What am I reading lately, you ask?

Some of you have asked: What are you reading lately?

I thought I’d write a quick post to answer that – what I’ve been reading over the past month and a half, what I am currently reading, and the next book up in book club! Links will also be embedded so look for those to find more information about authors or books.

Since January, I’ve finished 4 fiction books:

• Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde (Luba and I listened to the audio book)
• All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani
• Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
• The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian

Of those 4, I would recommend the latter 2 for a speedier read. The other two were just okay to me. Bel Canto is a beautiful love story. I always enjoy Ann Patchett’s writing. I absolutely loved reading The GuestRoom. I just came late to the party, discovering Chris Bohjalian last year after reading his Sandcastle Girls in book club. I love that he writes about relevant topics and topics that we may know little about. I felt so overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge about the Armenian War after reading The Sandcastle Girls. I was surrounded by Armenian people and groups when I lived in California – had I known I could have asked more questions, learned more about their history and culture. Another missed opportunity from not learning world history better. I love The Guest Room because human trafficking is something I feel strongly about and have learned so much about through Christine Caine and her A21Campaign. The only chapter written from first person is the perspective of Alexandra/Anahit. I appreciated that Bohjalian gave this victim a voice. On a side note, I saw him speak at an author event at my library (Saint Louis County Library - best!) and he's so warm, friendly and witty. He is so engaging and accessible that you forget you are in the presence of such an acclaimed author. He doesn't seem to take one minute of fame or publicity lightly. 

Right at the end of the year, I finished Carry On, Warrior! by Glennon Doyle Melton. If you aren’t familiar with that name, does Momastery ring a bell? She has a blog. I dig this woman. She’s raw, vulnerable and the real deal. You want to be her BFF. You just breathe sighs of relief all through the book and say out loud, “Oh Thank God, you too?!?!?!?!?” She also has a book to be released in August, Love Warrior. You can preorder that one now. Come, August.

Right now, I’m reading “Happiness, Like Water” by Chinelo Okparanta. It’s a collection of stories. Okparanta is a Nigerian American. I recently saw her for an author at our library. She was shy but bold in her remarks and so witty. I love discovering new authors, especially African writers. I love expanding my perspectives by listening to others’ stories.

 My friend getting her book signed by Chinelo Okparanta

I’m also slowing working my way through “Shattered Dreams:God’s Unexpected Path to Joy” by Larry Crabb. More on that books is posted on this previous blog post.

I am so so so excited about our next book club pick for March: The Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shara Knizhnik. I’ve always seen this woman in the audience when I watch POTUS’s state of the union address. I’ve wondered about her history and who is she? How did she make it to this position? This is what I love about book club – I would not have picked this book up or have even known about it, but when someone picked it for March, I became very excited. I guess there are some great memes out there. Our book club always ends up with timely books. Right after we chose it, the death occurred of Antonin Scalia and she came to light with beautiful words about their friendship.

As for as a devotion book: I’m reading “Savor” by Shauna Niequist. Each entry is short but powerful for thought. You have a bible verse to start with before her entry. Each entry leaves you with a question. I like this format – not overwhelming but thought provoking.

So that’s what I’m reading or recommend for your reading!

I frequently update my “Book Recommendations” page on the blog if you want to check back or see books that I’ve enjoyed. It’s separated by categories. You can also find me & add me as a friend on Goodreads – Danielle Jones Mntanga.

Enjoy,

Danielle