Yes, I have been blogging for an entire year now!
Actually, if you go back in my archives you'll realize that this blog actually was created back in December 2008, as a gift for my husband for his birthday. He has opinions about everything, and I enjoy hearing them, so I thought the world would, too. However, he never touched the blog. Then we had to be apart for four months (thank you school), and this blog was completely ignored. When we were reunited, however, I also reunited with this blog. That was June 3rd of last year, and I haven't looked back since!
I've had a heck of a time deciding what to give away in celebration of this. My husband actually wanted you all to give me gifts, but I explained that's not how it works: it's like in grade school, where you bring your own cupcakes on your birthday. You're just excited that your friends can celebrate with you and share in the sugar high! But back to the giveaway.
First I thought about sewing something to give away, like a cute apron. Then I remembered how behind I am on sewing projects, and realized that wouldn't cut it. Then I thought about something cute on Etsy... but I haven't had enough experience on there to know which shop to choose from! And there is no such thing as an Etsy gift card, so that was out. As was a One More Soul gift card, since that doesn't exist either. Finally, I decided to copy Catholic Mutt and give away a book. The only problem with this? Narrowing down to a list of books!
But I've (barely) managed to do it. Below is a list of books that either I've thought were great or are on my wishlist to eventually read. The winner gets to choose one for your very own!
Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West
I've just started reading this. There's a lot to process, but I'm enjoying going through all of it, and appreciate all the background he's providing so you can fully understand where John Paul II is coming from.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
The definitive book about fertility awareness, from a secular viewpoint.
Sex au Naturel: What It Is and Why It's Good for Your Marriage by Patrick Coffin
This book is actually being shipped to me as I type this. I heard them reviewing it on EWTN and it sounds really good!
Open Embrace: A Protestant Couple Rethinks Contraception by Sam and Bethany Torode
An easy read laying out why this Protestant couple decided to reject contraception and embrace NFP.
The Thrill of the Chaste: Finding Fulfillment While Keeping Your Clothes On by Dawn Eden
I haven't read this one, but have heard several good things about it. This isn't another chastity book aimed at teenage girls: it's for a more experienced audience, say singles in their 20s and 30s.
What's that? Not everyone wants to spend all their time reading and thinking about this stuff? Fair enough! Here are a couple other options:
Finding God's Will for You by Saint Francis de Sales
I keep hearing this is a great book. If you're not sure where you're being led right now, maybe this is what you need to read.
Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie
I've been surprised at how often I've turned back to this book to clarify Catholic teaching. It's really good stuff.
The Life and Thought of St. Edith Stein by Freda Mary Oben
I'm not sure how this book in particular is, but I've been dying to dive into Edith Stein. She was influential on JPII's Theology of the Body and I believe will be/is quite influential on New Feminism!
Little Women, Little Men, and Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is my all-time favorite book, and I actually quite enjoyed the sequel to it, Little Men, as well. When I was just looking it up online, imagine my surprise to find both these and another sequel all together in one book! I hadn't heard of Jo's Boys! I'm having a hard time stopping myself from buying this right now.
There you have it! To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment telling me what type of posts you like most on this blog and/or ways in which this blog could improve. Or really any other feedback regarding this blog, so that I can make sure you continue to enjoy your time here! Leave your comment by midnight on Monday night (not really midnight - just before I get up the next morning) and I'll announce the winner on Tuesday! Thanks for participating, and good luck!