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After listening to Killing Lincoln and really finding it fascinating last month, I added this one to my list to listen to it (I got it free from the Libby app.)
It was really good, as well, and I learned so many details of history that I didn’t know. I will say that it did have some details that were definitely not appropriate for young ears. (Jesse and I were listening to it while on a road trip and had to turn it off since the kids were in the car!)
As I said with Killing Lincoln, “I learned so many intriguing details that I never knew before. Plus, having more historical context made the story so much more compelling.
From what I could tell, it was very well-researched and historically accurate. I appreciated that it didn’t seem politically motivated/biased but just very facts-based. If you enjoy history, this is a must-read/must-listen.”
Verdict: 4 stars
I first found this when I was going through books that were available to read for free as part of the Kindle Unlimited deal. I mentioned it on one of my posts and a number of you highly recommended that I read this.
You all were right! This book chronicles the moving story of how Newfoundland opened their hearts and homes to thousands of passengers whose planes were diverted on 9/11.
It’s a beautiful story and I think it’s worth reading. There are a lot of different stories interwoven throughout the book, but I felt like the author did a great job of helping you keep everything straight.
Verdict: 4 stars
I was excited to get to read a pre-release copy of this book and write an endorsement for it. It’s written by two women who are both HSP (Highly Sensitive Persons) — one who embraces this idea and one who is hesitant to embrace that she is HSP.
The book gives you a lot of practical ways to navigate being highly sensitive and is full of insight and wisdom. Whether you are HSP or you just know someone who is and want to understand them better, I think it’s worth reading.
Verdict: 3 stars
This book was sent to me by the author and has been on my to read shelf for a long time. It’s a heartfelt compilation of stories and encouragement for women who struggle with infertility or child loss.
The author has experienced deep loss and heartache herself, so she understands what so many women face. In addition, she shares stories and perspectives from a lot of other women who have gone through a variety of situations — infertility, secondary infertility, infant loss, and more.
If you know someone who is experiencing infertility, I think this book could be a real encouragement and could help her feel less alone. (Do know that some women who are grieving infertility may not be in a place to receive a book on the topic, so I recommend being sensitive to that if you are thinking of giving this book as a gift.)
Verdict: 3 stars
You know how much I loved Deep Work by Cal Newport. In fact, I loved it so much that I ended up having him on the podcast to talk about that book and his new book, Digital Minimalism. (Listen to that episode here.)
While I disagree with some of Cal’s strong stance against social media (I personally think that there is a lot of value in social media and the relationships I’ve built and the interactions I’ve had through it), I agree with his premise of being very intentional and strategic in what choices we make when it comes to the internet and our phones.
I love the emphasis he places on not being slaves to our devices, setting good boundaries for our time use, and thinking outside the cultural box when it comes to how we engage online. (You can read his philosophy of Digital Minimalism here.)
All in all, I think this is a very worthwhile read and would highly recommend it to anyone who spends any time online.
Verdict: 4 stars
This was an interesting audiobook that made me ponder a lot of my perspective. It was written by a woman who worked as a house cleaner in order to pay her bills during a really rocky financial season.
The reviews on Amazon of this book are pretty harsh. Many people felt like she was pretty whiny and ungrateful.
I could see how one could feel like that from reading or listening to her book. But I also think that she was trying to do the best she knew how. It’s easy for us to judge others when we haven’t walked in their shoes.
I don’t know how I would be if I landed in the place she was in. Because of this, I shouldn’t point fingers. However, to be completely honest, I still found myself judging her or disagreeing with her at times. It was good for me to recognize that and consider why and if there was valid reason for feeling like that or if I was just being critical and lacking empathy.
Overall, my biggest takeaway from this book was the reminder to treat people in service jobs like people not commodities. It’s challenged me to smile at the man working at the Kroger meat counter or the woman handing me my order at the drive through or the woman cleaning the bathroom at the airport.
Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear what you thought.
Verdict: 3 stars
What have you been reading recently? Any books you think I really need to read soon? I’d love to know!
