It shouldn’t come as a big surprise to any of you that I love to read. I usually have a book by my bedside that I turn to at bedtime and it’s not uncommon for me to be reading several books concurrently. You’d think that would get confusing, but somehow it doesn’t.
I read a poem by Emily Dickinson this morning in which she referred to books as her “kinsmen of the shelf.” I sense a kindred spirit there. She says, “Unto my books – so good to turn – far ends of tired days…” Yep, she’s got a book or two on her bedside table as well.
In 2019 I decided to join the Goodreads Book Reading Challenge and set a goal of 100 books for the year, which I accomplished. I did the same in 2020 and 2021, but by the end of 2021 I realized that having such an insanely high goal was turning reading into a chore, plus I was adding in a private goal of writing a short review for each one. When I asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” I didn’t have a good answer. I set a goal of 36 books in 2022, thinking that 3 books per month was reasonable and would keep reading enjoyable. Why even join the Book Reading Challenge in the first place? It’s a valid question. There’s something satisfying about setting a goal and meeting it – that’s all I’ve got. Plus when you get to the end, there’s quite a bit of exciting hoo-ha that goes on: confetti and cheers, that sort of thing.
Got a book you want to recommend adding to my list in 2022? Now’s your chance!
I might just delete this in the morning. I might not. It’ll be a game-day decision.
Lynniebeemuseoday 
Two books right off the bat. I don’t seem to have the computer tools to properly list the books (Title underlined). Pretend I did anyway! 🙂 When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed. It is a graphic novel but even adults will find it a fast page turner. Have tissues handy!
The other is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book is best “read” in audio form. The author reads and it is so much more impactful hearing her gentle voice. I’d love to hear your recommendations based on your recent reading lists!
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Thanks, Julie! I should just give you a link to my Goodreads reviews. But here’s a few that I think you might like: The Art of Flora Forager. It’s mostly a picture book, but so lovely! You may also enjoy fiction books by Elizabeth Goudge. The book Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher was very thought provoking. The Sea Wing Disaster by Frederick Johnson has local interest that might be fascinating to you.
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Thank you so much! I found another that I read (almost done- like you, reading a number all at once) that you might like: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. It has inspired me for issues surrounding our church as well as Friendship Place.
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