November 2023 Reads

It’s been an odd month. Maybe evidence of this is in how I haven’t posted much recently. I have felt some sort of disconnect, or slothfulness, or resistance. In part due to the end of the year slump; it’s our busiest season at work, and with Christmas looming there doesn’t seem to be much energy left over. I have also been learning a lot about myself, and God, and balancing that as well as the daily tasks that need to get done has lead to this procrastination (of sorts). This being said, I am slowly feeling my way back. And what better way to begin than with the books I read in November.

Without Further Ado by Jessica Dettmann

I wanted a fun novel to read, and the appeal of this was the nod to Shakespeare. The protagonist (who lives in Sydney) has an obsession with Much Ado About Nothing; this made it seem like the perfect package. As the book goes on, the protagonist realises her life is beginning to resemble the comedy and things fall apart in comedic ways. While it was lighthearted and easy to read, I found most of the characters unlikable and most of their interactions felt forced and unnatural. While I can appreciate what the author tried to do, it didn’t stand out to me. 3.5 stars.

Love Finds You in Sunset Beach by Robin Jones Gunn

This is a Christian novel I’ve read before, and it still made me smile. A novel set in present day about a young woman, Sierra, who is at a crossroads in her life regarding work, ministry, and where to live. She goes to Hawaii for a wedding and ends up meeting Jordan, who is also facing some big decisions. This is part of the Sierra Jensen series, and while this novel was written around ten years later, the characters felt true to the old series yet refreshed and readable. 4 stars.

Miss Match by Erynn Mangum

Another Christian novel I had read before. I enjoyed this lighthearted read that takes notes from Emma by Jane Austen. A young woman, with no intention of marrying, is determined to set up everyone around her, with both heartwarming and disastrous results. While this wasn’t the most captivating story, it was enjoyable to read. 3.5 stars.

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I have been making my way through the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and they don’t disappoint. While they are perfect books for children, I enjoy them immensely as an adult. While I found the books about Laura and her family more enjoyable, it was still interesting to read about the childhood of her husband. One thing I have found so valuable in these books is the nuggets of wisdom in each story. These books can teach us so much about contentment in what we have, joy in what we can give, and the value of hardwork. 4 stars.

Custard Heart by Dorothy Parker

Did I pick this up solely because of the hilarious title? Yes. Does the title make sense after reading the book? No. This was a tiny collection of three short stories; one of those little penguin books that costs less than $10. While the stories weren’t particularly happy, I enjoyed being introduced to another classic author and being able to read the stories in bite-sized chunks. A fairly easy read with interesting characters, and a glimpse into a world I’m glad not to be part of. 3.5 stars.

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I have a frittata in the oven, which helps that feeling of procrastination. I have enjoyed my morning of slowly getting things back in order. Folding the laundry, washing the dishes, cooking for the week ahead. While I am so thankful to be part of a church community and to be busier than I ever really have been, I will always need this space. Space to potter around and enjoy my home.

Yesterday I organised my wardrobe and went through all of my old and important documents. These were not on my to-do list, yet fed me. Doing these sorts of tasks brings me joy, which in turn gives me the drive to go and write, or go and cook. I need momentum, especially at this time of year. January has built-in momentum with the excitement of fresh starts and beginning again, and spring feels like that too. But summer and winter can drag their feet. So here I am. Smelling frittata and feeling somewhat proud of myself, even though it seems small.

Sarah xx