Not quite summer weather but also not quite autumn weather, September reminds me of learning, and insists upon lists being made and projects being tackled. Below are recommendations (which may include spoilers) of some of the books I’ve been reading this month:

Amazing Grace: A Country Salute to Great Gospel Hymns, by J. Countryman of Thomas Nelson Publishers – This short book, complete with a ten-song compact disc, gives background and anecdotes for some of Christianity’s most beloved hymns.

The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien – September is an excellent month in which to read The Hobbit since it is the month of Bilbo Baggins’s birthday. Written as a children’s novel, Tolkien introduced the world to his extraordinary Middle-earth in which Bilbo, Gollum, Gandalf, and Thorin have captivated readers of all ages. It really is only the tip of the iceberg of his magical world.

Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen – This is the first Austen book I’ve read and I have to say, I see why people love her writings. She wittily gave her characters life and made them loveable, occasionally annoying, and quotable. Mrs. Jennings, Elinor Dashwood, and Colonel Brandon (among others) are not easily forgotten. If you are interested, you can view our ongoing book discussion in which we are currently reading through this delightful novel here.