Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread - Proverbs 30:8

Friday, March 11, 2016

What I'm Reading in 2016 - Volume 2




In an effort to better record what I'm reading, I'm doing a monthly round-up here with some of my thoughts on the books I've read. These aren't book reviews as much as a few thoughts on how the book inspired me.




Me Before You by Jojo Moyes ~ I can see why this book get high praise. It is a good story that deals with one of those impossible situations that draws you in emotionally. I had heard this book would make me cry, so I was careful to read it in the privacy of my home. As I neared the end of the book and still hadn't shed a tear, I began to wonder why I wasn't moved by the book. Let's just say that I did my share of crying before I finished the last page.  (I heard about this book on Anne Bogel's podcast - What Should I read Next)


A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg ~ Molly is the author of the popular blog, Orangette, which I've never read, nor even heard of before reading this book. I picked up this book after hearing about it on Anne Bogel's podcast, and I'm so glad I did. It's a delightful collection of short stories and recipes. Each chapter is its own story and has a recipe or two. This is the kind of book that makes you think anyone can be a good cook - even me! (Cooking is not my gift). I remember reading Born to Run and feeling like I could get up and go run for 20 miles without any effort. That's how this book made me feel about cooking. I doubt my cooking will improve simply from reading this book, but perhaps my attitude about cooking might change a bit.  (I heard about this book on Anne Bogel's podcast - What Should I read Next)


Coming Clean by Seth Haines ~ Seth's young son is quite ill and despite all the prayers lifted up on his behalf, he doesn't seem to be getting better. In desperation and despair, Seth trades in his habit of praying for whiskey and soon realizes he's an alcoholic. This book is his raw and honest struggle with sobriety and dealing with his son's health. I loved the honesty of this book and how Seth encourages all of us to identify what we might be turning to in an attempt to numb ourselves from lifes struggles.   (I heard about this book on Anne Bogel's podcast - What Should I read Next)


The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard ~ I've barely started this...it's going to take a while for me to get through this one. I do appreciate what I've read so far, and think this is a book I'll spend a good part of the year digesting.


Bittersweet  by Shauna Niequist ~ I really enjoy Shauna's ability to share stories and insights with wisdom and humility. Each chapter is its own thought and I like how easy it is to "chew" on it a little bit at a time. I almost returned this one to the library without reading it, but that would have been a mistake.


Apartment Therapy ~ I didn't actually read this one, but rather skimmed it. It wasn't the book I thought I had requested, so I didn't spend much time on it.


Harry Potter - books 6 and 7 by J. K. Rowling ~ I finally finished this series! I fully intended to read the entire series this past summer, but just couldn't get lost in them.  I read the first four books years ago when there were only four books out. My oldest daughter is a big fan of the series and I try to read her favorite books so we can share the stories. I'm glad I pushed through and have finished this series. 


read alouds with my girls
The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett - This is such a sweet book and it's lovely to be reading this as spring makes its appearance here in the pacific northwest. I didn't even know the story of this one, and I'm really enjoying it. It's a very timely read for us. 




I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for Quick Lit

8 comments:

  1. I just finished Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist but haven't read Bittersweet yet. I have read a few reviews of Coming Clean and it sounds like a hard/good read. For some reason your titles are not coming up for me (just the ones in the picture) but I am curious what the book title is by Francis Hodgson Burnett? (PS: Gave you a shout-out on my blog today because I just love your photos so much!)

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    1. It's The Secret Garden : )

      Thanks for the shout out!

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  2. Sounds like some great reads! I'm working on Americanah, very powerful!

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  3. That is a pretty awesome list of reads!

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  4. The Secret Garden was my "magical" book. In our family, the magical book is the one that first captured you whole mind, heart, and emotions and made you want to read more and more. Dicken will always be on my short list of best characters of all time.

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  5. I've been reading but have neglected to document the books either in a file or on my blog. I should remedy that.

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  6. I LOVE Molly Wizenburg. I have both her books - I read Delancey first and really enjoyed it, although I can see why A Homemade Life had higher reviews.

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  7. I love that so many of your books are from What Should I Read Next podcast! :) I read "Wild In The Hollow" by Seth Haine's wife, Amber. I recommend it if you haven't read it yet! Same raw, poetic style as Seth.
    Secret Garden is such a fun book to read with a child! How sweet that you're reading it together!

    - Found you through Anne Bogel's Quick Lit :)

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