I started this year with a goal of one book per month. I am just finishing up my twelfth book. Here is where you can follow along with what I’m reading, as well as my thoughts. I am rating each book with “Reading Light Brightness”. If the brightness is all the way up, I really liked the book. I dim it based on whether or not I think the book is good enough to be all the way up. I have read everything from spiritual to fantasy to biographies so far.

Spotlight

8/8 Reading Light Brightness. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is my favorite book that I have read over the last year. I found myself resonating with Nora. Grieving a beloved pet and questioning my existence after her passing, to all of the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve beens. Especially what if I had been an Olympic swimmer? This was an incredible journey from beginning to end. I was engaged the entire time. Honestly, dealing with some attention span issues, holding my attention says a lot lately. The themes and lessons in this book are important and incredibly relevant to everyone I know.

Currently Reading: The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence.

7/8 Reading Light Brightness. Grief Is The Thing With Feathers by Max Porter is an engaging read while living in the throes of grief. Sometimes it just helps to remind yourself you’re not alone in these heavy feelings. Feels like reading poetry some of the time.

8/8 Reading Light Brightness. After by Bruce Greyson M.D. is about studying NDEs. NDEs have always fascinated me, but certainly even more so over the last few years. I’ve been diving into the spiritual world and consuming a lot of information. This book was so incredibly fascinating to me. I enjoyed it enough that I will likely revisit it and read it again.

8/8 Reading Light Brightness. Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is a fantastic read for fantasy lovers. Wang writes beautifully and tells captivating stories that are full of likeable characters and likeable stories.

8/8 Reading Light Brightness. Just Finished: When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön. Life changing wisdom for those that are ready to hear it.

7/8 Reading Light Brightness. Unbroken By Katarina Johnson-Thompson was both inspirational and relatable. If you don’t know KJT, this book is a fun window into getting to know her. Bouncing back from injuries — both physical and mental to become an Olympic medalist and telling the story are what make this book a fantastic read. I wish I understood more about Track and Field stuff while reading this, though.

8/8 Reading Light Brightness. My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner was such an incredibly powerful read. I recommend the audiobook on this one because of the subtle and even not-so-subtle cracks in Jeremy’s voice as he tells his story. There are also audio bits included in the audiobook which make it tht much more powerful.

5/8 Reading Light Brightness. Journey of Souls by Michael Newton PhD is certainly interesting. Patients under hypnosis reveal “soul memories” about the “after life”. I found it fascinating, and at times it felt forced or maybe hard to believe. Overall I enjoyed it, though. It was a fun listen while I do my morning walks.

5/8 Reading Light Brightness. The follow up to Journey of Souls, Destiny of Souls was as interesting as Journey of Souls. Some new information and new cases in Destiny kept me interested. Like Journey, Destiny felt forced and hard to believe everything at times, but still worth a read/listen.

8/8 Reading Light Brightness. The Echoes of Atlantis by Lalanya Gilmet. Publishing my book inspired my sister to share her love of writing with me. She has not published this book yet, but I absolutely loved it. She is a great writer. I love fantasy stories, and I love mythology. Atlantis has always interested me and her telling of this story is a fun ride. I hope she publishes this so that all of you can read it as well.

6/8 Reading Light Brightness. Jo Who Died by K.H. Walters is a unique story idea and I really enjoyed the humor and originality of the entire story.

5/8 Reading Light Brightness. Perfect Shadow by Brent Weeks is the first book of the Night Angel series. After a reviewer of my book said they detected hints of Brent Weeks in my writing, I decided to check out his writing. I’ve only finished the first book, but I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to continuing the series and seeing where the story goes.