In the Storm

a reading odyssey | April 2019

I am on track towards my 2019 Reading Goals - at the very least my no.3 reading goal - Read 120 books. In the first third of the year, I've read 40 books. Thus, if I maintain my current reading pace I should have no problem reaching my goal of 120 books. Speaking of goals, my no. 2 reading goal - Read 3 books a-loud to my husband is just about 2/3 completed, and will more than likely surpass this goal. Of course, the no.5 reading goal - documenting what I'm reading - is moving along swimmingly. I love the traveler's notebook size. I did, however, abandon the idea of printing my pages at home because they just weren't printing clean and I wasn't happy with the results. I do have all my pages, thus far, prepped, and ready to have printed at Persnickety Prints, my usual printing company. In fact, there is a sale this weekend!

This month has been an - unusual - selection mixing some amazing books with some not-so good. I have a huge stack of library reading material to plow through in May that I am eager to get to. Until then,

 

Educated, a Memoir by Tara Westover. Westover is my daughters' age. It is difficult to comprehend that a child growing up in the United States would have had to contend such a harrowing, excruciatingly painful and heart-wrenching life and yet, somehow, with grit, come out alive, educated and - thriving. The most difficult readings were of the abuse Tara was subjected to both by her father and her brother, Shawn. Horrendous abuse - disgusting, gut-clenching. At one point I almost puked, and while it was for what Tara had endured, it was also because of what I had endured at the hands of my ex-husband. And, now, because I cannot, will not, reflect on those memories, I'll end my review. Suffice to say, Educated is a compulsory read, brilliantly written and unbelievable. Unbelievable in the way one says 'unbelievable' not that they don't believe it happened but 'unbelievable' in the way one says they can't believe it happened. If I haven't already said it, Tara Westover is brilliant. Her brilliance is echoed through her words.  30/120 Bibliophile, an Illustrated Miscellany by Jane Mount. Without a doubt the highlight and star of Bibliophile are Mount's own drawings on each and every page as it is an 'illustrated' miscellany. Mount is a renowned illustrator of books, drawings of book spines and covers, and many of ideal bookshelves. It's a clever, catchy niche, perfect for any bibliophile. Amidst her drawings are brief summary's about authors, books, genres, bookish people, types of writing, etc., a veritable litany of everything books. While I garnered several books for my holds list at the library, there was not enough intriguing tidbits of Mount's chosen pieces she highlights to solicit more for my to be read lists. I am not disappointed, per se, but I have read other compulsory bibliophile-type books in which my TBR grew exponentially (ie. The Book Girl, The Read-a-loud Family, and I'd Rather Be Reading). I did, however, learn several interesting facts about authors, book titles, and book stores, even. I loved the Little Free Libraries pages and the guest appearance by Ann Bogel, herself. 31/120

84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. "First published in 1970, brings together twenty years of correspondence between Helene Hanff, at the time, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London at 84, Charing Cross Road. Through the years, though never meeting and separated both geographically and culturally, they share a winsome, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. Their relationship, captured so acutely in these letters, is one that has touched the hearts of thousands of readers around the world. I adored this delightful epistolary non-fiction." - Amazon. I adore this epistolary, compulsory, witty, and clever little book. Even though one can read through in a little over an hour it is an hour or so well-spent. 32/120

What Now? by Ann Patchett. Before I dig into her greater - and longer works of fiction, I wanted to see if, possibly, I might like her writing. What Now? is a most enjoyable, however short it is - essay, of her acclaimed commencement address to her Alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College. Not a typical speech, Patchett addresses the graduates with candor and wit, but even more importantly, real hope for their future. She uses her own story, her own life of roads not taken, roads bypassed, U-turns, all contributing to what, and where, life has brought her. There are several take-away life lessons, What Now? is thought-provoking and astute. Not just for every graduate, but for everyone. P.S. Ignore the senseless photo inserts. 33/120

Deep Work, Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted Word by Cal Newport. While I am most certainly not the intended audience, I did, however, come away from Deep Work, with a solid understanding of the differences between the deep work necessary for focused work that will lead to success and the shallow work that, unless, we are intentional, will do nothing toward, or for, those life-changing, spectacular, and extraordinary works. That said - "I'm not the intended audience" - I did ask myself these question, "I have been wanting to write a Bible study for years. What if I applied the lessons I learned from Deep Work toward writing a study I've longed to write? What if I began managing my technology? What if I implemented focused, uninterrupted hours? What if I focused on progress?" Not surprisingly, I even landed on what I wanted to study and write about. 34/120 

Cherish by Gary Thomas. We're finished! Cherish by Gary Thomas is our fourth book we have read aloud together since September 2018. Cherish is absolutely fabulous!  It just might be the best book on marriage I have ever read. Remembering our marriage vows, which is the reason in this season we haven't given up on our marriage - because of the vows and covenant we made with God - to love and to cherish, this book is solely on cherishing your spouse. Loving and cherishing are different and Thomas explains how they are different and how we can and why we should be cherishing our spouses. I would recommend this book to everyone who is single considering marriage, engaged couples, and most definitely married couples. 35/120

Virgil Wander by Leif Enger. Saved from death out of the icy Lake Superior, Virgil Wander, movie theater owner and city clerk (because no one in town has just one job) of a dying upper Midwestern town, is not the same after the accident that affects his memory and language, and he just doesn't navigate life as he once did. He sees the world in a new way and this concept of seeing permeates the book. As Wander adjusts to life after the accident he also grows his language throughout the book, truly an interesting way to disperse adjectives into writing. Virgil is supported by a quirky ensemble of intriguing and endearing characters. The end: I did not see coming. Favorite quote: Why am I still surprised when it turns out there is more to the story...A person never knows what is next - I don't, anyway. The surface of everything is thinner than we know. A person can fall right through without any warning at all." 36/120

Rooted: The Hidden Places Where God Develops You by Banning Liebscher. 37/120

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. A novella one can read in one sitting - if you want to. I found it a bore and simply - MEH! Literally, The Uncommon Reader's only redeeming quality is the subject matter, or concept: the draw of reading and books once someone gets their hands on a perfectly perfect book, the giddiness one feels for a mobile library, and how books can drastically change one's life. 38/120

Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin. "Shape habits mindfully so that when we fall back on them at times of stress, we're following activities that make our situation better." Rubin makes good points, has noteworthy ideas regarding habits that resonate. Unfortunately, whenever she uses herself in her examples she always comes across condescending. It even seemed that every category she placed people in she 'just happens' to be in the category that has the fewest issues or negative tendencies or downfalls. I remember reading one of her other books and hearing the same condescending and arrogant tone, as well. That said, I tried to put aside her tone and hear what she said. I was interested in her thoughts on monitoring our habits. I was surprised to read that it really doesn't take 21 days to make a habit, as we have often heard, but research has found that it takes 66 days to truly  form a habit. All in all, it was a worthy read setting aside Rubin's - haughty, superior tone. 39/120

The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie. I literally chose this Agatha Christie mystery solely for the bookish title and clever cover. While that may be the reason I chose the book I knew without a doubt it would also be an easy - yet mysterious - and utterly genius read. A body is found in the library...and so the mystery begins. It is amazing to me how Christie is able to pack a punch in only 160 pages. Such a gifted storyteller. 40/120

My digital travelers notebook-size album documenting what I've been reading lately:

The Travelers Notebook: The printed pages (seen above) are 4 x 8 inserts I attach directly on to the TN insert pages. I create my pages digitally, only. I use a large selection of products from Ali Edwards, In a Creative Bubble, Kellie Stamps, Kerri Bradford, Paislee Press, Studio Calico, and One Little Bird, all designers in the scrapbooking community who create physical and digital product to use in scrapbooking memories and projects, such as documenting what I've been reading lately.

a reading odyessey | March 2019

Today I am sharing what I've been reading in March 2019. Some heavy, heavy reading, for sure, and some serious fun, and even a couple children's books! Continuing with my plan to document what I read in 2019, I am creating a traveler's notebook - and can I interject right here that I love this size of documentation. I create a page - or two - for each book I've read, sometimes including rather lengthy thoughts on the book, and sometimes simply a short and sweet synopsis. 

Inspired by Rachel Held Evans. Before I share my thoughts I want to preface those with this: that I give Evans' book 4.5 stars of 5 stars because she writes so beautifully. She has a true gift of the pen. She speaks with intelligence and eloquence and for those she writes for is compelling and swaying. That said, I truly am not who the book was written. I do not wrestle in the same way Evans wrestled with the Word of God. That is not to say I do not wrestle with the Word in doubt, but I wrestle with the Word coming from a belief, a faith that the Word is true, the Word and its various genre, and my wrestling is for understanding of that truth. I don't, but I guess one could, take offense at her scathing attacks of the conservative Christian and biblical scholar of the same because she writes with that slant and with an offensive arrogance (which is the reason I didn't give her book 5 stars). I got the distinct impression that if it comes out of the mouth of a conservative Christian then they could only be uninformed, simple-minded, intolerant, and definitely unenlightened to her truth. Many of the same 'truths' she's decided on have come from those same Christians who did their own grappling with the text. Thus, conservative Christians may find Evans' book difficult to read and may stir up anger.

I did enjoy her midrashic interpretations of passages at the beginnings of each chapter. I have read many compelling Biblical 're-tellings' of this midrashic nature from creative authors such as Francine Rivers, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Tessa Afshar and Evans reigns along aside. However, one has to be careful of interpreting scripture, adding story to the Word of God unless there is additional historical representation as truth, and sometimes I felt that is what Evans does; her view of the text is sometimes clouded by her midrashic interpretations. I was often confused by statements like "This single event, whether historical or legendary or a bit of both...never should it be discounted as just a story." On the one hand she opens up the biblical text as suspect but then says it should never be discounted as just a story. Or, "Bible stories don't have to mean just one thing...faithful engagement with Scripture isn't about uncovering a singular, moralistic point to every text and then sticking to it.' Yet, it seems sometimes the conclusions Evans has come up with are the hardened fast conclusions because they are different from more traditional interpretations because if they are traditional interpretations they couldn't be correct. Many of the texts' Evans has grappled with I have found already through my own studies and have come to similar conclusions and others she confronts that I have had questions she even cleared the mess out of the way. Yet, even still the Bible is more. Much more. More than any human alive will ever be able to flesh out every nuance, every conclusion, every truth. Evans often ends particularly controversial chapters or paragraphs of controversy with profound conclusion statements. Statements that I have believed for years and I can wholeheartedly agree with, statements she seems to write as if to say, "after all this grappling, this is what I believe.' And - if you're a Paul hater you must read the near to the end chapter on church stories. You'll be - enlightened. Whew! Enough said, I think. Enjoy!

One more thing...sorry. At the end of her 'fish stories' chapter, Evans is sharing a conversation she had with a mother at a dinner party about which were her favorite bible stories and the mother says it's the one where Jesus meets his disciples on the beach. Evans goes into a lengthy, intellectual - and obvious arrogant - discourse about the meaning of the parable. The mother's response is hysterical, "Oh, I wasn't thinking about all that. I just like the idea of God frying up fish for breakfast." Yes! It made me curious if Evans' intellect doesn't sometimes get in her way of seeing God!

Here's one of my own 'simple' stories: Hebrews 2:14 says, "Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the Devil—" Many years ago, when I struggled to understand how God could have allowed my own body to be beaten and abused (bruising that lasted for half a year), strangled and smothered, kicked and brought to near death, it was coming across Hebrews 2:14 that brought me to my knees. Jesus was flesh and blood. He shared that with me. No! I shared that with Him. And, he was beaten and abused, and flogged and crushed way more than I ever was. And hung on a cross. He knows what I went through! He shared in my humanity. The Word of God, right there in my messy story. Yes, the Bible is so much more! But, even more importantly, God is so much more! 17/120

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. Immediately drawn into a story with captivating prose. An intellectual, yet fledgling writer, Joy Davidman, married to an abusive and alcoholic husband is encouraged by a literary friend to write to C.S. Lewis, one of the spiritual giants of his time - and even today - when Joy is struggling with a crisis of faith, her writing woes, her marital struggles, life in general. Thus, begins a long-distance friendship through letters that eventually grows into love. Callahan weaves a story of enduring love and loss and friendship and finding God in the midst, at times excruciatingly heart-wrenching and agonizing, and with extremely flawed characters. Through this friendship and unresolved health issues Joy is led to England, leaving her sons behind, to finding healing, relationship resolution, and ultimately, eventually, finds acceptance and real love. While I usually don't like books when the characters have so many flaws (Please don't ask me why because I have no idea. I believe wholeheartedly in redemption for the worst of sinners as I am one of those heavily flawed sinners), yet even all the characters flaws, I adored Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Maybe this will be a turning point for me - flawed characters and their redeeming qualities are enough...While this was historical fiction, clearly the author did her research on the life of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis and weaved a truly believable tale as if I was reading their real life stories. 18/120

The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle. Hysterically funny! I have never in my life read a book that I laughed so much. It is a memoir on marriage - of sorts - and you just gotta laugh. And Shankle makes you laugh. I just laughed through the entire collection of marital 'bliss'. Her blatant sarcasm (I love quick wit and snarky sarcasm), the plethora of humorous anecdotes, smack dab in the middle and spread throughout, are some particularly acute, thought-provoking real marital truths and Biblical wisdom, although humor is the winning ticket. 19/120

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. How does one say I adored the writing, but hated the story. Especially the 'beginning story' as told by who I'd most definitely call the antagonist, Vida Winter - or at least - she is antagonistic to me. The 'beginning story' is horrific, cringe-worthy, bile-rising-up with each turned page in disgust. A truly disturbing beginning. Each time I thought, 'surely it stops!' It doesn't with more vile happenings. To be fair, this is a Gothic tale, generally, most assuredly, a genre I stay light years away from because they're creepy and horrible with extremely flawed characters, very dark. The Thirteenth Tale is filled with all. I found one spark of humor reminiscent of the board game Clue, "The doctor's wife. In the music room. With the violin." Ha! I actually laughed when I caught the subtle humor. There were intermittent reprieves from the menacing and creepy, such as the introduction of the giant and as a storyteller myself, no a writer of books but the stories of our lives I loved finding, "she seems to be managing a little better," the doctor imparted to Margaret, "She says it is the anesthetic qualities of storytelling." The theme of twins is woven throughout the book, but sorely out of place and superfluous is Margaret's own twin ramblings.  20/120

Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle.  A funny memoir on motherhood. If I was in the throes of motherhood, especially if I was embarking on that journey, or in the trenches, this book would have been just as funny, I believe, as her hilarious memoir on marriage. Definitely worth a young mothers time and enjoyment. In her typical snarky, sarcastic, quick-witted humor Shankle delivers fantastically. 21/120

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. This is not over-the-top wow writing, however, it is fun! It's not funny, but fun. If you like their show Fixer Upper and anything Chip and Joanna Gaines you'll enjoy reading their story. 22/120

The Complete Collected Poems by Maya Angelou. Her work is beautiful and inspiring. Poetry is not a genre I typically pick up but I am so glad I did. Ms. Angelou is brilliant. I read somewhere that we should read poetry because we have poems in us that need to be written. After reading this beautiful collection I was inspired to pick up a pen. Long ago I attempted to write poetry when I thought I was creative enough; thankfully I grew out of that:) But, in college (when I was in my 40s I took a Senior writing course where I was required to write many types of papers and realized that while I might not be talented it was something I enjoyed - I don't think the two have to go hand in hand). So, after reading this selection, loving, in particular the story or narrative poems, I wrote my own narrative poem, Black Momma Loves. 23/120

Calypso by David Sedaris. I had heard rave reviews for Sedaris' Calypso. Though I've never read anything by Sedaris, nor heard him talk, I checked out this selection from the library and I was - pleasantly surprised - when I wasn't blasted - and uncomfortable - with his vulgarity. A book of supremely personal and familiar essays, Sedaris has sarcastic, sadistic humor, and while I did chuckle a few times, the subject matters were often dark and gloomy, and much of his subject matter is downright sad. He has this deadpan prose style (Yep, I looked that up because I would have said drool or monotone. Think Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?) that can become annoying. But, just when I'm ready to throw the book aside he does this sneak attack wit that captures my attention, again. 24/120

The Empty Pot written and Illustrated by Demi and read by Rami Malik. I am always on the lookout for good children's books - it's the grandmother in me - and a friend of mine posted this book on Facebook as a book recommended to her by her librarian. Because it was recommended by someone I admire, I knew I had to read it and if I liked it would be going on the ledge in my hallway with all the children's books - for my grandkids when they come visit. Truth always wins is the ultimate telling of the story. A Chinese emperor announces an unusual test to choose an heir - the child who raises the best flowers from a seed given by the Emperor will be his successor. Ping, unaccountably, is unable to get his seed to sprout, let alone grow. But, somehow - Ping's empty pot is best of all. 25/120

Carla's Sandwich by Debbie Hermon and Illustrated by Sheila Bailey; read by Allison Janey. A tremendous telling by Janey who reads each character with voices the story is about Carla who brings weird sandwiches to school and her classmates have plenty to say about them, such as, disgusting, gross, and sick. But, Carla thinks otherwise, "It's unique, and creative." Just like Carla. When Buster forgets his sandwich Carla offers hers. This is a character building story of kids celebrating each others uniqueness, rather than tearing each other down. 26/120

Hallelujah! The Welcome Table by Maya Angelou. It is a month for reading books by the same author. Oh my! I say hallelujah for this chronicle of blessings, I mean - stories - in the extraordinary life of Maya Angelou and the food that is the backbone of those stories. I have long been a lover of stories + food and just as Ms. Angelou is a story teller and poet she is also a cook. The breadth that is Ms. Angelou is wide and her life is wider still. Many of the recipes I hope to try for my family and because we, too, have learned that sharing our table, our food, is some of the best kind of sacred fellowship it is not surprising I adore this book. 27/120

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. I adore this book! If one can hang on through the first several chapters, which are definitely essential to the story, yet still - frustrating, it is a delectable, charming, wonderfully precious story. While I have only read Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery, and this is nothing like Anne..it is, however, a testament to Montgomery's literary brilliance in weaving a charming story - Oh, how fun it becomes! This will definitely be going on my favorites list for 2019! It is un-put-down-able! Out of necessity because we get up at 4 am, bedtime is no later than 9 pm. I stretched that to 10 pm and reluctantly went to bed before I was finished. 28/120

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. Wow! I easily finished this in a few hours as it was a page turner and un-put-down-able. I am not normally a sci-fi reading fan and rarely read sci-fi. But this. This was a fantastic read. Fast-paced and dynamic. As a Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis super fan (meaning I watch both shows at least once a year) I am familiar with the infinite number of alternate realities theorems so I had zero problems following along with the scientific story line. While there is science involved, ultimately, this book is about choices, and the infinite possibilities that could result from the choices we make, each and every choice. Which is an interesting dilemma. 29/120

a reading odyessy | february 2019

Today I am sharing what I've been reading in February. Besides the following, Jeff and I are reading aloud the book Cherish by Gary Thomas. We finished Love Does by Bob Goff this month and are now reading through a more concentrated book on marriage. Reading aloud together is one of my reading goals for 2019. Because we both get up at 4 am every workday morning, we've added reading aloud together as part of our morning routine. We are also reading the Bible together. Jeff recommended we add in Bible reading when our church began a New Testament challenge #NT2x2019 (read the New Testament through 2 times in 2019).

Each year I document what I've read in various ways (You can find them here, here, and here) I am documenting what I am reading this year in a traveler's notebook (TN). I create the individual pages, digitally, and then adhere the printed pages directly into the TN. I am enjoying this process, and the TN size, immensely. I don't necessarily read a book and then create a page but I do have all of the pages created for all of the books I've read by the end of each month. I've included my created pages for each book I've read this month, below.

Unshakable Hope, Building our lives on the promises of God by Max Lucado. Coming off a huge disappointment from Lucado's book, Grace, where he put together excerpts from all his other books, I still had hope for something new, refreshing, and encouraging. I was not disappointed with Unshakable Hope!  While it was still an easy-to-read book it was quite a bit more substantial than Max's signature style and while I love his style of writing - in quick, punchy quips that say a lot - I was, still, pleasantly surprised at this engaging, thought-provoking, heart-changing, and spiritually sound book. Each chapter is based on a promise of God that we can stand on, rest in, and find hope when our faith is shakened. I checked this one out from the library but I will definitely purchase my own copy. 8/120

Love Does by Bob Goff. Jeff and I have been enjoying this little jewel over the past month or so, chapter by chapter, essay by essay as I've read a chapter aloud in the early routines of the morning before I leave for work. The essays, as I'd call them, are not deep theological discussions but they all point to a simple truth about God and be inspired to do - because love does. Over the month of reading, if I've thanked Jeff for doing something for me: making my coffee, carrying my briefcase, folding the clothes, his simple response hasn't been you're welcome but - love does. It has made me smile, each, and every time. You could easily read this engaging, humorous, thought-provoking-to-action book in one day, but we have enjoyed it immensely, together, read slowly and purposefully. 9/120

Connections in Death by J.D. Robb. Can I just say how disappointed I am in the trajectory the In Death books have been going recently. There is considerably more unnecessary foul language (and coming out of the mouths of those who don't normally, it isn't part of their character to). In addition, as in Connections in Death the entire book is dialogue. If the dialogue was witty, sharp, intelligent and actually said something important, or had the beloved characters snarky humor, it might have worked but this dialogue was a case study in drool. Connections contained numerous character errors, blatant, easily identified errors any reader who has been reading the In Death series from the beginning could have recognized instantly and which is totally unacceptable. Again, Robb (or whomever is writing the In Death books now - because it does not seem like Robb is writing them) once again introduced a quality character only to drop her like a rock before she could get off the starting block. Even the story line was crazy messed up. Gang bangers supposedly difficult to catch and convict but Eve walks in and wraps them all up in days. Just irritatingly unbelievable. Sad where these books, which have been my favorite series for so many years, are heading. 10/120

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this elegant collection of short stories, each written with both Indian and American connections, have such depth of character and are so full of engrossing story they read much like individual full length novels and ones that are un-put-down-able. While they all captured my attention, even the story that claimed the title, it was A Temporary Matter that pricked at my heart the most. Such a brilliant beloved collection deep into the heart of Indian life. 11/120

Cozy Minimalist Home, More Style Less Stuff by Myquillyn Smith. Smith's take: Cozy doesn't have to mean cluttered and minimalist doesn't have to mean cold. Perfect. I'm a cozy minimalist, too. I knew I was something like it even before I cracked the spine (which, by the way, is not well-made - the book spine, I mean). What I liked? Appropriately placed photos plus words for a 'design' book. Engaging reading. I wasn't bored. I never felt I had a horribly designed home, or a wrong decorating style, even though I might have a few spaces in my home that needs - some work. Smith is down-to-earth and you feel like a friend is chatting up your design choices with you. What I didn't like? While photos were appropriately placed MANY of the photos were fluff and gave me zero 'pin-worthy' ideas. Once I made it to the 'this is how I changed up that one room in the house' Smith was redecorating for the sake of the book, I was disappointed in the disjointed and staged photos, rather than the actual potential designs or design avenues one room might be able to take on. Speaking of photos, there just weren't enough oohs and aah's (actually, none) for my skirt to fly up. 12/120

Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. Hesitant to read in February because of the title I dove in anyway especially when I opened to the first pages and realized it was written in my beloved epistolary style (two of my favorite books over the last couple years are written in letters: The Guernesy Literary and Potato Peel Society and Dear Mr. Knightley). This unforgettable romantic novel takes place when England is fighting the Great War. Through letters, Evie Elliott, who is the star of the story, and her pen pals, her brother Will, her brother’s best friend Tom, Evie’s best friend Alice, and a supporting cast of characters share their very different life-changing experiences during the war. Growing love and gut wrenching loss, women’s suffrage, freedom of speech, enduring friendship, post traumatic stress, and the horrors of war are themes deftly woven and upfront, in and through the letters passed to each other over the years of war, when they first thought as they were heading off to war (Will and Tom) they would have been home for Christmas, only to find many more years pass - and at least one who doesn’t come home. The authors did a superb job researching the war, character development, and the various threaded themes which added so much depth and richness to the story and seamlessly wrote as one. This novel will most definitely be going on my top books of 2019. 13/120

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit. Deemed one of C.S. Lewis’ favorite children’s books, The Railway Children will forever be a favorite of mine, as well. It always amazes me how I missed out on so many wonderful books as a child when reading was not a priority for me. An endearing and enduring story, a children’s classic, of a wealthy family suddenly, and without knowing the rest of the story, is thrust into poverty forcing the family into an unscheduled move to the countryside. While the mother deals privately with the horrendous blow fate has dealt her family, her children are forced to fend mostly for themselves while their mother, who always schooled them, played with them, and had unending time with them, grieved alone. Left alone, however, the children flourished. They made unusual friends wherever their ramblings took them. When they got into ‘scrapes’ they found their way out. When they were dealt unfairness they picked themselves up and remained kind, anyways. I am so thrilled with this book. It would make a wonderful read-a-loud to children! I am definitely sending a copy to my granddaughter. I think she’ll love it! 14/120

This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. I read This Present Darkness as a fairly new believer in Jesus Christ, almost 30 years ago and when I had little understanding about the battle raging and the place of angels and demons in the spiritual realm, in the unseen world of spiritual warfare. It was then, and even now, eye-opening and revealing. Unforgettable, really. I was completely enthralled, captivated, and on the edge of my seat reading the book again even after years of spiritual growth and understanding into the battle that is not against flesh and blood. It was a vivid, and visual reflection and reminder of the book of Ephesians, Chapter 6, in the life of a Christian. 15/120

The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle. A book recommended by someone who reads a ton of books, who I admire, especially for her reading reviews, I placed The Dinner List on hold at the library and it was in a stack of four to pick up. I was intrigued enough because - Audrey Hepburn made the dinner list. Have you ever been asked, “If you could have dinner with anyone, who would you invite? We meet our protagonist as she is meeting her best friend at a restaurant for her 30th birthday dinner. To her surprise everyone who had made the dinner list that she had created many years previously while in college were now seated at her birthday table. What ensues is a back and forth replay of the dinner conversation between her best friend, her ex-fiance, her deceased father, a former college professor, and none other than Audrey Hepburn - and her life surrounding her ex-fiance. It is a book on navigating relationships, finding them, keeping them, a book on the various kinds of loss - and grief, and unfulfilled dreams. I was rooting for Audrey Hepburn to be the star of the show, and while the author gave her a supporting role, it was evident she did her research and truly could have given her a starring role. Besides being given some of the inside look into Hepburn, we are shown the character of Sabrina, our protagonist, fairly well. However, with just a glimpse at the remaining guests, who all are introduced with such potential for depth of character, it was disappointing we weren’t given more. I was surprised by the ending and while it was good, I’m not a fan of bittersweet. But we were offered possibility and hope. 16/120

a reading odyssey | january 2019

This year, creatively, I'm changing things up in the way I document what I've been reading lately. This year I am creating individual page(s) for every book I read and inserting them into a traveler's notebook. I love the size of a TN; it makes scrapbooking effortless, yet with a teensy measure of creativity. Plus, I can print the pages from home, which is a total plus because I can fill the TN as I read.

Not off to a grand start in number of books read this month, however, what I read was most enjoyable and a delight in some cases, and blown away by, at least, one.

Dear Fahrenheit 451, a Librarian's Love Letters and Breakup Notes to the Books in Her Life by Annie Spence. I read Dear Fahrenheit 451 and immediately had my own snarky, playful response:

Dear Fahrenheit 451, once I caught on to your snarky and playful humor you were a delight to read. Unfortunately, you made me cringe at my sorely lacking reading escapades, or at the very least I found it difficult to follow some of those reading reproofs because I have not read so many of the books. Okay, the majority of the books you mentioned. I said, 'so many'...

I did find your letter to the 'fancy bookshelf at a party...' particularly delightful and had me fist bumping, ah, myself - because I know for a fact your aren't talking about me. I mean, my shelves. Because my shelves - my shelves are simply adorable and filled to the brim with my favorite reads. And, your letter to "Dear Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln and just all of the Killings by 'Bill O'Reilly'" was hysterical! And, 'Dear Easy Rawlins Mystery Series by Walter Mosley'. Stop already. You're making my stomach hurt. Truthfully, I identified with your letters of love and empathized with those dear john letters. You might as well have sent a text because you tried just a bit to hard to sound forlorn and sorrowful.

And then I read Dear The Namesake and you made me sad. I heard your arrogance. I wondered if you are one of those click-ish, superficial books who 'click' with only their kind and who only asks you questions like 'how are you?' because you're the only two in the elevator and you try and sound interested in my life but in truth you can't wait until the elevator opens and you can get off and go to another bookshelf. Or you see that bestseller who just walked in and you just have to say hi. I'm truly disappointed you looked down your literate nose at all those who read but maybe, sometimes, just can't grasp the full depth of what a book is trying to convey. And then. Then, you slammed The Hobbit, too. And, that just doesn't sit well with me.  At all. May I suggest you read it aloud next time to your twin teenagers and then see if you like it. Because it will be a memorable experience. And this is me sticking my tongue out at you: nah, nah, nah, boo-boo - I actually read To Kill a Mockingbird.

Redeemed. You made me want to read Matilda, Holidays on Ice, and An Education. Finally, some like-mindedness with - dear Fahrenheit 451! And, I had to laugh, again, at Dear Harlequin Romance Spinner Rack.

Dear Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, did a writer check you out? It could have been my friend who is a CSI, that's a crime scene investigator. Just asking for Dear Fahrenheit 451 because it had no idea. Then, then you lost me. Maybe you lost track of time perusing all the stacks of books but you were neither engaging, nor with a sense of the humorous - and my eyes glazed over. Dear Fahrenheit 451 I finished you feeling less than taken by you and more disappointed, eager to move on to another. It's been too much of a roller coaster ride and you know I abhor roller coasters. Therefore, we are officially breaking up. 3.5 Stars

1/120 (I have a long way to go, read 120 books in 2019, and a short 365 days to get there but we're gonna' do what they say can't be done!).

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I am quite certain that Anne with an e of Green Gables will be one of my most favorite books of 2019. I confess, growing up I read mostly harlequin romances because those books were readily available in our home (my mother was an avid reader). My reading repertoire as a child and teenager, that I can recall never leaned toward classics, nor settled on new books. As an adult it has only been in the last 10 years or so that I have 'broadened my horizons' and begun intentionally reading new-to-me books, classics, new authors, books that are outside of my comfort zone, those books I would never have picked up at the library or a book fair if it wasn't for reading challenges and meeting reading goals. Over these years I have even landed on my favorite genre, Christian Non-Fiction. When I was a young adult with two girls I watched the Anne of Green Gables television mini-series on VHS and adored the series. But even then I never considered reading the books that the series was based on. But, with my new found love of reading 'most' genres, Anne of Green Gables has been on my to be read (TBR) list for quite some time. I'm thrilled I can not only check it off of my TBR but it also checks a box on the 2019 Modern Mrs Darcy Reading Challenge - a book you've been meaning to read.

Enter many years past the age of 11, the age Anne with an e is, and I am reading Anne of Green Gables. I recently gave my granddaughter, who is 12, the entire collection of Anne books. Her momma, my daughter Elizabeth, mentioned she wanted to start a book club - and wouldn't Anne of Green Gables be a wonderful book to begin with. It is because of Ella and the fact she might one day soon read Anne of Green Gables that I ordered a copy for myself to read. We could be kindred spirits, if only for the shared experience of having read Anne of Green Gables.

As soon as I began reading and was struck numb with pleasure from a particular quote I picked up the first writing utensil I could get my hand on and began bracketing my favorites and making note of the page numbers. If I had book darts I would have been able to easily mark the pages for future reference. I even enjoyed reading aloud to my mother and daughter, Ashley those classic quotes as they also enjoyed the Anne series. I knew they would be fond of what I read aloud. Note to self: buy book darts. P.S. When I went to put book darts into my cart, low and behold, I'd already purchased said book darts. I found them tucked away in a basket of - stuff. 5 Stars

2/120

Leverage in Death by J.D. Robb. With only a month remaining before Robb's next In Death book, book number 48, hits stores, I wanted to read book number 47 in the series. I was surprised when I searched for a copy in stores that it had already gone to paperback. According to Amazon, "For the airline executives finalizing a merger that would make news in the business world, the nine a.m. meeting would be a major milestone. But after marketing VP Paul Rogan walked into the plush conference room, strapped with explosives, the headlines told of death and destruction instead. The NYPSD’s Eve Dallas confirms that Rogan was cruelly coerced by two masked men holding his family hostage. His motive was saving his wife and daughter―but what was the motive of the masked men?

Despite the chaos and bad publicity, blowing up one meeting isn’t going to put the brakes on the merger. All it’s accomplished is shattering a lot of innocent lives. Now, with the help of her billionaire husband Roarke, Eve must untangle the reason for an inexplicable act of terror, look at suspects inside and outside both corporations, and determine whether the root of this crime lies in simple sabotage, or something far more complex and twisted."

Leverage began over the top exciting! But then so many characters later and more deaths that make little sense to the plot and are little mentioned by Eve who typically always knows her victims and I couldn't keep up with who was who and even why they were in the book. Unfortunately, the intricate plot in the beginning unraveled quickly and I kept putting the book down - in frustration. Eve and Peabody seemed disjointed. Eve and Roarke even more so. Often, throughout the book, I wondered if even Robb wrote this one. Not a shining testament for sure. That said. I loved the Rhoda character, security specialist who works in one of Roarke's building - very interesting character and I could totally see her as a potential love interest for Baxter who might curb his womanizing ways, and who might become a returning character. The storyline could have been really good.

While I am disappointed with this one, it is part of the whole In Death series and one misstep does not mean I'll in anyway give up on Robb. 3 Stars

3/120

We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter. Revisiting my local library regularly after newly acquiring a PINES Library card which allows us to check books out from all over the state, seriously upped the availability of books and I only had to wait days for this extraordinary propulsive novel based on a true story, on the lives of one family who truly were the lucky ones. I was struck by the cover. A couple sitting on a park bench, seemingly reminiscing, in somber, hushed tones, finishing their story with, "We Were the Lucky Ones." I was left on the edge of my seat with each passing chapter, waiting with bated breath, for Hunter to tell me 'the rest of the story', rather she left me hanging in suspense one time too often. Truly, it only meant I couldn't put the book down. The setting begins with family life as Jews living in Poland before WWII, albeit one lone son, an engineer, living in France. A family and their individual stories and tramping's during the war, their harrowing trials that separate them from each other; yet they always have family in mind, and when, once again through their indelible spirit - and luck, they are reunited. I was awestruck by the Kurc family's propensity to endure life's challenges; their resilience is inspiring. Throughout the book I saw God's hand upon the entire family throughout their often dangerous, treacherous, heart-wrenching journey's that took some to Siberia, to Warsaw, to Italy, to Africa, to Brazil. I loved how Hunter began We Were The Lucky Ones with the family celebrating the Festival of Matzahs (Feast of Unleavened Bread), or the Passover, remembering God's deliverance of the Israelites, the Jews, from the Egyptians out of captivity. And, Hunter ends We Were The Lucky Ones with a celebration of the Festival of Matzahs, a time of their liberation, their freedom - from yet another captivity.  4.5 Stars

4/120

It's Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst. A deep, rich blessing for my soul and my heart. Both of which need healing after a particularly gut-wrenching relational sucker punch. Perfect timing when Satan tried to weave his wicked ways into my struggles and send me spiraling out of control. Enter Lysa's new book who, over a three plus years, experienced more earth shattering, life shattering circumstances and shares how she was able to live assured, safe in God's hands, even when life doesn't turn out like we expected. Encouraged beyond imaginable I was able to apply truths from Terkeurst when I was caught off guard by a fairly recent trial in my life that shattered me.

The book covers what to do when you question God's timing, whether He is still God amidst difficult circumstances, and if you can still trust Him. Her book is truly a personal walk of faith that has been challenged, tested, sifted, and reformed and how to withstand. More specifically, how we can stop from being pulled into the throes of disappointment by discovering how to better process unmet expectations and other painful situations. How to train ourselves to recognize the three strategies of the enemy so we can stand strong and persevere through unsettling relationships and uncertain outcomes. One of the hardest to digest is when God actually does give us more than we can handle, but Lysa shows us how to be steadfast and not panic.

If you life is coming up roses right now this book might not be for you. But it might be for you if you have a friend who is in a brutal battle relationally, spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Because you could come along side them and lift them up. 5 Stars

5/120

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. Written in 1955, M. Dobbs, trade and personal investigator, is a uniquely gifted private investigator who conducts discreet investigations of any sort of matter. Her mentor and former employer of the same had been instructing Dobbs since she was 13, pulled out of indentured poverty to come along side him and learn the art of psychological investigating. Having assisted a new client, Dobbs stumbles upon a potential mystery and proceeds to solving said mystery. Because this is the first in the series, the entire center of the book takes the reader back to her early years, when she is given a chance at something else in life, attending Cambridge, going off to the Great War, which is an integral part of the story, falling in love but feeling the worse might happen. I was so intrigued by her investigating gifts such as being able to read people and - lead people to garner information. While I was reading, it reminded me of The Legend of Bagger Vance, and his unique gift to lead Captain Rannulph Junah back into the game of golf and finding his swing again. I enjoyed this book immensely, and I will be checking out the others in the series. 4.5 stars.

6/120

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon. I'm a transplanted southern girl. I wasn't born in the deep south but I've lived the longest length of my life, especially my adulthood, in the south. Oh, you wouldn't know it by my accent, but southern I am. However, I'm not suthern. Suthern living hasn't informed my entire life but it has Reese's and she enjoys sharing her southern life lessons and southern ways and southern style in her delightful book. This was an extraordinarily quick, yet enjoyable read. I think I expected more humor, but I wondered if that was fitting for a southern lady. The book offers a wide-range of pleasantries from her decorating sense, to party throwing, sweet tea, manners, holidays, and of course some southern recipes. Much of what she shares seem mostly for wealthy folks, but I love the idea of a book club and such. Worth the read. 3 Stars.

7/120

And, that is a wrap for January 2019 reading.

 

120 Books in 2019 | 007

Moving right along in my reading odyssey, my adventure toward reading more books in one year than I've ever read before with book number 007.

Why am I using three numbers to capture one 7? Because when I get to the triple digits it'll be smooth transitioning. It's aesthetics, really. 

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon, an actress and entrepenuer, and a true southern girl, shares how - and why she’s truly southern in this easy, fast-paced and delightful story, reminiscent of someone simply telling stories about their life - and all things southern. It's not really a memoir but a book that tells stories of her life revolving around her simply southern roots which are a mainstay in her life. As a transplanted southern girl myself I enjoyed the recipes and southern idiosyncrasies, however, some are - silly - in these times. Those disagreeable's didn’t stop me from enjoying the book though. I expected more humor, I guess because Reese has done quite a few romantic comedies. I did, however, appreciate her obvious intelligence and give suitable applause for the things she has accomplished in life. 7/120

120 Books in 2019 | 005

 

It's Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst. A deep, rich blessing for my soul and my heart. Both of which need healing after a particularly gut-wrenching relational sucker punch. Perfect timing when Satan tried to weave his wicked ways into my struggles and send me spiraling out of control. Enter Lysa's new book who, over three plus years, experienced more earth-shattering, life-shattering circumstances imaginable and shares how she was able to live assured, safe in God's hands, even when life doesn't turn out like we expected. Encouraged beyond imaginable I was able to apply truths from Lysa's book when I was caught off guard by a fairly recent trial in my life that shattered me.

The book covers what to do when you question God's timing, whether He is still God amidst difficult circumstances, and if you can still trust Him. Her book is truly a personal walk of faith that has been challenged, tested, sifted, and reformed - and how to withstand. More specifically, how we can stop from being pulled into the throes of disappointment by discovering how to better process unmet expectations and other painful situations. How to train ourselves to recognize the three strategies of the enemy so we can stand strong and persevere through unsettling relationships and uncertain outcomes. One of the hardest to digest is when God actually does give us more than we can handle, but Lysa shows us how to be steadfast, and not panic.

If your life is coming up roses right now this book might not be for you. But it might be for you if you have a friend who is in a brutal battle relationally, spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Because you could come along side them and lift them up and let them know that God is still good. 5 Stars

5/120

 

120 Books in 2019 | 004

 

We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter. Revisiting my local library regularly after newly acquiring a PINES Library card which allows us to check books out from all over the state, seriously upped the availability of books, and I only had to wait days for this extraordinary propulsive novel based on a true story, on the lives of one family who truly were - the lucky ones. First, I was struck by the cover. A couple sitting on a park bench, staring off into the misty scene in front of them and in somber, hushed tones, they're reflecting on their story and they finish with, "We Were the Lucky Ones."

I was left on the edge of my seat with each passing chapter, waiting with bated breath, for Hunter to tell me 'the rest of the story'. Rather she left me hanging in suspense one time too often. Truly, it only meant I couldn't put the book down.

The setting begins with family and life as Jews living in Poland before WWII, albeit one lone son, an engineer, living in France. A story about family and their individual stories, and tramping's during the war, their harrowing trials that separate them from each other; yet always with family in mind, and when, once again, through their indelible spirit - and luck, they are reunited. I was awestruck by the Kurc family's propensity to endure life's challenges. Their resilience is inspiring.

Throughout the book I saw God's hand upon the entire family through their often dangerous, treacherous, and heart-wrenching journey's that took some to Siberia, to Warsaw, to Italy, to Africa, to Brazil. I loved how the author, Hunter, began We Were The Lucky Ones with the family celebrating the Festival of Matzahs, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, or the Passover, remembering God's deliverance of the Israelites, the Jews, from the Egyptians out of captivity. And, how Hunter, then, ends We Were The Lucky Ones with a celebration again, of the Festival of Matzahs, a time of their liberation, their freedom - from yet another captivity.           4.5 Stars

4/120

 

120 Books in 2019 | 003

3 / 120

I won't ever say I am disappointed in one of J.D. Robb's In Death series, but Leverage in Death was missing something, something. The first chapters were provocative and engaging and I immediately gauged it was going to be an interesting - and intriguing story line. Unfortunately, everything came unhinged or disjointed...and there were so many characters - and so many dead. While so many dead wasn't really the concern, it was, however, a problem when Eve Dallas, who always connects with the dead who she is seeking justice for - didn't. Connect that is. Besides that there is no main character growth, nor was there the normal feisty banter between Eve and Roarke and Eve and Peabody.

I even wondered the unthinkable. I wondered if J.D. Robb didn't have herself a little ghost writer...

Please say it isn't so!

I would never give up on the series because of one misstep, but I do hope with her February release, she has regained her writing finesse. There have only been one or two books in the entire series that I would say were not up to par so I am hopeful.

120 Books in 2019 | 002

2 / 120

I read the truly delightful, tremendously uplifting, and insanely imaginative Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. It's true. I'd never read Anne of Green Gables or any of the other books in the series. I have, however, seen the Anne of Green Gables trilogy on VHS. Do I need to explain what VHS is? Before Blueray. Before DVD. There was VHS.

I adored the movies. As I read Anne of Green Gables, I imagined all the actors' voices, catching every quotable line of conversation. I dog-earred, bracketed sentences, and book darted pages of my favorite scenes. And, enjoyed re-reading each one only days later. 

I would not be surprised if Anne of Green Gables is my Favorite Book of 2019. Every other book I read this year has big shoes to fill.

120 Books in 2019 | 001

This year, as I mentioned in my reading plans post for 2019, my goal is to read 120 Books in 2019. Besides that I am documenting my reading quite a bit differently. I have decided to created a Traveler's Notebook (TN) to hold all the pages I create, documenting what I've read. Last year I simply created a page at the end of every month rounding up everything I'd read that month and inserted it into my All About Me album .

I have several TN's in my stash and will probably choose the turquoise soft leather, which is my favorite. I will continue to create the traveler's notebook size pages digitally, print them out, and then simply adhere them to the TN's pages using double-sided tape. The way a TN is made it can easily hold many pages - although by the time I'm finished it might be bursting at the seams.

Above are my first 2-page TN-sized layout for the first book of the year. 

While I will be sharing these individual pages here, I am also creating a blog post rounding up everything I've read that I will post at the end of each month, which is where I can easily track how many books I'm reading.

120 Books in 2019  |  1/120

Truly, I'm not sure if every book will have a lengthy 'book report' but it is something I am 'testing the waters'.