I read more than one hundred books in 2018 and 2019. It’s become my new yearly goal, but in 2020 I blew by that number and hit two hundred (check out my IG account @megan.e.byrd to see all of the books). All of the extra at-home time was conducive to keeping my nose in a book. With that many books under my belt in 2020, it’s going to be a challenge to pick the best, so I cheated a little. Below you’ll find my top six of fiction and nonfiction along with some additional honorable mention.
[Read more…] about Best Reads of 2020books
2018 Reading Challenge – December Update
I reached my goal of 100 books in 2018 in September but didn’t stop there. I created an Instagram account to track my reading in real time. Feel free to follow along @meganbyrdreads!
A second reading goal for 2018 was to read at least one book each month by a non-white author to expand my knowledge and perspective. Many months I have been able to read multiple books in this category.
A third goal was to check off the 12 different categories of books Anne Bogel (aka ModernMrsDarcy) suggests to help vary the types of books read this year. I completed that in August but continued to list the categories I read for the remainder of the year.
This is the final update for the year. Here are the previous lists of books 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90, 91-100, Sept/October, and November.
I read 4 books in December written by a non-white author (indicated with
December
119. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (NF)
Jeannette tells of her life growing up in a transient family with three siblings. She had a rough life with parents who seemed more concerned with their own wants and desires than the care of their children. Her older sister moved to NYC when she graduated high school and Jeannette and her brother both followed after their junior years of high school.
Jeannette had a complicated relationship with her parents. I really struggled with how her parents “raised” their children and glad the older kids seemed to turn out fine. Kids are quite resilient. It was a painful, engaging, and heartwrenching story that I wanted to throw across the room several times.
120. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron (NF)
I would give this book ten stars if I could! It is just what I needed to unlock my creativity. It is a twelve-week workbook with essays, exercises, and weekly reviews to help you notice progress. It’s a lot of work with daily morning pages and weekly artist dates but if you are faithful to do the work I believe it will help you immensely. I appreciated that it asks you to consider beliefs, attitudes, past experiences, and current actives and people in your life that hinder your ability to be creative. It invites you to dream about the future and imagine a life where you are flourishing in your creativity.
I was very skeptical about the book as it felt like “magical thinking” but I learned so much about myself in the process of working through the book including fears and beliefs I have held about writing, distractions I was allowing to keep me stuck, and hidden dreams I was unaware of. It is a wonderful book for everyone who is interested in pursuing their creative dreams – writers, actors, painters, photographers, musicians, film producers, etc. This might possibly be the best resource for breaking out of a rut or artist block. I plan to reread it soon to continue to improve my creative life.
121. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover (NF)
Tara grew up in Idaho, the youngest of seven kids. Her father was paranoid and thought the government was out to get him so he taught his family that surviving on their own was best for their family. They didn’t go to school or the doctor, only to their Mormon church on Sundays. The family was poor, her dad scrapped metal in the junkyard and completed building projects. Her mom started midwifing and eventually began selling homeopathic remedies.
Tara had a rough life with an unpredictable father and a violent older brother. When she was seventeen she was accepted into BYU and started her official formal education that revealed her ignorance but would eventually lead to a
A very hard story to read but we’ll
122. That Holiday Feeling by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, & Robyn Carr (Fav)
This is three short books in one. I picked it up because I wanted a Christmas read and I have previously read books from two of the authors. They were all entertaining stories but my favorite was the second one by Sherry Woods whom I hadn’t previously heard of. I’ll summarize the books below but think of them as Hallmark Christmas movie-esque with more intimacy.
Silver Bells is about a single father who briefly loves into an apartment building while his new house is being built and his 13yo daughter tries to set him up with one of the other tenants.
The Perfect Holiday is about a single mother moving into the lodge her great aunt left her in her will, hoping to get it up and running again. Her aunt had also made a successful single guy promise to spend the holiday there.
Under the Christmas Tree is about a single woman who finds abandoned puppies under the town Christmas tree and convinces a bar owner to help her nurse them back to health. The town vet comes to check on them and turns out to be very handsome and single.
Predictable, but fun reads for the holiday.
123. The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury
A bookstore in Franklin, TN holds a lot of memories for many people, two individuals in particular. They spent hours there together sharing their lives and favorite books, somewhere away from prying eyes. Molly Allen was the only child of a successful businessman who had her life mapped out for her and didn’t want anything, including love, disrupting the plan. Ryan Kelly had a serious girlfriend back home where he planned to return after graduation. They encouraged one another to pursue their own dreams. Their friendship and potential romance was cut short due to a misunderstanding. Now the owner of the bookstore is in critical condition after a car accident and there two are determined to help anyway they can. Will the misunderstanding be resolved? Will Charlie the store owner recover?
A quick and predictable read that was turned into a Hallmark movie. There’s a short story at the end that delves more into the lives of Charlie and his wife Donna.
124. Edge of Peril by Christy Barritt (Fav)
Fog Lake, TN has had a string of murders in the past six months. Harper drove from DC to the town because she has an idea who is behind the crimes, her foster- brother Billy, who supposedly died in a car accident a few years ago. The sheriff is skeptical and doesn’t trust reporters at all but after Harper is threatened by The Watcher he thinks there might be more to her theory. Can the murderer be caught before he kills anyone else?
It was very intense and I put it down for a few days because I was very concerned for Harper’s safety. It’s a very suspenseful story that had me guessing who the killer was.
125. Jonah: Navigating an Interrupted Life by Priscilla Shirer* (Fav) (NF) (Dif)
This is a six-week study of the book of Jonah that includes corresponding videos available to purchase. The study talks about God’s call for Jonah to go to Nineveh as a divine invitation rather than an interruption in our schedule. The study invites us to look at our own lives and try to see the invitation God is extending in non-ideal circumstances. It is a great opportunity to change your perspective on inconveniences and invites you to trust God and his plans and purposes for your life. I would recommend doing it with a small group.
126. The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby* (NF) (Dif)
This book walks through the history of slavery and racism in the United States beginning with the colonization of the east coast to the present day. It shows the complicity of the church and Christians in the country’s establishment and perpetuation of racist policies after slavery was abolished. It lists steps that can be taken presently to move toward and possibly bring about racial reconciliation.
It was a very informative and challenging book. I was sickened by the actions and decisions made throughout our country’s history toward people of color, especially African Americans. I learned a lot and appreciate the list of action steps I can take in my sphere of influence to potentially make a positive impact.
127. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston* (CL) (Dif)
Janie tells the story of her life to her good friend Phoeby. She talks about her childhood and the day she realized she wasn’t white, her first two marriages to controlling and ambitious older men and her last marriage to a younger but loving man and what finally brought her back to her old town.
It was a very interesting and engaging story. It took a little bit to get a good feel for the way the language was written. I’m curious to know what happened with Janie after the story ended.
128. The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You by Shannan Martin (NF)
Shanna shares her experience of moving from the country into an urban neighborhood and what it looked like for her family to take root and really invest in their neighbors and neighborhood church. She shares the struggle of experiencing pain and heartache through the relationships formed but the also the high of sharing joy by living connected to those around her.
It is the right book for me right now as I am trying to navigate what it would look like to really love my neighbors and seek real relationships with them. This book has encouraged me that the hard work is worthwhile, meaningful, and will grow my relationship with God.
129. Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews (Fav)
Weezie is getting married to Daniel right before Christmas. He’s in NYC as a guest chef for a month. BeBe is 8 months pregnant with her and Harry’s child and is informed that she is not officially divorced from her last husband, who was a scam artist and last she heard was in jail. Weezie decides to visit Daniel for a few days and BeBe tries to track down Richard. Will there be any wedding hiccups or divorce dilemmas?
I didn’t realize this is the fourth book in the series but it turned out I had read the others several years back so it worked out. A fairly light, easy Christmas-time read.
130. All Cat Wants for Christmas: Cats Talk to Santa by Lizz Brady (1D)
A book of letters to Santa if cats wrote letters. They were on point for cat owners. A quick holiday read.
131. The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for Children and Adults to Prepare for the Coming of the Christ Child at Christmas by Dean Meador Lambert
A 25-day devotional to focus on the story of God and the coming of Jesus during the Advent season. The book has suggested songs, a daily memory verse, and two devotionals with questions and a prayer – one for kids and one for adults. It encourages you to make ornaments for each day. I printed out the photos, colored and laminated them, and added string.
My kids are six and eight and the kid version was perfect for them. It was a great way to focus on Jesus during the Christmas season.
132. Night of the Living Dad by Rick Kirkman & Jerry Scott (1D)
Baby Blues cartoon strip when Darryl and Wanda just have Zoe but then become pregnant with their second. Very humorous and relatable comics for parents.
133. Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman
Daphne lives in NYC and is currently unemployed and divorced after a very short marriage. Her mother died a year ago and left her a yearbook which she threw in her building’s recycling. A wanna-be documentary filmmaker on her floor found it and wants Daphne’s help figuring out the importance of the yearbook. Daphne discovers some surprising info after attending a school reunion with her neighbor and tries desperately to keep it from seeing the light, enlisting the help of her across the hall neighbor.
It was an interesting and cute story. I was intrigued and kept reading to find out what would happen. Quite entertaining with a relatively happy ending.
134. What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape by Sohaila Abdulali* (NF) (Dif)
The author talks about her own experience with rape – as a personal experience, as the subject for her thesis, and as a counselor at a rape crisis center. She had interviewed many people all over the world and talks about the various country cultures that have harmed rather than helped sexual assault survivors. It reminds us that there is no rational reason for rape and it will continue until rape is addressed and part of a worldwide conversation to bring it out of the shadows, properly educate about consent, and remove the stigma from rape victims. It even talks about the difference between a sex worker and a trafficking victim. Very interesting, informative, and a good reference.
135. The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan by Shanna Hatfield (Fav)
Cadence Greer goes to stay with her aunt in Grass Valley, OR after her fiancé (and coworker) elopes with his secretary a week before the wedding. She gets a job as a cook and housekeeper at the Triple T Ranch, trying not to fall for her handsome new boss, Trey. He, also, tries to stay away from his beautiful new employee but they soon have a common cause in a neglected five-year-old named Cass who quickly catches their hearts.
It’s a fairly predictable story but a fun read for the holidays.
136. Unshakeable by Christine Caine (NF)
A 365 day devotional with a verse, a message, and a short prayer. I was very encouraged by many of the devotions in the book. It was short enough that I could commit to reading one each day. I would recommend it to someone looking for a way to focus on God each day.
I really picked up the book count in December! I guess simplifying the season opened up time to relax and read. My final count for 2018 was 136 books! I’ll probably continue to keep tabs on my reading next year. I’d love to hear your favorite books from the year to put on my 2019 list!
2018 Reading Challenge – November Update
I reached my goal of 100 books in 2018 in September. I will continue to track my reads but only provide monthly updates. I created an Instagram account to track my reading in real time. Feel free to follow along @meganbyrdreads!
A second reading goal for 2018 is to read at least one book each month by a non-white author to expand my knowledge and perspective. Many months I have been able to read multiple books in this category. So far I have achieved this goal.
A third goal was to check off the 12 different categories of books Anne Bogel (aka ModernMrsDarcy) suggests to help vary the types of books read this year. I completed that in August but will continue to list the categories I read for the remainder of the year.
This is the twelfth update for the year. Here are the previous lists of books 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90, 91-100, and September/October.
I read one book in November written by a non-white author (indicated with an *). I read the following from Anne’s list: 1) a book by a favorite author (Fav), 2) a memoir, biography, or book of creative nonfiction (NF), 3) a book you can read in a day (1D), 4) a book by an author of a different race, ethnicity, or religion than your own (Dif), and 5) a book in translation (BiT).
November
111. All That’s Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment by Hannah Anderson (Fav) (NF)
This book talks about how to grow in discernment to learn what is good in this world. It walks through Philippians 4:8-9 which talks about the types of things that are worthy of our attention, things that are true, honorable, pure, lovely, just, and commendable. It reminds us of how God has shown us through Jesus how to grow in our ability to discern these things. At the end of the book, there is a study guide to go deeper into learning the concepts and developing the skills for improved discernment.
I really enjoyed the way the material was presented and the reassurance that in following Jesus, God will help to increase our discernment. She talks a little about why we may be afraid to speak up when we discern things that might not be well-received because it upsets the status quo but how important it is to be that voice in the world and in our churches. An encouraging and challenging read.
112. I am Pusheen the Cat by Claire Belton (1D)
This is an illustrated book about a cat named Pusheen and her sister Stormy. It is very funny because it accurately describes cat behavior. Pusheen shares her ideas of life and her experiences with holiday activities. It is divided into different sections of topics.
My daughter borrowed the book from the library and was reading the “Scary Stories for Cats” section to me and it tickled me so much I asked to read it when she was done. (Example: Once upon a time there was a food bowl. It was empty. The end.) A quick, humorous read for people who know and love cats. It got me through part of my hour-long wait to vote.
113. Wild Dark by Kelly Buddenhagen
Clara Fallow is a babysitter for a family whose husband seems to be looking for a chance to sleep with her. She’s living in her hometown while her dad’s in jail for selling drugs to an undercover cop and she had a boyfriend of two years whom she feels uses her, though she admits she’s using him to avoid things as well. She hates her life but is not motivated to change it until the day she meets a man she thinks she’s known before but can’t figure out where. She is torn between her current life and the more this familiar man might have to offer. His presence leads to many more questions than answers as she begins to have flashbacks to 2.5 years ago when she was found outside of a house that had burned to the ground. She can’t remember what happened, nor is she too keen on finding out, but she thinks both this man, Eric, and her sister were there that night. There’s something greater going on than what she can figure out and as she begins to remember more, she realizes there is a web of connection in her town and it’s dangerous. Can she figure it out before it’s too late?
The theme was initially fuzzy but came into focus as the book progressed. It jumps back and forth in time to help fill out history which I didn’t mind. An interesting read.
114. Forget You Know Me by Jessica Strawser
Liza and Molly were best friends growing up but Liza’s move to Chicago from Cincinnati coupled with Molly becoming a mom has strained their relationship. On a video chat to see if the friendship can be salvaged, Liza sees a masked intruder enter the house when Molly goes to check on the kids. In a desperate attempt to verify Molly is fine, Liza drives all night to shoe up at her door only to have it figuratively slammed in her face by Molly. When Liza arrives back in Chicago she learns that her apartment building burned down and her late night drive saved her life. She ends up moving back to Cincinnati and tries to get her life, and possibly her friendship, back together. Will the intruder ever be identified? Why was he there? There are a lot of secrets discovered and uncovered.
I was intrigued from the very beginning and anxious to see who was threatening Molly and whether her friendship with Liza could be salvaged. A very entertaining read.
115. Woke Church: An Urgent Call for Christians in America to Confront Racism and Injustice by Eric Mason* (Dif) (NF)
The book is divided into four themes: Be Aware. Be Willing to Acknowledge. Be Accountable. Be Active. Eric talks about the importance of having a faith that fulfills the proclamation in Micah to Love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with our God. The book talks about the history of racism in America and the white church’s involvement in allowing and/or perpetuating racism. The book talks about how the church should have been involved and how it now can be involved in correcting injustice in our country. It reminds us that God is a god of justice and action, that the purpose of the gospel is to reunite people who shouldn’t otherwise have something in common, and that the church should be a precursor to Jesus’ return when people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship God together. It gives action steps that we can take individually and as a church to be part of racial reconciliation.
It was educational, challenging, and encouraging. I hope that this will help me to find ways to be involved and to encourage others to see this as an important mission for all people.
“One of the most powerful points of action that was recommended: whites need to speak up whenever they see something that looks like racism and injustice.”
116. Uncluttered: Free Your Space, Free Your Schedule, Free Your Soul by Courtney B. Ellis (NF)
My Not-So-Secret Addiction
I have a vice, something I am addicted to and can’t quit no matter how much I try. I find myself sneaking away from the kids to do it. I do it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I sometimes hide under my bed covers to do it. I do it waiting in car line and at the pool. I do it outside on the back porch and in the driveway while my kids play. I’ve done it in front of my parents, my husband, and my pastor. I stash it in my purse in case I find opportunity. I visit multiple websites to get my next hit. I visit one of my favorite suppliers a minimum of every two weeks to refresh my stash. I have researched and located places where I can get it cheap or for free. I’ve even managed to get one of my children hooked and the other one looks like he might follow in my footsteps as well. I have a real problem and, when I’ve admitted it to friends and family, some of them have become enablers!
I’m addicted to books. I love them! I love the information they hold, the stories they tell, the emotions they elicit. I like being transported to other countries, other worlds, other times. I get to see what other people’s lives are like all over the globe. I learn about things I’ve never studied or experienced.
If I bought every book I have ever wanted to read, I would have a home filled with books and no money for food. As such I have found multiple ways to feed my habit without going broke. Libraries are obviously the best source as they are constantly adding to their collection. They offer e-books in addition to physical books (and ours offers puzzles too!) so I can check out and read books without having to leave my house. Amazon sometimes has free e-books. I borrow books from fellow bibliophiles (and lend them as well). I receive emails from Bookbub offering free and reduced-price e-books. NetGalley offers free e-books in exchange for feedback to the publisher.
Three years ago I discovered book launch teams. That was a wonderful and time-consuming discovery. I have loved getting sneak peeks at some of my favorite authors’ newest offerings and being able to share them with other book lovers.
Our local community has an annual book swap where I can drop off my old books and come back and pick up new-to-me books for free. We have a 2nd and Charles store that offers store credit (or cash, but I always take the credit because it is almost double the cash option) when you bring in o ld books and media. They also have a few “free” bins and I have found some books on my “to-read” list in them. Then there are thrift stores and yard sales.
There are so many places to hear about great books, too. I started listening to podcasts a few years ago and the ones I listen to often give at least one book recommendation per episode (The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, For the Love with Jen Hatmaker). I discovered Modern Mrs. Darcy and her podcast (What Should I Read Next) which is a fount of book wisdom and suggestions, including the occasional reading challenge (I love challenges!). I am part of a FB group called For the Love of Books where we discuss favorite ones and help others steer clear of average or disappointing reads. I have a Goodreads account that lets me see what others are reading and read readers’ reviews of ones I am considering. Instagram has numerous book lovers and book accounts (I recently started my own @meganbyrdreads) for more suggestions.
Having so much information and outlets available really add to the struggle. I have nearly two shelves on my bookshelf of physical books I want to read. I have at least 20 unread books on my kindle. It’s a serious problem.
I keep trying to set boundaries so that I can tackle the books I already own and decide whether to keep them or let them go (I’d like to only hold on to the ones I want to reference, reread, or share with friends or my kids when they get older). I have tried to tell myself not to purchase any new books, which is hard but doable, except that my birthday occurred recently and books were the only things I really wanted. I did hold myself back and only put six on my list, so that’s something I suppose.
I have tried to keep myself from joining new launch teams. Staying off of social media can help me stay unaware of these opportunities. I want to be more prudent and only apply if the book seems applicable to my present life circumstances or are from an author I already know.
I should also stop perusing the library’s website, delete Bookbub emails, and stay off of Netgalley. I have tried to be satisfied with adding intriguing books to my “to-read” list on Goodreads to reference later. It helps a little but it currently has close to 200 books on it so it’s not really a solution, more like a dam on the verge of bursting.
I am tempted to feel ashamed or embarrassed about my apparent lack of control when it comes to books but then I will read something like the quotes below and feel that, perhaps, it’s okay to want to learn more.
“Read books are far less valuable than unread ones. The library should contain as much of what you do not know as your financial means, mortgage rates, and the currently tight real-estate market allows you to put there. You will accumulate more knowledge and more books as you grow older, and the growing number of unread books on the shelves will look at you menacingly. Indeed, the more you know, the larger the rows of unread books. Let us call this collection of unread books an antilibrary . . . An antilibrary is a powerful reminder of your limitations – the vast quantity of things you don’t know, half know, or will one day realize you’re wrong about.” – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
“The books we buy are almost as important as those we read. If the books we read reflect the person we are, the books we hope to read might just be who we aspire to be. There is something profound in that.” –Jess Walter
Books have helped me find community and encourage others by sharing the things I learn from what I read. I am also able to offer good recommendations to others who want an engaging read or a good book on a particular subject. So, while I should be careful I don’t substitute reading for actual engagement in my life and with the people around me, perhaps my love of books isn’t all that bad.
What is your relationship with books like? Where do you find good book recommendations? What has been your favorite book so far this year?
2018 Reading Challenge – Books Thirty-One Through Forty
I have several different reading goals this year. The (new) overall goal is to read 100 books in 2018. I created an Instagram account to help me track my reading. Feel free to follow along @meganbyrdreads! The second goal is to read at least one book each month by a non-white author to expand my knowledge and perspective. A third, less pressing goal is to check off the 12 different categories of books Anne Bogel (aka ModernMrsDarcy) suggests to help vary the types of books read this year.
This is the fourth update for the year. Here are the lists of books 1-10, 11-20, and 21-30.
I read 3 books in April by non-white authors (indicated with a *). I read the following from Anne’s list: 1) a book in translation (BiT), 2) a book by a favorite author (Fav), 3) a book by an author of a different race, ethnicity, or religion than your own (DiF), 4) a memoir, biography, or book of creative nonfiction (NF), and 5) a book recommended by someone with good taste (Rec).
April (pt 2)
31.The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People edited by Randy Frazee (BiT)
This book is a chronological telling of the Bible. It doesn’t include every verse of the Bible but is true to God’s story. It provides some additional information, a timeline, and helpful segues between sections. I enjoyed receiving a better understanding of when the accounts of different books occurred and the opportunity to read the Bible in a continuous story form.
32.Raising World Changers in a Changing World: How One Family Discovered the Beauty of Sacrifice and the Joy of Giving by Kristen Welch (Fav) (NF)
I really enjoyed this book. I do want to raise kids who are compassionate and generous and loving toward others. I know that part of the way this will happen is for me to demonstrate these qualities myself as their parent. This book spoke to where I am at in my life right now, desiring to live a life that actively loves and serves others in Jesus’ name. This book offers encouragement in this area and provides good questions to discuss with kids to help us all consider what our resources are and how we can use them to help others right where we are.
33.The Alchemist by Paula Coelho* (BiT) (DiF)
A Shepherd boy from Andalucia has a recurring dream about a treasure at the Pyramids of Egypt. He meets an old king who tells him it is his Personal Legend to find this treasure and encourages him to follow his heart to reach his goal. The boy decides to look for his treasure and leaves Spain for Africa. He encounters setbacks and help along the way.
It was an encouraging story about pursuing and following your purpose with reminders not to covet others’ purposes. We all have our unique life to live and should enjoy our own journey.
34.Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids Who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What’s Right by Arlene Pellicane* (DiF)
Parents Rising helps parents stay (or get back in) the driver’s seat of their home by reminding them of the authority and responsibility they’ve been given by God and providing strategies to help their children become respectful, responsible, and compassionate adults.
The information in the book was familiar to me but I appreciated the reminder of the things I should be doing for and with my children and the statistics that emphasize the importance of being an active parent to my children. Some of the information was a little convicting as I have been slack in some areas (like actively encouraging my youngest to learn how to tie his own shoes).
This book will remind parents of their role in their child’s growth, education, and preparation for life after high school. It encourages us to step up to the plate and do what we were called to as parents for the benefit of our children and ourselves. If someone is feeling discouraged as a parent, this is a helpful book with good strategies and encouragement to help get back on track.
35.We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True by Gabrielle Union* (DiF) (NF)
This is a memoir, of course, by an actress whose work I have unknowingly seen so everything in the book was new information to me. I really appreciated learning about her life and her experiences as an African-American woman growing up in different parts of the country and working in Hollywood.
The book has caused me to think a lot about the privilege I have due to my skin color. It is terrible how different our experiences are just from this one difference. I am evaluating my own prejudices and thinking in the hopes that I can be more aware and open.
36.A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Meg Murry’s father has been away from home for about five years after taking a top-secret job with the government. She and her younger brother Charles Wallace along with a boy named Calvin set off through the galaxy in search of Mr. Murry with the help of three unusual ladies.
I appreciated the overall theme that only love can defeat hate and evil. I thought I had read this as a child but I didn’t remember anything about this story.
37.Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic For a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist (NF) (Rec)
I really enjoyed this book. I have had it on my to-read list since it was published and finally decided in this current season of figuring out what the future might look like and how to use my time and talents well.
Shauna invites us to stop living in the fast lane of busyness and always saying yes and doing more to the point of exhaustion out of fear of disappointing others or passing up someone else’s can’t miss opportunity. She reminds us that we are loved regardless of our accomplishments (or failures) and are invited to rest in God’s love for us and remember who we were created to be and what we were created for.
38.Class Mom by Laurie Gelman (Rec)
Jen Dixon has been talked into being the class mom for her youngest child’s kindergarten class by her best friend and PTA president Nina. She decides to have fun with her class emails by being sarcastic in relaying class information which rubs some parents the wrong way. One parent tries to get her pushed out of this volunteer position which Jen would gladly give up if Nina would let her. Jen is forced to deal with demanding parents, a slightly odd teacher, and her high school crush whose daughter is in the class.
This was a very entertaining and engaging read. I was hooked from the beginning and had trouble putting it down to get other things done. I have a friend who has been class mom multiple times (I have not had that honor myself) and I thought it might give me a glimpse into that life. The book is first-person narrative with some emails from class parents.
*There’s a decent amount of language and some questionable behavior so maybe skip this book if you don’t care for those things.
39. Flood Watch by Christy Barritt (Fav)
This is the second book in this series. Cassidy Livingston’s friend Skye is upset about a produce stand competitor who then goes missing and police consider her a prime suspect. Cassidy and Ty team up to try to uncover the truth while also pretending to date while Ty’s parents are in town. Meanwhile, Cassidy/Cady is concerned that she might have killed someone while undercover in the DH-7 gang after having been injected with a drug called Flakka.
What really happened to Skye’s competition? Could she have actually been involved in something sordid? Will Cassidy and Ty’s fake relationship turn real? Are people closer to uncovering Cassidy’s real identity?
It was a very engaging read. I am a sucker for successful romances, though this early in the series I don’t know how it will play out. There’s always a twist or two in Christy Barritt’s stories I don’t see coming as the story unfolds. I am excited to see what happens next in Lantern Beach!
40.ThriftStyle: The Ultimate Bargain Shopper’s Guide to Smart Fashion by Allison Engel, Reise Moore, and Margaret Engel
This is a really helpful book if you want to find quality items of clothing in thrift stores. It talks about what to look for to determine quality in clothing and the fun that can be found in thrift shopping.
I have enjoyed shopping in thrift stores and have found some of my favorite clothing items in them. This book gave me some things to consider while shopping.
2018 Reading Challenge – Books Twenty-One Through Thirty
I have several different reading goals this year. The overall goal was to read 52 books in 2018. Having finished thirty books in just over three months, I decided to up it and go for 100 books in 2018. I have made it into the 80s the past two years so we’ll see how it goes. I created an Instagram account to help me track my reading. Feel free to follow along @meganbyrdreads!
The second goal is to read at least one book each month by a non-white author to expand my knowledge and perspective. A third, less pressing goal is to check off the 12 different categories of books Anne Bogel (aka ModernMrsDarcy) suggests to help vary the types of books read this year.
This is the third update for the year. Here are the lists of books 1-10 and 11-20.
I read 3 books in March by non-white authors (indicated with a *). I read the following from Anne’s list: 1) a book of poetry, a play or an essay collection (PPE), 2) a book you can read in a day (1D), 3) a book by a favorite author (Fav), 4) a memoir, biography, or book of creative nonfiction (NF), 5) a book by an author of a different race, ethnicity, or religion than your own (Dif), and 6) a book recommended by a librarian or an indie bookseller (Lib).
March (pt 2)
21.The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner (NF)
*Potential Spoilers* This book is about a woman who grew up as a child in a polygamy colony in Mexico. She shares her life experiences of being a child of a mother who is the second wife of a man who is her stepfather. The story is engrossing and I read it in less than three days.
The poverty, struggles, and abuse of Ruth and her family are so sad. I hate that she had such a terrible stepfather and suffered so much loss and heartache. I am so glad that she now appears to be a healthy woman who was able to protect and care for her younger sisters.
22.Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah * (NF) (Dif)
It took me so long to finish it because I had checked it out of the library and couldn’t renew it after the initial two weeks. I had to place another hold and wait for it to get to my turn again.
This book is about Trevor Noah’s childhood in South Africa. He was born during apartheid to a black woman and white man which was illegal. His parents couldn’t be seen together and at times his mom had to pretend to be his nanny because Trevor was considered colored. Even after apartheid ended, there was still racial tension and divisions and minimal opportunity for non-whites to improve their circumstances.
I think I benefitted from reading Nelson Mandela’s autobiography while waiting to get this book back because I have a better understanding of apartheid and life in South Africa during Trevor’s early years.
23.milk and honey by Rupi Kaur * (PPE) (1D) (Dif)
I didn’t realize this was a book of poetry when I picked it up. I enjoyed the poems – the styling, drawings, format, and themes. There were hard truths spoken but also a lot of encouragement. It was very engaging and thought-provoking and I read it in a few hours.
24.50 Ways to Feel Happy: Fun Activities and Ideas to Build Your Happiness Skills by Vanessa King
This is a very practical book of information about ten keys of happiness and activities you can do within each key to improve your mood and potentially have lasting positive effects on your mood. The book is geared toward children and contains information about happiness along with 50+ activities that can be done to create or develop feelings of happiness. It empowers the reader to believe that they can take charge of their emotions and do something that can increase their level of happiness.
I read the book quickly and look forward to going through it with my children and completing some of the activities with them to see whether they will increase our feelings of happiness. I will update on our experience.
25.The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
I have heard a lot about the Enneagram from podcasts and online communities. My mother-in-law read it and tried to send me her kindle copy but it wasn’t shareable so I put it on my very long to-read list until I got around to it. Recent events (plus a personal interest for tests and measures) had me take a test to find my number. The results were not very decisive so I thought this book might help me get a better grasp on where I fit on the Enneagram.
This book was very helpful in that regard. It offered helpful suggestions to help me be more honest with myself about who I am, asking me to figure out my motivation behind why I do the things I do, consider myself as both a child and at age 20.
The book was a very interesting read. It seems like a great introduction to the Enneagram and talks some about other resources for those interested in learning more.
26.Origin by Dan Brown (Fav)
Robert Langdon is in Bilbao, Spain for a presentation to be given by a former student and now friend Edmond Kirsch. In the middle of the presentation, an assassin shoots and kills Edmond before he can share his new and supposedly world-changing discovery. Robert and Guggenheim curator Ambra Vidal determine to figure out a way to release Edmond’s discovery so that whoever killed him in an effort to suppress the information will not win. It is a race from Bilbao to Spain to succeed while trying to figure out who is behind the assassination. Could Prince Julian, the future king of Spain and Ambra’s fiancee be involved?
I have read the other Langdon novels and have enjoyed them all. I especially enjoy the various European settings of the adventures. Having studied abroad in Spain and being a fan of Antonio Gaudi, I was especially interested to read this one. While I managed to figure out some of the mystery on my own, it was still enjoyable.
27.Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle
A friend recommended this book and I really enjoyed it. I had read a couple of L’Engle’s books as a kid and remembered them being challenging and maybe a little scary. I am interested to reread them as an adult, especially learning more about them and her writing process in this book.
Madeleine talks about the intertwining of Art and faith and her rankling at the term “Christian art”. She talks about how all art that points to aspects of God is Christian whether or not the artist identifies themselves as such.
The book gave encouragement for artists of all genres, obviously including writing. I liked how she shared her processes and experiences with writing. It was an inspiring read.
28.On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The kids and I finished the fourth book in the series. In this one, the Ingalls family is learning life in Minnesota. They start out in a sod house until Pa builds a wooden one. Pa is excited to grow and harvest wheat but their first year grasshoppers come and eat everything in the area including the wheat so Pa (Charles) has to go east to find work to help pay for their new house. He has to do the same the second year because the grasshopper eggs will hatch and the new grasshoppers will eat any new planted crops. We also hear about the blizzards of Minnesota and the girls’ first time at school and attending church now that they live near a town.
I really enjoy hearing about life in the 1800s and imagining what the U.S. might have looked like back then. The kids commented that it seemed like there were a lot more chores back then. I suppose if we were farmers they wouldn’t think so but suburban life is much different than what we read about.
29.The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty (Fav)
I really liked this book. I am a fan of Liane Moriarty. Some books were not as good compared to Big Little Lies (my favorite) but I still wanted to read them all. This was the last on my list.
Sophie Honeywell receives a call from her ex-boyfriend to say his great aunt died and left her something in her will. It turns out to be her house on Scribbly Gum Island, site of the famous Munro Baby Mystery. The family that lives there, including the now 72-year-old Munro baby, have turned the island into a destination adventure and a money-making business.
Will Sophie learn the truth behind the mystery as people have been hinting about? At 39, will she ever find someone to marry and have a baby with as she deeply desires?
I was thoroughly engaged in the story and the slow unraveling of information about the various characters. I enjoyed the story and especially liked the surprises interspersed throughout the book. I would recommend this one. It would be a great vacation read.
April
30.Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (Lib)
Clay is an out-of-work graphic designer in San Francisco looking for employment. While wandering around the streets he sees a Help Wanted sign in the window of a 24-hour bookstore. He enters and talks with the owner who offers him the overnight clerk position. He takes it but soon wonders what type of books are in what he calls the “Waybacklist” because they are only to borrow, not to sell. He discovers that those books are in some sort of code. His curiosity leads him into the heart of a big mystery and into an unexpected adventure with his friends and the bookstore owner.
It was an engaging and fun read. I enjoyed the mystery and watching it unfold through Clay’s eyes.
Have you read any of these? Do you have any recommendations for me?