I think I’ve mentioned before that I have a general rule that I follow for reading more than one book at a time, and that is that I try not to have more than three books in progress at any one time. Well, I have broken my rule in a big way here lately and am reminded of it’s importance as a result. Even though I love to read and collect books like crazy, I think that having too many going at one time contradicts my goal of ‘outer order, inner calm’ (thanks to Gretchen Rubin for that motto).
Over the last few weeks I have had as many as six books in progress at any one time. Although I have been enjoying each of them, having that many creates unnecessary confusion as I try to recall what my options are when I have a minute to read something. How can I easily choose which book I’m in the mood for when it takes so much mental energy to even remember what all is on the list?
This issue definitely falls under the category of ‘first world problems’, but it’s been on my mind nonetheless. I am working on finishing a few of my in progress reads so that I can get back to an equilibrium with an appropriate number of books open at one time. If all goes well, next time we talk I will be calm and cool and still reading lots of books, but in smaller batches.
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JUST FINISHED:
If you are looking for a great devotional, here you are. I just finished this one and will have a review up later this week, but the short version is that it was such an encouraging, scripture based daily devotional, and I think it would be a great Mother’s Day gift.
I read this one on audio and it made my runs fly by, which is high praise. It follows Helen as she goes on the adventure of a lifetime with an extreme hiking group after a divorce turns her life upside down. She isn’t expecting her little brother’s roommate to hitch a ride with her to go on the same trip, and she definitely isn’t expecting to find that he isn’t nearly as nerdy and annoying as she remembers. In fact, it turns out that he is kind of awesome. This book was a lot of fun and had some deeper points than I was initially expecting from the first couple of chapters.
You can read my full review of this family drama here, but suffice it to say that there is a little bit of mystery, a lot of familial struggles, and a lot of self discovery for the heroine, Martha Storm. Even with all those heavy issues, it still manages to be entertaining and charming and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A reserved genealogist helps a decorated SEAL research his family’s past, all while fighting infatuation since he already has an amazingly beautiful girlfriend? Color me intrigued. I loved everything about this one and I can’t wait to read the next two in the series (this is the first) to find out what happens to Nora’s sisters now that she has found her prince charming. The interactions and relationships between the three sisters are so fun and I’m itching to get the next one. Also, I definitely was NOT expecting the twist about two-thirds of the way through.
I totally heart the Boxcar Children, and thankfully my girls do too. We have been having so much fun reading these books together. We started with book one and are making our way through the series at a pace of about 1-2 per month, depending on if we do any other read aloud and how much time we have before bed, which varies night to night. Oh, and spoiler alert: Bill McGregor is alive!
IN PROGRESS:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
This is a book that I wish I could press into the hands of every person on earth. Susan Cain gives so many examples of how extroverted behavior is often considered the gold standard in all social settings and the research that suggests that this isn’t necessarily a good thing. I feel validated in my quest to work quietly and avoid huge groups, and the most interesting thing that I’ve read so far is that introversion/extroversion is partially genetic – meaning it’s not entirely within our control. I can already see ways that this book will change how I parent and relate to others in almost every setting.
I know I’m a little behind in jumping on this particular bandwagon, but it’s never too late to learn healthy boundaries, right? This book was recommended recently by a trusted friend and I think it will be a game changer for me as I learn what is really my responsibility and what falls under the category of ‘not my circus, not my monkeys’. Have you read this book? I know it’s been popular for a while.
Book #4 in the Boxcar Children series, this one was next up after The Yellow House Mystery mentioned above. I used to love the Boxcar Children as a kid and I’m having so much fun reading them again with my littles.
UP NEXT:
It’s frustrating and embarrassing that I haven’t read this book yet. As I mentioned last month, I pre-ordered this book because I absolutely adored Sons of Blackbird Mountain last year. One thing and then another has kept me from picking it up since it arrived, but I’ll be on a flight later this week and I have designated this as my dedicated plane book since I will be able to enjoy it with minimal interruptions.
A few years ago I read The Austin Escape by Katherine Reay and was delighted with it. I kept telling myself I needed to read more of her books and just never got around to it, so when the opportunity read this one for review popped into my inbox I jumped at the chance. I’m taking it along on my trip as my back up book, in case I finish Daughters of Northern Shores more quickly than I anticipate. It wouldn’t do to be caught without a book, now would it?
It’s on it’s way, and as soon as it shows up in my mailbox I’ll dig in to this much anticipated new book by the wildly popular Emily P. Freeman. If you haven’t listened to her podcast by the same name as the book, you can check it out here. I’m actually relatively new to her, but I love the concepts she talks about and I’m expecting to get a lot out of the book on decision making.
If that wasn’t enough suggestions for you, pop on over to Modern Mrs. Darcy and check her quick lit post for this month. Don’t forget to scroll to the comments to see what other bloggers are reading as well!
Such an interesting list of reads! Have you read Katherine Center’s _How to Walk Away_? I thought the main character was really well done (I was totally felt like I was in her head while reading) and it wasn’t as predictable as I feared it would be at first.
No! This is the first Katherine Center book I’ve read. I’ll have to check out How to Walk Away since I enjoyed Happiness for Beginners so much.
I’m reading three books right now- pretty typical for me. Usually ebook, audiobook, and physical. Right now it’s The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls, Too Much is Not Enough, and Escape Room. Quite the trio lol.
Wow, that’s quite a variety! I usually try to do one ebook, one audio, and one physical too, but I’ve gotten really out of control this month, lol.
I love that you’re reading the Boxcar Children with your kids! I read the first few with my littles, too, but the pacing of the books was a bit slow for us. We might try again later, especially because I read every one of them when I was growing up!
My sisters and I had a huge Boxcar books collection so I’m glad my girls are enjoying them as much as I did!
Yay! I love book ideas! Plus, I need Easter gift ideas so this is perfect! Thanks 🙂
Books do make great gifts!
Yes, I often read too many books at once! It works out fine…as long as I don’t push the due dates too far on the library ones! I’m reading Once Upon a River, and hoping to read Memory Making Mom soon.
The library books get me when all my holds come in all at once lol
I have no more than 3 on the go – I can’t give them all my focus otherwise! I love Quiet by Susan Cain. Reading that book made me know myself a lot more.
Yes! It’s fascinating. It’s a book I think everyone should read.
I can’t wait to read the Boxcar children with my son! I absolutely adored that series when I was growing up too.
This is a great reading list. I’m definitely going to put “happiness for beginners” on my reading list”
Great! Hope you enjoy!