Luggage and Literature

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

April 2020 Reading List

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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.)

March 2020 Reading List

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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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