“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”
Ernest Hemingway
Dear Readers,
After a busy June, July is buzzing by quicker than I would like. We unplugged last week, spending time with family, celebrating good news and being together. I thought I would read more, instead, I found myself soaking in memories. Simple days of being together, sharing stories, desserts (oh yes!), copious amounts of coffee, and laughter.
Let’s get to my bookshelf and what I read in June!
This was a sweet story, similar to A Man Called Ove. Older, homeless woman picks up a teenager whose life has come unraveled due to circumstances beyond her control.
The characters are complex and interesting, with a story urging you to turn the pages. Be prepared for laughter and tears.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it for a light, summer read!
The Dry was Modern Mrs. Darcy’s book club pick, stretching my typical reading. I was quickly drawn in and loved the book!
“A small town hides big secrets in The Dry, an atmospheric, page-turning debut mystery by award-winning author Jane Harper.” Amazon
It begs to be said Jane Harper is a sweetheart! I will read her books based on her personality alone!
I bought this book based on two things: the word humble and it’s set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
“Humble Roots reveals how cultivating humility-not scheduling or increased productivity-leads to true peace. By remembering who you are and WHO you aren’t, you can discover afresh your need for God and the rest that comes from belonging to Him.” from the book cover.
I. Love. This. Book. It is marked, highlighted, and full of post it notes. A sign of a well loved book!
“A spare yet eloquent, bittersweet yet inspiring story of a man and a woman who, in advanced age, come together to wrestle with the events of their lives and their hopes for the imminent future.” from Amazon
I loved this story, though I knew from the beginning it could not be wrapped up in a neat bow, I still loved every part of this book.
I read everything Mary Alice Monroe writes! My love for her words began with Beach House Memories, and has continued.
“Bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe returns to her beloved Isle of Palms to tell the poignant, charming story of two women, one summer, and one very special beach house.” from Amazon
Monroe’s books are summer breezes and sounds of ocean waves. I adore them.
If you’ve been reading my Bookshelf posts for a while, you know I always put a disclaimer at the beginning. Listing the books in the order I read them, not in order of preference. Until now. Why? This next book, Fredrik Backman’s Bear Town!
Where to start? Bear Town was an MMD book club pick with the added bonus of a phone interview with Fredrik Backman himself.
I would have quickly abandoned Bear Town, with seemingly too many characters, a violent sport, and atrocious language. But I stuck with it.
Bear Town is relevant in today’s society. I feel so strongly about the content, it will stay with me a long time. I suspect I will find myself years from now, pondering this story.
Backman’s storytelling of an event that will feel familiar, especially in light of today’s current events, will keep you coming back for more. It is well written. Thoughtfully done. A must read.
That wraps up June’s Bookshelf! I would love to know what you are reading! You can do that by commenting below or contacting me directly here.
Gifts of Grace
I’m blessed to serve you in this place, to share with you the Gifts of Grace as I journey through the wilderness. I picture you across the table, hands wrapped tightly around your cup, sharing life, and laughter, and tears. As I share with you my own daily struggles, I long to hear what yours may be. Sharing the realness of life. You can do that by commenting below or reaching out to me here.
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In case you missed these posts:
You can find a small sampling of my favorite podcasts here
Generations Lost: Have we given up too soon?
Leveling the Ridges-Beauty in Painful Places
Your list always inspires me.
Remind me of that when I walk into the wall because my nose is stuck in a book! LOL!
XO
Tammy
I have heard many praises of Humble Roots and discovered recently that I used to know Hannah’s mother! We lost touch when we both moved. I need to put that book on my TBR list.
I really liked Ove, but even in that one the language was beyond my comfort zone.
I just recently finished Finishing Our Course With Joy: Guidance From God for Engaging With Our Aging by J. I. Packer. Only 99 pages but packed pretty full. I’m facing a “milestone” birthday next month, so it seemed like a good time for this book. I also just finished Don Quixote and hope to have a review up in a day or two.
I love Humble Roots, I have read it slow, underlined, and marked with sticky notes! It’s an old friend I’ll pull out often. I loved A Man Called Ove, but I’m learning to read Fredrik Backman I have to overlook his language and focus on his wonderful storytelling. Barbara, you’ve given me some ideas to check out! Thanks for stopping by!
XO
Tammy
I’m reading Susan’s “A Pruned Branch” devotional, and re-reading an old favorite by Amy Carmichael: “His Thoughts Said, His Father Said.” And I’m finally (yay!) finding time to slowly savor the book you sent me, “Choosing Real,” by Bekah Jane Pogue. Thanks for all of your inspiring book lists!
Thank you Bettie! Keep me posted on Choosing Real! Bekah is also fun to follow on Instagram!
XO
Tammy
Bear Town sounds intriguing. I think my SIL just finished The Dry–I’ll have to look for it. I think my most memorable book from June was In the Woods by Tana French. Not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it. Also, one that doesn’t come out until September The Space Between Words.
Bear Town is a great book, one that will stay with you. Mind you, you will need blinders, the language is atrocious, but the story is so relevant. I haven’t read any Tana French yet, I have it on my very large list! smile
XO
Tammy
It’s always fun to read your list. I’ll have to check out Bear Town. I’m currently working my way through Anne Lamottes book Traveling Mercies.
I haven’t read Traveling Mercies, of course it’s on my list as well! LOL! If you read Bear Town let me know what you think!
XO
Tammy
Great recommendations! I just purchased Humble Roots and am looking forward to it after reading your review. Lovely blog. . . glad I found you!
Thank you, Sheri! I’m glad you stopped by! I love Humble Roots. I expect I will read her first book as well!
XO
Tammy
Allie and Bea sounds like the summer read I’ve been looking for! Thanks for sharing! And I’ve heard SO much about The Dry! I can’t wait to read it as well!
Hey, Jessica! It’s good to see you! Are you liking your new location?
If you read and liked Backman’s A Man Called Ove, you will love Allie and Bea. Be sure and let me know!
XO
Tammy
I have Our Souls At Night waiting for my on my Overdrive audiobook shelf and am looking forward to reading it! I have Beartown on hold too but now wondering if the “atrocious language” will bother me too much. I will likely give it a try!
I would say give it a try, given that the content is relevant to today’s culture!
Let me know what you think!
XO
Tammy
Bear Town and Dry are both on my list! Now to just find time to read them!
Two great books Stacie! Thank you for stopping by!
XO
Tammy