November’s reading round-up? Halfway through December? Yeah, but better late than never, right?
The dust is beginning to settle around here and I’ve decided, after much thought, to jump back into book blogging right where I am instead of going back and attempting to catch up. I may have paused blogging for the month, but I certainly didn’t stop reading and now I have a pile of books to tell you about but how?!
I’ve got it! One quick post with a line or two to sum up, much like my Podcast Reviews of the past! Here it goes!
“After the Ecstasy, the Laundry” by Jack Kornfield
This book is a life changer. I picked it up by chance at a used bookstore in Prescott, Arizona while visiting there with my mom. Favorite quote: Suzuki Roshi said, “Strictly speaking, there are no enlightened people, there is only enlightened activity.” Encouraging to think that we can all just try and do a little bit better.
“Seven Years in Tibet” by Hienrich Harrer
Found this gem in my friends donated library last year. I know the movie but don’t think I’ve seen it. It sounded like an interesting read, didn’t know it was a true story, and added it to my TBR pile. I loved every page! Favorite quote: “We should probably meet nomads here and there on our way and get them to put us wise about directions and distances.” It’s not the most interesting or enlightening quote, but it made me smile and I have officially added the phrase “put us wise about” in my vocabulary!
“Maiden, Mother, Crone: The Three Faces of the Goddess” by D. J. Conway
I should have researched this book more before I bought it. I was looking for something to explain the mythology and how it may relate to our own times, phases of a female life, but this was a little too spiritual for me. The author is a true believer in the magic, while I am more interested in the sociology of mythology. I did not get past the first couple chapters.
“Bird by Bird: Some Instruction on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott
Even if you are not a writer, you should read this book. It’s beautiful. It’s one I’ll probably read again in my lifetime. Favorite quote: “…for some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world afterworld after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave.” It’s so hard to pick one quote from this one, every page made me tear up. I felt like I found a friend in those pages.
“The Cider House Rules” by John Irving
I found this baby in a used bookshop in the Moreno Valley Mall! How awesome is that!? I’ve seen the movie, thought maybe the book would go deeper and I was not disappointed. Crazy that I didn’t realize that this author also wrote “The World According to Garp.” Favorite quote: “Don’t think so badly of compromises; we don’t always get to choose the ways we can be of use. You say you love her – then let her use you. It may not be the way you had in mind, but if you love her, you have to give her what she needs – and when she needs it, not necessarily when you think the time is right. And what can she give you of herself? Only what she has left – and if that’s not everything you had in mind, whose fault is that? Are you not going to accept her because she hasn’t got 100 percent of herself to give? Some of her is over Burma – are you going to reject the rest? Are you going to hold out for all or nothing? And do you call that being of use?” If we love someone, we love them right where they are, not for what we wish they were.
“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
This was one of those, “I’ll just browse thru the books at Target…I won’t buy anything” books. Yeah, right! I saw “library” and picked up, read “Between life and death there is a library,” and dropped it in my basket. I’m a sucker. I do not regret that spending, not even a little bit. Favorite quote: “A truth that was the beginning and see of everything possible. A former curse and a present blessing. Three simple words containing the power and potential of a multiverse. I AM ALIVE.” Anything can happen as long as those words are true. This book is a blessing and a reminder to keep going, we touch more lives than we think, we have more worth than know.
So…that catches us up to date pretty well. I’m currently reading two books, “The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck, which you’ll be reading about in the near future, and “Breath” by James Nestor, which is inspiring me to get my shit together…again.
This week, I’m moving back toward my old routine and starting to feel a little more at ease every day. All the action this past month has had me in a tizzy about a lot of things. I thought I was in better control of my emotions, even when I knew I was tired, but there’s still work to do. I thought I could handle more tasks, but I’m learning I do better with less on my plate.
It’s all starting to slow back down, but it’s not over yet, and I don’t think it ever will be. Things are always changing. It’s how we know we’re still alive.
It feels good to be back, my friends. I’ve missed you. See you tomorrow!