How is it July?! What I read in the month of June

No clever intro- it is late (becuase I am a granny and anything after 9pm is late) and I just want to cross this off my to-do list! (Gotta get that dopamine hit)

More than the Tatooed Mormon

It's a nice book. Al seems like a genuin person who absolutely loves the Lord and every choice, every actions, even down to the words she wrote reflect that.

However, there were definitely elements of this book that didn’t connect with me (perhaps because I read it over a few sittings). The repeated preaching vibes "don't quit" "God loves *you*" etc felt at times a bit heavy handed. But truly, towards the end, I thought man if someone reads a single page of this book, they would get a proper testimony punch to the face, and maybe that was her intention all along. Overall though for me, it just wasn't what I was looking for. And I don't I'll read any of her other books. Also I don't plan to keep the ones I was gifted, so if anyone wants it let me know haha. 

My life with Chimpanzees

Jane Goodall never really got into her growing up. I knew of her but I definitely grew up in a conservative household (how the vast majority of my parents Children ended up swaying more to the left is truly beyond me) so she wasnt exactly someone my parents would've spoken of often. I mean- they felt like Wall-E and the Lorax were a bit to "woke propaganda" for us children. 

That said when her books popped up on my Spotify I thought sure why not. And I love every moment of it. Jane's voice both vocally and narrative-ly while reading is like listening to your grandma tell you incredible stories from her life and at the same time reasure you that you are exactly who you are meant to be and that's enough. Overall I think this would be the best book to introduce you to Jane, her work, her beliefs, her mission. Definitely could be read to/with children to increase their interest in the world around them! 

A midsummer nights dream: fully dramatized audio addition 

Since midsummer was in June my sister suggested we read/listen to this audio book. I actually will be seeing this play performed this weekend so I was definitely on board thus the adventure of midsummer began. Truthfully read the sparknotes summary of this play and then go see it performed. It will be way more fun, make more sense and overall be a better experience. That said it was a good listen being familar with it I followed the story easily and was amused by all the hijinks and mixup that occure. Puck is both the worst and the best and listening to Helen lose her mind because she's too undesirable to be sought after by one man let alone two is wildly relatable lol. 

The Book of Hope: a survival guide for trying times 

I love this book! It has touched me in a way a book hasn't in a long time. Check out my goodreads review for this book here. 

The final thought I'll add here that I did add to my Goodreads is that I felt so inspired and so compelled by this book that I found myself wanting to do something. But instead of feeling overwhelmed or like my efforts wouldn't make a difference Jane's quote "Concentrate on the things you can do and on doing them well." Became my solution. So what am I doing? I have stopped using disposable silverware at work. It might seem insignificant or like I could do more but its something and I feel good doing it!

Cinder

A perfect blend of fairytale and sci-fi adventure!! It tells the story of Cinderella, but instead of rags, you have cybernetic bodyparts, and instead of household chores (she doesn't do those too to he fair) you have a mechanics workshop, and instead of helpful delightful mice you have a sparky, snarky and generally delightful android. Oh, and *spoiler* instead of losing a slipper, we lose the whole foot. 

I love the world Marissa has created! It's technologically advanced without feeling to fake, and none of the technology falls into being too fancy and modern to be hard to understand. I love the way Marissa adjusts the classic fairytale to fit her adventure while still creating something that feels new and fresh on every page. Truth be told I have loved this series forever, and this was a reread for me, but it was 100% worth it.

 

Scarlet

It's long held that this book is my least favorite of the series but only barely. To be honest, I saw fewer flaws in this reread than before. 

I think ultimately, the biggest struggle I have with this book is that Cinder ends with some drama- lots of questions and with everyone ready for an epic quest. But instead of jumping right into adventure and excitement, we get a very reasonable paced world building novel that creates meaning to the universe and the stakes in play while also rounding out some of our main cast. 

It's not that it's bad. It's just compared to all the other stories in the series its pale in comparison.  

That being said, it masterfully tells the tale of Little red riding hood with a big bad wolf who isn't so bad and an enemies to lovers trope that is hard not to enjoy. We also meet one of my favorite characters, Captain Thorne, who, despite his antics, is a loveable goofball and quickly becomes comic relief to Cinder's ongoing angst. (We will never forgive my sister for her instance that he reads like a 40 year old man- truly how dare she). The book ends sorta where it began nothing much has changed but also a lot has changed, not much has happened outwardly but Cinder is finally finally ready to do something about Levana- she just needs to figure out how. 

Cress

Oh, Cress! I still hold you very near the top of my favorite list. Rapunzel (none other than Cress herself) gets a haircut and turns out to be a master hacker who lands herself and Captain Thorne in the Sahara desert where hilarity ensues because Cress is naive and definitely head-over-heals in love with Thorne. This book has some of the best laugh out loud scenes and second-hand giggling embarsement, and I love every second of it. 

While Cress and Thorne are trying to survive, Cinder begins to adapt to her new purpose as a revolutionary. Anoying brooding lunar guard in toe. Don't worry, all our familiar favorites return and one of them even gets a makeover (details are a spoiler tho so read it and find out!), and it ends with an epic heist and a rooftop kiss that is 100% swoon worthy. The stage is set for the final book. The question is, will it live up to the expectations? *spoiler, the answer? 1000%, yes!*

Fairest 

We interrupt our finale with a brief interlude into the twisted life and mind of the Evil Queen Levana. 

Whew, boy! This book does not disappoint! Fear not, there is no "she's just misunderstood" or "not actually evil at all" moment. She's definitely the villain, and every choice takes her farther and father down a road of destruction. The thing that is so masterful, though, is you find yourself rooting for her, wanting her to be happy and to have things end okay because there is room for pity along side the horro for this evil queen. Yet even as you feel like she deserves better, you look at her choices and think, "YIKES! What am I thinking?!?"  

I consider this a must-read before Winter. Not only does it explain Levana and how we got to where we are in the Cinder based narrative, but it also builds the world of Luna and gives insight into the adventure awaiting in our final installment. 

Winter 

I had over 400 pages to read after I got off work at 4:15pm June 30th and I am proud to say that at 8:20ish I finished. (Why? Becuase it's the final day of June, and I was not going to have to add this one to my July reading post over June also, I might be a bit crazy). Fun side note I enjoyed not one but two slices of lemon cake while reading which is rather fitting if you know what I mean.  

I could sing the praises of this book for hours and days and months. To be honest, I have for years! I consider this one of the best finale books ever written. Often, authors build the expectations for a final battle or final adventure only for it to miss the mark and fall a little flat on the landing. Winter doesn't disappoint!! 

Cinder and crew make it to Luna, and from there, it is non-stop struggle to get to the happily ever after moment. However while we trapse through the revolution of an entire nation we also navigate the story of Snow White (now Winter) and her loyal guard (you remeber the mildly annoying brooding one from Cress? Yup he's back) and although there are moments between them I enjoy there is also a lot about their relationship that just isn't my favorite.

I am however glad to report that Cress and Thorne continue to be the lights of my life and truly Thorne's character development is *chefs kiss*. Every character fights and sacrifices, and no one walks always unscathed, but in true fairytale fashion we all make it to their happily ever after moment. 

Truly, Marissa does an excellent job wrapping up the loose ends and finishing the story in a way that feels satisfying while also allowing those who feel the need to add their own additions for their much loved characters.

My sister and I read several of these books together and if you want reviews based on the plot not just vibes I would recommend you check her post here 

Strawberry top syrup

I use a lot of strawberries in my baking, and for a long time I've wanted to waste less. So I discovered you could make strawberry syrup from just the tops of the strawberries that are often tossed. 

So, despite being anything but a food/recipe blogger here I am to share my "recipe". 

Step one: get a large pot and add in all the strawberry tops (I typically freeze mine and collect them so I can make a big batch all at once).

Then add enough water to just barely cover them. 

Then bring the tops and water to a gentle boil (maybe a simmer idk). Cook for 10-15 minutes. While cooking,g I mash the tops against the sides of the pot to try and break them down more. 

After cooking, the berry tops will have lost color, but the smell will be strong of strawberries. 

Step two: it's time to strain! 

I use a large glass container that also measures the liquid contents. While straining mash the tops to squish out all the juices, then set aside to toss or compost. 

Step 3: Measure the liquid; you will use that measurement for the sugar to add. My liquid measured about 5 1/2 C. So that's how much sugar I used. 

Add all the sugar and strawberry liquid back into the pot (I don't rinse the pot. I just make sure there aren't any leaves or anything left behind in the pot). 

The liquid will look more glossy with the sugar you are gonna bring this to a gentle boil (if you have a thermometer somewhere around 200°f and 215°f) and cook 10-15 minutes. I usually ditch the whisk at this point (it just adds more bubbles to the syrup) in favor of a good rubber spatula. 

Once the time is reached, you want to remove the pot from the heat. At this point, you're done! You can package it however you choose- I went ahead and canned mine with a steam bath. 

I got four pints worth of syrup.

Once opened, it does have to be refrigerated and is good for several months (if it lasts that long). 

Now you have your syrup! Go forth and use in all the ways! Here are some ideas:

•Mix with water and lemon juice to make strawberry lemonade

•Use in tea or mocktails 

•Delicious on pancakes or waffles

•On top of ice cream or drizzled over other desserts. 

Fathers day grief

There was a time I was incredibly spoiled with the comfort of feeling not much of anything on fathers day. It was a day and if I got to show a little extra TLC and kindness to my Dad that was great. 

But time and choices have changed a lot of things. Now I spend my fathers day baking pies for my church family and then driving home from church early- often in tears becuase of all the grief.

I think most people can understand the feelings of grief around fathers day. Those who have fathers that died or live far away. But there's also a grief in not having a close relationship to a father. Grief in how a fathers choices has caused hurt that hasn't healed. Grief in what was but isn't anymore. Grief that the rose colored glasses are gone and you can no longer excuse things. Grief as you see loving fathers interacting with their children and feel this pang of longing. 

In my case there's also a sense of guilt. That somehow I'm wrong or bad or the problem for not "forgiving" or "moving on". The truth is I have a great deal of compassion and pity for my father. I can see and acknowledge his hurts and the issues of his family and how incredibly unfair that was for him. But the problem is that all the hurt he's caused and taken little accountability for has made excusing his behavior near impossible. Yet still that voice taunts and judges that I am wrong and selfish and cruel to still feel this way to still struggle not to be angry at his actions and to still be hurt by his choices. 

The truth is I don't hate my father. If I did I think many of my feelings would be much more manageable. I do love him and I want more than anything to have a loving healthy relationship with him. But I'm not sure I believe that will ever happen, at least not in this life. So here I sit... sad and alone in a pew feeling my feelings and wishing today was already over. 

May Reading recap

Several books this month, how is it I am always surprised by how many I've read?! Also look at me posting despite it being late in the month haha big thanks to my sister for being persistent and bothering me until I got it done lol. Also my brain feels a little mush at the moment- life continues to life and this month (June) is proving to be incredibly busy and a little hectic. So this post will be what it will be- and that's gonna have to be enough. 

Book 1: Tuesdays with Morrie

I wrote a rather well worded review of this book via goodreads. It does however benefit from being on the goodreads to fully understand my remarks. So feel free to go check that review out here. 

Book 2: Three Against Hitler

I am a world war two junkie and I am not in recovery. Currently I am enjoying a History channel podcast hosted by Tom Hanks breaking down WWII and it is incredible! For the WWII junkie in your life I highly reccomend. All that to say when I was visiting my parents last month and happened upon not 1 but 2 world war two era books that I hadn't read I obviously had to bring them home. 

Three Against Hitler is excelent! It tells the story of Helmuth Hübner, Karl Schnibbe and Rudi Wobbe. It was written based mainly on the experience of Rudi Wobbe and I believe he co-authored it (but I could be wrong). I knew of Helmuth Hübner because of my religious history class growing up and becuase more recently there was a movie made about his remarkable yet painfully short life. 

This story tells the horrors of life in Germany during the Nazi regime that fact that even "good" people were bamboozled. And that a courageous 15 year old boy saw the truth and was willing to risk everything to share it. However, it doesnt end with the tragic end of Helmuth. Because Karl and Rudi have years of imprisonment before returning to a Germany that was broken and needing to find healing for their country and themselves. I highly reccomend this book and if I can get my hands on it I'll definitely be watching the movie. 

Book 3: Sense & Sensibililty 

Though a bit longer, slower, and perhaps more tedious at times than the more popular of her books, this was quite a joy for me to read. I have found myself to be quite the Jane Austen fan, and I won't apologize for her books being just the right escapism. 

Sense and Sensibililty tells the story of two sisters as different as fire and ice (or are they?). Truly, the difference between them and their circumstances comes down fully to their choices in how to respond. Eleanor (the eldest) responds with sense: she feels deeply the loss of her attachment to Edward, but her sense keeps her behavior civil and reserved to all involved parties. While inwardly, she finds solace in Edward's goodness and attempts to ease the ache in a desire for his happiness. 

Marianne (the middle child) responds with sensibility, passion for those who aren't quite sure what Austen is talking about, always but especially to the jilting of Willoughby. She must feel her feelings in every sense of words, and if she must, then so must everyone around her. No happiness can be felt, no attention can be given, and no distraction is allowed. Only suffering and sadness to show the depth of sorrow at the loss. It's giving "Disney princess throwing herself onto her bed to cry" vibes. 

Despite their respective reactions (and the debate on which is right and if either is right at all), it all ends rather happily for everyone. 

Edward is released from his long-time engagement to Lucy. * Side note: no adaptation has ever satisfied my desire to understand how on earth Lucy ends up married to Robert over Edward. The book explains it... mostly, though I find it most likely to have been Lucy seeking a more advantageous match over actually loving Robert, but as we never see her perspective, who can say.* And thus freed he immediately runs to Eleanor and begs both her forgiveness and her hand in marriages. Both he receives and he even is able to find reconciliation with his family. Eleanor and Edward live happily ever after. 

Marianne avoids death and decides to improve herself and, from then on, gives much more to sense over sensibility. Willoughby ends married, not unhappy but forever limited in his happiness by both his actions and consequences. Marianne marries Colonel Brandon and is both finically well off and quite happy in her choices. *Side note #2: another element of all adaptations that always blew my mind was that within months (weeks) of her near death, Marianne is engaged to Brandon even before Eleanor has found her happiness with Edward. I always found this simply another example of Marianne's sensibility that she would run wildly in the opposite direction following her first failed attempt at a relationship. However, the book rights all and Marianne takes a full two years before she weds Colonel Brandon. Granted, the time passes in sentences. I still appreciate the sentiment that Marianne takes some time and is fully intentional about her choice.* 

As I said, all is well that ends well. Everyone deserving finds happiness, and those undeserving get more than they deserve. Truly Jane Austens books are a slice of cozy escapism where the biggest concern is writing letters to someone you aren't engaged to. It is exactly what I needed, and I am so ready for the next adventure Austen has for me.

Book 4: Night

My second WW2 read for this month. I read this book in a single day- as it is quite short that wasnt much of a feat. However, this book is perhaps one of the hardest I have read. It tells the story of a teenage Jewish boy we ends up in a concentration camp with his family, though separated from his mother and sisters he remains with his father throughout the entire horrific ordeal. The story is haunting and heartbreaking. Reading how a boy walks into hell on earth and looses everything- his family, his freedom, his health and even his belief in God. I cannot speak to that choice specifically but it certainly gets one to think introspectively. I would not recommend this book if you are looking for cozy escape or encouragement or any form of hope. But it is a powerful read for all. 

Book 5: The Princess and the Goblin

A children's book that is unsurprisingly better as a movie than the book. It tells the sweet and simple story of a young princess, horrible goblins and a young miner boy. I do think the author struggled to write accurate children- Irene was meant to be 8 but was treated and acted like a 4 or 5 year old most of the time. Until she suddenly had the wisdom of full grown adults. Curdie wasnt much better, he was meant to be 12 but acted like a full blown adult until he had the tantrum of a toddler. Obviously its a children's book so as I am not the target market I won't judge it to harshly. Overall it was sweet and simple and I think would make a very nice book to read as a bedtime story over several nights. 

Book 6: Just Stab me Now

This book was 100% my cup of tea! I enjoyed it from top to bottom and bottom to top. I was one of the fans watching the author Jill as she made her little skits online and enjoying them immensely. However when her book originally got published my library didnt have it so I resigned myself to never read it and promptly forgot all about it. Fastward a few years and it shows up again and suddenly there are multiple format copies (including an audiobook) at my library. So it was clearly fate and I had to read this book ASAP. And I'm so glad it did!! 

I loved the humor of this book, I loved the nesting doll story telling and I loved the love story. I will always appreciate a good fade to black rom-com. This book gave cozy escapism and I was rooting for all the characters happiness. I think Robin was my favorite character his humor tickled my fancy everytime. Highly reccomend this book to any trope loving clean romance fan. 

As always go check out the review my sister wrote here, we only read a few books together in May but we are planning to cover a whole series in June so look forward to that. Xoxo 

April a month of reading, in review

I was certain that april would be my least read month. To my great surprise I managed 7 books in total (much higher than my believed maybe 3 haha). Lets waste no time and drive right in to tje reviews: 

Book 1: Handel's Messiah: comfort for God's people. 

Handel's Messiah is easily one of the most familar Easter musical pieces. My mother used to drive us to church while playing her CD copy of it. And honestly aside from the Hallelujah Chorus I don't (or rather didn't) remember much. This book was an excellent way to experience the music while also gaining a better understanding of how it all works together and why. I especially loved when they would play the musical pieces after explaining it to the audience. It was a quick read and a great way to gear up for Easter Sunday. 

Book 2: The Unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry. 

When choosing a movie for movie night with my sister the movie adaptation of this book showed up and I was intrigued. I quickly found the novel it was based on and decided it would be a good read for April. It was an enjoyable read!! A cozy yet moving story about humanity. I was able to see some twists coming yet that didn't take away from the power of the story. Harold as a character was touching and seeing him grow and struggle was moving. The understanding of how each person, each life, affects our own was beautifully illustrated. There were some elements that could be triggering to those with mental health struggles but overall the story was one of hope and healing. 

Book 3: Fearless and Free: a Memoir. 

Josephine Baker is an icon! She is incredible, and her life should be a whole miniseries! From the poverty in St Louis to the grand stage in Paris, sprinkle in a little espionage and Voilà!

Truly, Josephine inspired on the page, and her voice was beautiful to listen to. I do think elements of the book would've been better in audio form (she tells her story the way one would chat with a friend). 

Ultimately, this was a wonderful book, but now I want more!! I saw that one of her sons has written a biography, and I think I'll check that out this year, too!

Book 4: Pride and Prejudice

I listened to a podcast version of the book read by the incredible Julie Andrews and as expected she was brilliant 👏 I will forever sing her praises so definitely check out that podcast here. I highly reccomend! Now to the review. 

First, let me get this out of the way: Keira Knightly's film adaptation of this story is definitely my favorite. The 7 hour BBC version is wonderful (no one can argue with Colin Firth and his wet white shirt) but I think that Keira does such an excelent job of channeling Lizzie into someone the audience understands and connects with. I also love Darcy and how well he is portrayed by Mathew Macfayeden as the anxious and awkward soul he is. Enough about that let's get to the book!! Pride and Prejudice is the most classic of all romance for a reason!! The story is excellent girl and boy have initial class because of his pride compounded by her prejudice that leads to quite the kerfuffle when he reveals his unbearable love for her. He is obviously rebuffed and then follows the transformation not only of Darcy but also Lizzie as she learned how her prejudice and pride was also the problem. It's a delight in all forms and I am forever grateful for the literary genius of Jane Austen to have written such a story. 

Book 5: The Boys in the Cave: Deep inside the impossible rescue in Thailand. 

National Geographic made an excellent documentary about this story which I highly reccomend. That was how I originally heard about this true story. When this book popped up on my Spotify recommendations I was immediately intrigued. It was incredible! It went so much deeper into the resilience of the boys and how they managed to keep their spirits up during the ordeal. It also showed the struggles in communication between the Thai government and the volunteer rescue cave divers. I felt this book thoroughly told the story from all angles while still maintaining a narrative format. I highly reccomend I genuinly couldn't put it down! 

Book 6: Why we love (and hate) Twilight: the highs and lows of the Twilight Saga.

I 100% would reccomend this books for a good laugh! Read my full Goodreads review here. 

Book 7: Tress of the Emerald Sea. 

Oh Brandon Sanderson, how you haunt me. Haha truly he is an impressive author his sheer volume of books is a testament to that however one does wonder if he prioritizes quantity over quality with how his books land at times. This one came highly reccomended (as his books always do) and it was okay. Genuinely after I finished I was very mid on my opinion. It wasn't bad but it also wasn't the best. I wouldn't tell you not to read it but I wouldn't be out there reccomending it to everyone I meet. It was just... very mid for me. 

A few pros:

I enjoyed the world he created. The spore sea was very interesting and I enjoyed each new element of the spores. 

All of the characters were very likeable and I found myself rooting for their success. 

The story though a bit predictable was nevertheless enjoyable to watch unfold. 

A few cons:

The narrative style is... quirky. And took some getting used to. Was it my favorite? No I found myself needing to step away (especially at the beginning) for a break becuase it was just so quirky. 

The characters tho likeable are very one note. You learn very little about them and aside from the main girl there is no real character development. 

Each climactic moment fell flat. The obstacle would be built up as a huge 

challenge they would plan and prepare how to address it and then the plan would immediately fail only for a different solution to present itself and solve everything in minutes. 

As I said I was very mid on this book. Read it or don't I don't really think it matters. 

Check out my sister's substack for April to see her thoughts on all the books that overlapped in our reading as well as whatever Witchy or health book she added to the mix! 

Poetry

This month has been particularly windy where I'm at. I was discussing these windy days and all the things with my sister (the one from all the monthly reading posts) and she low-key bullied me into writing a poem. Figured I'd share it here as well. Though full disclosure- I'm not a poet. 

I'm not a poet. 

The wind calls... softly... deeply... quickly... 

A touch.... a breath. Not seen.... felt. 

I'm not a poet. 

The wind snuffs out the candle, it's coming... coming... coming. Whats coming?

The wind longs... It calls. Do you listen? Can you hear? 

I'm not a poet. 

The sky darkens. The wind blows. 

Hair across your face. Cloth flat against your skin. Forward, forward. Onward it whispers. 

I'm not a poet. 

A shiver. A shudder. A leaf carried away

Wind... breath in, breath out. It is  

There is no wind in space. But found in all of us. 

You dont have to be a "poet" to write poetry. 

March Reading Adventures

Greetings friends! Another month another bunch of books to recap. Let's not waste any time- buckle up, hang on and let's go! *I decided write this with the great British bake off on in the background, was I super distracted the entire time? absolutely haha. Needless to say mistakes were made so try to ignore any errors you find*

Book 1: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titans Curse. Throwing it out there the majority of females I have met began noticing the males of the world much earlier than 14/15 (think like... as early as 7 haha). Also a story where a sister abandons her brother for "family" really rubs me the wrong way and yet when reading it as a child it certainly wasnt something I focused on. Perhaps I was more interested in the idea of being an immortal gorgeous female warrior haha. My how age changes you ;) 

Book 2: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth. Teenage angst is the theme of this book. Steps for proper teenage angst are as follows: 1. Don't communicate. 2. Take everything personally. 3. Always overreact to everything. Love how every teenage book series has a book that is a practice in teenage angst. On a side note (love when the actual plot is a side note) the tale of the Labyrinth and Daedalus wonderfully told with just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. It also mentioned the myth of Icarus who was the son of Daedalus. Shout to Anna Miriam Brown for writing the most gorgeous song about this myth. You're welcome. 

Book 3: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian. Ahh the finale of this saga- is it an adventure? Yes. Are there unexpected twists and turns? Yeah. Is it the best written finale to a boon serieis? No, but that's a hard feat to reach. Does is annoyingly set up another series instead of committing to the ending? Yup. But there you go. Overall I think it ends the series well and thankfully if you choose not to continue the story in the sequel series it stands alone without issue. 

Book 4: Everything is Turberculosis. I wrote a rather decent review on goodreads after completing this book. So I'll just link that here and ask you to go check that out (: 

Book 5: Togo and Leonhard. Maybe your familiar with the 1995 Disney movie Balto or maybe you got lucky and watched the 2019 Disney movie Togo (which Disney removed from Disney+ randomly and since then the movie has quite literally ceased to exist). This book tells the story of Leonard Seppala, renowned sled dog musher, sled dog breeder and trainer, and his most prized lead dog Togo. Most famously they participated in the  1925 serum run to bring the diptheria antitoxin from Nenana to Nome. The book tells the story of Togo little known and semi controversial hero of the serum run. It was a wonderfully simple read with the writing being appropriate for early readers as well. 

Book 6: The Hobbit. To be specific I read an illustrated version of this book and I do think that the illustrations throughout the book helped move the story along at a nice pace. And there is truly something to say to reading as an adult vs a youth haha. I remember the story being much more boring but when I am wrong I will admit it. I was wrong! This book is a delight. There is something cozy about the adventure and there is something about the characters that just feel right. 

Book 7: My Lucky Life in and out of Show Business. Dick Van Dyke is an icon he is the grandpa to us all and I love him. The day he leaves this earth will be a dark day indeed. 100% listen to the audio book because listening to Dick Van Dyke heals the ailments of the soul. However, if you are looking at a hard-hitting story about the horrors of Hollywood or a deeply emotional piece about trials and tribulations (many of our own creations), you won't find that in this book. Dick Van-Dyke tells his life they way he lived it with a lot of lighthearted humor and joy. Does this methodology limit the emotional effect of his struggles (his affair or his struggle with alcoholism for example) maybe, but in some ways, I felt it simply showed us that the man we grew up watching in movies and on television was the real him.

Book 8: Project Hail Mary. If you were to ask me what my favorite book is 9/10 I will say this book. Andy Weir has stolen my heart with his solo character, sci-fi stories. And the magic of this book is beyond words! Ryland Grace is an unexpected science teacher turned astronaut turned hero. Despite the novel being set up as the tale of a single human trying to save earth they balance the narrative with flashbacks that explain the science and introduce us to a host of delightful characters from Russian bomb *whoops* engine making Dimitri to embezzler Bob to optimistic Canadian Steve Hatch you will find one to adore if space spiders aren't really your vibe. Speaking of the solo suicide mission turns into a bro-mance of the century when we meet Rocky space faring engineer set to steal every scene and all our hearts. I won't spoil anything else but I will say READ THIS BOOK! Actually listen to it becuase there's some auditory elements that translate much better off the page. (I do plan to write a blog post discussing the recent film adaptation of this book, for now I will simply say it was good and 100% worth the watch). 

Not quite as many books this month as last but still a fair few. As usual my brilliant and talented sister has written her own March recap and I would highly reccomend checking that out here