To be honest, I’ve put off posting about this book wanting to make sure it wasn’t going to be too offensive to anyone - or to myself. I wanted to get far enough into the book to see if it was just too ‘woo-woo’. Thankfully, it is what I hoped it would be - a... Continue Reading →
Finding Calm
These are a few books that have meant a lot to me personally during this pandemic season. I find reliance on the liturgy comforting when you don’t feel like praying. Leaning into ancient traditions (even rote memorization) gets you through at times when your heart just isn’t in it. I especially recommend the book, Flee.... Continue Reading →
MUSICAL CHAIRS by Amy Poeppel
"To drink coffee on my stoop each morning and gin on the roof at night..." - Will, commenting on what he loves about living in New York City MUSICAL CHAIRS was an enjoyably quick and entertaining read and my first Amy Poeppel book. It has been sitting on my shelf for a few months now,... Continue Reading →
THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett
I was glad to finally be able to sit down with this Book of the Month feature and all-around popular Bookstagram book, The Vanishing Half. The concept intrigued me. Stella and Desiree are twins and both born light-skinned Black. Both of them wanting to escape the confines of their small town and to live a... Continue Reading →
WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH by Elizabeth Acevedo
This is the second book I've read from Acevedo and I listened to both of them on audio. I believe she is an author that should not only be read, but be heard as well. Her reading is thick with a Dominican accent and her placement of words melt together like a cherished recipe, passed... Continue Reading →
GHOST by Jason Reynolds
I miss Castle.I realize this isn't something I need to hide (anymore.) But you have to understand, I started this secret habit back before it was cool.I was a full-fledged adult with full-fledged middle school and high school children when Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants first came out. I hid in my bedroom and read every... Continue Reading →
THE NAME JAR by Yangsook Choi
I remember it clearly. I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Adams' class at Alton Elementary School and I was up next to give a talk about myself: WHO I AM. I collected the usual data about where I was born and what my birthday was, etc. I don't remember being overly nervous about standing up... Continue Reading →
A WOMAN IS NO MAN by Etaf Rum
I will admit, it makes me a little nervous to review a book that a) has been popular and critically acclaimed, b) promotes gender equality and c) (most importantly) is about a culture with which I have very little to no connection. So I step into my thoughts very cautiously. A WOMAN IS NO MAN... Continue Reading →
REFORESTING FAITH by Matthew Sleeth, MD
A friend on Instagram mentioned this book recently and it seemed to speak to many of my core beliefs. We were created to live within our natural surroundings but as a result of societal advancements, we have walled ourselves away from our native home. REFORESTING FAITH speaks about the importance of trees within the Christian faith.... Continue Reading →
THE WATERGATE GIRL by Jill Wine-Banks
I’m really excited about this book. Honestly, Watergate was *around* when I was a kid, but I was too young to understand it. I just knew adults were talking about it - when it happened and years afterwards. ⠀ Jill Wine-Banks was an assistant prosecutor during the Watergate hearings. Her house was burgled, her phones... Continue Reading →
Ode to the DNF
As readers, we've all experienced the mental pros and cons list we automatically go to when facing a potential DNF (Do No Finish.) It took me quite a few years into adulthood before I would actually NOT finish a book. Finally I reached the point when I realized my time and comfort level was worth... Continue Reading →
LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES by Doris Kearns Goodwin
This book has been sitting on my shelf for a year now. You know how it is...new books kept grabbing my attention or library holds come in or Book of the Month is asking me to choose. And now that I am reviewing books for publishers, I have a steady stream of books showing up at... Continue Reading →