October 2022 Reads

I only just realised I haven’t posted a reading list since August. While my reading has slowed down a little bit, I am still reading everyday and slowly making my way through a few at a time. I generally read a chapter of a Christian book in the mornings, fiction during my lunch break, and a non-fiction book about housekeeping in the evenings. Here are the books I’ve finished in the last couple of months.

A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver: Mary Oliver’s poetry books always take me by surprise. Her style is very distinctive in how she can convey so much in what appears to be a simple writing style. I am currently reading her poetry handbook, which teaches the technicalities of poetry, and this makes me believe what is not published on the page is quite complex though her finished products seem easy and accessible. This is a great skill to have. 3.5 stars.

I Have a Bed of Buttermilk Pancakes by Jaclyn Moriarty: This book has been one of the best I’ve read all year. A novel set in NSW with a variety of characters that slowly come together by the end. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but this story is satisfying in how no detail in the story goes to waste. Vague, but if I say more I’ll ruin it for you. Very clever and easy to read. 5 stars.

At Home with Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott: I have read her books numerous times before and they never disappoint. A trilogy of “chic” books, this one used to be my least favourite because I couldn’t apply much to my own life. But now I live in my own home, I absolutely loved going through the chapters and considering what I could implement to help me enjoy my home and my life more! 5 stars.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith: A classic! It started off quite slow and I wasn’t sure I would get through it easily, but something soon clicked and I devoured this book. It really captures (lol) what it’s like to be in that transition between child and adult and wanting to have the best of both worlds. Told in diary entries, the glimpse into this strange and beautiful world was so engaging and relatable. The end also justifies the beginning in the most beautiful of ways. 4.5 stars.

On Asking God Why by Elisabeth Elliot: Elisabeth Elliot never fails to offer little pearls of wisdom. While I was not as interested in some chapters, because she covers such a large range of topics under the banner of questioning God and learning to trust, it can relate to anyone. I think I was more open to receiving her words since experiencing a breakup and moving because I am in a place to accept what has happened rather than feeling the need to defend the experience while it happened. I do prefer her other books I have read, but still I am glad to have read this. 4 stars.

There you have it! A Saturday morning review and an entire day to read. Amazing.

Sarah xx