10 Books Every American Should Read (according to Huffington Post)

I like to think of myself as someone who reads for pleasure and not only for academic purposes. Sure, there were several books I *had* to read for a particular class or assignment, but there are certainly others that I have read for simple pleasure. As I get older, reading has become more of a priority. I like to read books that challenge me, make me think, make me wander, make me question, and, most importantly, make me crave for more. I like a variety of fiction and non-fiction, biographies, religious and spirituality, and, yes, even the 50 Shades Trilogy (it fits into multiple categories, I think). I subscribe to The Huffington Post and they recently published a list of 10 Books Every American NEEDS to Read.

How many of these books have you read? Leave a comment below!

Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776)

I’m pretty sure I read this book for American and British literature courses in college, perhaps even for advanced classes in high school, but I don’t remember anything specific.
I know it was in support of the 13 colonies breaking away from Great Britian’s rule. It’s year of publication (1776) is significant as that was the year the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and signed at the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

This particular time in America’s history ~ say, 1700 to 1900 ~ is my favorite period to study and discuss. I definitely paid attention in class!

The Federalist Papers by A.Hamilton, J.Madison, and J.Jay (1788)

Again, a book written during my favorite time in American history but I don’t think I’ve read this collection in its entirety. I know I’ve read bits and pieces for specific assignments and research projects though. These papers (or essays) were written to persuade the citizens of the United States of America to adopt (and accept) The Constitution.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)

According to Abraham Lincoln, Stowe was the “little lady who caused a war.” This book was a major factor in the anti-slavery movement. I read it multiple times.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1885)

Read it once. I think this book is banned from most schools for its language. That’s disappointing considering Twain is still considered an icon of American literature.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)

Don’t fret when I say this, but I have never read this book. I’ve watched the movie a gazillion and one times, does that count for anything? I have a sudden craving for popcorn and a day with Scarlett and Rhett. Want to join me for movie day at Ropin’ H Ranch!?!?!

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939)

Read this book in high school and college. It depicts the life of a family in Oklahoma forced to leave their farm during the Dust Bowl and brought much attention to the Great Depression.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952)

I have *NOT* read this book. Sounds interesting. Intriguing. Mysterious.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961)

I have *NOT* read this book.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962)

I have *NOT* read this book.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown (1970)

I have *NOT* read this book, but I want to as soon as possible. I recently experienced the most incredible repentance and remembrance worship service honoring the history and heritage of Native Americans. They suffered great hardship at the hands of Christian Anglos. It was a very moving ceremony for me. It made an impact that I won’t forget. Ever.

* * * * * * * * * *

I love to read your comments. Tell me: What book(s) are on your summer reading list? Do you plan to read any of the titles mentioned here? Do you agree or disagree with this list?

REMINDER —–> Margaret Feinberg’s summer book club
featuring The Organic God begins Monday, June 11. Join me, plus many
others from around the world, in this adventure. It’s sure to please!

Giveaway Results (and a *SURPRISE*) — “The Organic God” by Margaret Feinberg

I normally don’t publish a separate post for giveaway winners but I’m doing something a little different this time. I’m having a moment of gracious-explosion-ness (I know, that’s not a word) and I’m spreading some serious generosity ’round these parts.

I’ve waited since Sunday night to announce this. I used Random.org to be fair, and I confirmed shipment details. I cannot keep the secret a moment longer.

Well …. just a second.

I must express my appreciation and gratitude to every single person who participated. This was one of the largest responses to date at Three 31. You make it worthwhile, thank you!

Next, Margaret Feinberg has been an incredible friend to me. She and Leif (her husband) have been so generous with event tickets, product giveaways, personal letters, and support for my mission trip to Haiti that I decided to EXPAND this giveaway for her summer book club – which begins June 11.

Are you ready for the big reveal?

What if I said there was something “extra” included?

Are you ready now?

Okay …. here goes.

In my meager attempt to say THANK YOU to Margaret and THANK YOU to you (blog readers), I am providing not two ….. not three ….. but FOUR sets of The Organic God to some very special people.

Here are the winners:

Again, I cannot express how thankful I am to blog readers and Margaret. If you did not win, I hope you’ll visit Margaret’s website and purchase the set of materials before June 10. The products are priced RIDICULOUSLY LOW ($34.99) for the book, DVD set, and a participant’s workbook. This is the whole she-bang and Margaret will definitely rock your socks with this deal. I wish I could buy a set for every giveaway participant, but then my bank account would be zero and the water and electric companies would turn off our utilities. It’s nearly 100-degrees and this girl needs A/C. But I still love y’all.

To the winners: congratulations and please enjoy this gift.

To all of you: have a blessed day.

Smiling because I can,

*The Organic God* ~ Summer Book Club with Margaret Feinberg {giveaway}

Before you finalize your summer plans, I’d like to invite you to a book club, hosted by Margaret Feinberg, reading the *THE ORGANIC GOD*.

The first time I read *THE ORGANIC GOD* was 2002. It was a gift from my aunt who had read it with her book club in Louisville, Kentucky. Before I finished the first page, I knew it was a book that I would enjoy. Margaret uses simplistic language (in all of her books!) and it’s like she’s sitting next to me and we are in conversation.

I describe God has organic. While it’s a word usually associated with food grown without chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides, organic is also used to describe a lifestyle: simple, healthful, and close to nature. Those are the things I desire in my relationship with God. I hunger for simplicity. I want to approach God in childlike faith, wonder, and awe. I long for more than just spiritual life but spiritual health — whereby my soul is not just renewed and restored by becomes a source of refreshment for others. Such a God-infused lifestyle requires me to step away from any insta-grow shortcuts and dig deep into the soil of spiritual formation found only in God.

Beginning June 11, Margaret will lead an online book discussion from her website. Every Monday, she will post insights from *THE ORGANIC GOD*. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with a group or Sunday school class, yet it’s perfectly suited for individuals too.

JOIN ME!!!!!!!!!

Listening to God’s voice requires more than just my ears; it requires my eyes, my mind, my spirit, my entire being to recognize the God-nudges in my life. Deep down inside I still hunger for a true, pure relationship with the Organic God — the One True God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In him is found the mysterious wonder of the Trinity. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For the giveaway, I’m offering ONE (1) set complete with *THE ORGANIC GOD* book, workbook, and DVD series.

If you would rather purchase now, click HERE. The set is normally $130, but Margaret has deeply discounted it for the summer reading series and you can purchase the entire set for $34.99. WHAT. A. DEAL.

To enter, simply answer this question in a comment below:

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS?

* please include your name and email address in the comment form *

This giveaway ends Sunday, June 3 at 9:00pm Central. The winner will be notified by email and the set will be mailed shortly after. Margaret’s weekly blog series begins June 11.

I hope you will join me this summer reading *THE ORGANIC GOD* with Margaret, it’s one of my favorite books and I know you’ll enjoy it too!

Good luck and please share this giveaway with others via social media.

• Follow Margaret on Twitter @mafeinberg
• Like Margaret Feinberg on Facebook
• Follow mafeinberg on Pinterest
• Follow Margaret Feinberg on Google+
• Follow Nicole on Twitter @nmhutch
• Like Nicole Edwards Hutchison on Facebook
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Blessings to you,
Nicole

This giveaway is sponsored by Nicole at Three 31. The giveaway winner will be notified via email. The quicker that person replies, the sooner they will receive their gift set. Easy-peasy!

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