Weekend Bookend

Here is this week's edition of Weekend Bookend!

Read this year:
"Taking Flight" by Michaela DePrince

In honor of my dance studio's 21st recital this week, here is a ballet bio I read earlier this year. Michaela was featured in the documentary "First Position" and I found her story inspiring and delightful. Dancers and non-dancers alike will enjoy her journey from an African orphanage to the American stage.

Want to Read:

"Off the Page" by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

I first heard about this book when listening to a recent episode of "Beaks & Geeks." Jodi and Samantha were guests on the episode and aside from them being hilarious as a mother-daughter writing team, I found the concept of the book fresh and unique. It did remind me of Natalie Babbit's book "The Great Good Thing," so I'm interested to see how the plots compare.

If you enjoy books and/or writing, Beaks and Geeks is a great podcast to add to your list. The interviews feature authors across all genres on what inspires them and what gets the words from their brain to the page. I learn something new every episode!

That's all! Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Thanks to all who serve and sacrifice.

Weekend Bookend

Welcome to this week's edition of Weekend Bookend. Here's what I've got for you today:

Read this year:
"Mary Magdalene" by Diana Wallis Taylor

This went on sale for Kindle and Kurtis bought it for me, and it turned out to be quite the engaging story. Yes it's fiction, but what was added for the story line honored Biblical accounts. Gave great insight into emotions behind the stories we are so familiar with. Read this in like, 2 days.

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle

Somehow I never read this growing up but when I read it earlier this year, I was thoroughly delighted by it. Another quick read. Loved how different, yet familiar it was, challenging to achieve in any genre.

Want to Read:

"The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo

So this was on my want to read list, but we ordered it over the weekend and I already started reading it. It's very different than anything I've read. I don't agree with everything she has to say, but I'm definitely willing to try out some of her ideas, once our bathroom projects are finished. There are a ton of pics online of before and after pictures of folks trying out her method, and that helps to visualize her concepts.

"The Case for Grace" by Lee Strobel

I love Strobel's work and I'm passionate about embracing the concept of grace in our walk with Jesus Christ. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

NEW! Weekend Bookend

In an attempt to blog consistently, I've outlined some content this week. Yay for setting goals!

Fingers crossed.

Toward the end of every week, the plan is to review a book I'm reading or have read and share my very deep and informed thoughts (ha!) on said book. Or books.

If books are not your thing, I totally understand. Actually that doesn't compute, but whatever. Books are definitely my thing so here we go!

Currently reading:

"Heaven" by Randy Alcorn

It's a big book, but already I'm grateful for taking the journey. I know for me personally I've had many misconceptions or as Alcorn puts it an "impoverished" view of eternity with Christ and this book is helping to fill in the potholes and support the bridges. Have any of you read this? What were thoughts after finishing? I'd love to hear about it!

Read this year:

"Quiet" by Susan Cain

My sis-in-law Hilary recommended this to me and it's quite a dynamic read! I've always tended more toward the introverted side, and definitely in the last few years I've exhibited more of those tendencies. Very helpful to gain more insight into what makes us tick. Whether extroverted or introverted, there are nuggets to be gained from this book.

Can't Wait To Read:

"Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee

 I cannot WAIT to read this come July. Never would have thought I would get to experience a Harper Lee sequel in my lifetime.

What books are you looking forward to reading this summer? Comment below, if you would be so kind.

Happy Reading!