Monday was bad for me. Good Mondays come after Sundays where I get to prep for the week. Food prep, menus and writing my weekly plan all add up to be what makes a Monday good for me. I also like to get some extra reading time in if I can. Restful reading on the weekends makes my crazy weeks a little easier.
Over the weekend I spent a lot of time with family which is all VERY good but left me with no prep time or reading time. My exhaustion on Monday drove me to crash in front of the TV with Netflix. But it didn't help my tired brain
Finally around 5 p.m. I grabbed my iPad and went out to the deck and just relaxed and read my book while supper was in the oven. That was so much better than TV. Reading is always my escape that refreshes me.
I also went to bed early with my book and zonked out well before normal bed time. Today I’m feeling better and ready to tackle the day! Much better feeling than the draggy tired feeling that I battled on Monday.
September Books
I've had a dry spell with reading. No time and too tired. No amazing books that I'm in love with for some reason. It is sad because I love reading. It is the best way for me to unwind. Sometimes I watch Netflix but reading helps my mind to be at rest. Being aware of that helps when I am tired or just stressed out. Veggie with TV doesn't always help me relax.
FYI!!!! Some of the following books have “warnings” on them. I’m ok with some language and adult topics but I waded in deeper waters this month. Approach with caution is all I’m going to say about a few of theses.
Audio Books
Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
The main character, Blue Sergent is the daughter of a psychic. She's been told that if she kisses her true love he will die. Has she already boy? She also learns that a boy from a nearby private school is going to die this year. Can she help him stay alive?
This book is the first in a series and I’m reserving judgment until I read the second book but so far so good!
Fiction
Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
**Adult content** There are a few scenes in this book where the main character describes sexual situations in more detail than I feel appropriate. I skipped them and enjoyed the rest of the book but I definitely would have rather known about those scenes before I started.
A lengthy story of a family through several generations and their saga of growth in riches and relationships.
Unplanned by Alana Terry
This was a fast read for me. Suspense usually is because I can't put it down plus this was shorter book.
Kennedy Stern is asked by her pastor to volunteer at a new pregnancy center. Her prolife convictions are put to the test when she interacts with a very young pregnant girl whose life is in danger. The situation becomes dangerous and Kennedy gets pulled in deeper than she ever thought would happen!
Scent of Lilacs by Ann Gabhart
Loved the picture of small town American in this story. Probably because I live in a small town now. Jocie and her family have a very eventful summer when her sister comes home from California with news that will challenge them all. Growing up is hard enough but this coming of age book shows how sometimes life gets complicated really quickly. Jocie learns that family doesn't just include the people who live under the same roof with you.
Non Fiction
The Me I want to Be by Jon Ortberg
Ever felt like you need to work on who you are but you aren’t sure where to start? This insightful book digs deep into the plans that God has for you and how you can look at where you need to grow. His way of polishing our character and forming us into the best people we can be is not always the way we would choose but his way is the best! Loved this book!
In Progress
If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat by Jon Ortberg
We started going to a small group this month and this book is what we are currently working through. Very challenging to my comfort zone.
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
Second book in the Raven series. After the events in the first book where the Raven Boys and Blue discover that one of their companions is actually dead, things get even weirder when one of the boys starts bringing items back from his dreams.
I’m finding this book very odd but in a good way.
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
**Warning** The language is rough in this book. I’ve almost put it down several times. The suspense of not knowing why a a plane crashes after 18 minutes leaving only two survivors is enough to keep me going. But beware.
Don't miss this years Book Lists! Lots to choose from if you are looking for a great book!
Monthly Book Posts from 2016
January--8 excellent books reviewed by older teens
February--Nonfiction books are my special challenge
March--New Habits to help build reading time into a busy mom's day
April--Real books vs. Electronic books
May/June--Books full of Fantasy, Magic, and Dragons
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