Tag: books

quick lit – next page, please {october 2018}

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My reading has taken a back seat this month due to preparations for the wedding I helped coordinate. I did manage to finish three books, so I guess that’s not too bad. And I also completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge of reading 38 books this year.

Currently Reading

  • Shadow of the Night by Deborah Harkness. This is the second installment of the four books of that rabbit hole Leigh Kramer led me into. Must admit, I didn’t get any further with this one.
  • Transformational Speaking by Gail Larsen. Still working through this one.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I have got to finish this one before the year is out.

Read

  • This Messy Magnificent Life: A Field Guide by Geneen Roth. I have enjoyed this one so much, I am currently going through it again. Geneen asks a lot of questions that I have been taking the time to journal my answers.  Very eye-opening.
  • Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson. This was a Rocket City Mom (RCM) Book Club pick. And boy! Was it a good one! It was humorous but poignant and very relevant for the times in which we find ourselves. Here’s the full review link in the RCM website.
  • Indestructible: Leverage Your Broken Heart to Become a Force of Love & Change in the World by Allison Fallon. I had the pleasure of attending a workshop that Allison presented two years ago. She is one of the reasons that I began writing again.  And her new book is a great read for anyone who is wanting the courage to listen to the voice within. I wrote a full review for the #write31days project: This Bookman: Meditations & Miscellany in October.  Check it out.

So, what have you been reading this month? 

Every month, I highlight what I’m reading in these posts: Quick Lit – Next Page Please. And per usual, I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy.  Head over there see what others are reading. Maybe you will find something that will pique your interests.

enjoy life…

book review: indestructible

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As someone who has been reading and, now writing, about books and reading I have often wondered how I could be one of the fortunate few who received books in advance of publication or ARCs (advanced readers copy). Turns out, “ye have not because ye ask not” and I am honored to be on the Launch Team of Allyson Fallon’s new book, Indestructible.

Indestructible tells Ally’s true story of a love that didn’t go as she had hoped and her journey through it and out of it to become a woman who keeps her heart open, in spite of the heartbreak. It is a cautionary tale of being with the wrong person, as well as, encouragement to disentangle from a toxic situation, to move forward, and be confident in who you are in the world.

When I started the book, I thought that I would be reading a how-to guide. It reads more as a personal account of her journey. And although I struggled with the timeline of the story, I would not hesitate to hand this book to anyone who is about to embark into a committed relationship or who wants to find the courage to listen to the voice of their inner soul.

Indestructible reminded me of Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle in that it is raw. It is emotional.  It is honest. It is thought-provoking.

Ally believes that the regular practice of writing can change your life.  I was fortunate to attend one of her workshops a few years ago. That event encouraged me to begin writing again. And I can only hope to write with such a depth of feeling and to boldly share my truth with the same bravery that Ally has in Indestructible.

til tomorrow, enjoy life

Catch up on the rest of this series.

how can i read more books?

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To Kill a Mockingbird

So, the Great American Read Finale aired last night and America’s Favorite Book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  I must confess that I have started it a few times but have not finished it.  But since it is America’s Favorite Book, I guess I must! There were many selections on the list that I have not read yet and I would really like to devote some of the Holidays and some of 2019 to tackling those picks.

To that end, the last Link List of this series, This Bookman: Meditations & Miscellany is devoted to finding ways to make more time to engage in reading.  Modern Mrs. Darcy was kind enough to give us her tips on how she finds time to read. And Charles Chu wrote a post that went viral about and entitled, The Simple Truth Behind Reading 200 Books a Year.

At this point in my life, I am averaging around 35 books per year.  I have already reached my goal of 38 books this year and will undoubtedly add more before the year is out.  A part of me wants to read 100 books in 2019 and according to Chu is very possible. Doing his math, I would need 208 hours to read 100 books.  That seems like a lot.  However, per the stats on my iPhone, during the past 7 days I have spent 12 hours playing Candy Crush and other assorted games. Kind of puts it into perspective, doesn’t it? If I read instead of playing Candy Crush, I would knock out 100 books in 4 months. Hmm!  I just don’t know if I’m ready to commit to that though. What do you guys think I should do?

What about you? What would be the most books you would want to read next year?

til tomorrow, enjoy life

Catch up on the rest of this series.