A cold, snowy January lent itself to many cozy evenings reading a book after dinner. I read some really good books this month, too. Several historical fiction books, a legal thriller, a biography of a Holocaust survivor and a book that was a reminder to slow down and enjoy life. Here is what I read in January:
The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
Sophie is an Irish immigrant dealing with horrible conditions in the tenements of New York City. When she sees an ad for a wife from a man in San Franscisco, she jumps for the chance at an escape. She would mainly help him raise his young daughter since he was recently widowed. She hoped they would grow close, but he keeps her at arm’s length as he travels often for business. Then, an earthquake rocks their world, setting a wake of both physical and personal destruction as it reveals his secrets. The Nature of Fragile Things is a very good read!
Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy by Matthew Kelly
Our world is in a hurry all the time, but it’s not what our souls were created for. Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy is a quick read and a good reminder to find ways to create space and be fully alive.
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer is a well-paced, well-written thriller about defense attorney Mickey Haller. His biggest fear is putting away an innocent man, so he tries not to have them as clients. However, when he finally thinks he has one, he learns that evil is what he should fear most. I really enjoyed reading this book. I ended up watching the movie this month, too, and it follows the book pretty well.
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
When the Cranes Fly South is a moving, sad book about a man who is nearing the end of his life. Bo’s main companion is his dog, but his son wants to take the dog to a family who has the time and energy to take care of it well. Despite caretakers coming several times a day, Bo manages to lose his dog and fall in the woods. The story is about fathers and sons and finding ways to say, “I love you,”
A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
Set in Atlanta during the Civil War, A World Such as Heaven Intended is a clean, Catholic romance. Amara is helping her uncle take care of the wounded at a family mansion. Nathan is a wounded soldier who is mainly keeping to himself. They form a connection, but when Nathan is released, they both doubt they’ll see each other again. When they do, Nathan is wearing a different uniform and he’s not on the side that Amara is against.
Lily’s Promise by Lily Ebert
Lily’s Promise is a personal story about Lily Ebert’s experience in concentration camps with her sisters and cousin. They had been living in Hungary and thought they were safe. Her great-grandson helps tell her story by sharing his interactions with Lily. They track down records together and even find the man who was helping the Jewish chaplain at their liberation. It’s a powerful story of survival.
Ashes in the Snow by Ruta Sepetys
I don’t normally read WW2 books so close together, but Sepetys is a great storyteller and a friend lent me Ashes in the Snow. The story follows Lithuanians who are taken by the Russians to the gulags. Lina is taken with her mother and younger brother when she is only 15. They know her father has been taken, too, but they can’t find him. Their first work site isn’t too bad, but after a year, they are transported to Siberia and survival is almost impossible.
In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd
In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash is the book that the movie, A Christmas Story, is based on. The narrator’s voice in the movie matches the style of the book. In the book, Ralph is visiting his hometown from NYC and is at a bar reminiscing with his friend, Flick. There are more stories in the book than in the movie and it definitely brings about a feeling of nostalgia.
What book have you enjoyed the most so far this year? Share in the comments!
