I last updated about my bookish endeavors in May.  I just finished another six books and September is quickly closing out, so it seemed like an ideal time to update about the last six books that I read.  Here goes!   

First, it bears mentioning that I added a little something to my reading stash.  I’d asked for one for Christmas last year, but after talking it over with my husband we decided to wait.  I was worried I wouldn’t use it.  But, Prime Day approached this year, and I decided that really wanted one.  So, my husband had me order one as a gift for making it through lengthy Army trip (six weeks).  He’s the best.  Here’s my Kindle!  I have to say that, while I prefer the feel of a real book in my hand, I love my e-reader.  With having kids and my active mom-life, I have found I really love my e-reader.  Out of the six books that I read since my last update, three of them were on the Kindle.  I really like it.  And I’m in love with that case!

Wise Blood, Flannery O’Connor

I am a huge Flannery fan.  I wrote my M.A. thesis partially on her and finally understood her.  I love anything written by her.  I had not, up until June, read Wise Blood.  I had started it years ago and never finished it.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The symbolism and literary genius had me turning page after page and unable to put it down.  I highly recommend it.

Scarlet Pimpernel, Baroness Orzcy

This was my first Kindle book, and it cost me all of 99 cents.  My sister and I swapped recommendations on books for our challenge, and this was what she gave me.  I absolutely loved it!  Another page turner, which was great since I started this just after my husband left.  I loved the historical fiction and the sweet love story in it as well.

Death Comes for the Archbishop, Willa Cather

I read this one because several of my friends had read it and it kept surfacing on my Goodreads feed.  I liked the book, but it wasn’t the page-turner that my previous two books were.  It was slow at times, but very sweet.  I loved following along on the adventures of the priests.

Cultivate, Lara Casey

A very dear friend of mine sent this to me, as my goal this year was to refocus my priorities for both my family and myself.  This was an amazing book.  I appreciated the biblical perspective and the encouragement and affirmation to focus on cultivating yourself and your goals.  This is a great read for anyone re-examining  their goals and priorities.

The War That Saved my Life, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Yes, I know this is a YA novel.  To be fair, I did not know that when I downloaded the book to my Kindle.  Regardless, this was a really great book.  It’s historical fiction and is set during World War II.  At times it was very emotional, as the relationship between the mother and daughter was painful.  I could not put this book down, and I definitely recommend it!

Getting Past Perfect, Kate Wicker

This had been on my to-read stack for a few months.  I had ordered it a few months ago, but just recently was able to start it.  I am not sure how Kate Wicker knows me so well, but she practically wrote this book about me.  Kidding aside, this book was a game-changer for me.  It helped me readjust personal perspectives about myself that I had been struggling for years to change.  Her deeply personal stories within the book touched me.  I laughed and I cried.  I think that every Catholic/Christian mother should read this book.

So far this year, I have read 16 books.  I know that sounds to some like a pretty lame number; some of my Goodreads friends have read upwards of 45.  Life goals.  But, in the past several years, I’ve averaged less than one.  It’s proof that I’m making time this year to do things that I enjoy again, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past.  I haven’t read sixteen books in a year since I was working towards a degree.  It feels really good!  I’ve surpassed my goal of 12!

So what’s on my To-Read stack for the coming weeks and months?  I just ordered Read Aloud Family.  I started to read it on the Kindle, and realized quickly this would be one I would reference for years to come.  I am already pulling out my post-its.  And I’m only a few pages in.  I’m also going to try to finish Only Love Today, which I’ve been slowly working through the last few months.  I also would love to do one more historical fiction book before the year closes out.  Any suggestions?  What are some of the books you’re reading?  What books have you enjoyed reading lately?

Happy reading, friends!