Whatshisface (& More June Reads)
In the month of June, I finished a total of six books, including (for the first time ever) Whatshisface by Gordon Korman. Read on for my impression of each work:
6 Books I read in June
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
My daughter and I finished listening to The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis together last month. One of my favorite parts: When in Ramandu’s country, Caspian made it clear to those who were grumbling over the prospect of sailing to the end of the world, that nobody was under compulsion to continue.
Rather, accompanying the ship further was a privilege that would be extended only by invitation to those crew members who were deemed brave and dependable enough to be entrusted with the responsibility.
Suddenly, the very men who’d been complaining earlier changed their tune and began begging to go. The scene made me wonder how often my own grumbling would disappear if I rightly viewed my responsibilities as an honor and a privilege rather than a drudgery or duty. How about you?
Whatshisface by Gordon Korman
We’re big fans of Gordon Korman (Schooled, Restart, The Fort, etc.), so when I spotted Whatshisface on sale in Audible recently, I bought it without knowing anything about it except the author.
We started listening on a recent roadtrip, but quit several chapters in as we weren’t sure about the direction the book was taking, and we had grandkids in the car.
But my husband and I finished listening together in private and really enjoyed the witty dialogue between the main character, Whatshisface, and the 17th century ghost who appeared to be trapped in his phone.
Suffering Is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
It’s been four years since I last read Elisabeth Elliot’s Suffering is Never for Nothing, so when my husband suggested we listen to it together on a recent road trip, I gladly agreed.
Based on a series of lectures she delivered some years ago at a small conference and later published posthumously, this book expands on an idea Elisabeth alluded to in a personal letter to me when I was in high school and wrote to her for advice with a difficult decision.
That concept was the role suffering plays in the life of a believer. She noted God uses our suffering to conform us to the image of Christ and to teach us total reliance on Him. And she explained how suffering, rightly understood and borne by His grace, can be transformed into a sacrifice of praise.
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
Based on the true story of a Native American girl who spent 18 years living alone on an island off the coast of California, Island of the Blue Dolphins was one of my favorite books of childhood.
I read it many times during grade school, imagining myself stranded alone on a deserted island, wondering how long I could survive.
Karana’s example of resilience, resourcefulness, courage, and quiet determination helped shape me into the woman I am today.
Our family listened to the audiobook together this time around, which was delightfully narrated and really brought the story to life.
You are a Theologian by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English
In their book, You Are a Theologian, authors Jen Wilkin and J.T. English argue that everyone is a theologian because everyone (even atheists and agnostics) has opinions and beliefs about God.
The aim of this book is to ensure those opinions and beliefs are firmly grounded in Scripture.
The book covers such topics as the Trinity, the attributes of God, humanity, Scripture, sin, atonement, justification, the church, and end times.
It is a good introduction to the study of God for those who are interested in delving into the topic for the first time or brushing up on doctrines they’ve ponderend in the past.
The Door to the Dragon’s Throat by Frank Peretti
My daughter and I also finished reading the first book in Frank Peretti’s Cooper Kids Adventure Series, Door to the Dragon’s Throat in June.
Jay and Lila Cooper, the teen children of a Christian archeologist, have accompanied their dad on a dig in Nepur. But they soon learn the mysterious cavern they’ve been hired to explore has sent all previous expedition parties fleeing in terror — at least the ones who escaped with their lives.
Will the God the Coopers serve protect them from the curse surrounding this desolate place?
The book starts a little slow, and my daughter was ready to quit a few pages in. But I insisted she finish the first chapter, which ended in a nail-biting cliffhanger which has kept her coming back for more.
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