What I Read in May
For the past couple of years I’ve posted year-end reading lists, but it occurred to me the other day that it might be more helpful to post my reading monthly. It would be a more manageable list and I will be more apt to share what I thought. I’m going to give it a try anyway. Let me know if you find it helpful.
My star ratings are according to GoodReads definitions:
- Did not like it
- It was ok
- Liked it
- Really liked it
- It was amazing
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on your Amazon purchase. Also, most books I read and recommend are from a Christian worldview. I make no apology for that.
To be reviewed:
Dusk’s Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller
Book 1 in the Regency Wallflowers series. Watch for my review post on June 7.
Silent Altitudes by Michael James Emberger
Christian sci-fi novel. Watch for my review post on June 21.
Fiction from my Friday Freebies lists:
Raspberries and Vinegar by Valerie Comer
I didn’t end up enjoying this one quite as much as I expected, but it was worthwhile. I’d read others in the series. No longer a free download, but it is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Shelter by Robin Merrill
A novel about a church/homeless shelter and the people who live there. Heartwarming and inspiring. Still free, as of this post.
Fiction from the public library:
The Living Room by Robert Whitlow
I enjoyed the basic plot of this legal thriller but the dream aspect of it was a little over-the-top for me.
A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Dust Bowl by Susie Finkbeiner
As you might imagine, this one is a sad book so you’ll need to be in the right frame of mind to read it. But rich in so many ways.
The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer
A novel about the packhorse librarians in the Appalachians during the Great Depression. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Memoir:
When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People by Jeannie Gaffigan
Highly entertaining account of a very sobering event (the diagnosis of a pear-shaped brain tumor) by the wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan.
Nonfiction:
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker
If you’ve ever thought you needed to declutter or downsize–and who of us hasn’t?–this book will motivate you to get started!
Anxiety Elephants by Caris Snider
This is a 31-day devotional book on the topic of anxiety. I read through it faster than that. I found some entries more helpful than others.
Juvenile fiction:
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
A heart-warming story about 3 sibling orphan refugees during WWII. I love the references to classic library books and all the wonderful vocabulary words sprinkled throughout.
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Fun middle-grade fantasy novel. I appreciated the family loyalty and sibling support throughout.
Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate
Cute kids’ book for emergent readers about an old dog and a rambunctious puppy.
The Diaries of Robin’s Travels: Dubai by Ken and Angie Lake
I don’t know a lot about Dubai, so I did learn a little from reading this kids’ book, but it could definitely stand a little more editing. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Kell, the Alien by Darcy Patterson
Very silly book about an alien family from another planet trying to fit in. I expect kids would enjoy it much more than I did, seeing how they are the intended audience and I’m not. Currently free on Kindle.
Picture books:
Bertha Takes a Drive: How the Benz Automobile Changed the World by Jan Adkins
Nonfiction picture book for ages 5-8. It was a fun story for anyone interested in the history of cars. Great illustrations!
Ruby Rides an Elephant by Ruby Lovell
Interesting story about a little girl traveling with her parents in Sri Lanka. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Audiobooks:
Miss Julia Happily Ever After by Ann B. Ross
I look forward to a new installment in the Miss Julia series each spring and this one did not disappoint. Highly entertaining and humorous. Narrator Cynthia Darlow makes this series even more fun to listen to than to read for myself.
The Time of Jacob’s Trouble by Donna VanLiere
A novel about those left behind after the rapture. It has an intriguing premise but I found it draggy in places. I probably won’t bother with the next one in the series.
War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman
A snippet-of-life look at the life of a 12-year-old girl in southern California during the early days of WWII. I enjoyed it, but there are others from the time period I have enjoyed more: 5 YA Books Set in the 1940s.
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
John Grisham at his best. This novel is about the same attorney as the one in A Time to Kill. The story takes place 5 years later. Michael Beck is another narrator I can listen to all day long.
Have you read any of these titles? What did you think? I’d love to know!
