I somehow managed to read 75 books last year, which was a full fifteen beyond my original goal. If this pandemic gave me one thing, it was much more time to focus on reading (as well as perfecting the talent of maxing out the hold limit on both of our library cards). I do want to mention that I include all of our chapter book read-alouds in my final count—which ended up being 40 of my total number, but absolutely count, my friends. My daughters and I had so much more time to read together due to extended stay-at-home orders (many months here in California) and I'm grateful that we were able to find a bit of good during a year that held a lot of disappointment and worry. I'd love to share more of what we read (many of which were actually re-reads at the request of my daughters!) so perhaps I'll do that at some point this month or next.
As for what I chose to read for myself, I finished quite a few non-fiction books and actually ventured into the political ('twas the season), as I've been almost desperate to clear my head of the nonsense and confusing soundbites I hear and context-free graphics I see online, and actually read books written by those I respect politically or personally (or both). Aside from the political titles, I read two books on apologetics that absolutely changed me. One didn't make it onto this list, because I listened to it on audio and didn't have a photo handy, but recommend it to all Christians, nonetheless: Another Gospel by Alisa Childers.
As always, I read a solid number of thrillers (they're my literary junk food and I find them incredibly satisfying) and a precious few novels that were so beautifully written I literally hugged them when I finished the last pages. I also managed to get in a few memoirs, which are another favorite genre. All things considered, it was quite the bookish year, and I love looking back on the titles that filled up the last twelve months!
For the sake of keeping things somewhat simple, I chose nine titles to share as my favorites. Here are the titles (with Amazon links, because it's an easy way to get more information on the book—but borrowing from your local library is always my first recommendation):
Idaho, Emily Ruskovich — This book was the first one I finished reading last year, and this novel was absolutely breathtaking. The writing is so rich and beautiful, and although the story centers around unthinkable tragedy, the author handles the characters and each of their perspectives with so much grace. I cared deeply for each and every person within the book—and that's saying something, because there are many. Yes, this is one I hugged after the final chapter. I'm that grateful for a beautifully crafted novel.
The House at Pooh Corner, A.A. Milne — For years, I heard how witty and wonderful these books are, but the language seemed too challenging to read aloud until now. I'm so glad we picked up both this one and Winnie-the-Pooh last year, because each one of the girls loved these stories. These books completely delighted me. There is so much depth to the characters that you can only get from the books. Pooh's poems (or "hums") are the best, and now I want to walk around reciting Tiddley Pum all day long. We've seen all of the Winnie the Pooh movies at this point, and I love how throughout each one we can now say, "Hey, I remember that from the books!" Books over movies, amen and goodnight.
Half Magic, Edward Eager — I'm not sure where I saw this book recommended, but we absolutely adored it! It really took us by surprise, because we went into it not knowing much at all about the story, but it absolutely had us all laughing out loud. It's a charming, magical story about four siblings who find a magic coin that will grant exactly half of any wish that is made by whoever holds it. Does that sound simple? It's actually wildly complicated and makes for a wonderfully delightful story. It was quirky and creative and will remain one of our favorites. (Although, we did read the second book in the series and it did not at all live up to the first.)
Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer — If you are a Christian parent, this book is a must-read—whether you have babies, tweens, or kids in college. I would even recommend it to those who don't yet have children, or anyone who wants to learn more about worldviews and value systems that are infiltrating every aspect of our lives (yes, including our churches). It covers a ton of ground, including postmodernism, naturalism, feminism, and more. I underlined and dog-eared the heck out of this book, and I know it's going to be a re-read for me. (There's also a podcast under the same name that is worth a listen!)
Darling Rose Gold, Stephanie Wrobel — I read this one in two days (two days!) because it was so good. The book tells the story of a mother and daughter reuniting after the mom finishes serving time in prison for abusing her daughter (a munchausen by proxy situation). It was a captivating story and incredibly well written. There were plenty of twists and turns to make it a very satisfying read. (I'm grateful to my older sister for recommending this one; she will always be my book whisperer!)
This Tender Land, William Kent Krueger — This book was one that was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I cared so deeply for the main character after only a couple chapters, and the entire story was so beautifully written (even though it covers some heavy topics, and certain parts were very hard to read). It follows four orphans during The Great Depression who run away after unthinkable abuse, and an unexpected crime is committed. There is so much this book covers—I can hardly do it justice with a few words here. However, suffice it to say that it absolutely took me right into the world of the four main characters. An author who can manage that truly has a piece of my heart.
Don't Burn This Book, Dave Rubin — This was the perfect post-election book for me to pick up. I've admired Dave Rubin for years (I especially enjoy his podcast) and his book didn't disappoint. It felt a lot like listening to his podcast, actually, and his writing absolutely mirrors his voice perfectly. Although it is packed with information and filled with statistics, it is written in a way that is easy to consume—and has bits of his wit sprinkled in when you least expect it, which I appreciated. Over the last year, Rubin has shifted my thinking when it comes to conversations with those I have little to nothing in common with as far as political ideology and worldview. Not only that, but I kind of want to hang out with him.
Fortitude, Dan Crenshaw — I bought this book for my husband for Father's Day, and he enjoyed it so much (and finished it so quickly) that I was eager to pick it up myself. This book is a must-read for any conservative (or anyone interested in reading conservative views from someone who is respectful, intelligent, and measured). The author is an incredibly inspiring, and I deeply respect the way he presents himself—not only as a political figure, but also when it comes to his views on morality, sense of duty, perseverance, and the future of our country. It was another really timely read, and I absolutely recommend it.
Live Not by Lies, Rod Dreher — I would list this one as a must-read for all Christians. It was not an easy read (Dreher is much more of an "intellectual writer" as compared to the authors I typically choose) but it is filled with so much thought-provoking content. I finished it in December, and it was the perfect way to end such a tumultuous year. Although it isn't necessarily encouraging, it has helped me center myself as I find ways to live well as a Christian in our current culture.
If you have book recommendations, please send them my way! I feel much better about life when my library holds are at max capacity...
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