Friday, December 29, 2006

Harmony in the Bedroom

For years now, I have been reading to Cuppa at bedtime. However, there hasn't been much reading for the past few months: not since we finished Lord of the Rings for not the first time. Not every book is suitable for bedtime reading, and we couldn't seem to settle on anything for quite a while. Then, while browsing through the library recently, we discovered a new (for us) book by Philip Gulley, a Quaker minister who writes The Harmony series. We had previously read three or four books of this series, but we had mistakenly thought that we were up to date. Thankfully, there were three more in the series; we're now on the second one that we had missed (which is really the fifth in the series).

Harmony is a mythical town in Ohio. Gulley brings it to life in a series of anecdotes about its various inhabitants. Although there is continuity and plot development from one book to the next, each chapter of each book can also stand alone as a short story. That makes it great for bedtime reading. The length of each story also works well for us; we can usually read a chapter in one sitting er ... lying in twenty minutes, give or take. (I'm guesstimating; I've never timed it.) Presently, we are reading A Change of Heart. We've missed the one directly before that, but we're able to enjoy this book regardless, just as we'll be able to enjoy the missed one when we are able to procure it.

If you're a bedtime reader, either alone or otherwise, you might like to try this series. As I said, it works well for this purpose. Aside from the convenient structure, they're also feel good books that won't leave you feeling distressed at bedtime. Somehow, Gulley is able to achieve that while examining the reality of human foibles. Besides, Harmony in the bedroom is a most excellent thing. Is it not?

10 comments:

Leann said...

I love it when I find a book that holds me from the frist page to the last.if it drops off any it doesnt get read.I have read alot of books in my life but the bible is the one I usely read before bed.they say you retain more of what you read before you go to sleep.Ill check out the book.thanks for telling us about it.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like Garrison Keillor. Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll check it out for sure. :)


Peace,

~Chani

Anonymous said...

I'll never be happy again in my bedroom :0)

Well - maybe not ever . . .

I think our reading tastes are so different that we've never even thought to read aloud to one another. What a lovely idea. (I like the fact the story takes place in Ohio - hope it paints a fairly positive picture - I'll have to check this out)

Kila said...

Sounds wonderful. My DH wouldn't be interested, but I'll have to find those and read them myself!

Anonymous said...

I'll check the local library to see if the series is available here. I tend to get caught up in a book and read for hours, which isn't always a good thing. I like the idea of each chapter being a short story.

Ginnie said...

I grew up with my Father reading out loud to us all...now my son-in-law reads to my daughter at night and I think it is a lovely tradition to have...and it does promote harmony. You must have a wonderful marriage.

Dale said...

Thanks, AC! You've given me a title for today's post.

Anonymous said...

Sure beats listening to the late evening news! ~ Bonita

Anonymous said...

I agree with Chani, sounds a bit like Garrison. What a lovely tradition, reading aloud at bedtime, so peaceful.

Anonymous said...

Oh, how I do love Philip Gulley!

I never crack open an egg without looking for a Bible verse in it.

Have you read the Mitford books by Jan Karon? Good night time reading also.

Judy - Anybody Home
www.judyh58.blogspot.com