26. Read 50 books or more.
Wow, did I ever plow through some books in January. Can't wait to share! 28 down now, 22 to go. Here are the eight books I put on my list in January.
21. My Reading Life by Pat Conroy
Loved, loved, loved this book. I have enjoyed other books by Pat Conroy, and reading this one was special, as it focused on his own experience with influential books and people in his life. I couldn't help but continue thinking how raw the writing was. I so appreciated his stories of being turned down, beaten down, slowed down - and living through it. It was an inspiring reminder of how even the very successful people out there often have stories of others that discouraged them. I loved hearing about his successes and failures. Pat Conroy doesn't disappoint - he shares his gritty writing and eloquent language to tell these stories, and I loved reading his Reading Life.
22. Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
Not my favorite from Mitch Albom; I've enjoyed other writings of his more. But - an interesting paralleled story of two lives. Might be worth a look.
23. Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls
I really enjoyed reading her previous book, The Glass Castle, so I was excited my sister gave me this one for Christmas. The first half of the book I really enjoyed, but as it carried on, I felt less inclined toward the main character. Only at the end did I read that Walls created a good portion of the story, recounted by her mother, not her grandmother (the main character). I understand this is often the case under the circumstances, but I wish I had realized it at the beginning. Definitely a different kind of read - worth checking out.
24. Socks by Beverly Cleary
My daughter, who is allergic to all things animal, is a rabid reader of animal books. She's been asking me to read about Socks for months now. I love Beverly Cleary, so I finally had the chance for this one, which ended up taking me just about an hour (if that) to read. It was a sweet little story, but I have to say, I felt really sorry for Socks through the whole book. I really even still felt sorry for Socks at the end. So, this one tugged my heart strings, but perhaps not in the way Cleary intended. I think children get something totally different out of this book than I did as a parent. An interesting juxtaposition!
25. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
If you have talked to me at all since December, I've probably mentioned how much I L-O-V-E-D the first in this series, The Hunger Games. I tried to put off reading the second one but couldn't. Loved Catching Fire too. I loaned The Hunger Games to my mom - she returned it very quickly and asked right away if I had the second one! The third one is in my stack and calling my name... These books are different than anything else I've been reading in a long time - which is part of why they are just so much darn fun!
26. To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donahue
This book was given to me by my sweet friend Anneliese (yes, the one I'm walking to see in Chicago!). She wrote me a special note inside to say, "Happy birthday Brandi! YOU are a blessing. I just wish there wasn't so much space between us. :) Love, Anneliese" I so treasure that! I love the blessings included in this book, and the intimate life moments they represent. Thanks so much Anneliese! I loved reading this and will open it often for inspiration!
27. Pendragon: The Merchant of Death by D. J. McHale
Okay, this series is mighty popular with boys I know right now. Taylor and his best friend Caleb both wanted me to read it. It came highly recommended by these two readers I trust. I love when they get into book conversations with me! So - I'm sorry I say how hard I have found it to get into. Maybe because I am neither a boy, nor am I 10 years old. That normally doesn't stop me, but I think McHale hit his niche - and I'm not in it. Taylor and Caleb love Pendragon - and while I don't share the same enthusiasm for the series - I share a lot of enthusiasm for them. :)
28. Percy Jackson: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
THIS series - on the other hand - I can't get enough of reading. The kids and I read this one (and the previous three in this series) together, and we have all enjoyed them. Can't wait to read the fifth and final one soon! We've been really spreading these out and taking our time with them. Rick Riordan makes me laugh out loud sometimes. I love Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and the other charcters he has created in these stories. We all enjoy looking up the Greek stories later, and I thank Riordan for bringing these ancient stories to new generations in his unique way.
Happy reading! I'm already plowing into the next reads - can't wait to share them with you as I reach my goal!
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