Oh, guys. I used to do monthly book reviews. Now I’m apparently doing them on a quarterly basis because I’m just reading so infrequently. It makes me sad! But one of the things I love doing most on here is sharing book reviews, so even though I’m able to do them with less frequency, I’m still committed to them! I’m not going to lie, I’m being a little more discriminating these days with what I choose. I’ve even gone so far in the last few months to stop reading a book halfway through (this was an act of major defiance against my personality which wants to ACCOMPLISH and FINISH and COMPLETE all the things). If the book isn’t worth my effort and more importantly, my time, then I can’t give it what little time I have. It’s not you, book…. no wait, it is you.
Also new as of the last year, I’m in an official Christian Book Club, so I have a bit of an assignment each month. This has been a great way to circulate some christian non-fiction into my library which has been great for me, but honestly has taken most priority in my reading, so you may notice less fiction than I usually read. So now that I’ve explained the logic behind the library, let’s begin at the beginning and go all the way back to January and take it from there.
The Alice Network
FICTION! Look at me making a liar out of myself right from the get-go. This book was honestly one of the reasons I haven’t read very much because it was a big guy! It was EXCELLENT but definitely not a weekend read. I loved the female message in this book, especially in our current social climate of women rising to new and amazing statuses of authority, leadership and influence. The characters were captivating, their stories intertwining and complex. The storytelling was rich and beautiful. I loved it through and through (but it is a WWI and WWII novel, so if you’re not into historical fiction, be advised).
The Last Mrs. Parrish
Eh. It’s a hot one at the moment, but to be honest, I didn’t care for the storyline. It was a little bit predictable and a storyline that I don’t much enjoy to begin with (sociopath husband, affairs, abuse, etc.). I know it’s gotten plenty of positive review elsewhere, but I think what I’m craving from fiction at this moment is simply something that isn’t predictable. This felt like a familiar story with new characters. Also, it left me feeling relatively depressed. I think this is why I like historical fiction so much; it educates me, entertains me and leaves me (usually) better than it found me. Can’t quite say that about this book, so I’ll give it 3 stars.
Calypso
David Sedaris is so dry and hilarious. I needed something light and fluffy after reading The Last Mrs. Parrish, and while Sedaris is anything but fluffy, his satirical prose was the escape I needed from the darkness of the last book. I did skip over a chapter or two; Sedaris and I have different religious views, and while I’m not closed-minded to other people’s personal experiences, I’m not down with slander and mockery with regards to my faith. There was at least one chapter that I felt like he was making fun of God, which seems like pretty slippery territory for a human to find himself in, so I just skipped that one and enjoyed his other essays. Oh, and might I add, he’s particularly enjoyable in audio form (his soft and slightly feminine voice – which he fully admits – lends a different level of humor to his writing). But beware, this content is not for young ears.
Identity Theft
This was actually book number 2 for my book club this year, but I read them out of order. All about finding our true identities in Christ, I really enjoyed this book (about 90% at least). Each chapter was authored by a different woman, and our entire group agreed we actually heard a lot of Enneagram undertones throughout it. Different members of our group resonated more with different chapters and it was really neat to see how each of us have managed to lose our identity and ways we could rediscover it. It is really beautiful and fascinating to me that since we are all made in the image of God, each personality type is a part of God’s very nature, so regardless of our personalities, our identity is in God. I know this to be true as a Christian, but sometimes it’s hard to put words to it and make it practical. This book helped with that.
Girl Stop Apologizing
This was the one. The one I stopped midway and decided it was no longer in my best interest to finish. I’m going to tread lightly because so many people are inspired by the messages of Rachel Hollis, and I think that’s great. But because of who I am and my personality type, her message felt like shackles to me. Like a whip against the hind of a horse that’s already running as fast as it can run. Some people need a little kick in the butt to be motivated. I need a tranquilizer to slow down. So her message, instead of inspiring me and empowering me, actually hurt and conflicted me. It was with my sister’s permission (since I apparently needed permission) that I stopped listening to this audiobook and tuned into a different message, one that gave my soul a safe place to rest.
Present Over Perfect
I am jumping slightly out of order because this audiobook was the healing balm my soul needed (especially after receiving the breakneck messaging in Girl Stop Apologizing). I read this book in 2016 (like actually read it, with highlighter and pencil scribbled into every margin). It was my book of the year. I think now it may be my anthem. Second only to the Bible (which, if I’m being honest, I have to work at loving, but I still know and believe it is the most important text in my life) I think this may be my most important handbook for living. I loved listening to it this time and I think I may make an annual habit of revisiting Shauna’s words, either by quietly reading it or by listening to her sweet reading of it. Her voice speaking the words that she spilled all of herself out to write gave the text new meaning for me. I’m grateful for this book, and I’m grateful for Shauna’s dedication to creating the space to write it.
Whisper
Mark Batterson is a favorite Christian author of mine. I’ve now read two of his books and am on my third, and each one is rich with stories, history, science and scripture. A perfect combination of data and soul to turn your heart to the Father that created it all. This particular book was about hearing God’s voice and the many languages God uses to speak to us. My book club’s first pick of the year, I took a little longer to finish it than the rest of my group (and Stockton who also read it with his men’s group) but it was so good, so moving, so inspiring. Words jumped off the page for me and caused me to act immediately at various points. Praying for people on the spot; gently encouraging friends instead of keeping my mouth shut when I felt it may be the Holy Spirit’s prompting. These were not uncommon responses from me both while reading this and after. Another one I will likely share and revisit frequently.
So there you have it! Not the quantity of 2018, but some very good quality at least! As usual, tell me what you’re reading and what I should add to my list (or perhaps what I should avoid!).