Archives for December 2019

Every month I try to read at least one book from the following categories: nonfiction, devotional, and fiction. In 2019 I’m not participating in a formal reading challenge, but rather The Unread Shelf Project 2019, a challenge to read books that I already own. So I’ll be listing where each book came from this year instead of listing a particular challenge category. This is my November 2019 Reading List, my brief reviews and book recommendations for November 2019. Hopefully I’ll provide you with some inspiration for your future reading as well!

Books Finished:

First Dangle and Other Stories by Kevin Hearne

Purchased using Audible credit.

I’ve made no secret of my enjoyment of the entirety of the Iron Druid Chronicles. This was one of the last few short stories that I hadn’t read of the series. It follows Owen Kennedy and his lovable sloth friend. I really loved it. Kevin Hearne and Luke Daniels are masters together.

Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley

Purchased Kindle e-book this year.

This is the story of a dog named Chaser and how his owner taught him over 1,000 words. It is told by a former professor, and so at times it is somewhat academic. But the story had good flow to it, so the data and research components fit well. I enjoyed the story, and was amazed by the amount of time and effort involved in training this remarkable animal.

The Dressmaker’s Gift by Fiona Valpy

Kindle First book, so new but free.

This novel follows three young women working as dressmakers in Paris during World War II, as well as the granddaughter of one of the women who moves to Paris and tries to piece together their stories, as well as how it affected her family. It was an enjoyable read, and squarely in a genre that I love to read.

Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

The second of the Ms. Peregrine books, this continues right from where the first novel left off. It includes additional old photographs that help to move the story along. I didn’t like this one nearly as much as the first book, as it felt a bit contrived at times. I haven’t decided whether I’ll continue with the series or not.

Gravity Is the Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

As a teenager, Abigail’s brother goes missing, and at the same time she begins to receive mysterious chapters of a strange self-help book. She can’t help but think they are connected. Years pass and her brother is not found. As an adult, Abigail is invited to a retreat by the authors of the guidebook. The novel follows her interactions relating to the guidebook, as well as her efforts to deal with the loss of her brother and the uncertainty that comes along with it. The novel is fresh and unusual and wonderful. I couldn’t stop thinking about the ending, and what it could mean. And I didn’t know until the author’s acknowledgments that she is Liane Moriarty’s sister.

To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore

Already owned Kindle e-book.

I have been working my way through this book for a couple of months now. I wanted to take it slow and savor it, as Moore follows Paul’s story and travels in it. Paul was an endlessly fascinating man, and I just don’t tire of reading about him, how he thought about faith and life. And Moore does a great job of pulling Paul’s teaching together with impactful strategies and observations about current life.

The Shark Club by Ann Kidd Taylor

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

Scuba diving, sea creatures, a love story, and a mystery–these are all components of this novel from Ann Kidd Taylor. This book was wonderful, and only had a couple of very minor flaws in the description of scuba diving. I’d previously read Traveling with Pomegranates by the author and her mother Sue Monk Kidd, and loved it. This is Kidd Taylor’s solo debut novel, and it is so well done. I really enjoyed it.

I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I first learned about the authors when they were on What Should I Read Next? podcast as guests. They have a podcast of their own called Pantsuit Politics, and find ways to discuss political and policy issues while getting along and remaining friends. This book is their tips for doing just that in our own lives. This kind of a book is valuable, as our ability to engage in discourse while disagreeing has complete fallen apart in the United States. Many have just disengaged from conversation to avoid the seemingly inevitable arguments and hurt feelings that result. Hopefully this book can help us to be able to communicate better about issues.

 

Books in Progress:

Courageously Uncomfortable by Lisa J. Goins (Already owned Kindle e-book.) My bible study group is working through this book.

The Selected Letters of Willa Cather by Willa Cather, Andrew Jewell, and Janis Stout (Purchased physical book this year.)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey (Borrowed from a friend.)

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (Already owned Audible.)

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel (Borrowed from library using Libby app.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: The Wild, Definitive Saga of Rock’s Greatest Supergroup by David Browne (Borrowed from library.)

 

Books Abandoned:

Camp Red Moon by R.L. Stine (Audible Original book, so new but free.)