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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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