A Million Little Ways, Me Before You, and The List

This week's (and last week's, because apparently my goal of two books per week was a little too lofty after all) books are:

taken from Goodreads.com

This was actually my first Emily Freeman book (love her on Hopewriters and love her sister The Nester) and I really liked it. Her encouragement to make art within and throughout all of our daily tasks was so beautiful and unique. She stresses the importance of figuring out how we are meant to create art for our Savior by living our lives, and how that might not mean literal, traditional art but maybe in a more discreet and less obvious way instead. Since I was just diving back into writing when I read this, I found it to be particularly encouraging.

taken from Goodreads.com

So this book has just been turned into a movie and all the [Christian] reviews seem to be pretty condemning (as well as full of spoilers...like, IN THE TITLE of the review, effectively ruining the ending of the book for the person who is in the middle of reading said book and avoiding reviews for the purpose of not having the end spoiled). The reviews are, truthfully, about the movie and not the book, and I have not yet seen the movie so my brief review will only be about the book. That being said, my honest opinion (SPOILER ALERT, because I'm a nice person) is that this was a really good book that didn't glorify euthanasia at all. It explored it as a topic, it did explain the specific character's point of view and all the reasons why he wanted to go that route, but I honestly do not think it glorified it. Every single character in the entire book, other than the character in question, was devastated by his decision. Every single character fought against it till the end, argued with him about the merits of making a different decision, tried their hardest to show him the value of living rather than giving up, and, in the end, were completely and utterly destroyed by his decision. I can't speak for the movie, but this "happy ending" all the reviewers keep talking about doesn't happen in the book. Yeah, she gets a lot of money. But she also loses the love of her life. If you want to discuss other reasons why I think it doesn't glorify it, and why I also think there's value in reading books that make us think and consider another point of view (even if we don't agree with it at all), I would love to discuss it more. But for the sake of time, I'll move on. Honestly, I just liked the book. I loved the characters and I loved her writing style. I was inspired by this book; it was most of the reason I decided to temporarily abandon nonfiction reading and focus on fiction while I try to write my novel. The characters and the writing and the voice in this novel inspired me and pushed me and got my creativity flowing in new and exciting ways with my own novel. It took me from a place where I had been stuck for two years and pushed me into a whole new arena with my writing. I'll always be grateful to this book for that, and I can't wait to read more by Ms. Moyes because of it.

taken from Goodreads.com

This was the second book I added to my Goodreads account. It was probably six or seven years ago. I almost deleted it recently because I figured if I hadn't read it by now I never would. But I did, and I loved it. I got transported back to high school, but I still loved it. A high school that has a list posted every fall of the ugliest and prettiest girl in each grade? Yeah...it makes for an interesting plot. I do think the author got a little overextended with following eight different girls throughout the book; after the first half or so she loses the plots of a couple and focuses more on the same few over and over, but it was still really good. I'd definitely recommend it.

New Priorities

I've been thinking about some things over the last couple days. Two things in particular. They're both quite simple but also both have pretty huge implications for me and my time, and I'm incredibly excited for both.

Thing 1: I miss writing. I've mentioned my writing several times on this blog over the last several years. I started a novel and got it a very rough, short version of "done," but then got frustrated with the edits and the ending and pushed it aside for a while. Then this spring I started a new novel, and got about half way through before the subject matter really hit me like an emotional wall and I needed to put it away for a little while. That brings me to now...where it's been months since I've written anything but I have the bug again. I think it's almost a need...I need to be writing. I picked up the first novel again last night and started making some major changes. I am so excited about it and feel energized to continue working on it. And I'm also doing some research about self publishing through Amazon, which seems like the route I am likely going to pursue.

Thing 2: I miss reading fiction. I've been reading quite a bit, but goodness gracious it's been a lot of nonfiction. And I really do not like nonfiction. There's a time and a place, and it's important stuff, but there just isn't much motivation at the end of my day to cuddle up with my Kindle and some nonfiction...even if it is of the inspiring, motivational variety. At the end of my day, I need some fiction in my free time. That's why it's so much easier to turn the TV on instead of read. So even though the majority of the books left on my 2016 Reading Goals list are nonfiction books, I'm going to go ahead and call an audible. I heard the words of Shauna Niequist in my head this morning, reminding me that people who write MUST also read. And it's occurred to me that some of the reason why I love fiction so much is that it's helpful and inspiring and exciting for me, someone who is trying to write fiction. So I'm going to take a little break from nonfiction and pursue fiction like it's my job. Because Shauna told me to.

Week 2

Well, it's week 2 of my summer goal to read two nonaudiobook books every week, and it didn't happen. I blame my sister, who moved in Friday night and declared it the weekend of fun. Basically, we ate a lot of ice cream and watched a lot of Bloodline on Netflix. But thankfully we live in a world where grace exists and goals you make for yourself are not the law of the land. So I am getting back on the horse this week and aiming for that 2 book goal again. I was able to read one and listen to one on audiobook though, so here are their reviews.

taken from Goodreads.com

I finished the last of the four Snicket All the Wrong Questions books (you can see the other reviews here, here, and here) and it did not disappoint. I'm not going to lie, the first 80% or so of the book was such a strange whirlwind of weird that I had no idea what was going on. But once he brought it all home and tied all those weird details up in a nice bow, I was kind of blown away. Blown away...and yet also furious. Because once again, the man didn't answer my questions. I have just OH SO MANY questions (stretching back to the original 13 books in the Series of Unfortunate Events series) and he just refuses to answer them and I am mad. So is my brother. But...oh well. He will keep writing and I will keep reading and fingers crossed maybe one day I'll understand it all. Despite that little rant, I still highly recommend his books. All of them. Read his books and join the club of angry Snicket fans.

taken from Goodreads.com

This one was a reread, and was listened to via audiobook. It's been ages and ages since I've read sweet Anne, and I never ventured into the rest of the series (unless you count the classic Canadian movies starring Megan Follows). But my sister loves them and I found the series on audiobook at the library; I figured it was the best way to read a couple more. Oh sweet Anne. You are wonderful and you are loved. And Montgomery's writing is incredible. I spent most of the time I listened wishing I had a pen and paper to write down so many lines that were just amazing. If you somehow made it through your childhood without reading this wonderful and funny and heartwarming and adorable book, drop everything and read it now.

Summer Reading Goals and Some Book Reviews

I wanted to catch up on book reviews, but before I did I wanted to share my personal reading goals for the summer. I've shared on various social medias that JT is gone for the summer again, working in Florida till sometime in August, and my sister will be living with us starting at the end of this week. We've discussed lots of plans for the summer, including things we want to be intentional about - hobbies, exercise, etc. - rather than just sit and watch TV all summer. Reading is one of those goals we both have, and mine specifically is to read two books a week, not including audiobooks. I think it's pretty possible, between nap times and keeping the TV off a couple nights a week after Charlotte goes to bed for the night. I started working toward that goal this past week, and succeeded in completing two non-audiobook books. I'm excited to see how many I end up cranking out.

Now for the book reviews (which include the two I read this week as well as a couple audiobooks I listened to and a few books I completed over the course of the last several weeks).

taken from Goodreads.com

I knew April in college, and have followed the Swiger adoption journey (from a distance) with much anticipation and prayer since they began the process several years ago. I wept over blog posts as they waited and rejoiced when they received their first placement with their son J as well as their second placement with their younger son Zay. When she shared that she was writing a book about foster adoption, I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy. April is honest and raw in such a tangible and sweet way, bringing her audience into the world of foster adoption. Her repeated and overarching intent throughout the book is to remind us that all people - children who have been abused and neglected and have disabilities as well as the parents who may be responsible - are created in the image of God. We are called to love them all. The book is powerful, and deeply moving. If you're considering adoption of any kind I highly recommend it. 

taken from Goodreads.com

 

I'd read one of Woodson's books when I was in college, so when I saw her name attached to this audiobook I thought "Sure, why not?" As it turns out, this is an autobiography of sorts, taking us through Woodson's unique childhood and presented in a sort of prose format. It's a little different, but really good and very powerful. I enjoyed it a lot, and plan to use it in the future to help teach our kids about the Civil Rights Movement as well as diversity and the different types of racism.

taken from Goodreads.com

A month or so ago I read Forman's Just One Day and whined when it was over because even though I didn't really like it, I was forced to read the next book because she ended it on a cliffhanger. Well, here's the next book. I liked this one a lot better - although it did still drag on at times - which I appreciated, but she also ended this one with no real information and yet another cliffhanger. Which leads me to my next review...

taken from Goodreads.com

So to ACTUALLY end the little series, Forman wrote a 55 page novella to tie all the little loose ends. Why couldn't she have just edited out some of the nonsense in Just One Year and then tacked this onto the end? No idea. But I suppose that was her right. I was just glad I could immediately buy this little guy for only 99 cents and read it and be done. Overall: cute, too much sex (for a teen book? Come on. Keep your pants on), good summer throwaway reading, not necessarily recommended though. Didn't wow me.

taken from Goodreads.com

I don't think I ever really had much of an interest in reading this book, but so many people were talking about it and it was available on audiobook at the library, so I figured even if it was a waste of my time, at least it was free. Well. I'm not sure if it was really a waste of my time since it did provide me with lots of entertainment. The laugh out loud kind. Don't think that was really her plan, though. Guys, this woman is nuts. Absolutely nuts. I mean, the basic, bare-bones premise is good: have less stuff. But beyond that, she gets into some strange territory. My bottom-line review: I ball my socks up, and I will not apologize for it, lady. My socks don't need to rest, and neither does my purse. They're socks and it's a purse.

taken from Goodreads.com

This one was really, really cool. Baker grew up fully convinced that she did not want to ever be a mom, but then she got married and she changed her mind. Three kids later, her story is all about learning how to "break up with ourselves" after having kids. It's not about having to lose yourself as a person or as a woman, but instead about learning that our selfishness that clings to what life used to be like before kids needs to go. She also spends considerable time describing her childhood, losing her own mother early in life, as well as her journey through early marriage and then eventually one, two, and three kids. I really enjoyed this one and found some of her points to be particularly convicting.

taken from Goodreads.com

Alright friends. This is the big one. So for those who aren't aware, The Princess Bride is literally my favorite movie of all time. And it always will be. Always. No matter what. Even if I end up writing a screenplay one day, I can guarantee you it won't be anywhere near as good as this one (or it's matching book, written by the same man). So when Cary Elwes announced a year or more ago that he was writing a memoir about just his time making The Princess Bride, my heart stopped and I counted down the days until I could get my hands on it. I waited a little bit longer so I could get my hands on the audiobook instead, and get the full benefit of Cary's voice reading me his stories as well as all the additional voices of the entire cast lending their own memories and perspectives on everything. It is safe to say that I was in absolute heaven while listening to this book. I laughed out loud, and I cried real tears. JT called me once while I was listening and he asked what was wrong, and I said "Oh Cary was telling a story about Andre and I was crying." I was legitimately sad when it was over, but that's okay because I fully plan to listen to it many more times. Dear sweet friends: I get passionate about a lot of things that probably don't matter too much. It's easy to tune people like that out sometimes. I'm begging you to not tune me out on this one. Yes, I'm being dramatic, but honestly this book is so stinking good. It will make your little heart so happy. If you've ever seen The Princess Bride, read this book. If you've never seen The Princess Bride, get in your jammies and DRIVE TO MY HOUSE and we will watch it together, and then immediately after it's done you need to read this book. I'm so serious.

(For those who are curious, this week's nonaudiobook reads were Just One Year/Just One Night and Surprised by Motherhood.)