Luggage and Literature

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

Key Largo Florida Travel Reading List

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When I travel, I always find time to get a bit of reading time in. Car trips, flights, and relaxing by a pool or on a beach afford ample time to read fantastic books. Here is my High Springs and Key Largo Florida Travel Reading List. And because I’m participating in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge, this reading list includes which books fulfill particular categories of the reading challenge.

Books Finished:

Beautiful Exiles by Meg Waite Clayton

After seeing that at least part of this book was set in Key West, I had to save it to read on a trip to the Keys. The novel is a fictional telling of the story of Ernest Hemingway’s third wife Martha Gellhorn. I previously read The Paris Wife about Hemingway’s first wife Hadley, so I felt like this picked up the story of his life to some extent. And after reading both, I can’t fathom what women saw in Hemingway. He seemed to me to be a drunk pig, who happens to be a fantastic writer. But I can’t understand why anyone would have wanted to live with him and suffer him. In any event, the book is told from the perspective of Martha, who was a journalist and author in her own right. It made me want to read some of her works to get a better perspective on her as a person, and not simply as one of Hemingway’s wives. The book is well-written, and does a good job of portraying the spiral of the couple’s tumultuous relationship.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

2018 PopSugar Challenge: a book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym

Is there anyone who doesn’t know that Robert Galbraith is a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling at this point? If so, now you do. I loved the Harry Potter series, and wanted to see what Rowling/Galbraith did with books gear toward adults. This novel fits squarely within the detective mystery genre. It was a solid entry with clues placed throughout, but which you don’t pick up on until the detective outlines them all together at the end. It reminded me of a grittier version of Agatha Christie.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Set in the South before the Civil War, this book follows the lives of a white girl and a black girl who grow up together but lead very different lives. The white girl grows up to be abolitionist Sarah Grimke, and the novel is based on her true life. I really liked this book, and do recommend it. And if you want more by the same author, I also recommend The Secret Life of Bees.

 

Books Abandoned:

None.

Philippines Travel Reading List

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When I travel, I always find time to get a bit of reading time in. Car trips, flights, and relaxing by a pool or on a beach afford ample time to read fantastic books. Here is my Philippines Travel Reading List. And because I’m participating in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge, this reading list includes which books fulfill particular categories of the reading challenge.

Books Finished:

Pandemic: The Extinction Files by A.G. Riddle

I picked this up on an Audible sale, because the description looked fast-paced and exciting. It did not disappoint. The book follows two main characters–one of whom works for the CDC as an epidemic is breaking out in Africa, and a man who wakes with no memory of his life or identity. It was great.

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by The Countess Carnarvon

I am a huge fan of the show Downton Abbey, and actually watched the whole series twice through. I’m looking forward to the movie. So the opportunity to learn more about the real castle used as fictional Downton Abbey, and one fascinating Countess who occupied the castle during the same years as the show was one that I could not pass up. The book is well-written and has interesting subject matter.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

2018 PopSugar Challenge: a book recommended by someone else taking the PopSugar Reading Challenge

This book was incredible. It started out as simply a historical fiction novel, but then turned into so much more. The book is written in two parts from two different perspectives, but I don’t want to say much more about it, as I don’t want to spoil any plot points. Just read this. You won’t be sorry.

I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon

My book club picked this book, so I read it while travelling home so that it would be fresh in my mind. The book is told from the perspective of a fictional Anna Anderson who, at times, is talking directly to the reader, and at other times simply telling her story. The book keeps you on your toes about whether she truly is Princess Anastasia or not. I loved the ending and felt that it made the book, but it generated some mixed feelings from my book club.

 

Books Abandoned:

None.

November 2018 Reading List

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Every month I try to read at least one book from the following categories: nonfiction, devotional, and fiction. And this year I’m participating in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge, so I’m also going to be listing which category my books fulfill. If you want to join in on the fun, you can check out the list of categories here! This is my November 2018 Reading List, my brief reviews and book recommendations for November 2018. Hopefully I’ll provide you with some inspiration for your future reading as well!

Books Finished:

Choosing Real: An Invitation to Celebrate When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned by Bekah Jane Pogue

This book was wonderful. It was a good reminder that life is sometimes hard, and that we can not only survive but thrive in the midst of challenges, as well as grow from them. And it was also a reminder to be thankful for the blessings in our life, because even in the midst of crummy stuff, we are still blessed.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

I feel as if it’s been quite a while since I read a book that I just adored (although that’s not quite accurate when I look at the other books that I’ve read recently). But nonetheless this book is nothing short of extraordinary. It follows a girl named Leni through her teenage years and 20s. Her father is a Vietnam POW with major PTSD issues, and her mother is basically a battered woman. The family moves to the bush in Alaska, and interesting things ensue. I could not put this book down. It made me cry, but I also loved the story and ending. Read this book.

Count Your Blessings: Inspiration from the Beloved Hymn by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

2018 PopSugar Challenge: a book with song lyrics in the title

A compilation of prayers, quotations, and song lyrics on various topics, this book is a good reminder to be thankful for our blessings. Pretty simple.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

I’ve had this on hold on audio from Libby/Overdrive for quite some time, and my hold came up this month. I wasn’t sure quite what to expect, other than that it was nonfiction. The author makes some valid points about how we really need to choose what to care about, and not give a f*ck about other things and people’s opinions. It reminded me of a secular version of Lysa TerKeurst’s The Best Yes. Not bad.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

2018 PopSugar Challenge: a cyberpunk book

Mike and I saw the movie version of this right when it came out. Mike listened to the audiobook shortly thereafter, and I finally got around to it this month. Both the book and the movie are wonderful, but are very different. There is excitement, nostalgia, love, friendship, and fun in this book in equal parts. I recommend this book.

 

Books in Progress:

Twelve Women of the Bible by Lysa TerKeurst (My bible study is working through this book and the associated videos)

Flawed Convictions: “Shaken Baby Syndrome” and the Inertia of Injustice by Deborah Tuerkheimer

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

The Brave Ones: A Memoir of Hope, Pride and Military Service by Michael J. Macleod

Where Should We Begin?: The Arc of Love by Esther Perel

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

 

Books Abandoned:

The Likeness by Tana French

2018 PopSugar Challenge: a book by an author with the same first or last name as you

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