For The Love of Reading: Mid March to Mid April
Friends, my reading has slowed down. I know I’m not alone in this and I do feel like my reading mojo is coming back but I’m still struggling with it a big. In any case, here are the books I’ve read over the last few weeks.
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
How long does brain activity continue after the heart stops beating? That is the unique premise at the start of this book: our main character has been murdered but her brain activity continues for 10 minutes 38 seconds and during that time she is flooded with memories of her life. I love the way the story unfolds and the author tells of the heartbreaking and ultimately heartwarming life of Tequila Leila. Highly recommended.
Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everything you need to know about baking sourdough bread, this book truly covers it all with thorough directions and plenty of photos illustrating the techniques they recommend. I’d consider this to be required reading for anyone interested in learning to bake with sourdough.
I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations by Sarah Stewart Holland
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I love the podcast Pantsuit Politics and I wanted to love this book as well. Honestly, though, I feel like they missed the mark. I was hoping for useful, practical ways to talk politics. There was some of that but not enough and a lot of it was repetitious. The conclusion/questions at the end of each chapter made me feel like I was being lectured to rather than inspired to explore my feelings and practices. In the end, this perhaps would have made a good magazine article but there just wasn’t enough meat for a book.
Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book based on the true story of Mary Rowlandson, a woman abducted by Native Americans during King Philip’s War. The main character is well developed and her story provides insight into this interesting period in the history of Massachusetts. I thought it dragged a bit in parts but overall found it an enjoyable work of historical fiction.
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book of essays on finding delight in the daily small things we encounter, was absolutely perfect for me right now.
But Where Do I Put the Couch?: And Answers to 100 Other Home Decorating Questions by Melissa Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A flip-through sort of book of pictures with good advice on home decorating, identifying your personal style, and some practical tips on home remodeling projects.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Entertaining and enlightening, this book will appeal to fans of Wonder. I enjoyed the story and the characters but feel like everything got wrapped up a little too perfectly at the end.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely perfect for right now and a wonderful reminder that meditating is the key to acceptance.
In other book related news, Kym is sharing today about our current Read With Us book, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. We’re changing things up when it comes to handling the discussion on this one and hope you’ll be inspired to join us.
And, Mary has started our annual book bingo early. That’s right, it’s now called Stay At Home Bingo and the start date is April 1st so anything you’ve read since then will count. Follow that link to read the rules and get your Bingo card.
Happy reading, friends!
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I’d say you’ve managed to read quite a bit recently and much of it you rated pretty highly! I’m definitely still struggling with reading, but feel as though (slowly…very slowly…) my mojo is coming back.
I loved 10 Minutes 38 Seconds! I thought it was so clever and well done. I’m glad you liked it, too. 🙂 My reading is just starting to pick up again. I can’t seem to settle on quite the right book for right now . . .
This is some excellent reading! I am off to get the Tartine Bread book (thank you for that recommendation!)
I’m putting 10 minutes 38 seconds into my queue for sure! I think you’ve accomplished some pretty significant reading considering. I’ve got the Read With Us book…it was due back at the library 3/26 🙂
Looks to me like you’ve read quite a bit! I’ve been obsessively reading since I’m stuck at home with no internet.
You’ve read quite a bit! I’ll admit that 10 Minutes 38 Seconds sounds a little bit creepy to me, but since both you and Kym enjoyed it, I will give it a try. I’ve started several books but can’t seem to concentrate long enough to finish anything. I may need When Things Fall Apart …
If you get through this many books when your reading mojo is low, I can’t imagine how many you can finish when it’s high! I think several of these will be added to my TBR list, though I’m thinking Tartine Bread would have been more useful before my sourdough fail this past weekend.
Thank you for the SAH Book Bingo shout out! and as always, thank you for sharing about books and reading. Can’t wait to see what Kym posted. I have the book, and I’m looking forward to reading!!
My reading motivation has also slowed, but you still managed to read some good books over the last month. I heard Ross Gay on an episode of On Being – that books sounds so promising! I’m also a big Pema Chodron fan and loved that one. You’re right – it’s a great book to read right now.
I hope the next month brings you some great books!
Reading books and knitting have calmed me, as does walking outdoors and listening to the birds during their mating season. Human-made noises are not as abundantly drowning out the sounds of nature. Listening is oddly wonderful.