I have enjoyed reading this month. I did something a bit unusual for me and listened to a book in the car. While I am someone who loves to read physical books, it turned out to be an enjoyable experience.
Remember God by Annie F. Downs
The book in question, I listened to this driving down to Sydney, and finished the last hour within a few days driving to and from work. I loved this book. Annie F. Downs is an honest and entertaining Christian author who writes with so much vulnerability. This book in particular follows the question, is God kind? It is one thing to know He is good, and loving, and powerful, but to ask if we truly believe He is kind to us is an interesting topic not many have tackled. It was timely for me because I listened to it exactly one year after a breakup – that relationship led me to asking if I really believe God is kind. Annie F. Downs portrays the topic using lots of different stories that span a year in her life, giving us a glimpse into the disappointment and hope and lessons she learned during that period of time. 4.5 stars.
Gigi and The Cat by Collette
Two shorter stories and I really enjoyed them both. Set in Paris, they follow strong protagonists as their lives shift in ways they do not expect. They seemed almost mysterious, as I didn’t know how they would end. This is seen especially in The Cat, as there is ambiguity surrounding who the reader should root for. Both stories explore unique relationships, and I enjoyed reading into that space. 4 stars.
While it doesn’t look like I achieved much in the reading world this month, I have been enjoying it a lot more. Both books were somewhat a surprise – listening to a recommended audiobook, and receiving Gigi and The Cat as a gift, changed my reading list and habits. While I am so glad I can read for half an hour each day in my lunchbreak, it is a slow way of reading – which can be good! But I feel like I’ve been stuck on this one Agatha Christie book for weeks… anyway. I’ll finish it soon, I’m sure, and then I can tell you all about it.
I am also “on track” to reading at least fifty books this year. While I used to pride myself on reading 100, I had to amend that goal last year due to life changes and the whole blouse-wearing-career-woman-full-time-work thing. I do see value in slowing down and taking in what you are reading, so this change isn’t bad. But yes, there might always be a part of me that wants to read more than I do. Such is life!
Sarah xx
the softest words 