Luggage and Literature

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - St. Augustine

December 2020 Reading List

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This year, I’m participating in the Unread Shelf Challenge 2020 with a goal to read 75 books that I already own. Each month, I’ll read one fiction, one nonfiction/memoir, one law/business/politics, and one devotional/spiritual book. Quarterly, I’ll be reading one book of classic literature. I’ll be listing where each book came from, whether from my existing collection, I borrowed the book, or purchased the book new this year. This is my December 2020 Reading List, which includes the books that I’ve finished, the books in progress and ongoing, and the books that I’ve abandoned.

Books Finished:

Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

Purchased using Audible credit.

Mike initially purchased this book on Audible, and after hearing him talk so much about it, I decided to read it too. The author takes a look at human history in various parts of the world, and examines why some areas and peoples evolved faster than others. The book is fascinating, but quite long. There were pieces that felt a bit repetitive, and a heavier edit could have benefited the book. But overall, it was very good, and worth a listen.

ERDI Tender Operations Manual by Michael Glenn

Borrowed from a friend.

After a recent situation in which my husband was acting as a recovery diver, and at which I was the second most experienced diver present (yikes!), I decided that learning a little more about being the shore support person for this type of situation wouldn’t be a bad idea. I borrowed this book from a friend to gather a little bit of information. Some of it was really useful, for example line signals. But other portions were completely inapplicable to a small town, small dive team type of operation.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

Purchased on Audible this year.

The blurb on this book talks about the author’s difficult circumstances and the time following as a time for healing. This book is that, but it is so much more. The writing is strikingly beautiful. And having listened to it during the actual winter, and during a time of some amount of emotional pain from some family and friend disappointments made it even more poignant. But this book is not depressing. It is hopeful and inspiring, and calming. And it reminds us that we all need to have seasons of wintering, where we give ourselves permission to pause, rest, and then try new ways.

The 4 Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I had previously read the 4-Hour Workweek by the same author. Although I obviously haven’t implemented all of its components (because I like my work, and because being an attorney in court is not conducive to all of what the author espouses), there are elements that I have implemented and do very much agree with. This is a newer book from the same author, which apparently does for your body what his previous book did for your work life. As with the previous book, it made me rethink some things that I’m either doing or not doing, and I’ll likely make a few changes.

The Leadership Secrets of Oz by B.J. Gallagher

Purchased physical book this year.

I picked this up while packing books for our local friends of the library virtual book sale. It’s a slim little volume that uses the main characters from the Wizard of Oz books to teach leadership skills. It was a neat way of looking at some of the concepts. And it’s a pretty little book that I like having on my bookshelf.

The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person by Judith S. Beck

Already owned Kindle e-book.

I re-read this book for the third time. I like the reality checks in it, and thought that revisiting some of the strategies for combating sabotaging thoughts wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Purchased on Audible this year.

My husband and I listened to this audiobook while traveling for Christmas. Matthew McConaughey is just a downright interesting guy. He’s had a wealth of unique experiences, and tells stories from some of them in this memoir (of sorts). This book isn’t a traditional memoir though, as it includes prescriptions, bumper stickers, and lessons on how things that initially seemed to be negative (red lights) ended up being positive or moving his life forward (green lights). And on Audible, he narrates it himself. So this is probably going to be among my favorite books of the year.

Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman

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November 2020 Reading List

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This year, I’m participating in the Unread Shelf Challenge 2020 with a goal to read 75 books that I already own. Each month, I’ll read one fiction, one nonfiction/memoir, one law/business/politics, and one devotional/spiritual book. Quarterly, I’ll be reading one book of classic literature. I’ll be listing where each book came from, whether from my existing collection, I borrowed the book, or purchased the book new this year. This is my November 2020 Reading List, which includes the books that I’ve finished, the books in progress and ongoing, and the books that I’ve abandoned.

Books Finished:

Lucky by Alice Sebold

Already owned physical book. November Nonfiction/Memoir pick from 2020 Reading Plans.

This book was a tough read, but so worth it. It is a memoir of Sebold’s rape in college, and the aftermath, including seeing her rapist on the street and his eventual trial. I think this should be mandatory reading for those who involved in criminal cases, as prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, and victim advocates. It really is such an honest look at what was done well, and what wasn’t. I’m really glad I read this book.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Already owned physical book and Kindle e-book. Quarterly Classic from 2020 Reading Plans.

Told as the author’s reminiscence and journals from his adventures and shipwreck, this story is at times really exciting, and at times incredibly tedious. There are pieces of the story where the age that it was written in, and which are quite racist to a modern reader’s sensibilities. But the book is still considered a classic, and in my opinion worth a read.

The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff

Already owned physical book. November Fiction pick from 2020 Reading Plans.

This book was good, but at times a little slow moving in terms of the pacing. There seemed to be a lot of waiting around for the action to happen, and a long of hand-wringing by the main character about how to get herself out of a jam. But the end of the story is fast-paced and interesting. Overall a good book, but probably not among my very favorites this year.

The Man on the Mountaintop by Susan Trott

Purchased on Audible this year.

I listened to this Audible Original book while traveling to Rapid City, South Dakota to visit my family in early November. That Stanley Tucci narrated in part, drew me to this book and made it more enjoyable. It is about a holy man on a mountain, the people who visit him, and the people who live on the mountain with him. This book is just so good! It is inspiring, and motivating, and just made me so, so happy.

Out of Commission: Getting Every Christian Back to the Great Commission by Paul Chappell

Already owned Kindle e-book. November Devotional/Spiritual pick from 2020 Reading Plans.

This book is about how if you truly are a Christian your commission from the Bible is to bring unbelievers to Christ. The author talked a lot about his church’s experiences and plans for soulwinning. Although some of those plans aren’t in my comfort zone, this book definitely made me think about how I can better be sharing the Good News of Jesus with more people in my daily life.

Books Ongoing through 2020:

Unshakeable: 365 Devotions for Finding Unwavering Strength in God’s Word by Christine Caine (Already owned physical book.) This is a daily devotional that I’ll be reading all year.

Year of Wonder: Classical Music to Enjoy Day by Day by Clemency Burton-Hill (Already owned physical book.) This book has daily readings about classical music generally, various sub-genres of classical, and a daily piece of music to find and listen to. I’ll be working through it all year.

 

Books in Progress:

The St. Nicholas Anthology edited by Henry Steele Commager (Already owned physical book.)

Taste for Truth: A 30 Day Weight Loss Bible Study by Barb Ravelin (Purchased Kindle e-book this year.) My bible study is working through this book.

The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person by Judith S. Beck (Already owned Kindle e-book.)

Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared Diamond (Purchased using Audible credit.)

Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead (Already owned physical book. October Fiction pick from 2020 Reading Plans.)

 

Books Abandoned:

The Sweet Hell Inside: The Rise of an Elite Black Family in the Segregated South by Edward Ball (Already owned physical book. October Nonfiction/Memoir pick from 2020 Reading Plans.)

Dan Rather: Stories of a Lifetime by Dan Rather (Audible purchased this year.)

October 2020 Reading List

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This year, I’m participating in the Unread Shelf Challenge 2020 with a goal to read 75 books that I already own. Each month, I’ll read one fiction, one nonfiction/memoir, one law/business/politics, and one devotional/spiritual book. Quarterly, I’ll be reading one book of classic literature. I’ll be listing where each book came from, whether from my existing collection, I borrowed the book, or purchased the book new this year. This is my October 2020 Reading List, which includes the books that I’ve finished, the books in progress and ongoing, and the books that I’ve abandoned.

Books Finished:

The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt

Purchased physical book this year.

From the author who wrote Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The City of Falling Angels is the same concept but set in Venice. The book is nonfiction and begins with the fire at La Fenice. The author’s interviews and interactions with the city’s residents are simply fascinating. And the intrigues he discovers are entertaining.

History of Bourbon by Ken Albala

Audible Original, so new but free.

I listened to this while driving in Maine. It made for subject matter that kept my attention, but wasn’t distracting from driving, which is perfect for an audiobook. I’ve never been a bourbon drinker, but learning about it was still fun. And who would have thought that there would be quite that much history, and even drama surrounding bourbon.

Tales from Misery Ridge: One Man’s Adventures in the Great Outdoors by Paul J. Fournier

Purchased physical book this year.

I picked this book up while in Maine for work. It is a memoir of the author’s years living and working in Maine. He discusses his teenage years as a guide, time as a camp owner, a bush pilot, and with Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. His life was a series of backwoods adventures, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to read about it in this book.

Nine Mile Bridge: Three Years in the Maine Woods by Helen Hamlin

Purchased physical book this year.

I also picked this book up in Maine. This is also a memoir of the author’s years in Maine, particularly Aroostook County, Maine, which is the area where I was. She however, was there in the 1950s when it was far less developed, and she was in the most remote areas of the county and state. She even wintered over in remote warden cabins without access to the outside world. It was so fascinating to read about, as it’s not something that I will experience (or care to!).

Bless the Beasts & Children by Glendon Swarthout

Borrowed from a friend.

My friend Dennis initially talked about this book; and my friend Sierra purchased it. She loaned it to me, and I read it right away. It is the story of several misfit boys at a summer camp who want to rescue bison who are held at a sporting camp for people to “hunt.” I use that word, although there wasn’t much that was either sporting or hunting. The story is a coming of age story, with moments of immense joy, and moments of incredible sadness. This was wonderful, and I recommend it.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Purchased physical book this year.

Sharp Objects is so psychologically disturbing and wonderful. It is the story of a woman who goes home to report on a murder of a young girl in her hometown. The woman clearly has some pretty significant emotional baggage, and a messed up family. And it just gets darker and more twisty from there. This book was a page turner, and I couldn’t put it down.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Purchased on Audible this year.

I listened to this book on Audible, and the narration was quite good. Audible recommended it to me, and it was a good recommendation, as I’m a fan of Bradbury’s writing. In it, a circus comes to town, but it’s not a happy occasion. The circus is spooky and dangerous, and two boys have to stop the bad things that will inevitably come with it.

The Haunting of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb

Kindle First book, so new but free.

This was a Kindle First book that I thought would be perfect for October. Haunting is in the title, after all. I started reading, and right away from the epigraph saw a reference to the illustrated man, which is a character in Something Wicked This Way Comes. I thought it was just a coincidence, but kept reading. An illustrated (tattooed) man is a main character in this book, and the book by Ray Bradbury, The Illustrated Man plays a role. The timing of these things sometimes is astounding. This is the story of a woman who has had tragedy in her life, and goes to a cute touristy town to spend the summer and recover. She stays in a boarding house with some interesting folks, and begins to have some disturbing dreams and experiences. This is a little spooky, but not terrifying, and the mystery is great.

The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury

Borrowed from the library on Libby.

After reading the previous book, I just had to read The Illustrated Man. This is essentially a series of short stories which are tied together with the illustrated man being the overarching theme. I listened to this one, and also really enjoyed it in that format.

The Wedding Bees by Sarah-Kate Lynch

Purchased physical book this year.

This book is a lovely little story of a woman finding love and forgiveness and bringing love and healing to a whole lot of other people. The characters are quirky and fun, while also being relatable. And the plot device of hearing from the bees themselves was wonderful. Just an enjoyable little book.

Inside Jobs by Ben H. Winters

Audible Original, so new but free.

This Audible Original is a series of short stories set during the early stages of our current pandemic, when things were largely locked down and people were quarantined. Most of the stories were enjoyable, with funny and cringe-worthy moments that we can all relate to.

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Purchased Kindle e-book this year.

A woman moves back to her hometown of LA after a rough go of things. Her friends throw a welcome home party for her, and at the end of the night she decides whether to stay at the bar with her former boyfriend, or to go home with her friends. And that is where the story splits. Think ‘choose your own adventure’ story. This was so very good. I think that Taylor Jenkins Reid is probably one of my very favorite authors, having read this and Daisy Jones and the Six.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan

Already owned Kindle e-book.

This is my book club’s pick for November. It is historical fiction set in World War II, so right in my wheelhouse, but not a genre that I’ve read a tremendous amount of lately. And this book is a little different than many other World War II books, in that it is set in Italy. The book is based on the true story of a boy who helped Jews escape over the border into Switzerland, and who spied for the Allies while working as a Nazi driver. The events seem almost unbelievable, but are apparently all true. It’s a very good book.

In the Backyard of Jesus by Steven N. Khoury

Purchased physical book this year.

Steven Khoury lives in Israel/Palestine. He is a Protestant Christian. This book is a memoir of sorts, where he tells about his journey to becoming a Christian and a minister. He also tells stories of his family and parishioners, and their experiences living in Muslim Palestine and dealing with hatred and opposition for their beliefs and evangelism. Fascinating.

How Should I Live in This World? by R.C. Sproul

Purchased Kindle e-book this year.

Are People Basically Good? by R.C. Sproul

Purchased Kindle e-book this year.

I’m writing about these to booklets together, as their subject matter is largely similar. The topics are just as the titles would indicate. The first tells readers expectations for how to demonstrate a belief in Christ, and the second looks at original sin as a basis for understanding that people are not basically good, without the forgiveness of Christ.

 

Books Ongoing through 2020:

Unshakeable: 365 Devotions for Finding Unwavering Strength in God’s Word by Christine Caine (Already owned physical book.) This is a daily devotional that I’ll be reading all year.

Year of Wonder: Classical Music to Enjoy Day by Day by Clemency Burton-Hill (Already owned physical book.) This book has daily readings about classical music generally, various sub-genres of classical, and a daily piece of music to find and listen to. I’ll be working through it all year.

 

Books in Progress:

The St. Nicholas Anthology edited by Henry Steele Commager (Already owned physical book.)

Taste for Truth: A 30 Day Weight Loss Bible Study by Barb Ravelin (Purchased Kindle e-book this year.) My bible study is working through this book.

The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person by Judith S. Beck (Already owned Kindle e-book.)

Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared Diamond (Purchased using Audible credit.)

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (Already owned physical book and Kindle e-book. Quarterly Classic from 2020 Reading List)

The Sweet Hell Inside: The Rise of an Elite Black Family in the Segregated South by Edward Ball (Already owned physical book. October Nonfiction/Memoir pick from 2020 Reading Plans.)

Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead  (Already owned physical book. October Fiction pick from 2020 Reading Plans.)

 

Books Abandoned:

The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman’s Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine by Sue Monk Kidd (Already owned physical book. October Spiritual/Devotional pick from 2020 Reading Plans.)

Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma (Borrowed from library using Libby app.)

Too Proud to Beg: Self-Empowerment for Today’s Dog by John T. Olson and Cindy Cobb-Olson (Purchased physical book this year.)

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