.

Thanks, MOLLIE. I don't remember reading Christy, based on Marshall's mother, I believe, but I feel I know it because she refers to it so much in her books and journals. Catherine's life is such a great example for me of writing in the middle of poverty, bereavement, housework, stressful step-kids etc. I suppose her faith carried her through!

BELIEVER'S BRAIN–Yes, I loved Prayers of Life as a young woman, though now, little lingers in my brain!!

Thanks, DAVID,

MARGARET, I have the Carothers on my shelf, read it in my early Christian days, and should re-read it. Would love to read Practice of the Presence of God, also on my shelf. Haven't heard of the Father Heart of God, but experiencing it has been transformational for me. Must google it.

Thanks much, HOLLY. Look forward to reading your book, which sounds fascinating!

It drives my poor daughter crazy – she is on her path to priesthood and she reads all the time and insists that I at least plow through GK Chesterton or Bonhoffer. I am sad to admit that I cannot.

A while ago, a dear friend of mine and I were in a group discussion at our church regarding the 3-legged stool of piety, action and study. I admitted to the group that I just had no time to really digest good study material. After reading nearly all day for work, I just cannot keep my brain focused to read more for myself. This friend said to me “whenever you walk by the books, gently stroke them and tell them that you *will* read them someday…and right now, you are doing God's work in your family and community”.

So, I started reading blogs as a way to study my faith. I read several each day at bedtime and when I wake up along with Mission St. Clare's Morning Prayer. It is all I can manage right now.

Thank you all for your lists, I will continue buying these books, putting them on my bookshelf and caressing them gently as I walk by. I envy you who have time to enjoy these wonderful works of faith. With God's help, I *will* get a chance to read everything I want to.