Bookish Thoughts for October
I did it! I reached my updated goal of reading 200 books in 2022! Woo hoo! October was a busier month which meant I didn’t fly through as many books. Honestly, hitting my goal also dampened my momentum a bit. We’ll see how many books I reach by the end of 2022, but I’m not feeling any pressure to keep up a certain pace. With a vacation, multiple birthdays, and seasonal activities, my time was spent differently this month. With the holidays right around the corner, I realize my calendar will continue to be full. A reading life has seasons just like real life. Some seasons are quieter with space to read and some are busier, but filled with good things and good people. It’s a balance. It’s been a fun experiment to see how much reading I can accomplish in a year. I’ve enjoyed it immensely and I look forward to two more months of adding to the grand total!
I frequently get asked how I read so much. Since it’s been a topic of conversation with my friends lately, I thought I would share here as well. Books are my preferred downtime activity. I watch very little television. Being a quick reader also helps. I can finish most books in a day or two. Non-fiction takes me slightly longer, but I can fly through novels. I’m not reading rocket science, that’s for sure! Our family schedule intentionally has margin for free time. It’s my goal to raise readers and I want to be a role model. I’m trying to create a culture of reading in our home. Books are valuable and time spent reading them is as well! Confession… I don’t like to cook. By making very simple meals, I don’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen (thus more free time). I tend to be a tidy, organized person. My daily routine helps keep the house manageable. This in turn helps my reading because I struggle to read in a disordered space. I would say routine and intentional time around the house are the key to my reading life.
Tops Picks for October
Non-Fiction: M Is for Mama: A Rebellion Against Mediocre Motherhood by Abbie Halberstadt. This book was recommended at book club. Despite the pacifier on the front, it’s really a book for all mothers in the child-raising years (Abbie is a mother of ten with kids ranging from toddlers to teenagers). I loved the Scripture through the book combined with Abbie’s encouragement. She is real and honest about the struggles of motherhood while calling women to rise up in their roles as a mama. As a person who tends to have very high personal standards, I could relate to the call of this book. For the tired, worn-out mama, this will be a gentle (and somewhat humorous) reminder that we are all human and we can turn to God in the midst of our imperfect mothering. God is our source and with him we can do great things. Motherhood is worthy calling. We have good, important work to do. I appreciated Abbie’s sincerity, optimism, and how she champions God’s Word. A very inspiring read, indeed.
Fiction: The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay. After re-reading Dear Mr. Knightley last month, I decided to read all of Katherine Reay’s novels this month. I enjoyed them all greatly. Katherine writes brilliant main characters. The characters have flaws and hardships, but I love how smart and strong they are. Also, her books are filled with literary references. She writes books about people who love books. As a bookworm, my heart is so happy to read about other bookworms! The Printed Letter Bookshop is about three women and the connection they forge in a small town bookshop. While Dear Mr. Knightley is still my favorite novel by Katherine, I gave this novel 5 stars as well!
Book List for October
1 Star = I did not like it. 2 stars = It was okay. 3 stars = I liked it. 4 stars = I really liked it. 5 stars = It was amazing.
Non-Fiction:
- Wild + Free Family: Forging Your Own Path to a Life Full of Wonder, Adventure, and Connection by Ainsley Arment – 4 stars
- M Is for Mama: A Rebellion Against Mediocre Motherhood by Abbie Halberstadt – 4 stars
Fiction:
- How to Walk Away by Katherine Center (Contemporary Fiction) – 3 stars
- The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay (Women’s Literary Fiction) – 3 stars
- Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay (Women’s Literary Fiction) – 3 stars
- Of Literature & Lattes by Katherine Reay (Women’s Literary Fiction) – 3 stars
- The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay (Women’s Literary Fiction) – 3 stars
- A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay (Women’s Literary Fiction) – 4 stars
- The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay (Women’s Literary Fiction) – 5 stars
- The London House by Katherine Reay (WWII Historical Ficton) – 4 stars
- Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult (Contemporary Fiction) – 3 stars
- The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett (Children’s Fiction) – 4 stars
- Merry Ex-Mas by Courtney Walsh (Sweet Christmas Romance) – 4 stars
- A Cross-Country Road Trip by Courtney Walsh (Sweet Christmas Romance) – 4 stars
- Royally (Re)arranged by Emma St. Clair (Sweet Royal Rom-Com) – 3 stars
Amy Scott's Thoughts 