My Reading List – February 2024

February definitely went out with a bang – snow and ice – or, due to Leap Year, did March actually come in like a lion? I always set myself reading goals each month – I have now reached 27 of my 175 books for 2024….that leaves 14.8 books per month for the rest of 2024. I read 14 books this month so, I am definitely “in the running” to reach my goal.
How do I choose the books I read? I sometimes have them simply recommended by friends and I have spent a time browsing in a bookstore or library looking for my next read. Books do run across my social media feed and, sometimes I bite and buy or find them. I definitely use my Kindle to search out books and finally, Goodreads recommends books and I do keep a list of “want to read” there. It is not hard to find a good book to read.
As a teacher-librarian, I was always looking for new and intriguing books to put in my library. If you have never been or considered the job of a librarian, it is definitely intriguing, especially in the digital age. I know that I don’t take advantage enough of my local library and especially its online books. I always make it a goal to do so – maybe this month. I have a subscription to Kindle Unlimited and I get two books a month as part of my Audible subscription and I often buy at least 2 or 3 so, I sometimes don’t make it to borrow those free ones. I haven’t always been impressed with my local library (mostly the staff) but, I need to try again. Whatever your guilty pleasure in reading, just do it – it changes your life.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
This book had the “Man Called Ove” feeling to it but, definitely a different take on the story. I loved the book and would highly recommend it if you are looking for a heart-warming, teary read.

Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning by Liz Cheney
Strength and character and strong leadership are evident throughout the book. Her deep knowledge and insight make the book extremely poignant. Given our current political times across the world, you can’t help but wonder where things are heading unless reasonable, intelligent people step up.

The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler by Heinz L. Ansbacher, Rowena L. Ansbacher (Editor)
This was a trip down memory lane – university days studying psychology – Freud and Adler. The book is over 600 pages, but extremely well written and edited and full of practical understanding and wisdom.

The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
A story of the strength of women supporting each other and the true meaning of being a parent and just figuring it all out.

The Defector by Chris Hadfield
I enjoy both the science and history of his novels. It builds on the characters in the first novel and after a slightly slow start, builds to a great ending. It is worth persisting.

The Truth About Leadership: The No-Fads, Heart-of-the-Matter Facts You Need to Know by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
Why do I continue to read about leadership? First of all, because we are all leaders, every day, in many aspects of our lives whether formally and informally. This books was well written and had a lot of practical tips and truths about getting the best out of people and being the best version of yourself. I am still waiting for the book that addresses what leadership is really like in a unionized environment.

The Women by Kristin Hannah
This author has never disappointed me. This book was gripping, historical fiction from page one. It covers a topic often ignored and not well understood – women in the Vietnam war….as nurses. It wove a lot of history around an intriguing personal story.

100 Harsh Truths of Life by Library Mindset
I always like a good quote that makes you think and this book is full of them.

The 272: Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church
by Rachel L. Swarns
These 272 people are rarely heard about. There story is another reminder of how we must reflect and change and avoid repeating history and out need to take responsibility and make restitution for our mistakes. The building of George Brown College by slaves and money acquired through the slave trade, the destroying of families by separation and torture – it is a story woven through the Catholic Church still being resolved today.

The Perfect Daughter by D.J. Palmer
Mystery, murder, split personalities and a finally, solved crime with a twist. Just a fun read.

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
by Anna Lembke
Finding the balance between pleasure and pain and taking back control of your choices in terms of indulgence. There are many stories of suffering and redemption that give us hope that we are all capable of managing and transforming our lives – making our world a better place.

White Ivy by Susie Yang
An immigrant story with many twists and turns and insights into culture and family.

Making Judgements Without Being Judgmental: Nurturing a Clear Mind and a Generous Heart
by Terry D. Cooper
Do you make judgements or are you judgmental? Are you a critical thinker or do you just think critically about people and situations? Do you practice confident humility or do you live with insecure arrogance? Do you spend your life responding or reacting? Is your world filled with realistic, transforming guilt or mere shame for who you are? What do you want to practice in your life authoritative judgements or authoritarian judgementalism? A very well-written book for self-refection and taking back the power to hold convictions and still show grace and empathy.

The Couple’s Revenge by Daniel Hurst
A quick read – murder mystery with a twist.