Mint & Print // Books

  By this time you're probably wondering how on earth I keep finding all these blue and striped clothes! There will be more variety soon, but I can't guarantee how long it will last. ;) Hee-hee!

     Last weekend I went shopping, and came up with a few cute items (I'm still on the hunt for some decent jeans... :\ ). This darling mint cardigan was one of my finds. Yesterday I wore it with a blue tank and my go-to striped maxi skirt. Black boots and a vintage-inspired ponytail completed this cool-toned winter look.

 Outfit Details: Cardigan ~ Consignment Store; Tank ~ Gift from Mom; Skirt; Kohl's; Boots ~ Sears

  *                            *                           *

    Today I'm sharing a few books that I've enjoyed and/or found encouraging in recent years. I've included a few Christian biographies and some classic novels. They are all clean as far as intimacy and strong language go (there might be a little bit of mild language, and I will warn you of what I can remember). The bios do include some violence, so young or sensitive readers might want to have a parent or mentor review first. :)

Unfolding Destinies by Olive Fleming Liefeld - Do you remember the five missionary men who lost their lives in Ecuador in the 1950's? One of those men was Pete Fleming. His widow Olive tells about their relationship and the time leading up to and following the men's death. Getting a behind the scenes look at their lives was really interesting.

Death of a Guru by Rabi Maharaj- Though I haven't read this in a few years, I still remember the impression it had on me. This is the story of a young Indian man steeped in Hinduism and his coming to Christ. He went on to warn believers of the dangers of Eastern religions.

In The Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham - Missionaries to the Philippines, Martin and Gracia Burnham, were kidnapped by terrorists while taking a short vacation. Gracia tells their story, and though sad, it's also intriguing. It was encouraging to read about how the Burnhams were real Christians who still needed God's grace to have victory over their sin.

Joni by Joni Eeareckson Tada - Paralyzed as a teenager by an accident, Joni Eareckson Tada has become a household name for many Christians. This book was written before she met and married her husband. It tells the story of her accident how it affected her life and relationship with Christ.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - I read this when I was about fourteen, then again last year - it was much easier to get through the second time! Though I enjoy the film adaptation, it doesn't do the book justice. It includes interesting characters, a window into the world of the mid 19th century, and a complex-but-clean romance.

Jane Austen's Major Novels - Instead of picking one or two, I'll just recommend the whole list (picking a favorite is hard). ;) They're each good for different reasons. Though not necessarily Christian books, they depict good morals and are free of embarrassing scenes. One heads-up I would give is that Northanger Abbey includes an annoying character that uses mild language to an excess. :(


   I hope that you have a few new books on your reading list now! My hope is to compile another list for younger readers full of fun books from my reading heydey (ah those pen-and-ink illustrations from the 60's <3). Until next time, happy styling and reading.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 

Philippians 4:8