Luggage and Literature

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - St. Augustine

January 2020 Reading List

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This year, I’m participating in the Unread Shelf Challenge 2020 with a goal to read 75 books that I already own. Each month, I’ll read one fiction, one nonfiction/memoir, one law/business/politics, and one devotional/spiritual book. Quarterly, I’ll be reading one book of classic literature. I’ll be listing where each book came from, whether from my existing collection, I borrowed the book, or purchased the book new this year. This is my January 2020 Reading List, which includes the books that I’ve finished, the books in progress and ongoing, and the books that I’ve abandoned.

Books Finished:

The Making of a Country Lawyer by Gerry Spence

Already owned physical book. Legal/Business/Politics pick from 2020 Reading Plan.

Spence is incredibly fascinating to me. I first learned about him while attending a legal seminar in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Several attorneys at the seminar had attended Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming and spoke very highly about him and their experience. This is a memoir/autobiography about Spence and his formative years, his relationships with his parents, and formative experiences from his law practice. I found nuggets of wisdom in this book, and really enjoyed it.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Already owned physical book. Nonfiction/Memoir pick from 2020 Reading Plan.

I had sort of mixed feelings about this book. I generally like the idea of buying local food and supporting local farmers, as well as eating more at home. And I understand the author’s concerns and rationale. But at the same time, I live in Nebraska, a state that’s economy is largely based on industrial agriculture, including corn and soybean production and livestock. So because of where I live and what I’ve observed, I disagree with some of her concerns regarding how animals are treated in industrial ag. I’m sure that there are bad actors, but the ag producers that I know want animals to be treated humanely and care about the land that grows the crops they’re producing. Many have owned their land for generations and want it to be there for their children and grandchildren. So I found the book interesting and thought-provoking, even while I disagreed with some of her premises. Particularly interesting were the anecdotes from her family’s year of eating locally grown and produced food.

Fight for Your Money: How to Stop Getting Ripped Off and Save a Fortune by David Bach

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I listened to the audiobook for this one after I’d heard about David Bach on Rachel Hollis’s podcast. Most of the book didn’t have new information for me, but would be great for a young person just starting out in life. And some of the references (particularly with respect to the technology pieces) are dated. But I stuck with it, and did learn a few things that I hadn’t known before. I would recommend doing this one as a physical book or an e-book, so that skipping around between chapters would be easier

Stray: Memoir of a Runaway by Tanya Marquardt

Already owned Kindle e-book.

This memoir was really interesting, as Tanya was coming of age and running away from home during the height of the goth/punk movement, which Tanya talks about. But her story felt to me like it lacked an ending. We don’t get to find out what happens to Tanya after her teenage years, how she becomes an author, or anything like that. It was a little disappointing to me. Her story was fascinating, but felt incomplete.

Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by M.T. Anderson

Purchased using Audible credit.

As a musician, I love books about music. This story is really incredible. During World War II, the Germans laid siege on Leningrad. The people were starving, and things were very bleak. Shostakovich and his family were evacuated, but his extended family was left behind. Shostakovich wrote his 7th Symphony about the experience and in honor of his people.

The Future of Feeling: Building Empathy in a Tech-Obsessed World by Kaitlin Ugolik Phillips

Kindle First book, so new but free.

Although it was clear that the author comes to the topic of empathy from a very different worldview from mine, I still found her exploration of the topic to be informative and interesting. I was particularly interested in her examples of how technology doesn’t just drive us apart or make us less empathetic, but how it can be used to increase empathetic feelings in people.

Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA by Amaryllis Fox

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This book was so interesting that I read the whole thing in a day. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next, something that is unusual in a memoir. It is the author’s story of spending her 20s in the CIA as an analyst and then an operative. After reading the book, I did some googling to find a photo of the author, and stumbled across a couple of articles that outlined how she had not received approval from the CIA to publish the book beforehand, and questioning the authenticity of all elements of her story. Even with these concerns, the story is super interesting. But I do recommend reading those articles after reading the book, just to put the whole think into context.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

A fable or parable, this book is about finding your own ‘personal legend’ and then striving for it unceasingly. I’m not sure what exactly I think about the book. The story was entertaining, and not terribly long, so it’s an easy read. From what I can tell people generally either love this book, saying it changed their lives, or hated it, saying that it’s drivel. I must be in the minority in that I enjoyed the story, but don’t have strong feelings about its moral message.

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

Dr. Zhivago, written by Boris Pasternak, cannot be published in the Soviet Union, but is his masterpiece. This is the story of Pasternak’s affair and love of Olga Ivinskaya, as well as the efforts to get it published, translated, and smuggled back into the country. The book combines a historical fiction, spy novel, love story, and drama into one. It was pretty good.

The Food of Love by Amanda Prowse

Already owned Kindle e-book.

This novel is about a girl and her family dealing with an eating disorder and the fear and fallout that go along with it. It was at times infuriating (when the mom just wanted to make excuses and enable the girl), and heart-wrenching. There’s a little twist in the book, that helped the narrative drive of the story.

Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Borrowed from library.

Historical fiction is my jam. And when I saw this book on the shelf at the library, I had to check it out. This is a fictionalized account of Princess Grace of Monaco, her first meeting with her beloved prince, and her transformation from Hollywood movie star into true royal. This story of Princess Grace is viewed through the lens of a perfumier in the South of France who happens to meet Grace, and a photographer tasked with getting photos of Grace. And there is drama and romance in their stories as well. It’s well done and delightful to read.

John’s Story: The Last Eyewitness by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Already owned physical book. Devotional/Spiritual pick from 2020 Reading Plan.

This is a novel based on historical accounts of John’s life, as well as John’s writings during his lifetime. It’s well-written and engaging. And it features the writings of the bible both within the novel, as well as separately at the end. I enjoyed the book.

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa TerKeurst

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This is Lysa’s book written in the midst of a series of very serious health concerns and cancer, and while dealing with infidelity in her marriage. It’s brutally honest and heartbreaking and hopeful. Lysa examines God’s view of suffering, its purposes, and how it can be used to transform us. It’s a powerful book, especially for someone going through really difficult times in life.

I Deserve a Donut (And Other Lies That Make You Eat) by Barb Raveling

Already owned Kindle e-book.

This book has a series of different reasons why we eat, as well as different things to think about, and various bible verses to ponder to help stop eating for reasons other than hunger and nutrition.

 

Books Ongoing through 2020:

Unshakeable: 365 Devotions for Finding Unwavering Strength in God’s Word by Christine Caine (Already owned physical book.) This is a daily devotional that I’ll be reading all year.

Year of Wonder: Classical Music to Enjoy Day by Day by Clemency Burton-Hill (Already owned physical book.) This book has daily readings about classical music generally, various subgenres of classical, and a daily piece of music to find and listen to. I’ll be working through it all year.

 

Books In Progress:

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 (Already owned physical book.)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey (Borrowed from a friend.)

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (Already owned Audible.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: The Wild, Definitive Saga of Rock’s Greatest Supergroup by David Browne (Borrowed from library.)

The St. Nicholas Anthology edited by Henry Steele Commager (Already owned physical book.)

The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux (Already owned Kindle e-book.)

The Girl from the Metropol Hotel: Growing up in Communist Russia by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya (Purchased using Audible credit.)

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (Audible Original book, so new but free.)

 

Books Abandoned:

Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World by Maryanne Wolf (Borrowed from library.)

Normal Is Just a Setting on Your Dryer by Patsy Clairmont (Already owned physical book.)

Tipperary by Frank Delaney (Already owned physical book. Fiction pick from 2020 Reading Plan.)

December 2019 Reading List

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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 December 2019 Reading List, my brief reviews and book recommendations for December 2019. Hopefully I’ll provide you with some inspiration for your future reading as well!

Books Finished:

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This short story is a father’s story to his children about the reason for his delay when going out to get some milk for breakfast. It is charming and fun, and definitely did not disappoint. If you need something a little lighthearted, choose this one.

Prognosis: A Memoir of My Brain by Sarah Vallance

Borrowed through Amazon Prime Reading.

A woman is bucked off of a horse and suffers a traumatic brain injury. This is her story of coping with it, as well as the changes to her life as a result. It’s an interesting story, but is also heartbreaking and eye-opening. In reading it, I also couldn’t help but think that if she’d suffered the injury now, that the treatment would have looked much different than when she sought treatment.

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This is my book club’s January pick, and since it’s pretty long, I thought I’d get a jump start and read it early. The story is set in the prehistoric ice age era, which struck me as novel. I can’t remember ever reading a book, or even hearing about a book, set in this time frame before. And it follows early humans, including Neanderthals. The story is fascinating, if a bit heavy on the details at times. I enjoyed it enough that I decided to check out the second book in The Earth’s Children series.

The Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

The second book in The Earth’s Children, this book follows Ayla as she journeys on without the Neanderthals in search of the Others. I don’t know that I liked it as much as the first one, as it felt a little tedious at times. But seing Ayla grow in her independence and confidence was fun.

Following Christ: Losing Your Life for His Sake by Charles H. Spurgeon

Already owned Kindle e-book.

This book encourages Christians to move into action, and to listen to God in determining the best course of action for each of us, and the best time/place/manner for that action. It was written in the 1800s, so pieces of it would be interpreted a little differently in present time, and the language used is a bit different. But it remains a compelling book, and generally holds up well to the pasage of time.

The Coincidence Makers by Yoav Blum

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This book is a bit of a mind bender, but in a really good way. It follows the coincidence makers, people whose job is to quite literally create the “coincidences” that lead to new thoughts or ideas or people to meet particular other people. There are also IFs, or Imaginary Friends. This book was fun at first, but more serious later on, and had a compelling narrative that tied together well in the end. Definitely recommended.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

This is on the PBS Great American Reads list, and I decided to listen to the audiobook this month. It is well narrated, and I felt like the narrator captured Ghost’s voice well. The story is of a middle school boy trying to cope with past family trauma and navigate life. He stumbles across a track team and ends up on the team. And the ending of the book is just fantastic. I really enjoyed this book and can see how it ended up on the list, even though it was quite new when the list was put together.

The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas by Ann Voskamp

Already owned physical book.

This is my third time reading through this Advent devotional. This time around, I started right on December 1, so I didn’t need to read multiple entries to catch up, and I managed to actually make sure that I read each entry on time. This book is wonderful, and stands up well to re-reading, with the scripture passages, thoughts from the author, and questions at the end of each section. I just love this book.

 

Books in Progress:

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.)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey (Borrowed from a friend.)

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (Already owned Audible.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: The Wild, Definitive Saga of Rock’s Greatest Supergroup by David Browne (Borrowed from library.)

Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by M.T. Anderson (Purchased using Audible credit.)

The St. Nicholas Anthology edited by Henry Steele Commager (Already owned physical book.)

 

Books Abandoned:

Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster by Adam Higginbotham (Borrowed from library using Libby app.)

November 2019 Reading List

by //

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 November 2019 Reading List, my brief reviews and book recommendations for November 2019. Hopefully I’ll provide you with some inspiration for your future reading as well!

Books Finished:

First Dangle and Other Stories by Kevin Hearne

Purchased using Audible credit.

I’ve made no secret of my enjoyment of the entirety of the Iron Druid Chronicles. This was one of the last few short stories that I hadn’t read of the series. It follows Owen Kennedy and his lovable sloth friend. I really loved it. Kevin Hearne and Luke Daniels are masters together.

Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley

Purchased Kindle e-book this year.

This is the story of a dog named Chaser and how his owner taught him over 1,000 words. It is told by a former professor, and so at times it is somewhat academic. But the story had good flow to it, so the data and research components fit well. I enjoyed the story, and was amazed by the amount of time and effort involved in training this remarkable animal.

The Dressmaker’s Gift by Fiona Valpy

Kindle First book, so new but free.

This novel follows three young women working as dressmakers in Paris during World War II, as well as the granddaughter of one of the women who moves to Paris and tries to piece together their stories, as well as how it affected her family. It was an enjoyable read, and squarely in a genre that I love to read.

Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

The second of the Ms. Peregrine books, this continues right from where the first novel left off. It includes additional old photographs that help to move the story along. I didn’t like this one nearly as much as the first book, as it felt a bit contrived at times. I haven’t decided whether I’ll continue with the series or not.

Gravity Is the Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

As a teenager, Abigail’s brother goes missing, and at the same time she begins to receive mysterious chapters of a strange self-help book. She can’t help but think they are connected. Years pass and her brother is not found. As an adult, Abigail is invited to a retreat by the authors of the guidebook. The novel follows her interactions relating to the guidebook, as well as her efforts to deal with the loss of her brother and the uncertainty that comes along with it. The novel is fresh and unusual and wonderful. I couldn’t stop thinking about the ending, and what it could mean. And I didn’t know until the author’s acknowledgments that she is Liane Moriarty’s sister.

To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore

Already owned Kindle e-book.

I have been working my way through this book for a couple of months now. I wanted to take it slow and savor it, as Moore follows Paul’s story and travels in it. Paul was an endlessly fascinating man, and I just don’t tire of reading about him, how he thought about faith and life. And Moore does a great job of pulling Paul’s teaching together with impactful strategies and observations about current life.

The Shark Club by Ann Kidd Taylor

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

Scuba diving, sea creatures, a love story, and a mystery–these are all components of this novel from Ann Kidd Taylor. This book was wonderful, and only had a couple of very minor flaws in the description of scuba diving. I’d previously read Traveling with Pomegranates by the author and her mother Sue Monk Kidd, and loved it. This is Kidd Taylor’s solo debut novel, and it is so well done. I really enjoyed it.

I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

Borrowed from library using Libby app.

I first learned about the authors when they were on What Should I Read Next? podcast as guests. They have a podcast of their own called Pantsuit Politics, and find ways to discuss political and policy issues while getting along and remaining friends. This book is their tips for doing just that in our own lives. This kind of a book is valuable, as our ability to engage in discourse while disagreeing has complete fallen apart in the United States. Many have just disengaged from conversation to avoid the seemingly inevitable arguments and hurt feelings that result. Hopefully this book can help us to be able to communicate better about issues.

 

Books in Progress:

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.)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey (Borrowed from a friend.)

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (Already owned Audible.)

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel (Borrowed from library using Libby app.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: The Wild, Definitive Saga of Rock’s Greatest Supergroup by David Browne (Borrowed from library.)

 

Books Abandoned:

Camp Red Moon by R.L. Stine (Audible Original book, so new but free.)

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