This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#33. THE VISIONS OF SAINT FRANCES OF ROME: HELL, PURGATORY AND HEAVEN REVEALED // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop)

This short little book describes the visions that St. Frances of Rome experienced and was then encouraged to share with her confessor.  Obviously, this is considered private revelation and is therefore not necessary for belief, but man oh man.  If half of what she says is true, may none of us ever go to such a disturbing place as hell.  Terrifying.

#34. MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND by Helen Simonson // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

This is a story about Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, two older widow/widowers who meet and eventually fall in love. They connect over a love of reading and tea – so sweet.  The story itself is well-written, but a little verbose.  I liked some parts better than others.  3.5 stars.

#35. FROM SLAVE TO PRIEST: THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF FATHER AUGUSTINE TOLTON by Caroline Hemesath, OSF // ★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

An excellent biography.  Augustine Tolton overcame so many obstacles in his short life, but his attitude throughout it all was so inspirational to me.  I also loved his mother’s gentle influence.  Throughout all of his suffering and trials, she always reminded him, “Never forget the goodness of the Lord.”

#36. THE CHEMIST by Stephenie Meyer // ★★☆☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

I found a hardcover copy of this book at the used bookstore for $1 and snatched it up after just a quick glance at the description.  Had I known it was written by the author of the Twilight series, I may have passed it up, but alas…I went into it fairly blind.  And while the writing was nothing special, the plot was generally in my wheelhouse until the romance began…oy.

#37. TRUE GRIT by Charles Portis // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

When a beloved father is killed, his gutsy 14-year-old daughter is on a mission for vengeance.  She employs the help of a one-eyed US Marshall and they head out into Indian territory to capture the culprit.  I was expecting to like this more than I actually did, which is kind of a bummer.  Still a solid three star read.  (This was also my 1968 pick for the 20th Century in Literature Challenge.)

#38. ONLY EVER YOU by Rebecca Drake // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

This suspense novel was a page turner for sure, but the main plot line centered around infidelity, a trope I hate reading about.

#39. GREGORIAN CHANT: A GUIDE TO THE HISTORY AND LITURGY by Dom Daniel Saulnier, OSB // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

I guess I should preface this one by saying that while I find Gregorian chant beautiful and fascinating, I have zero musical background and thus went into this book completely ignorant.  This definitely assumed you had a basic musical understanding, so most of the terms went right over my head.  I’ll be looking for a “Gregorian Chant for Dummies” book next!

#40. COME FLY THE WORLD: THE JET-AGE STORY OF THE WOMEN OF PAN AM by Julia Cooke // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

From the blurb: “Required to have a college degree, speak two languages, and possess the political savvy of a Foreign Service officer, a jet-age stewardess serving on iconic Pan Am between 1966 and 1975 also had to be between 5′3″ and 5′9″, between 105 and 140 pounds, and under 26 years of age at the time of hire. Julia Cooke’s intimate storytelling weaves together the real-life stories of a memorable cast of characters, from Lynne Totten, a science major who decided life in a lab was not for her, to Hazel Bowie, one of the relatively few black stewardesses of the era, as they embraced the liberation of their new jet-set life.”  There were lots of interesting nuggets of information in this book and I especially enjoyed reading about Pan Am’s role in the Vietnam War.  3.5 stars.

#41. CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK by Elizabeth Peters // ★★☆☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

A mystery set in Egypt sounded right up my alley, but I had trouble connecting with/liking the protagonist – she was a little too “I am woman, hear me roar” for my taste.  2.5 stars.  (This was also my 1975 pick for the 20th Century in Literature Challenge.)

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MY 2024 UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2024: 209
Books Finished in April: 9
Books Donated/Sold in April: -4
Books Added: +11 (a used bookstore trip to add to my anti-library!)
Unread Books Remaining: 216

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#22. ZETTY by Debra Whiting Alexander // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

The blurb on the back describes the book this way: “The powerful story of a mother lost to a rare form of schizophrenia and a daughter’s quest to find her.”  It took me a little while to really get into the story and some parts were really heavy.  But I also got choked up multiple times, which is definitely a sign of a good book!  (I read this for the last book in the Reading the Alphabet Fiction Challenge (!!) as well as for the WILLA Literary Award Winners Challenge.)

#23. THE ELUSIVE MRS. POLLIFAX by Dorothy Gilman // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

Number three in the series!  Mrs. Pollifax is tasked with carrying fake passports into Belgium (in her hat!) and of course, nothing goes to plan.

#24. THE PERSONALITY BROKERS: THE STRANGE HISTORY OF MYERS-BRIGGS AND THE BIRTH OF PERSONALITY TESTING by Merve Emre // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

Hmm…this was a weird one.  It’s the story of the mother and daughter duo that began the Myers-Briggs Test and how that test became widely well-known. It reads well and there are a lot of interesting stories.  But ultimately, I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to take away from the book.  There was a lot of information and even some critique, but no clear thesis.  Interesting, but muddy.

#25. WHEN SHE FLEW by Jennie Shortridge // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

From the blurb, this is a “novel about faith, family, and finding the courage to do the right thing.”  A fast read, but ultimately forgettable.

#26. THE MOFFATS by Eleanor Estes // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

Read aloud for school about four siblings and the antics they get into.  We all really enjoyed it!

#27. CARRYING ALBERT HOME: THE SOMEWHAT TRUE STORY OF A MAN, HIS WIFE, AND HER ALLIGATOR by Homer Hickam // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

I was trying to explain this book to my husband and the best I could do was say, “If Secondhand Lions and The Princess Bride had a baby, it would be a little like this book!”  It’s written to be like family stories that get stretched and exaggerated over time…to the point where you wonder where the facts end and the pretend parts begin!  I found it bizarre and charming and funny.  A very entertaining read, for sure!

#28. OPEN SEASON by C.J. Box // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

This book had a slow start and I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it.  It’s about a Wyoming game warden who discovers a dead man on his backyard woodpile.  Why was he there and what secrets did he hold?  Thankfully, at a certain point, the plot really got going and I became invested.  All in all, a decent series starter – I think I may pick up book two in the future.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#29. UPROOTED: RECOVERING THE LEGACY OF THE PLACES WE’VE LEFT BEHIND by Grace Olmstead // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

This was a thought-provoking read.  Sadly though, the book tried to accomplish too many things at once: it was a personal memoir about her childhood, had interviews with farmers about the current landscape, included an introductory lesson on soil health and regenerative agriculture, and even included thoughts about sticking in one location versus more modern migratory behavior.  While I would recommend this book as a way to begin the discussion, there are better choices out there that dive more deeply into these individual topics.  (Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!)

#30. CATECHISM OF SAINT PIUS X by Saint Pius X // ★★★★★
(amazon)

I’ve been working through this catechism with a series on Youtube.  It’s not a huge book (only 155 pages!) but I watched the videos in fits and spurts and it took me a long time to finish.  According to the back blurb, “The Catechism of Pope St. Pius X is the pope’s partial realization of a simple, plain, brief, popular Catechism for uniform use through the whole world.  In other words it is directed to the layman.”  I really appreciated how straightforward the questions and answers were.  I learned a lot.

#31. THE IMITATION OF CHRIST by Thomas a Kempis // ★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

My Lenten reading for 2024.  So, so good.

#32. THE LIFE OF SR. MARY WILHELMINA by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles // ★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop)

TAN Books had their annual St. Benedict sale and I quickly snatched up this book at 40% off!  In case you’re not aware of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina, she made headlines last year when her coffin was exhumed to discover her body intact, four years after her death.  This book is her life story and man, I wish I had had the opportunity to meet her!  What a beautiful soul and a holy Sister.

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MY 2024 UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2024: 209
Books Finished in March: 11
Books Donated/Sold in March: -4
Books Added: +8
Unread Books Remaining: 213

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#10. NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

I read this short autobiography as a kind of off-shoot for my American history studies.  Heart-breaking and powerful.

#11. A CAPITALIST MANIFESTO: UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET ECONOMY AND DEFENDING LIBERTY by Gary Wolfram // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

This was the reading for an online course I took on Economics 101.  I’ve never taken an economics course before and I learned a lot.  3.5 stars.

#12. THE AMAZING MRS. POLLIFAX by Dorothy Gilman // ★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

Number two in the series.  This time Mrs. Pollifax is sent to Istanbul.  So good and the last scene was gold!

#13. FREDDY THE DETECTIVE by Walter R. Brooks // ★★★★☆
(amazon // better world books)

This book is about a pig named Freddy who, after learning about Sherlock Holmes, decides he is going to be a barnyard detective.  I read this to the kids for a school read aloud and it was a big hit!

#14. SEE HOW SHE LOVES US: 50 APPROVED APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY by Joan Carroll Cruz // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop)

I have read a few of Cruz’s books before (most notably the one about Eucharistic miracles) and they are all really great.  This one is a collection of fifty approved Marian apparitions through the ages and it’s a great jumping off point for further research.

#15. LIGHT A PENNY CANDLE by Maeve Binchy // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

This chunker of a book (almost 600 pages!) is an epic story of two friends and how the friendship holds them together as they grow up.  I found the beginning of the book way more enjoyable than the latter part when the older girls were making poor decisions and I was yelling, “Red flags!” at the pages, but all in all, it was still an engrossing read, even if I kinda hated the ending.  (This was also my 1982 pick for the 20th Century in Literature challenge.)

#16. BEARING FALSE WITNESS: DEBUNKING CENTURIES OF ANTI-CATHOLIC HISTORY by Rodney Stark // ★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

The interesting part about this work on debunking anti-Catholic myths is that it was written by a non-Catholic!  He makes that distinction clear right away and believes that a person’s feelings about Catholicism throughout history should be based on facts, not on lies or exaggerations.  I thought it was excellent and he even has a very thorough bibliography for further research.

#17. THE CHUCKLING FINGERS by Mabel Seeley // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

A mystery from the 1940s, this is a “Depression-era tale of a wealthy family’s dark secrets turning deadly on their remote lakeside estate.”  There are a ton of characters, but the action never lets up and I couldn’t predict the reveal at the end.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#18. ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS by Stacy Willingham // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

This one was a quick read and talk about an unreliable narrator!  The protagonist is a grieving mother whose toddler was abducted from his crib in the middle of the night.  It’s a year later and the mother has barely slept…to the point where she is questioning what is reality and what is not.  Regardless, she is determined to find her son and you get to be along for the ride.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#19. THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW by C.S. Lewis // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

Another read aloud for school!  We loved how this story connects with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

#20. THE LAST RUNAWAY by Tracy Chevalier // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

After all of that excitement, I decided to change gears and read something historical.  I’ve had this one on my TBR for years and years and was happy to get it off my shelf!  This story is about a young Quaker woman coming to America for the first time and how slavery and the Underground Railroad come into her life.  The ending seemed a little abrupt, but it was still a 3.5 star read.

#21. COBALT RED: HOW THE BLOOD OF THE CONGO POWERS OUR LIVES by Siddharth Kara // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop)

This book will haunt me.  The way the minerals used in our electronics are mined is horrifying.  This is the hidden consequence of the West’s mission of “going green” and it makes me question everything.  We can do better and I am brainstorming what small role I can play.

The translator for my interviews, Augustin, was distraught after several days of trying to find the words in English that captured the grief being described in Swahili.  He would at times drop his head and sob before attempting to translate what was said.  As we parted ways, Augustin had this to say, “Please tell people in your country, a child in the Congo dies every day so that they can plug in their phones.” (p.155)

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MY 2024 UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2024: 209
Books Finished in February: 12
Books Donated/Sold in February: -2
Books Added: +14 (used bookstore haul and generous gifts from family!)
Unread Books Remaining: 213

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#1. THE LIFE WE BURY by Allen Eskens // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

This book is about a college student who is assigned the task of interviewing a stranger and then writing a biography about him.  The student looks into the local nursing home for a subject and meets a Vietnam vet…who is also a convicted murderer.  But is he actually guilty of the crime he is accused of committing?  Unique and very thought-provoking.  I really enjoyed this one.  (This is also supposedly the first in a series, so I hope to check that out soon.)

#2. THE UNEXPECTED MRS. POLLIFAX by Dorothy Gilman // ★★★★★
(amazon // better world books)

I loved this book!  I know a recent popular literary trope is a senior citizen solving crimes and this is the OG version from the ’60s.  Mrs. Pollifax is a widow with grown children and decides one day that she’s going to be a CIA agent.  The agency is obviously dumbfounded, but puts her on a case and things go quickly awry.  I loved Mrs. Pollifax and her wit and quick thinking, while also being such a grandma.  So good.  (This was also my 1966 pick for the 20th Century in Literature Challenge.)

#3. THE DITCHDIGGER’S DAUGHTERS: A BLACK FAMILY’S ASTONISHING SUCCESS STORY by Yvonne S. Thornton, MD // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

I don’t remember exactly where I heard about this memoir, but I’m glad I read it.  Ultimately, it’s the story of a father’s love for his daughters and his dream to help them become respectable and successful adults.  Another thought-provoking read.  3.5 stars.

#4. THE MACHINE STOPS by E.M. Forster // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

At less than 50 pages, this is one I think everyone in 2024 should read.  It’s a science fiction (maybe speculative fiction?) short story about humanity’s attachment to “The Machine.”  I wrote down pages of quotes in my notebook.  Excellent.  (This was also my 1909 pick for the 20th Century in Literature Challenge.)

#5. PERFECT SHOT by Steve Urszenyi // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

From the blurb, this sounded like a book I’d love.  A female CIA special agent who is also a sniper?  Sign me up!  Unfortunately, I had a very disjointed reading experience.  The first half was very clunky with lots of military acronyms and over explanations.  It was hard to stay connected with the story.  Thankfully, the second half was significantly better and read quickly.  2.5 stars, rounded up.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!  Perfect Shot was released in November 2023.)

#6. TAMARACK COUNTY by William Kent Krueger // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

Number thirteen in the Cork O’Connor series!  There was a blizzard in this one, which was quite appropriate for this time of year.  I thought the plot was really good, but some of the side story lines were weird.  Definitely not my favorite in the series.

#7. THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis // ★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

I think this was our third or fourth reading of this beautiful book?  This time was especially fun because we started it during the snow storm/polar vortex and by the time we finished, we had a day in the 70’s and everything was thawing.  It almost perfectly matched up with the arrival of springtime in the book!  So cool.

#8. THE HOBBIT by J.R.R. Tolkien // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

All of my older boys have read and loved this classic and they finally convinced me to read it.  I was a little nervous because I don’t love fantasy, but it was really good!  (This was also my 1937 pick for the 20th Century in Literature Challenge.)

#9. EXPLORING J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S THE HOBBIT by Corey Olsen // ★★★★☆
(amazon // better world books)

I read this book alongside The Hobbit, chapter by chapter.  It really helped with fleshing out some of the overarching themes, like a literature class in a book.

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MY 2024 UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2024: 209
Books Finished in January: 9
Books Donated/Sold in January: -3
Books Added: +7
Unread Books Remaining: 208

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#87. MAGPIE MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “A bottle of wine.”

Anthony Horowitz’s writing comes highly recommended, so when I found a like new hardcover copy for $2(!) at the used bookstore, I couldn’t resist.  This is a book-within-a-book mystery, a technique that I found both unique and frustrating, ha!  All in all, I enjoyed it and will mostly likely continue with some of Horowitz’s back list.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#88. LIGHT CHANGES EVERYTHING by Nancy E. Turner // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “I blame the beginning of the whole thing on Jane Austen.”

One of my absolute favorite books is Turner’s These Is My Words and this continues that world with a story narrated by Sarah Prine’s niece.  It was good, but not nearly as good as the first book.  There were a lot of plot lines to follow and some more believable than others.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#89. AMONG THE SHADOWS by Bruce Robert Coffin // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “The bitter stench of urine and impending death permeated the small dingy bedroom.”

I picked this up solely based on the place – it’s a police procedural located in Portland, Maine – and I was so happy to discover that it was actually really good!  A little gritty, but well written with a satisfying ending that I did not predict.

#90. THE MANY LIVES OF MAMA LOVE: A MEMOIR OF LYING, STEALING, WRITING AND HEALING by Lara Love Hardin // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “Reading was my first addiction.”

From the description: “New York Times bestselling author Lara Love Hardin recounts her slide from soccer mom to opioid addict to jailhouse shot-caller and her unlikely comeback as a highly successful ghostwriter in this harrowing, hilarious, no-holds-barred memoir.”  Reviewing a memoir is always so tricky.  The beginning chapters of this book were really interesting, but I wanted more.  More back story, more introspection.  Our poor choices are rarely made in a bubble and I was hoping to read about the steps made to reach the bottom and then how she got back up.  There seemed to be little of the first.  I did appreciate the peek into the criminal justice system – lots of things to ponder there.  3.5 stars.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!  The Many Lives of Mama Love was released in August 2023!)

#91. COME, LORD JESUS: MEDITATIONS ON THE ART OF WAITING by Mother Mary Francis, PCC // ★★★★★
(amazon)

First line: “I am quite confident all of us have a deep sense of expectation, joy, and wonderment that Advent is about to begin.”

Advent reading for the fourth time!  Still so, so good.

#92. FALLING by T.J. Newman // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “When the shoe dropped into her lap the foot was still in it.”

A fast, engaging read for my last book of the year.  T.J. Newman explores the question: “If you were a pilot, would you rather crash the commercial plane you’re flying or have your kidnapped family be murdered?”  Like most thrillers, you have to suspend your disbelief a bit, but I still found it enjoyable.

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MY UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2023: 207
Books Finished in December: 6
Finished Books Donated/Sold in December: 0
Books Added: +5
Unread Books Remaining: 204

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2023 READING IN REVIEW

Total books read: 92
Fiction: 45 // Non-Fiction: 22 // Religious: 8
Rereads or borrowed: 2
Homeschool readalouds: 5
Netgalley: 10
Total pages read: 27,358
Total books read from my TBR: 75
Total books purchased: 70

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#81. THE HOLLOW by Agatha Christie // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “At six thirteen a.m. on a Friday morning Lucy Angkatell’s big blue eyes opened upon another day and, as always, she was at once wide awake and began immediately to deal with the problems conjured up by her incredibly active mind.”

Possibly my least favorite Agatha Christie so far?  Hercule Poirot was in the story very little and the cast of characters was quite unlikable.  I’m not sure how to describe it, but…it was just kind of weird.  2.5 stars, rounded up.

#82. THE REPORTER WHO KNEW TOO MUCH: THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF WHAT’S MY NAME TV STAR AND MEDIA ICON DOROTHY KILGALLEN by Mark Shaw // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “Any re-investigation of Dorothy Kilgallen’s death begins where a crack detective would start – with a background check of the deceased.”

I heard about this one when the author was interviewed on a podcast…and you know me!  I’ll read just about anything!  The book is about Dorothy Kigallen, most well known for her tough reporting as well as her time on the TV show, What’s My Line?  Shaw believes that she was on a mission to discover what really happened with the JFK assassination and that eventually got her killed.  I found his hypothesis and defense very interesting, but the typos and redundancy of the information made the reading experience less enjoyable.  (I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#83. THE TRAITOR by Ava Glass // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “He was exhausted.”

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Alias Emma, so I couldn’t wait to dive into this one.  Emma Makepeace, a spy focusing on Russian infiltration in Britain, goes undercover as a yacht stewardess.  Her mission is to figure out why a low-level MI6 “number-cruncher” agent was killed with a chemical weapon and that leads her into the shadowy world of Russian oligarchs.  The story was quick moving, but not as engaging as book one.  I guessed the traitor early on, so I wasn’t surprised by the reveal at the end.  Solid three stars.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!  The Traitor was published in September 2023!)

#84. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Frank W. Abagnale // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “A man’s alter ego is nothing more than his favorite image of himself.”

Well, this was a wild ride!  I can’t believe that Frank Abagnale was able to deceive so many people for so long.  So many gigantic lies about everything from college degrees to career experience.  I think I should watch the movie next.

#85. THE APPEAL by Janice Hallett // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Sandra, please deliver to Femi and Charlotte.”

I really enjoyed this one!  It’s a British epistolary murder mystery told through texts and emails.  I was invested and finished the 400+ page book in days.

#86. THE CATHOLIC MASS: STEPS TO RESTORE THE CENTRALITY OF GOD IN THE LITURGY by Bishop Athanasius Schneider //★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “The Mass is prayer.”

Such an excellent book.  What a gift we have in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

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MY UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2023: 207
Books Finished in November: 6
Finished Books Donated/Sold in November: 1
Books Added: +4
Unread Books Remaining: 203

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#73. THE CORTISOL CONNECTION: WHY STRESS MAKES YOU FAT AND RUINS YOUR HEALTH – AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT by Shawn Talbott, PhD, FACSM // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Perhaps one of the most poignant realizations in health and medical research during the last two or three decades is that our bodies, including our nervous systems and endocrine (hormonal) systems, were simply not meant for the unique stresses that we face as part of our everyday life in the twenty-first century.”

A big part of this book is the idea that “wedging another stress-management technique into [an] already busy [life] does little more than add further stress” (p.25) and there has to be a better way.  The author’s solution is what he calls the SENSE Lifestyle Program, which stands for Stress management, Exercise, Nutrition, Supplementation, and Evaluation.  All in all, I found the book really helpful, with lots of information that I can research further to see what works for me.  There’s hope for me yet!

#74. WE CROSSED A BRIDGE AND IT TREMBLED: VOICES FROM SYRIA by Wendy Pearlman // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “One evening in the fall of 2012, I met Rima on a breeze-filled balcony in Amman, Jordan.”

This is a collection of anecdotal accounts from people living in Syria during the Arab Spring up to current times.  (It was published in 2017.)  Although I didn’t love the book’s formatting, I still found the stories to be informative and incredibly heartbreaking.  So much I didn’t know and would like to understand!  Because of that, I’ve already added quite a few books on this topic to my TBR.  3.5 stars.

#75. THE BEEKEEPER’S APPRENTICE by Laurie R. King // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “I was fifteen when I first met Sherlock Holmes, fifteen years old with my nose in a book as I walked the Sussex Downs, and nearly stepped on him.”

I should probably preface this by saying that this mystery gets really great reviews, so maybe I’m just a curmudgeon.  King re-imagines Sherlock Holmes in his retirement days and introduces a new character into his life: a smart 15-year-old girl named Mary.  I found the book well written, but Mary is certainly portrayed as a feminist ideal – she can do no wrong and is great at everything!  A bit tiring to read for 300+ pages.

#76. THE BURGESS BIRD BOOK FOR CHILDREN by Thornton W. Burgess // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “Lipperty-lipperty-lip scampered Peter Rabbit behind the tumble-down stone wall along one side of the Old Orchard.”

The kids and I started this read aloud last school year and finally finished up this month.  So charming!  We all really enjoyed it and learned a lot about birds too.

#77. THE DAY I DIED by Lori Rader-Day // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “On the day I died, I took the new oars down to the lake.”

The blurb on the back of the book was intriguing: a handwriting analysis expert joins a case after a two-year-old boy goes missing.   Well, that was this book…except it wasn’t.  There was so much going on that had nothing to do with the case, secrets and side stories and obvious omissions so as not to spoil the reveal at the end.  A decently paced read, but I was happy to be done.

#78. THE LCP SOLUTION: THE REMARKABLE NUTRITIONAL TREATMENT FOR ADHD, DYSLEXIA, AND DYSPRAXIA by B. Jacqueline Stordy and Malcolm J. Nicholl // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “They are the hidden handicaps.”

What an uplifting, encouraging book!  Some of my children have struggled with dyslexia and apraxia for a decade and this is the book I wish I had read back in the beginning.  We have started following the book’s advice and have already seen some positive changes!

#79. THE LAST FLIGHT by Julie Clark // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Terminal 4 swarms with people, the smell of wet wool and jet fuel thick around me.”

Two women, desperate to escape their living situations, meet at an airport bar and decide to swap plane tickets.  They both hope the change of location will help them start a new life, but then tragedy strikes: one of the planes crashes and everyone on board is dead.  What does the remaining woman do now?  I flew through this one!  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#80. ENEMY: A TRUE STORY OF COURAGE, CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND THE COST OF WAR by Ruth Clare // ★★★☆☆
(amazon)

First line: “I was born into the war still raging inside my father.”

Oh man.  This was a hard one to read.  This heartbreaking memoir was one woman’s story about growing up in a family shattered by PTSD and physical abuse.  I really appreciated that Clare showed how war wasn’t only detrimental to veterans, but also to their families at home.  A powerful reminder, especially in these tense and uncertain days.  3.5 stars.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.  Enemy was published in May 2023!)

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MY UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2023: 207
Books Finished in October: 8
Finished Books Donated/Sold in October: 3
Books Added: +6
Unread Books Remaining: 204

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#65. BLACKOUT by Marc Elsberg // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “Piero Manzano hit the brakes as hard as he could and braced himself against the steering wheel with both arms as his Alfa hurtled toward the light-green car ahead.”

I started off the month with a “techno-thriller” about a European electrical grid collapse.  Hackers have infiltrated the grid’s technology, putting most of Europe in the dark.  It doesn’t take long for chaos to ensue and one man must try to solve the problem before it’s too late.  Definitely a scary thought experiment!  3.5 stars.

#66. PIONEER PRIESTS AND MAKESHIFT ALTARS: A HISTORY OF CATHOLICISM IN THE THIRTEEN COLONIES by Fr. Charles Connor // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “In the mid-nineteenth century, Blessed John Henry Newman gave a series of conferences to his fellow Birmingham Oratorians.”

My Mother Culture focus this year is on American History and this book was a nice tie-in to the time period I’m currently reading about.  Very eye-opening to learn about the way freedom of religion was encouraged within the colonies, just not for Catholics.

#67. SUN DAMAGE by Sabine Durrant // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “It was the English voice that caught our attention – the sub schoolgirl French, grappling with an order for a demi-carafe.”

This book is “a compulsive psychological thriller…involving gorgeous grifters on the loose in the south of France who prey on a group of unsuspecting vacationers . . . and each other.”  I was so intrigued by the conman/woman angle and couldn’t wait to dive in.  The pacing is uneven and you have to suspend your disbelief quite a bit, but still a fun ride.  3.5 stars.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.  Sun Damage was released on August 1, 2023!)

#68. THE COLLAPSE OF PARENTING: HOW WE HURT OUR KIDS WHEN WE TREAT THEM LIKE GROWN-UPS by Leonard Sax, MD PhD // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “I knew what I wanted to say.”

Parenting books always tend to be hyper-polarizing, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.  (Obviously.)  The main thesis of Sax’s book is this: “Over the past three decades, there has been a massive transfer of authority from parents to kids.  Along with that transfer of authority has come a change in the valuation of kids’ opinions and preferences.  In many families, what kids think and what kids like and what kids want now matters as much, or more, than what their parents think and like and want.” (p.7)  His big issue is with disrespect and since respect is a huge part of my parenting philosophy, I was nodding my head with a lot of this book.  Not perfect by any stretch and some parts may be a bit too simplistic in the “this is the problem with today’s society” argument, but definitely a lot to chew on.  I’ve been feeling some “parenting teenagers fatigue” lately and this book was very encouraging for me to stay the course.

#69. THE SECRET DIARY OF ELISABETH LESEUR: THE WOMAN WHOSE GOODNESS CHANGED HER HUSBAND FROM ATHEIST TO PRIEST by Elisabeth Leseur // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “For a year I have been thinking and praying a great deal; I have tried unceasingly to enlighten myself, and in this perpetual labor my mind has matured, my convictions have become more profound, and my love of souls has increased, too.”

This was a good example of reading the right book at the right time.  I had picked this up months ago, but set it down a few days later for no good reason.  I started again in August and whew!  I was copying passages left and right!  While our stories are not the same, her thoughts and resolutions toward suffering were so helpful to me.

#70. A MURDER AT ROSAMUND’S GATE by Susanna Calkins // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “A great pounding at the door startled the chambermaid bending to light the morning hearth.”

There was a readathon this month called “Series September” and I wanted to participate in a small way.  This book is the beginning of a new series about a young chambermaid who is a bit like Nancy Drew: she discovers clues regarding a serial killer who is attacking young women around London.  While I did feel like the overly-comfortable relationship between “the upstairs and the downstairs” was unrealistic for 1600’s Restoration England, I still enjoyed the story and want to check out Book #2 sometime in the future.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#71. TRICKSTER’S POINT by William Kent Krueger // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “The dying don’t easily become the dead.”

Another addition to the “Series September” readathon with book #12 in the Cork O’Connor series!  This one was heavy on flashbacks from Cork’s past and while not my favorite, WKK still knows how to write an interesting story.

#72. THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK by Carolyn Keene // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Nancy Drew, an attractive girl of eighteen, was driving home along a country road in her new, dark-blue convertible.”

My daughter has just discovered Nancy Drew and has been devouring the books.  It’s been ages since I read one myself, so I decided to go back to the beginning with Book #1.  Action-packed in every chapter!

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MY UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2023: 207
Books Finished in September: 8
Finished Books Donated/Sold in September: 0
Books Added: +12
Unread Books Remaining: 202

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#49. BLACK AND BLUE by Anna Quindlen // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “The first time my husband hit me I was nineteen years old.”

I chose this book to satisfy the “Q Author” prompt for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge and whew.  A tough read.  This was about a domestic abuse victim who fled with her son to start a new life, all the while expecting her husband (a NYC cop) to eventually find them.

#50. THE BLACK JERSEY by Jorge Zepeda Patterson // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Everyone hated him the minute they laid eyes on him, except for me.”

This one was described as Murder on the Orient Express meets the Tour de France, which sounded right up my alley!  And crazy coincidence: I didn’t even realize that the 2023 Tour de France was happening at the same time!  (This article was helpful in understanding how the whole race worked.)  I learned a lot and really enjoyed the mystery, but didn’t love the ending.

#51. THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB by Robert Thorogood // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Mrs. Judith Potts was seventy-seven years old and entirely happy with her life.”

Have you noticed the “octogenarian detective” trope in books lately?  This was my first experience and I really liked it!  This story is about 77-year-old Judith and the murder she believes she witnessed.  When the police don’t believe her story, she puts herself on the case and is soon joined by two unlikely helpers.  You definitely have to suspend your disbelief in parts, but I still found it enjoyable.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#52. URGENT MATTERS by Paula Rodriguez // ★★☆☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “Dust raised by the impact falls slowly onto the bodies.”

Meh. It’s supposed to be “an electric Argentinian noir about police corruption and the media,” but I found that to be a stretch.  The changing scenes/characters were quick and constant.  I often had no idea what was going on!  There was also a level of Catholic mockery that I didn’t care for either.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. Urgent Matters was released on July 25, 2023.)

#53. ONE DAY: THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF AN ORDINARY 24 HOURS IN AMERICA by Gene Weingarten // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “At 2:05 P.M. on Thursday, December 13, 2012, I sent an email to Tom Shroder, my friend and editor.”

This one was such a cool concept: “On New Year’s Day 2013, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Gene Weingarten asked three strangers to, literally, pluck a day, month, and year from a hat. That day—chosen completely at random—turned out to be Sunday, December 28, 1986, by any conventional measure a most ordinary day. Weingarten spent the next six years proving that there is no such thing.”  Each chapter is a story about something that happened on that one day in history.  Some chapters were more interesting than others, but I loved the idea as a whole.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#54. GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS by James Hilton // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “When you are getting on in years (but not ill, of course), you get very sleepy at times, and the hours seem to pass like lazy cattle moving across a landscape.”

Written in 1934, this book is a quick read about a beloved schoolteacher as he reminisces about his life.  I liked it.

#55. NORTHWEST ANGLE by William Kent Krueger // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Later, when it no longer mattered, they learned that the horror that had come from the sky had a name: derecho.”

Number eleven in the Cork O’Connor series.  WKK does it again – I thought this installment was really good!

#56. THE POLITICS OF ENVY by Anne Hendershott // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // better world books)

First line: “One of the seven deadly sins, envy is a painful reminder that people we know are enjoying something that we are not.”

An appropriate follow-up to The Overspent American!  The premise of the book is the argument that “the political class, social media, and advertisers have created a culture of covetousness by relentlessly provoking us to envy others and to be envied. The result is now a deeply indignant and rapacious generation that believes no one is more deserving of advantages and rewards than they.”  I got bogged down in some sections, but others were fascinating.  The section about cancelling/mobbing in academia was particularly interesting and disturbing.  All in all, this ended up being somewhere between 3 and 3.5 stars.  (I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#57. Q’S LEGACY: A DELIGHTFUL ACCOUNT OF A LIFELONG LOVE AFFAIR WITH BOOKS by Helene Hanff // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Q and I first met on a summer morning when I was eighteen, at the main branch of the Philadelphia Public Library where I’d gone in search of a teacher; and I took him home with me despite certain doubts about his fitness for the post.”

Helene Hanff wrote 84, Charing Cross Road and this companion book describes her life before and after that publication.  So charming and funny!  I can’t believe the way she would personally respond to fan mail and phone calls, even going so far as to take up offers to show her around England (with strangers!).  Times sure have changed.  3.5 stars, rounded up.  (I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#58. EVERY STOLEN BREATH by Kimberly Gabriel // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “One of these tourists is about to die.”

I don’t normally read YA, but this thriller sounded interesting.  It’s about “The Swarm,” which is a group of teenagers responsible for random attacks on the streets of Chicago.  It appears like they choose their victims at random before beating them to death, but is all as it seems?  A lot of teenage dramatics, but still a page turner.  Solid three stars.

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MY UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2023: 207
Books Finished in July: 10
Finished Books Donated/Sold in July: 4
Books Added: +18 (two used bookstore trips and next year’s book club picks)
Unread Books Remaining: 199

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#37. WHEN WE BELIEVED IN MERMAIDS by Barbara O’Neal // ★★☆☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “My sister has been dead for nearly fifteen years when I see her on the TV news.”

Well, this was a terribly sad book!  Every horrible thing that could happen seemed to have occurred to the two main characters.  It veered into the unbelievable.  I also didn’t realize there was going to be a strong romance component and there were a few too many open door love scenes for my taste.  Just okay.  (I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#38. VERMILION DRIFT by William Kent Krueger // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “Some nights, Corcoran O’Connor dreams his father’s death.”

Number ten in the Cork O’Connor series and what a page turner!  I flew through this in less than two days.  Fair warning, though: this one had some really dark themes.

#39. A RAISIN IN THE SUN by Lorraine Hansberry // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “The Younger living room would be a comfortable and well-ordered room if it were not for a number of indestructible contradictions to this state of being.”

Changing things up with a play.  I read along while watching this production on Youtube (it’s not a word for word match, but close enough) and it was good!

#40. DEAR MRS. BIRD by AJ Pearce // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “When I first saw the advertisement in the newspaper I thought I might actually burst.”

This is a novel set in London during World War II about a young woman who becomes a secret advice columnist.  Some parts of the book were light and fluffy, some parts showed more of the reality of war.  Good, but a little forgettable.  (I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#41. CAUSE OF OUR JOY: WALKING DAY BY DAY WITH OUR LADY by Mother Mary Francis, PCC // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “The Catechism of the Catholic Church has a most heart-shaking line about Our Lady: ‘In the faith of his humble handmaid, the Gift of God found the acceptance he had awaited from the beginning of time’ (CCC 2617).”

I love Mother Mary Francis’ writings.  This one centered around Mary was beautiful.

#42. AFTER THE FUNERAL by Agatha Christie // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Old Lanscombe moved totteringly from room to room, pulling up the blinds.”

A solid Agatha Christie mystery.  The reveal at the end was really good (I didn’t guess “whodunit” which is typical for me with AC books) but I was disappointed that Poirot seemed to only have a minor part in the story this time.

#43. NAGASAKI: LIFE AFTER NUCLEAR WAR by Susan Southard // ★★★★★
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Off the eastern coast of the Asian continent, five hundred miles from Shanghai and less than two hundred miles south of the Korean Peninsula, a long, narrow bay carves deeply into the western coast of Kyushu – Japan’s southernmost main island.”

Whoa.  Everyone who flippantly supports nuclear war should read this book.  Absolutely devastating.  A few related things I discovered along the way:

• this sobering and eye-opening site called Nuke Map
• a documentary on Formed called All That Remains: The Story of Takashi Nagai
• “Appeal for Peace at Hiroshima”, an address from Pope John Paul II in 1981
• more books to read: Hiroshima and The Bells of Nagasaki

(I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#44. THE UNTHINKABLE: WHO SURVIVES WHEN DISASTER STRIKES – AND WHY by Amanda Ripley // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “On February 26, 1993, when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center for the first time, Elia Zedeno was in an express elevator carrying a slice of Sbarro’s pizza.”

I really enjoyed this!  If you’ve ever wondered how you might react during a disaster, this book walks you through some of the common behavioral responses with lots of anecdotal stories to illustrate.  You’ve probably heard of fight or flight responses, but did you know how many people actually just freeze?  I found all of it fascinating.  Knowledge is empowering.

#45. MRS. DALLOWAY by Virginia Woolf // ★★☆☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.”

Whew!  This one was a rough read.  The story is written as a stream of consciousness (I can’t imagine what my brain would look like all written out, ha!) through the minds of different characters…and it’s a lot.  Proud of myself for powering through!  (This was also my 1925 pick for The 20th Century in Literature Challenge.)

#46. DEATH IN THE CLOUDS by Agatha Christie // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “The September sun beat down hotly on Le Bourget aerodrome as the passengers crossed the ground and climbed into the air liner Prometheus, due to depart for Croydon in a few minutes’ time.”

My 7th grader and I have been on an Agatha Christie kick this summer and he recommended this one to me.  Another interesting mystery where I couldn’t guess the killer.

#47. THE OVERSPENT AMERICAN: WHY WE WANT WHAT WE DON’T NEED by Juliet B. Schor // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “In 1996 a best-selling book entitled The Millionaire Next Door caused a minor sensation.”

This book was written in 1998, so while the examples are a little dated, the concepts still definitely apply.  (Maybe with the invention of social media apply even more!)  Very well researched, but I disagreed with some of her solutions to the problem.  (I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#48. UNNATURAL ENDS by Christopher Huang // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop)

First line: “In the beginning was Linwood Hall, and Linwood Hall was the world.”

Unnatural Ends is a mystery set in 1921 after the death of Sir Lawrence Linwood. When his three adopted children come home for the funeral, they learn that their father was brutally murdered.  And according to his will, the one who can solve the crime will inherit his estate.  Throughout the book, we discover Sir Lawrence Linwood’s dark, manipulative history and how that affects his children.  An interesting premise, but I felt like it was 100 pages too long.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.  Unnatural Ends was released on June 20, 2023!)

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MY UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2023: 207
Books Finished in June: 12
Finished Books Donated/Sold in June: 4
Books Added: +11 (a summertime treat!)
Unread Books Remaining: 193

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

#30. THE ITALIAN BULLDOZER by Alexander McCall Smith // ★★☆☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “It was the first time that Paul made duck a l’orange for friends since Becky left him for her personal trainer.”

I have really enjoyed Smith’s No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series in the past, so I was excited to pull this book off the shelf.  I found it to be an easy to read and quirky story, but without a clear point.

#31. THE SECRET OF THE HOLY FACE: THE DEVOTION DESTINED TO SAVE SOCIETY by Fr. Lawrence Daniel Carney III // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “‘I will set my face against you, and you shall fall down before your enemies, and shall be made subject to them that hate you, you shall flee when no man pursueth you.’ (Leviticus 26:17)”

One of our parish priests recommended this book, so you know I had to check it out!  it was a little redundant toward the end, but I really enjoyed learning about this devotion and am happy to add it to my weekly prayers.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#32. THE SURVIVORS by Jane Harper // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “She could – almost – have been one of The Survivors.”

I’ve read many of Jane Harper’s novels and have enjoyed them all.  This may have been my least favorite so far?  While the book had beautiful descriptions of the setting (per usual for Harper), the story line was quite complicated and I struggled to keep everything straight.

#33. THE FOREVER WITNESS: HOW DNA AND GENEALOGY SOLVED A COLD CASE DOUBLE MURDER by Edward Humes // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “The sixtyish man with the plain gray suit and pale blue watchful eyes had just finished lunch when his phone buzzed.”

This book chronicles the horrible murder of a young Canadian couple in the 1980s, whose case sadly turned cold due to a lack of evidence.  Fast forward 30 years.  New technological advancements using DNA and genealogical websites have emerged and the case is finally solved.  I found this topic fascinating and appreciated the ethical arguments on both sides regarding police using online genealogy sites to solve crimes.  Very thought-provoking.  (And thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!)

#34. ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE by Mike Gayle // ★★★★☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “Moments before Hubert met Ashleigh for the first time, he had been settled in his favorite armchair, Puss curled up on his lap, waiting for Rose to call.”

If you’ve read A Man Called Ove, you may enjoy this book!  It’s a heartwarming story about an older man trying to make new friends and finding them in unexpected places.  I really enjoyed about 75% of it, but the last quarter felt a little too neat and tidy.  3.5 stars, rounded up.

#35. THE LOST DINOSAURS OF EGYPT by William Nothdurft // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // better world books)

First line: “No one knows what brought the huge animal down.”

A book very outside of my comfort zone!  You know that I’ll read just about anything, so I decided to try this one about dinosaurs that I’ve had on our homeschool shelves.  The gist of the book is that a German scientist named Stromer went to Egypt in the early 1900s and discovered a treasure trove of bones in the Bahariya Oasis.  Sadly, Stromer’s discoveries were destroyed in a WWII Allied bombing raid.  Thirty years later, a new group of young scientists embarked on a trip to retrace his footsteps and find this treasure trove that Stromer wrote about in his journals.  I’m no dino fanatic, but did find parts of this really interesting and I learned a lot!  (I also read this for my Reading the Alphabet Challenge.)

#36. FAITHFUL PLACE by Tana French // ★★★☆☆
(amazon // bookshop // better world books)

First line: “In all your life, only a few moments matter.”

This is number three in the Dublin Murder Squad series.  It’s been awhile since I’ve read this series (October 2019!) but I remember enjoying the first two.  I’m not sure, after all this time, this is the series for me?  I’m still undecided about continuing on.

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MY UNREAD SHELF PROJECT

Unread Books as of January 1, 2023: 207
Books Finished in May: 7
Finished Books Donated/Sold in May: 2
Books Added: +1
Unread Books Remaining: 193