Luggage and Literature

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

April 2022 Reading List

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This year, I’m not doing a reading challenge. They’ve guided and expanded my reading in previous years, but more recently have felt constraining and somewhat joyless. Continuing with one then, seems silly. So this year, I’m reading whatever brings me joy and fits my mood. But I’m going to use a few guiding principles based on things that I want to accomplish. I want to continue or finish some book series that I’ve already started. I want to read primarily from books that I already own. I want to read one fiction, one nonfiction, and one devotional/spiritual/wellness book per month. So without further ado, here is my April 2022 Reading List!

Books Finished:

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

The Tigress of Forli by Elizabeth Lev

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

The Storyteller by Dave Grohl

Two Ravens and One Crow by Kevin Hearne

Virtual Prophet by Terry Schott

Shadows by Terry Schott

Rebuilding and Remembering: Journeying Through Grief Book Four by Kenneth C. Haugk

The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths

Praying God’s Word by Beth Moore

Body Talk by Katie Sturino

Love and Friendship and Other Early Works by Jane Austen

Books In Progress:

Upstairs at the White House by J.B. West

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears

Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings by A.W. Tozer

Books Abandoned:

None.

November 2021 Reading List

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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 November 2021, my reading list is from the category of Whatever Strikes My Fancy!

Books Finished:

Home in a Hundred Places by Sarah Dayan Mueller

New Kindle e-book.

I first learned about this book on the Official Peloton Member’s Page, not really the place you typically go to find new reading material. Sarah had posted there about her journey with her father who had dementia, and how Peloton had helped her through that process. She posted a link to her novel based on her own experiences with her father, and his experiences as a spy in Egypt, and I was intrigued. I downloaded the book and jumped right into it. The book appears to be part memoir, part novel, and just a fascinating look at a brave, insightful, and genuinely good man and his interesting life. I really liked this book, and would recommend it.

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

Already owned physical book.

This was a book club pick, and I honestly hated it. I’ve read books by Jodi Picoult before and enjoyed them. But after reading a few, they start to feel formulaic to me. This book was even more disappointing, in that it had so many legal inaccuracies, and misunderstandings about the law and lawyers that I was just disgusted. And it could have used some pretty heavy editing, as there were internal inconsistencies within the book. I really, really disliked this book, but did appear to be in the minority at my book club with that position (likely because I picked up on problems that a casual reader not familiar with the law would miss).

The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson

Borrowed Kindle e-book and audiobook from library using Libby.

The Cold Dish is also a book club pick. I started out reading the e-book, and struggled to get into it. After switching to audio, I actually did enjoy it, so it may be that the format you read this book in matters. This would best be classified as a western and a mystery. I did figure out who the murderer was, but did not understand until the end why the person did the murders, so it did keep me entertained until the end.

Marvel Meow by Nao Fuji

New physical book.

I picked this up as a Christmas present for Mike after seeing it in Bookpage magazine. He accidentally opened the package when it arrived, so we’ve already both now read it. The book came from a popular Instagram series by Nao Fuji, and was expanded into this short graphic novel. The basic story is that the cat meets many of the different Marvel heroes and goes on adventures with them, while dressed like them. It’s cute, and has great artwork.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

New physical book.

Oooh, I really liked this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series! The main character is a witch who chooses not to use her powers, and is also an academic who is studying alchemy. She meets other witches and wizards, daemons, and vampires, and a worldwide supernatural conspiracy and adventure ensues.

Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny by Holly Madison

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby.

In college I watched The Girls Next Door on TV, and was alternately fascinated and appalled by it. Down the Rabbit Hole is the memoir of Holly Madison’s experience in the Playboy mansion, on the television show, and after leaving them behind. Since I’m a fan of celebrity and unusual life memoirs, this was interesting and entertaining to me. If you like those genres, you would likely enjoy this as well.

The Great Pretender: The Undercover Mission That Changed Our Understanding of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby.

Susannah Cahalan previously wrote Brain On Fire, about her experience with a brain  condition that lead her into madness, hospitalization, and which was nearly a missed diagnosis. It is terrifying and beautifully written. This followup is her look at the history and present status of mental health treatment and hospitalization. It is not as simple as many might think, and the conventional wisdom is not always correct.

The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen Rubin

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby.

Rubin hypothesizes that people fall into four categories, or tendencies–upholders, obligers, questioners, and rebels. She describes the four personality types, and has a quiz included where you can determine what your type is. She then provides tips for best utilizing the strengths of your tendency, as well as for overcoming the weaknesses of your tendency. The book is interesting, and provided great food for thought.

Gender and the Nicene Creed by Elizabeth Rankin Geitz

New physical book.

This book examines views of the church over time on the issue of the gender of God, as well as what the bible has to say on the topic. It was a topic that I had not thought much about previously. But it makes perfect sense that God is neither masculine nor feminine.

Finding Hope and Healing (Journeying Through Grief, Book Three) by Kenneth C. Haugk

New physical book.

This is the third booklet that I received from a friend, since my mother’s passing earlier this year. I have found them very helpful in dealing with the different stages and facets of grief.

Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn

Already owned Kindle e-book.

I found this book to be somewhat convicting, as well as somewhat judgmental and strict in its interpretations. I appreciated it for making me consider seriously how God views money, how we should view money, and what we should do with it.

Books In Progress:

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

The Stand by Stephen King (Already owned Audible audiobook.)

Influence by Robert B. Cialdini (New Audible audiobook.)

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears (Already owned physical book.)

Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe (Borrowed audibook from library using Libby.)

Trusting the Gold: Uncovering Your Natural Goodness by Tara Brach (New Kindle e-book.)

Books Abandoned:

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

May 2021 Reading List: Frank McCourt Books

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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 May 2021, my reading list is from the category of Frank McCourt books!

Frank McCourt Books Finished:

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Previously owned physical book.

The first memoir written by Frank McCourt, this tells the story of his early years in Brooklyn, New York, then moving to Ireland with his parents. His father was an alcoholic who drank all of the money that he earned, and his mother had no job or skills leading her to beg for food and clothing for her children. McCourt’s childhood was during the Depression and World War II, so the times were bleak, to be sure. But the hope  and moments of sparkle don’t ever die, so the book ends feeling hopeful in spite of the difficult circumstances.

‘Tis by Frank McCourt

Previously owned physical book.

The second memoir written by McCourt, this takes place after he moves back to America in the late 40s-early 50s. McCourt joined the military and went to college on the GI bill, and this is the story of his life during those years. What strikes me so much about his writing, is just how honest and raw he is, even about things that I would never personally be brave enough to write about.

Other Books Finished:

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby.

Set in 1935, this story follows three women whose lives intersect on the arrival of the last train in Key West. A hurricane is brewing, and their lives are anything but calm. The story is fast-paced and I enjoyed the reading experience and figuring out how the various story lines were intertwined. A really enjoyable diversion.

The Good in the Awful by Vanessa Shepherd

New physical book (gift from a friend).

So, for those that don’t know, my mother passed away in early May. Although she’s been very sick with COVID (complicated by MS and other health conditions) for the past few months, she was making incredible strides and getting better, right up to when she died suddenly and unexpectedly. I think I was half expecting her to die a few months ago when she was very sick, but absolutely was not expecting it when she actually did. It was so awful, and I’m not past my grief. A friend sent this book to me, and it chronicles the author’s experience of her brother’s accident and death. She uses scripture to help remind people that God can and does use even awful things to bring about good. He doesn’t cause awful things, but he does use them when they happen. It was a good reminder to look for the good.

A Time to Grieve: Journeying Through Grief Book 1 by Kenneth C. Haugk

New physical book (gift from a friend).

Another friend sent this book to me, as her church sends them to parishioners and friends of parishioners going through difficult seasons from the death of loved ones. It is a short booklet, the first of four parts, so easy to get through quickly. I read it on a difficult day, and cried, and just reminded myself that crying and feeling my feelings is okay. I don’t have to always be the strong one, and I’m allowed to have sad days.

Interlude: Brandon by Terry Schott

New Audible audiobook.

This is book 3 of The Game is Life series. It doesn’t follow the main characters introduced in books 1 and 2, but instead Brandon Strain, a mentor and sponsor to one of the main characters. It reminded me even more of Ender’s Game than the first two books did (which was honestly quite a lot). There were parts where I couldn’t figure out why I needed to know any of it, or why it was important to the narrative, but the author tied it all together in the end, and even set up more exciting things to come in the future books. I downloaded books 4 and 5 of the series, and am looking forward to listening to them soon.

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby.

My library hold on this book finally came up, after waiting for several months. The novel follows Shakespeare and his wife, and their family during the bubonic plague and Shakespeare’s early years before and during his writing and acting career. I read the whole thing, and although it was good, I just didn’t love it. Sometimes the pacing felt slow, and I guess I just never felt connected to the characters. I think maybe this just wasn’t the right book or the right time for me.

Open Book: A Memoir by Jessica Simpson

Borrowed audiobook from library using Libby.

I heard about this book on a podcast about memoirs. The podcaster talked about how much she enjoyed it, even though she didn’t particularly think she cared about Jessica Simpson, and shared a few interesting facts about Simpson that I didn’t know previously. After hearing the description, I downloaded it right away, as I needed a diversion from real life. Simpson’s life and story is honestly so fascinating. She’s been pretty typecast as a dumb blonde (something which she admits she used to her own advantage at times), but she and her family seem to be pretty smart business people. I maybe am just a sucker for celebrity memoirs, but this one was well written and interesting.

These Tangled Vines by Julianne Maclean

New Kindle e-book from Kindle First.

The main character Fiona is a young woman who has spent her life caring for her paraplegic father, with her mother before her death, and alone with caretakers since then. Her mother had a secret that she had kept from her father, and entrusted that secret to Fiona on her deathbed. Fiona gets a call in the middle of the night that threatens to bring the secret to light. But it also has the possibility of improving Fiona’s circumstances, as well as those of her father. So she must take a trip to learn more, a trip which ultimately has the power to change everything. I loved this book. It was a light escapist read, at a time when I needed it. So good!

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Borrowed Kindle e-book from library using Libby.

I’m a fan of Andy Weir, and will probably read everything he writes. I’ve had this one on hold for awhile, and finally got to read it. A man wakes in a strange environment in a coma, and has to figure out where he is, who he is, and what exactly he’s doing there. The book has space (of course) and all kinds of other funny, scary, and science-y things that I don’t want to say more about, for fear of spoilers. Just take my word for it, and read the book.

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.)

Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close by Lysa Terkeurst (New physical book (gift from a friend).)

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

Teacher Man by Frank McCourt (Previously owned physical book.)

The River by Peter Heller (Borrowed audiobook from library using Libby.)

Above the Bay of Angels by Rhys Bowen (Previously owned Kindle e-book.)

 

Books Abandoned:

None.

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