In last year’s poll, many of you expressed interest in hearing more book recommendations, and my April post about What I’d Been Reading for the first three months of 2019 was received well. So, I’ve decided tentatively to install a regular post where I’ll share with you my thoughts on the books I’ve read each month (and the music I’ve listened to—keep reading!). At least that’s the plan, and we’ll see how it goes. I’m always interested in hearing what y’all are reading too, so feel free to comment and join the conversation!
Without further ado, here’s some literature I read this April:
Frankenstein, stageplay by A. S. Peterson
After rereading Mary Shelley’s novel earlier this year, last month I read A. S. Peterson’s adaptation for the stage, and I thought it was excellent. I love reading plays (for obvious reasons) and learning from other playwrights’ techniques, and I thoroughly enjoyed Peterson’s stagecraft—especially the symbolism he highlighted in the way he framed the sets and even phrased little lines of dialogue. I thought he did a great job faithfully picturing the original tale while pulling out hidden thematic threads and weaving them in new, interesting ways. That’s such a hard balance to find—between conforming to the source and incorporating one’s own perspective—but I’d say Peterson found that sweet spot in the middle. I’d love to see this play performed!
The Meaning of Marriage, Tim and Kathy Keller
Pretty much says what it is in the title—and I’d earnestly recommend it to any adult regardless of their “relationship status.” I found the book incredibly insightful, honest, Biblical, encouraging, realistic…what else can I say? It met my expectations, and they were high! Tim and Kathy Keller clearly explain marriage as God designed it—as a relationship whose end is to transform both husband and wife into better images of Christ, and which does so by imitating Christ’s union with His church. If you haven’t read The Meaning of Marriage, put it on your list!
Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery
It had been several years since I last read this old favorite, and Anne was such a delight to revisit. I don’t 100% agree with every aspect of Montgomery’s worldview, but she sure knows how to tell a wholesome, heartwarming story with the loveliest heroine at its center. I don’t know that I’ll be able to stop with rereading just the first book in Anne’s series!
As a bonus, I thought I’d share some music I particularly enjoyed last month too. These are just a few favorites from what I listened to in April:
Christopher Robin, soundtrack by Geoff Zanelli and Jon Brion
I watched this movie a couple months ago and found it so fresh and childlike in the best way. A simple story, sweetly and comically told, not trying to be anything other than what it was. And the soundtrack is endearing, like the story.
Resurrection Letters, Vol. 1, Andrew Peterson
I listened to this album quite a bit around Easter especially (though I love it at any time of year). Stirring, expressive music.
West Side Story and On the Waterfront, Leonard Bernstein and New York Philharmonic
I’ve never seen either movie (and don’t necessarily care much), but I love this music. Bernstein is one of my favorite orchestral composers, and these two symphonic suites in particular keep my energy levels up while I work!
Sovereign, Michael W. Smith
I played this album more or less on repeat the last week or so of April. Michael W. Smith is a time-tested favorite, and so many songs in this album touch my soul: “You Won’t Let Go,” “Christ Be All Around Me,” “Sovereign Over Us”…actually I could just list every song on the CD, so I won’t. Check out this album!
So, those are some of the books and music that I’ve been enjoying lately. What about you?