It’s starting to feel like fall! September was full of wonderful things – soccer, cross country, dance, ice skating, homeschooling … I managed quite a few additional books this month since we had some quiet Sundays where all that was on the schedule was church and rest. Here is what I read in September:
In The Dictionary of Lost Words, Esme is trying to find her way in a world where she has no mother. She spends most of her childhood underneath the table at the Scriptorium, where her father is helping put together the first English dictionary. She has one friend in a maid and when she is sent away to boarding school by a well-meaning aunt, she undergoes physical abuse. Upon her return, she starts working at the Scriptorium, keeping her world small. The book had some interesting parts, but was a bit flat on Esme’s character.
Take Back Your Family is a great book for people who want to create a dynamic family life in this very busy world. The author proposes that families focus on being a team, instead of a group of individuals. The book has a religious focus, but has great tips for any family – spending time together, making a family motto, taking time to rest. I highly recommend this book.
The Watchmaker’s Daughter is a companion to The Hiding Place – the story of the ten Boom family hiding Jews during WWII in the Netherlands. This book goes into more detail about all of the family members and friends who shared in this courageous story. I learned a lot more about what Corrie did and was thinking during this time. Anne Frank and Audrey Hepburn’s stories are also told since there were close by around the same time. It’s a 5-star book for me – I highly, highly recommend it!
I read through Stop Calling Me Beautiful fairly quickly. The author discusses how many Christian ministries for women are often very shallow – “You’re beautiful!” “You’re worthy!” “You’re loved!” Each chapter discusses a different topic that could go deeper and offers questions at the end. I think it would be good if paired with a workbook (if it’s offered) or as a group study book.
While there were many good points in The Power of the Other, I think it would be better for people who are currently in an office work environment. It discusses the importance of teams in getting things done. Instead of being a leadership book that focuses on self-improvement, it focuses on how to be have good relationships with the people you live and work with.
Keep It Shut is a book about watching your words. It has a Biblical perspective and focuses a lot on gossiping. It could be a good book study and would really help people who do have a hard time watching the words they say.
Carrie Soto is the best tennis player in the world. However, five years into retirement, another player is about to take her title of having the most slams. She decides to come out of retirement to try to defend her record, asking her father to coach her. She’s given her whole life to tennis and really doesn’t know how to act in relationships. As she trains her body to get back in shape, she realizes that maybe tennis isn’t everything – maybe people are important, too. I really enjoyed reading Carrie Soto is Back. Tennis fans will love it.
In my devotional readings, I started noticing how many emotions are ascribed to God in the Old Testament. So, I just searched for a book on the emotions of God and The Emotions of God came up. The book goes over just seven emotions, but really shows how God expresses those emotions without sin. It was an interesting book to read.
Called to Love is a book about the theology of the body, which was written about by Pope John Paul II. We were given this book during a class at church and the book just mainly reinforced what we learned in the class. It’s a bit academic so I don’t recommend it for those new to Theology of the Body.
Jayber Crow is a narrative fiction story about the life of Jayber. He grows up in a small, small town, living with an older couple after his own parents pass away when he was a young child. When he’s 10, they pass away and he’s sent to an orphanage. After going to college and realizing he can’t be a preacher, he starts making a living as a barber. When the Louisville flood happens, his heart calls him back home and he makes his way by foot. Providentially, there is not barber in the town and the barber shop building is for sale with a room above it. The book recalls his life in this town and the characters in it. It was a very enjoyable read and had a really good message at the end.
The ninth book in the Michael Vey series, The Traitor, takes the readers back to Peru, where the Electroclan have two missions: save Tara and save the unsuspecting people of a town where electric bats are about to be released. With twists and turns (and violence) along the way, the book brings the readers to a conclusion that, while isn’t a cliff-hanger, does set up the story for book 10. I don’t want to give anything away about The Traitor, but if you’re a Michael Vey fan, this book has a great storyline.
Liesl is living in Germantown in Los Angeles and needs to work to support her children, brother and mother after her husband disappeared two years ago. After getting fired as a secretary at MGM, she stumbles upon a job that is a cover for being a spy. Some Germans in LA are bringing Hitler’s ideas to the city and there are some trying to fight against it. However, dangers lurk around every corner and she doesn’t know who to trust. Code Name Edelweiss kept my attention the whole time and I really enjoyed reading it.
What is the best book you’ve read recently? Share in the comments!
