What I’m Reading: October 2016

Happy almost middle of October, friends! I hope your fall has been wonderful so far…including lots of time to curl up with a great book! My reading life was not as robust as September, but the books I did read turned out to be so good, it almost made up for the decrease in number 🙂 So far, graduate school has influenced my reading life by teaching me I’m far more likely to pick up an actual book than my Kindle. After eight hours of staring at a computer screen listening to lecture, reading articles, and typing essays, I need a physical book in my hands, not another screen! With that new nugget of wisdom, I’ve been prioritizing placing books on hold at my library so my nightstand never lacks in options. What are you currently reading? 

Read this Month

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown- After hearing this book recommended by multiple people, I had to check it out — I’m so glad I did. I loved it! Even though it’s non-fiction, it reads like a novel, keeping you cheering for the nine college age heroes the whole time. The author keeps you engaged with his style of flashing back to tell some of the boys’ stories while also foreshadowing the horrors of World War II that would soon engulf the entire world. Even though I knew the ending to the book (it’s on the cover), I still found tears in my eyes as I read about that last race, that gold medal, and how these nine boys beat all the odds to bring hope at such a difficult time in history. Please read this book!! (5/5)

Lip Reading by Dr. Henry Kraus – I’ve been a fan of Dr. Kraus’ work previously so when I saw this book at the library I knew I wanted to check it out. Overall, I liked it — however, I didn’t love the characters, and I thought some of it was very predictable. The medical jargon and explanations may not be for everyone, but I found those parts fascinating. A good book club book as the plot lends itself to much discussion on unselfishness and how far would you go to save others’ lives at the cost of your own… (3/5)

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren – If there’s anything I’ve learned this year about reading and me, it’s that I love memoir. There’s just something about reading about real life that captures my imagination lately, and Hope Jahren’s Lab Girl was no exception. I believe I heard about this book on Modern Mrs. Darcy’s site, but I’m not positive. Jahren is a scientist who studies plants (I should probably know the official name for that?); and her debut book is part memoir part enlightening education on plants. Yes — I realize how that sounds; however, this book is worth the read. The writing is superb, her story authentic, and her intelligence vast. I dare you to look at a tree the same way when you finish. (4/5)

Currently Reading

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coats – Like Just Mercy, I’ve been told this is a must-read for those of us who are trying to learn all we can about racial reconciliation and how to “Be the Bridge” in this current hostile climate in our country. I will admit, reading about injustice is so emotionally draining for me, but I believe nothing will be solved if we continue to pretend it doesn’t happen, and most importantly, I believe Jesus was the ultimate justice advocate. Since I desire to live a life pleasing to Him, I cannot ignore this issue. All that to say, I’m a few chapters in on this one and am already gleaning a lot — I appreciate Mr. Coates’ vulnerability and writing style.

Stopped Reading

The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews – I can’t say I didn’t like this book because I was only a few chapters in, but the characters weren’t very likable, and I just couldn’t become engaged with the plot. Since my time is so precious right now, I put this one down.

Bought this Month

Believing God by Beth Moore – after hearing Beth Moore on Jamie Ivey’s Happy Hour podcast, I knew my next devotional book had to be by her. I especially appreciate the day by day format on this one.

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile – as someone who loves discovering people’s Myers Briggs personality types (here’s a great website for that – I’m ISFJ!), I’ve only read a little bit about the Enneagram, another personality typing system that I believe has been around for many years. After hearing this brand new release described on a recent What Should I Read Next episode, I was compelled to check it out. I’m sure my family and friends will love me as I read it and try to pinpoint which number they are 🙂 (Actually I’ve heard only you can truly know which Enneagram you are…so I’m looking forward to learning if what I’ve been told I am is accurate…I’ll let you know 🙂 )

Up Next

Two new library holds are in, so I’m going to stop by and pick those up. I’m also debating joining Modern Mrs. Darcy’s new online book club. Have you seen it? What are your thoughts? My only two reservations: grad school (yikes…so much reading and time taken up already…) and obtaining the books. I’m sure some of them (minus the brand new ones) I can get at the library, but I certainly do not want to buy a new book a month, especially if I’m not sure I will like it! So I’m still debating…the site looks awesome though, and I like that the “online” aspect makes it more flexible for my schedule. Let me know if you try it! 🙂

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What are you currently reading? I would love to hear in the comments! 

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—>This is a link-up with Modern Mrs. Darcy – find more great books to add to your TBR list by reading other bloggers’ October posts here <—