1.) The Twelves Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
After reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson I really needed something light-hearted and enjoyable. Christmas is fast approaching and I wanted a Christmas book of some kind. This book was recommended on the podcast From the Front Porch.
From Goodreads:
When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say "Bah, humbug." The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn't exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate's found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt's neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right? Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before--and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures--Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it's least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it's been right under her nose all along.
Christmas in a charming English village and a cute romance...yes, please! This was just what I needed. I enjoyed the cast of likeable characters and the cozy setting of Blexford village where Christmas with all of its sparkle and fun was still happening and blissfully COVID-free! There was funny banter between the characters and funny moments on the twelve dates. But the best part was that this novel was a treat for the senses. You could see, hear, taste, and smell all of the delights of Christmas. It was so festive and it definitely put me in the holiday spirit. I didn't want my time in Blexford to end.
My Rating: A fun Christmas read!
2.) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This was our book club pick for December 2020. I was pretty excited about it because I had never actually read the actual story written by Dickens. I have seen many adaptations of it... movies and plays... so I was intrigued to read the original.
From Goodreads:
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge opens on a Christmas Eve as cold as Scrooge's own heart. That night, he receives three ghostly visitors: the terrifying spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Each takes him on a heart-stopping journey, yielding glimpses of Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, the horrifying spectres of Want and Ignorance, even Scrooge's painfully hopeful younger self. Will Scrooge's heart be opened? Can he reverse the miserable future he is forced to see?
It was wonderful! It is an atmospheric Christmas ghost story. So good!! The writing is fantastic. Victorian England comes to life with all of its joys and sorrows in Dickens vivid descriptions. His characters are so bright and memorable...even the minor ones. His storytelling is delightful in this sentimental and nostalgic tale. I especially loved several of his funny little quips that he sprinkled throughout the story. I was not expecting that! There are also many memorable quotes and phrases that have stayed with me for years and now mean even more after having actually read them.
“You are fettered," said Scrooge, trembling. "Tell me why?"
"I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”
"I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”
"Business!' cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”
This is a wonderful Christmas-time read. A story of second chances and redemption. The message that "No one is irredeemable" and that the importance of human kindness is timeless.
My Rating: Excellent. Truly a Christmas Classic.
3.) A Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
This was my next selection in the Chronicles of Narnia. I had forgotten a lot about this book and how it reads more like folklore or a fairytale. Three of the Pevensie children make an appearance in the book which takes place during the golden age of their reign but the bulk of the story takes place outside of Narnia.
From Goodreads:
The Horse and his Boy is a stirring and dramatic fantasy story that finds a young boy named Shasta on the run from his homeland with the talking horse, Bree. When the pair discover a deadly plot by the Calormen people to conquer the land of Narnia, the race is on to warn the inhabitants of the impending danger and to rescue them all from certain death.
Every book in the Narnia series has a different vibe. Shasta, Aravis, and their talking horses are on a quest. They are escaping their lives in Calormen and racing to Narnia in this adventure story.
Aslan is, of course, the best part!
“I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the Horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you should reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you.”
I also loved this quote from Edmund:
"But even a traitor may mend. I have known one that did."
My Rating: Good.
4.) Nothing Like I Imagined by Mindy Kaling
I love Mindy Kaling and her humor. I have read and loved all of her other books. She is my favorite comedy writer. I couldn't wait to read her new collection of essays.
From Goodreads:
In this hilarious collection, Mindy Kaling considers her new role as single mom, the perks of not having a husband, and her struggle with social anxiety. In between, the beloved actress, writer, and Hollywood power-bruncher gets Kanye West'd at her best friend's birthday, thwarts an "only in LA" crime, and learns what it means to have it all.
It was as enjoyable as I thought it would be! She tells some hilarious stories about motherhood and life in Hollywood and even religion. I love her self-deprecating humor and I enjoyed laughing and cringing along with her stories. This book is a lighthearted and fun read yet it was often thoughtful and vulnerable too. I loved every minute of this delightful book! I will continue to read (and watch) everything she writes.
My Rating: Great!
5.) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis
I am working my way through a reread of the Chronicles of Narnia. It has been a pleasant diversion in 2020. In this novel Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace are pulled into Narnia and onto the ship the Dawn Treader and meet up with their old friend Caspian.
From Goodreads:
The Dawn Treader is the first ship Narnia has seen in centuries. King Caspian has built it for his voyage to find the seven lords, good men whom his evil uncle Miraz banished when he usurped the throne. The journey takes Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin Eustace to the Eastern Islands, beyond the Silver Sea, toward Aslan's country at the End of the World.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series as a child and it isn't as an adult. I don't love books that take place on ships generally speaking. Then throw in the dreadful Eustace and the absence of Peter and Susan and it just had less of an allure for me. That said...I still liked it.
This is an adventure story on the high seas. There is mystery and magic on the water and on the fantastical islands that are discovered by Caspian and his crew. C.S. Lewis is a master at world-building. Each mystical island has its own intrigue. Plus there is Aslan and Caspian who I so enjoy.
The writing, of course, is great. There are some fantastic one-liners such a the first sentence of the book:
There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.
One of my favorite parts this read through were the hilarious little asides about Eustace and his parents. Those are some serious gems. I also enjoyed the camaraderie of Caspian...now King Caspian and King Edmund. They were great and then there is the lamb and the bittersweet ending. The theme of redemption runs through this novel as well as the previous ones.
"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are -are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are -are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."
My Rating: Good.
6.) Get Out of Your Own Way by Dave Hollis
I love Dave Hollis! I think he is great! I found him by first following his wife (now ex-wife) author Rachel Hollis and then I ended up preferring his outlook on life and personal growth to hers. Dave is super relatable, likeable, and has more life and business experience. I think he has an interesting perspective on the business world and leadership. I follow him on social media and think he is funny, pragmatic, and insightful. He's a great follow.
From Goodreads:
Dave Hollis, CEO of the Hollis Co. and husband of #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis, refutes the lies people believe but don't talk about, keeping them stuck in a rut, and points the way for readers to finally start living the best versions of their lives.
Very little of the ideas and information presented in this book was new information to me. Dave talks about nearly all of it on his various social media platforms and podcast. But the book did go into more detail which was great. Unfortunately the book is already a bit dated by December 2020 since his wife asked him for a divorce earlier in the year and so much of the book is about their relationship and that ship has sailed. Reading about their relationship and all of the growth that he did trying to save it and knowing that it didn't work out was sad. Still, this is a deep and thoughtful book on several levels. Dave presents great information and gives you tangible ways to grow both personally and professionally. I especially enjoyed reading about his time as a VP at Disney.
This would be a great January read for anyone wanting to set some realistic goals for the new year. I particularly resonated with this quote:
You are what you focus on.
This is also a great personal development book for skeptics and those who aren't internally motivated which is not the usual audience for personal development books which was quite refreshing.
My Rating: Good. I will read whatever he writes. He is great!
7.) Fear Is Not the Boss of You by Jennifer Allwood
I follow Jennifer Allwood online. She is an entrepreneur and business coach. She has great info for creative businesses and she comes at it from a Christian perspective which I really like.
From Goodreads:
This book is for any woman who has ever been overwhelmed with indecision, paralyzed with fear, or just plain stuck. With no-nonsense biblical truth, Fear Is Not the Boss of You is a loving kick in the backside that will catapult you into ACTION. Successful entrepreneur, business coach, and girl next door Jennifer Allwood is your guide to show you why you can't stay stuck, teaching you how to get out of your own way and get on the road to fulfilling the life of your dreams--even if you're afraid. Whether you're thinking of launching a new business, adopting a child, writing a book, or competing in a triathlon, Jennifer will motivate you to move from paralyzing fear into courageous obedience and action.
The book discusses the fears that hold us back in life and business, moving out of our comfort zones, getting unstuck, trusting in God, discerning what He is calling you to do, and then being obedient. I found this book to be motivating, encouraging, and insightful.
My Rating: Good.
8.) The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
I'm almost through with the series. There is just one more book after this one. I forgot what a weird book this is... all of the underground stuff made me feel super claustrophobic! But... as always... kudos to Lewis for his vibrant world-building. He does such a great job in so few pages. He's amazing.
From Goodreads:
Eustace and Jill escape from the bullies at school through a strange door in the wall, which, for once, is unlocked. It leads to the open moor...or does it? Once again Aslan has a task for the children, and Narnia needs them. Through dangers untold and caverns deep and dark, they pursue the quest that brings them face to face with the evil Witch. She must be defeated if Prince Rilian is to be saved.
Eustace is back but this time he is more mature and enjoyable. It feels like he is almost a completely different character from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. As always the time jumps in the Narnia books are jarring. This time 50 years have gone by since Eustace was last in Narnia. Sadly, the beloved Caspian is now an old man. That was bittersweet. Caspian is one of my favorite characters. I liked the new character of Jill although I always wish for more Pevensie kids. She is a good new addition as is the charmingly pessimistic Puddleglum, the Marsh-Wiggle. Together Eustace, Jill, and Puddleglum set out on a quest to find Caspian's missing son Prince Rilian.
There are some great quotes too:
“Crying is all right in its way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do.”
“I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia.”
This is a great book. I especially...during these chaotic times in our country... enjoyed reading a story where good overcomes evil and justice is served.
My Rating: Good!
9.) The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
This is the last book in the Narnia series. I enjoyed re-reading this series over the last few months. But I have complicated feelings about this book. I remember really loving it as an elementary school kid who was not at all religious. I didn't love it as much now reading this as a religious adult.
First, I really disliked the language used to describe the army that the Narnians were battling. I realize that this was written in 1956...but still. I couldn't get past it. I had also forgotten how weird this book is. I realize it is biblical allegory of The Book of Revelations. I get the symbolism but it is still weird. I wanted more from the characters we love and less from new characters and unlikeable characters...Shift and Puzzle.
Published in 1956 and awarded the Carnegie Medal, The Last Battle, chronicles the end of Narnia. Jill and Eustace return to help save Narnia from invaders and a False Aslan.
Most of this book is my least favorite part of the series.. The ape. The donkey in the lion's skin. Narnia in shambles. No Pevensie kids until the end. No Susan. I don't love what becomes of Susan. I really disliked how her storyline ended and I don't think it is believable. I also never liked the tragedy that occurs for the characters to return to Narnia. I feel like there are too many loose ends to the series that don't get a satisfactory wrap up. And is it awful to say that I wanted more depth to the Pevensie kids by Book 7? But I did!
I liked how Lewis described the end of Narnia. Watching that world end gave me the same awestruck feeling as watching how it all begin. I also loved how Lewis describes the afterlife and what Heaven could be like. I loved the characters being greeted by family and friends. I love Aslan.
Favorite quotes:
“I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in!”
“And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”
My Rating: Good.
10.) Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First by Laura Tremaine
From Goodreads:
In spite of the hyper-connected culture we live in today, women still feel shamed for oversharing and being publicly vulnerable. And no matter how many friends we seem to have, many of us are still desperately lonely. Laura Tremaine says it's time for something better. Openness and vulnerability are the foundation for human growth and healthy relationships, and it all starts when we share our stuff, the nitty-gritty daily details about ourselves with others. Laura has led the way in her personal life with her popular blog and podcast, and now with lighthearted self-awareness, a sensitivity to the important things in life, and compelling storytelling, Laura gives you the tools to build and deepen the conversations happening in your life.
I love a book about friendship, relationships, having better conversations, and deepening those relationships. The structure of the book is personal essay. The author asks 10 questions, shares her thoughts on those topics, and then asks you to share yours. The book is part memoir and part personal growth. Tremaine writes in such an easy way that it makes you feel like you are having a good conversation with a friend. I loved that! I loved her personal stories, questions, writing prompts, and lists. There are some fantastic journaling prompts. I think this would make a great book club book. There is so much to discuss. The topics are great conversation starters and also make you think and dig deep. Again, I love this kind of book.
Laura Tremaine is funny and candid. Her personal stories are heartfelt, vulnerable, and relatable. I think she is an interesting person. She grew up in a small town in Oklahoma and moved to LA where she eventually married a movie director. She has some famous friends and I found her life and marriage fascinating. Her book kind of reminded me of blog reading back when it began and no surprise there because she got her start as a blogger. I wanted the book to keep going. There is power in sharing our lives and our stories with others.
“I believe that asking good questions is the key to connection with others and to our own personal growth. I believe that craving deeper relationships is natural, that our secrets and shame are killing us, and that sharing our stuff will bring us out of the dark and into the light.”
She discusses similar contemplative topics on her podcast and Instagram account but it never felt like I was getting a repeat of all the same information. I like books that cause me to be reflective and self-examining. I really enjoyed this insightful book.
My Rating: I loved it.
11.) The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1) by Julia Quinn
I enjoy a good historical romance. This is the first book in a large series that comes highly recommended. So many people love these books and there is a Netflix adaptation that is also popular.
From Goodreads:
In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound...A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable… but not too amiable. Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen. Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar. The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule.
This book is set in Regency London and that is my preferred brand of romance novel. The first book in the Bridgerton series tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon, the Duke of Hastings. The best part of this series is the outstanding cast of characters. I loved the boisterous Bridgerton siblings. I absolutely enjoyed the whole Bridgerton family dynamic. They are hilarious. They made the book for me. I also loved the snippets from Lady Whistledown. If I hadn't already seen the Netflix series I probably would have rated the book a little higher. Yes, there are a couple of steamy scenes (it's a romance novel) and one is quite controversial and could be a trigger for some readers.
Unfortunately this is one of the rare cases for me where I liked the tv adaptation better than the book. But be warned that what are steamy love scenes from the book are definitely TV MA in the Netflix adaptation. The tv show is very graphic and open door. The book is less open door than the tv show. But as far as the plot goes... I definitely liked the Netflix series better. The book plot is fairly mild and typical for a romance novel. The tv series probably combines some of the elements from other books in the series and the show writers definitely added things to the plot to make it more interesting and dramatic. Some of the plot changes I really liked.
My Rating: A little disappointing but still entertaining.
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