Recent Reads

I got quite a bit of reading done in the last few weeks. A handful of books I abandoned, but a few were couldn’t-put-it-downers.

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Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention – and How to Think Deeply Again – Johann Hari

This was my second time reading this title. I often check out a title at the library that looks interesting to me, only to realize a couple of chapters in that I’ve already read it. Ha!

But, this is a book that one should read more than once, as a reminder. Our attention is being bought and sold. It’s the most precious commodity we have. This book is not the same old “do a digital detox” trope. It goes far deeper than that.

I also love Hari’s other book, Lost Connection, Uncovering the Real Cause of Depression. I can’t recall if I reviewed that book here, but it’s excellent and required reading for anyone with depression.

The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

Ah. I love a good set-in-France-WW2 novel! A reader recommended this author to me, so I checked out two titles from the library. She suggested The Four Winds. I started it, got two chapters in, and realized…. just like the above title, I’d already read it. I really should keep a reading log somewhere, no?

I loved this novel. Sensitive readers should know it has some grisly descriptions of Nazi violence.

I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy

I listened to this on audiobook and wish I had read it instead, because Jennette’s deadpan, monotone reading was very distracting (the image above is a library copy I checked out later, for my daughter). I found the content gripping, however. Having been raised in a high-control religion and healing from the trauma of that, I resonated with much of her story.

I watched iCarly with my kids a lot over the years, and her character Sam also had that lack of expression. I wonder if it’s a result of her trauma? It’s very common for people with cPTSD to numb themselves.

There Are No Grown-Ups: A Midlife Coming of Age Story – Pamela Druckerman

I’ve reviewed a couple of Druckerman’s books about French parenting here. I love her writing style. This book was a jaunty look at the joys and trials of middle age. Very fun! Anyone in their 40’s will relate.

Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery –  Catherine Gildiner 

Boy was this book something. Written by a therapist, it highlights a few of her most courageous patients and how they overcame incredible obstacles. Disturbing, hopeful, inspirational.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** – Mark Manson

Also a second time enjoying this book. This time, on audio. Lots of great life lessons, lots of F-bombs. The secret to happiness? Giving a f*** about the right things, and not giving a f*** about the wrong ones.

The Frozen River – Ariel Lawhon

I saved the best for last! My favorite type of book, hands down, is a midwife’s story. This one was delicious. I devoured it in less than two days, and it’s a tome. Loosely based on the real-life Martha Ballard, healer and midwife who died in 1812 and left behind prolific diaries.

It’s got themes of a wonderful, long-lasting, hot marriage, revenge for sexual assault, women’s health and birth, and family. So. Freaking. Good.

Didn’t finish:

Stardust by Neil Gaimon

I wanted to love this book. Love, fairie, Old World villages, what’s not to love? But I just couldn’t finish it, and was forcing myself to read as much as I did.

What have you read lately? I’d love to hear some titles in the comments!