9.13.2011

this may be a post about toilets and books


Just take a wild guess where this picture was taken.  Where in the world could you find a mother of four busy little children looking so absolutely peaceful?  It only lasted for three, maybe four minutes before some wee little person discovered my absence, but it was peace, nonetheless.  The great white throne room was quite a sanctuary.  Oh yes, you read that right-- I was hiding in the bathroom.  Ok, so maybe it felt just a tad bit foolish, but it was oh so very peaceful.  

I've never before understood why people bring reading material into their bathrooms.  I guess I never had the patience or time for luxurious baths, or for prolonged, uh-hum, toilet seat time (for lack of a better description).  But I've now recognized the importance and overall relaxing indulgence of a good many things to read in the bathroom.  Yep.  I now visit the restroom for that very purpose--to rest.  Why didn't I ever think of it before?  It's quite aptly named.  And reading is my unwinding, my uncurling of the toes, my mental breath of fresh air.  All I need now is a velvet chaise lounge beside my toilette.

And a bookcase.

Most definitely a bookcase.

Or I suppose my iphone will do.  I always said I would never read electronic books, that I preferred the weight of the words in my hand.  But then I discovered free ibooks.  And I can't refuse a free book.  I am one of those obsessive "readers" that has to be reading something all the time, whether it's the directions for my household appliances or even road signs, I MUST read.  I'm a speed reader, not one to skip words, just one to read them fast, hungrily almost.  

Right now, I'm consuming the classics.  They're free (have I mentioned that before).  And they're wonderful.  I was elated to discover some free works written by my favorite missionaries--  Amy Carmichael and C.T. Studd.  I've read Amy Carmichael's works, her prose and her poetry, since I was a little girl, but I just recently discovered her book Things As They Are and it is speaking to every cavern in my heart.  

Here's a list of some excellent free books I have in my ibook library (yes, we were just discussing toilets, but now we have naturally moved on to books):

Things As They Are
Amy Carmichael

Sovereign Grace
D.L. Moody

The Chocolate Soldier
C.T. Studd

The City of Fire
Grace Livingston Hill

Emma
Jane Austen

Home Education In Modern English
Charlotte Mason

Poems
Emily Dickinson

Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte

The Scottish Chiefs
Jane Porter

Hope of the Gospel
George MacDonald
(many many free books of his available
and some excellent fiction for older children)

I have to mention one other book you can download for free that I read back in highschool and have always loved.  I happen to own an old vintage copy of it that was printed in the late 1800s.  There are times when even the electronic version can't compete with the real, hundred year old deal.  

It's a classic called In His Steps by Charles Sheldon.


Isn't it lovely?  Don't you just love the old script on the first page?

But I digress.  That is all I am reading at the moment, and in my rest-a-room if I must.

Do you have any suggestions of books I can add to my plush bathroom library?

10 comments:

Southern Gal said...

I love your list. I could add to it, but I usually can't control myself very well when it comes to recommending books. The list would go on and on and on.

Kristin said...

Haha! You're so funny :) If I try to hide in there, mine just stand outside the door and talk to me through the door. LOL!

emilyclare said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
emilyclare said...

I love your list... especially the MacDonald, Austen, Dickinson and Bronte :) and I too find myself retreating to the bathroom for a little peace and reflection. Strangely, some of my best praying has happened there, but that's another story...

Some books I would definitely add to your library if you can is "Mr God, This is Anna" by Fynn, "Love Poems to God" by Rilke, "The Summer Book" by Tove Janson, "Listening to God" by Joyce Huggett

x

Lisa Grace said...

I love books. I read all the time, too. I read several books a week. When hubby first talked about gifting me with a Kindle, I was not impressed ... I love to turn a page. But I found the same thing you did - the beauty of the free book! I've got over 500 books now at my figertips and LOVE it!

Have you discovered the FB page or website for Pixel of Ink. They post daily freebies ... gospel of John is today.

However ... best download yet (and not sure if it's still free) ... was Prisoner in the Third Cell. WOW.

Happy Reading ... and SHHHH! I won't divulge your hiding place ;)

Mary said...

I love to hide in the bathroom, too. My kids have started passing me notes through the crack on the bottom of the door, though. :) Have a blessed day!

Jenilee said...

in his steps is one of my most favorite books. incredibly challenging and life changing!

Chloe Greene said...

I love this post.
One book you must add:
Peace At Last - it's a children's illustrated book about a mother elephant who lives in a suburban house and all she wants is a relaxing bath but her elephant children won't leave her alone for a moment. I used to read it to my daughter Maggie and it made me smile so much.
http://chroniclesofchloegreene.blogspot.com/

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

I would add Rumors of Water to the reading list. ... It's a great writing book, written by a mom.

Olivia Grace said...

Reading in the bathroom is my own personal heaven on earth!! Just a few moments of quiet, so luxurious!

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