Book List / 2021

Have been quite excited to assemble my (first ever) book list for the year!

It was one of my goals to read more this year & I'm happy to say I've done so, 

(audiobooks being a large part of my success). Overall, happy with reading more in general, 

& though I definitely didn't get into as many biblical & non-fiction 

books as I would have liked, I did find & enjoy some delightful stories. 

"The stories offer us a beginning ~ a first step on the road to living a life of love."

(the Read Aloud Family)

// BOOK LIST 2021 //

(in the order I read them)

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett 

Fiction (February, really enjoyed the audio with Tom Hanks)

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Would definitely recommend this one for anyone looking to improve their habits.

Very informative & he breaks it down into easy steps. 

Also has a nice recap at the end of every chapter.

"Your identity emerges out of your habits - who do you wish to become?

We are what we do.

Incentives can start a habit, Identity sustains a habit. 

Redefine your identity."

Next Right Thing by Emily P Freeman

"We often don't give our narratives much thought. We just let time roll into itself.

Our work today is to take a moment & notice the narrative."

the Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

Fiction (audio)

Leavings, Wendell Berry

Poetry (February)

Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin

Non-Fiction (February, audio)

Similar vein as Atomic Habits, though I didn't enjoy this one as much.

"For good & bad, habits are the invisible architecture of daily life."

"Habits means less decision making."

"Progress over Perfection. The practice of everyday life."

"Don't let the perfect by the enemy of the good." ~ Voltaire

Educated by Tara Westover

(February)

A shocking memoir. Both Joel & I read this & gasped our way through it.

"We are all more complicated than the roles we are assigned."

Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner

Memoir (February)

"There is only today, with holes in our pockets, with time spilling out."

"Gratitude. For where you are, not where yo hope to be, is the best virtue to practice on your quest for change. You are here, now. You have, thank goodness, been given all that you need for today."

"Hydrate."

The Enchanted Hour

(March, audio)

On reading aloud with kids. Though convincing, more informational than inspiring.

"The reading voice has been a quiet source of entertainment by a thousand crackling fires & a bridge between generations."

"A young mind is a thirsty thing."

"By setting aside time everyday, we can leave the pixelated wilds & rest, at least for a little while, 

in a place of unplugged authentic human connection."

How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price

(Unfinished! Got all the important facts & neglected to do the 30-day experiment.)

"What we're trying to avoid is letting a state of mindless distraction become our default."

"We're trying to solve discrepancies between how we say we want to live our lives & how we are actually living our lives."

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson 

Juvenile fiction (March, audio)

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this first book - loved the narrator. 

Have yet to delve into the rest of the series. Maybe with Asher in a year or two.

Death by Living by N.D Wilson

This book felt a bit too busy/trying too hard(?) for me, but it did have some great insight 

about life & provided some spot-on solidarity in parenting.

"By his grace, we are the water made wine."

"Motes of dust are suddenly visible, floating in the gold. Galaxies. There is nothing new under the sun. There we all are. Dust. Floating on grace. Beautiful only in its light."

The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi

(April, audio, narrated by Kendra)

I wish I had the clarity of mind that Kendra brings to the table.

I really enjoyed this book & Kendra does such a lovely narration.

Ranging from basic organization to words of wisdom that were a balm for my soul.

*recommend (for moms/women in the throes of life)

"You need space for success & struggle, energy & exhaustion. Clean houses & crappy meals.

It all counts - because it's yours."

"Decide Once. On purpose. About everything."

"Be aware. Be gracious. See your season as an invitation to be human. To name what matters. & to strengthen who you already are. Beginnings, endings & middles all deserve your attention & kindness."

EHAP! (Everything has a place)

"True fulfillment comes from subtraction - leaving only what's essential."

Love Does by Bob Goff

(April / audio, narrated by Bob)

Bob as a person is inspiring & his book prompts me to action. 

Literally, Love Does.

Humans / origami.

A love that never grows tired of expressing itself.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Fiction (May, audio) 

Dark & romantic - enjoyed.

"You're in the right place at the right time & you care enough to do what needs to be done.

Sometimes, that's enough."

Everybody Always, Bob Goff

(audio by Bob)

A continuation on his first book - also memorable & inspiring.

"We're all rough drafts of the people we're still becoming."

"We need to love everybody, always. It makes the math easy, but it also makes my stingy love more obvious."

"Jesus never had a problem with people who knew their shortcomings; he didn't tolerate people

who faked it. Once we get real with where we actually are & our desperate need for him, he's got a person he can do something with."

 

The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah

Historical Fiction (audio)

I didn't love this book as much as everyone else seemed to, but I did enjoy it & the characters grew on me & developed a lot throughout. I would recommend it for people into WWII novels.

Caroline by Sarah Miller

Historical Fiction

Perhaps the most introspective character I've ever read? From the view of Laura Ingalls mother Caroline on their initial journey leaving Wisconsin. A bit slow moving in parts, really beautiful in others. 

I actually found a likeness in her relationship with Charles to mine with Joel which was interesting.

Wouldn't recommend to everybody, but definitely to Wilder's fans.

"One by one the strings twanged & wavered & then found their steady centres. Her heart rose, tight & aching, to hear them at last. No matter what songs he played, those four notes always sang out first in welcome. That, more than anything, was the sound of home."

 "Caroline sat back & smiled. This, she thought to herself."

"Four panes for the east, four for the west. He had bought her sunlight & moonlight, sunrises & sunsets. He should not have done it. Caroline loved it. 'It's too much,' she told him, as she always did. His face told her it wasn't nearly enough, as it always did."

The Road Back to You, Ian Cron

(read piece-meal)

Would definitely recommend as an intro to the Enneagram.

"Life hands us a challenging syllabus. We need all the help we can get."

The Starless Sea, Erin Morgenstern

Fiction (September, audio)

Dense & rich to start, then a bit long & meandering. Overall enjoyable.

"He weighs his options & his future & his past & his story. How far he's come.

The unknowable distance left to go."

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo 

Juvenile Fiction (September, audio)

Started this one after a few of her other books.

A sad but beautiful short story. I actually shed a tear.

"& so he listened - & in his listening his heart opened wide & then wider still."

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

(October, audio)

Started this because it's one of those "I should reads" & didn't love it.

(Intro...) "Protagonists who are heroic not in spite of their imperfections, but b/c of them...

we all might discover one day that we're called to accept our faults, risk being vulnerable,

& in the course of things, overcome darkness."

The Penderwick's on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

(October, audio)

Worked through the Penderwick's series partially with the kids & partially following along with 

Asher & Edie on my own. Enjoyable.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Historical Fiction (October, audio)

The character development took me some convincing. 

This was a hard look at the Dust Bowl in the 30's - a pretty harsh reality.

Didn't love it but felt like it did a good job of giving you an impression of that time & place.

"Life is more than what happens to us - we have choices to make."

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Juvenile Literature (October, audio)

Based on the true stories of a boy & girl in Africa.

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Juvenile Fiction (October)

An enjoyable Kate DiCamillo. A wintry read.

"What are we to make of a world where stars shine bright 

in the midst of so much darkness & gloom?"

"This," he wanted to say to someone he loved & who loved him in return.

"This."

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Juvenile Literature (October)

Back to the '30's - this felt a bit like a combination of the Four Winds & Educated - 

horrifying & unbelievable true events, though through the eyes of a young girl was more 

whimsical & redemptive, thankfully.

"we weren't always happy

But we were happy enough...

When I rode the train west, I went looking for something,

but I didn't see anything wonderful.

I didn't see anything better than what I already had.

Home."

Lightfall by Tim Probert

(Graphic Novel)

My first graphic novel! 

Interesting story with wonderful illustrations.

Loved the Galdurian's character.

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

Legends of Zita the Spacegirl

The Return of Zita the Spacegirl

(November, graphic novel series)

I read this graphic novel series to check out for Asher & ended up reading all four books cause I got sucked in! I also found it genuinely comedic in parts. Was genuinely surprised how much I enjoyed it.

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

Mighty Jack & the Goblin King

Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl

(November, graphic novel series)

A compilation joining up with Zita.

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan

Juvenile Literature (November, audio)

A surprising amount of music in this audio production.

Interesting enough though I didn't love it. The three characters all overcome very challenging 

(historical) circumstances & their stories all intertwine.

"No matter how much you don't have, 

there's always so much more of life to be had."

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

(November, audio)

Surprisingly loved this book! My mother in law mentioned enjoying it on our last visit & I noticed it on the audible included books & decided to give it a go.

I picture a young Jamie Oliver as the character Dickon.

"Much more surprising things can happen to anyone who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought comes into mind, just ha the sense to remember in time & push it out by putting in an agreeable determinedly courageous one. Two things cannot be in one place."

"Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow."

The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie

Would highly recommend this book ~ she has many good facts & thoughts about raising kids & reading aloud. Appreciate her down to earth approach. Very inspiring & lot's of book recommends in here.

"The stories we read together act as a bridge when we can't seem to find another way

to connect. They are our currency, our language, our family culture. The words &

stories we share become a part of our family identity."

"We read with our children because it gives both them & us an education of the heart 

& mind. Of intellect & empathy. We read together & learn because stories

teach us how to love."

A Single Shard by Sue Monk Kidd

(December, audio)

Though a bit slow-moving, this is a very thoughtful story about a young orphan in Korea 

who works for a potter & earns his place.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

(December, audio)

This is a freebie on audible & it's so well done!

Narrated by Laura Dern & wonderfully filled in with background audio (crackling fires,

singing, piano, etc) I've never read the book & thoroughly enjoyed it.

Maybe halfway I thought it a bit long, but there's definitely two parts to it & it has wonderful conclusions.

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson

A graphic novel based on the true story of two boys who are refugees from Kenya;

an eye-opening account of what life is like in a refugee camp.

A Restless Spirit, the Story of Robert Frost by Natalie S Bober

Biography - kind of a random choice on my part; he had a pretty bumpy 

& disheartening start, but by the end of his life was beloved of the nation & beyond. 

He dropped out of college & by the end of his career had 40 honorary degrees!

"He learned early to trust his own feelings, his doubts & certainties,

his own excitements. He was able to recognize & stay with his own pattern.

He refused to trade individuality for conformity."

"He was able, always, to see below the surface to the essential beauty

at the heart of things. He never lost his sense of wonder."

Of their early family life: "Life was simple, even isolated. The cupboard was

often bare, but life was filled to the brim, & even above the brim."

" 'Evening Time' meant a short walk to see the sun go down, & hear the birds go to sleep

& smell the soft mist rising from the meadow. After that we settled down in the

front room for the being read aloud to that came as certainly as

night followed day."

Of his wife, Elinor: "she has been the unspoken half of everything I ever wrote,

& both halves of many a thing."

Of poetry (which I think are so spot on):

"a poem begins in delight & ends in wisdom."

It is a "momentary stay against confusion."

The Horse & His Boy by C.S Lewis

The next book after the Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe,

I'll admit I was underwhelmed.

the New Testament 

I worked through the New Testament the latter half of the year.

I used the Visual Word as a pair-along near the end which I found helpful - 

provides a brief summary of each chapter as well as a visual.

"Behold, I am making all things new.

It is done! I am the Alpha & the Omega, the beginning & the end."

(Revelation 21:5/6)

Advent:

Wonder, devotion by Dwell

"Christ came to specific people in a defined region at a fixed point in history.

& yet he continues to come, to arrive, as he is present to his people in every place

& every age."

Honest Advent, Scott Erickson

"Newness of life is what we all desire. This is the work the Spirit 

is wanting to do in the soul of all humanity - to bring Christ's participation into

fullness within you. To bring you into the fullness of the participatory

life of Christ."

& my final book of the year, a lovely paperback version of

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

This was on my list for a while before delving in - recommended by a couple 

different people & it did not disappoint!

Beautifully written (though a bit heartbreaking, because WWII) - a total page turner.

I loved it & plan to check out his other books.

"I only want to sit here with her for a thousand hours."

"the brain is locked in total darkness. It floats in a clear liquid inside the skull,

never in the light. & yet the world it constructs in the mind is full of light.

It brims with colour & movement. So how, children, does the brain,

which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light?"

//

I'm also including books I read aloud with the kids & books we listened to on audio to together:

Read-Alouds:

the Silver Arrow
not what I expected; was disappointed.

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Dragon Masters by Tracey West
(we did a number from from this series)

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Ramona the Pest &
Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary

Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff
(I talked enough about Bob that the kids would ask for 'Bob' stories. 
He also made a kids version that we read together).

Audiobooks:

On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

(Love Cherry Jones narration)

James listened to Nelly getting stuck in the pond with the leeches several times over.

The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett

this made us laugh several times - we listened to it again on our 

Christmas trip to Calgary

Flora & Ulysses (*started our/my Kate DiCamillo kick) 

Especially liked the music for the audio with the super squirrel

"Such tenderness, to have someone get out of bed & bring you little fishes & sit with you as you eat them in the dark of night. To hum to you - this is love."

The Penderwick's (#1) by Jeanne Birdsall

Listened to on our trip to BC

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

"Stories are light - listener, I hope you have found some light here."

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

(read by Cherry Jones!)

"It just ain't a party without pickles."

The Penderwick's on Gardam Street

Charlotte's Web by E.B White

We read this a couple years ago & I thoroughly enjoyed it again. 

I think what struck me most was the lengths Charlotte goes to save Wilbur - 

quite literally her life - & I also really enjoy the pastoral & seasonal descriptions.

The audible version with Meryl Streep is so lovely.

"Life in the barn was very good - night & day, winter & summer, spring & fall, dull days & bright days. It was the best place to be, thought Wilbur, this warm delicious cellar, with the garrulous geese, the changing seasons, the heat of the sun, the passage of swallows, the nearness of rats, the sameness of sheep, the love of spiders, the smell of manure, & the glory of everything."

Henry & the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton

This was kind of a fun story, though it was a little confusing to follow - 

didn't love the narration with this book, would read it myself next time.

the Penderwick's in Spring

"Aentha was a calm mother, who didn't believe in adding to the chaos of woe."

the Penderwick's At Last

Although I enjoyed this series, I found myself not as interested in this last book,

though overall I would recommend them.

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

We listened to this piecemeal so didn't have the full impact that it might have had;

also Asher's friend gave away that Aslan dies & comes back to life.

I think James enjoyed this one the most, though it was definitely over his head.

We'll have to try it again when he's older.

The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

A random find - the audio is about 4 minutes long but is just delightful 

& has a twist on the ending!

// 2021 FAVOURITES //

Best Narrator: 

Meryl Streep in Charlotte's Web 

(highly recommend this Audible version!)

Best Audio Book:

Little Women

Included on audible (narrated by Laura Dern) ~ so well done!

Most Delightful: 

Charlotte's Web

& 

the Secret Garden - spring was never more exciting!

(both re-reads for sure)

Most Surprising: 

Zita the Spacegirl series - how much I enjoyed these graphic novels.

The Pout Pout Fish (audio) - because I laughed out loud at the end.

Favourite Author:

Based on the most books read by a single author ~

Kate DiCamillo!

Favourite Book:

*All the Light We Cannot See*

I don't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much.

Most Impactful:

Love Does &

The Read-Aloud Family

Favourite Genre: 

Again based on the books I enjoyed the most: 

Juvenile Lit! 

Children's books are so delightful & yet punch you in the heart.

Books I Didn't Finish: 

the Book Thief

Braving the Wilderness

French Kids Eat Everything

Peter Pan

& a handful more.

Best Audio Bible:

I tried the Dwell Audio Bible app this year & it's really well done.

You can choose from a variety of voices & narrations as well as background music.

They also include a lot of different scripture ensembles/topics as well as devotions.

//

Thanks,

Des & Carolyn ~ for being reading inspirations,

to Jess for all your recommends,

to Rachelle for our book conversations this past year,

to Joel for being my listening ear even when it's too late at night,

& Aimee who gives me books (which I will read next!) ~ 

also an inspiring reader.

//

Cheers to a new Book Year!