I read some very fascinating books in November. Some of them were longer than my typical reads. I read about the Vanderbilts, read a very convicting study book, and read some very unique fiction plots. Some of these will be my favorites for the year. Here’s what I read last month:
Vanderbilt by Anderson Cooper
After recently reading a book about the Astors by Cooper, I was interested in reading his book about the Vanderbilts (which is his family line). Visiting NYC so often has made me more curious about its history. Vanderbilt is a good read about the family, but it didn’t feel quite as in-depth as the book on the Astors. I wonder if he was holding some things back to protect his family tree. There was also a heavy focus on his mother instead of on the ancestors.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Backman once again delves into heavy issues with the help of some very distinct characters and a unique story. A famous artist traces his roots to a small village and the summer before turning 13. His friends at that time are all living hard lives. Their hope is that he will finish a painting, enter a competition and get out of the town. My Friends is about love and loyalty winning over abuse and how even teenagers can help save each other.
Sincerely Stoneheart by Emily Wilson Hussem
I read through Sincerely Stoneheart with my church book club group and it had a profound impact on all of us. It’s a contemporary book written to women in the style of C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. It exposes the heart of women and mothers and how they are spiritually attacked. I highly recommend this book!
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers
Some of my daughters are big fans of the true crime podcast, Crime Junkies. Ashley Flowers is one of the main hosts and I wanted to try reading her books as I’ve listened to a few of the podcasts. The Missing Half is like reading one of their investigations, but through twists and turns, it does give a conclusion at the end. It’s a very imaginative book and I was on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next.
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
Eighty-two year old Fred is mistaken as a nursing home resident named Bernard and is taken back to the home in his place. Trying to explain how Bernard has passed away and fallen into the river falls on deaf ears as it’s a home for patients with dementia. Before this, he was about to be evicted and now he has a bed, food and is making friends. He manages to convince himself that it’s okay to borrow Fred’s life until Fred’s estranged daughter shows up. Then, it all gets complicated. The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is one of my favorite reads for this year.
The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans
Paul has decided after three years that he can no longer go on living after his wife and child were killed in a car accident. However, a stranger appears at his doorstep and intervenes, setting Paul’s life on a different trajectory. He soon encounters a widow with a child and a young boy who is powerless against the influence of an addicted mother. The Christmas Stranger is a story of redemption, forgiveness and learning to live after loss.
What have you read lately that you loved? Share it in the comments!
