What I Read: April 2020
I don’t even know how to talk about time passing anymore, but here’s what I read in April. It was tough to stay focused on much and I did most of these via audiobook. I’m just grateful for books that were able to occupy my thoughts for a while. I’d love to hear what you read lately if you’d like to share.
Untamed, by Glennon Doyle - This is a wonderful book IF you are looking for a pep talk. For me, it hit at just the right time. I took my time reading it as the chapters are really short and could be repetitive if read all at once. But, Doyle managed to raise the fire in me, to make me cry several times, prompt great self-reflection, and intense self examination. All of which I really needed recently.
The Return, by Rachel Harrison - This starts as a mystery/suspense in which a woman in a friend group disappears for two years and then suddenly is back, no indication of where she’s been. It takes a sharp turn towards horror in the final fourth of the book. I didn’t mind it but would’ve liked the heads up beforehand. That way I would’ve known what might be around the suspenseful corner. That being said, it was interesting and one of those books I needed to finish. It might work for you if that’s what you’re looking for.
The Falcon Thief: A True Tale of Adventure, Treachery, and the Hunt for the Perfect Bird, by Joshua Hammer - I was hoping this would be more like The Feather Thief, compelling narrative non-fiction and non-violent true crime, but I found my attention wandering a lot during this book. I think it might’ve worked if I’d read some other time. It’s about falcon smuggling, which is fascinating, but I still enjoyed The Feather Thief more.
Dresden Files books 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by Jim Butcher - This is what I am most easily able to slip into these days. The compelling adventures of professional wizard, Harry Dresden, as he saves the day and kicks bad guy butt is just fun that doesn’t require thought. The characters are fun and distinct. The plots are formulaic but still develop the characters and introduce new devices so they feel fresh. The world is well described and clear. I’m going to be really bummed when I’ve gotten caught up with these.
Once Upon a Time I Lived on Mars: Space, Exploration, and Life on Earth, by Kate Greene - I got an advance copy of this and really loved it. It covers an expedition NASA funded in which a group of people spent a few months simulating life on Mars. It’s fascinating in many ways and Greene’s essays are poignant and interesting. She discusses isolation and how the impact of solitude on humans in space relates to humans on earth. Eerily relevant for this time and very insightful. I really enjoyed this. Out this coming July.
Truth or Beard, by Penny Reid - A quick romance, this was recommended on a podcast I listen to and it was great. A bit long, but great brain candy and sweet story. I don’t think this is a beginner’s romance book but that’s just my opinion. The story is about the less charming of a set of twins and a girl that he’s been secretly head over heels for since forever. It’s cute, they end up together, and that guaranteed HEA (happily ever after) is just the balm needed sometimes.
Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children, by Henry Cloud - This was an interesting and educational book. Lots of great points and lessons to be learned here. Backstory aside, boundaries are something I’m still figuring out how to make and keep well for myself and others, so this was good basic knowledge on how to have them with children and why. I don’t agree with everything stated, and there’s a heavy handful of Christian related stuff (not that that’s good or bad but I would’ve liked to know about it before hand so I’m telling you too), but I’m glad I listened to this. It had plenty for me to find valuable.