It’s still hard to believe the new year is already two weeks old! With lots of driving and still waiting for the new semester of classes to finally kick off, I’m happy with my reading thus far. I haven’t set any records, but I’m still on track to meet this month’s reading goals.
What I’ve Read
All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore (Book #1)
Since I was driving from Memphis to West Texas earlier this week, it seemed like the perfect time to knock out an audio book. I have long been a fan of Moore’s writing. Her insightfulness always speaks to my heart and her wit seems to be on display at the perfect moment. As she shared intimate details about her childhood abuse, the family’s struggles with mental health issues, and the unique pain that comes from betrayal by fellow ministers, I found myself identifying with Beth’s story. It was especially effective to hear this gifted teacher and speaker sharing her story in her own voice. Christian memoirs are not part of my regular reading routine — I avoid them if I’m completely honest — but this book felt like I was sitting down to have a nice chat with a cherished friend. There were tears and belly-laughs; most importantly, there was some healing. Do yourself a favor and pick up this carefully crafted memoir. Thank you, Beth, for sharing your story with us so personally.
What I’m Currently Reading
With the threat of extremely cold temperatures for the next few days, I wanted to make sure that I was equipped with plenty of reading material. Here are the 3 novels that I currently have going.
The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot (62% complete). This novel was assigned in my undergraduate survey of English literature. I was not a good student and didn’t take the time to read the book because other things demanded my attention. However, the little of the story that I picked up in class lectures grabbed my attention; I simply never thought to return to the book again. It was a personal albatross. Now that I have decided to read the novel and devote half of the year to the author’s opus, I am falling in love with the text. I’ve been intentional to take things slowly in order to savor the language. Maggie is a classic heroine and I find the views of education and gender characteristics fascinating. I don’t want to push too quickly, but a finish is coming this week.
Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books by Cathy Rentzenbrink (27% complete). I was in the mood to read something non-fiction about reading. I enjoy seeing what books have made lasting impacts on other readers and discovering new options to add to my TBR. I’m reading this on my Kindle (along with the Eliot above), so it’s the perfect thing to digest in small doses at the end of the day. I’m not expecting to move through this one too fast…..but since it’s not too long, I shouldn’t have a problem finishing it in January.
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes (p. 30 of 334). With the impending winter weather, I went to the local library yesterday and renewed my Libby account. I decided to start a contemporary novel by an author I knew I would enjoy. I first read Moyes’ Someone Else’s Shoes last year and adored the novel. Such a great story told with compassion and understanding. I’m just starting Me Before You, but I can already tell that this is going to be another great read. I’m just going to have to pace myself and make sure that I continue reading the challenging material as well.
Well….there you have it! I’ll be back in two weeks to update you again on my progress. By then, I should also be able to share details about my plans for February. Happy reading!
Reading for Me 
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