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April 2020 Reading List

04.29.2020 by Tana Henry //

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 April 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:

Gosnell: The Untold Story of America’s Most Prolific Serial Killer by Ann McElhinny and Phelim McAleer

Already owned physical book. April Legal/Business/Politics pick from 2020 Reading Plan.

Kermit Gosnell’s actions were shocking. He was convicted of murder of babies and of a woman who went to him seeking an abortion. And he operated a pill mill where he sold narcotics to drug dealers. This book delves into the investigations into his clinic, the horrors of what was occurring, and the trial of Kermit Gosnell. If you’ve not heard about this, you should read this book. If you vaguely remember something about this story, you should read this book. If you know all about this, then you probably already read this book.

Driving to Mars: In the Arctic with NASA on the Human Journey to the Red Planet by William L. Fox

Already owned physical book. April Nonfiction/Memoir pick from 2020 Reading Plan.

I’m a NASA and space nerd. I love watching, reading, and learning more about the subject. This book came from a book sale and of course had to come home with me, since it’s about Mars. The book covers some of the Mars missions that have happened so far, but more so looks at the experiments happening here on Earth, in a very remote crater in Canada, where the science needed to have humans visit Mars is being pushed forward every year. The book was fascinating and a pretty quick read.

Public Health Law in a Nutshell by James G. Hodge, Jr.

Received as a gift this year (from author).

I’m legal counsel for a public health department and sit on a board of health. I try to stay up to speed on legal issues involving public health, largely through The Network for Public Health Law. With all of the focus on coronavirus in the last month (and even longer in the public health world), the Network has had a series of webinars on COVID-19 legal issues. The author presented a few of them, and they were really interesting. He e-mailed webinar attendees afterward and offered a copy of this book. I snapped it up, as I wanted a primer on public health law in general, and this book is that. It’s a solid baseline of information about public health law.

Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver by Jill Heinerth

Already owned physical book.

This book is a memoir, an adventure story, and just downright fantastic. I was looking forward to reading this book about the author’s time as a cave diver for the content, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the writing itself is wonderful as well. I could not put this book down and finished it in a day. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone, divers and nondivers alike.

The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History by John M. Barry

Purchased on Audible this year.

This book is really good. I first learned of it in The Pandemic Century, which I read last month. As it turns out, Mike purchased it, and so I’ve been listening to it this month. The author covers some of the history of medicine up to the Spanish Influenza outbreak, the likely epicenter of the disease, how war time effected the reporting and response to the outbreak, and efforts to identify a vaccination or treatment. This is a really comprehensive and informative book, and I’m enjoying it (as much as one can, considering the subject matter).

Panther in the Basement by Amos Oz

Already owned physical book. April Fiction pick from 2020 Reading Plan.

Amos Oz was an Israeli author who I discovered a year or two ago when I read his memoir, A Tale of Love and Darkness. I just love how he crafts his tales (fiction or nonfiction) and puts them together. He’s a master, and I will definitely be reading more of his works. Panther in the Basement is a novel told from the perspective of a little Hebrew boy at the time that the British were pulling out of Palestine. The boy befriends a British soldier and has extremely mixed feelings about it. This book is wonderful and you should read it, and others by Oz.

Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott

Already owned physical book. Quarterly classic from 2020 Reading Plan.

I read Little Women several times as a child and loved it. I picked this up at a library book sale and am glad for the opportunity to finally read it. It was perfect for reading while snuggling up in bed sick, as the story is sweet and doesn’t have scary or too serious of subject matter. Good Wives is the continuation of the story of the sisters from Little Women, so you probably should read them in order. I have a couple more of Louisa May Alcott’s books on my Kindle, so maybe now is the perfect time to dig into them.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

Borrowed from a friend.

This book was a serious struggle for me. It took me a long time to get through it, and I’ve been trying to figure out why. I think it’s just that the book was sort of depressing to me, and I couldn’t just dive into it and read it for long periods of time. That is, until the end. At some point, I just clicked with the book and powered through to the end. The end is satisfying, while still horrifying. But I can certainly see why this book is a modern classic, even if it won’t be among my favorites.

Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg

Already owned physical book.

With everything going on in the world, as well as my own personal diagnosis and isolation from COVID-19, I needed something light and escapist. Fannie Flagg fits the bill. I didn’t realize until after I started this book, but it’s part of the Elmwood Springs series. I’d previously read The Whole Town’s Talking, also from the same series, so I was familiar with a few of the characters. This book was enjoyable, light, while with moments of heartfelt emotion. It was what I needed at the time that I read it.

The Heir by Kiera Cass

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

Continuing my need for light and escapist reads, I picked up book #4 in the series of The Selection books. The main character in this book (and the next in the series) is the daughter of the main characters from the first three books. In this book Princess Eadlyn is 18 years old, and figuring out how to follow in her parents’ footsteps and bring peace to her country. In order to divert attention while working on peace solutions, Eadlyn has a selection of her own, and searches for a Prince Consort.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Already owned physical book.

Agatha Christie is just a master. This book reminded me so much of Clue or a murder mystery game, or something similar, in that the characters are invited to a home, and then are murdered one by one. This book is very much a who-done-it, and I didn’t figure it out until it was explained at the end. Not very long, but simply wonderful.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Borrowed from a friend.

This book was just a little slow getting into, but then I read until after midnight one night because I couldn’t put it down. It is the story of a girl growing up in the marsh of North Carolina in the 50s and 60s. She ends up alone after her family leaves her, and is essentially raised by the swamp. She struggles with love and loss and people treating her badly. But the story is beautiful, and there’s an element of mystery in it that is paid off so well at the very end. This book was beautiful.

A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David by Beth Moore

Already owned Kindle e-book. April Devotional/Spiritual pick from 2020 Reading Plan.

In this bible study, Beth Moore examines the life of David through the books of Samuel and Psalms in detail. I’ve read David’s story before, but hadn’t delved so deeply into it. This book is very well done. And as often happens to me, the topics and bible stories from this book seemed to link up with events in my life as well as with information that I have taken in from other sources.

Courageously Uncomfortable by Lisa J. Goins

Already owned Kindle e-book.

My bible study has been working through this book very slowly. I’d also read it previously on my own. The book is about admitting when we are not fine, being okay with going deeper in conversations and talking about hard things, and forming real relationships, even when it’s uncomfortable. Great for a bible study with a group, or to read as an individual.

 

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.)

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Joe Ronson

Villetteby Charlotte Bronte (Already owned physical book. Quarterly classic from 2020 Reading Plan.)

Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout (Already owned physical book.)

The Siren by Kiera Cass (Borrowed from library using Libby app.)

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.

Red Letter Challenge – A 40 Day Life Changing Experience by Zach Zehnder (Received as gift this year (from church).)

 

Books Abandoned:

Reconstructing Natalie by Laura Jensen Walker (Already owned physical book.)

The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver (Already owned physical book.)

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Categories // What I Read Tags // A Heart Like His, Agatha Christie, Amos Oz, Amy and Isabelle, And Then There Were None, Ann McElhinny, Barb Ravelin, Beth Moore, Charlotte Bronte, Christine Caine, Clemency Burton-Hill, Courageously Uncomfortable, Delia Owens, Driving to Mars, Elizabeth Strout, Fannie Flagg, Good Wives, Gosnell, Henry Steele Commager, Into the Planet, James G. Hodge Jr., Jill Heinerth, Joe Ronson, John M. Barry, Ken Kesey, Kiera Cass, Laura Jensen Walker, Lisa J. Goins, literature, Louisa May Alcott, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Panther in the Basement, Phelim McAleer, Public Health Law in a Nutshell, reading, reading challenge, reading list, Reconstructing Natalie, Red Letter Challenge, Standing in the Rainbow, Taste for Truth, The Great Influenza, The Heir, The Psychopath Test, The Siren, The St. Nicholas Anthology, The Whole Town's Talking, Unshakeable, Villette, What I Read, Where the Crawdads Sing, William L. Fox, Year of Wonder, Zach Zehnder

March 2020 Reading List

04.12.2020 by Tana Henry //

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 this year. This is my March 2020 Reading List, which includes my trip to Egypt, which includes the books that I’ve finished, the books in progress and ongoing, and the books that I’ve abandoned.

Books Finished:

Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash

Already owned physical book. Legal/Business/Politics pick for 2020 Reading Plan (swapped March and August books).

I decided to switch some books around because the one that I’d originally picked for March was quite long and not something that I had time to read this month (since it was a physical book and I was traveling for half the month). I’ve used Mary Kay products since I was old enough to need facial cleansers and moisturizers. The woman who created the brand, Mary Kay Ash, is fascinating, and as a result this has been on my TBR list for such a long time. The book details how she started the company, and her philosophy of business. An interesting and not terribly long book.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti: A Memoir of Good Food and Bad Boyfriends by Giulia Melucci

Already owned physical book. March Nonfiction/Memoir pick for 2020 Reading Plan.

This is part memoir on love and loss, and part cookbook. It was a quick and enjoyable read about the author’s experiences, even though I had a hard time relating to or understanding some of them. I didn’t try any of the recipes, although some of them looked quite tasty, and not difficult to make.

The Pandemic Century: One Hundred Years of Panic, Hysteria, and Hubris by Mark Honigsbaum

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I’d had this on hold on my Libby app for a while, and my hold came up right as coronavirus was really starting to spread worldwide. The timing was sort of strange. This book goes through several epidemics or pandemics in the last 100 years or so. Learning about how each of these pandemics spread, how they were investigated, and how the cause of the pandemic was discovered was enlightening. I think that when you learn about something, some of the fear of it goes away, so I recommend this book as a primer to understanding some of the basics of pandemics in recent history.

When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt by Kara Cooney

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I picked this book as a primer to the history of Egypt. It examined the queens (and sometimes female kings) of ancient Egypt, how they rose to power and what happened after their reign. The author tried to draw some parallels to leaders in the modern era, which I didn’t always agree with and didn’t find useful. I picked the book due to the advertised subject matter, and didn’t really want to read the author’s thoughts on the American political system. So I skimmed through those sections to get back to the main topic at hand, which was fascinating.

Orphan 8 by Kim van Alkenmade

Already owned physical book. Fiction pick for 2020 Reading Plan.

This novel tells the story of a Jewish orphan who is experimented on in her orphanage in New York. The story is told from the timeline of her youth, and from her adulthood. It was not entirely what I expected, and not my favorite book. But it was kept me engaged to the end, and the plot did payoff at the end.

The Book of M by Peng Shepherd

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This novel is dystopian fiction. People lose their shadows, and then slowly lose their memories. The story is told from the perspectives of a few different characters, some of whom have lost their shadows and some who have not. The book is fairly long, but does keep moving along. And after a little while, it becomes clear that the players are marching toward a common goal and it’s just a question of how things will turn out.

Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I really liked this book. It follows three sisters, their mother, and their grandmother through the summer of 1969 and the changes in their lives and the broader world during this time. I really loved this story, and found the characters so relatable. I recommend this book.

One of Ours by Willa Cather

Already owned Kindle e-book.

Cather regularly referred to this novel as ‘Clyde’ in her letters, and after reading what she said about the novel, I wanted to read it. Willa Cather is a masterful writer, and I really love everything of hers that I’ve read so far. This novel is no exception. It takes place before and during World War I, and follows a young man trying to find his way in the world and to a future.

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

The stories of a grandmother during her youth in Cuba prior to and during the revolution, and her granddaughter returning to the country after her grandmother’s death. This novel includes love, hate, fear, politics, and love of country. I liked this book.

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This is the third and final book in the Scythe series,a book about a future where death has been conquered and a nearly omniscient computer system runs the world. Scythes are tasked with ending lives. This series is fantastic, and I found this final book to be a solid ending. I was engaged in the story and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next.

Another Love by Amanda Prowse

Already owned Kindle e-book.

This novel was really good, but also really hard to read. It is about a woman with a family and a wonderful career, who loses everything because of her addiction to alcohol. It is beautiful and emotional and heart-wrenching. I’m so thankful that my sister-in-law turned me on to Amanda Prowse.

Spy by Daniele Steel

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

Danielle Steel writes some good books, even though she doesn’t get the credit that she probably deserves. This novel is historical fiction set during World War II. The main character comes from a British aristocratic family, and volunteers to serve. Because of her language skills, she is recruited as a spy and operative and serves throughout the war. Then after the war, she continues serving as a spy while her husband works as a diplomat. I would have liked to have had a little more action in the story, but it was still a very enjoyable book.

I Survived!: 5 Bible Characters Who Survived Disasters by Deb Brammer and Art Brammer

Already owned Kindle e-book. March Devotional/Spiritual pick for 2020 Reading Plan.

This book was okay. It had a few bible stories, and talked about how they can help us to deal with disasters in our own lives. The book repeatedly referenced another book that I hadn’t read previously, and didn’t realize that I should read before this one, so that was kind of frustrating. But the subject matter is overall good, and can be helpful to people going through hard things.

John by R.C. Sproul

Already owned Kindle e-book. February Devotional/Spiritual pick for 2020 Reading Challenge.

I’ve been working my way through this book for two weeks. It was fantastic, but I didn’t want to rush through it. The book is a commentary that goes through every story and line in the book of John. It was so illuminating, and I just savored it.

 

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:

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

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

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

The Psychopath Test by Joe Ronson

 

Books Abandoned:

None.

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Categories // What I Read Tags // Amanda Prowse, Another Love, Art Brammer, Chanel Cleeton, Christine Caine, Clemency Burton-Hill, Courageously Uncomfortable, Danielle Steel, Deb Brammer, Elin Hilderbrand, Giulia Melucci, Henry Steele Commager, I Loved I Lost I Made Spaghetti, I Survived!: 5 Bible Characters Who Survived Disasters, Joe Ronson, John, Kara Cooney, Ken Kesey, Kim van Alkenmade, Lisa J. Joins, literature, Mark Honigsbaum, Mary Kay Ash, Miracles Happen, Neal Shusterman, Next Year in Havana, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, One of Ours, Orphan #8, Peng Shepherd, R.C. Sproul, reading list, Spy, Summer of '69, The Book of M, The Pandemic Century, The Psychopath Test, The St. Nicholas Anthology, The Toll, Unshakeable, What I Read, When Women Ruled the World, Willa Cather, Year of Wonder

February 2020 Reading List

03.20.2020 by Tana Henry //

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 February 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 Power of a Positive No by William Ury

Already owned physical book. Legal/Business/Politics pick for 2020 Reading Plan.

I’d previously read Getting to Yes and Getting Past No by William Ury, and picked this one up at a book sale when I saw it. I found this one to be really beneficial, and a very easy read. The author recommended having a scenario in mind that you want to say no to as you read the book. I think this is a good idea, as it makes the strategies seem very practicable as you read through the book. I recommend this book.

The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship by Jeffrey Zaslow

Already owned physical book. Nonfiction/Memoir pick for 2020 Reading Plan.

This book documents the lifelong friendship of 11! girls from Ames, Iowa. Some of the girls are covered in much more detail than others (one in particular, I felt like was covered too much). But their stories, and the overarching examination of female friendship was fascinating.

Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern Worldby Michael Pollan

Audible Original book, so new but free.

This book examines the history of coffee and tea, and our addiction to caffeine. We don’t often think about it, but caffeine is addictive, and our entire society operates under its influence. A fascinating short listen.

The Girl from the Metropol Hotel: Growing up in Communist Russia by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya

Purchased using Audible credit.

This was recommended for those who had enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Based on that comparison, it wasn’t what I was expecting or hoping for. Although it mentioned in passing that the author had initially lived in the Metropol hotel, there was absolutely nothing about that experience. The bulk of the book was about the author’s time  living essentially unsupervised in Communist Russia.

American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan

Purchased using Audible credit.

Mike wanted to read this book, after I found it in BookPage magazine. It’s the incredible true story of an extremely prolific serial killer, a true predator, Israel Keyes. He hunted throughout the United States, left kits for torturing and murdering people; and we still don’t know how many deaths he’s responsible for. This book was fascinating, terrifying, and was well written. I can’t recommend it enough.

The Selected Letters of Willa Cather by Willa Cather, Andrew Jewell, and Janis Stout

Already owned physical book.

I’ve taken my time working through book, as a series of letters aren’t the kind of thing one flies through. I’m a fan of Willa Cather’s books; and living near her hometown of Red Cloud, Nebraska makes me appreciate her life and this book even more. It was a wonderful experience learning about her life through her own words.

Climbing with Mollie by William Finnegan

Audible Original book, so new but free.

Climbing with Mollie is the story of a father-daughter climbing duo. It is an interesting look at a sport that I previously knew very little about, as well as the dynamics of their relationship. It was a quick listen, and I enjoyed it.

Rock Needs River by Vanessa McGrady

Already owned Kindle e-book.

This is a memoir about the author’s open adoption of her daughter. And when I say open adoption, I mean very open. The birth parents lived with the author and her daughter for a period of time. The biological parents reminded me very much of clients that I’ve had, or parents that I’ve worked with in some of my juvenile cases, so I could relate to the hope and frustrations experienced by the author in trying to help them. An interesting book.

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: The Wild, Definitive Saga of Rock’s Greatest Supergroup by David Browne

Borrowed from library.

I’m such a sucker for rock biographies, so this book was just right up my alley and I had to check it out when I saw it at the library. And after I started reading, I realized that the author also wrote another book that I’d previously read–So Many Roads, about the Grateful Dead. I really had no idea of the strife between these four men throughout their career, or the various iterations of the group over that time. This book was fascinating.

High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict’s Double Life by Tiffany Jenkins

Purchased using Audible credit.

This memoir is subtitled “The Shocking True Story of One Addict’s Double Life,” and it is exactly that. The voice in this book is strong, and it’s especially good on audio, as the author narrates the book herself. At times, her story is gutting and painful, at other times it is embarrassing. But in the end, there is hope and redemption. I loved this book.

Moody Bitches: The Truth About the Drugs You’re Taking, The Sleep You’re Missing, The Sex You’re Not Having, and What’s Really Making You Crazy by Julie Holland

Purchased using Audible credit.

The premise of this book is that women are naturally moody due to hormone fluctuations, and instead of understanding our own bodies, cycles, and the lifetime evolution of our bodies. It was interesting, and I definitely learned something. But I didn’t agree with all of her conclusions about everything.

Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike by Grant Peterson

Borrowed from library using Libby.

I ride both a Peloton and a rode bike, and decided that I should learn a little more about cycling as a sport, and tips for riding better, so I picked this up on Libby. Pieces of this book were useful, but overwhelmingly the book irritated me. The author basically criticizes anyone who wants nice equipment, and implies we should all ride junk. I wasn’t impressed.

The Minuteman by Greg Donahue

Audible Original book, so new but free.

This is the true story of Nazis in America, and the Jewish mob’s efforts to stop them. I’d never heard anything about the topic at all, so this was completely new to me. The audiobook is fairly short, and kept me engaged throughout.

The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

Already owned on Audible. Fiction pick (substituted for The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver) for 2020 Reading Plan.

This audiobook was fantastic! I really loved it, and have been telling everyone about it. The premise is that out of the blue, people can’t be murdered, and if they are, they come back to life in their own homes. Dispatchers help make this happen. But one has gone missing, and his friend has to help find him and figure out what happened. This is a great book, and I recommend reading it.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Borrowed from library.

I’m steadily working my way through everything that Neil Gaiman has written, and picked this up at the library recently. The story is told from the perspective of a man who returns to his hometown for a funeral, as well as the man as a little boy living through a crazy and traumatic time. This story is wonderful, but definitely for adult only readers, as the book can be really difficult in terms of subject matter, at times.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Audible Original book, so new but free.

Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. But I’d never read it before. This production of Peter Pan, complete with cast narration, was very good. I enjoyed the book.

Eve in Hollywood by Amor Towles

Already owned physical book.

This book is out of print, and only available from Shakespeare and Company New York’s online store. But I just love Amor Towles’s books and purchased it at the tail end of 2019. And the copy that I bought is even autographed! This is a novella that follows Rules of Civility. It follows the character Evelyn Ross after she leaves New York. Each of the six stories are told from a different perspective. If you loved Rules of Civility, then you should read this one too.

You Have Arrived at Your Destination by Amor Towles

Purchased using Audible credit.

I purchased this thinking it was a stand alone audiobook, and I suppose it probably is. However, what I was really looking for was Forward: Stories of Tomorrow by Veronica Roth, Blake Crouch, N.K. Jemisin, Amor Towles, Paul Tremblay, and Andy Weir. So I’m going to decline to write further about this short story until I’ve read the whole collection that it’s a part of.

The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson

Borrowed from library.

This book is part adventure story, part mystery, part ghost story. It is written in dual timelines, one in the present day and one in the 1600s. The characters were relatable and engaging. The two timelines wove together in a wonderful plot. I enjoyed this book.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

Already owned Audible.

I’ve had this book on my Audible account for a few years now, and finally took the plunge to listen to it. I found it very slow going, and difficult to get through, even with the narrator that I enjoyed so much in The Hobbit. I have the second and third books also downloaded in Audible, but may take a little break before starting them.

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

Won by my book club.

My book club won this book, and discussed it at our February book club meeting. It’s a mystery/detective type story, but with a professor of archaeology as the protagonist. She gets brought into the case, as she’s an expert on bones. I appreciated that she was not a skinny, beautiful, perfect type of character, but instead seemed real and had her flaws. I didn’t appreciate the Christianity bashing in the book. But overall, I really enjoyed the book, and found it to be a quick and entertaining read.

The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

After finishing The Crossing Places, I noticed that the second book in the series, The Janus Stone, had no holds on Libby and checked it out. I enjoyed this book too, but wonder how long the series can really be stretched before the plot runs thin. It doesn’t after two books, but we’ll see if I keep reading further.

Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran

Won from library giveaway.

This is a short graphic novel. The story is a new take on the fairy tale of Snow White, from the perspective of the Queen. In this take, Snow White is a vampire. The story is a bit terrifying. The artwork is beautiful, but also quite graphic in nature. It was an interesting one for sure!

The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux

Already owned Kindle e-book.

I picked this up in 2019 after scrolling through my wish list and downloading free and low-cost books. I think I heard about it on a podcast from some ladies that I know. The book is the story of St. Therese of Lisieux, her childhood and entry into the church as a nun, and then about her life in the convent. It is an autobiography, so it’s in her own words. I didn’t agree with all of her thoughts, which makes sense since I’m not Catholic, but I never mind reading about another perspective.

 

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:

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

Johnby R.C. Sproul (Already owned Kindle e-book. Devotional/Spiritual pick for 2020 Reading Challenge.)

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

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

 

Books Abandoned:

Malcolm and Me by Ishmael Reed (Audible Original book, so new but free.)

The Power of Self-Compassion by Laurie J. Cameron (Audible Original book, so new but free.)

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Categories // What I Read Tags // American Predator, Amor Towles, Andrew Jewell, Andy Weir, Barbara Kingsolver, Blake Crouch, Caffeine, Christine Caine, Clemency Burton-Hill, Climbing with Mollie, Colleen Doran, Courageously Uncomfortable, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, David Browne, Elly Griffiths, Eve in Hollywood, Grant Peterson, Greg Donahue, Henry Steele Commager, High Achiever, Ishmael Reed, J.M. Barrie, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Johnson, Janis Stout, Jeffrey Zaslow, John, John Scalzi, Julie Holland, Just Ride, Ken Kesey, Laurie J. Cameron, Lisa J. Goins, Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, Malcolm and Me, Maureen Callahan, Michael Pollan, Moody Bitches, N.K. Jemisin, Neil Gaiman, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Paul Tremblay, Peter Pan, R.C. Sproul, Rock Needs River, Rules of Civility, Snow Glass Apples, St. Therese of Lisieux, Stories of Tomorrow, The Crossing Places, The Dispatcher, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Girl from the Metropol Hotel, The Girls from Ames, The Hobbit, The Janus Stone, The Lacuna, The Minuteman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Power of a Positive No, The Power of Self-Compassion, The Selected Letters of Willa Cather, The St. Nicholas Anthology, The Story of a Soul, The Tenth Gift, Tiffany Jenkins, Unshakeable, Vanessa McGrady, Veronica Roth, Willa Cather, William Finnegan, William Ury, Year of Wonder, You Have Arrived at Your Destination

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My name is Tana, and I am an attorney in South-Central Nebraska. I'm married to a great guy, named Mike, and have a dog named Emmy and a cat named Scout. I read as much as possible, and travel any chance I get. Luggage and Literature chronicles both. I hope you enjoy looking around! Please leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

HELP KEEP CREATIVITY GOING AND MY MIND AWAKE WHILE READING AND REVIEWING!

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