*My acquired books from our holiday in Northumberland. Plus a great paper bag.*

Unfortunately I am many months behind in sharing my latest reads. I’m not sure I can catch up, nor that anyone would want to read all the recaps, but I decided I’m going to start catching up and see where it leads. Perhaps my interest and energy will flag, or perhaps I’ll put them all on here and no one will care. Either way, I’ll give it a go. It’s going to be epic so peruse at your own risk.

APRIL READS

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

I read the first of this series in March. We gave this three book series on audiobook to the girls for Christmas and it is often a relisten for them. I have overhead them bits and pieces around the house, but finally decided to listen to them myself starting in March with the first, The Enchanted Wood. They were good listens while I worked away in my studio.

This second one is a continuation of style of the first with the same little brother and sisters characters and an enchanted forest with a magical tree and a myriad of characters that they encounter in and at the top of the tree. I find the series cute and classic, if not a bit silly. A fun listen while I’m busy, but not sure I would have read these just as a fun read otherwise. Quite beloved by children, mine included.

The Book your Pastor Wishes You Would Read (but is too embarrassed to ask) by Christopher Ash

I picked up this small book on recommendation. It was a quick read and nothing too surprising. If you have been in a church for a while and are a reasonably considerate person, you should know these things; but perhaps that is cheekily assuming too much. Worth a read, though highly Western church mindset in my opinion. Would be so interesting to hear someone from another culture’s thoughts on this church and pastoral subject. Regardless, probably should be available on most church’s bookshelves as a gentle reminder to parishioners to think outside themselves and their expectations.

The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

The third in the series. Charming as the rest and just more fun stories about the siblings and their many folk friends they’ve met in the Faraway tree.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Continuing on my listening to audiobooks while I work in my studio, I decided to revisit The Wonderful Wizard of Oz which I have not read in many years. I found the first 7 books available as audiobook for free and dove in. The narrator is not my favorite, but this first book was a fun and interesting read to revisit after having become super familiar with the film the most over the years. It was interested to be reminded what was changed for the film and what the original story included. As usual, the book is more fun and more interesting.

(I did listen to it, but this photo includes my classic copy of the first book which I have long had, mostly because of its classic status and the super iconic illustrations from W.W. Denslow.)

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I’m sure I read this book when I was very young, but I don’t really remember. I do remember the film though. I absolutely hated it and was terrified of the opening scenes when Mary’s parents and most of the village were dying. Nightmares that I still remember. All this to say I have always been a bit hesitant to revisit the book. But I’m so glad I finally did. Early summer when I was working loads of hours on somewhat mindless work, I decided to listen to a new audiobook version I had found for the girls. I was delighted to find how captivated I was by the story. It is enchanting. And now that I like in the UK, I appreciate the little robin that Mary encounters so much more! European robins are so different from American ones and they are truly are adorable and very cheeky! I love them, and the character of the robin in The Secret Garden is a favorite now. I really did love this audiobook and I recently picked up a pretty copy of the book too so I may reread it this next spring too!

The Haunted Wood by Sam Leith

I should probably devote an entire blog post to this book, but given how behind I am on talking about books here, I will try to just give a short review. Loved this book. One of my top favorite books. Mark surprised me with it for Christmas and I positively loved it, (he may be a bit smug about this.). It is a history of children’s literature in the UK. While I am quite familiar with the history of children’s literature in the US, and the US children’s literature market in general, my British literature knowledge was quite lacking. I am mostly familiar with those books that made it to the US and became well-known. But there are many that are crucial to the history, culture, market, and childhoods of British life. This book does a marvelous job covering that in a super interesting manner. I learned so much, found many books to hunt down, and have a vastly better understanding of all the children’s sections I peruse across the UK. I now walk around them and recognize so many more books and authors. Even though I still haven’t read a large portion of them, Leith’s book gave me a knowledge of who and what they are and the important roles they play in literature life that shaped the UK. Leith’s writing style is engaging and detailed in just the right places. I have many underlined section and a massive list of books to read based on his recommendations. So grateful for this and will likely return to it often. (Thanks Mark.)

Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones

I loved Howl’s Moving Castle so surprisingly much, I could not wait to read the other two in the series. This second one was so vastly different from what I expected and yet just as good. Impressive really, when an author can carry a sequel just as well as the first story.

I think what I loved most about this second one was that it wasn’t just a continuation of the first. It was a completely different story with different characters until about midway to 2/3s through when they collide with the beloved characters from the first book. Genius. And such a mysterious and interesting read.

MAY READS

Channel of Revival by Andrew A Woolsey

I read this short biography on recommendation of our pastor and wife. It is a biography of Scottish evangelist Duncan Campbell. It is a quick read, occasionally monotonous; but overall a thoughtful look at a faithful preacher’s life. There were a good many quotes and thoughts that I highlighted and chewed on for a bit.

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold

A new friend in the UK had recommended this book to us last year as one of her daughter’s favorite reads. I had noted it down, but quite forgot about it until I saw that Hannah Gold was coming to speak at Hay Festival in May. I decided the girls and I should go hear her talk about her work and the upcoming sequel to the book, so I quickly hunted down a used copy of The Last Bear. It was a lovely read. Not my usual type of book, with a heavy emphasis on conservation; but Hannah writes a good story, mixing real facts with an imaginative tale. The setting was fascinating - an 11 year old girl spending 6 months with her widowed father on an Arctic island documenting scientific research. She encounters a polar bear seemingly abandoned on the island and a strange, dangerous, and charming friendship ensues. This is such an interesting story given it is steeped in reality about the issues with climate change, endangered animals, and woven together with a fictional story that I’m sure every animal-loving kid wishes could actually happen to them.

Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James

Anna James was another author set to speak at May’s Hay Festival and her books looked so interesting, I booked the tickets without having read any yet. I then found this first book secondhand and devoured it. Such fun writing! And a fantastic idea. Tilly lives in a bookstore (an absolute dream!) with her grandparents and wonders about the mysterious abandonment by her mother years ago. She encounters some new, oddly familiar friends in the bookstore and an adventure and mystery unfolds that is stranger than fiction. I really loved the characters and the writing immensely – except one somewhat important plot point that shocked me and still bugs me a lot. I can’t give it away without spoiling the ending of the book, but I’m really surprised Anna James got away with this idea in a children’s novel! I would love to have a coffee with her publisher and ask what they were thinking. Neither of my girls have read it yet, but I’m already wondering if they’ll notice and question it and what questions might ensue. Sorry to be so cryptic, but I really do recommend reading the book as it is fantastic and then call me to chat and see if you struggled with the same thing I am! I need a friend to talk about this with, poor Mark has heard his fill!

I cannot wait to read the rest of the series…

Also sidenote, the girls and I loved Anna James’ talk at Hay Festival. She was so fun and engaging. We bought her newest book, and learned a lot of fun facts about Alice in Wonderland and the copyright on classic novels.

JUNE READS

The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke

This is a book I spotted in the Hay Festival bookshop and thought was too beautiful to not give it a read. (Yes, it is OK to judge a book by its cover sometimes.) I then booked last minute tickets for the girls and I to hear Cornelia Funke speak as well. We loved her talk and all couldn’t wait to read the book which is set in Brooklyn and involves a lot of fascinating facts and riddles about plants. It was an enjoyable read, but I would honestly say, not one of my favorites. Maybe I am not obsessed enough with plants to really get it. I really liked Cornelia though and her research and writing style are great. I am hoping to look up and read some of her other, quite famous novels which I have yet to read.

And the art and cover of this book are still so gorgeous I haven’t parted with it yet. Love Melissa Castrillón’s work!

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

The third book in the Howl’s Moving Castle series, or pseudo-series. Another wildly fascinating read that is related to Howl’s Moving Castle but in strange interconnected ways. This one is perhaps a bit closer to Howl’s Moving Castle than the second was in the beginning; but you again don’t see much of the beloved main characters from the first book until well into this third one. Diana Wynne Jones’ writing is absolutely fantastic though. I just adore her style and her imagination. I’m so glad I read about her in Leith’s The Haunted Wood and realized I should look her up. While she is surprisingly compared to C.S. Lewis sometimes, I think she holds her own place and stories in the children’s literature world and should be beloved on her own right.

Also, while Miyazaki’s film Howl’s Moving Castle is pretty good, it doesn’t come close to the brilliance and fun of the book. The book is definitely and not suprisingly better. The movie is beautiful and… bizarre.

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

We finally finished The Chronicles of Narnia series as a family! It has been a long time since I read The Last Battle and I had not remembered how very strange it is. This reading, the first for Mark and the girls, coincided interestingly with me starting a study in Revelation too. What a trip of stories! The girls have listened to it on audiobook a few times since and I’m glad as more depth and understanding comes with further reads. The problem of Susan was not as jarring as I feared (if you read my links post from a few months ago, I posted a few articles about it as I was dealing with it personal and parentally.) It is a good book, but also a strange way to finish out such a beloved series. Still chewing on my thoughts.

Paths in the Snow by Jem Bloomfield

We had a Hay Festival theme with our church team celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; so my spring was drenched in all things Lewis. While doing research for the talks, quotes, and everything; I came across this book and decided to read it. I LOVED it. Such a brilliant book. Pastor Jim Bloomfield takes a chapter by chapter approach through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and discusses important things that crop up. It was a delightful read and added so much critical thinking and reading to my own journey through a very familiar story. It was especially enjoyable and helpful to have a British person and pastor’s perspective as he drew out details and things I didn’t understand or catch simply because of my own American background. Highly recommend it, for those reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for the first time; but especially for those familiar with the story who would like to ponder on it more meaningfully.

The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix

I’ve had this book for several years and kept hoping to pick it up. I knew that John Hendrix was speaking at a conference we were attending in July, so I finally gave it my attention. Truly an excellent read. It is part graphic novel, part chapter book and it is a thrilling account of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It is beautiful, engaging, challenging, and a joy to read.

Tumtum and Nutmeg by Emily Bearn

An absolutely delightful middle-grade read, I finally delved into the beloved world of Tumtum and Nutmeg. It is a charming tale about a mouse couple and their gorgeous mansion hidden in a small, family cottage. It is a simple story, cute characters, and especially adorable pencil illustrations by Nick Price throughout. Charming.

Room for Good Things to Run Wild by Josh Nadeau

Probably one of my top reads of the year, I burned through this book so fast. Granted I was ill and in bed for a day, but I truly loved this read. I guess it could be defined as mostly memoir as Josh Nadeau shares some of the hardest parts of his adult journey with faith, failure, depression, alcoholism and his realizations about Jesus. It was challenging and so encouraging, especially as we’ve hit this middle-of-life stage. I underlined much and cried a bit, but ultimately closed the book reminded of how good God is and how gently and firmly He holds me.

Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

Joanna fell in love with this cover at a secondhand shop during our Easter break. I couldn’t remember if I had ever read this series, though I remember seeing it on my sister’s bookshelves, but with the old, dated covers. I asked Jo if I could read it as she wasn’t getting to it yet.

It is a sweet read, very reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables with the plot of an orphan raised by older people and she has a very vivid imagination and wants to be a writer. There were parts I really enjoyed and some parts I very much did not. It definitely deals with some darker things than Anne, and LMM seems to be intrigued by psychic powers to an uncomfortable level. Overall a nice read, but not one I would return to I think. It is a slow read and I’m curious if Joanna does eventually read it how she’ll understand and experience the time period.

Definitely a good case study in judging a book by an updated cover. This new illustrated cover by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini is just gorgeous!

JULY READS

Oz books 2-6 by L. Frank Baum

I’m going to lump these 5 books together as it is easier. I listened to all of these while working in July. And they are all strangely similar, odd, quite tedious, and not great reads. It’s the same narrator as The Wizard of Oz that I listened to earlier in the year. He isn’t great as a narrator, but I also just don’t think these books have aged well. I would love to research and know more about how Baum was received in his own era and how this whole series came about. I know bits and pieces, but I’m sure the history of them is interesting. I have the 7th book on audio as well, and there are many more, but I decided to stop after The Emerald City of Oz as I just didn’t love them and the end of the 6th is the original end to the series. Baum seems to picked Oz back up and continued to write stories to supplement his income at a struggling financial time and for his fans.

If you love the Oz series, I’d love to chat and hear your experience and thoughts!

The Great Escape by Emily Bearn

The second book about Tumtum and Nutmeg, this book has all the adorable pencil illustrations and very little of the charm. It isn’t poor Tumtum and Nutmeg’s fault though as this book is mainly about their friend General Marchmouse, who is a terrible friend, a selfish old mouse, and causes all kinds of issues and mayhem. I did not like him one bit and really disliked this chaotic story. Hopefully I can forget about it after a bit and move on to the next book in the series. I really want to read the Christmas one! And hopefully the delight and charm will return.

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

One of the many recommended books that I picked up because of The Haunted Wood book above, His Dark Materials is a cult classic “children’s series” in the UK. Northern Lights is the first book in the series and was published in 1995, two years before the first Harry Potter. This is an important thing to note in my opinion and I have lots of thoughts on this book, and the series as a whole.

First off, I couldn’t put it down. Thrilling read, complicated story, never had any idea where it was headed. I should note that the first book was published in the US as The Golden Compass and was also made into a film by the same name, but it never took off in the US as it seemingly did in the UK. The film bombed terribly, but is a bit of a cult classic for those who grew up seeing it apparently. I’m glad I was spared, to be honest.

Secondly, I don’t recommend the book much at all, especially not for middle grade. I put “children’s series” in quotes because I vehemently disagree that this is a children’s novel. The main character is an eleven year old girl, but that’s just about the only reason I can see that it has been placed in the children’s literature category. This series is dark. It deals with big adult issues and themes and while I don’t doubt that kids would enjoy the pace, suspense, and intense universe that has been built for the series; I could not imagine my 11 or 13 year olds reading it and understanding or enjoying the complexities. And the danger, confusion between good and evil, and the problematic content just doesn’t seem worth it. Pullman also has a strong opinion on Christian theology and does not hide that throughout the series, which I would be fine with if it didn’t feel so heavy-handed. He has a real beef with the idea of God and didn’t hide it.

Don’t get me wrong, if you know me at all you know I don’t believe in censoring books. But I do think things should be labeled well for children or not. In my opinion, this book is clearly written by an adult male who has intense opinions on theology, humanity, sexuality, and the world. He would be fascinating to listen to and have a debate with. But, I don’t think he writes or thinks like an 11 year old girl. I was one was, and I’ve had two of them very recently with lots of friends, so I think I can speak on this pretty authoritatively. I started to talk through some of the fascinating plot that came up with my girls while I read it, assuming that they would want to read it too; but as it went along, I realized this wasn’t for them. And they felt that way too. I told my more adventurous 11 year old reader she was welcome to read it, but I told my reasons why I questioned if she would enjoy it. I struggle to put into words exactly what the problem is outside of major adult themes; but I think the overall issue is that it is more agenda driven than fantastical plot-driven. My 11 year old wants brilliant world-building and fantastical creatures and adventure. Not a subtly disguised plot around class, puberty, God, and power. And she wants it to end well, or at least thoughtfully.

My last major issue with this book (and the series as a whole, but we’ll get there soon enough) is Pullman has no concern or care for his characters. Aside from the main character of course, the others are all seemingly indispensable. All three books, an important, beloved secondary character is killed off. I hated it. I wanted to throw this first book across the room when he did it. I felt betrayed by the author, not by the plot. I also hate when books end with a clear point that there is another book coming.

So, I read it with gusto and couldn’t put it down; but I wrestled so hard with it all and ultimately felt depleted, annoyed and betrayed by the end. Not a top book in my opinion; but I’m still desperate to find Brits who read it and want to discuss it. If that’s you, let’s get coffee!

Giant by Judith McQuoid

Very excitedly picked up this read in person at the conference we attended and got to have my conference-friend Judith sign it! I was so excited to know it came out and I could see her again too. Giant is a lovely, fictionalized story about C.S. Lewis as a boy. The main character is a Belfast boy just a couple years older than young Jack Lewis who becomes a companion and friend to Jack. Judith apparently based it on some of Jack’s life, but also on her own grandfather’s life and childhood. It is a gentle read, imaginative, and thoughtful on issues of class, dreams, and friendship.

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Go back and read my thoughts on the first one if you need a reminder because all of that applies to this second one, but even more so. This second one has the same feeling I felt in the second Lord of the Rings book – you already know the plot and you know there is a third book to come. You are stuck in the middle of the mess with very little hope. And really, Pullman writes with no hope. There is more death in this one, more complications, and more intensity. Also, the character who dies in this one was even worse. You’ve been warned. I was fuming and everyone in my house knew why. Never trust Pullman to protect characters you’ve gotten attached to.

AUGUST READS

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

Yes, I was invested. I had to get to the end point. I bought books 2 and 3 together so I was determined to finish. I was attached as much as I could be to Lyra, the main character and I was also wildly curious to know where Pullman was going with all of this. But my main thoughts from the first book continue to carry through to the end. Book 3 ramped it all up even more though. There was no redemption. There was some weird sexual awakening implications which I found highly disturbing for a 12 year old. And you end heartbroken with Lyra. There’s no God. And it is all up to you to make the world work and yet it all felt meaningless. Perhaps I’m being too harsh, but that was how I felt and it hasn’t dissipated after a couple months. Brilliant series read, but ultimately hated it. Ha! Not sure I’ve said that before. Seriously, if you’ve read it, let’s chat. Mark has heard his fill and I need someone who knows and can debate it with me!

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

I had my eye on this one for a while and then was thrilled to find it at a National Trust secondhand bookshop for £2. There seems to be quite a trend with translated Japanese novels. (And many feature a cat on the cover!) This book was really interesting. I felt like I was getting a peek into Japanese life and culture; but I overall wondered if stuff was lost in translation. The tone of the book was really interesting, but again is that the translation or the original Japanese tone? I was also surprised to realize that the Morisaki Bookshop isn’t really the focus of the story at all. The plot of the book is following a young, single woman as she recovers from a bad breakup and moves to live above her uncle’s bookshop and get back on her feet. There were some references to books she picked up and read from the shop – all of which were Japanese titles and authors and none I knew! Overall, I’m glad I read it and got the look at Japanese culture from this author, but it wasn’t a favorite. I like bookshop books to be about the shop too. Not just the mostly unimportant backdrop.

Ejaculate Responsibly by Gabrielle Blair

How’s that for a title and cover that will smack you in the face?! I was excited to finally get a copy of this. I’m a longtime reader of Gabrielle’s blog Design Mom (even have two interviews on there I did while living in NYC and I got to meet her at one of her other book signing events!). I loved following her long twitter thread about the abortion issue that she then expounded and turned into this little book. Gabrielle is a passionate writer and great at laying things out clearly. Designer through and through. The book is formatted for strong points followed by descriptions. It is a quick, but very thoughtful read. I personally don’t love the provocative cover, but I think the discussion, her points, and getting attention to it are all highly valid reasons for the title and design.

The main points that Gabrielle makes are about the focus of the abortion issue always being on women rather than men who cause 100% of wanted or unwanted pregnancies. She clearly lays out biological facts about when a women is fertile compared to when a man is and how ineffective it is to focus solely on women’s bodies for birth control. I highly recommend reading it and contemplating all the facts. No matter where you stand on abortion, it’s really helpful to see her point out that the starting point for argument and solution is really in the wrong place.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Our latest family read was one picked by Mark. He’s been trying to convince the girls to listen to this since one of them was at least 5. The first time he tried, the first chapter gave nightmares. This time was much more successful and I would have to say we all enjoyed the full book sans nightmares. The girls were quite hooked and wanted to know how it would end, and then once they knew – said they never wanted to read it again. Ha! Another classic book for a bygone era that I wonder how it continues to hold up. It is quite intense, bloody, and doesn’t have much for virtue in the plot. I don’t know that I ever read it when I was younger, though I could always tell you exactly what happened based on a Wishbone episode. (My love for Jack Russell Terriers and reading can easily be traced back to this show.) It was a fun family read, and we also enjoyed looking up the 1990 film version with a 15 year old Christian Bale and Charlton Heston.

SEPTEMBER READS

Fablehouse by E.L. Norry

I heard about this book at a conference I went to in July. The premise of the talk was wondering who this generation of kids might look at as Pevensie-type protagonists heroes (Pevensies for those who don’t know are the siblings in The Chronicles of Narnia). One of the panelists listed the kids in this book as possible contenders or at least as interesting characters indicative of the current values and personalities. I was intrigued.

Fablehouse is a very interesting read. It is set in the 1950s in England in a small town that contains a children’s home for specifically unwanted black children. The main character is Heather, a 10 year old girl who is struggling with moving from home to home, the scars of life with her mentally unstable mother, and longing to belong somewhere. She finds a few close friends at Fablehouse and the story turns abruptly when they encounter a stranger not only to their town but to their century. Very fun and mysterious melding of historical 1950s in England and the worldview of the times during King Arthur and his knights.

I overall really enjoyed reading it and was very engaged, but I can’t say it grabbed me as a classic like many other middle grade novels I encounter. I really loved the setting historically and being sparked to learn more about the history of black children’s homes in that era – something I had never heard about. The mixture of folklore was also interesting, but I found it a bit choppy in flow for my taste. And I got annoyed by the description of Heather’s inner turmoil.

I just realized there is a second one, so I’ll wait to give my opinion on Pevensie-type protagonists until I read that and see how they hold up in a sequel. Although… I will go ahead and say, this book doesn’t fit well as a comparison since you only ever exist in Heather’s perspective and experience. It’s a singular protagonist, as opposed to four to get to know. But perhaps that is fixed in the second one… we’ll see.

Sidenote, but it bugs me that the title is two words on the cover, but the home in the story is called Fablehouse.

All Nations, Tribes, People & Tongues by Phylicia Masonheimer

I took a couple months this year to do a deep dive into Revelation and this study guide was so immensely helpful. It is a verse-by-verse study of Revelation and had the most helpful cross-references to other passages of Scripture to help discern what was being referenced in the book.

I have followed Phylicia on socials for a long time and one of my favorite things about her theological teaching is that she does not say what view to take on something. That stays true here. She presents the four main eschatological views to the book and then leaves you to do the critical thinking, reading, and discerning about what view you see and hold. I learned a lot through this study and feel so much more insight into the book of Revelation.

And ultimately, I left the book as she intended: focusing on the heart of God and His love and sovereign plan for the world.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

What an interesting novel. I avoided it for a time due to its popularity, but when I came across a secondhand copy, I was intrigued to read it. It is thick, but I blew through it. Zevin is a great storyteller and her characters are truly fascinating. There is a level of research and details in her books that amaze me.

This fiction novel is a story about friendship, love, and video-gaming. I found it incredibly hard to put down and ultimately enjoyed it though I do not like some of the decisions that Zevin made. This is my second Zevin novel and I think she is just an author that I disagree with some of her choices and can’t trust her to do what I hope. [Tiny spoiler] I hate when characters are killed off. And she did it both books I’ve read so far. Her novels are fascinating and intricate storytelling, but she doesn’t lean into hope, redemption, forgiveness or joy – all things I treasure and value and don’t understand why you don’t craft a narrative that way when you have control over it. Life is hard enough without reflecting it intensely in a fiction novel. But I have read and watched interviews with her and I know we have pretty different worldviews, so appreciate a glimpse into her take on life and meaning and friendship.

The video-gaming aspect of the book was so interesting. There’s a part of the narrative that is written entirely within a gaming sequence. I am not a gamer myself and probably didn’t understand a lot of the technical details that formed that part of the story; but I appreciated the world and depth they added to the characters lives and interests.

Disclaimer heads up, there is a small amount of sexual content between two characters that I got uncomfortable with and ended up skimming and skipping parts. Didn’t need it in the plot and wish it wasn’t there, so be forewarned if you read.

Ultimately enjoyed reading the book and it gave me lots to think about for storytelling and friendship.

The Book That No One Wanted To Read by Richard Ayoade

Was given this book by a friend just for fun and it is very strange and silly. Quick illustrated novel read with lots of humorous images and cartoons throughout.

She Deserves Better by Sheila Wray Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky

Epicly good book. I don’t even think that is a word, but I’m making it work. I’ve had this for a bit too long before finally reading it. I loved every bit of it. Underlined, disagreed with, talked about, and thoroughly enjoyed all the things it made me think through and critique.

This book is especially geared towards girls like myself who grew up in Purity Culture in the Christian churches. The three authors share piles of research on the harm certain teachings have caused and the better way forward. They share stories of real women struggling through marriages, situations, and trauma all having to do with problematic teachings and practices in the Christian church.

And best of all, every chapter ends with a guide to discussing that chapter’s subject with your daughter to help talk through and spot problematic teaching and discuss what the Bible actually says. Loved it and highly recommend.

The Busy, Busy World of Richard Scarry by Walter Retan and Ole Risom

I’m not often a biography reader, but this book was fantastic. It is published in the shape of Scarry’s most famous large format picture books and is chock full of illustrations, book samples, and pictures from Scarry’s life. I loved reading all about Scarry and how he worked on books and spent his time. Just a really fascinating illustrator with an incredible output and career.

Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery

Book 2 in the series about Emily, this one was a bit more monotonous than the first. It starts with Emily being 14 and ends with her about 17. I still felt committed to finding out what happens to this character, but I found bits of this story annoying and tedious. The parts of the story that keep me going are the historical bits that form the backdrop for Montgomery’s storytelling. Life in Canada in the early 1900s. Clothing, lighting, roads, technology – all of it is an interesting piece to imagine how and why she wrote it as she did. Another gorgeous cover by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini and I will read the third one to give me some closure on this character and her story.

Whew! I did it. If you made it this far in this post, you deserve some sort of a prize. I read a lot these past few months and I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Hope you enjoyed seeing and hearing about some of them. Thanks for following along as much or as little as you did! 💚

reading catch-up