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I am currently reading...
I always try to read a fiction, a nonfiction, and have an audio book. If you have a library card you can get free audio books through your public library. Just go to their website. I had to download an app called OverDrive. Your library might use a different app. Sometimes you have to wait for others to get down with the book, but it's free and there is always something to read!
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Kyla's bookshelf: read
The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 was Christopher Paul Curtis’ first novel. He is an African American author that has earned Newbery Honors, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the Golden Kite Award.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 i...
The summary: "So go marry someone, provided you're equally yoked and you actually like being with each other. Go get a job, provided it's not wicked. Go live somewhere in something with somebody or nobody. But put aside the passivity and...
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book reviews:
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Started: June 2016
Finished: June 2016
This was my second audio-book for the summer. I loved the movie and wanted to see how close it was to the book. I held my breath as the narrator read the last sentence. I was immediately engrossed by Jacob Jankowski, whose parents moved to America in the early 1900's. The book has a double narrative of young Jacob and old Jacob; both reminiscing of his time working for the Benzini Brother's Most Spectacular Show on Earth! I thought the double narrative was perfectly easy to follow. If you like period pieces, this captures circus life in the early 1930's. HEADS UP...this is adult fiction. There are two parts that are not appropriate for young audiences.
Started: June 2016
Finished: June 2016
This was my second audio-book for the summer. I loved the movie and wanted to see how close it was to the book. I held my breath as the narrator read the last sentence. I was immediately engrossed by Jacob Jankowski, whose parents moved to America in the early 1900's. The book has a double narrative of young Jacob and old Jacob; both reminiscing of his time working for the Benzini Brother's Most Spectacular Show on Earth! I thought the double narrative was perfectly easy to follow. If you like period pieces, this captures circus life in the early 1930's. HEADS UP...this is adult fiction. There are two parts that are not appropriate for young audiences.
The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh
Started: May 2016
Finished: June 2016
This book was reviewed by the creator of Downton Abby, so it piqued my interest. I listed to this book on audio. I love audio books because I drive a lot! This book is about a young girl named Frances who figures out what she wants at exactly the wrong time; much like Mary from Downton Abby, but with red hair. This book was sexier than I thought it would be. It is definitely ADULT fiction. I gave it a 3 because I thought her flippantness was annoying. I like reading about strong female characters and Frances is painfully naive. At times you don't want things going her way because of how foolish she acts. The book does end with a happy ending! Hope that's not too much of a spoiler.
Started: May 2016
Finished: June 2016
This book was reviewed by the creator of Downton Abby, so it piqued my interest. I listed to this book on audio. I love audio books because I drive a lot! This book is about a young girl named Frances who figures out what she wants at exactly the wrong time; much like Mary from Downton Abby, but with red hair. This book was sexier than I thought it would be. It is definitely ADULT fiction. I gave it a 3 because I thought her flippantness was annoying. I like reading about strong female characters and Frances is painfully naive. At times you don't want things going her way because of how foolish she acts. The book does end with a happy ending! Hope that's not too much of a spoiler.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Started: 2015
Finished: 2015
I've wanted to read this book for the longest time. I saw it sitting on a friend's shelf and asked if I could borrow it. Sylvia Plath's life has always interested me. I've had times where I felt like I was under a bell jar. This book helped me connect to my friends who struggle with depression. I wouldn't say it's my favorite, and I wouldn't recommend it to the general public. The ironic thing is that people who have never struggled with depression would probably not get it, and the people who have struggled with depression it would make more depressed. It is a downer, but I do not regret reading it.
Started: 2015
Finished: 2015
I've wanted to read this book for the longest time. I saw it sitting on a friend's shelf and asked if I could borrow it. Sylvia Plath's life has always interested me. I've had times where I felt like I was under a bell jar. This book helped me connect to my friends who struggle with depression. I wouldn't say it's my favorite, and I wouldn't recommend it to the general public. The ironic thing is that people who have never struggled with depression would probably not get it, and the people who have struggled with depression it would make more depressed. It is a downer, but I do not regret reading it.
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
Started: July
Finished: October (I read non-fiction slowly. It is a lot to take in, so I tend to spread it out.)
Jen Wilkin soberly reminds us that the bible is a book about God. It's not about me or how I can make my life better. I recommend this to any woman who feels the weight of bible literacy like I did. (and still do) It gave me the courage and the tools to dive into The Word tether-less; no commentaries, no devotions. No one giving me all the questions and answers. No instant gratification or checking off "bible study" from my To-Do List. Wilkins encouraged me in enjoying the struggle. To be OK reading, rereading, and rereading again until I get it. One of the most practical things I took away is to photocopy the pages of your bible. Do this so that you can write in the margins easier. You can highlight, cross references, underline, and circle without worrying about destroying your bible.
This is a great book to go through with a small group or Sunday School group!
For more stuff check out Jen Wilkin's blog.
Started: July
Finished: October (I read non-fiction slowly. It is a lot to take in, so I tend to spread it out.)
Jen Wilkin soberly reminds us that the bible is a book about God. It's not about me or how I can make my life better. I recommend this to any woman who feels the weight of bible literacy like I did. (and still do) It gave me the courage and the tools to dive into The Word tether-less; no commentaries, no devotions. No one giving me all the questions and answers. No instant gratification or checking off "bible study" from my To-Do List. Wilkins encouraged me in enjoying the struggle. To be OK reading, rereading, and rereading again until I get it. One of the most practical things I took away is to photocopy the pages of your bible. Do this so that you can write in the margins easier. You can highlight, cross references, underline, and circle without worrying about destroying your bible.
This is a great book to go through with a small group or Sunday School group!
For more stuff check out Jen Wilkin's blog.
A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park
Started: June 13th, 2015
Finished: June 14th, 2015 (I read this in 24 hours. Could not put it down. Plus, it's really short.)
I found this at the library and remember hearing good things during my Teaching Middle School ELA class. I wanted to see if it would be worth my 7th grader's time and WOW! It is a book I will have them experience some way or some how. I probably won't be able to get ahold of 100+ copies so I will mostly likely read it aloud. I think it will be worth the time spent in class. It is a powerful and mostly true story (some parts of his life are fictionalized). It is a double narrative about a young boy named Salva and a young girl named Nya. His story is about life growing up in Sudan in the 1980's. Her story is about life in Sudan in 2008. It has such a satisfying ending that almost brought me to tears, but I will not spoil it for you.
Started: June 13th, 2015
Finished: June 14th, 2015 (I read this in 24 hours. Could not put it down. Plus, it's really short.)
I found this at the library and remember hearing good things during my Teaching Middle School ELA class. I wanted to see if it would be worth my 7th grader's time and WOW! It is a book I will have them experience some way or some how. I probably won't be able to get ahold of 100+ copies so I will mostly likely read it aloud. I think it will be worth the time spent in class. It is a powerful and mostly true story (some parts of his life are fictionalized). It is a double narrative about a young boy named Salva and a young girl named Nya. His story is about life growing up in Sudan in the 1980's. Her story is about life in Sudan in 2008. It has such a satisfying ending that almost brought me to tears, but I will not spoil it for you.
Unleader by Lance Ford
Started: April 2nd, 2015
Finished: June 12th, 2015
This book was given the group of interns I worked with last year. I knew this book was going to be heavy (not physically) but emotionally because of all it had to unpack. It feels like I'm relearning what a leader is and how to be one. It has basically taken everything I've learned from narcissistic church leaders and held it up to Jesus' model of leadership. We know that Jesus didn't lead by being charismatic, angry, having thousands of followers, or great leadership qualities. He led by example, and his example was that of a servant. This book will disparage the CEO/business model of churches today and urge us to a life of servant-hood. Jesus is perfection, following him and studying his life and ministry is the only way to truly lead.
Started: April 2nd, 2015
Finished: June 12th, 2015
This book was given the group of interns I worked with last year. I knew this book was going to be heavy (not physically) but emotionally because of all it had to unpack. It feels like I'm relearning what a leader is and how to be one. It has basically taken everything I've learned from narcissistic church leaders and held it up to Jesus' model of leadership. We know that Jesus didn't lead by being charismatic, angry, having thousands of followers, or great leadership qualities. He led by example, and his example was that of a servant. This book will disparage the CEO/business model of churches today and urge us to a life of servant-hood. Jesus is perfection, following him and studying his life and ministry is the only way to truly lead.
Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge
I had so many sisters in Christ recommend this book to me. So I finally got one of them to lend it to me. Surprisingly, it dug up some things from my past that I thought I had put behind me. This is most definitely a book I would read again and recommend to any young lady. |
A Christ Centered Wedding by Catherine Strode Parks & Linda Strode
Started: February, 8th 2015 Finished: March, 28th 2015 My sister-in-law gave this book to me way back when Lucas and I got engaged. I finally had time to read it. It helped me understand some of the traditions that go with having a wedding. It may change your mind about which traditions you include in your wedding ceremony. I know it change my mind on a few because of the beautiful picture of Christ it can show on that special day. |
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Started: October 1st, 2014
Finished: (Not quit finished yet)
I was loving this book, but I don't think it fits with my season of life right now. I've put it back on the shelf for now. I will be ecstatic to pick it back up again and see what the Lord will teach me from it!
"Whatever you do, the practice is intended to be a way of cultivating a habit, of learning to live praise, to make gratitude and joy your default, to move thanksgiving away from a holiday to a lifestyle-- that all the days might be holy and set apart for real joy." [pg 246]
Started: October 1st, 2014
Finished: (Not quit finished yet)
I was loving this book, but I don't think it fits with my season of life right now. I've put it back on the shelf for now. I will be ecstatic to pick it back up again and see what the Lord will teach me from it!
"Whatever you do, the practice is intended to be a way of cultivating a habit, of learning to live praise, to make gratitude and joy your default, to move thanksgiving away from a holiday to a lifestyle-- that all the days might be holy and set apart for real joy." [pg 246]
You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan
Started: October 28th, 2014 Finished: December 1st, 2014 I loved every second of this book. My fiance and I are reading it together. There is a new lesson to be learned on every page. This book's goal it not to fix your marriage, but to remind you of the purpose of marriage. You exist to glorify God, and so does your marriage. You and Me Forever is filled with scripture references and discussion topics for you and your partner. I would recommend this book to single people, newlyweds, and old married couples. It could truly change your marriage. "Make disciples. Our lives should revolve around these two words. Whether as individuals or couples, our mission is to make as many disciples as we can during our time on earth. This takes priority over everything else. This command should dictate everything about your life: where you live, where you work, where you spend your money, how you spend your time-everything!" [page 98] "There are many, many Christians caught up in their own personal satisfaction, giving no thought to the way in which their lives show a deep satisfaction in God." [page 37] |
Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung
Started: May 29th, 2014 Finished: June 13th, 2014 To read my review of this book on Goodreads click here. "God is not a Magic 8-ball we shake up and peer into whenever we have a decision to make. He is a good God who gives us brains, shows us the way of obedience, and invites us to take risks for Him." [page 26] |
Radical by David Platt
Started: January 2014
Finished: March 23, 2014
"If we make only $10,000 a year, we are wealthier than 84% of the world, and if we make $50,000 we are wealthier than 99% of the world." [pg 194] A practical book that is theologically sound. I was skeptical at first due to the idea of working to please God, but if that is your notion at anytime throughout the book, KEEP READING!
WARNING: This book will wreck your life. [in a good way of course]
Started: January 2014
Finished: March 23, 2014
"If we make only $10,000 a year, we are wealthier than 84% of the world, and if we make $50,000 we are wealthier than 99% of the world." [pg 194] A practical book that is theologically sound. I was skeptical at first due to the idea of working to please God, but if that is your notion at anytime throughout the book, KEEP READING!
WARNING: This book will wreck your life. [in a good way of course]
The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
Started: February 15th, 2014
Finished:March 27th, 2014
To read my review of this book on GoodReads click here.
Started: February 15th, 2014
Finished:March 27th, 2014
To read my review of this book on GoodReads click here.