It’s odd to do a Fall Book Review during the Christmas holidays. But, since I’ve done my reviews by solstices and equinoxes and official ends to seasons, that is how it fell. Perhaps you need a list of a few to add to your 2020 TBR list? Perhaps I’ll change it in 2020 (because I am my own boss when it comes to reading and writing. *wink*)
Winter solstice. The official end to the fall season and the beginning of winter. It often falls on my anniversary, though we didn’t plan it that way. Darkness spans the longest part of the day and light the shortest. Last year I read this post about Winter Solstice (link) and my heart connected over words other writers, like Emily P. Freeman (link) and Kaitlyn Bouchillon (link), shared this year. While I enjoy the longer and warmer days, there is something special about the long darkness. All the books I reviewed here were read in the fall season, prior to Winter Solstice.
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Several of these were “reading homework” for my middle school book clubs. I had a moment when I worried seven books wasn’t “enough” for me to share. Do you ever do that, my friends? Think that your work isn’t enough when compared to others? I do. Hear this: Do what you can do. Read what you can read. Write what you can write. Be present as much as you can. But then, let go of what you can’t.
Escape Under the Forever Sky, by Eve Yohalom
Based loosely on a true story, Escape Under the Forever Sky tells the story of Lucy, the daughter of an American Ambassador. Her ideas about her parents’ rules and what comes of her defiance offers up to parents and young readers a chance to experience a scary adventure and think through what could have been different had she made different choices. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing this with a lively group of sixth grade girls. They are so bright and shared such deep thoughts and understanding (plus there is an amazing scene with the lions!).
Invited, by Leslie Verner
Leslie reminds her readers to notice, wander and leave space for hospitality. In the epilogue, she writes, “God uses the ordinary as symbols of the sacred.” I’d anticipated reading this for weeks and Leslie’s soulful reminder didn’t disappoint. My heart left the pages of this book feeling open and looking for ways to invite connection. An excellent read regarding hospitality and the plague of loneliness.
Michael Vey, Richard Paul Evans
The middle school students on our campus loved this book and rush to read all the sequels led to a stampede to the middle school library (only a slight exaggeration, but there really was a long on-hold list for each one!). I thoroughly enjoyed the good versus evil storyline, complete with attempts to hide superpowers and overcoming bullies! A definite recommendation for middle school readers.
Maximum Ride, James Patterson
I didn’t love this one as much as the other YA books we read for middle school book clubs. Max, the main character, tells the story and the voice of her character kind of gets on my nerves! Ha! I think I’m in the minority, though, as there are several sequels in the series, and it’s been adapted into a manga (Japanese style graphic novel) with the latest book set to release in October, 2020. Max and her friends are mutants, created by scientists, with animal and human DNA. She is part bird, and though she is only 14 in the story, she is caring for several other young teens and children. Chaos and pandemonium ensue and it’s up to them to save each other from the evil scientists.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers, Tom Junod and Fred Rogers
The book is a compilation of the article “Can you say… Hero?” by Tom Junod and quotes from Fred Rogers. As you many know, the article served as a basis for the recently released movie. Junod writes of Mr. Rogers fight to protect childhood and silence in a “dizzying… and disorienting… electroculture”. I haven’t yet seen the movie but reading the article and Mr. Rogers heart through his quotes propelled me even stronger into the fight for quiet and time with my family.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T Cook, Leslie Connor
Remember last book review when I said EVERYONE needs to read “Wishtree”? That’s how I feel about this heartfelt book, too. Eleven-year-old Perry Cook has been raised in a minimum-security prison and now someone is convinced this isn’t the best arrangement. My momma heart shed tears over this book and the girls in my book club discussed the importance of holding judgement as we don’t know a person’s story. This is a must-read. It is one of those books that I’ve continued to mull over, even after finishing it. I can’t wait to dive into some of Connor’s other books.
Remarkable Advent, Shauna Letellier
Over the summer I read Letellier’s, Remarkable Faith and in the spring, during Lent, I read her story of Holy Week. I am drawn into her storytelling style and, as I’ve said before, she brings the characters to life in a fascinating way. Based on Scripture, with added historical detail and personal touches, we see the story not just in the familiar words, but through the character’s eyes. I was mesmerized through Advent this year with the stories of Elizabeth, Zachariah, Mary and Joseph – each vividly brought to life. Purchase Remarkable Advent now and tuck it into your Christmas decorations. Next year, when you pull out the decorations, you will a step ahead with your Advent reading plans AND be pleasantly surprised to remember the gift you bought yourself! (PS – I’m looking forward to reading her book, Remarkable Hope, in the spring. Let me know if you’d like to read it together!)
Snuggle up as the weather turns even more cold; reach for a book this winter!
Hugs and love, Bethany