Every month I try to read at least one book from the following categories: nonfiction, devotional, and fiction. And this year I’m doing things just a little bit differently than in the past. Since I decided to participate in the 2016 PopSugar Reading Challenge, I’m also going to be listing which category my books fulfill. If you want to join in on the fun, you can check out the list of categories here! This is What I Read in May 2016, my brief book reviews and recommendations, and there were some great books.

Books Finished:

Marking Time by Elizabeth Jane Howard

2016 PopSugar Challenge: a book that takes place during summer

This book (the second in the series) takes place primarily during summer, and its predecessor takes place entirely during the summer, so I’m counting it. This series is quite engaging, and although it was a little bit slow to start for me, I really enjoy it now. Following the Cazalet family during World War II, it’s interesting to see each person’s unique perspective. Looking forward to reading the next book.

A Beautiful Life by Kerry Clarensau

My bible study just finished this wonderful book about the things that we can do differently in our lives to make them more beautiful. Things like handling conflict in a biblical manner, to implementing good boundaries, to simply loving one another, I appreciated that the book was quite practical. The questions at each section end sparked some good conversation in our group.

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

2016 PopSugar Challenge: a book at least 100 years older than you

After the references in Dear Mr. Knightley to classic literature, including this book, I couldn’t help but to read one in this month’s reading list. The twists (ha!) and turns in the story (following orphan Oliver Twist) were classic Dickens. It kept me interested all the way through the story. I recommend this one.

While You Were Mine by Ann Howard Creel

This is a slightly cheesy and predictable, but still charming romance set at the conclusion of World War II. Gwen is caring for a baby left behind by her former roommate when that baby’s father returns home from war. Gwen has fallen in love with baby Mary, and turmoil ensues. A sweet story, even if you can tell how it will end.

Waking Up: How I Found My Faith By Losing It by Ted Dekker

This short little booklet was wonderful, and what I’ve probably been needing lately. The topic is the disparity between calling ourselves Christians and how we actually live our lives. An excellent and very quick read.

The Third Reich: Adolf Hitler, Nazi Germany, World War II And The Last German Empire by Frank D. Kennedy

2016 PopSugar Challenge: a book you can finish in a day

Historical nonfiction isn’t my typical genre, but after reading several books by Horst Christian set during WWII in Germany, I have wanted to learn more about what Germany was like during that time period. This book provides lots of information in a small package, so there isn’t fluff. Interesting topic, and well presented.

All For the Love of You: A Short Story from Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War by Jennifer Robson 

I really, really love Robson’s writing. I’ve written here before about how much I love her books. So if you have not yet read anything of hers, take it as a sign that I had actually preordered this one. I very rarely preorder, but did in this case. This short story actually ties into Moonlight Over Paris, so it was fun to revisit one of the more minor characters. Just as wonderful as everything else of hers!

The Side Hustle Path by Nick Loper

2016 PopSugar Challenge: a book that’s under 150 pages

This short book is an excellent guide with real tips and strategies for side income. The author tackles things like Uber and AirBnB. Short chapters, good information. A beat book if you’re thinking some extra income may be nice. And he has a couple of other books with more tips, as well as a website and an e-mail newsletter if you’re interested in learning even more about the side hustle path.

 

Books Abandoned:

None.