May 2024 Book List…

I read 12 books in May. With my goal of 175 books in 2024, I need to read 15 books each month for the next 7 months. So, now, when I start mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or some other form of social media, I remember my goals and move on. Although escaping into a good book is also NOT reality, at least it isn’t presented as “reality” like some things that are on social media. I think the answer to social media is balance, not avoidance and discernment because a lot of things presented are “not as they seem”. That being said, always choose connection with other humans over addiction to your phone and avoid endless scrolling and pick up a good book.

Stealing by Margaret Verble
This piece of historical fiction is stunning – it is extremely well written and chronicles a young Cherokee girl, removed from her family to a Christian boarding school in the 1950’s. It is eye-opening chronicle of prejudice and in justice.

The Little Liar by Mitch Abom
Set in Salonika, Greece, this is a story, narrated by the voice of Truth, on the horrors of World War II. A moving parable that explores honesty, survival, revenge and devotion by one of my favourite authors.

The Retirement Messenger: 6 Big Things YOu Need to Know for a Worry-Free Retirement by Susan Kelly
This book is told in “story” form and contains lots of interesting and helpful strategies and facts for anyone considering retirement. It is a Canadian book so, very applicable to our economy and other factors in our country around retirement and finances.

Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self by Richard Rohr
Another of my favourite authors, Richard Rohr again challenges us to dissolve our ego (The False Self) and find our true and authentic self through a spiritual journey. Our true self is like a diamond, buried within us and we spend our lives uncovering it.

The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Change
After seeing Kate Quinn at a local author event, I was inspired to buy and read her most recent book. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and this story takes us to San Francisco in 1906 and reveals the strength of women in a quest for justice.

The English Wife by Adrienne Chinn
This is a beautiful story filled with family, tragedy, love. It moves between England and Newfoundland, WWII, 2001 and 2011. Definitely label this book an historical romance.

Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent and Feeling Guilty…And Start Speaking Up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, And Unapologetically Being Yourself by Aziz Gasipura
This book is full of strategies, stories and vulnerability as you work through the difference between being “kind” and being “nicely taken advantage of”. Do you feel anxious when you try to stand up for yourself? This is the book for you!

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and Geoffrey Trousselot (translator)
A coffee shop story of friendship, love and time travel.

Vagus Nerve Unlocked: Guide to Unleashing Your Self-Healing Ability and Achieving Freedom from Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Inflammation and Autoimmunity by Mark Evans
This book reminded me again of the interconnectedness of the body – nerves, muscles, brain, gut. This is full of interesting and thought-provoking research as well as strategies that help support blood flow and nerve and gut and brain health.

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
A female sniper in World War II starts as a Russian researcher and book worm. Another fabulous historical fiction (with lots of amazing photos and research) that celebrates the strength of women in the face of so much desperation – a hero born of a desire to change the world for her son.

You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
A poet tells the story of her most crushing experience in life, the end of her marriage. This is a beautiful story of strength and survival and highlights so much of the difference between how men and women navigate the world around them. Tasteful and vulnerable from start to finish.

Just Feel Good: The Secret to The Life You’ve Always Wanted by Andrew Kap
This book is a great reminder of the power we have over our own lives – the power to be grateful, to stop each day and just “feel good” and celebrate our lives, our connections and each and every breath. To make good decisions, to take appropriate risks and to continue grow always. Health and movement and choosing to follow his 10 strategies that uplift our emotions.

Written by Pam