While it looks like I got a lot of reading done this week, the three books mentioned were finished early last week. I haven’t really read a lot since Saturday of last week. Instead, my husband and I binged on The Crown…and that’s really all I want to do! I cannot wait to get to the current season when Diana enters the scene!
Have you watched it? What are some other Netflix shows that are binge-worthy?
Last Week’s Reads:
*** Dog Flowers: A Memoir by Danielle Geller
This is a dark and unrelenting coming-of-age memoir of addiction, codependency, and grief. Geller’s mom and dad gave her and her sister a choatic upbringing, and while I really loved Geller’s writing style, this book felt more like 500 pages than 300. It was unnecessarily long and some of the stories began to feel repetitive – because let’s be honest, how different can stories be when dealing with addicts that continually relapse and need to crash on your couch again? Geller seems to be the only one who escapes the addiction lifestyle – her mom, dad, and sister continually repeat the same cycle – and she makes a life for herself as a college professor in Canada. This book demonstrates the effects of generational trauma well and I was hopeful that Geller had finally broke out of that lifestyle with her new husband. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
*** Happy Habits by Karen Salmansohn
40-45% of your daily habits are preprogrammed habits! Can you believe that? We run on automatic for almost half our days! With the new year quickly approaching, it’s a great time to reevaluate our daily habits and make some changes!
This book would make a great stocking stuffer for any of the loved ones are your list. It’s got simple habits to incorporate into your life. I took a lot of tips and I will be working on them from now until the new year!
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Wow! I am continually amazed at the people who go out and change the world…Bryan Stevenson is one such person. I’m intrigued by their drive and passion (and, admittedly, it always makes me wonder what I could be contributing to the world if I could find something to be equally driven and passionate about, but I digress).
It has become Stevenson’s life mission to end mass incarceration in America. He advocates to extend mercy to people convicted of crimes and demonstrates what that looks like in the most beautiful way. He sees prisoners as humans first and treats them with dignity and respect.
“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy
His caseload is huge and only seems to be growing. This is a wonderful book – truly inspiring – and reciprocates a lot of what Brittany K. Barnett writes about in her book, A Knock at Midnight (equally as wonderful and inspiring). Both of these books should be on everyone’s TBR! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Current Reads:
*** To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Jeff Shaara
Since starting this book, I realize that Shaara is a widely known author for tackling war stories. I can see why he’s so popular – his stories are easily digestable and quick to read. I do find some of the dialogue a bit unnecessary and cheesy, but this story about Pearl Harbor still has me intrigued. One of the perspectives is a new sailor aboard the Arizona, and while my grandfather wasn’t at Pearl Harbor, he was in the Navy so I like to think this kid reminds me of him.
*** Apollo’s Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of Coronavirus On the Way We Live by Nicholas A. Christakis
After reading What’s Nonfiction’s review of this one, I knew I needed to read it immediately. While we’ve all been obsessed with Coronavirus this year, I’m fascinated by our response to it, not only as a nation, but as a whole world too. I’m anxious to see if this meets some of my most pressing needs: how did society react to previous pandemics and how will this affect our life going forward (ie: what is our “new normal”)?
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
I’m still stuck at 70%! I’ve decided I’m going to finish this one – no matter what! – but I’m going to have to incorporate the audiobook in order to accomplish that. Sadly, this just isn’t what I was hoping it would be.
*** The Office of Historical Corrections: A Novella and Stories by Danielle Evans
It’s been awhile since I picked this one up – but the good thing is that it’s a collection of stories so I won’t be lost! I hope to get back to it soon!
Happiest When Reading 
I’m glad I could convince you to read Apollo’s Arrow! I found it so interesting and helpful, and I think it’ll help answer some of those questions you mention.
Ooh, that’s tough to hear that Obama’s book isn’t easy to get through. I’ve only read the preface and the first few pages and like it from that tiny bit, but it’s a hefty one if you’re not loving it.
And I loved Just Mercy! One of my favorites, and I’m so impressed and humbled by the work that he does.
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I loved the first 30% of the book but the wheels quickly began to fall off for me!
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Oh no, what a shame! Maybe just too much information on the topic all at once and you can come back to it?
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I hope so!!!
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I’m so thrilled that you loved Just Mercy. It is one of my all-time favorites and it definitely compliments A Knock at Midnight. Sigh, I’m still at just 40% of Obama’s book. I’m listening on audio, but I also have to listen to my regular podcasts and it’s so long – ha!
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Ugh…I hear you! Sooooo long!!!
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Happiest When Reading
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