Seems like this is the only thing I blog about anymore. But I love this little tradition and was entering another finished book on my list tonight and realized I had never written my book list for 2020. So here goes:
1. James Madison: Father of Religious Liberty by Rodney Smith- This one I was so excited to read. Rodney Smith was president of Southern Virginia University while I attended there and was a beloved mentor. He has done many great and interesting things in his career both before and since as well. Anyways, if there was anyone I wanted to read about this topic from, it was him. I really loved this book but it did take me a while to get through it. It was written almost in textbook format and with a nursing baby still not sleeping through the night, my reading sessions were often shortened by me falling asleep. But that doesn't discredit the amazing information I gleaned from this book. Take away: understanding the people that influenced someone's education and world perspective is crucial and the strength of America stems from its diversity of ideas and disagreements on policy. It is by coming together in compromise that we forge the bonds of unity and make new paths of wisdom.
2. Saints Vol 1: I have been wanting to read this one for a while and was glad to finally do it. Now I just need to tackle Vol. 2. I did this in a sort of Marco Polo book club discussion group with ladies from my ward back in Pocatello. We listened to a set of chapters every week and then discussed them together. Lots of history learned and the people in the stories we know become real and the struggles and complexities of faith become so much deeper and relatable and meaningful. People are not perfect in making decisions, but the Lord still moves his work forward. Also the Lord requires strict obedience from his disciples.
3. Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein: This was has sparked a whole series of dreams. I have always loved flowers-both growing and arranging them and this was a beautiful and helpful book to read. I made lots of flower arrangements this year from my yard and have plans for many more in the future. Bought my first seeds I am going to try and grow this spring and am working on overall plans for my flower garden dreams. Loved this book.
4. A Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruth McCumm: I started a book club here in Cottonwood which has proved to be a most interesting and energizing undertaking. Good things are happening even if it is different from my original vision. But we started with this book first because it takes place very locally to this area and I thought it would be a good first book to draw people into for the book club. It's one I had already read but I enjoyed it the second time around too.
5. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: Another re-read for me but still fun none the less. Not one I fell asleep to at night.
6. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman: I wasn't sure I liked this book at first but in the end I really liked the characters and things to be learned from the story. It made me a little uncomfortable with the suicide theme but spoke deeply to me with the theme of neighbors and friendliness and seeing each other and finding your place to belong and be needed. All things that have been close to the surface for me this year as a new person in a new town during the Covid pandemic shutdown and trying to find my place and stay mentally healthy. Had some great discussions from this book.
7. Heidi By Johanna Spyri: I was so excited to read this book because it was one of my most beloved movies as a child. At book club I discovered the copy I had was not a good original translation but was more of a watered down kid version. I was extremely disappointed by this. Still a beautiful story with all the good things but I missed out on the beautiful language and more in depth descriptions-which are things I love.
8. Book of Momon- read the whole thing with our family!
And that's it. I am getting back on track and reading more now-it always has to be a conscious choice and life is full and busy. Excited to have book club to hold me accountable for reading (even if we aren't reading things high on my wish list or type of books I love). I also have a number of other books I started this year but haven't quite finished yet. So to look forward to next year are my bread making book, Catholic Roots Morman Harvest, and Little Men.
