| “I heard a bird sing In the dark of December. A magical thing And sweet to remember. “We are nearer to Spring Than we were in September,” I heard a bird sing In the dark of December. “ -Oliver Herford |
READING UPDATE
Book #1
I’m Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
“I take a longer look at the words on her headstone. Brave, kind, loyal, sweet, loving, graceful, strong, thoughtful, funny, genuine, hopeful, playful, insightful, and on and on… Was she, though? Was she any of those things? The words make me angry. I can’t look at them any longer.
Why do we romanticize the dead? Why can’t we be honest about them?”
*TRIGGER WARNING: Content in book makes multiple references to eating disorders, physical and psychological abuse and weight gain/loss*
#1 New York Times Bestseller. #1 International Bestseller. 2022 Goodreads Choice Winner. I read this book because everyone has been reading this book- and loving it. A painfully honest and yet artfully humorous account of her life before, during and after stardom on the Nickelodeon show iCarly, Jenette McCurdy’s memoir- mainly featuring the relationship between her and her mother- is candidly crafted, yet also explicit. This is a difficult book to read and left me with the same feeling I felt after finishing Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated“, a dull sense of sadness due to the fact that although the writer has “healed” from the abuse she suffered growing up, she has yet to experience the true healing and restoration that can only be found in Jesus.
Book #2
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
“The doom (or the gift) of the Elves is to be immortal, to love the beauty of the world, to bring it to full flower with their gifts of delicacy and perfection, to last while it lasts, never leaving it even when ‘slain’, but returning – and yet, when the Followers come, to teach them, and make way for them, to ‘fade’ as the Followers grow and absorb the life from which both proceed. The Doom (or the Gift) of Men is mortality, freedom from the circles of the world.”
I didn’t feel like I could call myself a true Tolkien fan until I’d read The Silmarillion, and after reading it I probably wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone BESIDES a true Tolkien fan. A collection of myths and stories regarding the history and ages prior to the Middle Earth we know and love in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, the Simarillion was edited and published by Tolkien’s son after his death. It’s a book similar to the genealogies found in the Bible- definitely important and insightful but at times also lengthy and tedious. Trying to read this book too fast was at times confusing and incredibly frustrating. It’s one you want to take slow and be sure to reference the handy 30 plus page index in the back! Some of my favorite stories were The Music of the Ainur, Beren and Lúthien and The Fall of Gondolin. I am glad I read the Silmarillion as it gave me a deeper understanding of the profound masterwork that is Tolkien’s world, but I’m not sure it’s one I’ll re-read.
Book #3
The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery
“Don’t have regrets.
They’re a painful thing.
And they never go away.”
When I flew to Boston to visit my brother last month, I wanted a lighthearted, festive book to read on the plane. Susan Mallery definitely delivered that with “The Christmas Wedding Guest” which follows two sisters, home for the holidays in the town of Wishing Tree to help give their parents the vow renewal “wedding” of their dreams and maybe find love along the way.
Reading this book was like watching a Hallmark movie- cheesy, predictable and full of Christmasy fun! This book was not written by a Christian author however, so it included a little more spice than I would typically prefer. For the length of the book, I also thought it concluded a little quickly which was a bit disappointing.
Book #4
The Intentional Year by Glen & Holly Packiam
“Fruitfulness flows from faithfulness. Growth happens only on purpose.”
In this easy to read road map into intentionality, Christian Pastor Glenn Packiam with his wife Holly use stories and scripture to encourage personal, relational and spiritual growth. This was a great book to read at the end of one year looking forward to the next and I would definitely recommend it as resource entering into 2023 as it focuses on reflecting on the lessons and celebrations of a past season, identifying themes and purposes for the season ahead and implementing rhythms of prayer, rest, renewal, and relationships. I definitely enjoyed this book, however the content was pretty basic, so if interested, I would consider listening to it as an audiobook.
Book #5
The Bold Return of the Dunces by Eric Ludy
“Those which desire to train the true church must function as the true church in the moments when such definition is most imperative.”
In this short book, Eric Ludy uses the true story of fourteenth century Jon Duns, the first wearer of the pointy hat which we now associate with idiocy, to strike home the truth that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world. “The Bold Return of the Dunces” is a call for Christian’s to exude the fragrance of heaven even when it offends people who prefer the aroma of worldly things. This book is actually available for free online at ericludy.com and I would especially recommend it to those interested in his school, Ellerslie, or anyone working in or apart of Christian Education! At 60 pages, it’s short and sweet- essentially an essay in book format!
WRITING UPDATE
If you remember from my previous recap, I wrote over 50,000 words during the month of November during NaNoWriMo! Needless to say I needed a bit of a break from writing after going full throttle for an entire month.
I did begin editing Part 1 of my Trilogy though and I am hoping to devote a lot of time to that as we enter into the New Year!
I am also hoping to finish 35 books this year so be on the lookout for more reviews coming your way soon!
Cheers