Sofa Spotlight: So Much More Than A Headache, Kathleen O'Shea

To me this was a very significant book to read. I’ve lived with migraines for 15 years and not once did I ever think to see if there was any literature about migraines. Turns out that there’s quite a bit. Which is what this anthology is made up of.

It goes without saying that this book was of interest to me. At the start there is a recommendation that those who don’t have migraines would benefit from reading it, to give an understand of what those who suffer with migraines experience. And I do agree with that, but I think for those readers dipping in and out of different sections would be more beneficial than trying to consume the whole thing.

The anthology is very well structured, each section following a different part of the migraine episode. I don’t often experience aura with my migraines but it was interesting to see and feel what that would be like. And I think that is what is so great about this read, it allows you to step into the shoes of someone who has a migraine and feel what it is like. For me there was a great relief in knowing that I’m not alone with these experiences and there are others who go through the same thought processes and worries.

For me what I found to be most helpful was learning how different people have learnt to live with their migraines. It removed some of the pressure of looking for a cure or a trigger to avoid. I’ve been inspired to think about my migraine life differently – to be thankful for the good days and enjoy them, and to weather the migraine days and not feel guilty about them.

Sofa Spotlight - The Jesus Way, Eugene Peterson

The Jesus Way feels like a continuation of Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places. But for me it felt a bit of an easier read. This book deals with the different ways we can live life, what can motivate and drive us, and compares them to the way that Jesus has showed us we can live, when we follow Him.

I think it can be very easy to get caught up in how seeking money or glory or power can look good on the surface. This book really takes these other lifestyles apart, piece by piece, and reveals how they may look good, but they don’t end with satisfaction. Following Jesus is the other way around. On the surface it looks hard, and a bit stupid. But Peterson examines what makes following Jesus hard, but also worthwhile and ultimately the best way to live.

This is definitely one that I would recommend, it requires a bit of thought so maybe have a coffee on hand.

Sofa Spotlight - I Know You, Erik Therme

I love these books because they are an entertaining read. They don’t demand anything from you, all you have to do is make your coffee and settle in for a good ride. The only thing that I take for granted with these books is that it will have some weird twists and the most unlikely of people will be behind what’s going on.

I Know You is about Bree Walker’s journey to uncover what has become of her sister Alissa. Alissa storms out one day after an argument and although she doesn’t return, her backpack and creepy message do. Along the way Bree teams up, albeit reluctantly, with Alissa’s friend and together they start to track down Alissa.

It’s not a long book, but it’s full of action and very fast paced. For a quick and easy read it’s great, but I would love to see more character development and maybe a bit of a slow build. But it certainly gets the imagination going and even if the plot isn’t quite believable it’s a good story.

Sofa Spotlight - Run with the Horses, Eugene Peterson

This is a second read for me and once again I was struck by how relevant this book is. And particularly now I think that this book has a lot to say to us during this pandemic.

Eugene Peterson takes us through parts of the book of Jeremiah, giving us a feel for the time and place he lived. I found it very easy to picture what life would have been like for Jeremiah. Peterson is a great story teller and knows how to bring the pages of the Bible to life. But what he drew out from Jeremiah’s story was his faithfulness and the depth of Jeremiah’s relationship with God.

This isn’t a commentary on the book of Jeremiah, but it does lend many insights into the book. I feel like I need to read it again straight away to gather what I missed the first time round. There are many striking similarities between Jeremiah’s world and our own and the challenge to be faithful is always with us as it was for Jeremiah. Having said that, Jeremiah had to contend with a lot and then he ended up dying in Egypt. But it is an example of faithfulness without seeing the results in this life.

Sofa Spotlight - The Idiot, Fyodor Dostoevsky

I love reading Russian literature. So, I knew that I would enjoy reading this one. What I love so much is how it gets you thinking and questioning your values and attitudes. Not surprising then that I had a great experience with this book.

The Idiot is about Prince Myshkin, who has epilepsy and has suffered an emotional and mental breakdown in his past. The Prince is a really likeable character, but his goodness is thought to be naïve and he is often taken advantage of. I’m still working out what I think of him and his actions but there are many things that this book makes you think about.

One of them is that because the Prince is fairly open about his illness sometimes people think that it is ok to call him an idiot and say harsh things in his hearing because they think he doesn’t understand. It becomes clear that he does understand and doesn’t appreciate this. But also, it got me to thinking that even if someone doesn’t understand what is said, or doesn’t appear to understand, that doesn’t give permission for cruel things to be said.

There’s so much that could be said about this book and much to ponder. Give it a read and see if you agree.

Sofa Spotlight - Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortland

I read this because it had been recommended to me a few times – and I can see why it was recommended. The book looks at what is the heart of Christ and delves deep into what the means for us as Christians today.

When I was reading this, I was astounded because this book could have been written for me. The stuff it covers is things where I thought I must be the only one who felt like that but turns out there are lots of people! If you’ve ever thought that you are a Christian because God has to let you and He disapproves or is disappointed with you then this is the book for you.

It is beautifully written, and although it’s not the longest of books it is one that you will want to spend a long time in. There is so much to consider and truths that need time to really sink into your soul.

If you read no other book this year let it be this one. You won’t regret it.

Sofa Spotlight - Finding the Right Hills to Die on, Gavin Ortland

I think this is a great title and I was certainly intrigued to find out what was meant by theological triage. In I jumped and thoroughly enjoyed the journey that I took. The book is all about assessing our own theological viewpoints and determining which ones are the ones that we need to guard and which ones don’t need to be fought over.

What I found to be really excellent about this book was the humility of the author. At no point does he try to tell the reader what they should thing about doctrine or which doctrines to hold as most important. What he does instead is to explain the value of different doctrines and how we can decide what is important and what is not worth falling out over.

There were many highlights for me through this book, but one was the immense damage that Christians have done to one another over disagreements on theology. It showed why it’s important to keep things in perspective and work towards unity.

Brilliant book, well worth reading.