In May I meandered through a little fiction, non-fiction, romance, and religion. This month I read books I had heard about for a long time from lots of different places, and a couple that I happened upon in Audible and thought I’d give a try. I love the variety of books that I often have on my nightstand and in the cue on my phone to listen to, and though the list never ends, I am trying to remember to stay present and enjoy the one (or three) that I am reading at any given moment.
After using Greg McKeown’s first book, Essentialism, as a bible for the last several years, I was very excited to get my hands on his new (instant bestseller) Effortless. The book is great. It actually felt very familiar to me–probably because I did implement and begin walking the “Essentialist Pathway” years ago, so none off these ideas felt groundbreaking or new. I mostly nodded my head along in agreement. A worthwhile read and great reminder that life isn’t meant to be all effort and hustle.
I heard about this book from a dozen sources before jumping in. I normally am not interested in psychological thrillers or mysteries, bit this book did indeed pull me in. I was fascinated by the story, the characters, and the writing was great. The twists and turns had me going on extra long walks to keep up with what was happening–the time hops felt a little confusing until the end and then WOW. So good.
My mom told me about this book and it’s charm. I loved it! Each of the characters has something delightfully relatable that they are going through. The story is a great reflection of our human need for connection and the barriers sometimes we put up despite our best efforts at being “authentic.”
This fictional narrative of the wife of Jesus Christ was delightful. I loved being swept into a time that I have read so much about in a religious context, but often forget to imagine as a real piece of global and human history as well. Stories of women in history always tug at my heart, and Anna gives voice to so many incredible, strong, beautiful women whose true stories we will never know. Loved it.
When my little sister read this book, she told me she kept wishing Daisy Jones was real and she could listen to her music. I felt the exact same way! I was a huge fan girl by the end of this novel and can picture Daisy Jones and The Six out on tour, doing interviews, starting fashion trends and being icons.
I love a lighthearted love story, and this one is good. Fun to listen to, interesting and relatable family dynamics, and a likable main character. It wasn’t earth shattering, but was a fun listen.
The email dialogue in this book is laugh-out-loud funny. I loved the unique way of telling a story of friendship (through email correspondence) and really loved the women who bear their souls over their work server. Such a great story.
In preparation for an upcoming podcast, I’ve been digging into some religious nonfiction, and was recommended this book by a friend. It is a great reflection on doubt and uncertainty in the world of orthodox religion (particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) and was really insightful and helpful as I’m finding the words to share some of my own experiences with nuanced faith.
Another fantastic religious nonfiction addressing some ways in which the author reimagines how we can (indeed, must) use organized religion to heal and restore, rather than harm and divide the world. I appreciated the historic and ancient insights as well as the call for change for a better future.
