For 2021, I set monthly categories to read from, in an effort to feel less constrained by reading challenges that I’d participated in previously, while continuing to work through the massive collection of books that I already own or have borrowed from friends and family. Each month I’ll include the books that I finished within the month’s category reading, books finished outside of the category reading, books in progress, and books abandoned. And I’ll tell you where the book was sourced from. For June 2021, my reading list is from the category of whatever strikes my fancy, with an emphasis on finishing some books that are in progress!

Books Finished:

Teacher Man by Frank McCourt

Previously owned physical book.

Teacher Man is the final book in McCourt’s memoir trilogy. It is about his years as a teacher in New York’s high schools, as well as about the beginning of his teaching years. I’d definitely suggest starting the with Angela’s Ashes, then reading ‘Tis, before this one, but if you didn’t it could stand alone. This book felt more hopeful than the other two books, and really delves into McCourt’s reasons for teaching and love for it, as well as his feelings of impostor syndrome.

The River by Peter Heller

Borrowed audiobook from library using Libby.

I heard about Heller’s brand new book, The Guide, on a podcast, and decided that I really wanted to read it. However, I’d also heard that if you read The Guide before The River, it spoils plot points in The River. So knowing that, I checked out The River, so that I’d be ready when The Guide came out. This book follows two friends canoeing down a river. They are experienced in the wilderness and on the water, but things start to go bad, and they have to decide what to do in light of the mysterious and dangerous events. This is a really great book, but be aware that the tone of the book is often dark. I’m really looking forward to reading The Guide.

Above the Bay of Angels by Rhys Bowen

Previously owned Kindle e-book.

The main character, Isabella, comes across a woman dying in the street after being run over. She tries to comfort the woman, who then thrusts a letter into her hand. The letter invites her to work in the kitchens of Queen Victoria. Isabella has to decide what to do with her life, and this letter feels like an opportunity. This was an enjoyable read, from an author that I’ve read and enjoyed before. It did not disappoint.

The Girl Before by JP Delaney

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby app.

This was a book club pick for July and I read it a little early when my library hold came up. It follows two women with difficult histories, who at different times are invited to live in a strange and beautiful home of the attractive and eccentric architect. The stories are paralleled almost exactly for a portion of the book, which made it a confusing book to read. And then the stories diverged, while the mystery unfolded. I didn’t love the book, although many in my book club enjoyed it.

Fast Girls by Elise Hooper

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby app.

This was a book club pick for August. And the timing couldn’t have been better, as we finished it right after the end of the Summer Olympics, as this is the story of women Olympians in the early 1900s. It is a fictionalized account based upon the true stories of several women who competed in some of the first Olympics where women were permitted to compete, and into the 1930s. I really enjoyed this book, and it seemed like most in my club enjoyed it as well. It prompted several of us to do additional research about some of the women, as their stories are larger than life.

Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity by Alisa Childers

Borrowed from sister-in-law Charla.

This book is a well researched examination of the doctrines and falsehoods of Progressive Christianity, and the story of the author’s own reckoning and wrestling with her own faith after being confronted with Progressive Christianity. It was well thought out, and well supported. I recommend this for all Christians, so that you may better able support your beliefs, or examine why the Church believes what it does.

The Red Circle: My Life in the Navy SEAL Sniper Corps and How I Trained America’s Deadliest Marksmen by Brandon Webb

New physical book, gift from friend Sierra.

A memoir, this book is the author’s account of his unorthodox childhood, his years in the military, including as a Navy rescue diver and a Navy SEAL, and leading the SEAL sniper program. I loved this book. If you’re a fan of military memoirs, then you’re likely to enjoy this book as much as I did.

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks

Previously owned Audible audiobook.

This was a reread (re-listen) for me. I was on a road trip with some friends who hadn’t ever listened to this audiobook, and it was a great way to pass the time. Judy Greer is the main narrator for the audiobook, and is fantastic in it. The book is the fictional story of a town in Washington, natural disaster, and Bigfoot. It’s wonderful, and written such that, at times, you question whether it is a true or fictional story.

Marauder by Clive Cussler

Borrowed audiobook from friend Paige.

On the road trip. we also listened to Marauder by Clive Cussler. Cussler is not my very favorite author, but his books are fast-paced and entertaining, perfect for time in the car. It is part of the Oregon Files, but I don’t think it’s necessary to have read or listened to them in order (I’ve not read any of the others in this series). The crew of the Oregon has to stop a deadly chemical weapon from falling into the hands of a terrorist, while at the same time discovering the antidote to the chemical weapon, after one of the crew members is infected. It was mildly entertaining.

Books in Progress:

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

Year of Wonder: Classical Music to Enjoy Day by Day by Clemency Burton-Hill (Already owned physical book.)

Books Abandoned:

Giants in the Earth: A Saga of the Prairie by O.E. Rolvaag (Borrowed from father-in-law Fuzz.)

Golden Poppies by Laila Ibrahim (New Kindle e-book.)