Every month I try to read at least one book from the following categories: nonfiction, devotional, and fiction. Non-fiction ensures that I’m always learning something new. Devotionals ensure that I’m keying into my faith. And fiction books are just so enjoyable to read! This is What I Read in June 2015.
Books Finished:
The 4-Hour Workweek
I read this book at the recommendation of Nomadic Matt. I was skeptical of the claim, and skeptical that it could be put into effect in my line of work. I’m an attorney practicing primarily juvenile law and criminal defense. I love what I do, but it means a lot of time in the courtroom, meeting with clients and treatment teams, and visiting the kiddos that I represent.
A lot of the tips are not geared toward someone in my line of work, and would be nearly impossible to implement without destroying my practice. However, some of the tips about outsourcing work that I don’t enjoy (such as research or brief drafting in my case), and about managing and reducing email were excellent and easily implemented.
And the overall point of doing what it is that you love to do, mixed with periodic mini-retirements is well taken. To a large extent, I probably already do this, as I take two trips per year with my husband, attend at least one out of town conference per year, and visit family regularly. I also try to put little “me breaks” into my week (such as a pedicure during lunch the end of the day, my weekly bible study group, or lunch or dinner with a friend). I’m satisfied with this, and do appreciate the book’s reminder to focus on living life, rather than just working through my entire life.
(R)evolution (Phoenix Horizon Book 1)
The story is about a geeky scientist who owns a company that creates and manufactures nano bots. A terrorist attack takes place and he is blamed. To avoid prosecution, he joins an elite club. Things subsequently go very awry, and the man must resort to extreme measures.
This book is fast-paced and exciting. I enjoyed it, and will likely read the next book in the series. This book was part of Amazon’s Kindle First program, so I was able to get it for free pre-release.
Secondhand Jesus
This book challenges its readers to stop relying solely upon secondhand sources, and to delve into the Bible firsthand, and to build a close and personal relationship with the Lord. I felt like this book really challenged me to be more intentional about reading my Bible, and not relying as heavily on devotional (although I do gain a lot of insight from them, and will continue my practice of reading at least one devotional per month). The book is structured with each chapter covering a myth and then debunking it with the reality and the truth. I enjoyed it, and felt challenged in a way that I hadn’t with my last few devotionals.
Rainbow Valley
This book primarily follows the Glen St. Mary manse children, the children of the minister. They live near Anne’s family and play with Anne’s children regularly. The mother of the manse children is deceased, and the minister always has his head in the clouds, so the manse children regularly get into humorous little scrapes.
The book is sweet and lighthearted. It brought back the joy and youth of the early books in the series, and I really enjoyed it.
Gandhi: A Life Inspired
I’ve read a few of the A Life Inspired books, and enjoy them greatly. They are relatively short books that provide a glimpse into the lives of fascinating people who have done amazing things in our world. Others that I’ve read have been about Mother Theresa and the Dalai Lama. Each has taught me things that I didn’t know about these incredible individuals, their lives, and other cultures. If you’re looking for an interesting topic, and a book that’s not difficult or time-consuming to read, these books are great.
Sugar
I LOVED this book! From page one I felt like I could totally relate to the main character and her struggle with food. The story was real, and complicated, and heart-wrenching. The plot and the issues faced were bold. I just can’t say enough good things about this novel. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Procrastination, Zap Your Procrastination
Like many of the other books that I’ve read I the motivation genre, this book had some valuable tips. One of the key takeaways for me (which went along with what I was reading in The Four Hour Workweek, was about just how distracting email and other alerts on a smart phone can be. As a result, I shut off most of the alerts that my phone had been giving. Another good tip was to have both a master to do list, but also a daily to do list. This has made a big difference for me being more productive.
Songs of the Humpback Whale
I wanted to like this book, but 100 pages in, and I still hadn’t connected with the characters or the story. I’m trying to be better about just stopping books that I don’t care for, so I gave it up at that point. It’s strange, because I’ve read several Jodi Picoult books, and have enjoyed them immensely. Somehow, this one just wasn’t for me.
Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II
I had a road trip to Rapid City this month to visit family for a long weekend. I listened to this book for most of my trip out and back. It’s a fascinating true story, that takes place during World War II on the island of Guinea. I really enjoy nonfiction books that read like novels, and this fit into that genre. I recommend it very highly, even if you’re not typically a nonfiction reader.
The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion
I loved this book! I’ve been on a bit of a kick with reading books set during WWI and WWII lately, and this one falls into the WWII category. It’s fiction, but has plot points based on real life. The WASPs or female pilots are one such topic. So fascinating, and it prompted a little Google research to learn more about these brave ladies. A great read, and I’ll definitely be looking for more books from this author.
Books Abandoned:
None.
