Luggage and Literature

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

June 2021 Reading List: Whatever Strikes My Fancy

by //

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.)

2021 Reading Plans

by //

Maybe it’s a little early to be making plans for 2021, but I’m so over 2020 that I can’t help but do a little daydreaming about what I’m hoping will be a better year. Anyway, in previous years, I’ve done the PopSugar Reading Challenge, the Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge, put together my own reading list, and also just read with total freedom. There were aspects of all of those approaches that I loved (structure, forcing myself out of my comfort zone, freedom, etc). There were also aspects that felt really restraining (reading a book or genre that I hated, not being able to pick books that felt right in the moment, books that I was excited about sitting on my shelf for months or years, etc.).

In 2021, I’m doing something totally different with my reading plans. In 2021, I’m picking 12 categories, one for each month. I’m not assigning a category to a particular month, so that I can use discretion about which category is the best fit for me in a particular month based on life circumstances, number of books in the category, or just what feels right that month. Instead I will be pick which category I want to fulfill at the start that month. I’ve also left a couple of months as “whatever strikes my fancy” so that I can delve more into genres that I read more often, revisit a category from another month, or just read whatever the heck I want to.

Within the category, I’m listing books that I already own that fulfill that category. Some categories have more books than others. The goal will not be to read all of them, as that would be unrealistic. Instead the goal will be to read from books that I already own or have borrowed from others, and to make the bulk of that month’s reading come from that category. I think this will help me to broaden my horizons for some months, or really ‘dive deep’ in other months.

This probably sounds complicated, but it’s really not. I think I’ll just dive into my categories and the books that fulfill those categories, and this will make a lot more sense. For the books, I’ll italicize Kindle books, underline audiobooks, and leave in plain text the physical books. So, here we go…

#1–Borrowed Books

#2–Mysteries

#3–Frank McCourt Books

#4–Nebraska Authors

#5–Children’s/Middle Grade/YA

#6–Books by “John”

#7–Memoirs

#8–Witch Books

#9–International Authors

#10–Adventure Stories

#11/12–More from Above Categories, or Whatever Strikes My Fancy

August 2020 Reading List

by //

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 August 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:

And the Good News Is…: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side by Dana Perino

Already owned physical book. October legal/business/politics pick from 2020 Reading List.

I needed something a little lighter and easier this month for my legal/business/politics book. Things are so gloomy politically, and I’ve been so busy with some really tough stuff at work. This book fit my needs perfectly. Dana Perino is a class act, and I think that we can all learn something from her about disagreeing respectfully, loyalty, and hard work. This book was so interesting to me. I learned a lot about her as a person, her life path to the White House, and her time working for George W. Bush.

The Prince of the City: Giuliani, New York, and the Genius of American Life by Fred Siegel

Already owned physical book. July legal/business/politics pick from 2020 Reading List.

I finished this book this month. I’d started it in July, but it’s just not the type of book to rush through. It is a really in depth look at Giuliani’s predecessors in the New York City mayor’s office, his election, and then his term as mayor. The changes that he made to how the work of the city was done were also examined. I think Rudy Giuliani is a really interesting guy, so I enjoyed this book.

We Seven: By the Astronauts Themselves by The Astronauts Themselves

Already owned physical book. August nonfiction/memoir pick from 2020 Reading List.

This book is a 1960s publication from Life, and contains information from the Mercury astronauts themselves. It was a bit of propoganda, but considering the Cold War going on at the time it was published, I’m not surprised. This book was a nice complement to some of the other books that I’ve read and movies/documentaries that I’ve seen about the space program. The pictures were my favorite part though.

A Little House Traveler: Writings from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Journeys Across America by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Purchased physical book this year.

This is the last of the books that I found out about while reading Prairie Fires, and I enjoyed it just as much. Wilder’s writings about her travels are just endlessly fascinating to me, as I’m familiar with many of the places that she travels through or to. Understanding how these places have changed over time helps me to have a better understanding of our little area of the world.

The White Album by Joan Didion

Purchased on Audible this year.

I really love Joan Didion’s essays. I think this is the third collection of them that I’ve read. There is something about how she writes, and the observations that she makes about the world, and about the time period when her essays are written (1960s-1970s) that makes them so thought-provoking and still relevant. If you’ve not given Didion a try, I recommend her.

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

Already owned physical book. December fiction pick from 2020 Reading List.

The premise of this book is that a woman goes back to the island where she grew up after her mother has chopped her own finger off. The island houses a monastery, where  the patron saint is a former mermaid. The woman falls in love with a monk. It’s so preposterous, that I really didn’t know where the story would go. But I’ve read several books by Sue Monk Kidd before, and trust her storytelling. I ended up enjoying the book, but can’t put into words exactly what it was that I liked about it. The story was just strange and wonderful.

Three Slices by Chuck Wendig, Kevin Hearne, and Delilah S. Dawson

Purchased Audible this year.

I downloaded this, as an additiona Iron Druid novella that I hadn’t previously listened to. I love the Iron Druid Chronicles, and just can’t get enough of them. This story was short, and ended a little abruptly, but was still enjoyable. I listened to one of the other novellas in the collection, about a vampire in a circus. It was also an entertaining listen. But I couldn’t get into the third novella, and gave up on it.

The First Mrs. Rothschild by Sara Aharoni

Kindle First book, so new but free.

This book is set in Germany at the turn of the 18th century. It follow’s the main character, Gutle, from her teenage years up to her death, through her marriage and child-rearing years, and through the changing fortunes of her family, the Rothschilds. I have no idea if any of the story is true, but the book was a look at a time and place, and a group of people that I knew virtually nothing about. So from that perspective, I felt like I learned something, even though it is a fictional novel. I enjoyed the book.

The Topeka School by Ben Lerner

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

Ugh. I really, really disliked this book. It was our book club’s pick for this month, and our entire book club disliked this book. The only slightly redeeming thing for me was a tiny bit of nostalgia for my high school debate years, as that forms a backdrop for part of the story. But even that wore thin. I spent a considerable amount of time reading about why critics and others loved this book, and trying to understand what I was supposed to have gotten out of the book. Perhaps I’m just too stupid, although I do consider myself to be a fairly educated person. This was just not a book for me, and apparently not a book for many others either.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Purchased on Audible this year.

Narrated by Tom Hanks was the reason that I decided to listen to this book, rather than reading a physical or e-book version. I’ve heard about this book on blogs, podcasts, and Instagram, and was so curious to read it for myself. The Dutch House is a place that is almost a character in its own right in the story, as it truly is the reason for the characters acting as they do. This book was wonderfully written.

The Woman in the Moonlight by Patricia Morrisroe

Kindle First book, so new but free.

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven himself, and the mysterious woman that the Sonata is dedicated to, form the inspiration for this novel. I enjoyed the story, although at points felt like it was a little bit long and meandering. But overall, I did like it. The novel is right in my wheelhouse of books though, being historical fiction that includes a musical element to it.

Come Thirsty: No Heart Too Dry for His Touch by Max Lucado

Already owned physical book. August devotional/spiritual pick from 2020 Reading List.

Max Lucado has a way with words, and a way of explaining difficult spiritual concepts in a way that makes sense. Perhaps it’s that he uses so many stories to illustrate his points, or perhaps it’s just a God-given gift. Whatever it is, when I find Lucado’s books a book sales, I often pick them up. Come Thirsty looks at the concept of living water, the story of Jesus and the woman at well, and reminds us to surrender everything to God.

Walking with Christ (Design for Discipleship)

Purchased this year.

I picked this up through a virtual book sale as part of a package deal. I think it is meant to be a workbook for a discipleship series, so I didn’t find it up much value independently.

More Bad Girls of the Bible by Barbara J. Essex

Purchased this year.

This was part of the same package deal as the previous book, but was much more of what I was looking for. I really enjoy books that take several different stories from the bible and put them together to illustrate particular concepts. This looked at women of the bible who acted improperly, or against the norms of the time and place that they lived in. Several were of women that I didn’t remember from the bible, as they were lesser characters in bigger stories. Overall a good book, but I didn’t always see eye-to-eye with the author’s conclusions or come to the stories from the same political/theological background.

 

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. I’m hopelessly behind at this point, but will just keep working on it into 2021 until I’ve completed it.

 

Books in Progress:

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

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.

 

Books Abandoned:

On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon by Kaye Gibbons (Already owned physical book. August fiction pick from 2020 Reading List.)

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.