The texts that shaped... my mothers

It's Mother's Day again, and this year I thought it would be fun to learn about some of the books that are most precious to two very important mothers in my life: my mom, Melissa, and my mother-in-law Alice. I asked them both to share three books that have been influential in their lives and talk a little about what makes them special. Fortunately, they were happy to contribute! So let's get to know these wonderful women a bit better in their own words.

Melissa's picks

The Shack by William Paul Young

This fictional story challenged my limited and conventional thinking. It opened up my mind to new ways of looking at and of processing the events in my life, especially those that have caused me grief. Not only the loss of life, but also the loss of other worldly possessions and relationships. It gives meaning and transformative insights to understanding how to live out healthier relationships.

One Thousand Gifts by Anna Voskamp

Anna has a unique writing style that is poetic as she shares her life experiences that have transformed her. Her story challenged me to surrender things that I wasn't even aware I was holding on to. This story encouraged me to look for and appreciate all the gifts that I have been blessed with each moment of the day.

Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown

Sharon's fictional characters touched my soul and mind. They stirred inter-reflection in my own responses to others when in similar situations. The storyline also weaves valuable spiritual disciplines that make this book also a tutorial to learning how to engage in them myself. The responses of the fictional characters also helped me understand how different personalities view and process the same actions. This grew my insight into how I could better understand those in my life and respond better in love.

Alice's picks

Dead Cert by Dick Francis

I don’t remember the name of the first novel I read by Dick Francis, his first novel was Dead Cert, so it may have been that. My mother read his books and passed them along to me. I was horse mad, so Francis’ novels about the horse racing world in the UK was right up my alley. Beyond the horses I loved the adventure and mystery in each of his novels. Reading Dick Francis started me on my lifelong love of reading mystery novels, so I have him, and my mother, to thank for introducing me to a genre that has kept my interest for my entire life.

Comanche: The Story of America’s Most Heroic Horse by David Appel

I read Comanche over and over again as a child. I borrowed it from our school library. I loved it so much that I took it on school camp with me, where I unfortunately lost it. It made me sad to be in trouble for losing the book, but also because I couldn’t read it again. Comanche was the only survivor, horse or human, of the Battle of Little Bighorn, at least on the side of the US Cavalry. This book opened my eyes to the ill treatment of Native Americans in the United States and led me to enrol in an American Indian History class in high school, where I read another excellent book, although not a novel, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown.

The Open Gate by Kate Seredy

The Open Gate is an amusing tale about a family who set out to check out brand new apartments in a city nearby. The father’s mother is with them, and when they stop along the roadside for a picnic lunch, she encourages them to drive through an open gate. At the end of the lane a farm auction is taking place and the grandmother tricks the father into bidding on the farm and winning. The family moves onto the farm, instead of into a new apartment, and learns the value of hard work, the importance of good neighbours, and the value of living without lots of modern comforts. The book also touches on themes of immigration and World War 2. It’s a book about values, friendship, and family.