Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl- a non-fiction adventure through fine dining, told through the lens of a New York Times food critic.
Full book review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJNwJ7QvQgc
Present over Perfect: Leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living by Shauna Niequist
Still: Notes on a Mid-faith Crisis by Lauren Winner
Full book review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTUKQVjPwMw
A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel - I can't think of a better name for this girl. After reading about her quirky self, I feel as if the name might as well be stamped on her forehead. As the author told me about her "small" childhood existence, I was curiously drawn to her wit and charm, coupled with a basket full of energy and a head full of questions. I wanted to babysit this child I was reading about. I loved the clever point of view- an amusing and creative adult writer putting in words an innocent child's thoughts and feelings. It wasn't chronological, plot-driven or even terribly inspiring or heart-warming. But it was pretty stinkin' funny. And quick. And overall, an educational snapshot of life in the 60's/70's in the Midwest.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards- Full book review on YouTube
Double Book Review! For the Love by Jen Hatmaker and The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp
Wild by Cheryl Strayed- Book Review on YouTube
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer- Book review on YouTube.
Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner- The book review on YouTube.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom- The book review on YouTube.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman- The lighthouse isn't just the setting of this book; it is personified in a beautiful way. The struggle between right and wrong, fierce familial love and deception is intensified on the island. The husband and wife have their own utopia until tragedy comes in waves and the grief is too much to bear. When a boat arrives and disrupts their lives, the wife is convinced of the godsend while her husband can't support her intuition completely. That tension never leaves. I loved this read for its unique plot, exotic setting and ongoing mystery of what was going to transpire between the characters. I honestly disliked the ending- but if I were the author I would have no idea how to end it either.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes- This isn't your typical romance read, even if the main characters are a man and a woman. I honestly was a little disappointed with the character development of Louisa. She seemed boring at first, and part of the drive of the book was Will diving into her personality and pulling out more adventure and wonder. I loved the drive of the plot and how I didn't know what was going to happen next. At the end of the book, the crushing reality of the situation hit me, and how the author chose to end it was emotional and heart-wrenching. I understood the characters and felt their weighty decisions had reasoning, even if I didn't 100% agree. Extremely controversial. Fun to jump into a book based in England with unique culture and language. Loved it.
Book Thief by Marcus Zusak- The story launched me backwards into a world I have only been a far witness to. Nazi Germany. The main character's actions are riveting and curious at the same time. She is a sneaky little girl with a soft heart, and I so desperately wanted to meet her. She navigates through a war torn country with adopted parents and keen intelligence. Descriptions by the author were something I have never before read- phrases like a "red scream." How unusual but perfectly descriptive. The point of view was creative and special, and the ending tied the whole book together in a messy, war-like but special little bow.
Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls- I shadowed the author as she revisited her impoverished childhood scene by scene. I watched the love of daughter to father grow with each chapter, even though his behavior should have caused her to hate him. He had a way of conning his little girl back into good graces with him by promising beautiful things. She didn't give up hope in her dad, even though the rest of the family did. Experiencing her life was both heartbreaking and mesmerizing, because she made it out okay.
Jesus Land by Julia Scheeres- Never before have I been so angry with a family who called themselves Christians. The author's tales of abuse and heresy within the walls of "Rejoice Radio" listening, constantly praying, missionary giving parents made me sick. The horror I read opened my eyes- everything is not what it seems to be. The author grew up with an adopted brother from Africa and stood by his side most of the time. Until it became too much trouble. She wears guilt but becomes apathetic, and I can't blame her. Over the years, the adorable bond between the siblings marks my heart and the book bleeds love, devotion and familial pride from its pages.
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini- Once again I found myself in a strange country- Afghanistan. (I pictured Sayid from the TV show LOST to help as a visual for the main characters). Kite flying, Sultan-feeling, innocent Afghan boys in a troubled nation. The character struggles through the relationship of he and his servant, and I could feel the tension in his thoughts. My journey through the book forced me to recognize and remember cultural descriptions and foreign language. The challenge was different, but worth it as I fell in love with the conflict and mystery of it all. The author did a magnificent job surprising me with plot twists, and throughout the whole book- I felt like I was reading an autobiography. It was so real.
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp- A woman's devotional journal and creative non-fiction work of magic! I could feel the depths of the author's soul cry out to me as I dove into her farm life that day. Mama life, wife burdens and nature-ridden adventures and even hum-drum. Her spiritual journey consisted of thanking God for the little things. I gasped at the beautiful descriptions written with such meticulous care and detail, like the minute details on a single snowflake or flower petal. She broke grammar and word rules, and I loved every second.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden- I loved being immersed in Japanese culture, as I had a brief visit as a young 17 year old and recognized many cities and cultural references sprinkled throughout the book. The author used several unique and successful literary figures of speech and I enjoyed the visual references that they immediately gave me. The main character overcame great diversity in her life and it was a privilege to peer into her journey from child to adult. The ending surprised me and warmed me in the way the author intended, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
Teach with Your Heart: Lessons I learned from the Freedom Writers by Erin Gruwell. Erin crafts together a 5 point essay memoir with exacting English and few flowery embellishments. She wove a unique story highlighting her emotions through the years she taught a rebellious bunch of 150 strong high school kids in the inner-city of California. The students led by Erin reached heights that were mind-blowing to those around them, thus attracting a lot of attention. Erin sacrificed her marriage, her peer relationships, her valuable time and every spare penny to the kids. What a beautiful story of triumph.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
-Very quirky read about learning to write, edit, self-employ via writing and publish. I like how she encourages me to "Trust the process." She says to write all the time, find your voice and don't be afraid to fail. The most discouraging/encouraging part is the sober fact that writing is frustrating. But fulfilling- so stick with it.
Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo, Darrell Scott, Steve Rabey
-A favorite since I was younger and could relate to this martyr who died in Columbine. She was a writer and the book includes her poems and entries.
A Painted House by John Grisham
-Easy-going fiction of a young boy working the land with his family. Curiously innocent perspective and great story line.
The Writer's Art by James J. Kilpatrick, William F. Buckley Jr.
-Excellent resource. Teaches the basics of writing: what to do and what not to do.
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss
-Hilarious, sarcastic view of punctuation from a clever English woman.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
-An exaggerated story of a man hiking the Appalachian Trail. Very amusing.
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
-Children love it, but adults like myself see the magical way the author can paint a fantasy world in such few words... and tell a story so simply, but so beautifully. Only a true genius with words can write such amazing stories.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
-Very fundamental to thinking deeply as a Christian. Tough to understand but essential.
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
-Interesting fiction story about doctors in South America. Excellent plot and characters.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
-I loved learning about the life of the martyr versus his theological viewpoints. Just my opinion, but I also learned a lot about Germany and its history.
Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman
-Very thorough and humorous study on the theories of birth order, personalities and family dynamics.
Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
-The best book to read for relationships and marriages! Difficult to employ in daily life because it goes against our nature. But vital to read and attempt every day.
On Writing by Stephen King
-Interesting read, half memoir and half writing tips. Love his transparency and brutal honesty about the art/skill/job of writing.
No comments:
Post a Comment