What have you been reading lately? The innocent question, asked by a friend, gave me pause. Then led me to the realization I haven’t written a list of book reviews in a year! Take a look and let’s talk about them. Have you read any of the same books? If you haven’t, I hope one catches your eye to add to your TBR!
Because there are several, I’ve grouped them into three categories: Non-fiction and Spiritual Formation, Fiction – Younger Readers (elementary age), and Fiction – Older Readers (MG, YA and Adult). My favorites are reviewed at the top of each section. In both fiction sections, my least favorite is at the bottom. In the non-fiction section I did not organize it this way since each book, topic and author are different and all added to my learning and growth this year. *Please note, titles are linked just for your convenience. They are not affiliate links. 🙂
So, what are you reading right now? Anything I should pick up?
Non-fiction and Spiritual Formation
Remarkable Hope: When Jesus Revived Hope in Disappointed People, Shauna Letellier – This book sat on my shelf for several weeks before I picked it up. As you know, if you’ve read my other book reviews, I’m a big fan of Letellier’s writing style and consistently connect to the biblical characters in a meaningful way through her stories. The format of this book is the same as her others: she retells the story as it is written in the Bible, then rewrites it in story form, then includes commentary and thoughts regarding life application. In Remarkable Hope she writes about disappointed people – people who expected the Lord to do something else. I happened to finish it on Easter Sunday morning, which could have been a Divine Plan. Often, as Christ-followers, we focus on keeping our faith strong and saying aloud that we “trust His plan” or “look for His hand.” But, if I’m honest, through those moments I’m consistently offering Jesus ideas on how to take care of the trouble or heart-break at hand. In the chapter “Despairing Hope,” written about Jairus and his daughter (Mark 5, Luke 8 and Matthew 9), Letellier writes, “Disappointment is often the pivot point where we stop trying to lead Jesus and start following his lead.” (Letellier, 93)
Parenting Your Eighth Grader, Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner – Every summer I find myself recommending these books to other parents. As part of the Phase Project, Ivy and Joiner have written one for each year until a child begins school and one for each grade level following. Every year I find myself taking nuggets of wisdom into my parenting for the school year. They are written in a journal-ish style, but I prefer to devour them in 1-2 sittings, then come back periodically through the year. I highly recommend these for every parent, no matter the age. (And I’ve now ordered one for Ninth Grade! GULP!)
The Ministry of Ordinary Places, Shannan Martin – Within the pages of Martin’s book, I found encouragement to make kindness, hospitality, listening mindfully and neighboring a focus. In the final paragraph of chapter 6, she says, “Offering ourselves as a kind-hearted presence in a world that has forgotten the meaning of community is a courageous act of peace.” This book opened my eyes to my ability to love well those within my circle of influence. (PS – Chapter 11 is my most underlined and starred chapter in this book. After you read it, let me know if you’d like to talk about it! Its words stuck with me for months! But I’m not mentioning much about it here because it would turn into less of a short book review and more of a… well, I’m not sure spiritual commentary, maybe?)
First Ladies, Margaret Truman – Truman, the daughter of President Harry Truman, weaves together portraits of each of the First Ladies from the first, Martha Washington, through Hilary Clinton. (By reading this last sentence, I’m sure you gathered this book is several years old.) She compares many of their strengths and some of their weaknesses. The comparisons are deeply related to the humanity of each of these women. Truman showcases their partnerships with their husbands, the degree to which they fought to protect their husbands and their privacy, their scandals, their heartbreak and what they enjoyed – and what they endured – as First Lady. Truman writes a fascinating exploration of the differences in each of these women, and the similarities of their experiences no matter their political persuasions, their own backgrounds, or the century in which they lived.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott – Months ago, I saw a list of books “all writers must read,” which included this book. My kind parents obliged my wish and gifted the book to me. Whomever made that list, of which I’m sure there are multiple, was correct. This book is a writer-must-read, but I’d add that imperative to all creatives and even adults who are living a contemplative life. It is not a step-by-step to authoring a book or to publishing a work of writing, instead it is a saucy commentary on living a writerly-life: noticing the world around us, fighting perfectionism and the voices that call us imposters, overcoming writer’s block. Lamott asserts, “Becoming a writer is about becoming conscious… the ability to throw the lights on for your reader… [which] decreases the terrible sense of isolation that we have all had too much of.” (Lamott, Part Five: The Last Class, p. 209) At these words, I muttered a yes and amen. I hope my words do exactly that.
Atomic Habits, James Clear – Clear’s book and ideas make perfect common sense. Forming new, healthy habits and breaking old, unhealthy habits can be achieved by building on the smallest of choices and rhythms. It’s a quick read/skim; I especially enjoyed the summaries at the end of each chapter.
Fiction – Younger Readers
The Gilded Girl, Alyssa Colman – Absolutely delightful! I closed this book with a smile and a sigh of satisfaction, then grabbed a star shaped sticky note and scribbled a quick message to one of my nieces saying how much I thought she’d enjoy it and added it to the pile of things that go back and forth between my family members. With a feeling of adventure, of sorrow, of redemption, and an element of magic, Colman writes an excellent story for older elementary readers. This is one of my favorite books of the year.
Because of Winn-Dixie, Kate DiCamillo – There’s a reason kids fall in love with reading while immersed in DiCamillo’s work. Her characters and their lives have a depth that is rarely accomplished in children’s literature, and she writes those stories in a way that opens our eyes to their heartache without the shock value our culture pushes. Opal and the other characters in Because of Winn Dixie are broken people with hurt and tragedy, but as readers we are left with hope, friendship and redemption. If you haven’t read this book, or if it’s been a few years, I highly recommend picking it up again and reading it with your kids. It’s worth every minute (and tear). Note: I read this book and Tiger Rising, also by Kate DiCamillo and Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, with the students in my online classes this year. All were excellent “classics” and I’d highly recommend reading them as a family if your child hasn’t already read them. (Or read them again and watch the movies together! I heard Tiger Rising comes out this summer!)
The Strangers, Margaret Peterson Haddix – This book is the first in a series. Chess, Emma and Finn’s mother has disappeared and they’ve been left in the care of Susanna Morales, an acquaintance of their mom’s. Soon, Susanna disappears, too! The kids, including Susanna’s daughter Natalie, know their disappearance isn’t the work of someone in their world. Instead, both are trapped in a dangerous parallel world in which things and people look the same but are very different! This was the first in Haddix’ Greystone Secrets series and I have the second on my list to read this summer. This book is an excellent choice for a reader looking for adventure and storytelling without topics that are scary, gory or too mature. (Look for reviews of Book 2, The Deceivers and Book 3, The Messengers, in my next set of reviews!)
Saving Winslow, Sharon Creech – This book was included in the “Triple Crown Award” list for the 20-21 school year, so I read it aloud to my 3rd graders. It’s a delightful tale of a boy, Louie, raising a sickly pet donkey and finding his place within his family and community. The short chapters and easy writing style make it an easy read for elementary students (or adults!).
Britfield & the Lost Crown, C. R. Stewart – In our last week of online 4th grade reading lessons, we built a “TBR” list and I encouraged each of my 10-year-old-readers to build the habit of always having at least one new book “at the ready.” As we all know, it’s much easier to read consistently when there is no lull between books! Stewart’s book caught my eye immediately in a recommended list for 5th and 6th grade readers. The cover entices and the story premise promises an exciting tale – a mistreated orphan, a hint of family still alive, an adventure! The plot did not disappoint, and I cheered as Tom and Sarah, the main characters, managed to flee the confines of the Grievouses, the horrible orphanage managers. I rooted for them over and over again as they narrowly escaped the capture of Detective Gowerstone, who was feared for his near perfect record of finding runaway orphans. However, I was not a fan of Stewart’s writing style as it read much more like a brochure for the museums and monuments I might find during a vacation through the UK. In the middle of an exciting escape scene, I was disappointed to find description after description of paintings and statues and historical markers. I quickly found myself skipping entire paragraphs of these descriptions for the next sentence that moved the story along. I wanted so badly to love this book (it’s the first in a series) and has won a ton of awards, but as I finished the book I found myself wishing Tom and Sarah well as they continued on with the adventure to find his parents, but knowing I wouldn’t be following closely along in the next book.
Fiction – Older Readers
Echo, Pam Munoz Ryan – I adore Ryan’s Esperanza Rising. This one is even better. She beautifully weaves tales that are timeless reminders of humanity overcoming hatred and hurt. This book is formatted as three stories woven together through a passed down harmonica. The weighty moments spoke to my heart in a season that felt heavy overall. The ending reached into my soul to renew my hope in humanity. And, honestly, that’s just what I needed! This book best suits those with the endurance for a longer book.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer – In her loosely based retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, Kemmerer jumps from present day Washington D.C. to an alternative world, Emberfall. The book is fast-paced, full of adventure and budding love, and told primarily from both the perspective of Rhen, a tortured prince and Harper, an unlikely candidate for princess. Kemmerer introduces the story with action and intrigue and the ending will leave you breathless and hoping for a sequel. (The sequel is currently sold out on Amazon, so I’m scouring bookstores for a copy!)
Straight on Till Morning: A Twisted Tale, Liz Braswell – Within the Disney: A Twisted Tale series each book asks what would have happened if this tale would have been told with a change. In Straight on Till Morning, Braswell reveals the differences in the story if Wendy traveled to Never Land with Captain Hook! In this story, Wendy is no longer a side character in a nightgown. Instead, under Braswell’s pen, Wendy’s strengths emerge – her imagination, her bravery and her alliance with Tinker Bell. I enjoyed every minute of this story! The ending, especially, stuck with me. It had me smiling and nodding in agreement for days.
Hood, Jenny Elder Moke – Early this spring, I rewatched the 1973 animated Disney version of Robin Hood on Disney+ and the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and ordered this book – all in one week. Moke writes the story of Isabelle of Kirklees, daughter of the rebel Robin Hood and royal Lady Marien. She has been raised in a convent led by the ruthless Sister Catherine. After Isabelle’s arrest for defending innocent villagers, her mother sends her to find the father she has never known. Isabelle joins the Merry Men. Both her loyalties and her strength are tested in the journey. The tagline for this book reads, “You have the blood of kings and rebels within you, love. Let it rise to meet the call.” Moke’s book reads as a wonderful extension to a story I already loved. She carries through the excitement and adventure, the spark of a love story, and the battle for justice which captured my heart within the Robin Hood myths and tales.
Girl in the Blue Coat, Monica Hesse – Set in WWII’s Amsterdam, Heese unfolds the tale of Hanneke, a teenage black-market trader, who is asked to find a young Jewish girl instead of her usual goods of extra rations, meat or cigarettes. Her discreet investigation links her back to the older brother of her former love and reveals both a network of young people working to save those they can and those that have kept secrets to save themselves and others. If you are prone to reading the ending first to make sure everything turns out ok, you may find yourself reading ahead! This book reminds me of Words on Fire, by Jennifer Nielson and Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, but the characters in Girl in the Blue Coat are more mature, so readers should be prepared for more mature conflict and situations.
The Inheritance Games, Jennifer Lynn Barnes – Part mystery, part adventure, part crime-solving and all wrapped up in puzzles! Barnes writes the story of Avery Grambs, an almost-homeless teenager who is the sole beneficiary in the will of a billionaire she’s never met – the catch, she has to live – ahem, stay ALIVE – in his home for a year. Barnes book is fast-paced, fun and kept me turning the pages until the end. I took this book with me on a weekend getaway in April thinking I’d just read a little here and there, but instead I raced through it!
Every Heart a Doorway – Seanan McGuire – Much darker and full of sexual references, this book is definitely in the YA category. The concept, a home for children who are thought to have returned from being kidnapped or run away but who have spent time in other worlds, drew me in at its description. McGuire writes several scenes that will haunt your thoughts. However, to me, this book felt more like a commentary on modern teen sexuality and the story played a supporting role. I found out after I started the book McGuire is most known for her books within the horror genre.
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There it is, my friends – short-ish review of each of the books I read from July, 2020 to the first part of June, 2021! This summer, I’ve heard two bloggers mention “reading clubs” in which the members of the club meet up, chat, read their separate books and talk about what books they’ve been reading. Doesn’t that sound delightful?