In recent months, I’ve been publishing a list of the books I’ve read each month. These were formerly listed in our monthly newsletter Voyage News. However, for the sake of space, and to offer more commentary about the books I’ve read, I’ll be including them here instead.
As many of you know, my typical goal is to read 5 books each month. In many cases, there is no rhyme or reason to what I read (aside from books read for sermon prep). This accounts for a pretty wide spectrum of books in any given month. I think this will be evident with the list shared below. How do I read 5 books each month? For one, I make use of audio, digital and physical books. While driving, I can listen to books. While waiting for an appointment, I can open up my Kindle app on my phone and read. And I do both of these things. Still, my preferred method (and the one I use the most) is to read physical books. Like a carpenter uses a hammer, I’m well-known for using a pen to mark up pages, underline words, and jot down a note or two in the margin of the pages. And “Yes,” I do have my favorite pens! All said, the month of August was less productive when it came to reading. However, here's a list of the 3 books I made it through, followed by a quick review.
1. “I’m Glad My Mom Died” - Jeanette McCurdy
I was fascinated by this book’s title. What would compel a childhood actress to write such a book, and use such a title? After reading the book, hearing how she was raised, and coerced into acting, and her battle with anorexia that her mom put her up to, I now know why? After reading this, I now have a new understanding and appreciation for what many childhood actors/actresses go through. It’s not pretty and now I get it! I give the book 4 stars.
2. “Sweet Thursday” - John Steinbeck
This book is the second book of the Cannery Row series. In the last couple of years, I have developed a love for reading Steinbeck. He is a different writer, but one that I’ve grown especially fond of. His style is simple, but I love how he develops the characters, and his style in general. Nonetheless, I didn’t like this one as much as the first book in the series. It was slow, plodding, and less interesting than other Steinbeck books. I give this book 3 stars. Still, I hope to press on and get to another Steinbeck novel soon.
3. “Right Thing, Right Now.” - Ryan Holiday
Taking the Stoics as his model, and now the four virtues they espoused as a further guide, Holiday has published some really good, historical reads. The focus in this one was on justice, and Holiday uses a great mix of figures, past and present, who model for us what justice looks like. On the whole, it was hard to give this book anything less than 5 Stars!
