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Becky Parker
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| Posted: Dec 19 2012 at 7:28am | IP Logged
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My mom is staying with us for about a month. She's used to spending her days in front of the tv. She lives alone and is not able to get around much. She used to read a lot, but she didn't bring any books with her. She's bored.
I would like to get her a book, but everything I have is a classic or for kids, neither of which appeal to her. She likes to read fiction, I don't (unless it's an old classic). So I have no idea what to look for. I remember she used to read books by James Patterson and Danielle Steele. But I don't want to buy her a book that is not good for her soul, if you know what I mean. (I've honestly never read either author so I'm making an uninformed judgement.)
Any suggestions on a book I could get for her for Christmas?
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Becky
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stacykay
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Becky,
Do you think she would like a fiction series on the Amish? They have a "love story" running through them, but they are very clean. Here is the info on Beverly Lewis's books.
Oh, since it is Christmas, what about The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans?
Those are all my tired brain can think of...there is another series, but I just cannot think of the author. I can picture exactly what row and shelf I go to get them at the library, too.... 
I am praying for your mom! 
And you, too!
In Christ,
Stacy in MI
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pumpkinmom
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Perhaps running through the Christian fiction section at the library would be helpful. I can't think of authors, but if I can remember them later I will let you know.
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Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
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CrunchyMom
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Perhaps she would enjoy D.E. Stevenson. Two of her more popular books are recently back in print, Mrs. Tim of the Regiment and Miss Buncle's Book. (Honestly, these are two of the most entertaining books I've ever read!). She has other titles as well, but you would need to find them from the library or used. I enjoy these books, and they are edifying but not too difficult to read for someone who isn't used to reading "classic" literature (definitely titles I enjoy with pregnancy brain  ).
Also, if she likes mysteries, she might enjoy the Beatrix Potter mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert. They are delightful, imo, and a nice bit of fluff without being too twaddly. There is the whole Beatrix Potter animal theme that I suppose she could find childish, but they are written for adults, not children.
Would she consider some more classic mysteries like Dorothy Sayers, Marjorie Allingham, Chesterton, Agatha Christie, or Edmund Crispin?
I, personally, think that if she's used to mainstream fictions, she might find some of the Christian fiction to be a little heavy-handed and silly. However, I do recall my mother and others of her acquaintance being quite taken with the Mitford series by Jan Karon. It is set in a "village" in South Carolina and told through the eyes of the Episcopal rector there. Though I haven't read them myself, they would seem to be a good balance that fits what you are looking for.
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Lindsay
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: Dec 19 2012 at 10:11am | IP Logged
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The library would be ideal Cassie, but unfortunately ours isn't so great. My mom has been there with me before without much luck.
Thanks for the suggestions Stacey and Lindsay. DH and I are going to Barnes and NOble tonight (I'm so excited!  ) I'll write down your suggestions and see what I find.
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Becky
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JodieLyn
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Katherine Valentine books (starts with A Miracle for St. Cecelias ).. Catholic and I found them interesting rather than heavyhanded.. they were telling a story about the people in a Catholic Church rather than telling a story to convert readers..  I read such a wide range of books and little "popular fiction". It's hard to think of what might appeal to someone who likes popular fiction. Does she like historical fiction? I have a couple of series that are historical in nature that I could recommend.. 1 I've read and the other was recommended by another lady here.. but I'll have to hunt up the titles. The paperbacks romanaces that you can find at the grocery store that are Christmas short stories are generally pretty innoculous (not so heavy handed sexual as other romantic novels) and are often sweet stories.
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SeaStar
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My mother really enjoys books by Maeve Binchy... The Scarlet Feather,
Evening Class, etc.
There are quite a few of them, all set in Ireland. I'm not sure which comes first in the series, but the characters all run in and out through them.
I also have enjoyed many of them.They are interesting- all about life in Dublin. Our library has large print and regular print books as well as cd versions.
DE Stevenson- 
Dorothy Pym is another she might like.
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lapazfarm
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Jan Karon's Mitford series is very sweet and not overtly religious, even though the main character is an Episcopal priest.
At Home in Mitford
Maeve Binchy is great, too.
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: Dec 20 2012 at 5:23am | IP Logged
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Thanks everyone! I ended up getting her "At HOme in Mitford" which I think is the first book in the series. I'm hoping she'll want more of the series. It's funny, but I almost feel like I'm trying to inspire one of my kids to read more. Like I said, she watches a lot of tv now.
Makes me wonder if an active mind wards of things like dementia. I just know reading has to be better for her than watching the Hallmark channel (even though some of those movies are pretty cute!).
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Becky
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stacykay
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That's the series I couldn't think of! My m-i-l loves them. Now you can all snuggle and enjoy the snow!  Looks like we are in a snow-less bubble. 
In Christ,
Stacy in the snowless part of MI
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SeaStar
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Oh, I hope she likes MItford! I listened to them all on cd- loved them.
Fr. Tim and Cynthia, all the characters that live in the town... I think these could probably even work as a good read aloud or book on tape for the family- probably older kids would be more interested.
I am looking forward to listening to them again with my dc sooner or later.
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Book suggestions for my mom
