MY LATEST READS

Good Tuesday to you, friends!

Today I'm sharing four books I've been able to squeeze in a midst two weddings, lots of wedding parties, work, and Covid. They were four extremely different novels. As I started each of them, I knew almost nothing of their story lines. I tend to pick and read books that repeatedly show up on other peoples' list. I'm also in a group on Facebook called Tuscaloosa Page Turners. I've gotten lots of suggestions from it. Ordinary Grace came from that group. I'll start there.

Ordinary Grace - William Kent Krueger - This one is first because it was my favorite of the four. It pushed all the right buttons for me. The coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1961, introduces us to a family living the small-town life in New Bremen, Minnesota. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone is tied together by past experiences or relationships. The town suffers several earth-shaking losses over the course of the summer. It's the summer of multiple murders. These deaths disrupt the lives of all the main characters, but especially Frank. We see the impact this summer has on Frank even some forty years later as he is the narrator. Frank's family, unfortunately, will not be spared from tragedy. Frank's father is a Methodist pastor, his mom and sister are both musical talents, and he has a younger brother who surprised me in the end. The power of family, forgiveness, second chances, and the gift of ordinary grace made this one of the best things I've read lately. 

Between Two Kingdoms - Suleika Jaouad - This one was like nothing I had read before. "A Memoir of a Life Interrupted." Suleika Jaouad is a twenty-two year old writer who has her entire life in front of her. The only thing holding her back is an intense itch that she nor the doctors can figure out. She's met a great guy, has a plan, moves to Paris to put it into action, and then she gets the diagnosis of leukemia. The novel is her cancer journey and her life journey, filled with ups and downs, and love and loss. While in treatment for the cancer, she begins chronicling her story for the the New York Times. "Life, Interrupted." She meets so many unique and special people along the way. Because of her article, people from all over write to her. When her condition improves, and she is able, she treks across the country to meet some of the people her story has impacted. While the book was not full of rainbows and sunshine, I still enjoyed it immensely. So much in fact, that it made me stop and really think about what makes a book "good" to me. I've decided when I feel, not just relate to, but when I can actually feel some of what the character feels and what the character is going through, when I'm slightly changed thanks to a main character, to me, that's it. These first two books did just that. 

The Bone Jar - S W Kane - Okay, to be fair, I was reading this book at the end of the summer when I was in the throws of the final stages of planning my daughter's wedding. I can't give this one high ratings. It wasn't bad, and I probably would have liked it better if I wasn't reading it at night, half asleep. The setting is a run down asylum. The body of an older women turns up in one of the rooms of the abandoned asylum, and the main character Detective Lew Kirby goes to work. I actually liked him. The character who kept me engaged is a former, somewhat odd employee who lives on the grounds of the asylum. He knows much more than he lets on during the investigation. The book has many twists and many characters and wraps up nicely. I should probably read it again and give it another chance. It has good reviews! But for me it was just a three out of five stars. 

Verity - Colleen Hoover - This one caught me a little off guard. Tons of people were talking about it and everyone seems to love Colleen Hoover books. So without checking into it much, I downloaded it. The book has one of the best "hooks" I can remember. It starts with the main character, a writer, witnessing a horrible accident on her way to a meeting. After accepting an unusual, unconventional writing job, Lowen Ashleigh discovers the family she's working for is living in a disturbing situation. Lowen becomes involved in all aspects of the family's life, and eventually uncovers truths that are hard for her to make sense of. I can't say that I loved the book, but it was hard to put down. The story line was fabulous, just not what I usually reach for when picking my next book. If you enjoy a thriller, this one should probably be on your list. But FYI, if it were a movie, it would probably be between a high PG-13 and low R rating. 

Right now I'm in the middle of The Midnight Library. So far I love it. 

Your turn! What are you all reading? Leave me a list below in the "comment" section. :-)

MY SUMMER READING LIST

I've been reading a good bit more than usual thanks to all this time at home, and surprisingly, I'm 4/4 on good book selections. I'm sharing those selections with you today. I really enjoyed all of these books, and it's kind of hard to pick a favorite. I'm one of those people who really doesn't like to watch a movie trailer because I feel like they give too much of the story away. I've tried to keep that in mind while peaking your interest in what I've read this summer.

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum - I really didn't know what to expect from this book. I just knew a lot of people were talking about it, so I read a small amount about the plot and bought it. It is set in America and written by an Palestinian-American. It is the debut novel of Etaf Rum. It's a close look into the lives of Arab women, their violent culture, and the abuse they at times endure. The story is woven really well. It follows the lives of several women and their arranged marriages, and the daughters of these women who decide they prefer another way of life, which in turn brings great conflict into the family. It seems strange to say I enjoyed this book, but I did. It's not a feel good book; it was sad, but I appreciate the insight I gained about the culture.

The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah - If you forced me to pick a favorite of these four, it would definitely be this one. The story doesn't start in Alaska, but pretty early on in the book, the setting becomes Alaska. About half way in I decided I was ready to get on a plane and go; I really want to see it one day now.  The story takes place in the seventies, post Vietnam. The book is a story of survival. But not just the survival of people, but also of ideals, communities, families, relationships, and at some points, sanity. The family that we follow has a father, mother, and daughter. The dad was in the war, and much of the conflict has to do with his inability to leave it behind. There is also a deeply moving love story between the daughter and the person she meets after the move to Alaska. The book reminded me how the characteristics of love create bonds that are almost impossible to break. Okay, I better stop there.

In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn - This book I stumbled on from the Amazon Prime free reading list that comes out each month. I had not heard of it, but it sounded intriguing. It chronicles a trip that a family of five with a special needs son and two daughters takes with another family of friends. While on the trip, an event transpires that threatens their lives. It's definitely a character study of people who are put into situations beyond their control, and we see how danger affects everyone so differently. Some relationships are destroyed, others are restored. Many of the characters are teenagers, and I've been teaching teens for 23 years. I really enjoyed this one.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides - I was nervous about reading this one because, well, I'm a chicken. I don't want to be scared. But I ended up being pleasantly surprised and only a little scared. I don't think I've read a "psychological thriller" in a really long time. Although, I've taught a few things that might fall into that category. The characters in this book were really well-developed in my opinion, and I felt like I understood why they were the way they were. One of the main characters, the silent patient, is arrested for killing her husband. But why is she silent? Multiple people want to figure it out. And finally, there is a fabulous twist in the story! This one was hard to put down. I stayed up late several nights.

Okay. Your turn. What are you all reading?
Leave a comment below!

See a few other book suggestions here and here.

BOOK TALK

So, I finally made it to the last page of what seemed like the never-ending-book (What Alice Forgot). I mentioned it, what seems like now, forever ago. It took me much longer to finish up than anticipated. Granted, I have little time for reading during the school year, but almost never has it taken me the entire year to read something! Now, based on that, you can more than likely guess how I felt about it.

The story was not a bad one--the concept was actually a good idea--but it took entirely too long to make its point.

The main character, a mom and wife pulled in oodles of different directions, saddled with a bundle of daily responsibilities, falls and bumps her head in exercise class. When she wakes up, ten years of her life is missing from her memory. As we begin to get to know Alice, Alice is getting to know herself all over again as well. Her beloved husband is barely speaking to her which has her beside herself. Their journey back to each other and their children is the bulk of the plot. That part of the story is attention-keeping and fun. The parts I found distracting were the stories involving the extras. I felt like too much time was given to, what I call, the sub-stories. The sub-stories elongated the book. The premise of losing ten years did grab my attention, but it just couldn't keep it.

On a happier note, I was pleased with the ending.

Now this book...

I'm only on Chapter 3 and I am hooked already. :-)

I hope you'll forgive my sporadic postings of late. The back-to-school crazy has started around here. Hopefully, we'll be back in the swing of routines and schedules soon!

Kathryn

A book suggestion...

So, this is what's on my bedside table right now.

I wish I had nothing better to do than pour a ridiculously sized cup of coffee, put on my pajamas, hunker down under the covers, and read it. But, then again, I should probably pace myself. It's one of those books that will come to an end entirely too soon.

If you are a woman, friend, mother, daughter, wife, sister, cousin, neighbor - you get the picture - if you are breathing, you will enjoy this! I ordered mine from Amazon.

Are you familiar with Jen Hatmaker? Get familiar with her here and read her latest blog post here.

By the way, I'm getting my ingredients ready for a fabulous fall recipe. I'll be trying it for the first time when I share it with you. :-) It was given to me by a student seventeen years ago. Can't wait!

Kathryn

My summer reading list...

It's sometimes hard for me to squeeze a book into my schedule during the school year, and now, after adding "finish a blog post" to my to-do list, it may be even harder. But during June and July, when I'm recharging my teacher batteries, I manage to find a little leisure time to read while enjoying the sun.

I've read two so far, and I'm working on a third:

The Husband's Secret

The Girl on the Train

And I'm working on ...

What Alice Forgot

I really wasn't knocked out by The Husband's Secret. The story line kept my attention and the characters were believable, but it wasn't one of those books that made me sad when it ended. Three story lines eventually cross into one, and the husband's secret is predictable. 

However, The Girl on the Train I did enjoy. It was a page turner and less predictable - a quick, easy summer read. The book is filled with discontented characters in London going about their daily lives. The main character, the girl, is an alcoholic who ventures out each day by train, keenly observing the lives of others taking place outside of the train windows. She manages to insert herself where she doesn't belong to disclose her observations. This puts her in harms' way. Although I wasn't crazy about the ending, I did like it.

I've just starting What Alice Forgot, so I'll comment on that later. I'm on Chapter 5, and so far I'm entertained and looking forward to picking it back up. 

Have you all read any of these? If so, comment below and share your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you!

Kathryn

Redeeming Love... Francine Rivers

No denying Francine Rivers' popularity. I'm sure many of you may have read this. But just in case there are some of you out there who haven't, I thought I would share. Not only is this a moving read, but the cover is one of my favorites. Yes, it has everything to do with that vintage red dress.

Redeeming Love

From the back cover...

"California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution a a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea...Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw."

This is an incredibly moving story about a journey back to self-acceptance and the value of unconditional love. I don't think I've ever wanted things to work out for a main character like I did while reading this book. You can order it here from Amazon.

If you've read it, comment below and tell me what you thought of it.
Enjoy your Saturday!

Kathryn

A Sunday thought... Our Words

When I was in college 100 years ago, I came across the book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” Do you remember this one? It was written by Robert Fulghum.

It’s a book of mini-chapters designed to give us a lesson or two for the road of life. I want to share the chapter that I most remember…

"In the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific some villagers practice a unique form of logging. If a tree is too large to be felled with an ax, the natives cut it down by yelling at it. (Can't lay my hands on the article, but I swear I read it.) Woodsmen with special powers creep up on a tree just at dawn and suddenly scream at it at the top of their lungs. They continue this for thirty days. The tree dies and falls over. The theory is that the hollering kills the spirit of the tree. According to the villagers, it always works.

Ah, those poor naive innocents. Such quaintly charming habits of the jungle. Screaming at trees, indeed. How primitive. Too bad they don't have the advantages of modern technology and the scientific mind.

Me? I yell at my wife. And yell at the telephone and the lawn mower. And yell at the TV and the newspaper and my children. I've even been known to shake my fist and yell at the sky at times. Man next door yells at his car a lot. And this summer I heard him yell at a stepladder for most of an afternoon. We modern, urban, educated folks yell at traffic and umpires and bills and banks and machines - especially machines. Machines and relatives get most of the yelling.

Don't know what good it does. Machines and things just sit there. Even kicking doesn't always help. As for people, well the Solomon Islanders may have a point. Yelling at living things does tend to kill the spirit in them. Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will break our hearts..."

Proverbs 12:18
...the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Kathryn

The Sun Flower... Richard Paul Evans

"Seek not your destiny, for it is seeking you."
"The surest way to minimize your own burdens is to carry someone else's."
"Absence is to love what wind is to fire-it extinguishes the small and inflames the great."

Looking for an uplifting, interesting, moving, simply good spring/summer read? This is it. We used it several years ago at my high school for a reading campaign called One Book, One School. Designed to promote reading, our faculty and entire student body read the book. It has become one of my favorites and has one of the sweetest endings ever.

"In the wake of personal tragedy, two people meet on a humanitarian mission in Peru. Christine is a shy, unadventurous woman whose fiancé broke off the engagement only a week before the wedding, and Paul is a former emergency room doctor whose glamorous lifestyle, stellar reputation, and beautiful fiancé are cruelly snatched from him one fateful, snowy Christmas Eve. Deep in the Amazon jungle, against a backdrop of poverty and heartbreak, they must confront their deepest fears and, together, learn to trust and love again."

That's from the book jacket. Sounds good already, doesn't it? A good bit of the story surrounds an orphanage in Peru, El Girasol (Spanish for the word "sunflower"). Guess what? It's a real place.

Source: krystinasandeanadventure.wordpress.com

Ok. I'm stopping there. I don't want to give too much away! If you must have it right away, order it from Amazon here.

Speaking of my high school, one of the neat things our upper level art students do is paint book covers on ceiling tiles for the hallway of our English department. The English teachers choose the covers to be painted. We have some really talented kids at our school! The first cover I chose was The Sunflower. Madison, one of my daughter's best buddies, is an incredibly talented art student and is attending college on an art scholarship. She painted my chosen cover.

She did an outstanding job! I'm so proud of it.

Are you reading anything right now? Do you have a suggestion for me?

Kathryn

10 Ultimate Truths...

I wish I could say I'm an avid reader. I'm not. I read a book here and there. But I did read a book recently that is certainly worth telling you about. 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know is beautifully written by Kari Kampakis. (The cool part is she is from my hometown!) If you follow The Huffington Post, you may recognize her name. Kari's work is often featured. This book is written specifically with teenage girls in mind and every one of them on the planet should read it. My daughter is nineteen now, and I wish it had been published years ago.

Really good book!

You can get a glimpse of the ten truths and read the post the book is based on here.  Let me encourage you to get the book for your daughter. Read it with her. It will be a great tool for opening up a discussion on some very real struggles she is facing. As a high school teacher, I know first hand that teenage girls need all the help and support we can give them.





The book is available in book stores and like everything else, you can order it on Amazon.

Happy Wednesday! 

Kathryn