Every month I try to read at least one book from the following categories: nonfiction, devotional, and fiction. In 2019 I’m not participating in a formal reading challenge, but rather The Unread Shelf Project 2019, a challenge to read books that I already own. So I’ll be listing where each book came from this year instead of listing a particular challenge category. This is my July 2019 Reading List, my brief reviews and book recommendations for July 2019. Hopefully I’ll provide you with some inspiration for your future reading as well!

Books Finished:

Staked by Kevin Hearne

Two Ravens and One Crow by Kevin Hearne

Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries: The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne

Besieged by Kevin Hearne

Scourged by Kevin Hearne

Purchased on Audible this year.

There was an Audible sale on credits, which meant that I was able to pick up the remaining books in the Iron Druid Chronicles. This is a wonderful series, that I’ve enjoyed immensely over the last several months. Luke Daniels, who narrates, is one of the best voice actors that I’ve ever heard. I recommend the series, including the short stories.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This is a memoir of a woman who finds out through DNA testing with ancestry.com that her father is not biologically related to her. She tells the story of what that experience felt like, and what her steps were to identify where she genetically came from afterwards. It is well-written, but struck me as a bit whiny and overly self-reflective at moments.

Zoo Nebraska: The Dismantling of an American Dream by Carson Vaughan

Purchased physical book and Kindle e-book this year.

This month was my choice for book club, and I chose Zoo Nebraska. It is the true story of a zoo in the tiny town of Royal (Mike’s hometown), how it was formed, the life of the zoo, and the sad and scary set of circumstances that led to the zoo’s closing and some of the chimps being killed. Vaughan does a great job of presenting a fair picture of the events and the people involved. For me, it was extremely interesting to read the book, and talk with Mike and his family about their memories of the zoo and the people. I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to the next from Vaughan.

The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

Already owned physical book.

An allegory, this is on both the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die and the Great American Read 100 books lists. It is a dream following Christian through his travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. It’s an important work, and worth a read, but it’s not the most enjoyable of books.

Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesey

Purchased physical book this year.

This is the story of Eva and her two companions, a woman and a child. The two turn up at opportune (or inopportune) moments throughout her life. They are ghosts, but their intention–harmful or helpful toward Eva, is unclear. This book was wonderful and such a beautiful story.

The Wild Heart of Stevie Nicks by Rob Sheffield

Audible Original book, so new but free.

I’ve talked before on the blog about my love of rock biographies, and this falls clearly into that category. Stevie Nicks was a friend of Tom Petty’s so I’d heard/read some of these tidbits before, but much of the content was new to me. Well written and informative.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Borrowed from a friend.

My mother-in-law loaned this book to me, and thought I would enjoy it. It’s the fairly short novel of a little boy whose mother is extremely sick with cancer. A monster comes to his house one night, and things are not the same afterwards. This book is heartbreaking and thought-provoking. It is well written, and one that will stick with you. I really enjoyed it.

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

The second book in the Scythe series, I put this one on hold on Libby immediately after finishing the first book. It is wonderful, but nearly anything that I might say about it would be a spoiler if you’ve not read the series. The series is probably best categorized as YA, but is a great read for adults too.

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim Defede

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I think I first heard about this book from Modern Mrs. Darcy or from Money Saving Mom, I can’t remember for sure. As soon as I heard about it though, I knew that I needed to read it. This is the true story of the airplanes that were diverted when US airspace shut down on 9/11/2001. Many of those planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland, a very small town with large enough runways to accommodate the jumbo jets flying from Europe. The stories of friendship and good Samaritans and love for our fellow-man were heartwarming. I really loved this book.

What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen

Borrowed through Amazon Prime Reading.

This short story takes place on Christmas, and probably would be better read at that time of year. But I wanted to read this after finishing some of Bowen’s other books last month, and enjoyed it even in the midst of the summer. It is set during World War II in London with a very poor couple struggling to get by and dealing with grief over the loss of a child. Their Christmas gets worse when they are bombed out of their home. But life is about to change for them.

The 3-Day Effect by Florence Williams

Audible Original book, so new but free.

This Audible Original reminded me quite a lot of a podcast. It looks at what the effects are on a person’s brain from spending 3 days in nature. The author/narrator talks about her own experiences, as well as talks with others using nature to help heal from tragedies and post-traumatic stress. It was really interesting.

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This book was initially a struggle for me, and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to keep listening (I chose the audio version of this book). Each chapter bounces back and forth between the story of a young man in our world, and in the world of a pirate ship with outrageous characters. I stuck with the book because it’s a Neal Shusterman book, and am so glad that I did. The switching stories are because the young man is dealing with some extremely serious mental health issues. From reading about this book after finishing it, I’ve heard it described as one of the best takes on mental illness from the perspective of the sufferer, and would believe it after finishing it. The book was so well done; and I would recommend it strongly.

Primary Colors by Anonymous (Joe Klein)

Purchased Kindle e-book this year.

Primary Colors was initially published as written by “Anonymous”, and it was awhile before the true author’s name, Joe Klein, came to light. Klein was a journalist at the time, and there was quite a lot of criticism of his having written this political book while also writing news about politicians in real life at the same time. I think (and have read that many others) see a lot of parallels between the main politician character in the book and Bill Clinton. I really enjoyed this book–both the aspect of determining who inspired the characters, as well as simply enjoying the story arc for itself.

 

Books In Progress:

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (Borrowed from library using Libby app.)

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

The Selected Letters of Willa Cather by Willa Cather, Andrew Jewell, and Janis Stout (Purchased physical book this year.)

 

Books Abandoned:

Reuben – The Savage Prisoner: A Chimp’s Story by Sandra Lynch-Bakken (Purchased Kindle e-book this year.)

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams (Borrowed from library using Libby app.)

The Book of Daniel: Prophecy for Today From Daniel, David, and Haggai by Russell Stendal (Already owned Kindle e-book.)