Reads of 2025

December 31, 2025December 31, 2025 | thesestones

2025—-a year in reading that has felt a little “whomp whomp” in my subconscious. I have typically set a goal of reading over 100 books for the last decade or so and have often gone over that. But last January I reduced it to 75—-maybe I had an inkling that 2025 might not hold quite as much time for reading as I would have hoped.

This year began being knee-deep in preparing for clearing out my family home, having an estate sale, selling my parent’s property and knowing we would be selling their home. My eldest was finishing up college applications and preparing to finish senior year. Little did I know that it would also hold other things I wasn’t expecting—-eldest would choose to attend University of St. Andrews in Scotland. I spent much of the summer of 2025 needlessly worrying about traveling to Scotland THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL. I say “needlessly” because that 5 day trip (that became a 6 day trip due to airline festivities) was smooth, delightful and 10/10 in the end. I spent so much of summer filled with anxiety over leaving my students on the first day of school (who does that??). Maybe if I spent summer reading more books it might have been better for my mental health??

My dad’s house successfully sold due to a crazy, unexpected story. The estate sale happened on a snowy and glacial weekend in January. A woman who went to the estate sale decided she needed to get the house for her daughter. She contacted my dad and later, our amazing realtor (and my friend since kindergarten), sending in an offer. Boom. Within three weeks the house went from offer to sale. It was the funniest, most unexpected experience ever. The estate sale itself was insane. Maybe all those estate sale gurus were just waiting for something during the winter season that is devoid of estate sales?? But the house was emptied, an offer was given, we did a final walkthrough and goodbye and then entered into March filled with final decisions on colleges. {luckily we escaped to Maui in the midst of all of that and enjoyed warmth and a moment to breathe and try to understand the whiplash of college decisions 2025}.

In May, after 55 years in our family home, my dad took a big leap of faith and moved to Oregon. We shopped and outfitted his new apartment during the month of April and emptied out the storage unit we had been using since December. Shortly thereafter, we had a week of graduation festivities in June (high school, 8th grade, and niece’s college graduation), finished up the school year and then enjoyed a reprieve before the Scotland trip and finding out the unexpected news that the school where I teach was chosen to consolidate (nice word for CLOSE) in June of 2026. Fall has felt like a tornado of emotions. Maybe a hurricane of emotions? Maybe an atmospheric river of emotions (during an actual atmospheric river which touched down in Oregon!)?

Who knows. But all I can say is that looking at my reading from 2025, I actually am surprised at what I DID read in the midst of all of this going on. I share it mostly to give myself a place to remember the year. The ups and downs. And maybe now that I am in my 50s, I have a little more tender grace with myself to see what I did fit in and prioritize during the middle of quite a few big events. Audiobooks accompanied me on many drives up and back from Washington. Next to the pool in Maui. On walks and hikes. During the long airplane ride to and from Scotland. I found a continued love for my ereader and the large font options and brightness settings (yes, I am old). And, also noticed better retention when I did read text vs. audio on the days when my brain was a bit garbled thinking through lots of things. So all in all…thankful for the gift of books during busy, exciting, hard & anxious times. And excited to fall into some new stories this year to come.

My favorites/most memorable from this year:

You Are Here by David Nicholls
Gentle by Courney Carver (especially memorable to meet Courney and her daughter, Bailey in Portland at Powell’s Books after a long weekend of goodbyes at my dad’s house in February)

My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino (This book was on my TBR list forever and finally read it during our annual trip to Manzanita this year thanks to my book club selecting it.)

Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan (I noticed that Jenny was going to be at Toppings and Company bookstore in St. Andrews, Scotland in June signing books. I jokingly sent a message via instagram to the store and they graciously agreed to have her sign a book for me and hold it until we went in September. Matt and I went into the store and spent a glorious hour looking at every nook and cranny of that amazing bookstore and they miraculously still had the book waiting for me, signed! One of my favorite souvenirs from that trip. And if you are ever in St. Andrews, this bookstore is a MUST SEE!)

Someday, Now by Tembi Locke (A beautiful audio-only book. Tembi is the author of From Scratch and this book is the follow up sharing her summer of returning to Sicily on the cusp of her daughter heading off to college.)
Heart the Lover by Lily King
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Looking Forward to in 2026:

Finishing If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love by Samin Nosrat
Joyride: A Memoir by Susan Orlean
The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
American Fantasy by Emma Straub
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
First and Forever by Lynn Painter
Off the Record by Sara Goodman Confino
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams (the last installment in her Rome, Kentucky series and I am an unabashed fan!)
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Reads of 2024

December 30, 2024 | thesestones

What a full year of reading it has been….in spurts and starts! I am thankful for the gift of reading and books every year, but this year, there were some real standouts! I have about 20 books I would like to list here, but am forcing myself to narrow it down to 10 favorites. I surprised myself realizing how many of my standouts were memoirs this year. I love working with students to tell their own stories (remind me of this in three weeks when we are publishing personal narratives and I am at my wit’s end!) as well as watching our eldest work through a LOT of essays for college applications. Memoirs take us on a journey of the rises and falls we ALL encounter through life. This year has had many of those moments for our family too and I am kind of on the edge of my seat waiting to see what unfolds in the year ahead (selling my parent’s home of the last 50+ years, sending eldest off to college, youngest moving to high school, to name a few). Through it all, though, we have the gift of storytelling. I hope you will find some books from this list (and from the pictures shared as well) if you are looking for something to sink into. Happy New Year and Happy Reading in 2025!

My Favorite Reads of 2024:

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (audio)

My absolute favorite of the year and I can’t recommend it enough on audio. Who doesn’t want to listen to Ina’s voice sharing her memoir. Hearing the ins and outs of her journey to the cookbook writer/Food Network star she is today was so dear, especially sitting in on the relationship development with her husband, Jeffrey.

The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon

Sharon McMahon has been a long time internet crush for me, known widely as “America’s favorite government teacher”. Sharon always tells the truth and in this book, she chronicles the lives of 12 Americans. These Americans are regular people who do extraordinary things—Small, AND Mighty! I was so inspired by this book that it was the title I gifted to all of the parents this year and I almost daily use the phrase, “small, but mighty” with my 3rd graders. If you are a reticent history reader, give this one a go and receive the gift of truth, awe and inspiration.

Skin & Bones by Renée Watson

Woowee…the way that Renée Watson weaves in the often forgotten Black history of Oregon (just like the main character in this book, Lena) was so eye-opening and beautiful. Watson is a poet at heart and her voice comes through so beautifully through the narration of Lena’s experience, grieving the loss of her mother while also struggling through the challenges of dating, friendship and motherhood. Have the tissues handy for this one.

The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing & Healing by Lara Love Hardin

This memoir sat on my shelf long after the library due date and I kicked myself afterwards wondering how I could have ignored it so long. From Goodreads, “Lara Love Hardin recounts her slide from soccer mom to opioid addict to jailhouse shot-caller and her unlikely comeback as a highly successful ghostwriter in this harrowing, hilarious, no-hold-barred memoir. No one expects the police to knock on the million-dollar, two-story home of the perfect cul-de-sac housewife. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardin has been hiding a secret—she is funding her heroin addiction by stealing her neighbors’ credit cards. Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179….” I could go on and on, but suffice it to say—-this book, while heartbreaking at times, was so moving and a definite add to your TBR list.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

I devour a lot of romance books and really wanted to add more favorites to this list (Emily Henry? Carley Fortune?). But, Abby Jimenez’ books always stand out for me due to her raw storytelling and willingness to delve into mental illness and imperfect characters. The premise of this book is that the main character, Justin, has a sad “curse” of sorts….every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate once they separate from him. Emma is shocked to read about all of this on a Reddit thread, realizing her OWN trend is identical. They decide to start dating each other in hopes of curing the curse. Some predictable elements for sure, but Abby Jimenez just surprises her readers every time and always takes the narrative to a vulnerable place.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

This was one of my first Courtney Walsh books to read and I loved the premise…a near-death experience puts a workaholic junior editor into a tailspin. She meets an older woman while in the hospital and they eventually set out with the Summer of Yes adventures, finding hope and healing while on a road trip.The stories of Georgina and Kelsey intertwine and the journey filled with love, forgiveness, regret and romance allow the two characters to truly live.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

I listened to Frozen River as we were driving to Olympic National Park for spring break this past March. I still have a visceral feeling when I see the cover and picture myself on solo hikes around Lake Quinault nine months later. The story is a haunting mystery of life in Maine in the late 1700s, inspired by the real diary of Martha Ballard, a midwife who defied the legal system. When a birth and death unfolds, Martha’s midwife diary becomes a piece of the story that is necessary for solving the crime. Gripping!

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

Summer Romance is a meshing of Ali’s upturned life—a separation and impending divorce, while trying to find her footing as a newly single mom of three, leaves Ali stymied. She works to create order, calm and cleanliness for her clients through her organizing business while feeling the pain and stagnation of her own disorganized life at the same time. This book was impossible to put down, especially as Scooter/Ethan arrives back to town and leads to the upheaval of Ali’s status quo. This wasn’t just a trite romance or rom com, but a deeper look at later life and its complexities as only Annabel Monahan can perfectly do!

The Women by Kristin Hannah

When I see Kristin Hannah, it pretty much means, “BEST BOOKS OF _____” (insert year of publication). And this was no surprise. The Women took over one of my February weekends as Hannah wove the narrative of twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath as she decides to joing the Army Nurse Corps and follow in her brother’s path to Vietnam. For me, this book really brought much of the experiences of women’s bravery and courage during this war to life for me. Rarely have my history teachers or courses allowed for exploring Vietnam and Kristin Hannah’s narrative did a beautiful job.

Family, Family by Laurie Frankel

Laurie Frankel’s whip smart and comedic writing gripped me from the first page. I found myself laughing at the wit one moment and stopping at the next page to take in the depth of dialogue at the next. Books centered around adoption are not new thematically, but somehow in Family, Family, Laurie Frankel crafts something new. I truly wanted this book to last and spent much longer than usual reading it, settling in with the characters, and finding myself surprised and yet saying, “YES!” as each surprise unfolded.

Honorable Mention for 2024:

Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

I read this book back in 2013 and shared about it here. My book club picked it up again this year and I was floored that I couldn’t remember the story at all—and was so pulled in again 11 years later, that I stayed up in the wee morning hours on a school night finishing it.

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle & Flying Club by Helen Simonson

I have been against picking up novels set in Britain during World War I (or WWII for that matter) after kind of overdoing that genre. But this book takes you on a literal journey with Constance Haverhill and others who work to create the Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club. As men are returning from the warfront, she is faced with leaving the job and role she had held and being accepted in a field not deemed appropriate or proper for women.

There’s Always This Year: On Basketball & Ascension by Hanif Abdurraquib

This one was NOWHERE on my radar until a special event, attending the taping of the wonderful podcast, Live Wire Radio, landed Matt and I (and our friends Michelle and Shane!) at the taping in April. Here is link of the interview. It starts around 11 min., 50 seconds. (can you hear us clapping and whooping!?) I do love basketball, yes, but Hanif hooked me because of his poetic storytelling in this personal memoir. He shares about growing up in Columbus, Ohio, witnessing the era of basketball amazingness in the 1990s. He talks about remaining and staying in a hard, but wonderful place, and seeing oneself as “beloved”. Can’t recommend this enough!

Books I Am Looking Forward to in 2025:

Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams (January 7)

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (February 4)

Gentle by Courtney Carver (February 18)

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone (March 4)

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (April 1)

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory (April 8)

I Thought It Would Be Better Than This by Jessica Turner (April 8)

Great, Big, Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22)

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6)

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20)

My Friends by Fredrik Backman (May 20)

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27)

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3)

Reads of 2023

December 30, 2023 | thesestones

Such a wonderful year in reading and in books. As always, it feels almost impossible to narrow down my favorites.

As I reflect on reading in 2023, I think the biggest change has been accepting that I am now an e-reader gal. Whether reading on my Kindle or my KOBO, I am loving that I can adjust the font and the lighting for my old lady eyes. AND—that our amazing libraries have access to Libby and Cloud Library. I can put my e-reader in my fanny pack (yes….proof that I am almost officially hitting middle age!) and take my current read with me no matter where I am off to. It is just the best.

Another change is that our school district took on a new literacy curriuclum, so a solid chunk of books I read this year were read in preparation for teaching with my third graders. The texts are all SO SO SO GOOD!

After the past few years of surgeries and medical leaves, this year didn’t necessitate lighter rom-coms as in the past, but I still read more than my fair share. I keep gravitating towards them as it’s a treat during busy and full days.

Here are my top favorites for 2023:

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. {I love that this was my first read of 2023. Read and enjoyed in Maui. One of the most endearing books of the year and so odd—how does an octopus take center stage of a narrative!? But it does, masterfully.}

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal {I had the chance to receive an early copy of this book via Net Galley and was smitten with the setting, the characters and their development were delightful. J.Ryan Stradal wove a tender story that drew me in from the start. The characters felt richa nd real, the hardships pulled at my heartstrings and the character’s responses made me want to be a better, more committed person. Connections to family, secrets, richand fun community over the table?! What more could one want in a read? This story carved a spot in my heart and mind.}

American Royals IV: Reign by Katharine McGee {I had to force myself to slow down on this one, the last in the four book series by Katharine McGee. I was so sad to see the characters off at the end. The premise for these books is the royal family model, set in the United States. Characters struggle to come to terms with their familial responsibilities to the country but what stays in the gift of their personalities and decisions in the midst of hard circumstances. Just lovely!}

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett {Ann Patchett. Need I say more?! This book sits with me months later and is a must on audio. It is narrated and read by Meryl Streep. It is also listed everywhere as many readers’ favorites of the year—so I am guessing it isn’t a surprise I loved it so much. But if you haven’t read it, or if you skipped the audio, give it a listen!}

Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore {This book came back-to-back with Tom Lake for me and had many similar “vibes”. Amy Trevino stayed close to her hometown, foregoing her ambitions of being a playwritght, instead working as a high school English teacher and drama director. She takes on the production of her famous, Hollywood writer, brother’s play in their little hometown in Rhode Island. Her Tik-Tok famous daughter also returns home too and takes off to stay with her uncle, rather than reveal her current true circumstances. They all have to deal with their desires to hold onto fame, but also stand up for what they believe in too–the gift of creativity and art for art’s sake. A perfect read for a lazy summer day….}

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry {Patti Callahan Henry has been a favorite author of mine for some time. And Flora Lea was no exception. The main character discovers a rare book that has connections to her past and holds secrets about her missing sister, lost during WW2. The book unfolds with her stay at a magical cottage along the River Thames when she stays with Birdie Aberdeen. The book begins to tell the secrets that might bring forward the reason for Flora’s disappearance. It is so beautifully written and truly the setting is like a special, magical character too.}

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez {Oh, Abby Jimenez. Can she do no wrong in the book publishing world?! This is the second in a series, but can be read on its own, in my opinion. Abby is a romance writer, but her books always hold so much more for me. In this one, the main character’s brother is running out of time to find a kidney donor and her own divorce is almost finished. She receives a letter one day from a doctor and they begin to exchange messages back and forth that lead to healing and growth in the midst of pain and hard times. Pick this up if you need a feel good, immersive gem!}

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M Graff {Oh. My. Goodness. This book. Probably my favorite of the year. And a must on audio. It is not an easy read, but lays out the narrative of 9/11. I listened to it on audio in one day, unable to put it down. The stunning history created using oral memories from this historic day was heart wrenching and eye opening. So many elements of this day are seared in my memory, but this text truly rounded out my understanding of the many people affected by this tragedy. I truly think this book should be on the “must listen” list for all.}

Go as a River by Shelley Read {Go as a River was a stunning story of resilience and perseverance. Family history pushes and pulls the main character, Victoria, to forge her own path. At each crossroad of loss and pain, she must move forward. As she grieves, she also becomes new, seeking to hold onto truths and memories of her family, yet also discarding the pieces that don’t allow for growth. This book truly drew me in from the first page and kept me reading in every spare minute until I finished it.}

Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano {I feel so thankful to have received an early copy of this book. It was a layered, deep, sweeping novel of a family system filled with many dynamics. Joyous expansion. Painful pulling away. Personal challenges which made relationships feel impossible. I couldn’t push through this book quickly as It felt like the narrative needed space to breathe and settle. I truly belive Ann Napolitano has created a *beautiful* work of literay art in this one.}

Two *Extras* Chosen for Unique Reasons {had to create this category of amazingness}:

Fast, Feast, Repeat by Gin Stephens {This is a must on audio, in my opinion. I have included this book due to the way it has really changed my day to day life. Gin Stephens lays out the science behind intermittent fasting and the method and approaches. I began this book during the summer and feel like I have found a new lifestyle. I love the health benefits that this has brought into my life and the way it is backed up with evidence and science. Best of all? There is a new book which just dropped on December 26th and her podcast is a weekly dose of encouragement and information too.}

Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams’s Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration by Elizabeth Partridge (Author), Lauren Tamaki (Illustrator). {This book is stunning and so beautiful. I had to include the illustrator too and her artistic and creative work in this text are unmatched. It also was awarded the Siebert Medal in 2023 too. So deserved!}

Books I Am Looking Forward to in 2024:

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

28-Day FAST Start Day-by-Day by Gin Stephens

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups & Downs by Kate Bowler

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn

The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

Reads of 2022

December 30, 2022 | thesestones

Each year has its own vibes—call it trials, tribulations, joys, adventures, rhythms—they all mashup to make the chemistry of a year. A dear friend (you know who you are) challenged me this year to think about BIG NUMBER birthdays, anniversaries, as a bit less monumental than our society or culture makes them out to be. For example, in 2024, I will celebrate 50 years! And Matt and I will hit 20 years of marriage. SHOOT THE CONFETTI! BLOW THE PARTY HORNS! But…this friend challenged me to think about celebrating making it to wherever we are. We are about to embark on a trip to Maui to ring in 2023 and our 19th anniversary! Ha! Isn’t that what the traditional gift is for 19 years of marriage? Tropical vacations?! {Actually, no. It’s bronze. “A durable metal, bronze has come to symbolize a long-lasting, resilient marriage.”}.

So. Back to reading in 2022. It came in fits and starts. There were months of struggle for me with my reading life. I would heap guilt on myself trying to make time for it while balancing school and day to day life. And other seasons where there were long windows of time and opportunity, yet I might not have felt up for it. Last year was a doozie. My mom passed away a week before 2021, dad fell and broke his hip, I was diagnosed and treated for colon cancer, there was a pandemic. And 2022 was a bit more of the same. I planned for a preventative mastectomy in July, and found out later that there was actually breast cancer brewing. After that, knowing I had a propensity towards thyroid cancer as well, and having five large nodules being monitored, we went for another surgery in November.

I bring these issues up not to wallow in the year, but to put my reading in context for myself—-my continued leaning towards all things Rom Com. My love of story and memoir. My dreaming through cookbooks (many recipes NOT realized). The rewards for my deep dives into literary fiction. But, really? It’s just fun to look back at the reads of the year and marvel at how hard it is to narrow it down to favorites. An embarrassment of literary riches!

Without further adieu or long-winded reflections, here are my favorites and images of what I read this year!

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

Part of this essay compilation was published in the New Yorker a year ago. It was a long read and just sat with me in the deepest place. I hadn’t read her work before and was just amazed at the way it drew me in. I decided to listen to this book on audio this year and truly believe it is meant to be listened to…especially since it is narrated by Ann herself.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Abby’s books tend to mimic the Hallmark Christmas tropes…but somehow she does it in a way that brushes off the cheese and goes deeper. The main character, Alexis, is a big wig, busy and overwhelmed ER doctor and ends up in a small, close knit town where she meets Daniel, a carpenter, who steals her heart and resets her priorities. I just love Abby’s writing and the sense of place she brings to her books. So sweet!

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

I listened to Know My Name during spring break as we drove up to Astoria and was basically a zombie to my family in the car, gripped by the storyline. I was truly speechless after reading this stunning book. It was hard. Gutting. Gripping. And important. Chanel Miller was so courageous to write this true retelling of her horrific experience at Stanford—one that I had heard about many times in the news but never with the victim’s perspective.

Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

I am new to Elizabeth Strout and am wondering what took me so long to come around to her books. This one, while set during the Covid-19 pandemic, was delightful for me. The character development and sense of place was truly beautiful. I can still *feel* it in my heart and soul three months after reading it. And….MAINE. Need more be said?!

The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

I was slightly doubtful that Michelle (we are best friends) could do it again. Becoming was so amazing, breaking many records for sales and hooplah. But The Light We Carry was truly what I needed. And OBVIOUSLY it needs to be listened to. I mean. MICHELLE, in your ear buds?? When I was only 9% in on the audio I already had to post about it. I was so grateful to listen to her book and to hear her wisdom on overcoming uncertain times which pretty much sums up the last two years of my life. My dad also called while I was listening to this one gushing about having just read Becoming. Guess who got this book for Christmas?

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

After a long stretch of 4-star ratings on Goodreads, this gem broke into the 5-star level! And I can’t imagine that most haven’t heard the buzz as it has received a lot of literary love. I recently loaned it to a colleague who said she cried at the end. Not due to sadness, but that it was over and she wanted to keep adventuring with Elizabeth Zott. As Goodreads summarizes, “but like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.” Cooking show? Science? Rowing? This book had it all and was delightful—not to mention my favorite cover artwork of the year.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

When Anne Bogel, my beloved hero of the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog and the podcast, What Should I Read Next?, wrote the following, there wasn’t much more to be said. I was already an Emily Henry fan, but this one was probably my favorite due to the focus on books and publishing. Here’s Anne’s synopsis: “This readerly enemies-to-lovers romance delights with small town charm, serious Roy Kent energy, and banter galore. Successful literary agent Nora Stephens’s colleagues call her the Shark, but Nora doesn’t care. She’s (mostly) at peace with who she is, plus she’s proud of fighting for her clients—even if that same fierceness has always spelled disaster for her love life. But Nora has one soft spot: her beloved baby sister Libby. When Libby persuades her to take a sisters’ trip to the too-cute-to-be-real hamlet of Sunshine Falls, Nora is gobsmacked to encounter her professional nemesis Charlie Lastra, a famously grumpy and inconveniently handsome editor who despises Nora. Soon the sparks are flying—and Nora has to keep reminding herself she hates his guts, lest she succumb to their undeniable chemistry. A heartwarming, steamy, and sweary love letter to readers, and a moving exploration of family, ambition, love, and belonging.”

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

I kept putting this book off, over and over. Something about the theme of video games turned me off without giving the narrative a chance. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow tells the story of two friends who originally meet as a developer team of video games, but who remain connected in a way that transcends their success and careers. The character development is the heart of this novel and Gabrielle Zevin is a master of storytelling. If you, like me, have heard the buzz over this book and have put it off due to *VIDEO GAMES* {the bane of my parenting existence}—well, three words. “Get. Over. It.” This is a wonderful gem and also led me to devouring her earlier book, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

On the surface, Nora Goes Off Script looked just like the countless others of this genre. But maybe due to the unique plot line or setting, it just hit differently. Nora Hamilton (yes, another Nora character like Book Lovers, and no doubt a nod to Nora Ephron) is a romance channel screenwriter who writes the best screenplay of her life based on the true experience of her husband leaving her with her two children. Real life becomes fodder for great writing! Her screenplay is chosen to be made into a movie and they want to film it at her house which is central for the movie’s authenticity. You can guess what happens next….Leo, the lead actor. I won’t go into the details of what unfolds, but what this book does so well is bring a story to life with authenticity and warmth. It didn’t feel contrived or cheesy. I have had a few friends under the weather due to illness or surgery and Nora Goes Off Script has been a go to recommendation for recovery.

Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau

While I was recovering from my mastectomy in July/August, my friend, Kristy, sent me two books. We often laugh when she recommends books to me and finds I have already read them. I loved both (the other was In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer), but Mary Jane will be my biggest surprise of 2022. Thank you, Kristy! If you like Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid or Heard it in a Lovesong by Tracey Garvis Graves, this will have similar tones. The main character, Mary Jane, is 14 years old and has grown up in a very straight laced, religious home. She gets the chance to be a summer nanny for the daughter of a local doctor, a psychiatrist whose sole summer job is to help a famous rock star get sober. The juxtaposition of the life she has always lived (and goes back to each night) vs. the experience she has in the more liberal home filled with sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. I wish there was a soundtrack for this book!

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

I try to time my library holds to reading books in season….but Every Summer After arrived right before my surgery in November and after almost preemptively returning it due to the darkness of fall, I decided to crack the summer-themed cover. From page one, I couldn’t put this down. This book is Carley Fortune’s debut and I have already preordered her next book which is slated to come out in May 2023. The setting on Barrys Bay in Ontario is so well developed that it feels like another character. The story is told over the course of six years and one weekend and as Goodreads summarizes, it is “a big, sweeping nostalgic look at love and the people and choices that mark us forever.”

And….a few reads I am looking forward to in 2023:

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs by Laura Tremaine
The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler & Jessica Richie
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Maame by Jessica George
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfield
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
They’re Going to Love You by Meg Howrey
The Reunion by Kayla Olson
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

Reads of 2021

December 30, 2021December 30, 2021 | thesestones

Isn’t it true that your reading life can give hints into your ACTUAL life?!? Because 2021 started off on the heels of my mom’s passing, three weeks later my dad fell and broke his hip and then I was diagnosed with colon cancer just weeks after that. This all was held in the COVID pool of life. And when I look back to all of the books I read in 2022, they tell this tale and reflect my year as well. MANY rom coms and I also really dug into audio books this year during my drives up and back from Washington, or time on leave/in the hospital. I won’t wax poetic on too much more, but suffice it to say….here are some reflections:

First, I have moved over to Goodreads and LOVE it. Like so much in 2020, in 2021, I had to embrace technology even moreso, and found that Goodreads allowed for easy tracking. I also love the book visuals at the end of the year which I used below. Goodreads served as a wonderful way to get new book recommendations from authors I loved or friends.

Second, my book clubs were a bit of a tough slog/area of disappointment this year. I say that with 99.9% blame going to COVID and .1% due to my own challenges. Trying to hold book club via Zoom was better than nothing, but it fizzled out for us too. So many of us were spending all day, each day on Zoom, that committing to MORE zoom felt hard. Ultimately, I desperately missed the monthly ritual of meeting with both of my book clubs. One has restarted meeting in person and for that, I am so thankful! Hoping for more normalcy to come in 2022.

Last, I am learning to let go of reading goals. I see the value in setting a number goal and love to hit 100 (type A personality), but I really appreciated a recent message from my hero, Anne Bogel at Modern Mrs. Darcy. In a post earlier this month entitled, “You Don’t Need Another Reading Challenge“, she shared the reminders that this past year has been challenging enough and that we don’t need ANOTHER challenge or stress. I am taking these wise words to heart. I already negotiated for an 80% teaching contract this year, to give myself some margin. And in the same vein, I am applying that to my reading life in 2022. I plan to embrace the books I am excited to read, abandon those that don’t keep me engaged and work hard to instill a joy/love of reading with my third graders and my own two boys.

As for 2021, I am not going to categorize all of these into topics like I usually do. I just don’t have the stamina for that, but I will share a few favorites and am HAPPY to talk books anytime with anyone!

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Oh, Kristin Hannah. 9 months later, I still feel this book and the narrative in my bones. She creates such beauty of place and character. This took place during the Great Depression/Dust Bowl. And wowee. It is stunning. And disheartening. And gripping.

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad. I had no idea how impacting this book would be for me. Listened on Audible and hearing Suleika narrate her own memoir was stunning. She crafted a memoir that shared about her cancer journey with vulnerability, truth and beauty and then pivoted into the “after”. Moving through her 100 day road trip and space to find herself and a new normal. It felt like an effortless read, but I know it was not effortless to write. I sat with so much of the narrative, feeling the same liminality between two “spaces”. I read this book while preparing to go back to school in person, while waiting on ctDNA results, attempting to make chemo decisions, a week before Matt started his three month sabbatical. I just loved this beautiful gem of a book.

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne. I think I needed this one when I read it…set in a luxury retirement community, it is a romance at heart, but I just attached to the characters and loved the ways their stories intertwined and developed.

Live Your Life by Amanda Kloots. I have been following Amanda online since her husband, Nick Cordero, contracted COVID early in the pandemic. This memoir was co-authored by her sister, Anna Kloots as well, and told the truth of their experience throughout the confusion, angst and pain of the COVID process. Amanda lost her husband in July of 2020. While much of the story unfolded on social media, this book laid it bare. Having lost my mom in 2020, while not from COVID, I still resonated so deeply with Amanda’s story, her experience in the hospital with medical workers and working through grief. Beautifully written.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren. I was surprised by how much I loved this rom com. Christina Lauren is a two member writing team who cranks out books yearly and is no doubt well known to many romance enthusiasts. But the premise of this book was fun and unique. The main character hears about a new DNA-based matchmaking company. She ends up matching with the company’s founder with the highest level of compatibility on record and the match is put to the test.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. This book has had a lot of buzz so I am guessing the premise isn’t a surprise. I wasn’t sure I could stomach a book about losing one’s mother, but this powerful memoir focused on family, food, grief and moving through this loss was gripping. Even more powerful in that it unfolded in Eugene, Oregon. It’s not an easy read, but I truly believe should be on everyone’s list.

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser. A bookshop. A romance. In Scotland. There isn’t much more to say, except this ticked all the boxes!

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. This was a surprising favorite for me. Young Adult novel, romance, and dancing. But so much more. Nicola Yoon can write a tale with such depth and reality and take a lighter subject and interject depth too.

Homemade: A Story of Grief, Groceries, Showing Up—and What We Make When We Make Dinner by Liz Hauck. Liz Hauck shares the beautiful and hard story of bringing weekly cooking nights the the 14-18 year old boys at a community house in Boston. It share the deeper aspects of handling the grief journey after losing her father, whom she had hatched the cooking idea with prior to his passing. The narrative in this memoir is poignant, raw and real. A reminder of what can be shared around the table. The tough challenges of aging out of the system at 18 and how best to support kids in these traumatic situations. I can’t recommend this enough.

No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler. I was introduced to Kate Bowler earlier this year after sharing about a clerk who reminded me that, “everything happens for a reason”, after my mom’s death. I read Kate’s first book by the same name and then devoured this latest release. Kate is a fellow colon cancer survivor and I resonated so deeply with her memoir sharing the experience of her diagnosis and process, but even more about how to move forward with a life you didn’t choose. Stunning book and I highly recommend her phenomenal podcast as well.

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan. Patti Callahan is a gifted writer, creating narrative based on historical events. She already penned Becoming Mrs. Lewis about CS Lewis’ wife. But this book focused on the early life of CS Lewis.

HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes. This was a surprise favorite for me. Elizabeth Holmes is a MUST FOLLOW on instagram and this book was about so much more than royal style. I planned to just scan it and keep going. Nope. It was an in depth rabbit hole for me. So good.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama. I am sure many of you have read this one, but for me, listening to Barack read it on audio was key and I remember crying driving down I-5 listening to it. What a decent man with well intentioned leadership. Loved this one!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. As I predicted back in January, this became one of my favorites of 2021. Matt Haig has mastered the art of a brilliant narrative. The story followed Nora as she tried on different life stories and while it is a “fantasy”, it managed to truly delve into our human conditions and hearts.

Serena Singh Flips the Script by Sonya Lalli. I have loved Sonya Lalli’s books in the past and scored this one on a Goodreads giveaway. Super fun read and perfect book to get lost in.

Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez. Abby Jimenez is just BEYOND the best. She engages with her reading fans so generously on instagram and has written a few more of my favorites, especially the Happy Ever After Playlist. Anyhow, she, like Lynn whom I share about below, arranged for an advanced reader copy of this new book and I devoured it in 5 hours during a tough week of planning for my colon cancer surgery. It was the biggest gift from Abby and the story is fantastic too. It has some sensitive triggers so just prepare before reading.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. Oh my. How do I even encapsulate this one????!!! This book was gifted to me in March, not publishing until May. Kerry Winfrey gave it the stamp of high approval, and so I reached out to Lynn and asked on a whim if I might be able to read an advanced reader copy. What followed was an unexpected message stream back and forth with her that truly met me during a hard time emotionally. And then the BOOK ITSELF???!! This is YA rom com at its best. All set with a lead character who loves curating playlists. Each chapter begins with an 80s song and a playlist even appears at the end. I loved loved loved this one and couldn’t stop thinking about it….even 9 months later. I messaged Lynn after and demanded it be made into a movie. I am sure she would be equally thrilled with this proposition too! Still love emailing and messaging with Lynn months later and truly can’t believe the encouragement she has been to me this year. Incidentally, she currently is doing an ongoing digital book where she sends out a chapter every week or two. And her next book comes out in 2022!

And….some books I am looking forward to in 2022:

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

One Night on the Island by Josie Silver

The Lazy Genius Kitchen by Kendra Adachi

Stuntboy: In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds

I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist

American Royals III: Rivals by Katharine Mcgee

The No Show by Beth O’Leary

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

The Emma Project by Sonali Dev

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler & Jessica Ritchie

When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King

These Precious Days by Anne Patchett

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

Reads of 2020

December 29, 2020December 31, 2020 | thesestones

It has been a YEAR. We know this. Covid-19 threw an unexpected wrench in just about every aspect of our daily lives. As a library devotee, I had a panic attack as I realized that they were going to be closing up the physical building in March. I hoped that my devices would allow me to access Cloud Library and use my cell phone to read from. Some books worked via Libby on my Kindle and then in a moment of amazingness, I got a KOBO Clara in May for my birthday and could access Cloud Library too. Soon, the library innovated as many of us had to in our various capactities (teachers, parents, restaurant owners, etc). And they started DELIVERING books from their cars to our doorsteps! Cue all the heart eyes. It was like librarians in remote locations delivering books via donkey or by horseback. Soon, it was clear to me that my reading life wasn’t going to be too impacted and OFTEN, I feel acute anxiety over the huge stack that was non-failingly delivered, knowing I wasn’t going to be able to get through them all.

My book club started getting creative, passing the books to each other on our doorsteps (in fact I made three stops today for the same reason) and we took up our normal meetings on Zoom, seeing each other over our screens just like so much of our daily lives soon revolved around. At school, as a teacher, we scoured the internet for resources, recording ourselves reading stories, using EPIC, reading over live Zoom with a document camera, finding videos of famous people & obscure others reading. We have made it work. We had opportunities to see live streamed interviews with authors, Q & A sessions between writers & many events I had hoped to attend became possible and FREE as they adapted to an online format. Who would have predicted that events in June 2020 would lead the NY Times Bestseller list to be filled to the brim with books by authors of color, titles focused on race, white supremacy & historical issues that were coming to a head?

I noticed that my reading life changed a bit during the pandemic. I found that I couldn’t stomach some titles that were just too intense. Publication dates changed….some came sooner, others are pushed out into 2021. I turned to audiobooks for many titles, listening through an earbud, hoping that I could take in the plot while keeping my kids from killing each other. Then, my mom’s health took a drammatic turn in November and after a few weeks of touch and go times, she passed away on December 23rd. As the year comes to a close, I find myself lighting the candles, curling up with a blanket, heating up yet another cup of tea and settling in to read and let my soul sit in a narrative that lets me escape a bit.

Looking over the list, part of me longs to do my “usual” where I talk a bit about each title. But with over 120 books on the list, it’s just too much for me right now. Needless to say, I see a few trends. First? Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature is a TREASURE. Our book club made up of teachers, school librarians and public librarians has been buoyed by these narratives, plots and phenomenal storylines. I am almost losing sleep already waiting for the end of January revealing of which titles win the awards for 2020. We have read so many contenders that I am twitterpated. Then there is the never-ending romance list. That was my coping mechanism….nothing too intense. Romantic Comedy for the win! 2021 holds so many titles to come and I am thrilled to imagine what my list will hold next December. Reading has been a balm and gift in a year with some pretty rough bumps. I am thankful for the gift that story is for my students, my own kids and myself and look forward to how it will anchor me in the year to come. {each read below has a 1-5 * rating…nothing fancy but just my interpretation}

Kids

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks *****
Chirp by Kate Messner ***
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson ****
Front Desk by Kelly Yang *****
Three Keys by Kelly Yang *****
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed (graphic novel) *****
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson ***
Class Act by Jerry Craft *****
Hike by Pete Oswald *****
Egg or Eyeball by CeCe Bell ****
You Loves Ewe!by CeCe Bell***
Stop! Bot! By James Yang ****
Tallulah: The Tooth Fairy CEO by Tamara Pizzoli ****
Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes ****
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy ****
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park *****
Southwest Sunrise by Nikki Grimes ****
On the Horizon by Lois Lowery (memoir in verse) ******
We Dream of Space by Erin Entrade Kelly ****
Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley (graphic novel) ***
Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk *****
Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard ****
Double Bass Blues by Rudy Gutierrrez ***
Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Lyons ****
Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley Newton **** (poetry)
The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead ****
Vamos! Let’s Go Eat by Raul the Third ***
Woke by Mahogany Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo & Olivia Gatwood) ***** (poetry)
Exquisite: The Story of Gwendolyn Brooks) by Suzanne Slade ****
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha (graphic novel/memoir) ***
Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte ****
Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield ****
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes *****
King & the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender *****
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen ****
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller ****
Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield *****
You Matter by Christian Robinson *****
Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera *****
Nonsense! The Curious Story of Edward Gorey by Lori Mortensen and Chloe Bristol****
Overground Railroad by Candacy Taylor ****
Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry ****
Joey: The Story of Joe Biden by Jill Biden & Kathleen Krull ****
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora *****
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier *****
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom *****
See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle & Mike Wohnoutka *****
Freedom, We Sing by by Amyra León and Molly Mendoza ***
Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker & April Harrison ****
Becoming a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery ****
Sugar in Milk by Thrity Umrigar
King of the Birds by Elise Gravel *****
Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes*****
If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackwell*****

Young Adult Fiction

Frankly in Love by David Yoon ****
Dig by A.S.King *****
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord *****
Go With the Flow by Lily William & Karen Schneemann **** (graphic novel)
Yes, No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed *****
Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang *****
Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning ***
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo ****
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki (graphic novel) ***
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh ****
Red Hood by Elana K Arnold ***
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger ***
Flamer by Mike Curato ****
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi with Yusef Salaam ****

Literary Fiction

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid ***
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummings ****
Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman ****
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley *****
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver ***
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune *****
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman ****
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett ****
The Guest List by Lucy Foley ***
Sea Wife by Amity Gage ***
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner ***
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd****
All Adults Here by Emma Straub *****
I Was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman ****
Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel *****
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman *****

Historical Fiction

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner *****
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel *****

Romance

The Royal Runaway by LIndsay Emory ***
American Royals by Katharine McGee *****
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert ****
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert ***
Playing House by Ruby Lang ***
Open House by Ruby Lang ***
House Rules by Ruby Lang ****
The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez ****
Writers & Lovers by Lily King *****
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle ***
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn ****
The Switch by Beth O’Leary *****
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary ****
Sex & Vanity by Kevin Kwan ****
Beach Read by Emily Henry ****
The Won’t End Well by Camille Pagan ***
Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory ****
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev ****
Pride, Prejudice & Other Flavors by Sonali Dev ****
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand *****
Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand ****
What You Wish For by Katerine Center *****
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan ****
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London *****
Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey *****
Majesty by Katharine McGee *****

Cooking

Smitten Kitchen Everyday by Deb Perelman*****
Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines*****
Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten *****

Religious/Psychology/Parenting

Joy at Work by Marie Kondo ***
Me & White Supremacy by Layla Saad *****
Stamped by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X Kendi *****
The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t by Kendra Adachi

Travel/Memoir/Biography/Poetry

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes *****
The Year of Less by Cait Flanders ***
Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel *****
This is Big by Marisa Meltzer ***
The First Time by Colton Underwood ****
Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand ****
Open Book by Jessica Simpson ****
Rage Against the Minivan by Kristen Howerton *****
Normal: One Kid’s Ordinary Journey by Nathaniel Newman & Mayda Newman (real life child who inspired the book, Wonder)
Good Bones by Maggie Smith****
Keep Moving by Maggie Smith***
Untamed by Glennon Doyle ****
The Clutter Remedy by Marla Stone ***

Looking Forward to in 2021

You Have a Match by Emma Lord (January 12, 2021)
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas (January 12, 2021)
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (March 9, 2021)
The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia (2020)
Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson (April 27, 2021)
Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon (2020)
Love at First by Kate Clayborn (February 23, 2021)
Long Way Down by Jason Reynold & Danica Novgorodoff (2020), graphic novel of earlier book
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (2020)
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell (2020)
Jane in Love by Rachel Givney (2020)
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (2020)
Down with the Duke, A Rogue of One’s Own and Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory (July 13, 2021)
You Have a Voice by Vera Ahiyya (2021)
Stamped (for Kids) by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X Kendi (May 11, 2021)
Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña & illustrated by Christian Robinson (February 2, 2021
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (June 1, 2021)
Always a Guest by Barbara Brown Taylor (2020)
Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson & Kwame Alexander (2020)
Admission by Julie Buxbaum (2020)
Memorial by Bryan Washington (2020)
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss (2020) (currently reading)
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman (currently reading)
Siri, Who Am I? By Sam Tschida
Wintering by Katherine May
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Soloman
Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson (February 2, 2021)
The Push by Ashley Audrain
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting & Healing from White Supremacy by Rachel Ricketts
All Girls by Emily Layden (February 16, 2021)
Share Your Stuff: I’ll Go First. 10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level by Laura Tremaine (February 2, 2021)
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson (February 2, 2021)
Animal, Vegetable, Junk: A History of Food, from Sustainable to Suicidal by Mark Bittman (February 2, 2021)
She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton & the Women Who LIved Her Songs by Sarah Smarsh (2020)
The House on Vesper Sands by Paraic O’Donnell (January 12, 2021)
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes (2020)
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (February 2, 2021)
Welcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating & Hosting All Year Round by Myquillyn Smith (2020)
Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero by Amanda Kloots and Anna Kloots | (June 15, 2021)
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell, Frane Lessac
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez (April 6, 2021)
Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev (July 6, 2021)

Past Yearly Book Round Ups

Reads of 2019

December 28, 2019December 29, 2019 | thesestones

In June of 2019, just earlier this year, we wrapped up our first year of implementing our new, official Collaborative Classroom curriculum. I waxed poetic over it last December but something really special happened in June. My student teacher, Lauren, made time to do the last unit of the curriculum cycle. It’s the unit is all about closing up the classroom reading community. The students reflect on their own reading lives and create a list of recommended texts they can use for their summer reading. It was this magical window of time each day when tempers are short, patience is thin and the thermometer is pushing 90 degrees. We just turned out the lights, and had students come up to the front “podium” one at a time to share their book recommendation and to read excerpts. It was one of those “thin places” when you feel the barriers break down, and see the commonality amongst the 8 and 9 year olds. Sharing the power of story, of narrative, of text and connection.

And that simple, yet powerful “thing” is what seems to motivate me to read and to do these yearly updates. The gift of getting absorbed in a book and being unable to do the to-do lists that seem so vital. The opportunity to talk about books with my colleagues and peers, my book clubs and with family and friends, even over the internet is such a source of joy and keeps my mind growing. I want that same richness for each of my students, for my own two boys, and for everyone.

The power of story to provide “comfort, validation and inspiration” (How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo) was evident to me over and over in 2019, but nothing like in November when my friend and I went to the Portland Literary Arts Festival. Books in hand to be signed, we thought we were getting there early enough to secure a seat in the hall to hear the beloved Raina Telgemeier, author of the New York Times bestselling graphic novels, Sisters, Smile, Guts and many others. The lines wrapped around buildings, through art galleries, up and down stairwells and we soon caught wind that we weren’t going to get in. There were a lot of disappointed kids (and teachers and parents!). But my goodness did that moment remind me of the ways authors provide an irreplaceable space for students and kids to connect and feel known and heard. So many kids were drawn there that rainy day to hear Raina and connect with an author that brought real life to the stories they were reading.

It’s my hope that you might find a title below that sounds like a good fit for you…a text that brings comfort, validation, inspiration, laughter, healthy avoidance of reality…whatever you might need in 2020.

KIDS

{sidenote: In Oregon we have a wonderful, statewide program called OBOB which stands for Oregon Battle of the Books. Students form teams and together read 16 titles for their age group. My students can participate and my younger son, Drew, is finally old enough to be on an OBOB team and has embraced the challenge beyond what I would have expected. After reading the books, they prepare for “trivia” battle on the facts of the books and compete at school and then later, regionally and statewide. I love the titles they include and am noting them below.}
{sidenote #2: This year I was invited into a new book club forming to read new children’s literature that has been receiving “buzz” for the upcoming year’s awards—like Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, etc. This group of incredible women include teachers, elementary school librarians, authors/illustrators, and public librarians. And they are wicked smart, insightful and have become dear friends. Being a part of this group has drastically increased my book reading for this category…can’t wait to see if some of our reads of 2019 win awards in January 2020!}
National Parks of the U.S.A. by Kate Siber. Obviously this title graces the cover of MANY books, but this specific edition was gorgeous and I had to spring to get our own family copy. The illustrations are gorgeous and it inspired Drew to create multiple “Mom & Drew” road trip itineraries.
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina. Newbery Medal winner in 2018…and lives up to the hype. Absolutely loved the narrative and especially Merci’s character. Felt very Judy Blume-esque yet the characters and plot fit today’s middle schoolers life experience.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham. Skipped over this during its OBOB reign and wow. Stunning graphic novel memoir about friendships from 3^rd-6^th So relatable, gut wrenching and palpably real. From Billy Idol references, to mix tapes to fluorescent outfits….80s kids unite. Our entire family devoured this one!
New Kid by Jerry Craft. Graphic novel brining to light the racism that so many kids face, especially as one of a few students of color. So well done. Expect to see this one on many awards lists.
Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban. This book is on the OBOB list this year, but it also fits in so beautifully with my Japanese Internment unit for school. It is the story of a young Japanese American girl, Manami, who is evacuated. There are many aspects that are reminiscent of other books—Journey to Topaz, The Bracelet, Dash—-but this book held some new special elements. Thankful that so many Oregonian 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders will be exposed to this history of our country.
****The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart. The cover alone should pull you into this gem. But from the start, I was connected to Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, who had been living on the road for five years in a school bus since losing her mom. It is beautifully written and clearly, Dan gets his insights into female main characters from parenting girls himself. So authentic and beautiful!
****To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer (audiobook). Oh my. Holly and Meg each wrote one of the characters whose letters to each other shape the story. It is a modern day “Parent Trap” book where two dads who have started to date attempt to connect their daughters at a sleepaway summer camp.
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall. Wow! Caldecott 2018 winner and truly the most stunning illustrations I saw all year after reading a LOT of picture books. Best quote: “It is not down in any map; true places never are.” Thanks, Herman Melville.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. (got to hear her speak in November!!) Beautiful prose sharing the experience so many students go through as they immigrate.
The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli.

What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. I included Diana’s name here as the story was beautifully written, but the illustrations were luminous. So many frameworthy pieces. This quote: “Thee must wonder: Thee must watch closely. Then will Thee see and know for Thyself.” Keep wondering.
Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages. Oh my goodness. This was an absolute young reader favorite. It takes place in the Bay Area, follows a girl who is a baseball STANDOUT, yet can’t play openly as a female. Loved all the Berkeley references and even the discussion of Japanese Internment.
Guts by Raina Telgemeier. Guts, Raina’s newest graphic novel, delves into anxiety and the challenges of walking through it as an elementary school student. I love how Raina writes from her own life story and ongoing struggles. And as my opening comments suggest, MANY kids relate and connect with her books as well. I loved this one.
Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson. Oh my. Was able to hear Renee Watson speak in November and she is just as prophetic and moving live as she is on paper. This book follows Amara on a quest to learn more about her history and family. Takes place between Portland and Harlem and was a heartwarming story about the people and places that shape us.
Bravery Magazine (especially the Julia Child issue!)
Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy (audiobook). Similar storyline to the book/movie, Dumpling. I think a lot of kids will relate to the challenges Sweet Pea goes through as she adjusts to her parents’ divorce and her own personal struggles.
Smell My Foot! by Cece Bell
Harold & Hog Pretend for Real by Mo Willems. Harold and Hog would love to be like the infamous Elephant and Piggie. Adorable, sweet, funny and very witty.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero. Gorgeous illustrations and sweet storyline. Loved reading this one in Spanish the first go through.
Camp Tiger by Susan Choi. Seriously weird storyline but AMAZING illustrations.
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong by Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad. What a gorgeous book…sharing the experience of wearing a hijab for the first time.
Wolf’s Class: Lucky Stars by Aron Nels Steinke. Graphic novel from a series based on Aron’s own teaching life in Oregon.
It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear. The illustrations drew me to this book we read for book club. Loved the connection to Kyo and Japanese Internment.
Red Rover by Richard Ho, Illustrated by Katherine Roy. All about the rover on Mars. Katherine shared about this book and her current in progress book at our book club in October and the art is AMAZING.
White Bird by R.J. Palacio. Palacio’s first graphic novel telling the backstory of Julian’s grandmother. Julian appears in his earlier, popular book, Wonder. This book takes place during WWII. Very well done.
Bear Came Along by Richard T Morris
The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett. The storyline in this felt more appropriate for adults, but the PICTURES were divine.
You Are Home by Evan Turk. Gorgeous art from National Parks.
The Bad Seed by Jory John. Can’t keep this on the bookshelf in my classroom.
A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel. Such an unassuming book, yet beautiful. Getting lots of buzz for awards too.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (audiobook). Drew and I listened to AND read this gem. Focused on the ways that the main character (and SO many kids) must try and hide and cover up their uniqueness and academic/emotional challenges to fit in. This is an OBOB pic this year and just unbelievable.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander. I predict this book might win Caldecott this year. Has to be seen to be believed. The text by Kwame is amazing but the pictures are breathtaking.
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems. Pigeon? Mo Willems? How can you go wrong. I think this will be a yearly, first week of school read!

TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL

A Teacher’s Guide to Reading Conferences: The Classroom Essentials Series by Jennifer Serravallo
Unshakeable: 20 Ways to Enjoy Teaching Everyday…No Matter What! by Angela Watson. Invested in Angela’s phenomenal class this year and have been changed by her strategies and approaches to the profession which has been my “home” for the last 20 years. Important to know that an old dog can learn new tricks!

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

*****The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. This book won the National Book Award (and many other accolades). And it is STUNNING. I am glad I read it before putting it out to my third graders or even my own middle schooler. It is a bit too intense thematically. But it is a stunner. I had tears running down my face at the end because of the beautiful writing. The entire book is written in poetry and the words are raw, gorgeous and though provoking. She weaves themes of religion, coming of age, parental conflicts and the quest for self and acceptance. All amid the life of a Domincan high schooler, trying to please her staunch Catholic-leaning mother. “The unfolding of your words gives light.” –Psalm 199:130.
Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan. What a powerhouse writing duo. This book took a moment for me to really get into, but my goodness, it took off as the two main character’s own voices and development did the same. As Jasmine and Chelsea start the “Write Like a Girl” club and blog at their school, they face challenges, both personal and systemic as they seek to raise their voices and speak up. It is truly stunning. Young adult novels aren’t just for tweens and teens.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas. This book was truly “unputdownable”. Angie Thomas is truly a wonder and how she created this piece after just cranking out The Hate U Give is beyond me. Didn’t think I’d be drawn in by hip hop….but I was. Amazing!
***With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo (audiobook). Elizabeth Acevedo quickly became a favorite author for me this year. In this gem she follows the life of a teenage mom who finds unexpected meaning and purpose in the cooking program track at her school. So much passion, vivid writing and joy to be found in this book.
Bloom by Kevin Panetta. Gorgeous graphic, young adult novel. Really unexpected favorite for me this year. Loved the character development through illustrations and text.
The Line Tender by Kate Allen (audiobook). This book had a few shocking and surprising twists and turns that almost broke my heart. I loved the tenderness in this book and listened with my youngest, Drew. Might have waited til he was older had I previewed it, but a beautiful story.
Let ‘Er Buck: George Fletcher the People’s Champion by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Fun to read a non-fiction biography about George Fletcher and his amazing feats during the Pendleton Roundup.
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell. So fun to read Rainbow’s first graphic novel (illustrated by her!). I loved this cute, rom-com fall focued story. So sweet!
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds (audiobook). Learning the story through many different neighbors in this neighborhood. Told in true vulnerable, relatable and deep style by Jason Reynolds.
Genesis Begin Again by Alicia D Williams. This book caught me off guard. Very raw and emotional. The story of Genesis who has to keep starting her life again due to decisions made by her parents. She is so resilient and yet is trying to come to terms with herself and finding her own voice and confidence.
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson. Never experienced what it was like to come to book club and have EVERYONE pull out their phone and begin sharing out the passages that left them breathless. This book is written in raw prose and is VERY intense sharing about Laurie’s own experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. I had the chance to hear Laurie speak in November and she was just as amazing in person as you could fathom. So thankful for her bravery and voice in our world for those who are voiceless.

FICTION

*****Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (audiobook). This book was a favorite over the summer and a perfect audiobook. I am a sucker for British Rom-Coms. This narrative followed a royal prince and the president’s politically active son entering into a taboo relationship. Rarely do you see this type of storyline between two men and Casey’s writing was truly unparalleled. I had the chance to see her speak in person with Jasmine Gullory in Portland this November and just fell in love with her. What a genius (and under 30!). There are some racy parts, so beware.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. Such a fun premise. After entering numerous raffles and contests, the couple is able to get married for free with their winnings….until everyone gets sick at the reception, minus the maid of honor and best man. The story follows this unlikely pair to Maui as they enjoy the honeymoon.
The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes. The best by JoJo Moyes, in my opinion. The story follow Alice, an English woman who transplants in the hills of Kentucky as a newlywed. The story follows her involvement in Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library during the Depression. Stunning character development, unexpected moments in the plot and all set in the rich friendships of the packhorse librarian brigade of women.
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes. Had high hopes for this one as I love Linda Holmes. It was fine but seemed to lag a bit for me. Other friends would strongly disagree with my indifference, though!
Waiting For Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey. So cute. The main character is looking for her perfect “Tom Hanks”-esque leading man.
****Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall. (audiobook). This was a wonderful listen. The story of two Presbyterian ministers and their wives. I know there are obvious reasons why I would recommend this…but I think it will be widely loved by many. Beautifully told narrative.
The Second Chance Supper Club by Nicole Meier. Sweet story of second chances over the table.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. Fell in love with the main character, Nina. She loves her bookish, quiet and routine life and patterns. Until the unexpected starts to turn things upside down and push her out of her comfort zone.
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory. Read this chick-lit gem in a day. Super fun and charming. Who doesn’t love second chance love…set in the English hillside amidst the royals??

Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. September was a busy month, but I did finish this book during the weeks of school starting. Taffy Brodesser-Akner crafter a true masterpiece. Tome? It is about the narrative and storying, yes. But the writing! Oh, the writing. Nominated for the National Book Award and I can see why. The themes of marriage, separations, work/life balance and children are all there on the surface, but he writing was “it” for me. She is so gifted.
Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane. The story of a 40-year-old, gardener who gets a surprise, one month vacation from the university where she work. She decides to use the money to visit four friends from different parts of her life. As an introvert, her visits come a bit “out of the blue” and unexpected. Loved the tenderness and humor of this book and was thrilled to see it receive so many accolades at the end of the year.
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald (audiobook). Super cute, if not predicable, rom-com. Loved it on audio!
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center. I adore all of Katherine Center’s books. This was a sweet one about vulnerability and forgiveness. Very tender.
**Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin. Modern day Muslim Pride and Prejudice. Loved Ayesha’s character development. Beautifully crafted.
The Mother In Law by Sally Hepworth (audiobook). This book was a murder mystery and I was truly surprised by the ending, held to the plot the entire way through. LOVED it on audio.
The Wedding Pair by Jasmine Gullory. One of two I read by Jasmine this year. She wrote The Wedding Date and The Proposal and now this book, The Wedding Pair, shares the story of Theo and Maddie. If you have read either of her other books in the series, this is a must. Loved hearing the backstories of couples from her previous books.
The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin. The story of four siblings and the slow unfolding of their life story—walking through grief, parenthood, marriage and everyday life. I loved the reflections of BookCookLook about this book, “this novel is not about extraordinary people doing heroic things; rather it is a quiet novel about the many different kinds of love, beauty found in small moments, and tiny observations that glitter in our memory for decades past their occurrence.”

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez. I love that this book had many rom com elements, but some much deeper delving into the world of infertility too.
**The Book of Essie by Meghan Maclean Weir. Follows a teenage who is the daughter of a tv evangelical preacher. Her family is filmed as part of a reality tv show and she is pregnant. The whole story unfolds from there. Was really sad to leave these characters behind.
***Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal. Pride and Prejudice inspired book set in Pakistan. Definitely some predictability due to its connection to pride and Prejudice, but so fun to be immersed in Pakistan and the lives of Alys, Jena and Darsee.
The Unlikley Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal. Three sisters head to India to complete a journey to their homeland to lay their late mother to rest. Wow. Wow.
Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E Smith. This probably qualifies as a young adult gem. After Hugo’s girlfriend breaks up with him right before their long planned train trip across the US, he has to find another “Margaret Campbell” to go in her place since all of the reservations are in her name. A perfect travel, coming of age, rom-com for summer. I love this one!
Everything by Jennifer Weiner. I really enjoyed the long haul nature of this book, chronicling the lives of multiple generations of women in one family. It was a reminder of the many ways life has changed for women and yet…the many ways doors are still closed or pathways aren’t cleared. Not a light summer read, but still glad I read it.
The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson. Such a fun premise. Two twins. One is a true beauty queen and then can’t compete in a long-anticipated competition. When her book-nerd twin needs to step in, the character development took off. Loved it.
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting. Sweet, quick to devour, chick lit. Perfect Memorial Day weekend read for me before the long last haul unfolded.
***The Gown by Jennifer Robson. One of my favorites of 2019 indeed. Jennifer Robson created a true masterpiece. This book chronicled the intertwining lives of three women, set in London just after WWII and in 2016. The two women who embroidered the gown of Queen Elizabeth dealt with so much personal pain, but found redemption in friendship and new beginnings.
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang. A fun book which highlights the relationship of Khai and Esme as they each move through their own unique life experiences. The way Helen Hoang explores relationships with one autistic partner and another immigrating from Vietnam and navigating a new life in the states, made for a great and thought-provoking read.

**Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. Stayed up until 1:16am reading this gorgeous story which told the narrative of CS Lewis and Joy Gresham. Was always a devotee of the movie Shadowlands, but this novel really developed the storyline deeper and told of her true intelligence, wit, drive, humor and compassion.
***Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. How this book was not a biography is almost impossible to believe. I wanted to google the main characters and hear all about the history and forming of the band as it was SO REALISTIC. The book is structured as a journalist piece and so it was hard to follow on audio for me. I think this book will see many awards this year. FAN-tastic!
Radiant Shimmering Light by Sarah Selecky.
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center. The story of a just-engaged woman finding herself facing unexpected, life-changing physical realities. I love the character development, the themes of psychology and that under it all laid a class chick lit gem.
***Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Was on hold for a long time for this book and just finished it towards the end of 2019. This was an unexpected favorite of the year for me. The writing simultaneously gripping and laughter-producing. It was poignant and sweet even in the midst of a narrative that couldn’t quite truly unfold. I absolutely loved the character development and didn’t want the storyline to end.
What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand. In the same “lane” as Elin’s other books, but it was a quick one and perfect for getting my head out of various stressors!
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella (audiobook). This audiobook accompanied me on many a summer, morning walk. Sophie Kinsella knows her lane and this book does veer too far. But, super cute storyline and wonderful family dynamics to hold relatability.
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. The Queen meets a mobile library. Corgi’s. Reading changing lives. What is not to love!!!???

Cooking

Hello! Tasty! by John Gorham & Liz Crain.

RELIGIOUS/PSYCHOLOGY/PARENTING

Debt Free Living by Anna Newell Jones. Anna’s book is so approachable and well written. It got me off my lazy rear to start tracking finances again. Ever since I went back to work full time in Fall 2016, I just stopped my weekly practice of checkbook reconciliation. “Nor enough time. No need.” Well….it was time to put on my big girl pants and be responsible. After hours of number charting and organizing, I finally had a realistic (albeit, SCARY!) grasp on where we were regarding debt. I realized that “trusting” that it is all ok is silly and irresponsible. Excused and ignoring doesn’t do it. Luckily, all of Matt’s spreadsheets finally made sense. Just like with my third graders, I realized that I had to be the one to dig in and make sense of things. This book really made a huge difference in our lives this year—even leading us to sell our van, buy a 12 year old Subaru and to refinance our house.
Miracles and Other Reasonable Things by Sarah Bessey. This book is expressed truths that need to be brought into the world. Sarah’s story of presenting a relentless defiance and denial of physical, emotional and spiritual pain and upheaval rings so true. We cross our arms and declare, “I am so incredibly FINE.” Even when we aren’t. Thank you, Sarah, for writing this.
The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie Wright. Jamie had recently lost her 18 year old youngest son, who struggled with mental illness, to suicide. Her voice in this book, pre-death of her son, was prophetic, brash and true. Loved her litmus test questions: #1: Am I connected to others? #2: Is our home a place of respite? #3: Does my work matter?
The Next Right Thing by Emily P Freeman. I was so lucky to be on Emily’s book launch team and kept trying to rush the reading to finish my review on time by the deadline. But people?! This book can’t be rushed. It was not a surprise that I loved the book since he weekly podcasts by the same name are phenomenal. If you are ever struggling to make a decision or like me, find it hard to silence your brain long enough to listen to your own life, please consider reading this book. As she said, “logic and limits often get in the way of longing. And longing is the key to growth.”
Love Your Life, Not Theirs by Rachel Cruze.
Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World by Brooke McAlary. Really enjoyed the gorgeous photographs and message of this book. Wonderful follow up to some books that really moved me in 2018.
Almost Everything: Notes on Hopeby Anne Lamott. Plan to devour this one before we hit 2019. I find myself avoiding the concept of hope in the midst of so much depressing realities in our world. Thank you, Anne, for tackling it head on during such a time as this. “Love has bridged the high-rises of despair we were about to fall between. Love has been a penlight in the blackest, bleakest nights. Love has been a wild animal, a poultice, a dinghy, a coat. Love is why we have hope.”
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski. Recommended to me via numerous blogposts and podcasts, I found this to be an important book right before school began this fall. A reminder about what can be done to advocate for mental health and wellness. I am already, four months in, needing these reminders again. It’s so tough to unlock the stress cycle for sure.
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. This book needs to be on everyone’s must read list. Tough book, but it highlighted many of the truths that need regular repeating.
Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor. I have really resonated with Barbara’s other books. This one was so so for me. Maybe a factor the timing and summer just beginning, coming off of school. I did appreciate her authenticity of struggling with teaching religion and letting herself see the strengths in other religions and approaches to connecting with the Holy.
Wolfpack by Abby Wambach. A quick read full of lessons and reminder for women in leadership.
Off the Clock by Laura Vanderkam. I just thought I’d skim through this book from Laura Vanderkam, but it didn’t allow for that. Chock full of amazing sociological research on human habits which allow for more enjoyment of the time we have.
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Lots of practical tips that helped with our debt process this year.
The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
***Differently Wired by Deborah Reber. Not sure how to put into words the hope found in this book. Debbie Reber wrote a book that takes the cake. Her approach, insight and honest words were 100% on point. As a parent of a differently wired child herself, Debbie spoke from a place of honesty, vulnerability and authority that made me sit up and take notice from page 1. This book changed me as a parent and a teacher. So thankful for the teachers who have nurtured my own differently wired child.
Falling Free by Shannan Martin. I was a little scared to read this but pulled it off my shelf after devouring the next book listed below. Shannan’s words need to land in my head and heart, even if they weren’t always light and fluffy.
***The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin. This book is an honest and prophetic reminder that “we cannot love what we don’t know. We cannot know what we do not see. We cannot see anything, really, until we devote ourselves to the lost art of paying attention.” Much of this book centers around poetry written by our recdently departed, deeply adored Sain Mary Oliver: “The soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.” Shannan is truly one of the most eloquent writers of all time. The pages of this book were hard to swallow and a soft landing place, all at the same time.
Outer Order. Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin.
*****Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. My. THIS BOOK! It deserves all the heart eyes. Lori Gottlieb tells the story of a few of her patients, but also her own psychotherapy journey as well. I fell in love with these “characters” and absolutely was absorbed in her writing style and approach. A must read for all.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown. My mind was churning and reeling long after finishing this book. Thinking about my bias, my ignorance, my complacency. Sat with Austin’s words for a long time….”our only chance at dismantling racial injustice is being more curious about its origins than we are worried about our comfort.”
Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff by Myquillyn Smith
Seven Days of Christmas by Jen Hatmaker

TRAVEL/MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

**Inheritance by Dani Shapiro. (audiobook) Hearing Dani read her own unbelievable story while walking Otis each morning in July was gasp-worthy. I didn’t know the whole story, so I kept gasping while walking along with my ear buds in. Just incredible!
Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl. It was a slight travesty that I read much of this memoir while eating Cheez-its, but this book helped me tackle the last, long two weeks of school last June. Ruth Reichl wrote with great vulnerability in this narrative and I really enjoyed it.
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman. Loved reading about these two and their love and relationship.
Maid by Stephanie Land. “When you read about the lives of other people—you are part of their lives for that moment. You inhabit their lives and you feel what they’re feeling and that is compassion.” (Amy Tan) Truth indeed as this book was a compelling memoir about living in poverty, on the edge, as a single mom. Even made Barack Obama’s list of favorites too.
****The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Had not one iota of an idea of the nature of this book. Managed to score the large print edition so I bypassed the four-month long wait list. Susan Orlean did a phenomenal job chronicling the mysterious fire at the Los Angeles Central Library. Pulled in by the mystery, by the journalistic style and am crossing my fingers I get to pop into the library when we go to LA at the end of January 2020!
Brave Love by Lisa Leonard. This book caught me off guard. When I began reading at 9pm, I had no idea I would keep going until finishing it at midnight. Lisa shares her own life, memoir style, with a rawness, vulnerability and depth that was unexpected for me. Lisa’s oldest son has a rare disorder and while that is a foundation of the narrative, it goes much deepened. I was struck by the ways Lisa learned, from as early as 8 to take a back seat to others, not wanting to name her own needs or rock the boat. Working with kids this very age for work and at home, I was reminded how early these “lessons” can become embedded and how important it is to teach social skill and communication in addition to academics. Lisa shared about her own parenting and marriage with a rawness that allows others to grow.
Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon: Musings of a Geriatric Starletby Iris Apfel. The story of Iris Apfel was such an inspiration. The colors and style Iris employs are true art.
The Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality by Jo Ann Allen Boyce & Debbie Levy. This book was one of five for book club back in July. It happened to be in stock at the library and I jumped on it one day. Was shocked to read the true story of Debbie Levy and the racial challenges she faced in her small town during desegregation. I really believe all 5^th-8^th graders would truly be touched by this book.
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily and Finding Home by Tembi Locke. This book left me in tears, wondering how an autobiography could possibly feel like one of the strongest, most compelling and beautiful narratives I read this year.
The Best Coast: A Road Trip Atlas (Illustrated Adventures Along the West Coast’s Historic Highways) by Chandler O’Leary. This book is filled with gorgeous illustrations, wonderful narrative about travel and intricacies about the west coast (aka: THE BEST COAST!). Lovely coffee table book or gift.

This past October, while in Seattle for Matt’s 50th, we went to the Seattle Public Library. It was revamped back in the late ’90s and is a contemporary glass-and-steel architectural glory.

LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2020

Just Mercy: A True Story of the Fight for Justice (adapted for young adults) by Bryan Stevenson
National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks
Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Anna K by Jenny Lee
The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
You Love Ewe! By Cece Bell
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-guessing, & Bring More Joy to Your Life by Anne Bogel
American Royals by Katharine McGee
The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock
Party of Two by Jasmine Gullory
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Alia Hibbert
What You Wish For by Katherine Center
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Literally Unbelievable by Bronwyn Harris
Wolf’s Class: Field Trip by Aron Nels Steinke
The Alice Networkby Kate Quinn
The Sound of Gravelby Ruth Wariner
A Spark of Lightby Jodi Picoult
City of Girlsby Elizabeth Gilbert

Past Year Book Round Ups:

Reads of 2018

December 29, 2018December 29, 2018 | thesestones

Just like daily life, my reading life has its ebbs and flows. Some seasons find me constantly buried in a book, oblivious to life around me. Showering and parenting are pushed to the side and the characters and plot-lines take over my “real” life. And really?! That’s the coolest thing, as long as my children’s needs are met and everyone stays fed and alive. I tell my students daily about this disease that I have and that THEY might catch it too. It’s called, “Lost in a Book” disease and it strikes everyone at one point or another.

Our school district has adopted a new literacy curriculum this year, through the non-profit, Center for the Collaborative Classroom. As with many things, education is often in the grips of the pendulum syndrome. The latest pedagogy and practice often changes, but if you are patient and wait long enough, the “gospel” truth will come back to something similar to what you were doing 20 years ago, just with different packaging and buzz words. After serving on the piloting committee, it was with deep joy that we chose this curriculum as the basis for each day’s reading and writing lessons are tried and true children’s literature. The most surprising treat, though, has been the unexpected forays into titles by authors I know and love, yet have never read. I have been brought to tears on more than a few days as we have dug into stories that touch me, even as a 44 year old. I see students make deep connections between texts and in their own lives. It has been a daily reminder of the power of reading. The power of narrative and character.

This year’s book list for me personally has some expected favorites, but really, as I look back, some really surprising titles too. Every year I try and forecast some books I will be looking forward to in the year to come. But it is fun to see that some of my very favorites this year, the most meaningful books I read, were titles I didn’t even know existed a year ago. It’s my belief that sometimes, books find us at just the right time. None of my Type A planning or plotting can make it happen. It’s just the stars aligning.

So…maybe something below will be of interest to you. Maybe not. But I hope that you get bit by the “Lost in a Book” disease in 2019 and that you find yourself surprised, connected and reflective too.

KIDS

{sidenote: In Oregon we have a wonderful, statewide program called OBOB which stands for Oregon Battle of the Books. Students form teams and together read 16 titles for their age group. My students can participate and my older son, Alex, has also been on a team every year too. After reading the books, they prepare for “trivia” battle on the facts of the books and compete at school and then later, regionally and statewide. I love the titles they include and am noting them below.}
Magic Tree House (always for Drew…but he especially liked the new Magic Tree House book that came out this summer, Hurricane Heroes in Texas).
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Newberry Medal winner…and lives up to the hype. We listened to this book on CD over spring break and it appealed to both of our kids and the grandparents.
**The Wild Robot (OBOB 2018-2019) and The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown. Who knew that a robot could stir up so much emotion? The sequel came out this year and I loved both. Both have been favorites of my students. And the illustrations are frame-worthy. It was on the list last year (due to Alex reading it), but had to add it again due to the sequel and the fact that Drew stayed up reading it until 11pm on a school night.
**Shooting Kabul by N.H.Senzai. This was an intense read. Our amazing school librarian (who also is an idol of my eldest son…) recommended it to Alex and we both read it and were pulled in by the narrative. It follows the story of a family illegally leaving Afghanistan and losing their youngest daughter in the process. I recently realized there are more books by this author that are part of the series so we will be reading more in 2019.
Emma’s Poem. By Linda Glaser. As part of the Immigration unit I teach in my classroom, I began incorporating this book. It tells the backstory of the poem Emma Lazarus penned that is still posted on the Statue of Liberty.
I Will Always Write Back by Martin Ganda & Caitlin Alifirenka. (OBOB 2018-2019). This title is part of the middle grades OBOB list, but one that my friend Doris had highly recommended last year. An unlikely friendship that began through a pen-pal relationship. It tells the story of 2 middle schoolers in Pennsylvania and Zimbabwe. I didn’t care for the writing style but it was still a touching story. It was a reminder that kindness is contagious.
The Magic Finger & The Twits…and all the other Roald Dahl favorites. Drew has been pretty obsessed this year. Hoping he doesn’t take all of the Twits’ antics to heart.
**The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. Oh my goodness! This book is beautiful. How’s this for a tear-jerker line: “There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you…” This was a stunning first week of school book.
Otis Spofford. By Beverly Cleary. After adopting our puppy in June, Drew saw this oldie, but goodie, from Beverly Cleary. And then got pulled into all of her past books. It was my first time to read it and fun to get back into her clever narratives.
Bravery Magazine. These magazines are created by two “lady bosses” who have put together a gorgeous product, chalk full of great information and activities, but also beautiful artwork.
Collaborative Classroom Favorites(Two Bobbies: A Story of Hurricane Katrina by Kirby Larson & Mary Nethery; The Spooky Tail of Prewitt Peacock by Bill Peet; Boundless Grace by Mary Hoffman, Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx by Jonah Winter, Brave Harriet by Marissa Moss, Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull)
Who Would Win? Series by Jerry Pallotta. STILL Drew’s current obsession…this series pits two animals against each other in non-fiction style proving which animal would “win” against the other. He has also now written four of his own “Who Would Win?” books. Maybe Drew will give Jerry Pallotta a run for his money?!
Island Born by Junot Diaz. Stunning new picture book. I have already checked it out twice from the library and it’s on my wish list for adding to my classroom library. It focuses on a girl who left the Dominican Republic before her memory “cemented” her experiences there. When asked by her teacher to draw “where she came from”, she goes to people in her own neighborhood to draw on their memories.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca. This book is magic. When I read it last year in my class, one student piped up, “Hey! I have autism too!” And another replied, “Me too!” and finally a third added, “I think like her!” It was amazing and a reminder of the power that can be found in telling our story. Even a hard story.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. Can’t get enough of these amazing women. I have about 5 books about them. But, finding strong, non-fiction biographies about African American women is worth its weight in gold. Perfect for younger readers.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander. I love Kwame Alexander. His poetry is amazing. This book was put together by Kwame and a few other poets and the poems inside take on the style of famous poets and their themes. When my students memorized some of these poems last spring I was teary eyed.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Alex, my eldest, got into a Gary Paulsen obsession this year. Hatchet was on of his favorites.
The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee…this book caught me off guard during our class library time. In a world where we hear about walls on a day-to-day basis, this was a reminder that often the scary things we fear on the other side of the wall are the very things that save us.
Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech. I adore Sharon Creech. This new chapter book follows the life of a sweet donkey who doesn’t have much hope or many people believing in him. A wonderful, heartfelt, hopeful story.
The Oregon Trail Choose Your Own Trail Series. I discovered these on a Friday night down at our local bookstore, The Book Bin. I sent texts to my equally geeky teacher friends and was met with as much excitement as I felt. Choose your own adventure??!? Oregon Trail!?!? YES! Drew got the boxed set for Christmas and stayed up until 10pm last night secretly reading with the map laid out. Fun, even for non-Oregonians.

TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL

Writing Strategies and Reading Strategies by Jennifer Serravallo. I had the treat of attending a day-long seminar in October and was able to hear Jennifer “live”. These two books are incredible, insightful and pair so well with our new curriculum. Any teachers out there?! Make it a point to see Jennifer in person if she is coming your direction for professional development.
Mindset Mathematics: Visualizing and Investigating Big Ideas by Jo Boaler. Yes…I have become what I said I’d NEVER become…..a math education geek. Thanks to my former job share partner, and math guru extraordinaire, I was turned onto the philosophy and revolutionary teaching approach of Jo Boaler. This past October, my friend and colleague, April, and myself had the incredible joy of attending a seminar with Jo and learn more about the basis for the latest books she is putting out. We even sat in on her class at Stanford. A highlight of the year for sure.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. After loving John Green’s last book, I was really looking forward to this one. It was fine, but not as memorable. I do really admire the way he wove in his own mental illness struggles. Very brave.
**The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Stunning, heart wrenching. By now, I assume that many have read this book (which has also been on the banned book list) or seen the movie. It is must read literature. Otis even gave it a chew and brought us a $15 fine. Angie Thomas has a new book coming out this spring!
**The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater. This book was written by my mother-in-law’s friend and chronicles a true story of two teenagers and the crime that changed their lives. And…it takes place in Oakland. Luckily it has already been receiving awards and getting recognition, but add it to your list. And order the Kleenex too.
**Long Way Down. By Jason Reynolds. This was a national book finalist. Written in verse, an allegory dealing with turf, death, bullets and the “rules”. Oh my this was an intense one. {A taste… “I felt like crying which felt like another person trapped behind my face. Tiny fist punching the backs of my eyes, feet kicking my throat at the spot where the swallow starts. Stay put, I whispered to him. Stay strong, I whispered to me. Because crying is against the rules.”}

FICTION

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory. Read this chick-lit gem in a day. Super fun and charming.
Still Me by Jojo Moyes. I really enjoyed Moyes’ first book, Me Before You. This was the third in her series about Louisa Clark. Much better than book two. Loved how she had to learn to follow her heart.
**An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. Another library book fee that pushed me to get going on this book despite other things I needed to do. This novel has received well-deserved accolades as it chronicles the unexpected life turn when one character ends up in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. I was so caught off guard and surprised by this gem. A must-read.
******The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. I am not surprised that I loved this book as much as I did being that Hannah’s previous book, The Nightingale, is still on my all-time top five favorite books. I almost took a personal day and stayed home to finish this book, after staying up until midnight reading the night before. Kristin Hannah leads me to believe that the characters are real people I know. I had one moment where I slammed the book shut in fear, cried over a scene and kept wondering how in the world the plot would be resolved with only 75 pages left to read. The Great Alone is filled with adventure, survival, perseverance, heartbreak and the flawed human condition all taking place in rugged, remote parts of Alaska. A—-maze—-ing.
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman. After reading A Man Called Ove by Backman last year, I was so excited that our book club took this one on. I absolutely loved it. Maybe even more than Ove. And….even in the midst of an optical migraine. That’s Backman dedication. I loved the tender, yet comical way he dealt with grief and “differentness”.
The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha. This book was one of our Book Club choices this year. The author is an Oregonian and we may still have a meet-up with her in the future. It was a haunting telling of a crime committed, the brokenness and resulting gift of forgiveness. Rakha has a beautiful writing style.
The Language of the Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Another book club selection…amazing premise. The main character has faced some incredible challenges in her life, but is able to use the Victorian language of flowers to communicate with others and foster connection. I really enjoyed this book and found it surprising and unexpectedly touching.
**I’ll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa de los Santos. This book was one of Anne Bogel’s five “must reads” for summer and I can see why. It was a stunning and perfect fictional read to start my summer break this year. I count it as one of my favorites from 2018.
A Storied Life by Leigh Kramer. I have followed Leigh online for a long time and trust her book advice 100%. This year, her OWN novel came out—A Storied Life. It is beautifully crafted, touching narrative which I devoured in 24 hours. The main character steps into a new role as caregiver for her dying grandma. Themes of the art world, baseball and romance to boot. It was a lovely beach read over 4^th of July for me.
**Love and Ruin by Paula McLain. I absolutely love Paula McLain’s writing style. As Amazon reports, “the bestselling author of The Paris Wife brings to life the story of Martha Gellhorn—a fiercely independent, ambitious woman ahead of her time, who would become one of the greatest war correspondents of the twentieth century.” Just like in Circling the Sun and The Paris Wife, McLain brings new life to brave and bold women in history. I gave this one a 4/5.
*****A Place for Us by Fatima Mirza. Holy cow. This book was a doozy. I started it and basically didn’t stop until I finished it. Truly one of the most exquisite and stunning reads. I am thankful (AGAIN!) to Anne Bogel for the recommendation. It was the type of novel you don’t want to end because the characters seem so real. Kleenex is a must.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. I was way down on the hold list for this one and my dear friend (and librarian) loaned me her copy. It was the perfect “it’s way too hot to set foot outside, so stay in your jammies and read a mindless, fun gem inside” book. Looking forward to her new book in 2019!
Ghosted by Rosie Walsh. This was a light, fun summer read. It was a romantic mystery and I was super surprised by the ending. And it takes place in England. Need you ask for more?!
Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos. A summer book club read. I had no idea the unusual premise for this book would be quite so compelling. It takes place in Seattle and follows the heart wrenching stories of 2 characters who meet and whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Loved this gem. Didn’t finish it in time for Book Club, but got up at 7am and finished it the next day instead. Sometimes reading, self-care and motherhood are hard to fit in at the same time, but making time for this book reminded me of the necessity of balance.
Shortest Way Home by Miriam Parker. The last book I read before school started this year. It takes place in Sonoma, where we also celebrated my brother-in-law’s wedding in August. It was so fun to read about places I love, while being there…if only I’d had a glass of Lynmar while reading this one! All about how saying “yes” to the unexpected might be the best choice and truest path.
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. I had other books to read for book club, but my goodness, I couldn’t put this one down. It keep me up reading until 1am and thinking way beyond that. In a time where sexual assault amongst high schoolers is in the news, the book was all too timely. I gave it a 3.5/5.
Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson. Our most recent book club selection. An interesting, imaginative story of a writer, her son and the unsuspecting assistant who ends up on nanny duty. Reading this one with a number of fellow educators was so fun as the main character is on the spectrum and was so endearing.
**When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberg. Oh my goodness!!! This was a fun, frivolous read for sure, but a favorite.
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory. My second book by her this year and follows the experience of one of the characters in The Wedding Date. I got this fun book from Book of the Month Club AND the library and it was one of the many books our new puppy, Otis, chewed. I got to buy it TWO times!
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarity. I had high hopes for this book as I love her writing style (think Big, Little Lies). I gave it a 7/10. It was a good, mindless read on Thanksgiving weekend, but I found the plot and characters so unbelievable that I ended it feeling a bit annoyed. I loved the beginning but then it just went hay-wire for me about halfway through.
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderband. I have seen her books for so long and yet this was my first to read. And…I was horrified when it ended unresolved…the first in a trilogy. Loved the storyline and Elin’s author’s note were so helpful in having a deeper understanding for the setting choice. It was fun to be immersed in the Caribbean on a winter, Oregon day.
One Day in December by Josie Silver. Super fun, light read to start off Winter Break. Love Actually plot line, but still found it unpredictable and sweet. Otis even chewed the binding to show his support. We had to put our older dog, Sally, down and this book helped me get through a tough day and take my mind off my sadness.
**Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy. I alluded to this book in my introduction to this post, but Marilla of Green Gables might be my favorite read of the year. It is a must read for Anne of Green Gables fans and creates the back story of Marilla’s childhood and life. Sarah McCoy created a true masterpiece and researched allow the plot line to follow L.M. Montgomery’s style and historical detail.

COOKING

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat. This made the 2017 list, but this year, after salivating through her 4-part Netflix special of the same name, I bought the book and have enjoyed it even more-so.
Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines. I am on the Fixer Upper/Joanna Gaines bandwagon, I realize, but this cookbook is beautiful, approachable and best of all has some super yummy recipes!
Cook Like a Pro by Ina Garten. Just picked this up from the library and can’t wait to choose a recipe or two to tackle for New Year’s!
A Beautiful Mess: Weekday Weekend by Emma Chapman & Elsie Larson. Love these ladies. Their blog is amazing and this cookbook is all veggie focused.

RELIGIOUS/PSYCHOLOGY/PARENTING

The Techwise Family by Andy Crouch. This book offered some great ideas and strategies for putting technology in its place to help balance family life. I left feeling a little guilty, a little encouraged and was willing to give it a 6/10.
**Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. I always love Brene Brown but this newest book will probably land as my favorite. “At the end of the day, at the end of the week, at the end of my life, I want to say I contributed more than I criticized…” So much rich wisdom about how daring true leadership is and the many places and ways we are called to show up as leaders.
**New Minimalism by Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici. Well this book took me on an unexpected journey this year. I tried to quickly read it before the library fines took over and then?! I had to say, “fees be damned…I’m finishing this and soaking it in.” The book took me on a summer-long journey in my classroom and home to purge and minimize. Unlike the Magic Art of Tidying Up, it was focused on the psychology and philosophy side of minimalism. Sunset Magazine had referenced it earlier in the year as a practical guide to decluttering and designing a space for sustainable and intentional living. But it was even more for me. As a former “Recreation and Leisure Studies” major, the deeper definition they offered lead me away from guilt. As they shared, “leisure can be the period in which magic happens. Leisure time is crucial…honor leisure time in the same way you honor other duties.” Decluttering and simplifying, in its truest sense, allows for more leisure and less guilt. Two colleagues and myself even took these practices into our classrooms and purged more than I can even fathom. I gave myself until August 13^th when other family, summer responsibilities took hold to sort, recycle and purge in my classroom and I am so proud that I hit my target and made it through every cupboard and drawer. Four months into this new year, I can already say that that hard work has paid off.
Outside the Lines by my friend, Mihee Kim Kort! Mihee’s prophetic voice, her honesty, bravery, humor and love oozed out of this book. It took so much risk to write this gem and I am so proud of her for birthing it. Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith will push and stretch you. It kept me thinking long after finishing it in July.
Stretched Too Thin by Jessica Turner. I had the gift of being on the launch team for this incredible book. Jessica shares about a challenging topic with honesty and tenderness…the balance between work life and personal life. Here was my review on Amazon: “Stretched Too Thin by Jessica Turner has been on my “must read” list for months prior to its publication. I devoured it in an afternoon and plan to go back and re-read it again at a slower pace. Jessica’s words resonated with my life story, my struggles, my questions and my deepest longings. Even the title struck a chord. Feeling “stretched too thin” can be debilitating and yet, Jessica approached the topic with love, care and thought. She provided wisdom on topics from work life balance to managing the demands of children, marriage, friendships and most importantly, for me, mental load. The way Stretched Too Thin described and built the concept of mental load helped me understand more about the many things I carry in my head that usually fall to me to remember and take care of. The difficulty with “holding” all of my own to-do’s for work, let along family and personal life is a major challenge. Jessica approached this topic practically and gave her readers a place to “do the work” and actually process her ideas with relevant questions and points to consider further at the end of each chapter. I can’t recommend this book enough. A must read for all working moms trying to balance it all while stretched too thin.”

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. If I could buy a copy of this book for every female I know, I would. Rachel has a direct, almost in your face, approach that caught me off guard when I started reading. Sometimes you need that approach to have a kick in the rear and to get going. As the new school year started, I really found her approach and ideas helpful as I tried to set some new habits and mindsets in place. It did give me the boost to get going on running a 5K and doing some training. I know many have issues with her approach and brashness, but I still am thankful for this one.
How to Be a Happier Parent by KJ Dell’Antonia. After hearing KJ interviewed on multiple podcasts, I knew her book needed to be on my “to be read” list. Her chapter entitled, “Mornings Are the Worst” is my favorite and most relatable! She has a humorous style and yet is extremely practical too and useful no matter your children’s ages.
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott. Plan to devour this one before we hit 2019. I find myself avoiding the concept of hope in the midst of so much depressing realities in our world. Thank you, Anne, for tackling it head on during such a time as this. “Love has bridged the high-rises of despair we were about to fall between. Love has been a penlight in the blackest, bleakest nights. Love has been a wild animal, a poultice, a dinghy, a coat. Love is why we have hope.”

FRIVOLOUS

MAGAZINES! Our boys’ former psychiatrist saved up People magazines for me and shared them on each visit. As of October 31^st, I am now in need of a new supplier. Bon Appetit, Sunset, Real Simple & Oprah are still favorites.
Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman. Well, this one goes under frivolous even though it could qualify for the category below…as a long time, 15 year fan of the Bachelor franchise, I had to read this one. Otis gave me side-eye for reading this one, but I couldn’t resist.

TRAVEL/MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

**Tell Me More: Stories about the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan. Kelly Corrigan has been a long-time favorite author. Her newest book, Tell Me More, was a heart-wrenching memoir filled with 12 hard truths to live by; phrases we can use to sustain our relationships. Still have this quote on my mind from Rabbi Michael via her book, “There is no greater gift than to help a child set their enoughness, their might.” Or the value of just saying to someone, “Tell Me More.” Of giving someone the chance to share their fullest, truest story. Kelly shares from a place of vulnerability as her own father’s and best friend’s deaths were the foundation for much of her memoir.
Heating and Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly. 52 short memoirs, poems, etc. about “life”. A quick, quirky, fun read.
**I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel. Oh, Anne. She is a hero and inspiration for me. This sweet, little hardback was a quick read but resonated deeply. She shares short essays about the delights and dilemmas of the reading life. And…her podcast is the best. A perfect gift for the reader in your life.
*Becoming by Michelle Obama. Michelle’s memoir is well-written, moving and inspirational. I have loved to learn the backstory of her childhood, schooling, the beginning to her relationship with Barack and her reflections on life in the White House. I am so bummed to miss seeing her in person in February when she comes to Portland, but trying to soak in the book and imagine it.

LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2019

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave have been on my list for awhile. Still need to commit and read them! Also…Louise Penny!
I will be tackling the Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge for 2019! I am really excited to take on some texts that I wouldn’t have otherwise due to her list of challenges for the year! Here’s the link if you want to join up as well!
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon: Musings of a Geriatric Starlet by Iris Apfel
Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir
Radiant Shimmering Light by Sarah Lucille Selecky
Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff by Myquillyn Smith
Transcription by Kate Atkinson
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
There, There by Tommy Orange
The Royal Runway by Lindsay Emory
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly (author of Lilac Girls)
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
The Adults: A Novel by Caroline Hulse
Kitchen Yarns: Notes of Life, Love and Food by Ann Hood
The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life by Joshua Becker

Past Year Book Round Ups:

What’s Your Message?

January 5, 2018January 6, 2018 | thesestones

On Christmas morning I did a little internal squeal when I opened up a package containing a frivolous item that had been on my wish list…a felt letter board. A few days after the hoopla of the 25th, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were helping me cut apart the hundreds of plastic letters that came with the felt board. I began wondering to myself what message and words I should place on that board. Happy New Year? Dwell in Possibility (Emily Dickinson)? People who love to eat are the best people (Julia Child)? So many letters and quotations to choose from can often feel overwhelming to me and then I end up with a blank slate.

As 2018 begins, we enter into a time where this blank slate is before us. For me, I begin to ask myself what message I should be placing on my own felt board. What message should I be sharing? Be living out? Be guided by? In the past I have jumped on the “one word” train and chosen a word that was my focus for the year ahead. Oftentimes my “one word” felt overwhelming and like another must-do on the checklist.

So I am sitting with the blank felt board for awhile. My kids are putting messages on it. Sometimes silly ones. Sometimes a “subtle hint” to their parents. The messages can be misspelled. Unfinished. Too wordy to fit.

Is it such a bad thing to have a blank message board, though? To wait and just *be* in the midst of a new year? To proceed with love and kindness. To move with independence and creativity, even if we aren’t 100% sure of our tagline?

In 2018, it is my hope to live with an open heart. To have my “felt board” open to post the message needed for the moment. Maybe even to be a place to “display” the messages of others…to allow my kids to choose the intention we focus on as we move forward.

“An infinite question is often destroyed by finite answers. To define everything is to annihilate much that gives us laughter and joy.”
– Madeleine L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet

{this post is one of my “every so often” blog posts for Practicing Families….reposting here}

These Stones

It is important for us to remind, to help one another remember.

Reads of 2025

My favorites/most memorable from this year:

Looking Forward to in 2026:

Reads of 2024

Books I Am Looking Forward to in 2025:

Reads of 2023

Reads of 2022

Reads of 2021

Reads of 2020

Reads of 2019

KIDS

TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

FICTION

Cooking

RELIGIOUS/PSYCHOLOGY/PARENTING

TRAVEL/MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2020

Reads of 2018

KIDS

TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

FICTION

COOKING

RELIGIOUS/PSYCHOLOGY/PARENTING

FRIVOLOUS

TRAVEL/MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2019

What’s Your Message?

“An infinite question is often destroyed by finite answers. To define everything is to annihilate much that gives us laughter and joy.”
– Madeleine L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet

My favorites/most memorable from this year:

Looking Forward to in 2026:

Books I Am Looking Forward to in 2025:

KIDS

TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

FICTION

Cooking

RELIGIOUS/PSYCHOLOGY/PARENTING

TRAVEL/MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2020

KIDS

TEACHING/PROFESSIONAL

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

FICTION

COOKING

RELIGIOUS/PSYCHOLOGY/PARENTING

FRIVOLOUS

TRAVEL/MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY

LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2019

“An infinite question is often destroyed by finite answers. To define everything is to annihilate much that gives us laughter and joy.” – Madeleine L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet

“An infinite question is often destroyed by finite answers. To define everything is to annihilate much that gives us laughter and joy.”
– Madeleine L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet