March and April 2023 Books Read
Here’s what I thought…your mileage may vary.
It’s been a super busy March and April for me, so once again, I’m doing two months at a time. The school year is slowly starting to wind down, and even though I’ll be taking master’s classes this summer, I’m definitely looking forward to more time to read for pleasure. So, while this isn’t a huge list, here’s what I’ve been reading for the past couple of months. I left the textbooks and grad school reading off this month as nobody really cares about that but me! Enjoy!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I originally bought this book as an e-book a couple of years ago, read a few chapters, and put it down as I just couldn’t get into it. For some reason, back in March, I decided to read a little more, and I finally got into it and read the whole thing, and I’m glad I did. It was an interesting portrait of how marginalized people can still be determined and defy the odds. I loved the imagery of the swamp and the wildlife. A very moving and touching story on so many levels. For someone who led a very simple and solitary life, Kya was a very complicated character, and it was interesting to see how she and those around her changed over the course of the novel.
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates (audiobook)
Wow, this book really blew me away. I knew the Gates Foundation did some amazing work, but this audiobook really gave me insight into how passionate Melinda Gates (and Bill) are about empowering women around the world to make changes that improve the lives of themselves and their communities. Gates shared how her philosophies of philanthropy developed and how the experiences she’s had with the foundation have shaped and changed her life as she is committed to helping women in the US and abroad shape and change their own. This is the kind of book that leaves you wanting to do more and to get out there and make a difference.
A Polaroid Guy in a Snapchat World- David Spade (audiobook)
This is an audiobook on the lighter side. Unlike “The Moment of Lift,” it won’t inspire you to change the world, but it is good for a few laughs now and then. Overall, I love David Spade and find him funny in most of the shows or movies I’ve seen him in, but this audiobook was honestly kind of a letdown for me. The problem was after the first couple of chapters, it all sounded the same. A dude who was in his prime in the 90s whining about his dating life and making penis jokes. Now many of the jokes were really funny…but after a while, every chapter sounded the same to me, and I was very glad it was fairly short for an audiobook at about six hours in length. Thankfully I mostly listened to it in my car as I commute to and from work, but still, that’s six hours of my life I’ll never get back…sigh.
Jewel- Never Broken: Songs are Only Half the Story (audiobook)
One of the best author-narrated audiobooks I’ve listened to so far. Jewel has a phenomenal story of overcoming hardship, and she has amassed a level of wisdom that those twice her age rarely have. I have always loved her music, but this book gave me a new appreciation for where the lyrics to those powerful songs came from. It did get a little “preachy” at times, and that’s my reason for giving it four rather than five stars. This book had me hooked from the first minute, and it was definitely one where I was sad when I came to the end. If you are a fan of Jewel, even in the slightest degree, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to you either in audiobook or print; you won’t regret it. Of course, in the audiobook version, you are treated to several episodes of her singing angelic tunes acapella, so this one really might be best enjoyed as an audiobook.
The Best Strangers In The World-Stories From A Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro (audiobook)
Back in January, I read “Dinners With Ruth” by former NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg and being a huge NPR fan, I was delighted when I saw that NPR’s Ari Shapiro, who hosts the daily news program “All Things Considered” had released his own memoir and he narrated the audiobook himself. The Best Strangers in The World is an eclectic compilation of the stories and experiences of Ari’s personal life and of his life as a reporter for NPR. An out gay man since he was in high school, Ari also weaves in enlightening stories that help one gain a better understanding of LGBTQ culture and issues. He has a very conversational storytelling style, and once again, while listening, I felt like I was sitting around a table with friends listening to him tell stories. By far, my favorite part of the book, though, was the section where he shared stories from his time in war-torn areas like Syria and Iraq. Shapiro has lived a very interesting life, and this audiobook is definitely worth a listen, especially if you are an “All Things Considered” fan.
How to Speak Cat by National Geographic
Written by Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman DVM
Okay, I have to admit, I bought this book for use with a student I am working with for one of my grad school case studies. But it’s actually interesting and engaging info, and while reading through it to plan my lesson, I ended up reading the whole thing! I have promised this book to my student as part of her reward for working with me on this project, but I will probably purchase another copy to have as a non-fiction mentor text for other students I work with on a regular basis.
How to Speak Dog by National Geographic
Written by Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman DVM
Yes, this was another one purchased to read with a tutoring student on one of my grad school projects. But it was a very interesting book, and for educators, this is a great mentor text for non-fiction for elementary-age students. Not only did I find it helpful and beneficial for use with students, but it’s also enjoyable and entertaining to read as well. Usually, I only skim a book like this, but while preparing my lesson for my tutoring student, I found myself hooked and ended up reading the entire 175-page book in one sitting!
What I’m Currently Reading for Pleasure
Admittedly, much of my reading time right now is taken up with reading for my master’s degree courses, but I do try and squeeze in as much time as I can for pleasure reading, and here is what I’m working on right now.
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
This is a huge departure from the kind of books I normally read. I started this by reading a sample of the first three chapters on Apple Books on my iPad. Since it was so different from the kind of book I normally read, I wanted to see how I liked it before diving in and purchasing a copy. At the end of the three-chapter sample, I was dying to know more, so I purchased it and am about six chapters in now. This book is 607 pages long…so it’s gonna take me a while to get through, but it’s really interesting. Sadly, the reviews on good reads don’t say fabulous things about it, but I’ve seen that with many books I read and really enjoyed, so I’m reserving judgment until I’ve finished this mammoth tome for myself.
Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson
I’ve long been a fan of James Patterson books, especially when I want a quick and easy read, so when I heard his wife was putting out a fiction novel, I pre-ordered the book several months before it was released. I’m barely into this one, as I’ve been really into Fairy Tale, but while James Patterson is listed as a co-author of this book, you can definitely see a different style of writing and perspective of Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo who are the two primary authors. It is a mother-daughter tale of a mother who is a high-powered world-renowned doctor and a daughter who is an artist, and the two have very different perspectives on life. The two bond over a trip the daughter proposes after “Dr. Liz,” Laurie’s mom has a health scare. I’m close to finishing Fairy Tale, and then I am really looking forward to diving headfirst into this book, so stay tuned for an update when I’m finished.
Big Fit Girl: Embrace the Body You Have by Louise Green
I just started this book on 3/26, so I’m barely a chapter in, but I like the message of the book, and I’m hoping to learn something about how to be fit and love the body that I have while working to make myself healthier in any way that I can. I’m never gonna be a skinny girl, and I’m fine with that, but I want to learn to love the body that I have and take care of it. The book is only 236 pages, so I’m hoping I can breeze through it fairly quickly while putting into action the things I learn as I read.
If you are on Goodreads, I would love to connect with you. I’m always looking for more interesting books for my ever-expanding “to be read” list, so check out my Goodreads page here, and let’s be friends.
