November Book Reviews

Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic: Lessons in Everyday Elegance by Jennifer L. Scott ★★★★☆ (audiobook)

I enjoy Scott's books and YouTube channel since they give me direction and inspiration for tackling things I want to work on, whether organizational (Scott is all about decreasing clutter and keeping a clean home), sprucing up my appearance even when I am not really feeling glamorous (which is most of the time, since I have a toddler! haha), being more aware of my influence on others (showing gratitude, a smile, and genuine kindness to those around me can brighten their day as well as my own mood), and improving my posture, public speaking. I feel like her books all say the same things, so there wasn't way too much new material I hadn't heard her opinion about, but it was still useful for me to review some of the familiar content as well as focus on the new, particularly working on my posture (because I slouch a lot) and public speaking skills (I talk really fast and softly when I am nervous). Just as her other books, there were some parts that I thought were a bit unrealistic or out of my budget, but I just ignored whatever didn't apply and focused on what seemed doable and a priority. 

Content rating: G

A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin (audiobook) ★★★★★

There hasn't been a Charles Martin book I have read and not loved. He is a go-to author for me when I want a great story with a redeeming character arc and I know there won't be profanity or sex scenes. He's a solid writer that excels at his craft and I really enjoy his books, even though they always have sad themes to them (the good, redemptive endings always make up for the sad parts). In this novel, an up-and-coming football star is accused of an atrocious crime (that he denies) and spends a decade in prison. He's lost his dream career of playing in the NFL, but that is nothing compared to losing his wife, who he hasn't spoken to since he was imprisoned. Once he is released from prison,  she re-enters his life and asks him to help out a teen boy with his football skills, he obliges since it seems the only way he can attempt to repair their marriage. But  complications ensue and he is at risk for loosing it all once again. I need to stop listening to the last few chapters of his books while in public places because I always end up crying at the playground with my ear buds in my ear and parents probably looking at me like, what's her deal?? haha. 

Content rating: PG (some adult themes, but overall a clean book)

Front Desk by Kelly Yang (audiobook) ★★★★☆

This is a fast-paced middle-grade novel that deals with the hard issues from the perspective of a fifth grader (immigrant struggles, dangerous loan sharks, living well below the poverty line in dead-end jobs even though adults had advanced degrees in their homeland, bullying for looking different, and prejudice). Mia Tang starts helping out in the front office of the motel her parents are hired to manage. But their horrible boss makes this a difficult job, as does her mean classmates who laugh at her Goodwill clothes. A slew of challenges arise and Mia always ends up trying to find ways to fix them, which always ends up a bigger mess before any resolution happens. She is courageous and kind, like when she tries to prove her the kind Black gentleman (who is a long-term tenant at the motel ) didn't steal a car when it is assumed that the must have done it because of racial prejudice. But she also makes some impulsive decisions that have the potential to hurt herself and others, which was a bit cringe-worthy. She is a kid after all, so her judgement isn't mature yet, so I had to cut her slack, but I wanted to keep saying, "Stop with all the detective work, Mia!! You're going to get yourself in a lot of trouble!" But, obviously, she's the heroine of the story, so her sleuthing and overall hard work does pay off in the end. 

Content rating: G

Cards on the Table (Hercules Poirot #15) by Agatha Christie (audiobook) ★★★★★

EVERY time I read an Agatha Christie mystery, I think I might just know who the murdered is… then BAM! I’m blindsided by a plot twist and realize how bad I am at sleuthing. I’ll leave it to the professionals and just live vicariously through them, particularly Hercules Poirot, the brilliant and dapper detective in this novel. When a man is murdered during a party that includes guests with mysterious pasts, it will take Hercules and several others to sift through the details of the night leading to the crime as well as their shady (and possibly murderous) past as well. I enjoy Agatha Christie’s mysteries because their fast-paced and the reader goes along for the crazy ride as clues are unearthed and suspects are questioned. They’re fun, clean (other than, obviously, MURDER, but there isn’t any gore or horror), and just the right amount of edge-of-your-seat suspense for a fraidy-cat like myself. 

Content Rating: PG (murders, again, not a lot of details).

'Classics Club' Reading Challenge:  - 32nd book (out of 75). See my whole list HERE

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles that Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp ★★★★★

This was a fantastic book to discuss in 2021 with a group of moms from church. It brings the truth and power of gospel into the hardest moments of parenting, like when we are keenly aware of our child’s sin and disobedience, and how to respond with grace, forgiveness, and love that reflects Jesus. In each chapter, he reminds parents the humbling truth that we are more like our kids than we realize and only when we see the mercy God has given us can we parent in a merciful way. Tripp encourages Christian parents to see themselves as ambassadors, showcasing God’s character to their kids everyday, by His power rather than our own desire to control their behavior. It’s not a to-do book filled with practical advice, but rather a deep dive into foundational principles that can transform parenting to glorify God. Absolutely recommend for all Christian parents!

Content rating: G

Lark Rise by Flora Thompson (audiobook) ★★★☆☆

I  heard of the BBC adaptation of this trilogy, so I wanted to check out at least the first novel before watching it. It centers around the poor village folk in a small hamlet in Oxfordshire called Lark Rise in the 1880s. Their various activities — from the children’s games to the ways the peddlers showing their wares and the villagers that ended up on debt because they needed the next best thing, to the oldest daughters working in faraway towns to earn money for the family and the role of the village church. It was interesting but there was more telling (lots of details) than showing (sparse dialogue) so it was hard to really connect with the characters more than being amused by them. It was based on the author’s childhood, and I’m assuming the remaining two books focus more on her early adulthood, so I may enjoy those more.

Content rating: G

'Classics Club' Reading Challenge:  - 33rd book (out of 75). See my whole list HERE

No Other Gods: The Unrivaled Pursuit of God by Kelly Minter ★★★★☆

An 8-week study that stretches from the Old Testament to the New Testament to show the dangers of modern idolatry (which can look a lot more like materialism, an obsession with applause or success, or heavily depending on a relationship) and how it can distance us from the one true God. Minter takes a dig dive into the lies of modern-day idols, what makes us so dependent on them, and the fruitful life that God wants for us instead when we seek Him and no other gods. Idols aren't always what you think, and this study helped recognize some areas in which I needed to repent and draw nearer to the Lord. This was my first study from Minter and it was a bit hard to relate or connect with her as an author, but overall I thought it was a helpful, thought-provoking, and Biblically sound Bible study.

Content rating: G

Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan (audiobook) ★★★★☆

Based on (mostly?) true story of Pino Lella, an eighteen-year old man during the last phase of WWII in Milan, Italy. The heroic acts as well as painful experience he endured during the horrific Nazi and Fascist rule and his part in the Italian Resistance, first in helping Jews escape through a grueling hike across the mountains, then as a spy when he was the personal driver for a leading Nazi general. I am not sure how much of it is actually true, but as a novel it was gripping, heartbreaking, and taught me a lot about the Italian Resistance and the different ways it operated as it fought against Mussolini and Hitler's evil plans. 

Content rating: PG-13 (violence, sexual content, language)

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery (audiobook) ★★★★★ 

I wrote a long review last January (HERE) when I first read this absolutely charming novel. I re-read it for book club and it definitely continues to stand as a favorite book. Hop over to that review if curious about why it was so memorable and wonderful!