So a friend of mine was doing this, and I thought it an excellent idea. She was sharing the books she was reading over the course of the previous month. Isn’t that a great way to meet new books? So just what did I read in April, and what did I think of them? Won’t you come along and see? Perhaps you’ll meet a new potential favourite, and then share one with me?
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Books I read for fun and learning!
Admittedly, a lot of the books I read lately are books that I listened to. I have the audible app and thoroughly enjoy having it. I so love getting a new book every month, and every day I get an email suggesting a new book at a discounted price. I’ve met some excellent books that way!
Books that I have listened to are:
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin. I loved this book. It was somewhat predictable so if I walked away and missed 30 seconds I didn’t fuss about it. But this historical romance was a romance of books and helping others. Was there personal romance yes, but it was definitely secondary to the romance of books. It was all about reading them, sharing them, organizing them, and discovering them.
It takes place in London, during WW2 of which there are a plethora of books lately. I loved the history and the look into the everyday lives of men and women during this time period. I enjoyed how the love of books infused the storyline. Well done.
The Dragon’s Blade Trilogy by Michael R. Miller. Now this book I started a fair bit ago. I love fantasy, I adore fantasy with dragons in it. It’s just a genre I really like. But this one was odd. It took me until the second book in this trilogy to really connect with the characters. I started to become invested in the life of the main character and some of the perifery ones. I even cared about a good “bad guy”.
Why was it a struggle? It’s VERY wordy. Oh my, the author could go on and on and on. But once I was invested, I was very persistent in listening all the way through. The end was a bit preachy, but thought-provoking. It’s a story where the good guys need to sacrifice to help those in need, and that was good. So it’s a bit of a mix, but overall I liked it enough that I checked out other books he’s written.
And I’ve started the following:
Women in White Coats. This is the history of women doctors in Europe and North America. This is a history textbooky, but also storyish. You feel like you are getting to know the characters which is good. Makes the history seem more real you know?
I am George. This is about the history of black pullman on the trains. So far, very interesting. It is not a story, it is more a retelling of history … like a textbook sorta. It’s making me ask questions. For instance, is it prejudiced to not envision a multi-cultural society? Sometimes people are so used to the way things are that to see something beyond that is not possible.
Physical books that I am into.
Currently reading An Encounter Easter. I take this to work for a short devotional time at work. I expect I’ll work my way through the entire book and it will take me longer than the 50 days of Easter. 🙂
Gentle and Lowly. This book by Dane Ortlund is an excellent read, drawing me into the very heart of Jesus. It is making me think deeply. I am very much taking my time going through it. Thus far it’s a book I feel like I was meant to read. GET IT!
Books I posted for reviews
Like always, I love to share my thoughts about a wide variety of books. I receive books from a few different places, each with their own focal points.
Teaching Books
- The Perfect Rejection Resume. I think this book would be helpful in a college and careers class.
- How to Homeschool. The author covers a lot of concerns with homeschooling. Shares a lot from his own homeschooling journey. Wasn’t my style, but a good book none-the-less.
- Sheltering Mercy. A book of prayers as free verse. Based on the Psalms. I am using this book almost every weekday.
- Food Triggers. Learn how to gain control of your food by knowing what triggers you. A helpful book. Go read my review.
Fiction for middle school through adult
- Shine On, Luz Veliz. a young lady has to work hard to figure out who she really wants to be.
- Until Leaves Fall in Paris. A WW2 historical romance. Nicely written with good details.
Picture Books
- Be a King. Using the ideals from King’s life to encourage change. A good conversation starter book.
- Our World is a Family. Consider the needs of immigrant families and help them feel at home. I found this book to be well done.
I think I am going to have to find The Last Bookshop In London. Sounds like a lovely, simple read. The one about the doctors sounds interesting, as does the story about the pullman. Thanks for some new ideas!