Getting back into homeschooling and sports made for a busy September. Then, I picked up a book from the library on my Kindle, not quite realizing it was more than 1,000 pages long! It was a great read, though. If I hadn’t read two children’s books and finished a book I started in January, I would have only read four books this month! Here at the books I read in September:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Set in Brooklyn at the turn of the century, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn tells the story of Francie Nolan as she grows up. It’s a bit of a heart-breaking story at times, but it does show how each generation can help the next get better. I enjoyed reading the story and was glad to see how it all came together at the end. Francie’s mother works cleaning the apartment building they live in so they can have free rent. Her father is a singing waiter who doesn’t often have work and then drinks most of the money away. Francie and her brother are often hungry, but slowly they all work to make things better.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
I saw that The Wild Robot was being made into a movie by the same people who did How to Train Your Dragon, so I decided to read the book. It’s actually a trilogy and the first book ends on a cliffhanger. I do plan to read all three books. It’s a story about a robot whose crate is washed ashore on an island. It’s activated by some curious otters and as it explores the island, its AI helps it figure out a way to converse with the animals. It’s a cute story aimed toward 8-12 year olds.
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
I enjoyed reading The Underground Library. It’s a historical fiction novel about a library that moves into the underground tunnels in London after being bombed in WW2. The story is based on true events and revolves around a handful of women and how their lives are changed by the library. The new deputy librarian has to fight to get a new book club started. A German Jewish refugee is struggling with a mean boss and wants to find her sister. Another young woman discovers she’s pregnant after her boyfriend is declared presumed dead in the war. Their lives intertwine at the library and they all grow in maturity and inner strength.
Exodus by Dennis Prager
Last year I read Prager’s Genesis commentary so this year I slowly went through his Exodus commentary. I started it in January. There was nothing earth-shattering, but it was interesting to read about an Old Testament book from the Jewish perspective.
The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
The Wild Robot Escapes is book two in the Wild Robot trilogy. In this book, Roz wakes up on a farm where she has to work and try to act like a “normal” robot. However, she wants to find her son and escape back to her home island. I enjoyed this quick read and am looking forward to seeing the movie.
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
I started reading Kristin Lavransdatter in mid-September and it took me until the end of the month to finish it. Set in 14th century Norway, it follows the story of Kristin who strives to live a good life. Yet, she has failures and successes both tangible and in her character. It’s set in a Catholic world. She has a good man who loves her, but she doesn’t realize it as she only has eyes for a man willing to compromise her reputation. She then raises several sons while the landscape of their world is changing. I really enjoyed reading a longer book that kept me interested the entire time.
The Hidden Peace by Joel Muddamalle
I’ve been following Joel Muddamalle on social media for a while I listened to The Hidden Peace this month. It’s a book about how important humility is in a life of faith. He examines various parts of life and various aspects of humility. While it wasn’t earth-shattering to me, it was a good reminder to try to stay humble in my life.
What good books have you read lately? Share them in the comments!
