April 2024 Reading List
Reading books is definitely my “superpower”! It has been fun to read a variety of books and then share the highlights on our podcasts under “Books Worth Reading”. Lots of books that I read are “inspirational” or thinking books but, many more are just good stories….so below, I have listed things that make a “successful” story…. The main thing is keep reading and inspire any child around you to read.
10 ways to make a good story succeed:
- Give your story strong dramatic content
- Vary rhythm and structure in your prose
- Create believable, memorable characters
- Make the important story sections effective
- Deepen your plot with subplots
- Make every line of dialogue count
- Add what makes a good story (immersive setting)
- Create conflict and tension
- Craft beguiling beginnings
- Deliver knockout endings
Non-fiction
The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with
Knowledge and Confidence by Lisa Mosconi and a Forward by Maria Shriver
SO MUCH GREAT information (backed up by research) on hormones, therapies and how to live your best life. Puberty, pregnancy, post-partum. peri-menopause, menopause and SO MUCH MORE…
The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul by Connie Zweig and Harry R. Moody
The inner journey of aging wisely, the spiritual journey (whatever form it takes) and moving through the second half of life with grace, power and wisdom.
The Waltham Murders by Susan Zalkind
The true story of the investigative journalist who linked three murders in Waltham with the bombing at the Boston Marathon.
After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle
Reflections on loss, fear, bravery, healing, love, acceptance and more.
Disruptive Thinking: A Daring Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead and Love by T.D. Jakes
Think differently and find the courage to challenge the status quo with this mindset-shifting guide to meaningful change.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
How do we view introverts? How do they view themselves? This book dramatically changes how we see this very important contributions to society.
The Road Years: A Memoir, Continued by Rick Mercer
Fun stories of his work across Canada on the Rick Mercer Report.
It’s Not About You: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life by Tom Rath
Life is not about you. It is about what you do for others.
Fiction:
The Adversary by Michael Crummey
This is a story of corruption and feuding on the shores of Newfoundland.
Wild by Kristin Hannah
A small girl appears from a forest, speechless and alone and the mystery and intrigue begins.
Fourteen Days by Margaret Atwood and company…many authors, including Celeste Ng
Set in a Lower East Side tenement in the early days of covid…surprising story with an unusual twist.
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
A story of inheritance and everything that happens “beyond the will” and the bonds of family stretching far beyond the grave.
The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks
Funny, touching, thought-provoking – the story of a comic book turned multi-million dollar film and all the people along the way.
Hang the Moon by Jeannette Wills
Virginia, prohibition and an indominable young woman.
These books are on your list for this year or what you’ve already read? Do you lay the year out ahead of time or make the decision of what to read next only when you’ve finished the last book? I have so many questions.
I have already read those. At the end of each month, I lay out my plan for the next month. I usually do about half/half fiction and non-fiction. I look through recommendations on goodreads and I also search the internet for the top reads or under certain topics. My search for what to read next is almost as fun as reading. LOL I also read stuff that people think I am crazy to read (like Sophie Trudeau’s new book) and Prince Harry’s but, I like reading about the perspective of others – no matter what their perspective happens to be. I sometimes roll my eyes and determine that I would NEVER do, think or act that way but, it always moves me forward – helps me sort our my values and beliefs and gives me a little taste of history or “who knows what”. I really do love to read….