As my part of my Learn goals for 2016, I’m reading a variety of styles and genres of books in the attempt to discover new ideas and expand my horizons. My goal is to read at least 25 this year, of which I’m keeping track on Goodreads. Are you over there? Let’s connect!
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
I received this little book in a giveaway I won last summer and finally took it off the shelf! At 97 pages, it’s a sweet little memoir about the unlikely friendship between a New Yorker and a London bookstore employee, as told through their correspondence. Helene’s replies are often witty and sarcastic, which is fun to read. I finished the entire thing in one afternoon, checking off another book for the Modern Mrs. Darcy challenge!
Beyond the Birds and the Bees by Greg & Lisa Popcak
This one was a recommendation. I’ve been reading bits and pieces for almost a year and finally finished the last chapters this month. The advice is based on Theology of the Body and how that mindset can be incorporated as your children grow. While no parenting book will having you agreeing with everything (at least for me), I felt like the Popcaks gave me many good starting points and a bit of self-confidence as we enter this stage. Definitely one to reference again down the road.
The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy
This was my first historical fiction pick of the year and dare I admit that I chose it primarily based on the cover? Told in alternating chapters, the story follows two women – Sarah Brown in the 1800’s and Eden in modern day. Sarah’s story is about slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the tense time before and during the Civil War. Eden’s story is about a new house and a lot of personal sorrow. While I generally don’t mind two stories woven into one, I had a hard time with this one. Maybe it was because I felt like I couldn’t relate to or cheer on either of the characters? Not a bad book by any means, but not my favorite.
(I received this book from Blogging for Books, but all opinions are mine.)
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My Reading in Numbers
Books Read this Month: 3
Total Books Read this Year: 9
Books Read for the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2016 Challenge: 4
A book published this year
A book you’ve been meaning to read
A book chosen for me by my spouse
A book you can finish in a day