Just before Spring Break, I lamented to a friend, “All school breaks should be three weeks long! We need one week to relax and get ready, one week to travel and visit family, and one week to recover and get ready to go back.” At the time, it made perfect sense to me. I was always wishing for a little longer to be home! *was*
Then, the pandemic hit. Extra time at home was the primary rule of the long season for many of us. I mistakenly assumed I’d have tons of extra time to read. I was very wrong! Instead, as my friend Lindsey wrote in The Drafting Desk Issue 043, “My brain seems to be working in the same manner that the bunnies I keep catching in my backyard are running: hop, hop, freeze! Switch directions, hop, hop, freeze, run!”
Here are the books I did manage to finish this season. I hope you see something that catches your eye (and that you can find a quiet few minutes to relax your mind and body enough to read)!
Through Rosalie Colored Glasses
Through Rosalie Colored Glasses, Carrie J – In April, I sat on my porch one afternoon with my feet up and an iced coffee by my side. I finished this book in one sitting. Then, wrote quickly on Instagram: “This sweet and whimsical book acted as a balm to my soul this afternoon. The words rang rich and kind. The illustrations are tender and beautiful (and by one of my oldest friends, @kamdonkreations ). If you’re feeling smothered by the dark gray of quarantine life, this bright novella is perfect for you. All my friends and family with girls – add this to your cart today.” Even the cover of this book makes me smile. Later that afternoon, I bought one for our school library AND one for my nieces AND planned a special event book club for the Lower School girls at my school; I enjoyed it that much!
On Being A Writer
On Being A Writer, Kroeker and Craig – It was my 2020 goal to read a book about the writing craft each quarter of the year. I was running behind on the goal, so didn’t finish this one until spring. Kroeker and Craig fill the pages of this book with stories and inspiration. I set the book down having gained understanding of a few skills and feeling like a “real writer.” If you are entertaining the idea of being a writer, consider this book. Also, Ann Kroeker is a writing coach and member of hope*writers. About the same time I started this book (way back in January), she responded to one of my Instagram posts and I had a bit of a God-wink moment.
Caterpillar Summer
Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn – McDunn weaves a heart-warming story of a rising 6th grade girl, Cat, and her younger brother, Chicken. Cat’s mother, a children’s book writer and illustrator, relies heavily on her. Cat works hard to care well for her brother and worries about the next school year in which the two kids will be at different schools. As summer approaches, Cat looks forward to visiting her best friend who has moved away. But when plans are changed, she instead faces a summer with grandparents she doesn’t know in an unfamiliar place. This book speaks deeply to family relationships and the expectations kids put on themselves.
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster, Jonathan Auxier – Friends, this book is a must read. It is a story of childhood strength and survival. Though it is set in London over a century ago, it is surprisingly relevant and timely. Nan, a child chimneysweep, narrowly escapes death, runs away, and then Auxier begins weaving a beautiful fantasy tale of survival and friendship. I cheered Nan on, gasped at her predicaments and cried along with her. This book deserves every honor of its Bluebonnet nomination and I find myself recommending it over and over.
Break Bread Together
Break Bread Together: Finding True Friendship at the Last Supper – I was honored to serve on the launch team for author, Jess Herberger. Herberger connects Jesus’ love for and friendship with his disciples in a poignant and timely way. As someone who grew up in church, I’ve read the stories of Jesus’ interactions with his disciples in their callings and the Last Supper countless times, but never through the lens of friendship. This book encourages us to invite people into friendship with us and to love deeply – all through the reflecting Jesus to those around us. A passion for deep friendship was rekindled in my soul. As we all come out of a time of greater social isolation, this book helps us remember the importance of friendships.
I’m currently in the midst of Echo, by Pam Munoz Ryan. I can’t wait to write about it in my summer book wrap-up!
What about you, friends? What are you reading?
Hugs, Blessings and Happy Reading – Bethany
* None of the links above are affiliate links. They are included simply to make the books easier for you to find. 🙂 *