Twelve books. Yes, that’s what I read and/or listened to during February. That brings me to a total of 21 so far in 2018. Honestly, that’s probably more than I’ve read all together in the last few years. Have a few other things fallen by the wayside. Ummm…yes, of course, but the urgent things always get completed so I’m not fretting about it. Reading is giving me a sense of accomplishment and joy that I need right now in my life. I love to learn so reading is currently filling that void for me. No complaints here.
Remember, I have not claimed to be a book reviewer. Instead, I just offer you some thoughts about what stood out to me and if it was good or not. Hope that helps as you continue to read this post.
1. Looking for Lovely by Annie Downs ~ This is the second book I’ve read by Annie. I like her. What she says, how she says it resonates with me and often makes me laugh. What stood out to me most in the book was when she talked about being a quitter. I could so I identify with that notion. I’ve been a quitter of lots of things for years. I love a challenge but only one I know I can conquer. She encouraged me to not just be a starter but a finisher. Working on not being a quitter. This goes along with My Happiness Project *Accept New Challenges.
2. Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World That Loves to be Noticed by Sarah Hagerty ~ As this book opened, I saw myself in Sarah’s shoes being involved in ministry and loving every minute of it. Then to be out of it and struggling to walk out the faith that is believed down deep. To go from front and center to unseen is difficult but the Lord has a purpose. He is the one who hid Sarah and has been hiding me and this is not a waste of time but serves a purpose. This premise was good for my soul.
3. Love Does by Bob Goff ~ He’s just so real and down to earth. This was an audiobook narrated by him which made it more real for me. It was as if we have a conversation in real life. I heard and felt his genuine gentleness. He reminded me to be present and engaged in this life I’m living. He reminded me that Jesus allows and uses circumstances to change me. Most of all he reminded that Love Does, which simply means it is active rather than passive. Go and do!
4. Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons ~ I listened to this book to determine if I like the author. My reason is I want to read You are Free. I was interrupted multiple times during this book, which made it hard to track along. I had some notes but I threw them out thinking I had already put down in this post. No more input…
5. Longing for Paris by Sarah Mae ~ I have seen this book for awhile and didn’t think I would like it. After listening to the audiobook, I knew I loved it and ordered it so I could read and underline all the things I was writing down as I listened. Guess what? Those notes were thrown out as well. Boo…totally epic fail but hey, I’m going to read this book and I’ll have more to say later.
6. Girl at the End of the World ~ True life story of Elizabeth Esther and her life experience growing up in a cult {The Assembly}. How she survived and eventually escaped and recovered was the premise of this book. As a follower of Christ, this book allowed me to see a perspective that people hold when they look at the Church. I would agree that she was most certainly in a cult and it is not the type of craziness that I would participate in. A cult is definitely different from the church that Paul wrote about in the New Testament and yet I realize it can hard for some to determine the difference. The Assembly did not function within the realm of grace and that is a red flag. This book was one I struggled with on different levels but am thankful to have read it and walk away with more understanding of how to live out my faith in the outpouring of grace.
7. 10% Happier by Dan Harris ~ This book was about the onscreen meltdown of Dan Harris and his subsequent journey to discover a way or ways to relax and disconnect in order to fully embrace life. His journey involved a career in TV journalism where he interviewed and spent time with people of various faiths. He wrestled with their beliefs until he finally settled into a life of deep meditation through Buddism that seemed to bring a peaceful stability in his life. I enjoyed this read. It wasn’t a book I’d pick up again but his writing style was honest and engaging to me. Learning from other people’s experiences is always helpful to me.
8. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley ~ This book was a children’s historical fiction novel. I adore children’s literature and I decided I was going to indulge myself in this passion as part of my reading goals this year. This story is set in England during WWII. Ada and her brother Jamie left London for the countryside in order to escape the coming bombings of London. They found a delightful life away from a mother who did not want them. Lessons of forgiveness, courage, and maturity are woven beautifully in this easy and fast read. This book was a delightful read to me.
9. The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs ~ I guess I’m discovering that I do enjoy memoirs. I know I enjoy reading about real people and real life. Honesty and struggles are things that resonate with me and this book had those qualities plus more. Life can be hard and for some it’s really hard so when there is an opportunity to have a front row seat through the eyes of a human it is a rare privilege. This book is one of those. It definitely provides the opportunity to think about what is important, how to live in the day to day moments and what type of imprint does one leave on others.
10. The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow ~ A major theme in this book was that of race. The only survivor of her family, Rachel, who is half Danish and half African-American lives with her African-American grandmother. She is disliked in school and told she black but she doesn’t truly identify with what determine about her. She comes of age during this novel and some twists are illuminated as the book ends. A few hard events are peppered in this book. Glad I read it but I didn’t love it.
11. From Anger to Intimacy: How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage by Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham ~ I needed every word of this book. This was an audiobook but another one I ordered so I could read it. I took lots of notes especially about forgiveness because I realized that was more of a struggle for me than I realized. Can’t wait to read this and chew on the truths.
12. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder ~ I loved this book as a child. I have remember my favorite parts for decades. It was joyous to read them again. I think I want to read the entire series. Simple yet hard lives from the past fascinate me. I love to know how people used to live. I guess the History teacher in me never really died.
Y’all reading books are becoming increasingly more fun for me. I feel it’s growing me intellectually and causing my brain to work better. Hoping to get 12 more completed in March.
Have a great day and thanks for reading! I’ll be back tomorrow with my Currently post and linking up with Anne in Residence.
Be blessed! ~ Carrie
Where I’m linking up.
