Reading for Me

The Books I Have Read…..Just for Me

Nov 4

A Week of Music (November 4, 2024)

by kennithfreeman

I know….given my job, every week should be filled with music. Believe me, it is and I love it. This week, however, seemed to have more music than normal with a recital hearing, a recital performance, and lots of final preparations for the upcoming NATS competition in Huntsville, Texas. I’ve been making lots of music and simply getting by in my reading life. However, I did decide that it was time to return to audio books as well just to make sure my reading life continues to progress during the busy season that comes at the end of the semester.

What I’m Currently Reading

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes (p. 126 of 369) With lots of evening engagements this week and struggles with my allergies (ugh!), I’m just about 1/3 of the way through. Since our last check-in, Tanzie has been entered in a Math Olympic competition up in Scotland that will cover the remaining portion of the massive tuition. Through a sort of comedy of errors, Jess and her children end up getting a ride from Ed, one of the homeowners that Jess works for. The situation is always awkward and the discomfort between the adults is in sharp contrast with Ed’s interactions with the children. Although the plot has moved a bit slower than I anticipated, the character interaction is hysterically funny and I am always anxious to get back into the pages of the book. I’m hoping that I’ll have some down time while I’m in Huntsville and can find a quiet corner to read for a bit.

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (audio book, 3:18 of 8:47) My family has watched cooking television shows as long as I can remember. When Food Network finally made its way into the Geriatric Ward, that became a standard channel for our television viewing. That’s where I first met Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. My parents were never fans of Garten, but I was oddly drawn to her elegance and simple table settings even if I rarely wanted to make the recipes. I couldn’t put my finger on why, but I found the Contessa to be very calming. When I stumbled on this memoir in my Audible account, I knew it would be a great fit for me.

Thus far, I’ve heard about Ina’s childhood and how she met her husband, Jeffrey. I laughed at their adventures camping through Europe between Jeffrey’s discharge from the Army and the beginning of graduate school. I smiled as I listened to Ina recount how she came to own the Barefoot Contessa just off of Long Island. It is so encouraging to hear that “if you do what you love, you will be successful.”

I’m looking forward to driving nearly 8 hours tomorrow because I plan to have my new friend, Ina, tagging along and telling me the rest of her story.

Here’s hoping that we all have successful weeks in the pages of our selected books.

~Kennith

audio ebook family saga memoir

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Jan 27

#3: On the Run (Whispering Key #2)

by kennithfreeman

Reading more books means that I have less time to blog my reviews! LOL! I’m slowly catching up with the books that I have completed in this first month of 2023. My goal is to be current before the last day of the month. Good grief!

On the Run is the second book in the Whispering Key trilogy that I have listened to on Audible. The story centers around Beale Goodman, the lovable gentle giant of Whispering Key who is aware of people’s auras and patiently waiting for his soulmate. When Beale meets Toby, a New York writer who has been photographed in an unflattering light and has fled to the quaint Florida town to wait for the media circus to pass. Toby’s drama-filled life is full of secrets as well. There is no way that Beale and Toby are meant to be together…..or is there?

On the Run was a fun-filled, laugh-a-minute read that kept me on the edge of my seat and constantly returning to see what would happen next. I couldn’t get enough of the story and absolutely fell in love with the characters. I immediately knew that I wanted to complete the trilogy and see how things would be resolved for the charming Goodman family living on the island of Whispering Key, Florida.

2023 Reading Challenge audio romance

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Jan 14

#1: Off Plan (May Archer)

by kennithfreeman

The New Year got off to a bang with some great reading before the insanity of the Spring semester began. The first completed book fulfilled the requirement of reading an audio book for the Booklist Queen Reading Challenge 2023. Off Plan is the first installment in May Archer’s Whispering Key series.

Mason Bloom has accepted a position as a doctor in an upscale resort in Florida after the demise of his marriage. At least, he thinks he has accepted this dream position! The job is in Florida and he will be paid, but Whispering Key is not a resort at all. Unfortunately, it seems to be the place that time has forgotten. Upon his arrival, while everything else is going wrong, Mason encounters the most annoying man he has ever met in Fenn Reardon. Add in a community with no hope for growth and an inexplicable obsession with buried treasure and you have a formula for a nightmare. But it is in this nightmare that Mason discovers that sometimes when things go Off Plan you may just happen to find friendship, happiness, and love.

Off Plan is a fun read, but it is not for the faint of heart. As an audio book, the romance and lust is rather intense. Let’s just say that I was very glad that no one else was in the car while I was reading on my long drive to Texas. I definitely would have blushed!

2023 Reading Challenge audio romance

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Mar 26

#8: Ready for Anything (David Allen)

by kennithfreeman

On a recent roadtrip from Arkansas to west Texas, I listened to David Allen’s follow up to Getting Things Done. I’m always a sucker for books on time management and figuring out to accomplish more with our limited time while still keeping work and personal life in balance.

Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life began as a search for information for a piano pedagogy course that I’m currently teaching. I was searching for recommendations about managing long-term tasks and planning for their successful execution. One quote from Allen’s book grabbed my attention and my heart, becoming the basis of much of the work we are doing in my class: “A map is a futile tool until we know where we are.”

For anyone looking for help with time management and productivity, I highly recommend Getting Things Done (which I’m actually re-reading at the moment). Ready for Anything builds upon some of the concepts presented in the earlier book, but as a stand-alone work lacks the depth and impact of Allen’s previous book. Do yourself a favor and go for the real “meat and potatoes” book on the subject instead.

audio personal management self-help

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Dec 13

#32: Atomic Habits (James Clear)

by kennithfreeman

Every major goal that we reach begins with a simple step. Typically, if we can just take that first step, the path to achieving our goals becomes much more certain and attainable. That’s my initial take-away from my first journey through Atomic Habits by James Clear while driving to my parents’ home for the Christmas holidays.

Audio books are not normally a good way for me to consume self-improvement books, but Clear’s reading drew me into the topic and his conversational prose held my attention. When listening to his Four Laws of Behavior Change, the power of the laws were obvious. I was struck by their simplicity and found myself thinking that there really had to be a little more to the power of “Atomic Habits” than just that. But when you get right down to it, the solution to achieving success as we attempt to complete daily tasks that will ultimately lead us to our goals is really as easy as 1) make it obvious; 2) make it attractive; 3) make it easy; and 4) make it satisfying.

When I reached my parents’ home, I immediately signed up for Clear’s weekly newsletter and plan to purchase a hard copy of the book so I can study the material further and make notes. I am interested in seeing how Clear’s Atomic Habits will combine with the concept of Grit that Angela Duckworth has presented so ably. I have a feeling that the two concepts combined will be extremely powerful.

So…..run to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of Atomic Habits….or a few! They would make excellent gifts to the people in your life during this holiday season.

audio personal management self-help

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May 8

#11: Crying in the H-Mart (Michelle Zauner)

by kennithfreeman

Last weekend, I decided to take a few days and get away for a bit to rest now that the spring semester is over. I traveled to Dallas and decided to take a listen to Crying in the H-Mart as I drove. I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed this touching memoir about the relationship between a daughter and her mother that centered around food and her Korean heritage.

The “H-Mart” is a Korean market that suggests taking only the food that you can carry in your arms each visit. This ensures freshness and seems to be the preference of many Korean families as they prepare their meals. Michelle’s relationship with her parents — especially her mother — has been tumultuous, largely due to Michelle’s pursuit of a music career after college. When she receives word that her mother is suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Michelle drops everything and returns home to Eugene, Oregon to assist her mother as she fights this dreaded disease. Crying in the H-Mart is largely an account of the mending of their relationship, their mutual struggles fighting (and ultimately losing) the cancer battle, Michelle’s search to remain connected to her Korean heritage, and a daughter’s desire to connect with her mother through food.

This memoir hit a little close to home. Recently, I have been very mindful of the fact that my mother will not be with me much longer — just due to the fact that she is aging, no health problems to be concerned about at the moment. Mom and I have largely connected during my adult years over books and food and trying out new recipes together. It is not what either of us expected, but it has become a very strong bond. Michelle’s account pointed out just how precious parental relationships are and shed some light on what life may be like when Mom is no longer with me. It is something that I think is healthy to think about from time to time.

Crying in the H-Mart is probably not what you are looking for if you are in search of a feel-good read. If you want to explore relationships and dealing with loss, this is an excellent book to add to your list. I highly recommend the audio book; Zauner’s inflection carries a sense of “knowing” that I don’t think a reader can fully comprehend simply by reading her words on the page. I also suggest you have a box of tissue nearby; driving while listening to this memoir is probably not the best idea. (I had to hit the pause button several times to collect myself and get out of heavy traffic before resuming my reading.)

audio memoir

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Dec 14

Catching Up: Books 36 and 37

by kennithfreeman

The past week has been anything but normal. After flying back to Texas to finish up the semester, I caught the mother-of-all head colds that knocked me off of my feet for a couple of days — and greatly screwed up my regular routine. While sitting in my apartment out of an abundance of caution, I did manage to do a little reading. By the end of the week, I felt well enough (and safe enough) to make the drive back to Arkansas to spend the holidays with my parents. That journey was also accompanied by an audio book. Here are my brief reviews of both of these romances.

#36: The Sexy One (Lauren Blakely) – As we have already established earlier this year, reading romance novels is a guilty pleasure for me. Especially when I am not feeling well….or overwhelmed. The Sexy One was a fun story about a nanny who has developed an enormous crush on the successful, sexy single dad that employs her. That’s the gist of the book. It was funny at times and also heartwarming. The romance was definitely on the mature side — so be warned!

#37: Maybe This Christmas (Jennifer Snow) – This audio book reminded me why I generally don’t listen to romance novels. Some of them can sound much racier than they might appear on the page. Maybe This Christmas was set in Colorado and featured a physical therapist whose best friend is a successful NHL athlete. When he suffers an injury that keeps him off the ice and at his childhood home for a few weeks, things between the two begin to heat up. While the romance was definitely something that would melt the ice while reading, I found the story extremely compelling and well developed. Quite well written…with a side of explicit scenes.

audio romance

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Aug 1

#20: The Answer Is (Alex Trebek)

by kennithfreeman

Driving back to Texas is always a perfect time to fit in an audio book and increase my annual reading tally. This trip, I opted for a significantly shorter book because I also wanted to catch up on some podcasts that had stacked up on me while in Arkansas. I have long been a fan of the quiz show Jeopardy! and thought that listening to The Answer Is….Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek (read by the author and Ken Jennings) would be a great option.

The book required about 4 hours of my listening time. Most of the book was read by Jennings with a few pivotal chapters read by Trebek himself. Chapters were very short and succinct for the most part. By his own admission in the opening, The Answer Is was not intended to be a memoir. It was simply a look back at some of Trebek’s fond memories and his experiences in television and broadcasting. Perhaps that is where things fell flat for this listener. I found myself hoping for more detail quite often; just as I became interested in a story or recollection, the memory ended and we moved on to the next. In the quiz show, I enjoy the constant shift of topics. In my reading, it leaves me wanting more.

When the book arrived at Trebek’s memories of Jeopardy! contestants, the increased continuity made the listening experience much more enjoyable. I began to sense the rhythm of the book hitting a comfortable pacing. Then Alex basically ended the book as though it was his farewell swan song to his fans and family. It was heart-breaking.

What’s my final take on the book? I still don’t really know. I enjoyed much of it. I feel as though I have a better understanding of Trebek’s life and career. I find myself still having questions. I struggle with the knowledge that this man that I have welcomed into my home for many hours over the years will not be with us much longer if the doctors’ prognosis is correct. So much uncertainty and so many questions have me wondering what The Answer Is.

audio memoir non-fiction

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Jun 13

Catch Up: Books 14-16

by kennithfreeman

It has been on my to-do list for nearly a month to write posts about my last two reads. Now that I finished a third book last night, I came to the realization that I simply had to put something down — no matter how short it is — and give the books some attention. I also want to make sure that I have a record of my thoughts before the reading experience is too far separated. I regret that these tremendous books are being grouped together in a single post, but I feel it is the only way to make sure that they are covered here on Reading for Me.

#14: Grit by Angela Duckworth

I think it was this outstanding book that was causing me the greatest difficulty in reviewing. It is a remarkable work that explores the importance of persistence, patience, and perseverance in the pursuit of success. Duckworth’s writing is very detailed and thorough, but she maintains a manner that is approachable by the careful reader. I especially enjoyed her application of concepts as they were found in the lives of athletes, businessmen, and musicians. There is nothing that I can say here that will adequately express my admiration for Grit other than this — I plan to review the book again in a future reading and strongly recommend that it be read by every student, parent, professor, and professional. I promise that you will be challenged and encouraged by each page.

#15: Naturally Tan by Tan France

While driving back to my native Arkansas a few weeks ago, I decided to devote my time to enjoying the audio book of Tan France’s memoir. What a delightful and insightful way to spend several hours in the car! As most of my followers will already be aware, Mr. France is one of the hosts of the current iteration of Netflix’s Queer Eye. (I have also read the memoirs of Karamo Brown and Jonathan Van Ness.  I look forward to reading similar books by Bobby Berk and Antoni Porowski when they *hopefully* appear.) I enjoyed Tan’s stories from the fashion industry and his journey to stardom. What I found most profound were his candid discussions about race, prejudice, and discrimination. Little did I know that Tan’s openness would resound so clearly in my ears as I watched the upheaval that our nation is currently facing. Simply an exquisite read.

#16: The Sins of the Father by Jeffrey Archer

This second volume of the Clifton Chronicles was just as riveting and well-written as its predecessor. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the novel focuses largely on Harry Clifton’s time in the United States as a convict, serving time for a crime he did not commit. Emma, Harry’s jilted love, travels to America in hopes of finding out what happened to the man she adored when he left British soil. Many of the characters we came to enjoy during Only Time Will Tell reappear and continue their story line. In typical Archer fashion, the second novel of the series ends with a tremendous cliff hanger that leaves the reader wondering what will happen and longing to know how the circumstances will impact Harry, Emma, and Giles. Thankfully, the entire series is published and the next volume sits on my night stand, waiting to be read. The Clifton Chronicles are proving to be enthralling yet do not demand so much brain power that I feel as though I must labor through them. Perfect material for a summer vacation as we all try to recover from the recent pandemic’s strain upon our minds and emotions.

audio fiction historical memoir non-fiction self-help

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Mar 24

#9: Home: A Memoir of My Early Years (Julie Andrews Edwards)

by kennithfreeman

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Home on audio book while driving back to West Texas after Spring Break. There is something comforting about listening to Julie Andrews’ lilting voice amid all of the stress surrounding our nation’s health crisis at the moment. For a few hours, it was thrilling to seclude myself away inside the rental car and just listen to Mrs. Andrews’ impeccable diction and enthralling stories.

Home details Julie Andrews’ earliest years as well as the beginning of her career. Broadway credits during this time include productions of My Fair Lady and Camelot. As the memoir comes to its conclusion, Mrs. Andrews has committed to play the title role in the Disney film Mary Poppins and has just given birth to her first child, Emma. It is endearing to hear of her relationships with people such as Richard Rodgers, Burt Lancaster, and Carol Burnett.

While I loved the stories from backstage and Julie’s home life, what thrilled me beyond imagination was the constant discussion about vocal technique and vocal health. Mrs. Andrews speaks clearly about the importance of breath support and vowel placement. Her familiarity with the Polonaise from Mignon by Thomas (“Je suis Titania”) was very interesting to me since WBU Opera was slated to produce the opera this semester before COVID-19 entered the scene and forced the show’s cancellation.  I especially laughed aloud when she mentioned that she returned to the works of Handel throughout her career whenever experiencing issues with alignment. (How I detest playing Handel for singers!)

Whether you are a musician or a fan of the stage, there is something that you will enjoy and appreciate in Home. I look forward to reading the follow up to this memoir as well – Home Work. I highly recommend spending a few days with Julie Andrews. You will leave with a greater appreciate of the arts in general and an amazingly talented artist specifically.

audio memoir

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