The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin

I must admit I was a little apprehensive about reading this book at first.  It was a book I happened to pick up for free for the Kindle, and I have often been disappointed with many freebies that are offered for a limited time on Kindle. 

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is the story of an unusual woman, Agnes Sparrow. No longer able or willing to leave her home, where she is cared for by her long-suffering sister Griselda, Agnes has committed her life to the one thing she can do—besides eat. Agnes Sparrow prays and when Agnes prays things happen, including major miracles of the cancer, ulcer-healing variety along with various minor miracles not the least of which is the recovery of lost objects and a prize-winning pumpkin. The rural residents of Bright’s Pond are so enamored with Agnes they plan to have a sign erected on the interstate that reads, “Welcome to Bright’s Pond, Home of Agnes Sparrow.” This is something Agnes doesn’t want and sends Griselda to fight city hall. Griselda’s petitions are shot down and the sign plans press forward until a stranger comes to town looking for his miracle from Agnes. The truth of Agnes’s odd motivation comes out when the town reels after the murder of a beloved community member. How could Agnes allow such evil in their midst? Didn’t she know? Well, the prayers of Agnes Sparrow have more to do with Agnes than God. Agnes has been praying to atone for a sin committed when she was a child. After some tense days, the townsfolk, Griselda, and Agnes decide they all need to find their way back to the true source of the miracles—God.

via Good Reads

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow turned into exactly the kind of book I love, set in a very small town where you get to really know each individual character in detail.  It reminded me of the Mitford series by Jan Karon, or even the Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun.  Those are favorites of mine, and so I was absolutely thrilled to learn that Joyce Magnin has a couple of other books featuring the town of Bright’s Pond and I can’t wait to get them!

The other thing I loved about this book is that Magnin definitely threw you some big curve balls when it came to these characters.  Just when I thought I knew them and knew their motives, I was left gasping or feeling a little emotional about the things that they experience.  If a book makes me get THAT into the characters and story, then it is a definite success with me. 

I am so glad I took a chance on this book.  It was a great, although unconventional, plot and I’m moving on to the next book in this series.

I have to warn you that I am one of those readers who reads several books at once. My dad is the same way, so I guess I can blame that little reading quirk on him. I usually have a small stack on my nightstand and several loaded on my Kindle on my phone. I plan to ask “Santa” for a Kindle this year for Christmas. Although, I much prefer to hold a book when I read, sometimes I run across really great prices (often free copies) for the Kindle. This is what I am currently reading this week:

 

 

Powerful Prayers for Troubled Times: Praying for the Country We Love

I bought this book over a year ago when I was still working in the Christian bookstore.  I have read several of Stormie O’Martian’s books and have always enjoyed them.  I don’t remember what prompted me to get this particular book, but I’m glad I did.  Not only is it filled with specific prayers to pray for our country, but it also touches on those big questions that deal with why bad things happen to good people and why God allows these things to happen. Really deep questions.  I’m about halfway finished with Powerful Prayers for Troubled Times and I think if anyone is concerned with those questions and the state of our country, this is definitely a good read.

 

 

Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life

I first learned of Shauna Niequist while reading a piece she wrote for Home Life Magazine.  Her writing style captivated me.  It was like she was a good friend talking to you.  I immediately went in search of her books and thought Cold Tangerines would be a great starting point.  I love books written in this style, good stories you can relate to just woven together perfectly.  I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Tangerines and can’t wait to read her others.

 

The Hunger Games

I know this book is the MUST READ book of the moment, but I just couldn’t get through this one and I have stopped reading it.  I must be the only person on Earth who doesn’t get this, and I’m o.k. with that.  Perhaps during the summer I might pick this one back up, but I’m done for now.  It’s not that I didn’t think the writing wasn’t good in The Hunger Games, it’s more of the storyline just didn’t interest me.  I know.  Blasphemy!

I’d love to hear what you are reading.  I’m always on the search for great books!