posted an updateabout 2 months ago

about 2 months ago

**Share a book rec!** I find that winter often brings reflection, making it an ideal season to explore stories of change and personal growth. If you’ve been inspired by a great book, leave a comment here with your recommendation! I recently finished "A Man Call Ove" by Fredrik Backman, and I was moved by its message about the importance of human connection, and how being part of a community can help us to overcome grief or hopelessness.

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– The cover of Splinters of Scarlet ©2020 attracted me in the YA section of the library even though I am 71 years old. A scarlet rose is embroidered on fine linen with fractured lines of pale blue to navy stitching extending beyond the design. On the back cover, the 1st person narrator reveals that her father's death was not accidental – whatever he knew got him killed. I was hooked and added it to my stack. My reward for reading Emily Bain Murphy's second published novel caused me to purchase a copy for myself before reaching the 38th and final chapter. I wrote quotes in my journal. I sensed commentary on invisible class divisions present in our modern world while reading this historical fantasy set in Denmark during 8 months of 1866 to 1867. Finally, I was encouraged as characters gained their autonomy incrementally while I turned pages as rapidly as my reading allowed. I became so impressed with Murphy's ability to spin a grand tale that I read Murphy's first book, The Disappearances. My preconceived notion of what The Disappearances were was quickly corrected, and I was immersed in a roller coaster ride starring two siblings forced by circumstances to live in a town full of secrets. Because of this book, I pondered the sensory details in my life that I often take for granted. Emily Bain Murphy has done what many strive to accomplish – create a compelling debut novel and follow it with another page-turner packed with deep truths. I will soon be checking out her adult historical mystery, Enchanted Hill, "where two people with a dark, shared past collide while working undercover at a glittering mansion on the California coast." Move over, books on my to-be-read pile.

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about 2 months ago

– I became smitten with Alice Hoffman's "The Invisible Hour" which is a magical and fictional account of how Nathaniel Hawthorne came up with "The Scarlet Letter." All of her books that I've read seem to have this effect of pulling me into a portal. I can smell the books in the libraries; feel the texture of old woolen clothing; taste the apples being harvested.

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about 2 months ago

– Yesterday, I finished Intermezzo, by Sally Rooney. I Predict that it becomes a seminal story in the current culture, and beyond because it is an honest, insightful, deeply moving experience. Rooney deftly kneaded grammatical skills and writing styles that added to the overall feeling of this story. The insights into what each character said, and what they were thinking about what they were being told, were masterfully insightful. This story will be top of my mind for a long while.

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about 2 months ago

– Ducks, Newburyport has absolutely captivated me. By Lucy Ellmann, the audio version narrated by Stephanie Ellyne has opened the stream-of-consciousness aspect in a way I found difficult to attain reading it in print. This is a book I never would have imagined I needed in my life. I must admit, “a 1,000-page stream of consciousness monologue from a middle-aged Ohio housewife recovering from cancer” was not on my winter reading list, but the sheer audacity of the attempt interested me enough to pick it up and I am glad I did. I’m particularly glad the audiobook was recommended because those 45 hours were truly well spent. Being inside the mind of this woman, in every gnarly nook and kooky cranny, is addictive.

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about 2 months ago

– I recently finished Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, the last book in the Seven Sisters series. You need to read the other books to learn everyone's back story, but you can also read this on its own. The story made me cry and laugh, and I just couldn't put it down. It shows how a family can be formed where members are not blood-related, yet they are strong and have each other's backs. In the modern day, how many of us can really say we can count on our "family" to be there for us through the good and the bad? This story shows that when you are a family, you support each other through the good and the bad. Pa Salt was an amazing man, who overcame so many obstacles in his life yet he managed to take 6 girls from different parts of the world and make a strong family that in the end gave him the love he missed growing up and they forgave the choices he made at the end to show him how much they love him. I know I said the Seven Sister series but I mentioned only 6, I am not letting the cat out of the bag :) All these books especially the Story of Pa Salt resonate with me because I know what it means to go through struggles as a young girl and have to fight your battles on your own and now as a grown woman, I am still fighting them by the grace of God.

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about 2 months ago

– ' Manal Gafoor’s *The Road Up North* It is a novel that takes readers on an emotional and transformative journey, filled with themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the healing power of friendship Set against the lush landscapes of India—ranging from tranquil hills and vast oceans to bustling cities and dense forests—the novel brings the country's beauty to life. The backdrop of India becomes more than just a setting; it mirrors the characters' internal landscapes, reflecting their emotional and psychological journeys. As the women travel together, they encounter numerous challenges that force them to confront their deepest fears and unspoken truths. This journey is not just a physical one, but a deep, personal exploration of what it means to be a woman in a society full of expectations and limitations. This is not from my recent work, but it transports me away.

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about 2 months ago

– My life was forever changed by Winters Tale by Mark Helprin. The sheer euphoria of the writing, the vividness of the characters, the unabashed love infusing ever sentence of that book opened a whole new world in my mind. That was back in 1980, or thereabouts. I've read it four or five times since then, and it remains perhaps my favorite book of all time.

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about 2 months ago

– Nicole Deese's The Words We Lost was the novel that inspired me most in 2024. It's a contemporary romance Christian fiction book about a missing manuscript, friendship and love, loss, and second chances. Masterfully told story that was So Good that I immediately reread the book as soon as I finished the last line.

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about 2 months ago

– That is a delightful reflection on A Man Called Ove! Assuming you partook in its topics of self-improvement and the force of association, I'd suggest The 12 PM Library by Matt Haig. An opportunity It's a powerful and innovative novel about a lady to investigate substitute forms of her life through a mystical library. It delightfully investigates topics of disappointment, self-disclosure, and the significance of valuing the daily routine you're experiencing. It's ideal for winter perusing, offering both reflection and trust. Inform me as to whether you check it out!

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about 2 months ago

– Jonathan Frost - author I'm hooked on speculative and dystopian fiction and stories that hover just outside reality. I'm a huge fan of Richard Powers. If you're concerned about the future of our planet and the environmental catastrophe heading our way, then his outstandingly beautiful and moving novels Playground and The Overstory, are an essential read. I've also recently discovered Australian novelist Tim Winton, his new novel Juice, is a strange but evocative dystopian work. If you are yet to discover English novelist David Mitchell you are in for a treat. Many of you will be familiar with the film of his book Cloud Atlas, but he is an author who immerses you in strange, unsettling worlds. I recommend The Bone Clocks and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet just to get you started

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about 2 months ago

– Outlander! I became fascinated with Scottish mythology after reading the first book back in 1990. I first "met" Diana Gabaldon when she was workshopping her book in a forum. That was also when I started writing my novel (took me 24 years to finish mine though). Her work never ceases to amaze me. I have read all 10 of the books in her series. Her voice, her command of language, her tone. I would love to read more from her that is separate from the series. She continually inspires me to be better at my craft as a novelist.

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about 2 months ago

– "Tomorrow I Might be Sausage by Michael Raysses" This book had me laughing and crying and basking in my own nostalgia. It has 32 essays about moments in the author's life from his childhood and well into his adult life. He had me laughing with him at his stories about procrastination, his first sexual encounter and more. I cried for him and for myself as he talked about the loss of his father and other poignant moments. I know this is a book I will revisit many times in the future because I love the way it evokes moments from my own past. Considering what an easy read it is at only a handful of pages per story, it packs a powerful burst of emotions to the reader. I'm confident you will find a connection to more than a few of these essays.

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about 2 months ago

– Terror at the Sound of a Whistle is a fascinating new memoir. Caroline Shannon Davenport brings to life her childhood, growing up in a most unusual household in mid-20th-century Toledo, Ohio. Caroline and Jimmy were the same age. They and their parents lived in a large house with three floors and a finished attic on the outskirts of Toledo, with Caroline and her parents occupying the third floor, Jimmy and his parents the second floor. The first floor was an illegal casino run by the two fathers, kept in business by graft payments to the local police. Growing up in this environment set Caroline and Jimmy apart from their schoolmates, who did not know what their parents did or what went on in the house. In this hothouse setting, Caroline and Jimmy were able to observe and form opinions about a colorful cast of characters who moved in and out of their lives, including uncles and aunts, hangers-on at the casino, and a changing group of tenants in cottages on the property, some likable, some unlikable, and some downright scary. The author and Jimmy were almost constantly in each other’s company, watching and interacting with this piebald ensemble, eavesdropping on their parents’ conversations, and creating their own world of play and wishes for the future. You won’t be disappointed by this book.

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about 2 months ago

– "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown Winter, with its stillness and introspective atmosphere, is a season that invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. It’s a time to embrace growth and transformation, which makes The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown a perfect read for this season. This book is not just a self-help guide—it’s a deeply personal, compassionate exploration of how to live authentically and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Brené Brown, a researcher and storyteller, draws on years of study about vulnerability, shame, courage, and worthiness to share profound insights that resonate on a human level. Her message is simple yet powerful: living a wholehearted life—one filled with joy, connection, and purpose—requires us to let go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embrace who we truly are. What makes The Gifts of Imperfection so impactful is its relatability. Brené doesn’t position herself as an all-knowing expert but as someone who’s also struggled with perfectionism, self-doubt, and the fear of vulnerability. She shares personal stories that make her lessons feel accessible and real, as if you’re sitting down with a friend who understands your struggles and wants to help you grow. The book is structured around ten guideposts for wholehearted living, each representing a practice or mindset that helps us let go of harmful behaviors and cultivate healthier ones. For example, one guidepost encourages us to let go of comparison and embrace gratitude, while another emphasizes the importance of cultivating play and rest. These aren’t lofty ideals; they’re practical, actionable steps that anyone can integrate into their daily life. One of the central themes of the book is the idea that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Brené writes, "Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness." This perspective is transformative. It challenges the cultural narrative that vulnerability should be avoided and reframes it as a pathway to deeper relationships, greater creativity, and genuine connection with others. Another powerful takeaway from the book is the concept of self-compassion. In a world that often celebrates busyness, achievement, and perfection, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism. Brené encourages us to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we’d offer a friend, reminding us that our imperfections are what make us human and beautiful. Reading The Gifts of Imperfection feels like a gentle nudge to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters: our relationships, our passions, and our sense of purpose. It’s a book that invites you to reflect on your own journey, celebrate your growth, and embrace the messy, imperfect process of being alive. For anyone seeking a book that teaches not only through theory but also through heartfelt storytelling, The Gifts of Imperfection is a transformative read. It’s an invitation to live more authentically, to let go of fear and shame, and to embrace the unique gifts that come with being unapologetically yourself. This winter, as you reflect on your life and your aspirations, let this book be a companion on your journey toward who lehearted living.

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about 2 months ago

– Yes

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about 2 months ago

– Traditional story

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about 2 months ago

– Yes

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about 2 months ago

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