March reads

The monthly roundup....

1. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton **

I've mentioned before that I'm participating in a 2020 Book Challenge (on facebook) and one of the challenges was to read a book published in 1920. Unfortunately, the only Agatha Christie book that would've fit this category I had  already read (and I want to read only new to me books for this challenge). Which stinks, because I am a HUGE Agatha Christie fan..... Edith  Wharton, not so much.  It was definitely proof that language has changed in the past 100 years, which does make me a little sad- language use to be said eloquently, not we shorten our words because apparently it takes too long to say adorable. 

The main takeaway from this book for me was sometimes life sucks, but you make your choices and you stick with them (or at least in 1920 you did)-- another fun change of our modern culture. (Can you hear my sarcasm?) Some might enjoy this book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

2. Prince Caspian/ Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis ****

Ever since our book club decided to read The Chronicles of Narnia last November, I decided that I would read the entire series. (I also made this my "series" challenge in our 2020 Book Challenge.) I really have throughly loved all the books in the series so far, but honestly nothing will ever be greater than Lewis' first, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. 

3. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan ***

So I watched this movie and decided I wanted to actually read the book too. For once, I felt like the movie was better (am I even allowed to say that?). 

4. Inspired by Rachel Held Evans ***
Evans is one of my favorite authors to read- her books have all been heartfelt and sincere and this one was no different. Her view on church (having been brought up in one) put into words what I've felt and couldn't express. Her passing took away an amazing and though provoking woman that I wish I had known.

5. Philippians by John Mac Arthur ***
When doing a Bible book study, I like learning the history and context of a book/it's author/etc.  MacArthur provides that, although not in as much depth as I would like, it's enough for me in the right now. 

6. The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott ***
This novel is told from multiple women's perspectives during the Cold War/Iron Curtain time. I really enjoyed the stories told from an American and a Russian while both on a mission to release the Russian Masterpiece, Doctor Zhivago. I did feel like the book lacked as much detail as I would've liked and I sometimes spent too much time trying to remember who was currently telling the story. Overall though, it was an interesting read and I enjoyed it.

7. The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell **1/2
Okay, to be honest- had I read this book a decade ago, my rating would've been so much higher. But alas, I put it off until now. I did learn a lot (like what a Maven is) and it's interesting that since I've learned these terms, I've noticed them more frequently (even on FreeForm shows, ha!). Since the Internet and Social Media have exploded in the last few years and so the information explained in this book isn't as relevant as it once was. Still an interesting read.

8. Philippians- Small Group Study by Henry Blackaby ***
Philippians was obviously the Bible book I was studying during March.... while I did enjoy this book, it was more of a devotional-- asking questions meant for self-study- which is not a bad thing, just not what I was looking for at the time. 

9. China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan ***
After reading (and watching) Crazy Rich Asians and enjoying it, I wanted to give the second book in the series a chance. While it was a good "light" read- the overdone drama and ridiculousness of the characters sometimes wore on me. Overall, not a bad story- but would I read it again? No.

10. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan **
After reading 2 of the 3 books in the series, I felt compelled to download and read the last one. I think at this point I was over the insane amount of drama needed to make this book work and the characters were no longer funny in their overly rich and shallow ways- it was just too much. I finished it- and I will say the author gave the series a good ending, it was not my favorite book.


11. Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan ***
Since I've been reading the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, I was really intrigued by learning more about him and his wife. Although this is a work of fiction based on true life events, I still felt like I learned a great deal about the creator of Narnia. Recommended by a friend, I would also highly recommend this book as well.


Until next month,
-k

February Reads

This past month saw more reading than watching tv for me. I'm just hoping it lasts.

In total, I read 14 books in February!! WHAT?!?

1. 9 Perfect Strangers by Laine Moriatry ****

I started this book because it is going to be made into a movie this year (and that was one of the book challenges for the group I'm in). I enjoyed it, although towards the end I did kind of feel like it got a little too crazy and unbelievable. I also wish that they did a little better character development for the main "crazy" woman character. But overall, it was a page turner and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to catch it in the theaters. 

2. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (which is a pen name for 2 sisters) ****

This was a book club read and I really enjoyed it!!! It was definitely a page turner and wasn't what I was expecting, which is nice. Sometimes I feel like some books can all become too similar. The ending was a little too happily ever after, could it have really worked out that way? But I don't care, it made me happy!

3. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan **

So yes, essentially this book is about a bookstore, but it also is part mystery (which I liked). What I didn't like what how much technology talk there was. I don't know code, I don't understand what certain technological things are and so often times I felt lost while reading this.

4. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han *****

Yes, that's right 5 stars! Would I have thought that if I hadn't of seen the movie first? Maybe not. But I loved this story and I love, love, love Lara Jean Song Covey. And Peter. It's the cutest high School love story I've read in a long, long time. 

5. The Witch's Kind by Louisa Morgan ***

Another book club book. The description made this book sound like it was going to be a lot like the Sandra Bullock movie, Practical Magic. Luckily, it was nothing like it. Some parts were drawn out for me, but overall I felt like it was a new and interesting read- it didn't remind me of anything I had read before, which always is a plus for me. 

6. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi ***

So I actually listened to this book. And it took me 4 months. I realized that I could only get 1-2 chapters in while I drove to work and try as I may, I just cannot listen to reading anywhere else. Not my thing. But at least I tried. As for the book, it was the 2nd of a trilogy and I really liked how the author wrote both parts 1 and 2 (this one). It's a bit magical and has African roots. I can't wait for the third!

7. The Prodigal Prophet.... by Timothy Keller ****

Nonfiction Christian book and I loved it. I've become a really big fan of Keller's books. This one is mainly about Jonah (you know, the one that was swallowed by a whale in the Bible?) and how he shows both sons from the Prodigal Son Bible story. It was thought provoking and had me digging into my Bible. Definitely recommend it!

8. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng ****

Another book that is going to be made into a movie this year! I wasn't sure where this book was going (and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much). It tells the story of 2 families and how their worlds and lives intertwine. You also won't see the end coming!

9. PS I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) #2 by Jenny Han ****

Since the second movie was coming out, I had to read this book before it did. It had some aspects that were different from the movie, but it was still cute. A little bit more "cutesy" and cheesy than the first book though, which is why I really liked it, but not as much as the first. I also hate to admit this, but I preferred the second movie to the second book. EK!

10. Always and Forever (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) #3 by Jenny Han****

The last (sniff, sniff) installment of the series. I wasn't sure how it was going to end (or where in regards to time). Overall, I liked it, but I REALLY want to know what happens in college!!!!!!

11. The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer ****

Two main characters from two different countries and time periods, but connected because they are family. One character lives in Poland and her story takes place as WWII begins and the Nazis invade her country while she is just a teenager. The other main character is an adult woman in recent times with two children, one being severely on the autism spectrum. I enjoyed both stories and how they merged. I feel like it had a different take than other WWII books I've read and I honestly didn't see it working out the way it did. The end had me gushing tears, but I loved this beautiful story. 

12. A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood, Poems by Fred Rogers a/k/a Mr. Rogers **1/2

Okay, so let me preface this with I am NOT a poetry person. I hate poetry. However, another book challenge from the group I'm in had "read a book of poems", so I picked this one. I loved Mr. Rogers as a kid (much to my mom's distain). The Tom Hanks movie has also recently come out (which I have yet to see). So in knowing I needed a book of poetry, but not looking forward to finding one, when someone recommended this book I jumped at it. While it is definitely made for little kids, it was adorable and fun and I feel like is something I will one day read to my kiddos. 

13. James by John MacArthur ***

I've been trying to read commentary books on the Bible along with the books of the Bible as my study time. I really enjoyed reading James, especially since we were also studying it in Bible Study at church. 

14. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah ***

My friend Kelly recommended this book to me and I am glad I read it, even though it was a little too sad for me (but I also blame that on having just finished The Things We Cannot Say).  It's a story of a small family (dad, mom, daughter) who travel to Alaska (The Great Alone) in the 1970's and how they cope with living off the grid. It's beautifully written and for that I feel like it may deserve more stars from me, but I just couldn't stand how the mother handled every situation. But- it's real life, so I guess it's not always suppose to be rose colored glasses. Either way, I would recommend it (as would/did Kelly)! 

January 2020 reads

For 2019 my goal was to read 100 books.... I think I got to the mid 60's. 

So this year, I am determined to read 100. 

I've also joined some awesome facebook reading groups- Silent Book Club, PBS Reads, and a private 202 Reading Challenge group that a friend invited me to. Each one has great discussion, great ideas, and even ways of tracking books.  So let's just say that my "to be read" pile has increased expediently!! 

January reads and how I rated them: 

Autopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renee Lavoie **

( I actually picked this for our Ashes' Book Club- our family Tea Room's book club which meets every 3 months). 

Okay so I enjoyed reading this story, but it also brought back painful memories of when my dad left my mom so it was hard to get through. Luckily it had humorous parts and was relatively short. 

Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis ***

(This was a book club pick for my friends book club group, but I was behind on reading it. I do plan to read the whole series this year). 

A classic. I cannot believe I haven't read this sooner. And of course the ending made me cry. 

The Hopeful Skeptic...by Nick Fiedler ***

I've had this book waiting to be read for awhile. Maybe if I had read it earlier I would've liked it better, but for where I am now I just didn't enjoy it. It wasn't consistent in its point and I didn't agree with a lot of what I read. *

Galatians by John MacArthur ****

Galatians by Theodore H. Epp ****

Galatians.... Edited by James Merritt ***

To be fair, I was co-leading a Bible Study group with my mother-in-law on Galatians the last couple of weeks, so I used these books as resources. The book by Mr. Epp was actually my grandmother's and her handwriting is in it, which made it even more special. I learned a lot from each of these books though and loved all three. 

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller ****

Absolutely loved this book. Austin and I have been married 3 and 1/2 years and I feel like this book taught me so much. It is written by husband and wife in such an honest fashion that it could be read by long term spouses to just married spouses, to engaged or dating couples, and even singles. I definitely recommend this book!

One Day in December by Josie Silver ***
I finally read this book after my friend Kelly told me that while yes it was chick lit, it had a different ending than you would think. I liked that it was original and not like every other girl falls for boy story, but I'm still not the biggest fan of romance novels...

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri ****
Another recommendation by my friend Kelly (she really does pick good ones). It was beautifully written and I enjoyed learning more about Indian culture, especially this family's transition from India to America.

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis ***
I'm really enjoying this series (more than I thought I would).

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine ****
This was a book club pick and I am so glad it was chosen. It was such a great and interesting read. I could not put it down!!!!

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie ***
Another great Agatha Christie read and twist. I don't even try to guess the murderer anymore... I never come anywhere close, but I love that about her books! 

2019 reads

This year I decided to track my reading throughout the year (of course I also tried to track each month by goals and awesome events, but that didn't work out so well).  Tracking the books I read was more of a success though- I actually did it throughout the entire year (thanks to Goodreads for helping). And yes, I get that writing it down when I have a GoodReads account may be redundant, but I don't care. It makes me happy.

So my list of 2019 reads (and how I rated them-- out of 5 stars):

January

1. What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst ***

2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker ***

3. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith ***

4. Mary Poppins by PL Travers ***

February

5. It's Not Suppose to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst *****

6. In Bloom by Kayla Aimee ****

7. In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson ****

8. Chase the Lion by Mark Patterson ****

March

9. Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie ***

10. Everybody Always by Bob Goff ****

11. I Gave Up Men For Lent by Kacie Main *

12. A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans ****. (Her passing this year was horrible, and I wish I had found her and her books sooner!

13. Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney ***

14. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles ***

April

15. The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie *** (The Amazon Mini-series of this is awesome by the way!!)

16. Living Jesus by Randy Harris **

17. Forgotten God by Francis Chan ****

18. Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie ***

19. The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton ****

20. In 50 Years We'll All Be Chicks by Adam Corolla *

21. The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson **

22. Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie ****

23. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear ***

24. If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries.... by Erma Bombeck *

May

25. The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict **

26.  Searching For Sunday by Rachel Held Evans ***

27. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson **

28. The Paris Key by Juliet Blackwell ****

29. Becoming by Michelle Obama ***

June

30. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens ****

31. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles ***

32. Experience God by Henry Blackby ****

33. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote ***

July

34. The First Mistake by Sandie Jones ***

35. Wunderland by Jennifer C. Eptein ****

36.  Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff **

37. Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie. ***

August

38. Furious Hours by Caey Cep ***

39, Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin ****

40. When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton *****

41. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee **

September

42. Mademoiselle Chanel by CW Gortner ***

43. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris ****

44. Children of Nazis by Tania Crananski ***

45. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Daughty ***

46. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly *****

47. The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe ****

48. I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella *

49. You have Arrived at Your Destination by Amor Towles **

50. Thank You Notes by Jimmy Fallon **

October

51. Next Year in Havan by Chanel Cleeton ***

52. Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly ****

November

53. The Road Back to You by Ian MCron ****

54, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides ****

55. Appointment With Death by Agatha Christie ***

56. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult *****

57. The Four Loves by CS Lewis **

December 

58. The Man Who Saw Everything by Deborah Levy **

59. The Magician's Nephew by CS Lewis **

60. The Gown by Jennifer Robson ****

61. A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous

reading shelf

Just about every time I read a book, I seem to find that a million more have been added to my want to read list. (But really, is that a bad problem to have?)

Currently these are the books that I am either reading, just finished, or want to read in the near future. 

1. Before We Were Yours. A tragic story based on real events (which I never knew about!!). The heartbreaking tale is centered around 5 siblings that get kidnapped and put into the Tennessee Orphanage in the 1930's. Their story shares the abuse and unfair adoption process (most kids already had parents and had just been taken from them) that one woman disgustingly got away with for 30 years. I know it sounds awful, but honestly it was a well told and heartwrenching book that I would recommend in a heart beat. 

2. The House I Loved. I read a book of hers previously and loved it (although a completely different subject- it was based during WWII).  This book is based in the 1800's in Paris and is about a woman who is forced to give up her house (along with many other families) to create a more "upscale" Paris. I'm still in the midst of reading it, so I'm note entirely sure how I feel about it.....

3. Everything is Illuminated. Another story based around WWII. I haven't read it yet, but I did already check it out from the library. 

4. The Tudors. Yea, I have a problem. Between WWII and Tudor history, I feel like the biggest nerd (and proud of it). It's an extremely long book, but very detailed about the Tudor reign. It's note told in chronological order though, which bothers me a bit.

5. Happier At Home. Another book on my to read list. I bought it for under $3 on kindle a while back and cannot wait to dive in. I really love this author's previous work, so I'm hoping I feel the same for this one.

6. Maus.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15196.Maus_I?from_search=true Our newest book club pick. It's a graphic novel, which I will admit, I have never tried to read before. It centers around WWII (yup, another one) and poses the mice as the Jews and the cats as the nazis. Should be an interesting one. And there is a sequel....

current reads

 I finally decided it was time to read the Harry Potter series.

I know. What took so long?

The thing is.... I love the movies. I've seen them so many times. 

But a week ago I finally picked up the first book of the series and I CANNOT STOP reading now. 

I'm also reading this book (below). The teacher nerd in me is so excited to have this perspective and I can't wait to finish it and put it's ideas in place in my classroom. I have a feeling it might be tough to keep implementing, but I know it will be worth it!!

What are you reading?? 

I love book recommendations!

xo, kel

recently read

I know I've mentioned before that my school has a reading challenge goal (for students and teachers), which I find pretty awesome. While I've tried to read 30 books this year to reach my goal, it's been more of 100 pages of a book equals one (don't worry- I checked with school and this is totally acceptable and I let my kids do the same thing).

 I love reading, so even when this hasn't been a "school" goal, it's always a personal one.

 And since I'm also in a book club, I often am reading books that aren't typically what I would read (and usually end up loving them). 

So this year I've read a lot of amazing books that I have to recommend, because they are just that awesome. 

Prepare yourself!


Three Blind Mice by Agatha Christie
I had a goal once (bucket list- I guess it's still on there) to read every Agatha Christie book. I think I shou;d have looked at how many books the woman actually wrote before I made that goal. BUT I do love her books. This one was short, but good.

Library of Souls (3rd of the series) by Ransom Riggs
When I read the first book of this series I wasn't really impressed, but then the second one came out and I was hooked. The third was amazing too (and now it's a movie!!) I think my appeal for this series is mainly that it's so different from anything else I've ever read. I like the uniqueness. So glad my book club picked this series

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie
Another Agatha Christie book. Man this lady knows how to write a good mystery book. Love!

Nemesis by Agatha Christie 
Great read. What more can I say?

Trash by Andy Mulligan
Apparently this book was also turned into a movie. I wasn't the biggest fan, but it was an interesting read (a unique idea- even if it was based off an incredibly sad one).

The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty
I read The Husband's Secret by Moriarty previously (another book club book) and I really enjoyed it. I was torn between this one and a few others of her, but my friend Kelly and I decided this one looked the most interesting. It seemed like an interesting plot, but the back cover gives it all away for the most part. Still- she's a great writer and I can't wait to read her others,

The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon
Okay, so I saw this one in Barnes and Noble for super cheap and thought it looked intriguing. I actually ended up falling in love with it. I was sad when it ended. Plus, it was also about a real life event (about the disappearance of Judge Crater in the 20's). Awesome read.

....And the Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
Another book club book and one of the longest books ever written. While it took a bit of time to get into it (I'm not the biggest fan of politics, especially Civil War time politics) it ended up being a really good read. Having read Gone With the Wind, I liked getting Midwestern point of views of the Civil War.

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
So, I picked this book for book club. While it wasn't as funny as her first book (in my opinion) I still liked it. Jenny Lawson is hysterical and I wish I could meet her in real life. I seriously want to be her best friend.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni
A great read by a great author. I laughed, I cried (a lot) and I was sad when it ended. I felt so emotionally invested in the story and the characters' lives. If you haven't read this or Hosseni's other book, Kite Runner, you have to!

Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett
I've read other books by Follett, but I think this one is my favorite. Let me also state that I love World War II books, so this book was right up my alley. It also had a touch of mystery and was based on the invasion of Normandy (and the British trying to hide their efforts and plans of invasion from Germany). I really liked this book- I couldn't put it down.

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

So this book (which is going to be a movie I believe) is based off of the movie (and formerly book) Strangers on a Train (Alfred Hitchcock). I loved this book- it's so full of twists and turns, even up until the last line!!!!

What are you reading??? I need more suggestions until the next book club pick!!!

xoxo, kel

books

Reading is probably my favorite hobby. Hands down. A year or two ago I joined a book club that one of my friends created. Everyone in the group has such diverse book interests, which I love. So here are some of the books we've been reading that I have loved!!

Okay, I know...creepy cover. This actually was the least freaky of all of them in the series.  A current series that I read for book club and really enjoyed was Unwind series by Neal Shusterman. It's considered a young adult series, but don't let that fool you. These novels are not only thought provoking, but terrifying because of how close our society could be to the world of unwinding.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. Not your typical read. The story is told from numerous point of views, which eventually all merge together. As the title suggests, the story begins with a wife learning about a secret her husband has been hiding. It makes you wonder "What would I do?"

I'm a huge fan of World War II books, so Sarah's Key was an automatic "have to read" book. Written by a french author, Tatiana de Rosnay  this heartbreaking story begins with a woman in modern times learning about the round-up of Jews in France during WWII, known as Vel' d'Hiv. Her discovery then leads to a family secret that's in danger of being uncovered. 

xoxo, kel