What I’m Reading

I thought some people might be interested to see what books I’m reading these days. I’m in various stages of completion on the following:

The Reason I Jump, by Naoki Higashida. Written by a Japanese autistic teenager, it’s a wonderful, and very helpful, look into the person ‘inside’ an autistic body.

The Secret of the Kingdom, by Mika Waltari. Written in 1961 by a Finn, this novel set in the time of Jesus follows the life of a young Roman named Marcus Manilianus; in the style of a series of letters from Marcus to a friend.

Mannerheim, by Jonathan Clements. I’m very glad to learn more from this biography of such a pivotal figure in Finnish history.

–  At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past, by Roger Ekirch. A very interesting look at night and darkness throughout human history.

How to Pray, by R. A Torrey. I believe the Lord is calling me to a renewed focus on prayer and intercession.

Orthodoxy, by G. K. Chesterton. It’s good to read a book that I’ve heard much about over the past many years. Chesterton was a friend of George Bernard Shaw, though very different in worldview and perspective; they had a great debate, with Hilaire Belloc presiding, on the topic of Do We Agree.

Breakthrough!

The lights were off in our foyer when I returned home from work. As I as setting my things down, Valerie stood at the other end of the hall looking to see who was in the darkness. I could see that she was looking at me but didn’t know it was me.

I said ‘privet’ (hi), and she ran down the hall and gave me a big hug! This is first time she’s done that. Later in the day I started rough-housing with her (picking her up by her legs, tickling her, etc), and though she didn’t know what to make of it at first she started really enjoying it.

And then this:

Olga picked up her phone and took this picture after Valerie brought a book (in English) for me to read to her.  This has been a dream of mine — for Valerie to sit on my lap while I read to her.

I am very thankful.