By Katherine Pasour @KatherinePasour

Reading was my escape!

After a long day of toil as a young farm girl, my favorite escape from hoeing weeds and milking cows was reading. For a special treat, twice monthly, my schoolteacher mother and I journeyed to the public library. I discovered The Black Stallion, by Walter Farley and all the exciting sequels—an irresistible treat for this horse-loving girl. I followed up with all of Marguerite Henry’s horse books and soon exhausted my small town library’s equine collection.

Little House in the Big Woods transported me to pioneer days, reminding me I was not the only little girl expected to work hard. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books still reside on my bookshelves, their covers worn by years of re-reading.

A major highlight of my elementary school years, Scholastic Book order time, found me enthralled by whisper thin sheets of paper covered with tempting reading possibilities. I could choose my very own thirty-five cent book.

Today on My Reading Life Katherine Pasour tells us all about what she's reading. Share on X

As I entered my teen years, I delved into Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, and Daphne du Maurier novels. Romantic suspense captured my interest and established a life-long appeal. Of course, my imagination placed me into the hero’s role every time.

Farm-life presents physical and mental challenges for both adults and children. Reading swept me away to distant lands and adventures. As an adult, I’m still transported to new and exciting experiences as I lose myself in a new book (or an old favorite to be read over and over).

Romantic suspense remains my favorite genre to read, with Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, and Lynn Blackburn among my favorites. Historical and contemporary Christian fiction writers Lori Wick, Tracie Peterson, and Lisa Carter join the list. Kristen Hannah, a secular author, focuses on contemporary issues, often with gut-wrenching emotion, to engage my heart and keep my eyes glued to the page.

But my love for reading isn’t limited to fiction. Devotions and Bible studies apply directly to our needs and call my name as well. I’ve just completed After the Flowers Die: Encouragement for Walking Through Life After Loss, by Renee Leonard Kennedy. Sharing short devotions, meaningful quotes, scripture, and Ponder Points, Kennedy brings comfort and encouragement to those living in a session of grief and loss.

For joy and entertainment, I recently read Songs for a Sunday, by Heather Norman Smith (soon to be released) and You are the Reason, by Mary Felkins (published in 2022). These delightful novels share stories of faith and renewal, journeying through hard times with our Savior’s love to guide our path.

My current non-fiction read, is What If I Name Her Grace? Based on her own life experiences, Chrissie Kenaston, a young mother, motivates women to look at our lives in a new light, reminding us to give ourselves grace—“just as our loving Father does for His people.” I wish this book had been available when I was a struggling young mother.

As a child and teenager, writing had it’s own appeal and stories flowed from my pencil onto lined notebooks. But as is true for many of us, career and family replaced opportunities to write for joy. Retirement has blessed me with new opportunities, although grandchildren often tug me away from the computer (that’s an extra special blessing). Reading grants me joy and remains my favorite escape.

 

Katherine Pasour is an author, teacher, farmer, and speaker with a passion for service. She blogs weekly with a focus on faith, wellness, and the lessons nature teaches. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are God’s special creation, “fearfully and wonderfully made”, thus Katherine believes we should nurture all aspects of wellness in service to our Lord. Katherine’s Bible study/devotional, Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle, published by Morgan James, released on October 4, 2022. Connect with Katherine via her website or her BRRC author page.