Introduction
Well, it’s been a bit, hasn’t it?
We’re now well into 2024 and, while my reading has slowed a bit with my new job and other life commitments, I’m still working hard to make sure I at least read before bed. This helps me to stay off my phone and reduce my blue light exposure in the half hour to forty-five minutes before nodding off.
If you’ve been following along, I mentioned in my 2024 goals and habits introduction post that I’ve always been a good reader, but I’ve struggled with both motivation and maintaining engagement. My increase in time to finish is evidence of this, but I am happy to report that I am still reading regularly and finishing the books I start.
On that note, I’ll start by running through my recent finishes, offering quick synopses and notes on what I liked.
From there, I’ll move into what I’m currently reading and finish off with a couple what I consider “long-term” reading projects – books I’m sprinkling in as I have time or when I need a bit of a change. These are mostly self-help and healing books, but they’re certainly worth mentioning and recommending.
Recently Finished
This Golden Fleece: A Journey Through Britain’s Knitted History by Esther Rutter
I cannot rave about this book enough!
From start to finish, Rutter’s writing kept me engaged and excited to learn more. She did a wonderful job of weaving in her personal projects and story and the history behind them as well as information on the knitting culture and history of Britain.
I’m excited to see what Esther Rutter comes out with next and will always have a deep appreciation for this book and its ability to reinvigorate my love of knitting.
Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell
This lighthearted and immensely readable title by Shaun Bythell walks readers through the life of a bookseller in small town Scotland.
Providing a glimpse into the ups and downs of small business ownership and the business of being a bookseller in a world of diminishing readership, Bythell makes you want to run to your nearest mom and pop bookshop and support them however you can.
A great title for anyone who loves a journal-style read in which the author outlines their day-to-day.
The Edge by David Baldacci
The second installment of David Baldacci’s 6:20 Man series did not disappoint.
I was hesitant to pick up the first, as what I consider “quick-read thrillers” are not typically my genre of choice, but it was a recommendation in one of the Amazon Book Clubs I follow, so I figured it was worth a shot.
Getting through that one rather quickly, I was intrigued to find there was a second in the series so quickly after I had finished the first. After waiting several weeks for an eBook copy from my local library, I was eager to dive in and reconnect with Travis Devine, the rugged ex-Army Ranger, turned finance man, turned….detective?
While at times a bit far-fetched (I guess that’s part of the point and the appeal, though, no?) I found myself working through this title quickly and getting very invested in the characters and plot.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for Devine’s next adventure, coming in November 2024.
Currently Reading
Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Nuclear Disaster by Adam Higginbotham
Taking readers on an hour-by-hour and at times minute-by-minute account of the disaster that struck Reactor 4 of the Nuclear Power Plant at Chernobyl in 1986, Higginbotham paints an incredibly detailed picture of not only the events of that April night, but also what led to this tragic day.
Having been interested in this story for many years but not knowing where to start when thinking about learning more, this book offers an excellent starting point. While I’m still early in my read, I have learned a great deal and appreciate the thought and research put into producing this book.
The signs were there that this project – plagued by the difficulties of navigating bureaucracy in the Soviet juggernaut and the focus on product over quality – was bound for issues sooner rather than later. Seeing how other plants and power stations were also impacted by this red tape and veil of secrecy allow the reader to understand just how doomed this facility may have been from the start.
Long-Term Reads
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
In dealing with my past traumas and how they impact my day-to-day life with my therapist, it was suggested that I take a look at this book. In it, van der Kolk details the impact trauma can have not only on the mind but on the body as well.
van der Kolk offers first-hand anecdotal and scientific evidence of the havoc these traumas can wreak on our bodies and how we can start to understand and remedy those issues.
Having spent so many years in fight or flight, this book has really helped me to start breaking down the root causes and begin thinking about how I can move forward.
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Pattern, Heal from Your Past, & Create Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera
Do you ever start a book and almost instantly feel like it was just written for you?
That’s this book for me.
Dr. Nicole LePera – known as the holistic psychologist on her social media – offers a different approach to recognizing and healing trauma.
Referencing at times Dr. van der Kolk’s work in The Body Keeps the Score, LePera takes it a step further, noting that trauma comes in many forms and can truly touch all areas of our lives.
In working my way through this book I have seen a lot of myself in Dr. LePera’s writing and, while this has been a suggested read for me several times over the last few years, my decision to pick it up now has made it that much more impactful, as much of what she has touched on directly ties to my current experiences.
What are you reading?
I hope you’ve found some good reads this year! If you want to join the conversation and talk about your favorite titles, feel free to find me on social media – all of my sites are linked on my homepage and throughout my blog.
You can also follow me on Good Reads. I’m just getting my profile up and running again on there and hope to use it a lot more moving forward. I’d love to connect and see what you’re reading!
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