Book Reviews February 2017

I'm not sure how the month of February could have passed so quickly! The older I get, the quicker time flies. It seems so ironic. I've been doing well to make time to relax in the evenings with new reads this month. I took on a couple recommended titles and I am always looking for more so feel free to send some my way.

Here is what I delved into this month.

These reviews are strictly my opinions. I was not compensated in anyway to share them.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

I was not sure about this book at first. I began reading it with some hesitation, but eventually became quite captivated by her story. It was very raw. I personally love hiking but the type of excursion she completed has always been very intimidating to me. I had such a swelling feeling of pride as the book ended, as if I had traveled that journey with her. There were definitely some dark places and crass language, but overall, I found it to be a good read.

The Kitchen House

I could not put this book down! I was quickly captivated as the author wove a tale of heartache and triumph. Her writing continually evoked amazing imagery as I connected with the characters and their struggles.

Fat Girl

This was a quick read. I could totally empathize with the author but it is not a book that I would recommend to just anyone. In my opinion, it is definitely a particular type of audience that would find true interest in this book. She discusses her obsession with food as a child and how it played a part in her childhood obesity. Her childhood is filled with sorrow and pain. If you are looking for a feel good read, this is not it.

Get Out of the Pit

Talk about a timely read. I've been dealing with a lot over the last several months and the punches keep coming. I stumbled upon this book while looking for another at our local library. I've always loved Beth Moore and her spirit led wisdom. I felt lead to read it and I now know why. I had several revelations throughout reading this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who feels stuck, is searching for the "whys" of their situations, and wants to learn or be reminded of God's redeeming grace and how we can take hold of that, no matter how deep our pit. The quote that I will carry with me from this excellent, inspiring read is:
"Beloved, let this one sink in deeply: if God allowed you to be thrown into a pit, you weren't picked on; you were picked out. God entrusted that suffering to you because He has faith in you."
Beth Moore, p.47

I'd love to hear what books you would suggest for future reads!

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Book Reviews: January 2017

I made a vow to myself that I would begin taking better care of myself this year. That not only includes my physical health, but my mental health as well. I have not been good about carving out “me time” and as I have reflected upon those things that I miss doing, reading for pleasure was near the top of the list. I have since made a point to have some reading time before going to bed almost every evening. It allows me to unwind and escape.

January Reads

I thought I’d share what I’ve been reading. These reviews are my personal opinions and I have not been compensated in any way for sharing my thoughts.

Taming the To-Do List by Glynnis Whitwer

It was an encouraging read about how to make the best of your choices. There was not anything particularly profound in my opinion, but I loved how she backed up a lot of what she said with science. It just proves that we try to do too much and that we were not meant to live that way.

 

Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor-Easter by Lisa Patton

This read was a little slow for my taste. The story line was fine and the characters were likable. I have another one of her novels on my list for later reading. I’m hoping that I’ll like it better than this one.

 

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

I LOVED this book. I could not put it down. There was a lot of laundry that did not get done in the two days it took me to get through its pages. I am late to the Fixer-Upper stage, but I am hooked. I am so smitten with their story and their style. I cannot recommend this book enough!

 

One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus

This book toyed with every emotion. There were parts that were so startling that it was hard to read. His word imagery is amazing and I felt like I was witnessing the joys and devastations along with the characters. Fergus is a great writer. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is not one that I would read again, but it is also not one that I’ll soon forget.

 

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

I wanted to like this more than I did. I loved her style of writing and her path to stardom was interesting. While I did not expect a saintly worded narrative, I was not prepared for the amount of (what I consider vulgar) language that would be incorporated on the pages. While I know this is not a deal breaker for a lot of readers, I struggled to get through it. I still find her adorable and I will forever love her character on Parks and Rec. She is so talented, funny and her experience is valuable.

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